bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implicancias Éticas y Jurídicas en el desarrollo de la biotecnología transgénica. Reflexiones en torno a la tramitación de la Ley de Obtentores Vegetales en Chile
Authors: Cornejo Plaza María Issabel , Rodríguez Yunta Eduardo
Published: October 2015

Recientemente ha sido aprobada por la Cámara de Diputados en Chile la tramitación de la Ley de Obtentores Vegetales (Ley Monsanto). Esta investigación pretende un análisis analítico, crítico e interpretativo de un proyecto de ley que debiera seguir ciertos parámetros éticos. Los derechos de obtentores vegetales son un sistema de propiedad intelectual para la protección específica de nuevas variedades de plantas. Para que una variedad pueda ser protegida, debe ser nueva, distinta, uniforme y estable. Los derechos de obtentor se rigen bajo la Unión Internacional para la Protección de las Obtenciones Vegetales (UPOV). Chile ha adherido a UPOV en acta 1978 en 1996, y lo implementa mediante la Ley de Obtentores de Nuevas Variedades Vegetales, No. 19.342 de 1994. Sin embargo, Chile firmó un acuerdo de Libre Comercio con Estados Unidos, donde se compromete a incorporarse a la versión de UPOV 1991. Esta iniciativa ha causado gran resquemor en la sociedad civil chilena y en el mundo político. Grandes son también las aristas éticas en torno a esta iniciativa, desde que la normativa privatizaría las semillas y concentraría la propiedad de estas en pocas empresas, entre las cuales se presumen intereses económicos de Monsanto. Además, el proyecto de ley estaría violando el convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) sobre biodiversidad. Por otro lado, en Chile no existe un catastro de recursos “fitogenéticos” adecuado. Respeto a la discusión bioética, esta normativa no considera reflexiones en torno a los principios de precaución, solidaridad, multiculturalidad, responsabilidad y sustentabilidad con el medio ambiente en el contexto global. Consideramos que una adecuada legislación en torno a los transgénicos puede sin duda ayudar al progreso con equidad.
Identidad bio-lógica: sobre la constitución de la identidad en la biología filosófica de Hans Jonas
Authors: Macraigne Stève
Published: October 2015

Este estudio propone revisar, a la luz de la comprensión ontológica que desarrolla Hans Jonas del fenómeno de la vida (Jonas, 1966), la concepción de la identidad que opera en la lógica. El propósito es proponer un esquema formal capaz de describir la constitución de la identidad a partir de la vida encarnada. Pareciera dicho propósito alejado del campo de la bioética, pero en realidad no lo es: pensar la identidad desde la vida es participar de la construcción de una “ciencia de la supervivencia” que “se cimienta en la biología” (Potter, 1971) y en esta medida es atender al llamado de Potter de extender los límites de la biología para poder incluir en ella la reflexión filosófica. En este sentido se explora primero varios aspectos fundacionales de la ontología de la vida que Hans Jonas plantea en El principio vida. Hacia una biología filosófica (1966).
Se profundiza en la manera como Jonas aborda la identidad desde esta ontología y se considera algunas observaciones críticas sobre la estrategia ontológica y fenomenológica que desarrolla. Luego, se profundiza de manera crítica, en los aspectos fenomenológicos y ontológicos que Jonas desarrolla para la comprensión de la vida. Por último, después de este recorrido filosófico, se propone un esquema que intenta describir fenomenológicamente la constitución de la identidad a partir de la posición ontológica del carácter relacional (transitivo) de la vida encarnada.
La condición post-orgánica: tema de encuentro y tensión entre bioética y biopolítica.
Authors: Galvis Crisrian
Published: October 2015

Asistimos en el mundo actual a una re-definición de la condición humana, mediante el aporte a la biología, de las tecnologías digitales, sobre todo informáticas y anexas a las nuevas ciencias de la vida: la biología molecular y la genética. Tal presupuesto, abre la posibilidad de la pos-evolución humana definida como la superación de las limitaciones del cuerpo biológico, a través de su endo-colonización con dispositivos en miniatura producidos por la nanotecnología y de su expansión conectiva, usando aplicaciones energéticas intangibles. Esto hace posible vislumbrar un futuro caracterizado por cuerpos y subjetividades moldeadas según desarrollos biotecnológicos e informáticos, poseedores de acrecentamientos cualitativos significativos, frente al obsoleto resultado de la mera deriva de la selección natural atávica. Se trata, ni más ni menos de la posibilidad real de superar la pretérita condición humana. Desde tal condición (posmoderna y post humana), el hombre asume problemas relativos a su identidad, es decir a su ontología, referidos al furor tecnológico y el paroxismo informático, tanto como posibilidad de otro modo de ser, o como alienación de su sustrato orgánico. La dificultad desde la bioética, estaría en la toma de decisiones sobre la orientación de tal evolución post-biológica. Sobre si sería posible establecer restricciones a la investigación y aplicaciones científicas, sobre quien o quienes estarían facultados para hacerlo y dentro de que marco de condiciones, sobre qué tipo de procedimientos refrendarían dicha toma de decisiones. De este modo, el riesgo, ha de ser componente ineludible de los procesos de subjetivación de los individuos, tanto como miembros del colectivo, como en el rol de empresarios de sí mismos, algo ineludible y correlativo a las sutiles técnicas de conducción de la conducta en la gestión del capital humano biotecnológico. En la perspectiva biopolítica, se trata de la gestión privada del riesgo, de la emergencia de una subjetividad comprometida con la administración eficaz del mismo, optimizadora del capital genético como conformante del capital humano propio. Se fortalece así una lógica de privatización del destino, de obligación del cuidado del cuerpo, inscrita en los circuitos de mercado que la hacen factible. Articulo resultado de investigación.
Fire severity and fire‐induced landscape heterogeneity affect arboreal mammals in fire‐prone forests
Authors: Chia Evelyn K. , Bassett Michelle , Nimmo Dale G. , Leonard Steve W. J. , Ritchie Euan G. , Clarke Michael F. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: October 2015

