bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tax Avoidance and Tunneling: Empirical Analysis from an Agency Perspective
Authors: Chan K. Hung , Mo Phyllis Lai Lan , Tang Tanya
Published: November 2015

Taking advantage of the agency conflicts between controlling shareholders and minority shareholders and the weak corporate governance in a transition economy, we investigate the relationship between tax avoidance (proxied by effective tax rates) and tunneling (proxied by related-party lending) from a principal-principal agency perspective. We find that corporate tax avoidance is positively associated with tunneling after controlling for firm characteristics, corporate governance, and institutional factors that affect tunneling. This relationship is more pronounced for firms with cash shortages and in periods with relatively weak investor protection. In addition, the value-enhancing implications of tax avoidance are reduced for firms in which tax avoidance is highly correlated with tunneling. By demonstrating the existence of tunneling-related tax avoidance and its economic consequences, this study sheds light on the emerging agency perspective on tax avoidance.

JEL Classifications: G18; H20; M41.
National Culture and Corporate Governance
Authors: Duong Hong K. , Kang Helen , Salter Stephen B.
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the influence of national culture on corporate governance. We postulate that national culture can shape the contracting environments by serving as an informal constraint that affects incentives and choices in corporate governance. We hypothesize that national culture can explain cross-country variations in corporate governance after controlling for legal, political, financial, and economic institutions. We develop a Rule Preference Index as a proxy of national culture for a sample of 12,909 firm-year observations from 41 countries. Employing a hierarchical linear modeling approach to isolate the effects of firm-level and country-level variables, we find robust evidence that firms (and countries) with a higher Rule Preference Index tend to have better corporate governance.
MK2 Deletion in Mice Prevents Diabetes-Induced Perturbations in Lipid Metabolism and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Ruiz Matthieu , Coderre Lise , Lachance Dominic , Houde Valérie , Martel Cécile , Thompson Legault Julie , Gillis Marc-Antoine , Bouchard Bertrand , Daneault Caroline , Carpentier André C. , Gaestel Matthias , Allen Bruce G. , Des Rosiers Christine
Published: November 2015

Heart disease remains a major complication of diabetes, and the identification of new therapeutic targets is essential. This study investigates the role of the protein kinase MK2, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase downstream target, in the development of diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy. Diabetes was induced in control (MK2+/+) and MK2-null (MK2−/−) mice using repeated injections of a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). This protocol generated in MK2+/+ mice a model of diabetes characterized by a 50% decrease in plasma insulin, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance (IR), as well as major contractile dysfunction, which was associated with alterations in proteins involved in calcium handling. While MK2−/−-STZ mice remained hyperglycemic, they showed improved IR and none of the cardiac functional or molecular alterations. Further analyses highlighted marked lipid perturbations in MK2+/+-STZ mice, which encompass increased 1) circulating levels of free fatty acid, ketone bodies, and long-chain acylcarnitines and 2) cardiac triglyceride accumulation and ex vivo palmitate β-oxidation. MK2−/−-STZ mice were also protected against all these diabetes-induced lipid alterations. Our results demonstrate the benefits of MK2 deletion on diabetes-induced cardiac molecular and lipid metabolic changes, as well as contractile dysfunction. As a result, MK2 represents a new potential therapeutic target to prevent diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Un code-switching inédit en classe de langue : la déromanisation graphique et morphosyntaxique de la L2
Authors: Aref Manale , Aref Mohamed
Published: November 2015

Dans cette étude empirique, nous avons relevé, analysé et évalué un phénomène linguistique nouveau qui prend curieusement une certaine ampleur dans le domaine de l’apprentissage des langues. Il s’agit d’une forme singulière d’alternance codique (code-switching) qui consiste dans le recours à la déromanisation de la L2. L’étude a été menée auprès de 47 étudiantes saoudiennes arabophones apprenant le français à l’université. Pour la collecte des données, nous avons relevé et analysé des interactions écrites lors de communications par l’entremise de l’application WhatsApp qui représente un moyen sécurisé de réseautage social à usage courant en Arabie saoudite. Nous avons pu constater que la plupart des participantes ont eu recours à la déromanisation lors des échanges en transcrivant en arabe (L1) des mots français (L2). Nous avons identifié les raisons et les formes du code-switching avec ou sans déromanisation et mesuré l’impact de ce phénomène sur l’apprentissage de la L2.
Didactique du plurilinguisme et alternance de codes : le cas de l’enseignement bilingue précoce
Authors: Gajo Laurent , Steffen Gabriela
Published: November 2015

