bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Globalization on Consumer Food Behaviour: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Singh Swapnil , Singh Preeti , Baheliya Ajay Kumar , Srivastava Anjali , Yadav Archna
Published: July 2024

The current market dynamics, including consumer food behaviour, are profoundly influenced by the processes of civilizational and cultural evolution, as well as the ongoing globalization phenomena. The discourse begins with an exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of globalization and its intersection with consumer food behaviour. It further delves into the broader phenomenon of globalization in the contemporary era and elucidates its specific impacts on the dietary and purchasing habits of consumers. The reviewed studies indicate that globalization has significantly influenced various aspects of consumer food behaviour. These include changes in grocery shopping patterns, an increased frequency of fast food consumption, and a heightened interest in both comfort foods and novel dining experiences. The pervasive reach of global media, multinational food corporations, and international supply chains has facilitated the widespread availability and popularity of diverse food products and dining practices across different cultures and regions. However, globalization's impact is not unidirectional. It has also catalysed the emergence of counter-movements and alternative consumer attitudes. There is a growing preference for locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food products, reflecting a backlash against the perceived homogenizing effects of globalization. Movements such as the Slow Food movement advocate for traditional and regional cuisine as a means of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, heightened awareness of food safety and quality has led to an increased demand for organic and non-genetically modified food products.
Some Operations and Their Closure Properties on Multiset Topological Spaces
Authors: Tella Yohanna , Usman Anas
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduced some operations on multiset topological spaces to include union, intersection, arithmetic multiplication, Scalar multiplication and Raising to Arithmetic Power. Studies revealed that these operations are closed on the various classes of multiset topological spaces defined.
PTSD Treatment: An Inquiry into the Promising Potential of Psilocybin
Authors: Folorunsho Ibrahim L. , Harry Nkechinyere Mary , Obiajunwa Chukwubueze , Arubuolawe Oluwatosin , Busari Adeniyi Kayode , Ibeneme Chidalu , Anugwom Gibson O.
Published: July 2024

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The impact of PTSD extends beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and society as a whole. This study aims to investigate the potential of psilocybin as a treatment for PTSD. Psilocybin, after being metabolized to psilocin, binds to various serotonergic receptors to exert some major effects such as a reduction in negative mood and an increase in optimism, enhanced ability for introspection and perceptual changes, a reduction in amygdala reactivity during emotion processing, and—as has been found in animal studies—an extinction of the fear response and increased hippocampal neurogenesis. However, psychedelics such as psilocybin may lead to brief episodes of nausea, vomiting, and physical discomfort. This study indicated that there is an urgent need for innovative therapies that could enhance the effectiveness of PTSD treatments. As this review highlights, psilocybin and some other psychedelics offer prospects for an additional method of treating PTSD. They have the potential to directly address PTSD symptoms and can also be used as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
Development and Validation of the Transcendent Beliefs Scale (TBS): A 12-Item Assessment of Self-Transcendent States
Authors: Stapleton Peta ,   Queensland University of Technology: Brisbane, Queensland, AU, Church Dawson , Newberg Andrew ,   National Institute for Integrative Healthcare
Published: July 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Transcendent Beliefs Scale (TBS). We defined transcendent experiences as an experience of unity with others and the whole of existence, which is associated with behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and transcendental factors. Our aim was to develop a very brief instrument that accurately reflected the phenomenology of transcendent states. Keywords: trauma, chronic pain, dissociation, EFT, EMDR, mindful breathing, bilateral stimulation, BLS, WHEE, HeartMath, blended, combined, interventions Method: The factor structure, validity, and reliability of the TBS were assessed across a sample of university students and energy therapy practitioners (N = 305). Results: With respect to convergent validity, we found that transcendent experiences were positively correlated with daily spiritual experiences, trait hope, and meaning in life. Discriminant validity was demonstrated through a negative weak relationship to narcissistic personality traits. Exploratory factor analysis reduced the scale to 12 items and a two-factor model was found to fit the data. Conclusion: The results indicate that the TBS is a valid and reliable scale to measure transcendent beliefs in the general population. It is suitable for research projects in which a brief measure of transcendence is required. Keywords: transcendent beliefs, transcendent experiences, universal oneness, scale validation, unity consciousness, existence, transcendental phenomenology.
A randomized controlled trial of patient‐reported outcomes with tai chi exercise in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Fuzhong , Harmer Peter , Liu Yu , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Fitzgerald Kathleen , Stock Ronald , Chou Li‐Shan
Published: December 2013