In fire‐prone regions, wildfire influences spatial and temporal patterns of landscape heterogeneity. The likely impacts of climate change on the frequency and intensity of wildfire highlights the importance of understanding how fire‐induced heterogeneity may affect different components of the biota. Here, we examine the influence of wildfire, as an agent of landscape heterogeneity, on the distribution of arboreal mammals in fire‐prone forests in south‐eastern Australia. First, we used a stratified design to examine the role of topography, and the relative influence of fire severity and fire history, on the occurrence of arboreal mammals 2–3 years after wildfire. Second, we investigated the influence of landscape context on the occurrence of arboreal mammals at severely burnt sites. Forested gullies supported a higher abundance of arboreal mammals than slopes. Fire severity was the strongest influence, with abundance lower at severely burnt than unburnt sites. The occurrence of mammals at severely burned sites was influenced by landscape context: abundance increased with increasing amount of unburnt and understorey‐only burnt forest within a 1 km radius. These results support the hypothesis that unburnt forest and moist gullies can serve as refuges for fauna in the post‐fire environment and assist recolonization of severely burned forest. They highlight the importance of spatial heterogeneity created by wildfire and the need to incorporate spatial aspects of fire regimes (e.g., creation and protection of refuges) for fire management in fire‐prone landscapes.
From Capstone to Community: Translating a Capstone Project to a Community Setting as a Component of a Comprehensive Program to Address Childhood Obesity
Authors: Reinisch Courtney E. , Lyons Rachel , Quinn Margaret , Kelly Sarah
Published: October 2015

Across the nation, doctor of nursing practice programs require a final project for partial completion of the degree. What happens to these projects after the degree is conferred? This article seeks to describe how a group of nursing faculty used a capstone project to address the needs of the local community in an underserved inner city middle school to have physical and nutrition education curriculum introduced. A completed capstone project served as a framework for the physical activity component of a health and fitness curriculum. The overall program goal was to serve as a childhood obesity intervention by increasing student’s active time and improving nutrition behaviors. For this article, the needs assessment, partnership, and translation of a capstone project will be described.
Ethical Choices in Aesthetic Medicine and Beyond
Authors: Lopez-Moriarty Sonia
Published: October 2015

Practitioners will likely encounter significant ethical dilemmas during their professional careers. As these issues arise, practitioners will be required to analyze ethical issues and evaluate available choices. This case study discusses such an ethical dilemma in the context of aesthetic plastic surgery. The aesthetic provider is confronted with the question of whether or not to provide an ethically questionable procedure. The thought process discussed here can be extended beyond aesthetic medicine to all practitioners facing ethical dilemmas. An analysis of the principles of bioethics was undertaken. The principles of bioethics were then applied to the dilemma faced by the practitioner. Finally, a practical, 4-step system was constructed to be incorporated by the practitioner to guide in making ethically sound decisions.
Fines-Migration-Assisted Oil and Gas Recovery (Low Salinity Water Injection)
Authors: Zeinijahromi A. , Bedrikovetsky P.
Published: October 2015

Since 2nd World War, waterflooding remains a major method of oil production in Russia. Improved waterflooding with low capital investments and high incremental recovery would highly impact the country's economy.

The paper proposes several methods of produced water deceleration by induced migration and straining of the natural reservoir fines, yielding the produced water decrease and sweep efficiency enhancement. It includes low-salinity/smart waterflooding with fines mobilization and permeability reduction in swept zones, yielding the sweep efficiency enhancement. Other methods are based on short-term injection of small banks of fresh or low salinity water in order to block the produced water by creation of the low-permeability shields due to migration of mobilized fines.