La didactique du plurilinguisme constitue un paradigme récent dans la recherche éducative, à la fois en continuité, en rupture et en décalage avec la didactique des langues. Nous en soulignons quelques aspects, à partir d’un terrain d’enseignement bilingue précoce se déclinant selon deux modèles : des classes où deux enseignants interviennent en se répartissant les langues (méthode une personne – une langue) et des classes où le même enseignant gère les deux langues (méthode une personne – deux langues). L’analyse des pratiques discursives bilingues en classe nous aide à revenir, plus particulièrement, sur la place de l’alternance de codes dans l’enseignement bilingue et, a fortiori, dans la didactique du plurilinguisme. Ces pratiques illustrent que l’intégration des apprentissages en et de L1 et L2 va au-delà de la simple articulation de deux espaces monolingues et tient à une posture bi-plurilingue des enseignants privilégiant des approches qui travaillent avec un répertoire plurilingue et qui normalisent et didactisent le plurilinguisme dans l’enseignement/apprentissage des savoirs. Cette intégration est favorisée par la méso-alternance, réfléchie par rapport à la mise en complémentarité et en contraste des langues et à l’apport des ressources plurilingues pour l’élaboration des savoirs et qui articule les pratiques en classe avec les enjeux curriculaires.
Use of Decision Assistance Curves in Advanced Warrant Analysis for Indirect Left-Turn Intersections
Authors: Gyawali Sunil , Sharma Anuj , Khattak Aemal J. , Smaglik Edward
Published: November 2015

This paper develops decision assistance curves (DACs) to compare delay-based performance measures for three indirect left-turn (ILT) intersections—median U-turn, continuous-flow intersection, and jughandle—relative to a conventional signalized intersection. The DACs consist of two graphical tools: (a) a DAC classifier and (b) two sets of DAC contours. DAC classifier plots are used to select the intersection type that produces the minimum system average delay for a specified main and cross-street volume configuration. DAC contour plots are used to estimate the system average delay difference between a chosen ILT and a conventional signalized intersection and to estimate the increase in average delay compared with a conventional signalized intersection for the movement most negatively affected. These tools can be used by planners, engineers, or other decision makers to identify visually the intersection type that provides the least average system delay under given volume conditions and estimated trade-offs for specific intersection types. The conventional signalized intersection, with protected left turns, was never optimal under studied scenarios. This finding implies that, for all the studied conditions, at least one ILT or permitted left-turn alternative produces lower delay than the conventional signalized intersection.
Comparative Study of Surgical Treatment of Chalazion
Authors: Hossain Khandaker Anowar , Rashid Md Abdur , Islam AKM Rafiqul
Published: November 2015

A chalazion is chronic lipogranulomatous inflammatory lesion caused by blockage of meibomian gland orifices & stagnation of sebaceous secretion. Common practices in treatment of chalazion are intralesional steroid injection, incision & curettage and excision of chalazion. Recurrence rate is high for incision & curettage in case of large chalazion. The aim of the study is to established that excision large chalazion give better result than incision & curettage. The study was carried out at Diabetic Association Medical College & Hospital, Faridpur and General Hospital, Fadidpur. A total 100 cases were selected for study. Technique of operation were incision & curettage through conjunctival surface and excision of chalazion through skin surface. In 50 % cases we performed incision & curettage both in small (size <5mm) and large (size >5mm) chalazion. In 50 % cases of large chalazion we performed excision of chalazion. The follow up period was 3 months to 6 months. In group -A with incision & curettage through conjunctival surface, in case of small chalazion 27 out of 30 patients were cured (90%). In case of large chalazion 14 out of 20 patients were cured (70%). In group B with excision of chalazion through skin surface, in case of large chalazion 49 out of 50 patients were cured (98%). So higher success rate after excision of large chalazion through skin surface.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 68-69
A Comparative Study of Oral Ivermectin and Topical 5% Permethirn Cream in the Treatment of Scabies in Patient Suffering from Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khan Md Mesbah Uddin , Ahamed Abu Reza Sayem , Islam Muhammad Aminul , Mostofa Md Kamal , Khan Md Isahaque Ali , Walid Khalifa Mahmud , Showkath Mohammad Shohel , Khan Abdul Mazid , Islam Md Nazrul
Published: November 2015

Scabies is one of the commonest diseases among all age groups. Topical permethrin is a widely used treatment option for scabies. Ivermectin is a newer oral agent for the treatment of scabies. This study was done to compare the efficacy of permithrin and oral Ivermectin in the treatment of Scabies in patient suffering from Diabetes mellitus. This comparative clinical trial was carried out in the outpatient department of Dermatology & Venereology, Diabetic Association Medical College Hospital (DAMCH), Faridpur from January 2012 to December 2012. A total 60 cases were enrolled purposively and divided into 2 groups. Group I received 2 doses oral Ivermectin and group II treated with 5% permethirn cream. Patients were followed up at the 3rd and 4th week. Total 86.6% patients of Ivermectin group and 90% of permethrin group were cured. Though permethrin showed somewhat more effective, the difference was not statistically significant. The study found that both ivermectin and permethrin were similarly effective in the treatment of scabies in patients suffering from Diabetes Mellitus.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 70-72
Management of Patient with Sturge-Weber Syndrome: a Case Report
Authors: Karim AKM Bazlul , Islam Mohammad Monirul , Hossain Md Alamgir , Alam Abu Md Shakurul
Published: November 2015

