bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the spine following pinealectomy or sensorimotor cortical area damage
Authors: Chaloupka Richard , Dvořák Milan , Tichý František , Veselý Jiří , Nečas Alois
Published: February 2014

The aim of this experimental study was to assess the spine development in growing rats following pinealectomy or partial sensorimotor cortical area damage. A total of 68 Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus v. alba f. domestica) aged 3–4 weeks were divided into four groups. In group 1 (n = 22) pinealectomy was performed, in group 2 (n = 24) the sensorymotor cortical area 2 × 1 × 1 mm below the coronal suture was removed. Sham operation consisted of a craniotomy (n = 11) and a craniotomy with a durotomy (n = 11). All surgeries were performed from the left side. The rats were killed four months after surgery and radiography was then made. Scoliosis, C2-T7 lordosis and T7-S1 kyphosis were measured.The brains of rats after sensorimotor cortical area removal were isolated and investigated including histological examination (light microscope). Scoliosis of 9–14 degrees (mean value 10.8) was developed in five animals after pinealectomy; in rats after removal of the sensorimotor cortical area scoliosis of 10–24 degrees (mean value 15.9) was observed in eight animals. The scoliotic curves were non structural. Our results indicate the importance of cortical area damage, together with craniotomy and durotomy in the development of growing rat spine. These damages could cause a disorder of balance between smaller inhibitory and greater facilitating area of central nervous system, controlling the muscular tone and resulting in the development of increased lordosis and kyphosis and non structural scoliosis due to muscle imbalance. Thus the new hypothesis of scoliosis aetiology was introduced.
Kinetics of reactive oxygen species produced by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) leukocytes and the effect of the antioxidant astaxanthin
Authors: Gomez Leonardo , Cortes Raul , Valenzuela Ariel , Smith Carlos
Published: February 2014

Reactive oxygen species contribute to kill of microorganisms. Their activity is usually measured by their capacity to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium into formazan. The incubation time to allow nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by reactive oxygen species usually ranges from 30 to 60 min. The aim of our study was to determine the kinetics of formazan formation, to determine the shortest incubation time possible, and to find if astaxanthin negatively affects the availability of reactive oxygen species (and defense mechanisms of fish). The blood/nitroblue tetrazolium method is based on nitroblue tetrazolium reduction into formazan by reactive oxygen species present in blood. Formazan can be spectrophotometrically measured, allowing quantification of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species were measured in blood samples from 30 trout intramuscularly injected with astaxanthin (0.3 mg/100 g of fish) (experimental group) and 30 non-injected trout (controls). Results indicated that in trout non-treated with astaxanthin, the plateau of formazan production was reached after 20 min of incubation. Trout intramuscularly injected with astaxanthin showed the following: on Day 1 after astaxanthin injection, the kinetics were slower but finally reached a plateau similar to astaxanthin-free trouts, and by Day 11 the plateau was significantly higher after 60 min incubation. In conclusion, the kinetics curves here reported allow reducing incubation time of the method to only 20 min in antioxidant-free trout and, on the other hand, our results also revealed that astaxanthin can be used to improve flesh colour in salmonids without affecting reactive oxygen species availability and therefore the defense mechanisms of trout.
Extracting Family Genealogies from Taiwan's Tombstones for a Study of Historical Changes in Tombstone Inscriptions
Authors: Streiter Oliver , Goudin Yoann
Published: February 2014

In this paper we approach the paradigmatic changes in the inscriptions of Taiwan's tombstones not as statistic phenomenon, which can be traced on maps and timelines, but as phenomena that occurred in the history of individual families. For this purpose, tombstones are connected into networks of family relations, created through references from different tombstones to a common set of person. Using the edges of these tombstone networks in a chronological order, we obtain a workable data structure to follow transformations in a family line. The unexpected problems we encoutered with this research approach, e.g. the absence of references in many regions to mourners by names and the reduction of workable data with each processing step, are discussed and possible solutions are suggested.
International Collaboration on Digitization of Rare Chinese Books at National Central Library: Models and Outcomes
Authors: Yu Hsiao-Ming
Published: February 2014

With a collection of unique and rare books and extensive experience in their digitization, National Central Library (NCL) has since 2001 established itself as a leader in this effort. As such the Asian Division of the Library of Congress (LC) invited NCL to collaborate on digitizing important rare Chinese books in its collection. NCL had previously established an objective to collect unique and valuable resources on Chinese studies from around the world, and thus engage in international projects to digitize collections of rare Chinese books. The collaboration with LC marked one of the first of NCL's digitization project.