The validity of the results is defined by micro-scale and core-scale modelling, laboratory studies, upscaling of results up to the reservoir scale and by the field data.
Biochemical Defenses Induced by Mycorrhizae Fungi Glomus Mosseae in
Controlling Strawberry Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Yanan Wang , Xusheng Zhao , Baozhong Yin , Wenchao Zhen , Jintang Guo
Published: October 2015

The effect of VAM on reducing wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. f.sp. fragariae Winks et Williams
(FO) infection in strawberry and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. Two key substances involved
in disease defenses, lignin and hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein were induced and formed in the cell wall of strawberry root,
and the peak content of lignin and hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein was obtained on the 25th day (149.52mg/g) and on the
15th day (10.08 mg/g), respectively. The activity of protective enzymes SOD, POD and CAT inoculation with VAM significantly
increased when compared with the control under both CK (natural growth) and inoculated with FO. The conductivity
of VAM plus FO treatment was higher than the CK treatment, but significantly lower than the FO treatment.
Effect of couple stresses on hydromagnetic Eyring-Powell fluid flow through a porous channel
Authors: Adesanya Samuel , Falade John , Rach Randolph
Published: October 2015

In this paper, the flow of hydromagnetic non-Newtonian fluid under couple
stresses through a porous channel is investigated using the Eyring-Powell
model. The fluid is driven by an axial constant pressure gradient.
Approximate solutions of the nonlinear dimensionless equations governing the
fluid flow are obtained using a new modification of Adomian decomposition
method (ADM). The effects of the variation of various flow parameters on both
the velocity and temperature fields are deduced and discussed including
surface-fluid interface friction and rate of heat transfer.
Is There A Scientific Basis for Accounting? Implications for Practice, Research, and Education
Authors: Basu Sudipta
Published: October 2015

This essay is based on a keynote speech at the 2014 Journal of International Accounting Research (JIAR) Conference. That talk was built upon a 2009 American Accounting Association (AAA) Annual Meeting panel presentation titled “Is There Any Scientific Legitimacy to What We Teach in Accounting 101?” I evaluate whether accounting practice, regulation, research, and teaching have a strong underlying scientific basis. I argue that recent accounting research, regulation, and teaching are often based on unscientific ideology but that evolved accounting practice embeds scientific laws even if accountants are largely unaware of them. Accounting researchers have an opportunity to expand scientific inquiry in accounting by improving their research designs and exploring uses of accounting outside formal capital markets using field studies and experiments.
The modified procedures in coercivity scaling
Authors: Najgebauer Mariusz , Sokalski Krzysztof , Szczygłowski Jan
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a scaling approach to the analysis of coercivity. The Widom-based procedure of coercivity scaling has been tested for non-oriented electrical steel. Due to insufficient results, the scaling procedure was improved relating to the method proposed by Van den Bossche. The modified procedure of coercivity scaling gave better results, in comparison to the original approach. The influence of particular parameters and a range of measurement data used in the estimations on the final effect of the coercivity scaling were discussed.
Small-signal transmittances of DC-DC step-down PWM converter in various operation modes
Authors: Janke Włodzimierz
Published: October 2015

Small-signal transmittances: input-to-output and control-to-output of BUCK converter power stage working in CCM or DCM mode are discussed. Ideal converter case and converter with parasitic resistances are considered separately. Derivations of small-signal transmittances, based on different approaches to finding the converter averaged models, are presented and the results are compared. Apart from theoretical considerations, some results of numerical calculations are presented.
Developing and Testing an Online Tool for Probing Customer Preferences
Authors: Riala Maria , Nummelin Tuomas
Published: October 2015

This article describes the development of a new online tool for collecting data about customer preferences. The tool was created to produce comprehensive data on the connections between important variables, while offering an interesting and easy-to-use tool for respondents and researchers. The tool uses the principle of a mind-map. It was applied to two cases concerning housing preferences, and to one of municipal construction. Consumer preferences are complex and the authors thought that a visual tool could prove helpful in data collection. We present examples of network analysis, which give good insights into the complexity of preferences. Ways to improve the usability and analytical potential of the tool are also discussed. The mind-map tool shows potential for being a good data collection method, although further development is necessary to uncover the whole potential of the tool.
αs-Casein-PE6400 Mixtures: Thermodynamics of Micelle Formation
Authors: Kessler Anne , Weiss Jochen , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: October 2015

Micelles are increasingly used as carrier systems. In previous studies, we have shown that the blockcopolymers PEO13-PPO30-PEO13 and αs-casein form micelles at distinct temperature and concentration ranges. The aim of the study at hand was to determine the thermodynamics of this micelle formation by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). For αs-casein, micelle formation was investigated as a function of temperature from 15 – 30 °C at pH = 6.6, while micelle formation of PE6400 and of mixtures of PE6400 with αs-casein was studied from 29 – 31 °C. In addition, the influence of increasing αs-casein mole fraction from 0.135 × 10−3 to 3.6 × 10−3 was examined at 30 °C. In case of αs-casein, the standard experimental approach could be used while we developed a new experimental approach for PE6400 and for the mixture. The results show that the enthalpy of demicellization increases for αs-casein and decreases for PE6400 with increasing temperature. In case of the mixtures, the enthalpy of demicellization was not influenced by either the temperature or the αs-casein mole fraction. The results obtained for αs-casein suggest that the micellization follows a “shell-model”. In the case of the mixtures, αs-casein is likely to form the core of the micelle while the outer part appears to be composed of PE6400. The mixing properties were antagonistic, which was shown by comparing the enthalpies of PE6400 with those of the mixtures. The results show that ITC is a powerful tool to precisely determine micellization properties not only of the single but also of mixed surfactant systems.
Identification of Non-ionic Surfactants in Elements of the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Kopiec Daniel , Zembrzuska Joanna , Budnik Irena , Wyrwas Bogdan , Dymaczewski Zbyslaw , Komorowska-Kaufman Malgorzata , Lukaszewski Zenon
Published: October 2015