A previous randomized, controlled trial of tai chi showed improvements in objectively measured balance and other motor‐related outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease. This study evaluated whether patient‐reported outcomes could be improved through exercise interventions and whether improvements were associated with clinical outcomes and exercise adherence. In a secondary analysis of the tai chi trial, patient‐reported and clinical outcomes and exercise adherence measures were compared between tai chi and resistance training and between tai chi and stretching exercise. Patient‐reported outcome measures were perceptions of health‐related benefits resulting from participation, assessed by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐8) and Vitality Plus Scale (VPS). Clinical outcome measures included motor symptoms, assessed by a modified Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–Motor Examination (UPDRS‐ME) and a 50‐foot speed walk. Information on continuing exercise after the structured interventions were terminated was obtained at a 3‐month postintervention follow‐up. Tai chi participants reported significantly better improvement in the PDQ‐8 (−5.77 points, P = 0.014) than did resistance training participants and in PDQ‐8 (−9.56 points, P < 0.001) and VPS (2.80 points, P = 0.003) than did stretching participants. For tai chi, patient‐reported improvement in the PDQ‐8 and VPS was significantly correlated with their clinical outcomes of UPDRS‐ME and a 50‐foot walk, but these correlations were not statistically different from those shown for resistance training or stretching. However, patient‐reported outcomes from tai chi training were associated with greater probability of continued exercise behavior than were either clinical outcomes or patient‐reported outcomes from resistance training or stretching. Tai chi improved patient‐reported perceptions of health‐related benefits, which were found to be associated with a greater probability of exercise adherence. The findings indicate the potential of patient perceptions to drive exercise behavior after structured exercise programs are completed and the value of strengthening such perceptions in any behavioral intervention.
Evaluating Three Explanations for the Design of Bilateral Investment Treaties
Authors: Allee Todd , Peinhardt Clint
Published: December 2013

Although many features of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) are consistent from one agreement to the next, a closer look reveals that the treaties exhibit considerable variation in terms of their enforcement provisions, which legal scholars have singled out as the central component of the treaties. An original data set is compiled that captures three important treaty-design differences: whether the parties consent in advance to international arbitration, whether they allow treaty obligations to be enforced before an institutionalized arbitration body, and how many arbitration options are specified for enforcement. Drawing upon several relevant literatures on international institutions, three potentially generalizable explanations for this important treaty variation are articulated and tested. The strongest support is found for the theoretical perspective that emphasizes the bargaining power and preferences of capital-exporting states, which use the treaties to codify strong, credible investor protections in all their treaties. Empirical tests consistently reveal that treaties contain strong enforcement provisions—in which the parties preconsent to multiple, often institutionalized arbitration options—when the capital-exporting treaty partner has considerable bargaining power and contains domestic actors that prefer such arrangements, such as large multinational corporations or right-wing governments. In contrast, there is no evidence to support the popular hands-tying explanation, which predicts that investment-seeking states with the most severe credibility problems, due to poor reputations or weak domestic institutions, will bind themselves to treaties with stronger investment protections. likewise, little support is found for explanations derived from the project on the rational design of international institutions, which discounts the identities and preferences of the treaty partners and instead emphasizes the structural conditions they jointly face. In sum, this foundational study of differences across investment treaties suggests that the design of treaties is driven by powerful states, which include elements in the treaties that serve their interests, regardless of the treaty partner or the current strategic setting.
Surviving Scandal: The Institutional and Political Dynamics of National and State Executive Scandals
Authors: Rottinghaus Brandon
Published: December 2013

Which factors shorten or lengthen the survival of a scandal involving a chief executive? Using new data tracking scandals involving presidents and governors from 1972 to 2011, I chart the duration of each political, personal, and financial scandal faced by an elected official, their staff, or nominees. I specifically examine institutional, political, and economic factors to investigate what factors quicken a “negative” end to a scandal. National chief executives and their staff are more likely to survive a scandal when they have more partisans in the legislature but are less likely when there is greater political opposition, however there is no comparative effect at the state level. Positive economic growth and public approval have no effect on survival of a scandal at either the national or state levels. These findings clarify how the political environment shapes the duration of executive scandal.
Blogging Identities on Israel/Palestine: Public Intellectuals and Their Audiences
Authors: Sucharov Mira , Sasley Brent E.
Published: December 2013

Drawing on our research and blogging on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we make three claims about the role of scholar-bloggers in the social media age. First, as scholar-bloggers with some degree of ethno-national attachments related to our area of expertise, we contend that we are well positioned to issue the kinds of critiques that may resonate more deeply due to the very subjectivity that some perceive as a liability. Second, through the melding of scholarly arguments with popular writing forms, scholar-bloggers are uniquely poised to be at the forefront of public engagement and political literacy both with social media publics and with students. Third, the subjectivity hazard is an intrinsic part of any type of research and writing, whether that writing is aimed at a scholarly audience or any other, and should not be used as an argument against academic involvement in social media. Ultimately, subjectivities of both consumers and producers can evolve through these highly interactive media, a dynamic that deserves further examination.
Superheroes in Hong Kong's Political Resistance: Icons, Images, and Opposition
Authors: Garrett Dan
Published: December 2013