The project began in 2005 and ended in 2012, during which a total of 2,025 titles of rare books were digitized and made available on the internet. In 2010 and 2011, the University of Washington and the University of California Berkeley also signed an agreement with NCL to collaborate on additional rare Chinese books digitization projects. This paper outlines NCL's current modus operandi, cites successful examples, and delineates current fruitful outcomes and value-added applications. It is hoped that this may serve as useful information for others who are also seeking international collaboration projects for digital archives.
Investigating Applications of Speech-to-Text Recognition to Assist Learning in Online and Traditional Classrooms
Authors: Shadiev Rustam , Hwang Wu-Yuin , Huang Yueh-Min
Published: February 2014

This study applied Speech-to-Text Recognition (STR) technology during teaching and learning activities to assist learning. Two experiments were carried out in this study. In the first experiment, the STR technology was applied during one-way lectures and students' oral presentations in an online synchronous cyber classroom. In the second experiment, the STR technology was applied during seminars in a traditional classroom. This study aimed to investigate participants' perceptions toward the STR technology, the effectiveness of applying the STR technology on learning, and participants' learning behavior to use STR-texts. This paper reports and discusses results of the study. Furthermore, this paper provides research and practical implications for using STR-texts effectively.
Analysis of Major National Science Center Websites in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsiang , Ke Hao-Ren
Published: February 2014

This study employs a content analysis approach to analyze the Websites of four major science centers in Taiwan. The aim is to determine if their Websites meet the criteria of ‘Evaluating Science WWW Resources’ established by North Carolina State University. The criteria consist of five categories and 29 items. The five categories are: Science Content Issues, Navigation, Website Design, Performance, and Multimedia Issues. The results of this study indicate that the Websites of the four science centers mostly conformed to the criteria, and their e-resources are sufficient for the general public. However, several recommendations are proposed based from the results. In Science Content Issues, a description about the responsible authors including their credentials, emails, and biographical information should be added so that the content can be validated by scientists or professional educators. In Multimedia Issues, Web 2.0 social networks may be added to allow users to share information in real time.
Matrix Metalloproteinases: The Gene Expression Signatures of Head and Neck Cancer Progression
Authors: Iizuka Shinji , Ishimaru Naozumi , Kudo Yasusei
Published: February 2014

Extracellular matrix degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by promoting motility, invasion and angiogenesis. Studies have shown that MMP expression is increased in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), one of the most common cancers in the world, and contributes to poor outcome. In this review, we examine the expression pattern of MMPs in HNSCC by microarray datasets and summarize the current knowledge of MMPs, specifically MMP-1, -3, -7 -10, -12, -13, 14 and -19, that are highly expressed in HNSCCs and involved cancer invasion and angiogenesis.
Satellite-Detected Carbon Monoxide Pollution during 2000–2012: Examining Global Trends and also Regional Anthropogenic Periods over China, the EU and the USA
Authors: Laken Benjamin , Shahbaz Tariq
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we test if any statistically significant periodicities are detectable in carbon monoxide emissions over China, the European Union, and the United States of America. To do this, we performed a period analysis using 10 years of daily-averaged data, from the Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument. Besides a seasonal period, we found no clearly detectable periods at any timescale with the exception of a strong signal at 2.28 days. This period was observed over all tested regions and persisted when larger (hemisphere-wide) regions were considered. However, rather than resulting from a physical variation in carbon monoxide, it resulted from day-to-day changes in the area covered by MOPITT on-board its polar-orbiting satellite platform. We also examined linear trends over the dataset, and found that MOPITT identifies several centers of increasing carbon monoxide concentration—the largest being over China—although globally MOPITT reports a significant decrease in carbon monoxide has occurred over the past decade.
Modelling and Simulation of Seasonal Rainfall Using the Principle of Maximum Entropy
Authors: Borwein Jonathan , Howlett Phil , Piantadosi Julia
Published: February 2014

We use the principle of maximum entropy to propose a parsimonious model for the generation of simulated rainfall during the wettest three-month season at a typical location on the east coast of Australia. The model uses a checkerboard copula of maximum entropy to model the joint probability distribution for total seasonal rainfall and a set of two-parameter gamma distributions to model each of the marginal monthly rainfall totals. The model allows us to match the grade correlation coefficients for the checkerboard copula to the observed Spearman rank correlation coefficients for the monthly rainfalls and, hence, provides a model that correctly describes the mean and variance for each of the monthly totals and also for the overall seasonal total. Thus, we avoid the need for a posteriori adjustment of simulated monthly totals in order to correctly simulate the observed seasonal statistics. Detailed results are presented for the modelling and simulation of seasonal rainfall in the town of Kempsey on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Empirical evidence from extensive simulations is used to validate this application of the model. A similar analysis for Sydney is also described.
Modelling of PEM Fuel Cell Performance: Steady-State and Dynamic Experimental Validation
Authors: San Martín Idoia , Ursúa Alfredo , Sanchis Pablo
Published: February 2014