Information concerning the use of non-ionic surfactants (NS) in household products is very scanty. Therefore, a qualitative determination of NS in raw sewage is an alternative source of information concerning the presence and manufacture of NS. The aim of this work was to identify NS in raw sewage (in Poznan and Blonie, both Poland) and treated sewage (in Blonie) and to compare the results with those obtained for river water (Warta in Poznan, Poland). LC-MS/MS was used for this purpose. The presence of 116 ethoxamers, being exclusively polydispersal alcohol ethoxylates (AE) containing alkyl moieties from C10 to C16 and C18, as well as 20 poly(ethylene glycols), was confirmed in the raw sewage, while 68 ethoxamers were found in the treated sewage, including 12 octylphenol ethoxylates. No nonylphenol ethoxylates were identified in the raw or treated sewage.
Obstetrical brachial plexus injury: burden in a publicly funded, universal healthcare system
Authors: Coroneos Christopher J. , Voineskos Sophocles H. , Coroneos Marie K. , Alolabi Noor , Goekjian Serge R. , Willoughby Lauren I. , Farrokhyar Forough , Thoma Achilleas , Bain James R. , Brouwers Melissa C.
Published: October 2015

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to determine the volume and timing of referrals for obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI) to multidisciplinary centers in a national demographic sample. Secondarily, we aimed to measure the incidence and risk factors for OBPI in the sample. The burden of OBPI has not been investigated in a publicly funded system, and the timing and volume of referrals to multidisciplinary centers are unknown. The incidence and risk factors for OBPI have not been established in Canada.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. The authors used a demographic sample of all infants born in Canada, capturing all children born in a publicly funded, universal healthcare system. OBPI diagnoses and corresponding risk factors from 2004 to 2012 were identified and correlated with referrals to Canada’s 10 multidisciplinary OBPI centers. Quality indicators were approved by the Canadian OBPI Working Group’s guideline consensus group. The primary outcome was the timing of initial assessment at a multidisciplinary center, “good” if assessed by the time the patient was 1 month of age, “satisfactory” if by 3 months of age, and “poor” if thereafter. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine the OBPI incidence over the study period. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the strength of association for risk factors.

RESULTS

OBPI incidence was 1.24 per 1000 live births, and was consistent from 2004 to 2012. Potential biases underestimate the level of injury identification. The factors associated with a very strong risk for OBPI were humerus fracture, shoulder dystocia, and clavicle fracture. The majority (55%–60%) of OBPI patients identified at birth were not referred. Among those who were referred, the timing of assessment was “good” in 28%, “satisfactory” in 66%, and “poor” in 34%.

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder dystocia was the strongest modifiable risk factor for OBPI. Most children with OBPI were not referred to multidisciplinary care. Of those who were referred, 72% were assessed later than the target quality indicator of 1 month that was established by the national guideline consensus group. A referral gap has been identified using quality indicators at clinically relevant time points; this gap should be addressed with the use of knowledge tools (e.g., a clinical practice guideline) to target variations in referral rates and clinical practice. Interventions should guide the referral process.
Modelled stress distributions at the Dome Summit South borehole, Law Dome, East Antarctica: a comparison of anisotropic ice flow relations
Authors: Treverrow Adam , Warner Roland C. , Budd William F. , Jacka T.H. , Roberts Jason L.
Published: October 2015

In this study we compare the anisotropic flow relations for polycrystalline ice of Azuma and Goto-Azuma (1996), Thorsteinsson (2002), Placidi and others (2010) and Budd and others (2013). Observations from the Dome Summit South (DSS) ice-coring site at Law Dome, East Antarctica, are used to model the vertical distribution of deviatoric stress components at the borehole site. The flow relations in which the anisotropic rheology is parameterized by a scalar function, so that the strain-rate and deviatoric stress tensor components are collinear, provide simple shear and vertical compression deviatoric stress profiles that are most consistent with laboratory observations of tertiary creep in combined stress configurations. Those flow relations where (1) the anisotropy is derived from the magnitude of applied stresses resolved onto the basal planes of individual grains and (2) the macroscopic deformation is obtained via homogenization of individual grain responses provide stress estimates less consistent with laboratory observations. This is most evident in combined simple shear and vertical compression flow regimes where shear is dominant. Our results highlight the difficulties associated with developing flow relations which incorporate a physically based description of microdeformation processes. In particular, this requires that all relevant microdeformation, recrystallization and recovery processes are adequately parameterized.
An in situ measurement of the radio-frequency attenuation in ice at Summit Station, Greenland
Authors: Avva Jessica , Kovac John M. , Miki Christian , Saltzberg David , Vieregg Abigail G.
Published: October 2015