In June 2013, explosive claims and illicit revelations of domestic and global American intelligence surveillance operations, hacking, and collaboration with US Internet and information technology behemoths rocked the world. Simultaneously, the mysterious emergence in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of runaway American intelligence contractor Edward J. Snowden at the heart of the intrigue shoved the small enclave to the fore of global geopolitics. Claiming to rely on Hong Kong's respect for the rule of law and tradition of dissent to shield him against American retaliation and extradition, the dubious protagonist's statements ingratiated himself to local political groups who petitioned Hong Kong and central Chinese governments not to send him back to the United States. During “Defend Snowden” demonstrations at the US consulate in Hong Kong involving hundreds of supporters, placards bearing the image of US President Barack Obama parodied, mocked, and ridiculed the leader of the free world using iconic adaptations of Captain America, George Orwell's “Big Brother,” and Shepard Fairey's Obama “Hope” visuals. Instead of an icon of “American freedom and ideology” (Serwer 2008) and an “idealized American nation” (Dittmer 2005, 627) Captain America, American president Barack Obama, and the United States of America were symbolically transformed into a signified Orwellian caped crusader threatening the world.
“A Is A”: Spider-Man, Ayn Rand, and What Man Ought to Be
Authors: Brühwiler Claudia Franziska
Published: December 2013

In 1979, writer Tom DeFalco was paired with artist and cocreator of Spider-Man, Steve Ditko, to work on an issue ofMachine Man, one of the many superheroes populating the universe of Marvel Comics. Instead of the usual introduction and business chatter, Ditko challenged DeFalco during a first conversation: “Are you Tom? What gives you the right to write about heroes?” (Tucker 2012). By the time of this exchange, Ditko had not only (co-) created and continued numerous superhero stories, ranging from Captain Atom to Dr. Strange or the Hulk, but he had also dedicated a lot of thought to the question as to what composed true heroism. In the 1960s, he had already found answers in a place not uncommon for that time, namely, in the novels of a Russian immigrant whose work should serve, in her own words, as “the projection of an ideal man” (Rand 1943, ix; 1975, 162; 2005, 230): Ayn Rand (1905–1982).
Openness in Political Science: Data Access and Research Transparency
Authors: Lupia Arthur , Elman Colin
Published: December 2013

In 2012, the American Political Science Association (APSA) Council adopted new policies guiding data access and research transparency in political science. The policies appear as a revision to APSA'sGuide to Professional Ethics in Political Science. The revisions were the product of an extended and broad consultation with a variety of APSA committees and the association's membership.
Science Deserves Better: The Imperative to Share Complete Replication Files
Authors: Dafoe Allan
Published: December 2013

In April 2013, a controversy arose when a working paper (Herndon, Ash, and Pollin 2013) claimed to show serious errors in a highly cited and influential economics paper by Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff (2010). The Reinhart and Rogoff paper had come to serve as authoritative evidence in elite conversations (Krugman 2013) that high levels of debt, especially above the “90 percent [debt/GDP] threshold” (Reinhart and Rogoff 2010, 577), posed a risk to economic growth. Much of the coverage of this controversy focused on an error that was a “perfect made-for-TV mistake” (Stevenson and Wolfers 2013) involving a simple error in the formula used in their Excel calculations. The real story here, however, is that it took three years for this error and other issues to be discovered because replication files were not publicly available, nor were they provided to scholars when asked. If professional norms or theAmerican Economic Reviewhad required that authors publish replication files, this debate would be advanced by three years and discussions about austerity policies would have been based on a more clear-sighted appraisal of the evidence.
Buried Penis: Evaluation of Outcomes in Children and Adults, Modification of a Unified Treatment Algorithm, and Review of the Literature
Authors: King I. C. C. , Tahir A. , Ramanathan C. , Siddiqui H.
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Buried penis is a difficult condition to manage in children and adults and conveys significant physical and psychological morbidity. Surgery is often declined due to morbid obesity, forcing patients to live in disharmony for years until the desired weight reduction is achieved. No single operative technique fits all. We present our experience and surgical approach resulting in an improved algorithm unifying the treatment of adults and children. Methods.
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated for buried penis between 2011 and 2012. All patients underwent penile degloving and basal anchoring. Penile shaft coverage was achieved with skin grafts. Suprapubic lipectomies were performed on adult patients. Results. Nine patients were identified: four children and five obese adults. Average postoperative stay was three days for children and five for adults. Three adults were readmitted with superficial wound problems. One child had minor skin breakdown. All patients were pleased with their outcomes. Conclusion. Buried penis is a complex condition, and treatment should be offered by services able to deal with all aspects of reconstruction. Obesity in itself should not delay surgical intervention. Local and regional awareness is essential to manage expectations in these challenging patients aspiring to both aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Anti‐Tumor Effect of Rutin on Human Neuroblastoma Cell Lines through Inducing G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and Promoting Apoptosis
Authors: Chen Hongyan , Miao Qing , Geng Miao , Liu Jing , Hu Yazhuo , Tian Lei , Pan Jingkun , Yang Yi
Published: December 2013