This paper reports on the modelling of a commercial 1.2 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), based on interrelated electrical and thermal models. The electrical model proposed is based on the integration of the thermodynamic and electrochemical phenomena taking place in the FC whilst the thermal model is established from the FC thermal energy balance. The combination of both models makes it possible to predict the FC voltage, based on the current demanded and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, an experimental characterization is conducted and the parameters for the models associated with the FC electrical and thermal performance are obtained. The models are implemented in Matlab Simulink and validated in a number of operating environments, for steady-state and dynamic modes alike. In turn, the FC models are validated in an actual microgrid operating environment, through the series connection of 4 PEMFC. The simulations of the models precisely and accurately reproduce the FC electrical and thermal performance.
Effects of Organic Loading Rate on the Performance of a Pressurized Anaerobic Filter in Two-Phase Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Chen Yuling , Rößler Benjamin , Zielonka Simon , Wonneberger Anna-Maria , Lemmer Andreas
Published: February 2014

The effect of organic loading rate (OLR) on a pressurized anaerobic filter was studied in a laboratory two-phase anaerobic digestion system. The anaerobic filter was operated successively at two working pressures (9 bar and 1.5 bar). The OLR(COD) for each pressure was increased from 5 to 17.5 kg·m−3·day−1. The best performance of the reactor at 9 bar was observed at OLR(COD) of 12.5 kg·m−3·day−1 and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1.8 day, with specific biogas productivity (SBP) of 5.3 L·L−1·day−1 and COD degradation grade of 90.6%. At higher OLRs and shorter HRTs, the process became unstable. In contrast, there was no indication of digester failure during the experiments at 1.5 bar. The SBP peaked at OLR(COD) of 17.5 kg·m−3·day−1 with 8.2 L·L−1·day−1, where COD degradation grade was 90.4%. The biogas collected from the reactor at 9 bar and 1.5 bar contained approximately 74.5% CH4 and 66.2% CH4, respectively, regardless of OLR variation. At OLR(COD) of 5–12.5 kg·m−3·day−1, the reactor at 9 bar had the same specific methane yield as at 1.5 bar, which was in the range of 0.31–0.32 LN·g−1COD. Raising the working pressure in the reactor resulted in an increase of methane content of the produced biogas. However, the low pH value (approximately 6.5) inside the reactor, induced by high CO2 partial pressure seemed to limit the reactor performance at high OLRs and short HRT.
Synthesis of PPAR-γ Activators Inspired by the Marine Natural Product, Paecilocin A
Authors: Xiao Bin , Su Mingzhi , Kim Eun , Hong Jongki , Chung Hae , Kim Hyung , Yin Jun , Jung Jee
Published: February 2014

A series of N-substituted phthalimide derivatives were synthesized based on a pharmacophore study of paecilocin A (a natural PPAR-γ agonist) and synthetic leads. The introduction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups to the phthalimide skeleton yielded compounds 3–14. Compound 7 showed significant PPAR-γ activation in a luciferase assay using rat liver Ac2F cells. Docking simulations showed that a free hydroxyl group on the phthalimide head and a suitable hydrophilic tail, including a phenyl linker, were beneficial for PPAR-γ activation. Compound 7 and rosiglitazone concentration-dependently activated PPAR-γ with EC50 values of 0.67 μM and 0.028 μM, respectively. These phthalimide derivatives could be further investigated as a new class of PPAR-γ ligands.
Theoretical Study on the Allosteric Regulation of an Oligomeric Protease from Pyrococcus horikoshii by Cl− Ion
Authors: Zhan Dongling , Sun Jiao , Feng Yan , Han Weiwei
Published: February 2014

The thermophilic intracellular protease (PH1704) from Pyrococcus horikoshii that functions as an oligomer (hexamer or higher forms) has proteolytic activity and remarkable stability. PH1704 is classified as a member of the C56 family of peptidases. This study is the first to observe that the use of Cl− as an allosteric inhibitor causes appreciable changes in the catalytic activity of the protease. Theoretical methods were used for further study. Quantum mechanical calculations indicated the binding mode of Cl− with Arg113. A molecular dynamics simulation explained how Cl− stabilized distinct contact species and how it controls the enzyme activity. The new structural insights obtained from this study are expected to stimulate further biochemical studies on the structures and mechanisms of allosteric proteases. It is clear that the discovery of new allosteric sites of the C56 family of peptidases may generate opportunities for pharmaceutical development and increases our understanding of the basic biological processes of this peptidase family.
Development of Polymer Acceptors for Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Kim Yujeong , Lim Eunhee
Published: February 2014