We report an in situ measurement of the electric field attenuation length Lα at radio frequencies for the bulk ice at Summit Station, Greenland, made by broadcasting radio-frequency signals vertically through the ice and measuring the relative power in the return ground bounce signal. We find the depth-averaged field attenuation length to be at 75 MHz. While this measurement has clear radioglaciological applications, the radio clarity of the ice also has implications for the detection of ultra-high energy (UHE) astrophysical particles via their radio emission in dielectric media such as ice. Assuming a reliable extrapolation to higher frequencies, the measured attenuation length at Summit Station is comparable to previously measured radio-frequency attenuation lengths at candidate particle detector sites around the world, and strengthens the case for Summit Station as a promising northern site for UHE neutrino detection.
A grid-based model of backwasting of supraglacial ice cliffs on debris-covered glaciers
Authors: Buri Pascal , Pellicciotti Francesca , Steiner Jakob F. , Miles Evan S. , Immerzeel Walter W.
Published: October 2015

Ice cliffs might be partly responsible for the high mass losses of debris-covered glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region. The few existing models of cliff backwasting are point-scale models applied at few locations or assume cliffs to be planes with constant slope and aspect, a major simplification given the complex surfaces of most cliffs. We develop the first grid-based model of cliff backwasting for two cliffs on debris-covered Lirung Glacier, Nepal. The model includes an improved representation of shortwave and longwave radiation, and their interplay with the glacier topography. Shortwave radiation varies considerably across the two cliffs, mostly due to direct radiation. Diffuse radiation is the major shortwave component, as the direct component is strongly reduced by the cliffs’ aspect and slope through self-shading. Incoming longwave radiation is higher than the total incoming shortwave flux, due to radiation emitted by the surrounding terrain, which is 25% of the incoming flux. Melt is highly variable in space, suggesting that simple models provide inaccurate estimates of total melt volumes. Although only representing 0.09% of the glacier tongue area, the total melt at the two cliffs over the measurement period is 2313 and 8282 m3, 1.23% of the total melt simulated by a glacio-hydrological model for the glacier’s tongue.
Factors affecting the adoption of improved varieties of mustard cultivation in some selected sites of Bangladesh
Authors: Miah MA Monayem , Afroz Sadia , Rashid MA , Shiblee SAM
Published: October 2015

Mustard is a leading oil crop in Bangladesh. Relevant data and information on the adoption of improved mustard varieties is very scanty and sporadic in Bangladesh. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the extent of adoption of improved mustard varieties and their management practices at farm level. The study used data from 540 mustard growing farmers under Manikgonj, Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts. Probit regression model along with other descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. Analysis revealed that the farm level adoption of different production practices were not encouraging as most farmers did not follow the recommendations made by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) for mustard cultivation. The variety adoption scenario was also discouraging since only 40% of the farmers cultivated improved mustard varieties. However, farmers showed positive attitude towards adoption of improved mustard varieties since about 53% of the adopters wanted to increase area under improve mustard cultivation in next growing season considering the high yielding ability, low cultivation cost, high profit, and less labour requirements. Although mustard is considered to be a profitable crop, many farmers showed negative attitude towards its production due to some drawbacks. Non-availability of improved mustard seed was also found to be a barrier to its adoption at farm level.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(3): 363-379, September 2015
Effect of weeding regime on weed vegetation and yield performance of wheat in two locations of Mymensingh district
Authors: Kabir MG , Begum M , Hossain MM , Anwar MP
Published: October 2015

On-farm two experiments were carried out at the Fulbaria upazila under Mymensingh district and Agronomy Field Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from November 2011 to March 2012. The experiment comprised ten fields for each of the locations which composed of three weeding regime treatments, namely, unweeded, farmers weeded and weed free. The design was randomized complete block with ten replications. Data on weed density, yield contributing characters and yield of wheat were recorded. Except straw yield in Fulbaria all others yield contributing characters were affected significantly due to weeding regime treatment. The highest grain yield was recorded in weed-free treatment compared to farmers weeded and unweeded treatment in Fulbaria. Whereas, in Agronomy Field Laboratory at BAU, the highest grain yield was observed in weed-free treatment which was statistically identical to farmers weeded treatment. Five dominant weed species were identified in Fulbaria naimly Cynodon dactylon L., Cyperus rotundus L., Alternanthera sessilis L., Polygonum orientale L. and Chenopodium album L. and in Agronomy Field Laboratory at BAU namely Gnaphalium affine L., Cyperus rotundus L., Digitaria sanguinalis L., Cynodon dactylon L. and Panicum repens L. Infestation of Cynodon dactylon L. was more in Fulbaria due to control difficulties and Gnaphalium affine L. was more in BAU due to weed seed bank year after year and poor cultural management. So there is scope to increase yield potential of wheat by improving existing weed control practices.Progress. Agric. 2014. 25: 23-30
Effect of water pH on the early developmental responses in zebrafish (danio rerio)
Authors: Zahangir MM , Haque F , Mustakim GM , Khatun H , Islam MS
Published: October 2015

