bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Ambient and Ablation Plasmas on Short- and Ultrashort-Pulse Laser Processing of Surfaces
Authors: Bulgakova Nadezhda , Panchenko Alexei , Zhukov Vladimir , Kudryashov Sergey , Pereira Antonio , Marine Wladimir , Mocek Tomas , Bulgakov Alexander
Published: December 2014

In spite of the fact that more than five decades have passed since the invention of laser, some topics of laser-matter interaction still remain incompletely studied. One of such topics is plasma impact on the overall phenomenon of the interaction and its particular features, including influence of the laser-excited plasma re-radiation, back flux of energetic plasma species, and massive material redeposition, on the surface quality and processing efficiency. In this paper, we analyze different plasma aspects, which go beyond a simple consideration of the well-known effect of plasma shielding of laser radiation. The following effects are considered: ambient gas ionization above the target on material processing with formation of a “plasma pipe”; back heating of the target by both laser-driven ambient and ablation plasmas through conductive and radiative heat transfer; plasma chemical effects on surface processing including microstructure growth on liquid metals; complicated dynamics of the ablation plasma flow interacting with an ambient gas that can result in substantial redeposition of material around the ablation spot. Together with a review summarizing our main to-date achievements and outlining research directions, we present new results underlining importance of laser plasma dynamics and photoionization of the gas environment upon laser processing of materials.
Fabrication of Homogeneous High-Density Antibody Microarrays for Cytokine Detection
Authors: Hospach Ingeborg , Joseph Yvonne , Mai Michaela , Krasteva Nadejda , Nelles Gabriele
Published: December 2014

Cytokine proteins are known as biomarker molecules, characteristic of a disease or specific body condition. Monitoring of the cytokine pattern in body fluids can contribute to the diagnosis of diseases. Here we report on the development of an array comprised of different anti-cytokine antibodies on an activated solid support coupled with a fluorescence readout mechanism. Optimization of the array preparation was done in regard of spot homogeneity and spot size. The proinflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were chosen as the first targets of interest. First, the solid support for covalent antibody immobilization and an adequate fluorescent label were selected. Three differently functionalized glass substrates for spotting were compared: amine and epoxy, both having a two-dimensional structure, and the NHS functionalized hydrogel (NHS-3D). The NHS-hydrogel functionalization of the substrate was best suited to antibody immobilization. Then, the optimization of plotting parameters and geometry as well as buffer media were investigated, considering the ambient analyte theory of Roger Ekins. As a first step towards real sample studies, a proof of principle of cytokine detection has been established.
Au-Nanomaterials as a Superior Choice for Near-Infrared Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Jabeen Fahmida , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad , Javeed Rabia , Huck Christian , Bonn Guenther
Published: December 2014

Photothermal therapy (PPT) is a platform to fight cancer by using multiplexed interactive plasmonic nanomaterials as probes in combination with the excellent therapeutic performance of near-infrared (NIR) light. With recent rapid developments in optics and nanotechnology, plasmonic materials have potential in cancer diagnosis and treatment, but there are some concerns regarding their clinical use. The primary concerns include the design of plasmonic nanomaterials which are taken up by the tissues, perform their function and then clear out from the body. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) can be developed in different morphologies and functionalized to assist the photothermal therapy in a way that they have clinical value. This review outlines the diverse Au morphologies, their distinctive characteristics, concerns and limitations to provide an idea of the requirements in the field of NIR-based therapeutics.
Time-Resolved Fluorescence in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yeh Shu-Chi , Patterson Michael , Hayward Joseph , Fang Qiyin
Published: December 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used clinically for treating various diseases including malignant tumors. The main advantages of PDT over traditional cancer treatments are attributed to the localized effects of the photochemical reactions by selective illumination, which then generate reactive oxygen species and singlet oxygen molecules that lead to cell death. To date, over- or under-treatment still remains one of the major challenges in PDT due to the lack of robust real-time dose monitoring techniques. Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) provides fluorescence lifetime profiles of the targeted fluorophores. It has been demonstrated that TRF offers supplementary information in drug-molecular interactions and cell responses compared to steady-state intensity acquisition. Moreover, fluorescence lifetime itself is independent of the light path; thus it overcomes the artifacts given by diffused light propagation and detection geometries. TRF in PDT is an emerging approach, and relevant studies to date are scattered. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on summarizing up-to-date TRF studies in PDT, and the effects of PDT dosimetric factors on the measured TRF parameters. From there, potential gaps for clinical translation are also discussed.
The Spiritual Care Team: Enabling the Practice of Whole Person Medicine
Authors: Koenig Harold
Published: December 2014