This review provides a current status report of the various n-type polymer acceptors for use as active materials in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). The polymer acceptors are divided into four categories. The first section of this review focuses on rylene diimide-based polymers, including perylene diimide, naphthalene diimide, and dithienocoronene diimide-based polymers. The high electron mobility and good stability of rylene diimides make them suitable for use as polymer acceptors in OPVs. The second section deals with fluorene and benzothiadiazole-based polymers such as poly(9,9’-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole), and the ensuing section focuses on the cyano-substituted polymer acceptors. Cyano-poly(phenylenevinylene) and poly(3-cyano-4-hexylthiophene) have been used as acceptors in OPVs and exhibit high electron affinity arising from the electron-withdrawing cyano groups in the vinylene group of poly(phenylenevinylene) or the thiophene ring of polythiophene. Lastly, a number of other electron-deficient groups such as thiazole, diketopyrrolopyrrole, and oxadiazole have also been introduced onto polymer backbones to induce n-type characteristics in the polymer. Since the first report on all-polymer solar cells in 1995, the best power conversion efficiency obtained with these devices to date has been 3.45%. The overall trend in the development of n-type polymer acceptors is presented in this review.
Numerical Study of FRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Adelzadeh Masoud , Hajiloo Hamzeh , Green Mark
Published: February 2014

One-way glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete slabs at elevated temperatures are investigated through numerical modeling. Serviceability and strength requirements of ACI-440.1R are considered for the design of the slabs. Diagrams to determine fire endurance of slabs by employing “strength domain” failure criterion are presented. Comparisons between the existing “temperature domain” method with the more representative “strength domain” method show that the “temperature domain” method is conservative. Additionally, a method to increase the fire endurance of slabs by placing FRP reinforcement in two layers is investigated numerically. The amount of fire endurance gained by placing FRP in two layers increases as the thickness of slab increases.
Segmentation-Based Filtering of Airborne LiDAR Point Clouds by Progressive Densification of Terrain Segments
Authors: Lin Xiangguo , Zhang Jixian
Published: February 2014

Filtering is one of the core post-processing steps for Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds. A segmentation-based filtering (SBF) method is proposed herein. This method is composed of three key steps: point cloud segmentation, multiple echoes analysis, and iterative judgment. Moreover, the third step is our main contribution. Particularly, the iterative judgment is based on the framework of the classic progressive TIN (triangular irregular network) densification (PTD) method, but with basic processing unit being a segment rather than a single point. Seven benchmark datasets provided by ISPRS Working Group III/3 are utilized to test the SBF algorithm and the classic PTD method. Experimental results suggest that, compared with the PTD method, the SBF approach is capable of preserving discontinuities of landscapes and removing the lower parts of large objects attached on the ground surface. As a result, the SBF approach is able to reduce omission errors and total errors by 18.26% and 11.47% respectively, which would significantly decrease the cost of manual operation required in post-processing.
A PDMS-Based Cylindrical Hybrid Lens for Enhanced Fluorescence Detection in Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Lin Bor-Shyh , Yang Yu-Ching , Ho Chong-Yi , Yang Han-Yu , Wang Hsiang-Yu
Published: February 2014

Microfluidic systems based on fluorescence detection have been developed and applied for many biological and chemical applications. Because of the tiny amount of sample in the system; the induced fluorescence can be weak. Therefore, most microfluidic systems deploy multiple optical components or sophisticated equipment to enhance the efficiency of fluorescence detection. However, these strategies encounter common issues of complex manufacturing processes and high costs. In this study; a miniature, cylindrical and hybrid lens made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to improve the fluorescence detection in microfluidic systems is proposed. The hybrid lens integrates a laser focusing lens and a fluorescence collecting lens to achieve dual functions and simplify optical setup. Moreover, PDMS has advantages of low-cost and straightforward fabrication compared with conventional optical components. The performance of the proposed lens is first examined with two fluorescent dyes and the results show that the lens provides satisfactory enhancement for fluorescence detection of Rhodamine 6G and Nile Red. The overall increments in collected fluorescence signal and detection sensitivity are more than 220% of those without lens, and the detection limits of Rhodamine 6G and Nile red are lowered to 0.01 μg/mL and 0.05 μg/mL, respectively. The hybrid lens is further applied to the detection of Nile red-labeled Chlorella vulgaris cells and it increases both signal intensity and detection sensitivity by more than 520%. The proposed hybrid lens also dramatically reduces the variation in detected signal caused by the deviation in incident angle of excitation light.
Meningitis in a School-Aged Child due to Haemophilus influenzae Type E during the Post-Conjugate Vaccine Era—Monroe County, NY, 2011
Authors: Kennedy Byron , Weimer Anita , Bedard Brenden , Nayak Jennifer , Sacheli Drew , Ricci John , Meyer Donna , Hubbard Donna
Published: February 2014

In late October 2011, the Monroe County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) was notified of a suspected case of meningitis in a 9-year old girl from Monroe County, NY. Laboratory testing at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Wadsworth Center confirmed the identification of Haemophilus influenzae serotype e (Hie) isolated from the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The universal immunization of infants with conjugate H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of invasive Hib disease, including meningitis, one of the most serious complications for infected children. Not surprisingly, as the epidemiology of invasive H. influenzae continues to change, non-Hib serotypes will likely become more common. The findings reported here underscore the importance for clinicians, public health officials, and laboratory staff to consider non-Hib pathogens in pediatric cases of meningitis, especially when initial investigations are inconclusive.
Firewater Storage, Treatment, Recycling and Management: New Perspectives Based on Experiences from the United Kingdom
Authors: Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2014