Sturge-Weber syndrome sometimes referred to as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. This is case report of 7 years old mentally disabled boy, with long-standing seizures, with a portwine nevi on the right side of the face along the distribution of trigeminal nerve. Interictal encephalogram showed bilateral slow activity, pronounced in the right hemisphere, with epileptogenic activity in the right fronto-parietal region. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed intracranial calcifications and atrophy of the right hemisphere of brain. Professional counseling and support in addition to drug treatment provide help to patients and their family to overcome their problems and improve the treatment outcome.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2014;9(2): 102-104
Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol on Rh-Pt Catalysts: Influence of CeO2, ZrO2, and La2O3 as Supports
Authors: Cifuentes Bernay , Valero Manuel , Conesa Juan , Cobo Martha
Published: November 2015

CeO2-, ZrO2-, and La2O3-supported Rh-Pt catalysts were tested to assess their ability to catalyze the steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) for H2 production. SRE activity tests were performed using EtOH:H2O:N2 (molar ratio 1:3:51) at a gaseous space velocity of 70,600 h−1 between 400 and 700 °C at atmospheric pressure. The SRE stability of the catalysts was tested at 700 °C for 27 h time on stream under the same conditions. RhPt/CeO2, which showed the best performance in the stability test, also produced the highest H2 yield above 600 °C, followed by RhPt/La2O3 and RhPt/ZrO2. The fresh and aged catalysts were characterized by TEM, XPS, and TGA. The higher H2 selectivity of RhPt/CeO2 was ascribed to the formation of small (~5 nm) and stable particles probably consistent of Rh-Pt alloys with a Pt surface enrichment. Both metals were oxidized and acted as an almost constant active phase during the stability test owing to strong metal-support interactions, as well as the superior oxygen mobility of the support. The TGA results confirmed the absence of carbonaceous residues in all the aged catalysts.
On the Novel Biaxial Strain Relaxation Mechanism in Epitaxial Composition Graded La1−xSrxMnO3 Thin Film Synthesized by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Wang Yishu , Zhang Minghui , Meletis Efstathios
Published: November 2015

We report on a novel method to fabricate composition gradient, epitaxial La1−xSrxMnO3 thin films with the objective to alleviate biaxial film strain. In this work, epitaxial, composition gradient La1−xSrxMnO3, and pure LaMnO3 and La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films were deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The crystalline and epitaxy of all films were first studied by symmetric θ–2θ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and low angle XRD experiments. Detailed microstructural characterization across the film thickness was conducted by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Four compositional gradient domains were observed in the La1−xSrxMnO3 film ranging from LaMnO3 rich to La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 at the surface. A continuous reduction in the lattice parameter was observed accompanied by a significant reduction in the out-of-plane strain in the film. Fabrication of the composition gradient La1−xSrxMnO3 thin film was found to be a powerful method to relieve biaxial strain under critical thickness. Besides, the coexistence of domains with a composition variance is opening up various new possibilities of designing new nanoscale structures with unusual cross coupled properties.
A Novel, Stable, and Economic Power Sharing Scheme for an Autonomous Microgrid in the Energy Internet
Authors: Yan Bingke , Wang Bo , Zhu Lin , Liu Hesen , Liu Yilu , Ji Xingpei , Liu Dichen
Published: November 2015

With a higher penetration of distributed generation in the power system, the application of microgrids is expected to increase dramatically in the future. This paper proposes a novel method to design optimal droop coefficients of dispatchable distributed energy resources for a microgrid in the Energy Internet considering the volatility of renewable energy generation, such as wind and photovoltaics. The uncertainties of renewable energy generation are modeled by a limited number of scenarios with high probabilities. In order to achieve stable and economical operation of a microgrid that is also suitable for plug-and-play distributed renewable energy and distributed energy storage devices, a multi-objective optimization model of droop coefficients compromising between operational cost and the integral of time-weighted absolute error criterion is developed. The optimization is solved by using a differential evolution algorithm. Case studies demonstrate that the economy and transient behavior of microgrids in the Energy Internet can both be improved significantly using the proposed method.
Glycerin, a Biodiesel By-Product with Potentiality to Produce Hydrogen by Steam Gasification
Authors: Suero Silvia , Ledesma Beatriz , Álvarez-Murillo Andrés , Al-Kassir Awf , Yusaf Talal
Published: November 2015