Aims. To further investigate the antineuroblastoma effect of rutin which is a type of flavonoid. Methods. The antiproliferation of rutin in human neuroblastoma cells LAN‐5 were detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Chemotaxis of LAN‐5 cells was assessed using transwell migration chambers and scratch wound migration assay. The cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner was measured by flow cytometric and fluorescent microscopy analyses. The apoptosis‐related proteins BAX and BCL2 as well as MYCN mRNA express were determined by RT‐PCR analysis. Secreted TNF‐α level were determined using specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results. Rutin significantly inhibited the growth of LAN‐5 cells and chemotactic ability. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that rutin induced G2/M arrest in the cell cycle progression and induced cell apoptosis. The RT‐PCR showed that rutin could decrease BCL2 expression and BCL2/BAX ratio. In the meantime, the MYCN mRNA level and the secretion of TNF‐α were inhibited. Conclusion. These results suggest that rutin produces obvious antineuroblastoma effects via induced G2/M arrest in the cell cycle progression and induced cell apoptosis as well as regulating the expression of gene related to apoptosis and so on. It supports the viability of developing rutin as a novel therapeutic prodrug for neuroblastoma treatment, as well as providing a new path on anticancer effect of Chinese traditional drug.
Managing the Selenium Content in Soils in Semiarid Environments through the Recycling of Organic Matter
Authors: Garcia Moreno R. , Burdock R. , Díaz Álvarez María Cruz , Crawford J. W.
Published: December 2013

Around 30% of the world’s population suffers from either a lack of one or more essential micronutrients, or the overconsumption of these minerals, which causes toxicity. Selenium (Se) is a particularly important micronutrient component of the diet with a well-documented and wide-ranging role in maintaining health. However, this important micronutrient can be lacking because soil and crop management are focused on high yields to the detriment of the quality of crops required to ensure a healthy human diet. Currently around 15% of the global population has selenium deficiency. This paper focuses on Se availability in semiarid soils and how micronutrients can be effectively managed through the recycling of organic matter. Because many mineral reserves are being exploited unsustainably, we review the advantages of using organic by-products for the management of the biofortification of Se in crops. This type of practice is particularly useful in arid and semiarid environments because organic matter acts as a reservoir for Se, preventing bioaccumulation and leaching. There are also potential local economic benefits from using organic by-products, such as manures and sewage sludge.
Association of Self‐DNA Mediated TLR9‐Related Gene, DNA Methyltransferase, and Cytokeratin Protein Expression Alterations in HT29‐Cells to DNA Fragment Length and Methylation Status
Authors: Fűri István , Sipos Ferenc , Spisák Sándor , Kiszner Gergő , Wichmann Barnabás , Schöller Andrea , Tulassay Zsolt , Műzes Györgyi , Molnár Béla
Published: December 2013

To understand the biologic role of self‐DNA bound to Toll‐like Receptor 9 (TLR9), we assayed its effect on gene and methyltransferase expressions and cell differentiation in HT29 cells. HT29 cells were incubated separately with type‐1 (normally methylated/nonfragmented), type‐2 (normally methylated/fragmented), type‐3 (hypermethylated/nonfragmented), or type‐4 (hypermethylated/fragmented) self‐DNAs. Expression levels of TLR9‐signaling and proinflammatory cytokine‐related genes were assayed by qRT‐PCR. Methyltransferase activity and cell differentiation were examined by using DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1, ‐3A, ‐3B) and cytokeratin (CK) antibodies. Treatment with type‐1 DNA resulted in significant increase in TLR9 expression. Type‐2 treatment resulted in the overexpression of TLR9‐related signaling molecules (MYD88A, TRAF6) and the IL8 gene. In the case of type‐3 treatment, significant overexpression of NFkB, IRAK2, and IL8 as well as downregulation of TRAF6 was detected. Using type‐4 DNA, TRAF6 and MYD88A gene expression was upregulated, while MYD88B, IRAK2, IL8, and TNFSF10 were all underexpressed. CK expression was significantly higher only after type‐1 DNA treatment. DNMT3A expression could also be induced by type‐1 DNA treatment. DNA structure may play a significant role in activation of the TLR9‐dependent and even independent proinflammatory pathways. There may be a molecular link between TLR9 signaling and DNMT3A. The mode of self‐DNA treatment may influence HT29 cell differentiation.
Effect of Xiaoyaosan Decoction on Learning and Memory Deficit in Rats Induced by Chronic Immobilization Stress
Authors: Meng Zhen-Zhi , Chen Jia-Xu , Jiang You-Ming , Zhang Han-Ting
Published: December 2013

