bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An alternative integral-balance solutions to transient diffusion of heat (mass) by time-fractional semi-derivatives and semi-integrals: Fixed boundary conditions
Authors: Hristov Jordan
Published: January 2016

A new approach to integral-balance solutions of the diffusion equation of
heat (mass) with constant transport properties by applying time-fractional
semi-derivatives and semi-integrals of Riemann-Liouville sense has been
developed. The time-fractional semiderivatives and semiintegrals replace the
surface gradient (temperature) which in the classical Heat-balance integral
method (HBIM) of Goodman and the Double-integration method (DIM) should be
expressed through the assumed profile. The application of semiderivatives and
semiintegrals reduces the approximation errors to levels less than the ones
exhibited by the classical HBIM and DIM. The method is exemplified by
solutions of Dirichlet and Neumann boundary condition problems.
Three-dimensional finite element simulation of residual stresses in UIC60 rails during the quenching process
Authors: Masoudi Nejad , Shariati Mahmoud , Farhangdoost Khalil
Published: January 2016

The aim of this paper is to develop means to predict accurately the residual stresses due to quenching process of an UIC60 rail. A 3-D non-linear stress analysis model has been applied to estimate stress fields of an UIC60 rail in the quenching process. A cooling mechanism with water spray is simulated applying the elastic-plastic finite element analysis for the rail. The 3-D finite element analysis results of the studies presented in this paper are needed to describe the initial conditions for analyses of how the service conditions may act to change the as-manufactured stress field.
Splitting the structured paths in stratified graphs. Application in Natural Language Generation
Authors: Dănciulescu Dana , Colhon Mihaela
Published: January 2016

The concept of labeled stratified graph (LSG) introduces some method of knowledge representation. The inference process developed for this structures uses the paths of the stratified graphs, an order between the elementary arcs of a path and some results of universal algebras. The order is defined by considering a structured path instead of a regular path. The application described in this paper interprets the symbolic elements of a LSG with natural language constructions. In this manner we obtained a mechanism for generation coherent texts in a natural language (for this approach, Romanian). The generation method is based on labeled stratified graph representation and the inference mechanism is guided by the structured paths of these representations.
The Relationship Between Landing Sound, Vertical Ground Reaction Force, and Kinematics of the Lower Limb During Drop Landings in Healthy Men
Authors: Wernli Kevin , Ng Leo , Phan Xuan , Davey Paul , Grisbrook Tiffany
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study, cross-sectional.

Background

Soft-landing instruction, which is advocated in several injury prevention programs, is thought to have a qualitative relationship with decreased vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) and increased lower-limb joint excursions.

Objective

To quantify the relationships among landing sound, vGRFs, and lower-limb kinematics during a drop-landing task.

Methods

Twenty-six asymptomatic men aged 18 to 35 years were asked to perform 15 single-leg drop landings from a 30-cm height. Five trials were collected under 3 sound conditions: normal, quiet, and loud. The vGRF, lower-limb kinematics (sagittal plane), and impact sound were recorded during the deceleration phase.

Results

A simple linear regression revealed a significant relationship between landing sound and vGRF (R2 = 0.42, P<.001). A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that ankle and knee excursion significantly increased by 7.0° and 11.7°, respectively, during quiet landing (compared to normal landing; P<.001). During the loud landing condition, ankle joint excursion significantly decreased by 9.4° compared to the normal landing condition (P<.001), and hip joint excursion significantly increased by 4.0° compared to normal landing condition (P<.045).

Conclusion

As landing sound decreases, so does vGRF during a drop-landing task. These reductions were achieved by increasing ankle and knee joint excursions. Conversely, as the landing sound increases, so does vGRF. This was the result of decreasing ankle joint excursion and increasing hip joint excursion. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(3):194–199. Epub 26 Jan 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6041
The Influence of Centralization and Directional Preference on Spinal Control in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Apeldoorn Adri T. , van Helvoirt Hans , Meihuizen Hanneke , Tempelman Henk , Vandeput David , Knol Dirk L. , Kamper Steven J. , Ostelo Raymond W.
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Prospective cohort, test-retest design.

Background

Directional preference (DP) with centralization (CEN) and DP without CEN are common pain-pattern responses assessed by Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Although there is evidence that MDT can reduce pain and disability in the short term by treating the patient with direction-specific exercises concordant with the patient's DP, the mechanism responsible for this is unclear.

Objective

To determine whether clinical signs of impaired spinal control improve immediately after eliciting a DP-with-CEN response or a DP-without-CEN response in patients with nonspecific low back pain.