We will soon be piloting a project titled “Integrating Spirituality into Patient Care” that will form “spiritual care teams” to assess and address patients’ spiritual needs in physician outpatient practices within Adventist Health System, the largest Protestant healthcare system in the United States. This paper describes the goals, the rationale, and the structure of the spiritual care teams that will soon be implemented, and discusses the barriers to providing spiritual care that health professionals are likely to encounter. Spiritual care teams may operate in an outpatient or an inpatient setting, and their purpose is to provide health professionals with resources necessary to practice whole person healthcare that includes spiritual care. We believe that this project will serve as a model for faith-based health systems seeking to visibly demonstrate their mission in a way that makes them unique and expresses their values. Not only does this model have the potential to be cost-effective, but also the capacity to increase the quality of patient care and the satisfaction that health professionals derive from providing care. If successful, this model could spread beyond faith-based systems to secular systems as well both in the U.S. and worldwide.
Spatial Pattern and Temporal Variation Law-Based Multi-Sensor Collaboration Method for Improving Regional Soil Moisture Monitoring Capabilities
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Nengcheng , Chen Zhihong
Published: December 2014

Regional soil moisture distributions and changes are critical for agricultural production and environmental modeling. Currently, hundreds of satellite sensors exist with different soil moisture observation capabilities. However, multi-sensor collaborative observation mechanisms for improving regional soil moisture monitoring capabilities are lacking. In this study, a Spatial pattern and Temporal variation law-based Multi-sensor Collaboration (STMC) method is proposed to solve this problem. The first component of the STMC method deduces the regional soil moisture distribution and variation patterns based on time stability theory and long-term statistical analyses. The second component of the STMC method detects potential anomalous soil moisture events and immediately triggers the high spatial resolution sensor with the soonest pass-over time. In the detection phase, an anomalous soil moisture judgment (ASMJ) algorithm and high temporal resolution sensors (the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2)) were utilized. Experiments conducted in Hubei province, China, demonstrated that the proposed STMC method was capable of accurately identifying of anomalous soil moisture conditions caused by waterlogging and drought events. Additionally, we observed that the STMC method combined the advantages of different long-term observation, high temporal, and high spatial resolution sensors synergistically for monitoring purposes.
BAMS: A Tool for Supervised Burned Area Mapping Using Landsat Data
Authors: Bastarrika Aitor , Alvarado Maite , Artano Karmele , Martinez Maria , Mesanza Amaia , Torre Leyre , Ramo Rubén , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: December 2014

A new supervised burned area mapping software named BAMS (Burned Area Mapping Software) is presented in this paper. The tool was built from standard ArcGISTM libraries. It computes several of the spectral indexes most commonly used in burned area detection and implements a two-phase supervised strategy to map areas burned between two Landsat multitemporal images. The only input required from the user is the visual delimitation of a few burned areas, from which burned perimeters are extracted. After the discrimination of burned patches, the user can visually assess the results, and iteratively select additional sampling burned areas to improve the extent of the burned patches. The final result of the BAMS program is a polygon vector layer containing three categories: (a) burned perimeters, (b) unburned areas, and (c) non-observed areas. The latter refer to clouds or sensor observation errors. Outputs of the BAMS code meet the requirements of file formats and structure of standard validation protocols. This paper presents the tool’s structure and technical basis. The program has been tested in six areas located in the United States, for various ecosystems and land covers, and then compared against the National Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) Burned Area Boundaries Dataset.
Management of Municipal Solid Waste in One of the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Ragazzi Marco , Catellani Riccardo , Rada Elena , Torretta Vincenzo , Salazar-Valenzuela Xavier
Published: December 2014

This paper analyses some aspects of the management of municipal solid waste in one of the islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The aim is to point out a few aspects of an interesting experience that could help decision managers faced with the organization of the waste sector in similar realities. The relevance of this case study consists in the presence of a very famous National Park surrounding the inhabited area. The role of tourism in the generation of waste is analyzed too.
“Ménage à Trois”: The Evolutionary Interplay between JSRV, enJSRVs and Domestic Sheep
Authors: Armezzani Alessia , Varela Mariana , Spencer Thomas , Palmarini Massimo , Arnaud Frédérick
Published: December 2014

Sheep betaretroviruses represent a fascinating model to study the complex evolutionary interplay between host and pathogen in natural settings. In infected sheep, the exogenous and pathogenic Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) coexists with a variety of highly related endogenous JSRVs, referred to as enJSRVs. During evolution, some of them were co-opted by the host as they fulfilled important biological functions, including placental development and protection against related exogenous retroviruses. In particular, two enJSRV loci, enJS56A1 and enJSRV-20, were positively selected during sheep domestication due to their ability to interfere with the replication of related competent retroviruses. Interestingly, viruses escaping these transdominant enJSRVs have recently emerged, probably less than 200 years ago. Overall, these findings suggest that in sheep the process of endogenization is still ongoing and, therefore, the evolutionary interplay between endogenous and exogenous sheep betaretroviruses and their host has not yet reached an equilibrium.
Empire romain et hellénisme : bilan historiographique
Authors: Hoët-Van Cauwenberghe Christine
Published: December 2014

Roman Empire and Hellenism: a historiographical assessment.