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the egg production performance in zebrafish (Danio rerio) in different pH treatments. Zebrafish were reared continuously 15 days in 3 different pH treatments like control (pH 6.8-7.4), acidic (pH 5.0-6.0) and basic (pH 9.0-10.0) media and then eggs were collected from them. Numbers of egg collection from the acidic and basic media were significantly varied from the control. Collected eggs from acidic, basic and control media were then incubated at different pH treatments ranging from pH 2.0-12.0. Significant differences were observed in hatching rate and time in control medium from two other different treatments.Progressive Agriculture 26:85-89, 2015
‘I heard him in that ancient poem’: An Interview with Frank McGuinness on the Influence of Old and Middle English Literature on his Writing
Authors: Pattwell Niamh
Published: October 2015

In this interview, conducted in the Summer of 2014, Frank McGuinness talks about his introduction to Old and Middle English as a student in University College Dublin and its influence on his writings. Particular attention is given to his enormously successful play, Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, which was nominated for two New York Critics awards in 1993. In the interview, Mc Guinness addresses the place of earlier literature on the university curriculum and how we might continue to assert its value. His remarks on the importance of allowing students access to the whole range of literature of a particular culture, alongside his observations on his own teachers, and the texts he studied as an undergraduate and postgraduate student are reflective of the breadth and depth of his immersion in the texts of the Old and Middle English period and his commitment to teaching. In the explorations on Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, McGuinness addresses the centrality of music, the difference between heroism and courage, as well as the ways in which the play enabled him to both distance himself from and to engage with the key themes of loneliness, isolation, and endurance that are at the centre of the play.
Medievalism and Writing Modern Poetry
Authors: O'Donoghue Bernard
Published: October 2015

Bernard O'Donoghue argues that his choice of specialising in the medieval parts of an English degree may have been unconsciously dictated by the language and culture of an Irish Catholic upbringing and school education. At Umeraboy National School in North Cork he learned the writing and reading of English and Irish simultaneously, giving no particular privilege to the language spoken at home, English. A possible consequence of this was an everyday acceptance of unfamiliar vocabulary, which was reinforced by daily encounters with the Latin-derived language of prayer: words like ‘implored’, ‘intercession’, ‘advocate’, ‘clement’. When he did graduate work in Medieval English, he found that the cultural issues for writers like Chaucer and Dante and the Old English poets were the stock in trade of his childhood, and that the script used by the Anglo-Saxon scribes were the same as the cló gaelach of the National School of his time. Also, while operating in an imperfectly understood vocabulary might be expected to be a disadvantage in grasping the precise senses of words, the compulsion of ‘the half-stated’ or half understood was not out of place in poetry. So he ended up as a medievalist who tried to write poetry.
Community-Based Family Health History Education: The Role of State Health Agencies in Engaging Medically Underserved Populations in Understanding Genomics and Risk of Chronic Disease
Authors: Senier Laura , Shields Michael , Lee Rachael , Nicoll Lauren , Falzon Danielle , Wiecek Elyssa
Published: October 2015

Although family health history (FHH) collection has been recognized as an influential method for assessing a person’s risk of chronic disease, studies have shown that people who are low-income, from racial and ethnic minorities, and poorly educated are less likely to collect their FHH or share it with a medical professional. Programs to raise public awareness about the importance of FHH have conventionally targeted patients in primary care clinics or in the general community, but few efforts have been made to coordinate educational efforts across settings. This paper describes a project by the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Genomics Office to disseminate training materials about FHH as broadly as possible, by engaging partners in multiple settings: a local health department, a community health center, and two advocacy organizations that serve minority and immigrant populations. We used a mixed methods program evaluation to examine the efficacy of the FHH program and to assess barriers in integrating it into the groups’ regular programming. Our findings highlight how a state health department can promote FHH education among underserved communities.
The Association Between Physical Activity, Mental Status, and Social and Family Support with Five Major Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases Among Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Rural Population in Southern China
Authors: Huang Xiang , Yang Huajie , Wang Harry , Qiu Yongjun , Lai Xiujuan , Zhou Zhiheng , Li Fangjian , Zhang Liwei , Wang Jiaji , Lei Jimin
Published: October 2015

Background: Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) have become the top threat in China. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of major NCDs among the elderly population in rural areas in southern China and explore its associated social determinants. Methods: A multistage cluster random sampling methodology was adopted to select a total of 9245 rural elderly people from 3860 rural households in Guangdong Province. Interviews and physical examinations were performed to collect patient information. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore factors associated with the presence of major NCDs. Results: Over one-third (38.5%) of the study population suffered from five major NCDs. The grade of activities of daily living (ADL), mental status, and social relationship of elderly people without NCDs were better than those with NCDs. The major factors associated with the presence of NCDs among the elderly people included age (70–79 years group and 80–89 years group), education level (senior high/technical secondary school and junior college and above), mental status (concentration, enrichment and happy life and memory), relationship with neighbours, activities of daily living (ADL) (being able to climb three floors and bend over), physical activity, marital status (bereft), and living conditions (with offspring and family members). Conclusions: The study identified several social determinants associated with the presence of major NCDs. A higher level of family support and physical exercise might contribute to improved physical condition, mental status, and ADL among the elderly people in rural areas in southern China.
Correction: Marcheggiani, S.; et al. Detection of Emerging and Re-Emerging Pathogens in Surface Waters Close to an Urban Area. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 5505–5527
Authors: Marcheggiani Stefania , D’Ugo Emilo , Puccinelli Camilla , Giuseppetti Roberto , D’Angelo Anna , Gualerzi Claudio , Spurio Roberto , Medlin Linda , Guillebault Delphine , Baudart-Lenfant Julia , Weigel Wilfried , Helmi Karim , Mancini Laura
Published: October 2015