This work investigates the possibility of providing a use to one of the major byproducts generated during biodiesel processing: glycerin. In particular, the steam gasification of water/glycerin mixtures is studied, analysing the influence of temperature (range 600–900 °C), inlet flow rate (0.5–3 mL·min−1) and water/glycerin ratio (6–12 wt/wt, %) on the gas composition (H2, CO, CH4 and CO2), higher heating value, and generated power. In general, a more diluted water/glycerin mixture is more interesting in order to provide a higher fraction of hydrogen in the gas produced, although it also involves a decrease in the power obtained. Higher temperatures cause a greater contribution of water gas and water gas shift reactions in all cases, thus increasing the H2 proportion of the gas. Finally, a greater inlet flow rate increases gas production, but decreases the hydrogen proportion.
Simplified Process for Manufacturing Macroscale Patterns to Enhance Voltage Generation by a Triboelectric Generator
Authors: Yang Jun-Ho , Kim Young-Keun , Lee Jae
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes a simple, yet effective and affordable, manufacturing process to enhance the overall efficiency of voltage generation by a triboelectric generator (TEG) using 3D printers for energy-harvesting applications. The proposed method can be classified as macroscale surface patterning, in contrast to micro- and nanoscale patterning of TEG proposed in previous studies. Experiments were conducted using a designed test-bed system that allowed the control of external factors, such as the magnitude and frequency of the frictional force and the relative humidity, and an output voltage increase of up to 67% was obtained from a TEG with macroscale patterns that increased the surface area by 14%. The peak voltage generated by the TEG was as high as 18 V, and the addition of a designed analog circuit that uses no external power enabled storage of a DC voltage of 0.4 V. In comparison with previous methods that employ micro- or nanoscale patterns, the proposed patterning method is faster and more suitable for mass production.
Genetic Variability and Phylogeny of European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus RNA3 and RNA4
Authors: Roßbach Jenny , Dieckmann Heike , Büttner Theresa , Mühlbach Hans-Peter , Von Bargen Susanne , Büttner Carmen
Published: November 2015

The European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus (EMARaV) is a multipartite RNA virus of negative polarity. It infects Sorbus aucuparia (common name—rowan) trees throughout their whole distribution area in North and Central Europe. It causes mottling, chlorotic ringspots and decline of the whole plant. Infected rowans are serious virus sources for rowans and other potential hosts. EMARaV incidence and population structure was investigated in Germany, Finland, Sweden, Scotland, and Norway. Overall, EMARaV variants from 42 rowan trees distributed in 20 different locations were studied with regard to the genetic variability of the p3- and p4-coding genome region, as well as the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) of RNA3. In six of the 42 analyzed samples we found much higher sequence diversities than previously reported at the amino acid level in RNA3 encoded p3 protein sequences as well as at the nucleotide level on the 5′ and 3′ UTR. The other 36 EMARaV variants confirmed the assumed conservation of the nucleocapsid protein coding region. In contrast, the p4-coding genome region showed a high conservation of both nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Both EMARaV proteins were under strong purifying selection pressure, probably acting to maintain the functional integrity of the p3 and p4 proteins.
A Comparative Study on Two Cationic Porphycenes: Photophysical and Antimicrobial Photoinactivation Evaluation
Authors: Ruiz-González Rubén , Agut Montserrat , Reddi Elena , Nonell Santi
Published: November 2015

Over the last decades, the number of pathogenic multi-resistant microorganisms has grown dramatically, which has stimulated the search for novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is one of the promising alternatives to conventional treatments based on antibiotics. Here, we present a comparative study of two aryl tricationic porphycenes where photoinactivation efficiency against model pathogenic microorganisms is correlated to the photophysical behavior of the porphycene derivatives. Moreover, the extent of photosensitizer cell binding to bacteria has been assessed by flow cytometry in experiments with, or without, removing the unbound porphycene from the incubation medium. Results show that the peripheral substituent change do not significantly affect the overall behavior for both tricationic compounds neither in terms of photokilling efficiency, nor in terms of binding.
Sildenafil Protects against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Following Cardiac Arrest in a Porcine Model: Possible Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Wang Guoxing , Zhang Qian , Yuan Wei , Wu Junyuan , Li Chunsheng
Published: November 2015

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sold as Viagra, is a cardioprotector against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our study explored whether sildenafil protects against I/R-induced damage in a porcine cardiac arrest and resuscitation (CAR) model via modulating the renin-angiotensin system. Male pigs were randomly divided to three groups: Sham group, Saline group, and sildenafil (0.5 mg/kg) group. Thirty min after drug infusion, ventricular fibrillation (8 min) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (up to 30 min) was conducted in these animals. We found that sildenafil ameliorated the reduced cardiac function and improved the 24-h survival rate in this model. Sildenafil partly attenuated the increases of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang (1–7) levels after CAR. Sildenafil also decreased apoptosis and Ang II expression in myocardium. The increases of expression of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE), ACE2, Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and the Ang (1–7) receptor Mas in myocardial tissue were enhanced after CAR. Sildenafil suppressed AT1R up-regulation, but had no effect on ACE, ACE2, and Mas expression. Sildenafilfurther boosted the upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS). Collectively, our results suggest that cardioprotection of sildenafil in CAR model is accompanied by an inhibition of Ang II-AT1R axis activation.
A PPO Promoter from Betalain-Producing Red Swiss Chard, Directs Petiole- and Root-Preferential Expression of Foreign Gene in Anthocyanins-Producing Plants
Authors: Yu Zhi-Hai , Han Ya-Nan , Xiao Xing-Guo
Published: November 2015