We shall attempt to make a historiographical assessment and reflect on the relationship between the Roman Empire and Hellenism. Recent research -which is richly varied-reveals how vital it is to define the concepts in question as accurately as possible, the notions of Imperialism, Hellenism, Romanity, Romanization. The study of Roman Greece once was somehow neglected but things have changed as the recent studies clearly demonstrate. The question of Greek identity and that of the loyalty of the Greeks to Rome and to the Emperor as much as that of integration have been brought to the forefront. The philhellenic policies of Roman rulers have been investigated -likewise the access to Roman citizenship; furthermore onomastic and prosoprographic studies highlight the efficient processes that developed under the Empire. The status of the Greek city within the Empire, its working and the role of its civic élites are perceived with more and more accuracy as they are being reassessed.
Synthesis of uniform cyclodextrin thioethers to transport hydrophobic drugs
Authors: Becker Lisa F , Schwarz Dennis H , Wenz Gerhard
Published: December 2014

Methyl and ethyl thioether groups were introduced at all primary positions of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin by nucleophilic displacement reactions starting from the corresponding per-(6-deoxy-6-bromo)cyclodextrins. Further modification of all 2-OH positions by etherification with iodo terminated triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (and tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, respectively) furnished water-soluble hosts. Especially the β-cyclodextrin derivatives exhibit very high binding potentials towards the anaesthetic drugs sevoflurane and halothane. Since the resulting inclusion compounds are highly soluble in water at temperatures ≤37 °C they are good candidates for new aqueous dosage forms which would avoid inhalation anaesthesia.
La gouvernance de l'internet après Snowden
Authors: Benhamou Bernard
Published: December 2014

L’affaire Snowden pourrait produire des changements majeurs dans l’architecture et la gouvernance de l’internet. Les technologies devront désormais intégrer a priori les standards susceptibles de permettre aux citoyens de garder un contrôle sur les données disponibles. Sans doute les États devront-ils aussi limiter volontairement leurs stratégies de surveillance via internet. À ces seules conditions pourra être préservée la confiance, élément essentiel au fonctionnement du réseau. politique étrangère
Neutralité de l'internet : dépasser les scandales
Authors: Musiani Francesca
Published: December 2014

Alors que le trafic sur internet explose et que de nouvelles infrastructures coûteuses doivent être déployées, la « neutralité du net » fait débat. Ce principe suppose que toutes les données circulant sur internet doivent être traitées de manière équitable. Or, il est techniquement possible d’en sélectionner des paquets à traiter en priorité. Cette pratique est susceptible de poser des problèmes non seulement économiques mais aussi politiques et sociaux.
Les cyberarmes : dilemmes et futurs possibles
Authors: Kello Lucas , Richard Thomas
Published: December 2014

La cyber-révolution défie les mécanismes traditionnels de dissuasion et de gestion des conflits. Les attaques y sont difficiles à détecter, évaluer et attribuer. Le problème de l’attribution d’une action offensive et des représailles éventuelles est rendu d’autant plus complexe que les acteurs non étatiques ont accès à un vaste arsenal de cyberarmes. Une cyberattaque de grande ampleur pourrait engendrer une escalade rapide et le déclenchement de frappes conventionnelles.
Les Pays-Bas et la crise du multiculturalisme
Authors: Brinks Jan Herman , Hoff Loïc
Published: December 2014

Durant plusieurs décennies, un consensus général a uni la classe politique néerlandaise autour de la notion de société multiculturelle. Celle-ci est aujourd’hui largement mise en cause. Elle laisse place à une véritable fracture, opposant une opinion publique de plus en plus critique vis-à-vis de l’islam et de ses manifestations publiques – ce que traduit la poussée du populisme de droite – et une élite de gauche partiellement mobilisée autour de l’illusion du multiculturalisme.
Preventive effects of oral probiotic on infantile colic: a prospective, randomised, blinded, controlled trial using Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938
Authors: Savino F. , Ceratto S. , Poggi E. , Cartosio M.E. , Cordero di Montezemolo L. , Giannattasio A.
Published: December 2014

Infants were recruited in four centres in North-West Italy. 138 infants were assessed for eligibility, 113 ones underwent randomisation and 105 completed the study. Newborns aged less than 10 days of life, with gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks, birth weight from 2,500 to 4,300 g and normal physical examination were recruitable. Premature infants and infants affected by outcomes of perinatal hypoxia or necrotising enterocolitis have been excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to receive five drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (108 cfu) with 400 UI of vitamin D3 or only 400 UI of vitamin D3 daily. The primary endpoints concern the administration of pain relieving agents (cimetropium bromide at least three times per week or simethicone at least five times per week) from baseline to 12 weeks. Additional analyses were done on the percentage of infants that switched from an exclusive breastfeeding to a partial or exclusive formula feeding from baseline to 12 weeks. Data concerning the number of calls to the paediatricians and the number of visits at paediatricians’ ambulatories due to infantile colic have been collected by paediatrician and analysed. Comparing the two groups, the relative risk was 0.04 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.01-0.31) for cimetropium bromide, 0.24 (95% CI=0.14-0.41) for simethicone and 0.37 (95% CI=0.17-0.80) for the administration of infant formula, showing a protective action of L. reuteri. The treatment group showed a lower number of paediatric consultations related to episodes of infant colic than the control group (P<0.0001). L. reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation at the tested dosage could reduce parental discomfort due to infantile colic. The consumption of this probiotic is associated with a reduction of paediatric consultations for infantile colic, as well as use of pain relieving agents and of infant formula.
Exposure ofAspergillus fumigatus to T-2 toxin results in a stress response associated with exacerbation of aspergillosis in poultry
Authors: Li S.-J. , Dhaenens M. , Garmyn A. , Verbrugghe E. , Van Rooij P. , De Saeger S. , Eeckhout M. , Ducatelle R. , Croubels S. , Haesebrouck F. , Deforce D. , Pasmans F. , Martel A.
Published: December 2014