We wish to make the following changes to the published article [1], agreed upon by all authors: [...]
Increased Uptake of Chelated Copper Ions by Lolium perenne Attributed to Amplified Membrane and Endodermal Damage
Authors: Johnson Anthea , Singhal Naresh
Published: October 2015

The contributions of mechanisms by which chelators influence metal translocation to plant shoot tissues are analyzed using a combination of numerical modelling and physical experiments. The model distinguishes between apoplastic and symplastic pathways of water and solute movement. It also includes the barrier effects of the endodermis and plasma membrane. Simulations are used to assess transport pathways for free and chelated metals, identifying mechanisms involved in chelate-enhanced phytoextraction. Hypothesized transport mechanisms and parameters specific to amendment treatments are estimated, with simulated results compared to experimental data. Parameter values for each amendment treatment are estimated based on literature and experimental values, and used for model calibration and simulation of amendment influences on solute transport pathways and mechanisms. Modeling indicates that chelation alters the pathways for Cu transport. For free ions, Cu transport to leaf tissue can be described using purely apoplastic or transcellular pathways. For strong chelators (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)), transport by the purely apoplastic pathway is insufficient to represent measured Cu transport to leaf tissue. Consistent with experimental observations, increased membrane permeability is required for simulating translocation in EDTA and DTPA treatments. Increasing the membrane permeability is key to enhancing phytoextraction efficiency.
Vuur: Exploring Shared Interaction with Light
Authors: Dijkhuis Sander , Offermans Serge , Bakker Saskia
Published: October 2015

As LED lighting technology becomes omnipresent, lighting environments become more advanced and allow for adjusting various parameters such as color, brightness, and saturation. This poses challenges for interaction design, particularly when lighting environments are shared between multiple users. This paper presents “Vuur”: a shared physical interface with which users can control lighting in meeting room environments through gestures on the interface’s surface. A research-through-design exploration involving five variations of an experienceable Vuur prototype revealed that the interface enabled groups of participants to explore, and reach consensus about, shared lighting preferences. The findings are presented in four themes that emerged from qualitative analysis of the performed user studies: lighting needs, continued interaction, peripheral interaction, and shared interface. This early exploration of shared interaction with light lays out opportunities and insights for tangible and gestural interaction in the emerging domain of interactive lighting systems.
Poly(Propylene Imine) Dendrimers and Amoxicillin as Dual-Action Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Wrońska Natalia , Felczak Aleksandra , Zawadzka Katarzyna , Poszepczyńska Martyna , Różalska Sylwia , Bryszewska Maria , Appelhans Dietmar , Lisowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2015

Besides acting as antimicrobial compounds, dendrimers can be considered as agents that improve the therapeutic effectiveness of existing antibiotics. In this work we present a new approach to using amoxicillin (AMX) against reference strains of common Gram-negative pathogens, alone and in combination with poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers, or derivatives thereof, in which 100% of the available hydrogen atoms are substituted with maltose (PPI 100%malG3). The concentrations of dendrimers used remained in the range non-toxic to eukaryotic cells. The results indicate that PPI dendrimers significantly enhance the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin alone, allowing antibiotic doses to be reduced. It is important to reduce doses of amoxicillin because its widespread use in medicine could lead to the development of bacterial resistance and environmental pollution. This is the first report on the combined antibacterial activity of PPI surface-modified maltose dendrimers and amoxicillin.
Analysis of the Photophysical Behavior and Rotational-Relaxation Dynamics of Coumarin 6 in Nonionic Micellar Environments: The Effect of Temperature
Authors: Ruiz Cristóbal , Hierrezuelo José , Molina-Bolivar José
Published: October 2015