A 1670 bp 5′-flanking region of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) gene was isolated from red Swiss chard, a betalain-producing plant. This region, named promoter BvcPPOP, and its 5′-truncated versions were fused with the GUS gene and introduced into Arabidopsis, an anthocyanins-producing plant. GUS histochemical staining and quantitative analysis of transgenic plants at the vegetative and reproductive stages showed that BvcPPOP could direct GUS gene expression in vegetative organs with root- and petiole-preference, but not in reproductive organs including inflorescences shoot, inflorescences leaf, flower, pod and seed. This promoter was regulated by developmental stages in its driving strength, but not in expression pattern. It was also regulated by the abiotic stressors tested, positively by salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) but negatively by abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), NaCl and OH−. Its four 5′-truncated versions varied in the driving strength, but not obviously in expression pattern, and even the shortest version (−225 to +22) retained the root- and petiole- preference. This promoter is, to our knowledge, the first PPO promoter cloned and functionally elucidated from the betalain-producing plant, and thus provides not only a useful tool for expressing gene(s) of agricultural interest in vegetative organs, but also a clue to clarify the function of metabolism-specific PPO in betalain biosynthesis.
Patchwork Coating of Fragmented Ultra-Thin Films and Their Biomedical Applications in Burn Therapy and Antithrombotic Coating
Authors: Okamura Yosuke , Nagase Yu , Takeoka Shinji
Published: November 2015

We have proposed free-standing centimeter-sized ultra-thin films (nanosheets) for biomedical applications. Such nanosheets exhibit unique properties such as transparency, flexibility, and good adhesiveness. However, they are only easily adhered to broad and flat surfaces due to their dimensions. To this end, we recently proposed an innovative nanomaterial: the nanosheets fragmented into submillimeter-size pieces. Intriguingly, such fragmented nanosheets could be adhered to uneven and irregular surfaces in addition to flat surfaces in a spread-out “patchwork” manner. We herein review the fabrication procedure and characterization of fragmented nanosheets composed of biodegradable polyesters and thermostable bio-friendly polymers, and their biomedical applications in burn therapy and antithrombotic coating using a “patchwork coating”.
Modulating the Optoelectronic Properties of Silver Nanowires Films: Effect of Capping Agent and Deposition Technique
Authors: Lopez-Diaz D. , Merino C. , Velázquez M.
Published: November 2015

Silver nanowires 90 nm in diameter and 9 µm in length have been synthesized using different capping agents: polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and alkyl thiol of different chain lengths. The nanowire structure is not influenced by the displacement of PVP by alkyl thiols, although alkyl thiols modify the lateral aggregation of nanowires. We examined the effect of the capping agent and the deposition method on the optical and electrical properties of films prepared by Spray and the Langmuir-Schaefer methodologies. Our results revealed that nanowires capped with PVP and C8-thiol present the best optoelectronic properties. By using different deposition techniques and by modifying the nanowire surface density, we can modulate the optoelectronic properties of films. This strategy allows obtaining films with the optoelectronic properties required to manufacture touch screens and electromagnetic shielding.
Correction: Wang L.K., et al. Two New Lanostane Triterpenoids from the Branches and Leaves of Polyalthia oblique. Molecules 2014, 19, 7621–7628
Authors: Wang Liu-Kai , Zheng Cai-Juan , Li Xiao-Bao , Chen Guang-Ying , Han Chang-Ri , Chen Wen-Hao , Song Xiao-Ping
Published: November 2015

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1], published recently in Molecules. [...]
Surface Properties and Photocatalytic Activities of the Colloidal ZnS:Mn Nanocrystals Prepared at Various pH Conditions
Authors: Heo Jungho , Hwang Cheong-Soo
Published: November 2015

Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn nanocrystals (NC) were synthesized by capping the surface with mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) molecules at three different pH conditions. The obtained ZnS:Mn-MAA NC products were physically and optically characterized by corresponding spectroscopic methods. The UV-Visible absorption spectra and PL emission spectra showed broad peaks at 310 and 590 nm, respectively. The average particle sizes measured from the HR-TEM images were 5 nm, which were also supported by the Debye-Scherrer calculations using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Moreover, the surface charges and the degrees of aggregation of the ZnS:Mn-MAA NCs were determined by electrophoretic and hydrodynamic light scattering methods, indicating formation of agglomerates in water with various sizes (50–440 nm) and different surface charge values accordingly the preparation conditions of the NCs (−7.59 to −24.98 mV). Finally, the relative photocatalytic activities of the ZnS:Mn-MAA NCs were evaluated by measuring the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) molecule in a pseudo first-order reaction condition under the UV-visible light irradiation. As a result, the ZnS:Mn-MAA NC prepared at the pH 7 showed the best photo-degradation efficiency of the MB molecule with the first-order rate constant (kobs) of 2.0 × 10−3·min−1.
Celiac Disease Genomic, Environmental, Microbiome, and Metabolomic (CDGEMM) Study Design: Approach to the Future of Personalized Prevention of Celiac Disease
Authors: Leonard Maureen , Camhi Stephanie , Huedo-Medina Tania , Fasano Alessio
Published: November 2015