Smart firewater management and recycling helps reduce water use and protect the environment from pollution. However, contamination of recycled water may pose a health risk to fire fighters. This review assesses international literature to identify best practices, and to recommend new technologies and methods on firewater management and recycling. The literature assessment indicates that this is a new research area where insufficient findings have been published in Web of Science-referenced journals. Therefore, informally published materials (a.k.a. grey literature) were also assessed. Findings indicate the need for practical decision support tools to estimate consumption rates, predict “bottlenecks” and bund capacity, assess water quality and determine pump requirements. This article recommends that cost-efficient and rapid on-site treatment methods, such as compact and mobile filtration units for firewater recycling should be researched in the future. The filters should be based on compartments with different media. The empty pore space should decrease from inflow to outflow. A light plastic media should be positioned near the inflow to retain large particles, such as a grid. Activated carbon media could be placed near the outlet to remove fine suspended solids and dissolved contaminants. This should address concerns by fire fighters dealing with contaminated water, spray and foam.
Extracellular–to–Body Cell Mass Ratio and Subjective Global Assessment in Head-and-Neck Cancers
Authors: Małecka–Massalska T. , Smoleń A. , Morshed K.
Published: February 2014

Background: The ratio of extracellular mass to body cell mass (ecm/bcm), determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, has been found to be a potentially useful indicator of nutrition status. Subjective global assessment (sga) is a subjective method of evaluating nutrition status in head-and-neck cancer. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between ecm/bcm and sga in head-and-neck cancer. Methods: Patients were classified as either well-nourished or malnourished by sga. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was conducted on a population of 75 patients with histologically confirmed head-and-neck cancer, and the ecm/bcm was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated using the nonparametric method to determine an optimal cut-off value of the ecm/bcm. Results: Compared with malnourished patients, those who were well-nourished had a statistically significantly lower ecm/bcm (1.11 vs. 1.28, p = 0.005). An ecm/bcm cut-off of 1.194 was 76% sensitive and 63% specific in detecting malnutrition. Conclusions: The ecm/bcm can be an indicator that detects malnutrition in patients with head-and-neck cancer. Further observations are needed to validate the significance of the ecm/bcm and to monitor nutrition interventions.
Thoracoscopic Surgery for Pulmonary Oncocytoma, an Uncommon Neoplasm
Authors: Zhang B. , Jin J. , Ye Z. , Zheng H.
Published: February 2014

Oncocytoma is an uncommon neoplasm with a characteristic histologic feature of abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. It almost always occurs in kidney, thyroid, or salivary gland. Pulmonary oncocytoma is a rare pulmonary neoplasm, with fewer than 10 cases reported so far in the available English literature. We encountered one such case that was successfully managed by thoracoscopic lobectomy.
The Experience of Pain and Anxiety in Rectal Cancer Patients During High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy
Authors: Néron S. , Perez S. , Benc R. , Bellman A. , Rosberger Z. , Vuong T.
Published: February 2014

Background: Pain and anxiety have been reported as primary concerns for patients with head-and-neck, gynecologic, and prostate cancers undergoing high dose rate (hdr) brachytherapy. However, almost no research has been published on the degree to which these symptoms are experienced by rectal cancer patients undergoing hdr brachytherapy. We conducted a pilot study examining the experiences of rectal cancer patients during hdr brachytherapy, specifically the intensity and trajectory of their anxiety and pain. Methods: Rectal cancer patients (n = 25) who received hdr brachytherapy treatment at a hospital in Montreal, Quebec, completed verbal analog scales for pain and anxiety at 4 time points over 4 treatment days. Results: On all 4 days, a subset of patients reported moderate-to-severe anxiety before applicator insertion. Pain increased significantly from the time patients were lying on the table to immediately after insertion of the applicator (p < 0.001). Insertion of the applicator appears to be the most painful part of the procedure, and although anxiety declined to below baseline after applicator removal, pain remained somewhat elevated. Some patients required conscious sedation; however, reports of moderate-to-severe pain were more frequent from patients who received pain medications than from patients who did not receive such medication (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Most patients with rectal cancer tolerated hdr rectal brachytherapy well, although the procedure is stressful and painful for some. Insertion of the applicator was found to be the point of maximal pain, and medication was not always completely successful at alleviating the pain, suggesting that additional psychosocial interventions might be needed, with particular emphasis on the time of applicator insertion.
From Academia to Start-up: A Case Study with Implications for Engineering Education
Authors: Williams Bill , Figueiredo José
Published: February 2014