Aspergillus fumigatusis a ubiquitous airborne pathogen. Saprophytic growth in the presence of environmental mycotoxins might affect its fitness and virulence. T-2 toxin (T-2) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced byFusariumspp. in various substrates. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of T-2 on the fitness ofA. fumigatus in vitroand its virulence in experimentally inoculated chickens. We culturedA. fumigatuson agar media containing T-2, and examined the changes in viability, morphology, growth rate, proteome expression, and susceptibility to antimycotics and oxidative stress of this fungus. Results showed that exposure to 1000 ng/ml T-2 in the substrate did not reduce the viability ofA. fumigatus, but its growth was inhibited, with wrinkling and depigmentation of the colonies. Proteomic analysis revealed 21 upregulated proteins and 33 downregulated proteins, including those involved in stress response, pathogenesis, metabolism, transcription. The proteome seems to have shifted to enhance the glycolysis, catabolism of lipids, and amino acid conversion. Assays on fungal susceptibility to antimycotics and oxidative stress showed that T-2 exposure did not affect the minimal inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine againstA. fumigatus, but increased the susceptibility ofA. fumigatusto H2O2and menadione. Experimental inoculation of chickens withA. fumigatusshowed that exposure ofA. fumigatusto T-2 significantly exacerbated aspergillosis in chickens exposed to dietary T-2. In conclusion,A. fumigatusis capable of surviving and growing on substrates containing levels of T-2 up to 1000 ng/ml. Growth in presence of T-2 induces a stress response inA. fumigatus, which is associated with exacerbation of aspergillosisin vivo.
Post-harvest management of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut
Authors: Waliyar F. , Osiru M. , Ntare B.R. , Kumar K. Vijay Krishna , Sudini H. , Traore A. , Diarra B.
Published: December 2014

Aflatoxin contamination in groundnut byAspergillussectionFlaviis a major pre- and post-harvest problem causing kernel-quality loss. Post-harvest aflatoxin contamination is caused initially by infestation of aflatoxigenic strains at the pre-harvest stage, resulting in reduced kernel quality after harvest. Improper handling of pods and storage methods after harvest lead to high moisture and ambient temperatures, directly causing aflatoxin contamination. In this review, we report the extent of post-harvest contamination along the groundnut value chain in the Kolokani, Kayes, and Kita districts of Mali in West Africa. Groundnut kernels and paste samples were collected from retailers in selected markets from December 2010 to June 2011, and aflatoxin B1(AFB1) content was estimated. Aflatoxin was significantly higher in groundnut paste than in kernels. Kolokani recorded the highest toxin levels in both kernels and groundnut paste compared with the other districts. Overall, AFB1levels in kernels and paste increased during storage at the market level in the three districts and were above permissible levels (≯20 μg/kg). The effect of weather factors on post-harvest contamination and the reasons for aflatoxin build-up in Mali are discussed. This paper also highlights different management tools for reducing post-harvest aflatoxin contamination, such as post-harvest grain handling, post-harvest machinery, physical separation, storage methods and conditions, disinfestation, detoxification, inactivation, filtration, binding agents, and antifungal compounds. Post-harvest management options and enhanced use of good agricultural practices for mitigating this problem in Mali are also presented.
Auditory Hallucinations Interview Guide: Promoting Recovery with an Interactive Assessment Tool
Authors: Trygstad Louise Nigh , Buccheri Robin K. , Buffum Martha D. , Ju Dau-shen , Dowling Glenna A.
Published: December 2014

The Auditory Hallucinations Interview Guide (AHIG) is a 32-item tool that helps psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nurses assess past and current experiences of voice hearers so they can provide more individualized care. The AHIG was developed as a research tool but has also been found to be clinically useful in both inpatient and outpatient settings to help voice hearers and nurses develop a shared terminology of auditory hallucinations (AH). Using the AHIG, voice hearers are able to tell their stories in a structured and safe environment, thus encouraging recovery. Through respect and active listening, PMH nurses can communicate unconditional acceptance, caring, and hope for recovery, which helps develop rapport and promote trust in the nurse–patient relationship. Once trust is developed, voice hearers and PMH nurses can work together to find effective strategies for managing AH, including commands to harm self and others. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(1), 20–28.]
Propiedades mecánicas a tracción y mecanismos de endurecimiento de un acero TWIP a altas velocidades de deformación: relación de Hall-Petch
Authors: De las Cuevas Fernando , Ferraiuolo Alessandro , Pentti Karjalainen L. , Gil Sevillano Javier
Published: December 2014