The photodynamics of Coumarin 6 have been investigated in three nonionic micellar assemblies, i.e., n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (β-C12G2), p-tert-octyl-phenoxy polyethylene (9.5) ether (Triton X-100 or TX100) and n-dodecyl-hexaethylene-glycol (C12E6), to assess their potential use as encapsulation vehicles for hydrophobic drugs. To evaluate the effect of the micellar size and hydration, the study used a broad temperature range (293.15–323.15 K). The data presented here include steady-state absorption and emission spectra of the probe, dynamic light scattering, together with fluorescence lifetimes and both steady-state, as well as time-resolved fluorescence anisotropies. The time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy data were analyzed on the basis of the well-established two-step model. Our data reveal that the molecular probe in all of the cases is solubilized in the hydration layer of micelles, where it would sense a relatively polar environment. However, the probe was found to undergo a slower rotational reorientation when solubilized in the alkylpolyglycoside surfactant, as a result of a more compact microenvironment around the probe. The behavior of the parameters of the reorientation dynamics with temperature was analyzed on the basis of both micellar hydration and the head-group flexibility of the surfactants.
Purification and Partial Characterization of β-Glucosidase in Chayote (Sechium edule)
Authors: Mateos Sergio , Cervantes Carlos , Zenteno Edgar , Slomianny Marie-Christine , Alpuche Juan , Hernández-Cruz Pedro , Martínez-Cruz Ruth , Canseco Maria , Pérez-Campos Eduardo , Rubio Manuel , Mayoral Laura , Martínez-Cruz Margarito
Published: October 2015

β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) is a prominent member of the GH1 family of glycoside hydrolases. The properties of this β-glucosidase appear to include resistance to temperature, urea, and iodoacetamide, and it is activated by 2-ME, similar to other members. β-Glucosidase from chayote (Sechium edule) was purified by ionic-interchange chromatography and molecular exclusion chromatography. Peptides detected by LC-ESI-MS/MS were compared with other β-glucosidases using the BLAST program. This enzyme is a 116 kDa protein composed of two sub-units of 58 kDa and shows homology with Cucumis sativus β-glucosidase (NCBI reference sequence XP_004154617.1), in which seven peptides were found with relative masses ranging from 874.3643 to 1587.8297. The stability of β-glucosidase depends on an initial concentration of 0.2 mg/mL of protein at pH 5.0 which decreases by 33% in a period of 30 h, and then stabilizes and is active for the next 5 days (pH 4.0 gives similar results). One hundred μg/mL β-D-glucose inhibited β-glucosidase activity by more than 50%. The enzyme had a Km of 4.88 mM with p-NPG and a Kcat of 10,000 min−1. The optimal conditions for the enzyme require a pH of 4.0 and a temperature of 50 °C.
Differential Contributions of the Complement Anaphylotoxin Receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2 to the Early Innate Immune Response against Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Horst Sarah , Itzek Andreas , Klos Andreas , Beineke Andreas , Medina Eva
Published: October 2015

The complement anaphylatoxin C5a contributes to host defense against Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we investigated the functional role of the two known C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, in the host response to S. aureus. We found that C5aR1−/− mice exhibited greater susceptibility to S. aureus bloodstream infection than wild type and C5aR2−/− mice, as demonstrated by the significantly higher bacterial loads in the kidneys and heart at 24 h of infection, and by the higher levels of inflammatory IL-6 in serum. Histological and immunohistochemistry investigation of infected kidneys at 24 h after bacterial inoculation revealed a discrete infiltration of neutrophils in wild type mice but already well-developed abscesses consisting of bacterial clusters surrounded by a large number of neutrophils in both C5aR1−/− and C5aR2−/− mice. Furthermore, blood neutrophils from C5aR1−/− mice were less efficient than those from wild type or C5aR2−/− mice at killing S. aureus. The requirement of C5aR1 for efficient killing of S. aureus was also demonstrated in human blood after disrupting C5a-C5aR1 signaling using specific inhibitors. These results demonstrated a role for C5aR1 in S. aureus clearance as well as a role for both C5aR1 and C5aR2 in the orchestration of the inflammatory response during infection.
Flexural Strengthening of RC Slabs with Prestressed CFRP Strips Using Different Anchorage Systems
Authors: Sena-Cruz José , Michels Julien , Harmanci Yunus , Correia Luís
Published: October 2015

Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) technique has been widely used for flexural strengthening of concrete structures by using carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). EBR technique offers several structural advantages when the CFRP material is prestressed. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on reinforced (RC) slabs strengthened in flexure with prestressed CFRP strips as a structural strengthening system. The strips are applied as an externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and anchored with either a mechanical or a gradient anchorage. The former foresees metallic anchorage plates fixed to the concrete substrate, while the latter is based on an accelerated epoxy resin curing followed by a segment-wise prestress force decrease at the strip ends. Both anchorage systems, in combination with different CFRP strip geometries, were subjected to static loading tests. It could be demonstrated that the composite strip’s performance is better exploited when prestressing is used, with slightly higher overall load carrying capacities for mechanical anchorages than for the gradient anchorage. The performed investigations by means of a cross-section analysis supported the experimental observation that in case a mechanical anchorage is used, progressive strip debonding changes the fully bonded configuration to an unbonded end-anchored system. The inclusion of defined debonding criteria for both the anchorage zones and free length between the anchorage regions allowed to precisely capture the ultimate loading forces.
Correction: Hammer, J., et al. Short-Term Forecasting of Surface Solar Irradiance Based on Meteosat-SEVIRI Data Using a Nighttime Cloud Index. Remote Sens. 2015, 7, 9070–9090
Authors: Hammer Annette , Kühnert Jan , Weinreich Kailash , Lorenz Elke
Published: October 2015

Due to an oversight by the authors, the following correction is necessary in this publication [1].[...]