Xiaoyaosan (XYS) decoction is a famous prescription which can protect nervous system from stress and treat liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome (LSSDS). In this experiment, we observed the effect of XYS decoction on chronic immobilization stress (CIS) induced learning and memory deficit in rats from behaviors and changes of proteins in hippocampus. We used XYS decoction to treat CIS induced learning and memory deficit in rats with rolipram as positive control, used change of body weight and behavioral tests to determine whether the rats have LSSDS and have learning and memory deficit or not. We used Western blotting to determine the content of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin (SYP) in hippocampus. Results showed that XYS could improve the situation of slow weight gain induced by CIS, improve the ability of learning and memory, reverse the symptom of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome (LSSDS) in rats, and increase the levels of PSD-95 and SYP on the hippocampal nerve synapses. These findings suggested that XYS decoction may be helpful in reversing CIS induced learning and memory deficit by increasing the levels of PSD-95 and SYP on the hippocampal nerve synapses and improving synaptic plasticity.
The Optimal Sampling Period of a Fingerprint Positioning Algorithm for Vehicle Speed Estimation
Authors: Cheng Ding-Yuan , Chen Chi-Hua , Hsiang Chia-Hung , Lo Chi-Chun , Lin Hui-Fei , Lin Bon-Yeh
Published: December 2013

Using cellular floating vehicle data is a crucial technique for measuring and forecasting real-time traffic information based on anonymously sampling mobile phone positions for intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). However, a high sampling frequency generates a substantial load for ITS servers, and traffic information cannot be provided instantly when the sampling period is long. In this paper, two analytical models are proposed to analyze the optimal sampling period based on communication behaviors, traffic conditions, and two consecutive fingerprint positioning locations from the same call and estimate vehicle speed. The experimental results show that the optimal sampling period is 41.589 seconds when the average call holding time was 60 s, and the average speed error rate was only 2.87%. ITSs can provide accurate and real-time speed information under lighter loads and within the optimal sampling period. Therefore, the optimal sampling period of a fingerprint positioning algorithm is suitable for estimating speed information immediately for ITSs.
Effect of Nanoadditives with Surfactant on the Surface Characteristics of Electroless Nickel Coating on Magnesium-Based Composites Reinforced with MWCNT
Authors: Dhinakaran Ranganathan , Elansezhian Rasu , Lalitha Arunachalam Arumugam
Published: December 2013

An experimental investigation has been carried out on optimizing process parameters of electroless nickel-phosphorous coatings on magnesium composite reinforced with carbon nanotube. A comprehensive experimental study of electroless Ni–P coatings on magnesium composite reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotube under specific coating conditions was performed. The electroless coating bath consists of nickel sulphate (26 g/L), sodium hypo-phosphite (30 g/L) as reducing agent, sodium acetate (16 g/L) as stabilizer, and ammonium hydrogen difluoride (8 g/L) as the complexing agent. The surfactant SLS was added in the solution for better wetting and spreading of coating on substrate. The stabilizer thiourea (1 ppm) was added in the bath to prevent decomposition of bath. Different nanoadditives such as ZnO, Al2O3, SiO with various concentrations were used in the bath and their influence on coating process characteristics were studied The nano additives such as ZnO, Al2O3, SiO were added at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% in the EN bath. The output parameters such as surface roughness, microhardness, specific wear rate, and surface morphology were measured. Surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the proposed method resulted in significant improvement on the quality of the coatings produced.
Persistence of Th17/Tc17 Cell Expression upon Smoking Cessation in Mice with Cigarette Smoke-Induced Emphysema
Authors: Duan Min-Chao , Tang Hai-Juan , Zhong Xiao-Ning , Huang Ying
Published: December 2013

Th17 and Tc17 cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease caused predominantly by cigarette smoking. Smoking cessation is the only intervention in the management of COPD. However, even after cessation, the airway inflammation may be present. In the current study, mice were exposed to room air or cigarette smoke for 24 weeks or 24 weeks followed by 12 weeks of cessation. Morphological changes were evaluated by mean linear intercepts (Lm) and destructive index (DI). The frequencies of CD8+IL-17+(Tc17) and CD4+IL-17+(Th17) cells, the mRNA levels of ROR gamma and IL-17, and the levels of IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma in lungs or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were assayed. Here we demonstrated that alveolar enlargement and destruction induced by cigarette smoke exposure were irreversible and that cigarette smokeenhanced these T-cell subsets, and related cytokines were not significantly reduced after smoking cessation. In addition, the frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 cells in lungs of smoke-exposed mice and cessation mice were positively correlated with emphysematous lesions. More important, the frequencies of Tc17 cells were much higher than Th17 cells, and there was a significantly positive correlation between Th17 and Tc17. These results suggested that Th17/Tc17 infiltration in lungs may play a critical role in sustaining lung inflammation in emphysema. Blocking the abnormally increased numbers of Tc17 and Th17 cells may be a reasonable therapeutic strategy for emphysema.
Structural, Morphological, and LPG Sensing Properties of Al-Doped ZnO Thin Film Prepared by SILAR
Authors: Mondal Shampa , Bhattacharya Shatabda , Mitra P.
Published: December 2013