Se ha estudiado la influencia de la velocidad de deformación y tamaño de grano en las propiedades mecánicas de un acero TWIP austenítico de composición 22% Mn, 0,6% C (% en masa). Para las velocidades de deformación de 9,4 s−1 y 265 s−1 a temperatura ambiente, se ha observado un comportamiento cuasi-lineal en las curvas tensión-deformación, típico en estos materiales que deforman por maclaje. Se ha mostrado que a altas velocidades de deformación la región con tasa de endurecimiento constante observada en aceros TWIP disminuye notablemente. Además, se ha obtenido la relación de Hall-Petch para cada velocidad de deformación. La pendiente de Hall-Petch KHP incrementa en función de la deformación en todos los casos. La dependencia de KHP con la velocidad de deformación podría ser causada por el calentamiento adiabático.
Digital Governance and Social Media Engagement
Authors: Endress Tobias
Published: December 2014

Social media and online brand communities are important factors in today's business environment (Fuchs, 2014; King, 2013; KPMG, 2012). This chapter presents an in-depth qualitative analysis in the sector of financial services companies; additionally, it provides some indications for the adaption to other services and to general industry companies. In itself, communication in the digital social network provides no value for companies, but it may help to create value (Piwinger & Porák, 2005; Zerfaß, 2006). Social media is already naturally integrated within many areas of everyday work, according to the interviewed experts. However, many companies still have deficits in their governance structures for social media. Used properly, digital social networks might be a cost-effective component in communication between the company and its partners and customers. Social media networks can contribute in the medium- or long-term to gain the trust of customers and business partners.
Social Media and SMEs in Transition Countries
Authors: Azemi Yllka , Ozuem Wilson
Published: December 2014

The consequences of social media applications are experienced at every level in an organizational context, but they are arguably most extensively experienced in developing effective marketing communication strategies. Drawing on constructivist perspectives, recognizing the socially constructed realities embedded within this evolving techno-cultural construct, the current chapter suggests that understanding social media must begin not in the technological domain, but in the way in which users negotiate meanings between and amongst themselves in the Internet ecosystem. This could potentially help marketers to develop effective marketing communications programmes. Understanding the co-evolution of social media connectivity and sociality in the context of the emerging culture provides deeper insight into how SMEs, particularly in transition economies, could adapt to and contextualize values of openness and connectedness offered by this technological tapestry. Certain conditions in which the deployment of cultural transformation is likely to succeed are identified, and a future empirical research agenda is suggested.
Social Media and Its Implications for Marketing Communications
Authors: Yankova Irina , Ozuem Wilson
Published: December 2014

The field of marketing communications studies is often called on to close the gap between marketing and computer-mediated studies. This chapter engages with the concept of social media in the design and implementation of marketing communication programmes, particularly in the UK Fashion sector. The chapter goes on to conclude, rather sceptically, that understandings of the various nuances of social media platforms could engender effective customer retention programmes. It also offers a new way of thinking about customer engagement, incorporating social media platforms.
An Enterprise Ontology Based Conceptual Modeling Grammar for Representing Value Chain and Supply Chain Scripts
Authors: Laurier Wim , Poels Geert
Published: December 2014

In business modeling the focus is shifting from individual enterprises to the supply chains in which they collaborate. Contemporary business modeling grammars should allow each enterprise taking part in a supply chain to develop its own information system and at the same time support the creation of system interoperability and information sharing amongst business partners in the supply chain. This paper presents a conceptual modeling grammar for representing business scripts in a way that is both observer-dependent and independent. That is, value chain information should be represented in a format that is suitable for the perspective of any partner in the supply chain (e.g., enterprise, supplier, customer, customer's customer, supplier's supplier) and for the perspective of a completely neutral third party (e.g., government). The proposed observer-independent conceptual-modeling grammar, which is given strength by grounding it in the mature Resource-Event-Agent model, is shown to represent information about business phenomena of diverse supply chain partners such that it can be integrated across enterprise boundaries
Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Images Based on Image Interpolation
Authors: Han Xiyu , Qian Zhenxing , Feng Guorui , Zhang Xinpeng
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a novel method for data hiding in encrypted image using image interpolation. Before the image encryption, the original image is sampled and an interpolation algorithm is used to calculate an estimation of the original image. Errors between the original image and the estimated image are compressed by Huffman encoding, which are further embedded into the estimated image to generate the redundant room. After image encryption using an encryption key, the secret bits are embedded into the reserved room. On the receiver side, the hidden bits can be extracted and the original content of the image can be perfectly recovered. Compared with the published results, the proposed method provides a larger embedding payload.
Visible Watermarking Scheme for Quick Response Code Based on Reversible Data Hiding
Authors: Zhang Shun , Gao Tiegang
Published: December 2014