This study uses the characterization of contrasting modes of knowledge production to follow the activity of a group of engineers who migrated from an academic environment to a successful start-up firm. Qualitative data from interviews of two key members of the team were used to characterize their activities in the two settings. The authors relate the engineering practice described in the interviews to the Gibbons Mode 1 and Mode 2 knowledge production phases and note the importance of a phase change in the transition between the two modes. The resultant case-study contributes material for use in role-play activity with engineering students to help develop interdisciplinary skills. The study also presents a critical analysis to evaluate the merits of the Mode 1 and Mode 2 framework for analysis of engineering practice at the level of the firm.
The Development of the new ING.PAED.IGIP Curriculum into an Umbrella for Modularised National and Regional Engineering Education Curricula
Authors: Zafoschnig Axel
Published: February 2014

Abstract â?? IGIP has been the sole provider of an internationally renowned and acknowledged curriculum for engineering education and pedagogy over the past 40 years. More than 2000 engineering educators and technical teachers at different institutional levels in many countries have successfully received their pedagogical and didactic training through this curriculum Today new legal requirements and IGIPâ??s awareness-raising campaign in many states have led to the implementation of a lot of compulsory teacher training programmes in this field. IGIP has, however, always been able to stay on top of these developments and has now come up with its new 2013 Berlin version of the ING-PAED IGIP curriculum. The results and findings of the international curriculum task force are now available and have been finalised and approved by the Executive Committee. How the task force has worked and which models of modularised engineering education curricula they have also analysed and compared in this process will be shown in this paper.
Preparing Engineering Students for Global Workplace Communication: Changing the Japanese Mindsets
Authors: Danielewicz-Betz Anna , Kawaguchi Tatsuki
Published: February 2014

Preparing engineering students for global workplace is a growing need as engineering schools not only recognize the value of university experience, but also discover that many of their students do not demonstrate the right skills and mindsets for global success. Fresh graduates frequently lack knowledge of other cultures and languages and, most importantly, of how communication works. This paper reports on a comparative, qualitative-quantitative study (of Japanese and international students with varying foreign exposure) conducted in a Japanese engineering and computer science university (with English as a medium of instruction), where internationalization and increase in global awareness are being promoted. The ever-increasing need for global skills in employees calls for a shift in educational focus and job application strategies. We suggest measures to be taken at tertiary education level that should lead to improvement of the communication and other global skills in Japanese graduates.
Quarter Circular Breakwater: Prediction of Transmission Using Multiple Regression and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Goyal Rushil , Singh Kriti , Hegde Arkal Vittal
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe physical model study of coastal structures is a nonlinear process influenced by innumerable parameters. As a result of a lack of definite systems, intricacies, and high costs involved in the physical models, we need a simple mathematical tool to predict wave transmission through quarter circular breakwater (QBW). QBW is a state-of-the-art breakwater essentially based on the exploitation of the concepts of semicircular breakwater. This paper discusses the use of soft computing tools such as MATLAB-based multiple regression (MR) and artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the wave transmission coefficient of QBW. To assess the accuracy of the proposed model and its ability to forecast, correlation coefficient and mean squared error are availed. On comparing the results obtained from MR and ANN, it is concluded that ANN gives more accurate results and can be used as a powerful tool for the modeling of hydrodynamic breakwater transmission through QBW. It serves as a viable alternative to the conventional physical model to simulate the hydrodynamic transmission performance of QBW.
Mouse Mast Cell Proteases 4 and 5 Mediate Epidermal Injury through Disruption of Tight Junctions
Authors: Bankova Lora G. , Lezcano Cecilia , Pejler Gunnar , Stevens Richard L. , Murphy George F. , Austen K. Frank , Gurish Michael F.
Published: February 2014

We previously established a mast cell (MC)–dependent thermal injury model in mice with ulceration and scar formation that depended on nonredundant functions of mouse MC protease (mMCP)4 and mMCP5. We hypothesized that MC activation is an early event and now find by histology that exocytosis of granule contents occurred by 2 min after thermal injury in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and in the mMCP4- or mMCP5-deficient mice. The degranulation was equivalent for MCs in the dermis and hypodermis of all three strains, but only the WT mice showed an appreciable increase in epidermal thickness. There was no loss of total MCs, partially degranulated plus intact, during the 4 h of observation. By electron microscopy, MCs in all strains showed early zonal degranulation at 30 s with marked progression in magnitude by 120 s and no mitochondrial injury or cellular necrosis. Concomitantly there was an increase in intercellular spaces indicative of tight junction (TJ) disruption in WT mice but not in the mMCP4- or mMCP5-deficient strains. The desmosomes were intact in all strains. Immunodetection of the TJ protein claudin 4 in WT and mMCP5-deficient mice indicated a significant reduction after scald injury whereas mMCP4−/− mice showed no significant changes. Taken together, these findings reveal that a second-degree burn injury can initiate an immediate novel zonal degranulation of MCs throughout all skin layers and a disruption of the epidermal TJs dependent on the nonredundant presence of mMCP4 and mMCP5.
Cutting Edge: IFN-γR Signaling in Non–T Cell Targets Regulates T Cell–Mediated Intestinal Inflammation through Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Do Jeong-su , Asosingh Kewal , Baldwin William M. , Min Booki
Published: February 2014