Undoped and aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates by successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique from ammonium zincate complex. The thin films are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for their structural and morphological studies. Both undoped andAl-doped film show strong preferred c-axis orientation. The texture coefficient (TC) of the film along (002) direction increases due to Al incorporation. SEM micrograph shows round shaped particles for pure ZnO. However AZO films show particles with off spherical shape and compact interconnected grains. Sensitivity of the film in presence of 80% LEL (lower explosive limit) of LPG increases with temperature and is maximum at 325°C. Significantly high sensitivity of 87% with reasonably fast response was observed for 1%Al-doped ZnO (AZO) film in presence of 1.6 vol% LPG at 325°C.
Advancements in n‐Type Base Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells and Their Emergence in the Photovoltaic Industry
Authors: ur Rehman Atteq , Lee Soo Hong
Published: December 2013

The p‐type crystalline silicon wafers have occupied most of the solar cell market today. However, modules made with n‐type crystalline silicon wafers are actually the most efficient modules up to date. This is because the material properties offered by n‐type crystalline silicon substrates are suitable for higher efficiencies. Properties such as the absence of boron‐oxygen related defects and a greater tolerance to key metal impurities by n‐type crystalline silicon substrates are major factors that underline the efficiency of n‐type crystalline silicon wafer modules. The bi‐facial design of n‐type cells with good rear‐side electronic and optical properties on an industrial scale can be shaped as well. Furthermore, the development in the industrialization of solar cell designs based on n‐type crystalline silicon substrates also highlights its boost in the contributions to the photovoltaic industry. In this paper, a review of various solar cell structures that can be realized on n‐type crystalline silicon substrates will be given. Moreover, the current standing of solar cell technology based on n‐type substrates and its contribution in photovoltaic industry will also be discussed.
The Compensation Method of Vehicle Magnetic Interference for the Magnetic Gradiometer
Authors: Lv Junwei , Yu Zhentao , Huang Jingli , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2013

The magnetic interference of vehicle imposes a strong influence on the magnetic gradiometer. Based on the mechanism of the vehicle magnetic interference, we firstly use the difference algorithm of the magnetic gradient tensor to fuse the magnetic interference of each vector magnetometer and establish a mathematical model of vehicle magnetic interference for the magnetic gradiometer. Next, we propose a compensation method for the vehicle magnetic interference and a recognition method for the estimation of compensation coefficients based on this mathematical model. The simulation results show that the proposed method can compensate as much as 96.2% of the vehicle magnetic interference efficiently.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Man Deprived of His Right to Light
Authors: Mareddy Subhash , Reddy Jithendra , Babu Subhas , Balan Preethi
Published: December 2013

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a hereditary autosomal recessive disorder characterized by photo hypersensitivity of sun exposed tissues and subsequent several‐fold increased risk for malignant changes resulting from impaired ability to repair UV‐induced DNA damage. Estimated incidences vary from 1 in 20,000 in Japan to 1 in 250,000 in the USA, and approximately 2.3 per million live births in Western Europe. Diagnosis is made clinically by the presence of unusual sunburns or lentiginosis or onset of cancers at an early age. It is confirmed by cellular tests for defective DNA repair. Although there is no cure for XP as of now, skin problems can be ameliorated with the use of sunscreens, sun avoidance methods, and recurrent tumor excisions. Oral isotretinoin and topical application of 5‐fluorouracil to treat actinic keratoses are other therapeutic options. T4N5 and photolyase liposomal lotions are innovations in the therapy of XP. Genetic counselling implicating the effect of consanguineous marriages should be considered in the management of XP patients.
Vehicle Safety Enhancement System: Sensing and Communication
Authors: Qian Huihuan , Chen Yongquan , Sun Yuandong , Liu Niansheng , Ding Ning , Xu Yangsheng , Xu Guoqing , Tang Yunjian , Yan Jingyu
Published: December 2013

With the substantial increase of vehicles on road, driving safety and transportation efficiency have become increasingly concerned focus from drivers, passengers, and governments. Wireless networks constructed by vehicles and infrastructures provide abundant information to share for the sake of both enhanced safety and network efficiency. This paper presents the systematic research to enhance the vehicle safety by wireless communication, in the aspects of information acquisition through vehicle sensing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) routing protocol for the highly dynamic vehicle network, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) routing protocol for a tradeoff in real-time performance and load balance, and hardware implementation of V2V system with on-road test. Simulations and experimental result validate the feasibility of the algorithms and communication system.
Several Affinity Tags Commonly Used in Chromatographic Purification
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Li Guoshun , Liang Shufang
Published: December 2013