Quick Response Code (QR Code) has become an important entrance of O2O (Online to Offline) in the era of mobile internet. Many applications, such as transformation of URLs, the descriptions of these images, and so on can be realized through embedding QR Code into images. However, the embedding of QR Code may destroy some image details in the corresponding area, which is annoying, especially in these applications that need high precision. The reversible recovery of original image is of importance. A reversible visible watermarking scheme is proposed for embedding QR Code into images. One can decode the information that is encoded in the QR Code and reversibly recover the original image after the QR Code is scanned successfully. Optimization has been achieved both by utilizing the features of QR Code when encoding and decoding in the visible watermarking period and by utilizing the blocking, scanning, and preprocessing of information in the reversible data hiding period. Experimental results have demonstrated the validity and efficiency of the proposed scheme. Better image quality has been achieved by the proposed scheme compared with existing schemes.
Responding to Ongoing Change
Authors: Lapouchnian Alexei , Yu Eric , Deng Stephanie
Published: December 2014

As modern organizations increasingly need to operate in uncertain and fast-paced business environments, pressures increase on information systems (IS) to support these enterprises in a dynamically changing world. Consequently, systems need to deliver results given incompletely known and constantly changing requirements and contexts and other uncertainties. Their development is no longer a progression from clear and stable requirements to solutions meeting them. Rather, it is a continuous process involving multiple iterations of analysis and exploration, design, and development taking into consideration changing organizational needs, available resources, and feedback from previous iterations. Since current modeling and analysis notations generally assume stable and predictable settings for IS development, this paper explores the difficulties in applying several such techniques for modeling continuously evolving systems in uncertain and rapidly changing socio-technical domains and identifies requirements for a comprehensive modeling notation suitable for these environments. Business intelligence capability implementation in enterprises is used as an illustration.
Some Things Are Just Made to Be Littered
Authors: Crabb Peter B. , Lessack Matthew P.
Published: December 2014

Previous research has identified a number of situational factors that can contribute to littering in various settings. One key factor that has been largely overlooked is the products that people litter. A descriptive survey of roadside litter was conducted with the goals of identifying the most-littered products and their industry sources. A sample of litter was collected from roads in rural, suburban, and urban areas in Pennsylvania. Of 2,611 littered objects, most (84.6%) litter was waste from one-use smoking, beverage, food, and packaging products. The findings support the view that some products are differentially associated with littering behavior and are thus highly “litterable,” leading to recommendations for reducing litter by targeting those products for change.
Sustainability and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Gouvea Raul
Published: December 2014

This article elaborates on the diverse entrepreneurial activities of indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon region. This article argues that further sustainability of the Brazilian Amazonian region is intrinsically linked to the entrepreneurial activities by indigenous communities in the Amazon region. Amazonian indigenous communities are under increasing economic and social pressure. Fostering sustainable indigenous entrepreneurship in these disadvantaged indigenous communities has the potential to improve indigenous communities, economic and social welfare, preserve their culture, customs, and traditional knowledge, in addition to the rebuilding of these communities. Thus, engagement of indigenous communities in sustainable activities further protects the local natural capital. The article also proposes the creation of a center for indigenous entrepreneurship in the Amazon region aiming at supporting and fostering indigenous entrepreneurship.
Pesticide Use in Indian Cardamom Hills
Authors: Murugan M. , Shetty P. K. , George Thomas , Ravi R. , Subbiah A. , Vijayakumar K.
Published: December 2014

Surveys and analyses among cardamom and tea planters were carried out in and around cardamom hill reserves during 2009-2012 to quantify the annual pesticide consumption of cardamom and tea. The survey revealed that cardamom had consumed 26.59 kg a.i ha-1 in comparison with tea (8.70kg a.i ha-1). Pesticide intensity of cardamom (0.0322 kg kg-1) was higher than tea (0.0046 kg kg-1). Risk weighed active ingredients values were 3.326 and 0.029 kg ha-1 for cardamom and tea respectively. The pesticide use intensity in major cardamom growing areas of the CHR has experienced significant increase from 2002 and 2003. It was 7.10 kg a.i ha-1 in the year 2002 and decreased slightly to 5.42 kg a.i ha-1 for the year 2003. The number of pesticide sprays has been increased during the last two years (2011-2012). Pesticide residues in soils of all three cardamom growing hot spots were high. Hospital data of these cardamom hot spot regions showed higher levels of pesticide poisonings particularly for organophosphorous compounds. Therefore, the analysis and results reported here on pesticide consumption by cardamom and tea must be taken seriously to safeguard the degraded rainforest cardamom agroforestry system.
Ig Gene Analysis Reveals Altered Selective Pressures on Ig-Producing Cells in Parotid Glands of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients
Authors: Hamza Nishath , Hershberg Uri , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Vissink Arjan , Spijkervet Frederik K. L. , Bootsma Hendrika , Kroese Frans G. M. , Bos Nicolaas A.
Published: December 2014