Naive CD4 T cells transferred into lymphopenic mice undergo spontaneous proliferation and induce chronic inflammation in the intestine. Cellular mechanisms regulating the proliferative and inflammatory processes are not fully understood. In this study, we report that IFN-γ signaling in host cells plays a major role in limiting both T cell expansion and T cell–induced intestinal inflammation. However, the role of IFN-γ appears to differ depending on the target cells. IFN-γ signaling in dendritic cells controls T cell expansion, whereas IFN-γ signaling in neutrophils seems to regulate both T cell expansion and inflammation. IFN-γ signaling in nonhematopoietic cells may control inflammation. Therefore, our results suggest novel immunoregulatory functions for IFN-γ to orchestrate colitogenic T cell responses through its distinct action on different non–T cell target cells.
Freedom and culture in Maphalla’s translation of Kipling’s ‘If’ into Sesotho
Authors: Seema Johannes
Published: February 2014

A translation is generally regarded as a transportation of the message from one text into another such that, in prototypical cases, the content of the original or source text is preserved in the target text. Any translation reflects language and cultural contact. It is the effect of a mapping of one language onto another and of one culture onto another. In both cases, it involves a selection of counterparts. Traditionally, translation is thought of as establishing equivalence between the original text and the translated one. This article explores the notion of equivalence and the closely linked but conflicting principles of fidelity and freedom in translation theory and practice. The issues involved in practical translation stem from a critical selective combination of freedom or fidelity on the part of the translator. Manipulation of either may lead to certain problems. Kipling’s poem ‘If’ is a didactic poem meant to give encouragement. It serves as a motivation as manifest in several traits of a good leader. Maphalla took the initiative to translate Kipling’s poem ‘If’ into Sesotho. This article addresses the idea that the translator’s task is not only to convey Kipling’s ideas but also to render his style in such a way as to make the translation road smooth to a native speaker of the target language, which in this case is Sesotho. This article also advocates greater freedom for the translator, based on Derridean theory that offers the translator more freedom.
Efficacy of Tenofovir 1% Vaginal Gel in Reducing the Risk of HIV-1 and HSV-2 Infection
Authors: McConville Christopher , Boyd Peter , Major Ian
Published: February 2014

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that can result in rare opportunistic infections occurring in humans. The onset of these infections is known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Sexual transmission is responsible for the majority of infections 1, resulting in transmission of HIV due to infected semen or vaginal and cervical secretions containing infected lymphocytes. HIV microbicides are formulations of chemical or biological agents that can be applied to the vagina or rectum with the intention of reducing the acquisition of HIV. Tenofovir is an NRTI that is phosphorylated by adenylate kinase to tenofovir diphosphate, which in turn competes with deoxyadeosine 5′-triphosphate for incorporation into newly synthesized HIV DNA. Once incorporated, tenofovir diphosphate results in chain termination, thus inhibiting viral replication. Tenofovir has been formulated into a range of vaginal formulations, such as rings, tablets gels and films. It has been shown to safe and effective in numerous animal models, while demonstrating safety and acceptability in numerous human trials. The most encouraging results came from the CAPRISA 004 clinical trial which demonstrated that a 1% Tenofovir vaginal gel reduced HIV infection by approximately 39%.
Mrs-based Metabolomics in Cancer Research
Authors: Tedros Bezabeh , Ijare Omkar B. , Nikulin Alexander E. , Somorjai Rajmund L. , Smith Ian C.P.
Published: February 2014

Metabolomics is a relatively new technique that is gaining importance very rapidly. MRS-based metabolomics, in particular, is becoming a useful tool in the study of body fluids, tissue biopsies and whole organisms. Advances in analytical techniques and data analysis methods have opened a new opportunity for such technology to contribute in the field of diagnostics. In the MRS approach to the diagnosis of disease, it is important that the analysis utilizes all the essential information in the spectra, is robust, and is non-subjective. Although some of the data analytic methods widely used in chemical and biological sciences are sketched, a more extensive discussion is given of a 5-stage Statistical Classification Strategy. This proposes powerful feature selection methods, based on, for example, genetic algorithms and novel projection techniques. The applications of MRS-based metabolomics in breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary cancers, gastric cancer, and brain cancer have been reviewed. While the majority of these applications relate to body fluids and tissue biopsies, some in vivo applications have also been included. It should be emphasized that the number of subjects studied must be sufficiently large to ensure a robust diagnostic classification. Before MRS-based metabolomics can become a widely used clinical tool, however, certain challenges need to be overcome. These include manufacturing user-friendly commercial instruments with all the essential features, and educating physicians and medical technologists in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of metabolomics data.
Impact of a Supervised Worksite Exercise Program on Back and Core Muscular Endurance in Firefighters
Authors: Mayer John M. , Quillen William S. , Verna Joe L. , Chen Ren , Lunseth Paul , Dagenais Simon
Published: February 2014

Purpose.