Affinity tags have become powerful tools from basic biological research to structural and functional proteomics. They were widely used to facilitate the purification and detection of proteins of interest, as well as the separation of protein complexes. Here, we mainly discuss the benefits and drawbacks of several affinity or epitope tags frequently used, including hexahistidine tag, FLAG tag, Strep II tag, streptavidin-binding peptide (SBP) tag, calmodulin-binding peptide (CBP), glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose-binding protein (MBP), S-tag, HA tag, and c-Myc tag. In some cases, a large-size affinity tag, such as GST or MBP, can significantly impact on the structure and biological activity of the fusion partner protein. So it is usually necessary to excise the tag by protease. The most commonly used endopeptidases are enterokinase, factor Xa, thrombin, tobacco etch virus, and human rhinovirus 3C protease. The proteolysis features of these proteases are described in order to provide a general guidance on the proteolytic removal of the affinity tags.
Cisplatin and Short-Term 5-Fluorouracil Infusion for Paraneoplastic Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia in Gastric Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sanatani M. S. , Lazo-Langner A. , Al-Rasheedy I. M.
Published: December 2013

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome accompanying adenocarcinoma of the stomach. We report on a patient presenting with anemia due to a combination of severe hemolysis and tumour bleeding, where the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in a short course infusional regimen led to a complete response of the hematologic abnormalities in the first line setting. Relapse was successfully treated with second line docetaxel; however the response was relatively short-lived. Overall survival was 16 months from diagnosis, which compares favourably to the survival of other reported cases. The chemotherapy regimens used in previously reported similar cases are reviewed. We suggest that a regimen based on bolus 5-fluorouracil, possibly with a platinum, should be investigated as a possible regimen of choice.
Integrated Electrokinetics‐Adsorption Remediation of Saline‐Sodic Soils: Effects of Voltage Gradient and Contaminant Concentration on Soil Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Essa Mohammed Hussain , Mu’azu Nuhu Dalhat , Lukman Salihu , Bukhari Alaadin
Published: December 2013

In this study, an integrated in situ remediation technique which couples electrokinetics with adsorption, using locally produced granular activated carbon from date palm pits in the treatment zones that are installed directly to bracket the contaminated soils at bench‐scale, is investigated. Natural saline‐sodic clay soil, spiked with contaminant mixture (kerosene, phenol, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Hg), was used in this study to investigate the effects of voltage gradient, initial contaminant concentration, and polarity reversal rate on the soil electrical conductivity. Box‐Behnken Design (BBD) was used for the experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to model, optimize, and interpret the results obtained using Design‐Expert version 8 platform. The total number of experiments conducted was 15 with voltage gradient, polarity reversal rate, and initial contaminant concentration as variables. The main target response discussed in this paper is the soil electrical conductivity due to its importance in electrokinetic remediation process. Responses obtained were fitted to quadratic models whose R2 ranges from 84.66% to 99.19% with insignificant lack of fit in each case. Among the investigated factors, voltage gradient and initial contaminant concentration were found to be the most significant influential factors.
Passive Forensics for Region Duplication Image Forgery Based on Harris Feature Points and Local Binary Patterns
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhao Weifeng
Published: December 2013

Nowadays the demand for identifying the authenticity of an image is much increased since advanced image editing software packages are widely used. Region duplication forgery is one of the most common and immediate tampering attacks which are frequently used. Several methods to expose this forgery have been developed to detect and locate the tampered region, while most methods do fail when the duplicated region undergoes rotation or flipping before being pasted. In this paper, an efficient method based on Harris feature points and local binary patterns is proposed. First, the image is filtered with a pixelwise adaptive Wiener method, and then dense Harris feature points are employed in order to obtain a sufficient number of feature points with approximately uniform distribution. Feature vectors for a circle patch around each feature point are extracted using local binary pattern operators, and the similar Harris points are matched based on their representation feature vectors using the BBF algorithm. Finally, RANSAC algorithm is employed to eliminate the possible erroneous matches. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively detect region duplication forgery, even when an image was distorted by rotation, flipping, blurring, AWGN, JPEG compression, and their mixed operations, especially resistant to the forgery with the flat area of little visual structures.
Urban Traffic Signal System Control Structural Optimization Based on Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Xiao-ming , Wang Zhi-jian , Li Zheng-xi
Published: December 2013