In this study, we sought to understand the selective pressures shaping the Ig-producing cell repertoire in the parotid glands of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients before and after rituximab treatment (RTX). In particular, we evaluated the role of potential N-glycosylation motifs acquired by somatic hypermutation (ac-Nglycs) within Ig H chain V region (IGHV) genes as alternative selective pressures for B cells in pSS. Five pSS patients received RTX. Sequential parotid salivary gland biopsies were taken before RTX, at 12 wk and at 36–52 wk after treatment. Parotid biopsies from four non-pSS patients served as controls. Sequence analysis was carried out on the IgA and IgG RNA transcripts expressing IGHV3 genes in all parotid biopsies. Both IgG and IgA sequences from pSS patients exhibited no evidence for positive Ag-driven selection pressure in their CDRs in contrast to non-pSS controls. The prevalence of IgG sequences with ac-Nglycs was significantly higher in pSS patients than in non-pSS controls. Selection pressures shaping the IgG and IgA repertoire within pSS patients’ parotid glands are distinct from those in non-pSS controls, with very little evidence for positive (auto)antigen selection. The higher prevalence of ac-Nglycs on pSS-IgG compared with non-pSS IgG indicates that ac-Nglycs could be an alternative form of selection pressure. We speculate that B cell hyperproliferation within parotid glands of pSS patients may result from Ag-independent interactions such as that between glycosylated B cell receptors and lectins within the microenvironment rather than (auto)antigen-specific stimulation. Our study brings a new perspective into research on pSS.
Activation of an Innate Immune Receptor, Nod1, Accelerates Atherogenesis in Apoe−/− Mice
Authors: Kanno Shunsuke , Nishio Hisanori , Tanaka Tamami , Motomura Yoshitomo , Murata Kenji , Ihara Kenji , Onimaru Mitsuho , Yamasaki Sho , Kono Hajime , Sueishi Katsuo , Hara Toshiro
Published: December 2014

Atherosclerosis is essentially a vascular inflammatory process in the presence of an excess amount of lipid. We have recently reported that oral administration of a nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-1 ligand, FK565, induced vascular inflammation in vivo. No studies, however, have proven the association between Nod1 and atherosclerosis in vivo. To investigate a potential role of NOD1 in atherogenesis, we orally administered FK565 to apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe−/−) mice for 4 wk intermittently and performed quantification of atherosclerotic lesions in aortic roots and aortas, immunohistochemical analyses, and microarray-based gene expression profiling of aortic roots. FK565 administration accelerated the development of atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice, and the effect was dependent on Nod1 in non–bone marrow origin cells by bone marrow transplantation experiments. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the increases in the accumulation of macrophages and CD3 T cells within the plaques in aortic roots. Gene expression analyses of aortic roots demonstrated a marked upregulation of the Ccl5 gene during early stage of atherogenesis, and the treatment with Ccl5 antagonist significantly inhibited the acceleration of atherosclerosis in FK565-administered Apoe−/− mice. Additionally, as compared with Apoe−/− mice, Apoe and Nod1 double-knockout mice showed reduced development of atherosclerotic lesions from the early stage as well as their delayed progression and a significant reduction in Ccl5 mRNA levels at 9 wk of age. Data in the present study show that the Nod1 signaling pathway in non–bone marrow-derived cells contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.
B7H1/CD80 Interaction Augments PD-1–Dependent T Cell Apoptosis and Ameliorates Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Deng Ruishu , Cassady Kaniel , Li Xiaofan , Yao Sheng , Zhang Mingfeng , Racine Jeremy , Lin Jeffrey , Chen Lieping , Zeng Defu
Published: December 2014

Interactions of B7H1 (programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1]) with its two ligands, PD-1 and CD80, on T cells play a pivotal role in controlling T cell activation, proliferation, anergy, and apoptosis. However, the interactions between the two pathways remain unknown. Using an alloimmune response model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), we report in this study that: 1) Comparison of proliferation and apoptosis of wild-type (WT) and PD-1−/−CD4+ conventional T (Tcon) cells in WT and B7H1−/− recipients revealed that B7H1/CD80 interaction per se augments T cell proliferation, and this interaction augments T cell apoptosis mediated by B7H1/PD-1 interaction. This observation was recapitulated in an in vitro MLR assay. 2) Specific blockade of the B7H1/CD80 axis by anti-B7H1 mAb reduces WT-alloreactive Tcon cell proliferation, IL-2 production, expression of PD-1, and apoptosis, resulting in worsening GVHD. In contrast, specific blockade of B7H1/CD80 interaction reduces donor PD-1−/− Tcon cell proliferation without an impact on apoptosis, resulting in ameliorating GVHD. 3) B7H1 fused to an Ig Fc domain (B7H1-Ig), when produced in vivo by hydrodynamic injection of B7H1-Ig plasmid, ameliorates GVHD by augmenting proliferation and apoptosis of WT- alloreactive Tcon cells. Conversely, B7H1-Ig treatment has no impact on apoptosis but augments PD-1−/− T cell proliferation and worsens GVHD. These results indicate that B7H1/CD80 interaction augments Tcon cell proliferation, IL-2 production, and expression of PD-1, which leads to increased apoptosis mediated by the B7H1/PD-1 pathway. Additionally, by engaging both PD-1 and CD80, B7H1-Ig can be a powerful therapeutic reagent for downregulating the T cell immune response.
Epibiotic ciliates Scyphidia sp. and diatoms on Tigriopus fulvus (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) exoskeleton
Authors: Pane Luigi , Bonello Guido , Mariottini Gian Luigi
Published: December 2014