In the past it was believed that genetic predisposition and exposure to gluten were necessary and sufficient to develop celiac disease (CD). Recent studies however suggest that loss of gluten tolerance can occur at any time in life as a consequence of other environmental stimuli. Many environmental factors known to influence the composition of the intestinal microbiota are also suggested to play a role in the development of CD. These include birthing delivery mode, infant feeding, and antibiotic use. To date no large-scale longitudinal studies have defined if and how gut microbiota composition and metabolomic profiles may influence the loss of gluten tolerance and subsequent onset of CD in genetically-susceptible individuals. Here we describe a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study of infants at risk for CD which will employ a blend of basic and applied studies to yield fundamental insights into the role of the gut microbiome as an additional factor that may play a key role in early steps involved in the onset of autoimmune disease.
The Node Deployment of Intelligent Sensor Networks Based on the Spatial Difference of Farmland Soil
Authors: Liu Naisen , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan , Zhang Jingchao , Pang Fangrong , Ni Jun
Published: November 2015

Considering that agricultural production is characterized by vast areas, scattered fields and long crop growth cycles, intelligent wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are suitable for monitoring crop growth information. Cost and coverage are the most key indexes for WSN applications. The differences in crop conditions are influenced by the spatial distribution of soil nutrients. If the nutrients are distributed evenly, the crop conditions are expected to be approximately uniform with little difference; on the contrary, there will be great differences in crop conditions. In accordance with the differences in the spatial distribution of soil information in farmland, fuzzy c-means clustering was applied to divide the farmland into several areas, where the soil fertility of each area is nearly uniform. Then the crop growth information in the area could be monitored with complete coverage by deploying a sensor node there, which could greatly decrease the deployed sensor nodes. Moreover, in order to accurately judge the optimal cluster number of fuzzy c-means clustering, a discriminant function for Normalized Intra-Cluster Coefficient of Variation (NICCV) was established. The sensitivity analysis indicates that NICCV is insensitive to the fuzzy weighting exponent, but it shows a strong sensitivity to the number of clusters.
Magnetic Sensors Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Materials: A Review
Authors: Morón Carlos , Cabrera Carolina , Morón Alberto , García Alfonso , González Mercedes
Published: November 2015

Currently there are many types of sensors that are used in lots of applications. Among these, magnetic sensors are a good alternative for the detection and measurement of different phenomena because they are a “simple” and readily available technology. For the construction of such devices there are many magnetic materials available, although amorphous ferromagnetic materials are the most suitable. The existence in the market of these materials allows the production of different kinds of sensors, without requiring expensive manufacture investments for the magnetic cores. Furthermore, these are not fragile materials that require special care, favouring the construction of solid and reliable devices. Another important feature is that these sensors can be developed without electric contact between the measuring device and the sensor, making them especially fit for use in harsh environments. In this review we will look at the main types of developed magnetic sensors. This work presents the state of the art of magnetic sensors based on amorphous ferromagnetic materials used in modern technology: security devices, weapon detection, magnetic maps, car industry, credit cards, etc.
Wearable Goniometer and Accelerometer Sensory Fusion for Knee Joint Angle Measurement in Daily Life
Authors: Tognetti Alessandro , Lorussi Federico , Carbonaro Nicola , De Rossi Danilo
Published: November 2015

Human motion analysis is crucial for a wide range of applications and disciplines. The development and validation of low cost and unobtrusive sensing systems for ambulatory motion detection is still an open issue. Inertial measurement systems and e-textile sensors are emerging as potential technologies for daily life situations. We developed and conducted a preliminary evaluation of an innovative sensing concept that combines e-textiles and tri-axial accelerometers for ambulatory human motion analysis. Our sensory fusion method is based on a Kalman filter technique and combines the outputs of textile electrogoniometers and accelerometers without making any assumptions regarding the initial accelerometer position and orientation. We used our technique to measure the flexion-extension angle of the knee in different motion tasks (monopodalic flexions and walking at different velocities). The estimation technique was benchmarked against a commercial measurement system based on inertial measurement units and performed reliably for all of the various tasks (mean and standard deviation of the root mean square error of 1:96 and 0:96, respectively). In addition, the method showed a notable improvement in angular estimation compared to the estimation derived by the textile goniometer and accelerometer considered separately. In future work, we will extend this method to more complex and multi-degree of freedom joints.
In Vivo Pattern Classification of Ingestive Behavior in Ruminants Using FBG Sensors and Machine Learning
Authors: Pegorini Vinicius , Zen Karam Leandro , Pitta Christiano , Cardoso Rafael , Da Silva Jean , Kalinowski Hypolito , Ribeiro Richardson , Bertotti Fábio , Assmann Tangriani
Published: November 2015