Advanced urban traffic signal control systems such as SCOOT and SCATS normally coordinate traffic network using multilevel hierarchical control mechanism. In this mechanism, several key intersections will be selected from traffic signal network and the network will be divided into different control subareas. Traditionally, key intersection selection and control subareas division are executed according to dynamic traffic counts and link length between intersections, which largely rely on traffic engineers’ experience. However, it omits important inherent characteristics of traffic network topology. In this paper, we will apply network analysis approach into these two aspects for traffic system control structure optimization. Firstly, the modified C-means clustering algorithm will be proposed to assess the importance of intersections in traffic network and furthermore determine the key intersections based on three indexes instead of merely on traffic counts in traditional methods. Secondly, the improved network community discovery method will be used to give more reasonable evidence in traffic control subarea division. Finally, to test the effectiveness of network analysis approach, a hardware-in-loop simulation environment composed of regional traffic control system, microsimulation software and signal controller hardware, will be built. Both traditional method and proposed approach will be implemented on simulation test bed to evaluate traffic operation performance indexes, for example, travel time, stop times, delay and average vehicle speed. Simulation results show that the proposed network analysis approach can improve the traffic control system operation performance effectively.
Particle Swarm Based Approach of a Real-Time Discrete Neural Identifier for Linear Induction Motors
Authors: Alanis Alma Y. , Rangel E. , Rivera J. , Arana-Daniel N. , Lopez-Franco C.
Published: December 2013

This paper focusses on a discrete-time neural identifier applied to a linear induction motor (LIM) model, whose model is assumed to be unknown. This neural identifier is robust in presence of external and internal uncertainties. The proposed scheme is based on a discrete-time recurrent high-order neural network (RHONN) trained with a novel algorithm based on extended Kalman filter (EKF) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), using an online series-parallel configuration. Real-time results are included in order to illustrate the applicability of the proposed scheme.
Newly Developed Empirical Correlations for Simulation of Transitional Flows
Authors: Taghavi Zenouz Reza , Etemadi Majed
Published: December 2013

An effective new formulation is developed for simulation of transitional flows. This formulation is based on modifications made to the latest numerical model utilizing vorticity and momentum thickness Reynolds numbers concepts. In this respect, rigorous experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel to modify the existing formulation to a more reliable form suitable for modeling of transitional flows. Test model was a linear cascade of axial compressor blades. Wind tunnel tests consisted of measurements of surface pressure distributions and velocity profiles utilizing hot film anemometry. Different freestream turbulence intensities, flow incidences, and Reynolds numbers were examined. New correlations were imposed to a commercial numerical flow solver;applying them to some standard objects produced more reliable results than those obtained from other formulations, presented so far. This attribution is more emphasized especially while dealing with modeling laminar separation bubbles, where transition occurs within the free shear layer.
Sliding Mode Reference Coordination of Constrained Feedback Systems
Authors: Vignoni Alejandro , Garelli Fabricio , Picó Jesús
Published: December 2013

This paper addresses the problem of coordinating dynamical systems with possibly different dynamics (e.g., linear and nonlinear, different orders, constraints, etc.) to achieve some desired collective behavior under the constraints and capabilities of each system. To this end, we develop a new methodology based on reference conditioning techniques using geometric set invariance and sliding mode control: the sliding mode reference coordination (SMRCoord). The main idea is to coordinate the systems references. Starting from a general framework, we propose two approaches: a local one through direct interactions between the different systems by sharing and conditioning their own references and a global centralized one, where a central node makes decisions using information coming from the systems references. In particular, in this work we focus in implementation on multivariable systems like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robustness to external perturbations. To show the applicability of the approach, the problem of coordinating UAVs with input constraints is addressed as a particular case of multivariable reference coordination with both global and local configuration.
Application of Mathematica Software to Solve Pulp Washing Model
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Ganaie Ishfaq A. , Kukreja Vijay K.
Published: December 2013

The removal of the bulk liquor surrounding the pulp fibers using less concentrated liquor is known as pulp washing. In the present study, a pulp washing model involving diffusion-dispersion through packed beds of finite length is presented. Separation of variables is applied to solve system of governing partial differential equations and the resulting equations are solved using Mathematica. Results from the present case are compared with those of previous investigators. The present case is giving better results than the previous investigators.
Immobilization ofα-Chymotrypsin on the Surface of Magnetic/Gold Core/Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Kamal Ahmadi Mahmoud , Vossoughi Manouchehr
Published: December 2013

Over the last decade, nanoparticles used as protein carriers have opened new avenues for a variety of biomedical applications. The main concern for these applications is changes in biological activity of immobilized proteins due to conformational changes on the surface of the carrier. To evaluate this concern, the preparation and biocatalyst activity ofα-chymotrypsin-Fe3O4@ Au core/shell nanoparticles were investigated. First, Fe3O4@ Au core/shell nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation method and citrate reduction of HAuCl4. TEM imaging revealed a core size of 13 ± 3 nm and a shell thickness of 4 ± 1 nm for synthesized nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. Next, the enzyme was immobilized on the surface of synthesized nanoparticles by covalent bonding of Au shell with thiol and amine groups present in the protein structure (e.g., cysteine and histidine residues). FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized to study secondary and tertiary structures of the immobilized enzyme. Results show that the secondary and tertiary structures of the enzyme remain virtually unchanged after immobilization on the nanoparticles surface. However, the biocatalyst activity of the enzyme was reduced by thirty percent, indicating possible conformational changes or active site occlusion.