Several microorganisms – epibionts – can adhere to living supports taking advantage for their survival, feeding and movement. Epibiosis occurs particularly in aquatic environments, on both benthic and planktonic organisms, among which copepods and cladocerans represent an important living support. The harpacticoid copepod Tigriopus fulvus, living in the splashpools of rocky coasts, was studied to recognize the occurrence of epibionts on the exoskeleton surface using scanning electon microscopy techniques. The first evidence of ciliate Scyphidia sp. on Tigriopus fulvus has been described and the occurrence of algae Cocconeis sp. has been observed as well. Epibionts were found to adhere to antennae, a site linked to the exploitation of water currents carrying food particles to mouthparts and to swimming legs. The reason of the occurrence on swimming legs is less clear and needs further observations. Pertinent results are described and discussed and the influence of epibionts on life cycle and behavior of Tigriopus fulvus is considered.
Discerning Calvin’s pastoral care from his letters
Authors: Potgieter Raymond
Published: December 2014

The same acuity that is evident in John Calvin’s theological writings accompanied his correspondence. Calvin’s mission was not to support God, but to honour him. Divine revelation and the glory of God underlie the content of his letters. The audacious confidence with which he writes, reveals his utter reliance upon the veracity of Scripture, which understanding must be conveyed through sound teaching. Yet, his letters are not inundated with scriptural references or quotes in the fashion of a medical prescription. Rather the connection between Scripture and writing for Calvin were twofold: it lies in the foundations of sound theology applied pastorally. This undergirded his pastoral care. To bring that across in his correspondence with Duchess Renata Ferrara, he followed basic doctrinal principles, evident from many of his letters applied pastorally to the recipient(s) of the letter.Calvyn se pastorale benadering soos waargeneem in sy briewe. Dieselfde pastorale noukeurigheid wat duidelik in Johannes Calvyn se teologiese geskrifte waarneembaar is, kom ook in sy korrespondensie voor. Calvyn se oogmerk was nie bloot om God te eer nie, maar om Hom te verheerlik. Die inhoud van sy briewe reflekteer sowel die openbaring as die heerlikheid van God. Hy skryf met waagmoed en ’n selfversekerdheid wat sy vertroue in die waarheid van die Skrif weerspieël en wat deur Skrifgetroue onderrig oorgedra moet word. Tog maak hy nie in sy briewe op oordrewe wyse van teksverwysings of aanhalings gebruik om sy teologiete staaf nie. Die verband tussen die Skrif en sy skryfwerk was eerder vir Calvyn ’n tweeledige saak: dit berus naamlik op gesonde teologie wat pastoraal toegepas word. Dit blyk derhalwe uit baie van sy briewe, soos dié aan die Hertogin Renata Ferrara, dat hy die metode volg ombasiese dogmatiese leerstellings in sy korrespondensie uit te lê en met pastorale sorg toe te pas.
An audit of elective outpatient magnetic resonance imaging in a tertiary South African public-sector hospital
Authors: Van Schouwenburg Francois , Ackermann Christelle , Pitcher Richard
Published: December 2014

Background: Increasing demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has resulted in longer waiting times for elective MRI, particularly in resource-limited healthcare environments.However, inappropriate imaging requests may also contribute to prolonged MRI waiting times. At the time of the present study, the waiting time for elective MRI studies at Tygerberg Hospital (TBH), a tertiary-level public-sector healthcare facility in Cape Town (South Africa),was 24 weeks.Objectives: To document the nature and clinical appropriateness of scheduled TBH outpatient MRI examinations.Method: A retrospective analysis of the referral forms of all elective outpatient MRIexaminations scheduled at TBH from 01 June to 30 November 2011 was conducted. Patient age, gender, clinical details, provisional diagnosis, examination requested and referring clinician were recorded on a customised data sheet. Two radiologists independently evaluated the appropriateness of each request by comparing the clinical details and the provisional diagnosis provided with the 2012 American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for the appropriate use of MRI.Results: Four hundred and sixty-six patients (median age 42 years; interquartile range 19–55) who had 561 examinations were scheduled in the review period; 70 (15%) were children less than 6 years old. Neurosurgery (n = 164; 35%), orthopaedic (n = 144; 31%),neurology (n = 53; 11%) and paediatric (n = 27; 6%) outpatients accounted for the majority(81%) of referrals; 464 (99.6%) were from specialist clinics. MRIs of the spine (n = 314; 56%),brain (n = 152; 27%) and musculoskeletal system (n = 70, 13%) accounted for more than 95%of the investigations. In 455 cases (98%), the referral was congruent with published ACR guidelines for appropriate MRI utilisation.Conclusion: Scheduled outpatient MRI examinations at TBH reflect optimal clinical use of a limited resource. MRI utilisation is largely confined to traditional neuro-imaging. Any initiative to decrease the elective MRI waiting time should focus on service expansion.