Pattern classification of ingestive behavior in grazing animals has extreme importance in studies related to animal nutrition, growth and health. In this paper, a system to classify chewing patterns of ruminants in in vivo experiments is developed. The proposal is based on data collected by optical fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBG) that are processed by machine learning techniques. The FBG sensors measure the biomechanical strain during jaw movements, and a decision tree is responsible for the classification of the associated chewing pattern. In this study, patterns associated with food intake of dietary supplement, hay and ryegrass were considered. Additionally, two other important events for ingestive behavior were monitored: rumination and idleness. Experimental results show that the proposed approach for pattern classification is capable of differentiating the five patterns involved in the chewing process with an overall accuracy of 94%.
Acetone Sensing Properties of a Gas Sensor Composed of Carbon Nanotubes Doped With Iron Oxide Nanopowder
Authors: Tan Qiulin , Fang Jiahua , Liu Wenyi , Xiong Jijun , Zhang Wendong
Published: November 2015

Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanopowder was prepared by a precipitation method and then mixed with different proportions of carbon nanotubes. The composite materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A fabricated heater-type gas sensor was compared with a pure Fe2O3 gas sensor under the influence of acetone. The effects of the amount of doping, the sintering temperature, and the operating temperature on the response of the sensor and the response recovery time were analyzed. Experiments show that doping of carbon nanotubes with iron oxide effectively improves the response of the resulting gas sensors to acetone gas. It also reduces the operating temperature and shortens the response recovery time of the sensor. The response of the sensor in an acetone gas concentration of 80 ppm was enhanced, with good repeatability.
Modelling the Size Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Micro/Nano Structures
Authors: Abazari Amir , Safavi Seyed , Rezazadeh Ghader , Villanueva Luis
Published: November 2015

Experiments on micro- and nano-mechanical systems (M/NEMS) have shown that their behavior under bending loads departs in many cases from the classical predictions using Euler-Bernoulli theory and Hooke’s law. This anomalous response has usually been seen as a dependence of the material properties on the size of the structure, in particular thickness. A theoretical model that allows for quantitative understanding and prediction of this size effect is important for the design of M/NEMS. In this paper, we summarize and analyze the five theories that can be found in the literature: Grain Boundary Theory (GBT), Surface Stress Theory (SST), Residual Stress Theory (RST), Couple Stress Theory (CST) and Surface Elasticity Theory (SET). By comparing these theories with experimental data we propose a simplified model combination of CST and SET that properly fits all considered cases, therefore delivering a simple (two parameters) model that can be used to predict the mechanical properties at the nanoscale.
Reusable EGaIn-Injected Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide Resonator for Wireless Sensor Applications
Authors: Memon Muhammad , Lim Sungjoon
Published: November 2015

The proposed structure in this research is constructed on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology and has a mechanism that produces 16 different and distinct resonant frequencies between 2.45 and 3.05 GHz by perturbing a fundamental TE10 mode. It is a unique method for producing multiple resonances in a radio frequency planar structure without any extra circuitry or passive elements is developed. The proposed SIW structure has four vertical fluidic holes (channels); injecting eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), also known commonly as liquid metal (LM), into these vertical channels produces different resonant frequencies. Either a channel is empty, or it is filled with LM. In total, the combination of different frequencies produced from four vertical channels is 16.
Development of an Automatic Identification System Autonomous Positioning System
Authors: Hu Qing , Jiang Yi , Zhang Jingbo , Sun Xiaowen , Zhang Shufang
Published: November 2015

In order to overcome the vulnerability of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and provide robust position, navigation and time (PNT) information in marine navigation, the autonomous positioning system based on ranging-mode Automatic Identification System (AIS) is presented in the paper. The principle of the AIS autonomous positioning system (AAPS) is investigated, including the position algorithm, the signal measurement technique, the geometric dilution of precision, the time synchronization technique and the additional secondary factor correction technique. In order to validate the proposed AAPS, a verification system has been established in the Xinghai sea region of Dalian (China). Static and dynamic positioning experiments are performed. The original function of the AIS in the AAPS is not influenced. The experimental results show that the positioning precision of the AAPS is better than 10 m in the area with good geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) by the additional secondary factor correction technology. This is the most economical solution for a land-based positioning system to complement the GNSS for the navigation safety of vessels sailing along coasts.
Cytoskeletal Symmetry Breaking and Chirality: From Reconstituted Systems to Animal Development
Authors: Pohl Christian
Published: November 2015

Animal development relies on repeated symmetry breaking, e.g., during axial specification, gastrulation, nervous system lateralization, lumen formation, or organ coiling. It is crucial that asymmetry increases during these processes, since this will generate higher morphological and functional specialization. On one hand, cue-dependent symmetry breaking is used during these processes which is the consequence of developmental signaling. On the other hand, cells isolated from developing animals also undergo symmetry breaking in the absence of signaling cues. These spontaneously arising asymmetries are not well understood. However, an ever growing body of evidence suggests that these asymmetries can originate from spontaneous symmetry breaking and self-organization of molecular assemblies into polarized entities on mesoscopic scales. Recent discoveries will be highlighted and it will be discussed how actomyosin and microtubule networks serve as common biomechanical systems with inherent abilities to drive spontaneous symmetry breaking.
An Eco-Hydrological Model-Based Assessment of the Impacts of Soil and Water Conservation Management in the Jinghe River Basin, China
Authors: Peng Hui , Jia Yangwen , Tague Christina , Slaughter Peter
Published: November 2015