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability in firefighters and is related to poor muscular endurance. This study examined the impact of supervised worksite exercise on back and core muscular endurance in firefighters.

Design.

A cluster randomized controlled trial was used for this study

Setting.

The study occurred in fire stations of a municipal fire department (Tampa, Florida).

Subjects.

Subjects were 96 full-duty career firefighters who were randomly assigned by fire station to exercise (n = 54) or control (n = 42) groups.

Intervention.

Exercise group participants completed a supervised exercise targeting the back and core muscles while on duty, two times per week for 24 weeks, in addition to their usual fitness regimen. Control group participants continued their usual fitness regimen.

Measures.

Back and core muscular endurance was assessed with the Biering-Sorensen test and plank test, respectively.

Analysis.

Changes in back and core muscular endurance from baseline to 24 weeks were compared between groups using analysis of covariance and linear mixed effects models.

Results.

After 24 weeks, the exercise group had 12% greater (p = .021) back muscular endurance and 21% greater (p= .0006) core muscular endurance than did the control group. The exercise intervention did not disrupt operations or job performance.

Conclusion.

A supervised worksite exercise program was safe and effective in improving back and core muscular endurance in firefighters, which could protect against future low back pain.
Hydroclimate variability of the South American Monsoon System during the last 1600 yr inferred from speleothem isotope records of the north-eastern Andes foothills in Peru
Authors: Apaéstegui J. , Cruz F. W. , Sifeddine A. , Espinoza J. C. , Guyot J. L. , Khodri M. , Strikis N. , Santos R. V. , Cheng H. , Edwards L. , Carvalho E. , Santini W.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In this paper we explore a speleothem δ18O record from Palestina Cave, North Eastern Peru, at a site on the eastern side of the Andes cordillera, upper Amazon Basin, interpreted as a proxy for South America Summer Monsoon (SASM) intensity. This record allows reconstructing SASM activity with 5 yr time resolution over the last 1600 yr, spanning two major periods of climate variability: the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA; 900–1200 AD) and Little Ice Age (LIA 1400–1850 AD) recognized as periods of decrease and increase SASM activity respectively. Time series and wavelet analyses reveal decadal to multidecadal frequencies. Our results suggest that Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation mode (AMO) plays an important role for SASM modulation on multidecadal scale (~65 yr), especially over dry periods such as observed during MCA. Frequencies of 8 and 25 yr simultaneously with multidecadal signal (65 yr) are found over the LIA. and suggest that those modes could be related to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation mode (IPO). Comparison with other South American Paleoprecipitation records shows that the Atlantic and Pacific decadal to multidecadal variability and their teleconnections play an important role in the intensity and the regional patterns of rainfall distribution during the last 1600 yr.
Governing risks and benefits: Mobile communication technologies in British universities
Authors: Howarth Anita , Fernández Gemma Martínez
Published: February 2014

Mobile communication technologies (MCTs) pose new opportunities and challenges to university governance. Not only are the devices widespread, they have particular capabilities and constantly changing uses which makes any governing of them difficult. Furthermore most devices are individually owned. Thus universities are unable to directly control how they are used but do have a duty of care towards those learning and teaching within their spaces. This article outlines preliminary findings on how some British universities are responding to these challenges by seeking to capitalise on potential pedagogic benefits while limiting privacy risks posed by new patterns of usage. It found that these universities converge in their recognition that students are using or want to use MCTs to capture content in teaching spaces. However they diverge in how they respond, in particular, on what uses are restricted and how competing rights, for instance, disability versus privacy, are negotiated.
The battle for ‘Trayvon Martin’: Mapping a media controversy online and off-line
Authors: Graeff Erhardt , Stempeck Matt , Zuckerman Ethan
Published: February 2014

One of the biggest news stories of 2012, the killing of Trayvon Martin, nearly disappeared from public view, initially receiving only cursory local news coverage. But the story gained attention and controversy over Martin’s death dominated headlines, airwaves, and Twitter for months, thanks to a savvy publicist working on behalf of the victim’s parents and a series of campaigns offline and online. Using the theories of networked gatekeeping and networked framing, we map out the vast media ecosystem using quantitative data about the content generated around the Trayvon Martin story in both offline and online media, as well as measures of engagement with the story, to trace the interrelations among mainstream media, nonprofessional and social media, and their audiences. We consider the attention and link economies among the collected media sources in order to understand who was influential when, finding that broadcast media is still important as an amplifier and gatekeeper, but that it is susceptible to media activists working through participatory or nonprofessional media to co-create the news and influence the framing of major controversies. Our findings have implications for social change organizations that seek to harness advocacy campaigns to news stories, and for scholars studying media ecology and the networked public sphere.