Many soil and water conservation (SWC) measures have been applied in the Jinghe River Basin to decrease soil erosion and restore degraded vegetation cover. Analysis of historical streamflow records suggests that SWC measures may have led to declines in streamflow, although climate and human water use may have contributed to observed changes. This paper presents an application of a watershed-scale, physically-based eco-hydrological model—the Regional Hydro-Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys)—in the Jinghe River Basin to study the impacts of SWC measures on streamflow. Several extensions to the watershed-scale RHESSys model were made in this paper to support the model application at larger scales (>10,000 km2) of the Loess Plateau. The extensions include the implementation of in-stream routing, reservoir sub-models and representation of soil and water construction engineering (SWCE). Field observation data, literature values and remote sensing data were used to calibrate and verify the model parameters. Three scenarios were simulated and the results were compared to quantify both vegetation recovery and SWCE impacts on streamflow. Three scenarios respectively represent no SWC, vegetation recovery only and both vegetation recovery and SWCE. The model results demonstrate that the SWC decreased annual streamflow by 8% (0.1 billion m3), with the largest decrease occurring in the 2000s. Model estimates also suggest that SWCE has greater impacts than vegetation recovery. Our study provides a useful tool for SWC planning and management in this region.
Expansion of an Existing Water Management Model for the Analysis of Opportunities and Impacts of Agricultural Irrigation under Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Steidl Jörg , Schuler Johannes , Schubert Undine , Dietrich Ottfried , Zander Peter
Published: November 2015

The impact of climate change and increased irrigation area on future hydrologic and agro-economic conditions was analysed for a representative basin in northeastern Germany using an expanded version of the WBalMO (water balance model) for water management. The model expansion represents various temporally and spatially differentiated irrigation water use processes, including agricultural irrigation, as part of a river basin’s water management. We show that climate changes lead to increased irrigation water demands in the future, which will not always be able to be met. The resulting water deficits were shown for different crops depending on their irrigation priority and the water available. With an increased irrigation area, water deficits will rise. This may limit the profitability of agricultural irrigation. The impacts of climate change on low-flow conditions in the river are much higher than those of the increase in irrigated area alone. Therefore, any additional increases of irrigation will require careful monitoring of water availability to avoid critical impacts on river flows. The expanded model was able to replicate the processes of agricultural irrigation water use and can thus be used to test the impact of policies such as the certification of new irrigation permits.
Integrated Ecological River Health Assessments, Based on Water Chemistry, Physical Habitat Quality and Biological Integrity
Authors: Kim Ji , An Kwang-Guk
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated integrative river ecosystem health using stressor-based models of physical habitat health, chemical water health, and biological health of fish and identified multiple-stressor indicators influencing the ecosystem health. Integrated health responses (IHRs), based on star-plot approach, were calculated from qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI), nutrient pollution index (NPI), and index of biological integrity (IBI) in four different longitudinal regions (Groups I–IV). For the calculations of IHRs values, multi-metric QHEI, NPI, and IBI models were developed and their criteria for the diagnosis of the health were determined. The longitudinal patterns of the river were analyzed by a self-organizing map (SOM) model and the key major stressors in the river were identified by principal component analysis (PCA). Our model scores of integrated health responses (IHRs) suggested that mid-stream and downstream regions were impaired, and the key stressors were closely associated with nutrient enrichment (N and P) and organic matter pollutions from domestic wastewater disposal plants and urban sewage. This modeling approach of IHRs may be used as an effective tool for evaluations of integrative ecological river health..
Luca Cambiaso: nuevos datos sobre sus herederos
Authors: Cano de Gardoqui García José Luis
Published: November 2015

Documentos de pago a favor de Orazio Cambiaso, hijo del pintor Luca Cambiaso, activo en El Escorial entre 1583 y 1585, prueban la renuncia de Laureta, hija de Luca, al dinero procedente de atrasos por ejecución de pinturas y nóminas del Maestro, que ésta habría de cobrar en calidad de su heredera.
El nacimiento de Orión en Euforión de Calcis y en Ovidio: estudio de los orígenes y la tradición de un mito beocio
Authors: Pagès Cebrián Joan
Published: November 2015

Ovidio (Fast. V 493-544) nos ofrece el testimonio de una versión del nacimiento de Orión que se remonta, por lo menos, a Euforión de Calcis. Dicha versión es irreconciliable con las tradiciones panhelénicas transmitidas por la épica arcaica. En el artículo se analiza el relato a partir del texto de Ovidio y del escolio de la Ilíada que nos ha transmitido la versión de Euforión. Desde una perspectiva estructural, el relato contiene motivos de carácter ritual que pueden relacionarse con un rito de fertilidad anatolio testimoniado en un texto hitita, el denominado Ritual contra la impotencia de Paškuwatti (CTH 406). El sustrato cultual compartido por las dos riberas egeas, la europea y la asiática, sugiere la pervivencia de motivos de origen ritual transfigurados en mitemas integrantes del relato analizado.