Methods

Participants underwent a standardized MDT assessment and were classified into the following pain-pattern subgroups: DP with CEN, DP without CEN, or no DP. Clinical signs of impaired spinal control were assessed pre-MDT assessment and post-MDT assessment by an independent examiner. Four spinal control tests were conducted: aberrant lumbar movements while bending forward, the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test, the Trendelenburg test, and the prone instability test. Differences in spinal control pre-MDT assessment and post-MDT assessment were calculated for the 3 pain-pattern subgroups and compared with chi-square tests. We hypothesized that a larger proportion of patients in the DP-with-CEN subgroup would exhibit improved spinal control than patients categorized as DP without CEN or no DP.

Results

Of 114 patients recruited, 51 patients (44.7%) were categorized as DP with CEN, 23 (20.2%) as DP without CEN, and 40 (35.1%) as no DP. Before MDT assessment, between 28.9% (Trendelenburg test) and 63.7% (ASLR test) of patients showed impaired spinal control. After MDT assessment, a larger proportion of patients in the DP-with-CEN subgroup (43%) showed improvement than those in the no-DP subgroup (7%) on aberrant lumbar movements (P = .02). Likewise, more patients in the DP-with-CEN subgroup (50%) improved on the ASLR test than those in the no-DP subgroup (8%, P<.01) or the DP-without-CEN subgroup (7%, P = .01). Changes in Trendelenburg test and prone instability test outcomes did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Immediately following MDT assessment, a larger proportion of patients with a DP-with-CEN pain pattern showed improvement in clinical signs of spinal control compared to patients with a DP-without-CEN or no-DP pain pattern. The current study was registered in the Dutch trial registry at http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/index.asp (NTR4246).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(4):258–269. Epub 26 Jan 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6158
Plantar Cutaneous Sensitivity With and Without Cognitive Loading in People With Chronic Ankle Instability, Copers, and Uninjured Controls
Authors: Burcal Christopher J. , Wikstrom Erik A.
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Background

Deficits in light touch have recently been identified on the plantar surface of the foot in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI) but not in uninjured controls. It is unknown whether copers display similar deficits. Similarly, cognitive loading has been shown to impact postural control in different populations, but it is unclear how it may impact sensory perception.

Objectives

To evaluate the difference in cutaneous sensation thresholds at rest and under cognitive loading, using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWMs), among uninjured controls, copers, and those with CAI.

Methods

A total of 45 participants (mean ± SD age, 20.2 ± 2.8 years; height, 167.6 ± 9.9 cm; mass, 66.3 ± 14.7 kg) were recruited and categorized to a CAI, coper, or control group, based on Ankle Instability Instrument scores. Participants were assessed with SWMs for cutaneous thresholds using a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm at the head of the first metatarsal, base of the fifth metatarsal, calcaneus, and sinus tarsi. Each participant was then retested while generating random digits to the beat of a metronome in order to simulate cognitive loading.

Results

Participants with CAI displayed significantly higher SWM thresholds at the head of the first metatarsal, base of the fifth metatarsal, and sinus tarsi than those of the control participants, and significantly higher thresholds at the base of the fifth metatarsal and calcaneus than those of copers (all, P<.05). Copers showed higher thresholds than those of controls at the sinus tarsi only (P<.05). A main effect of cognitive loading was identified at all 4 sites (P<.05).

Conclusion

People with CAI have deficits in plantar sensation relative to controls and copers. Cognitive loading increases plantar cutaneous sensation thresholds irrespective of CAI status. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(4):270–276. Epub 26 Jan 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6351
L'exil pour métier. Bilan de l'émigration de la province de Séville vers l'étranger de 1960 à 1976
Authors: Drain Michel , Kolodny Émile
Published: January 2016

Profesión : emigrante. La mayor parte de los emigrantes andaluces hacia el extranjero acudió al Instituto Español de Emigración y, por lo tanto, el análisis de los ficheros de este organismo tiene gran interés. Es lo que se hizo para el periodo que va de 1961 hasta 1976 que corresponde tanto al ange de la emigración exterior como a los primeros años de su estricta limitación. El estudio estadístico qué combinado con el de la emigración en dos pueblos del campo sevillano. Orientada principalmente hacia Alemania, la emigración exterior interesó tanto Sevilla capital como el resto de la provincia. Fue una migración de hombres que volirais periódicamente al pueblo. Si no lograban cualquier cualificación, en cambio, llegaban a cierta maestria para poner en valor su fueya de trabajo haciendo de la emigración una verdadera profesión.
Les serras orientales du Minho, Portugal : orogenèse, modelé granitique, altérations
Authors: Coude-Gaussen Geneviève
Published: January 2016

Les Serras orientales du Minho sont principalement formées de granites hercyniens. Une épéirogénie cénozoïque et sans doute mésozoïque y explique l'étagement de cinq niveaux d'aplanissement. Cette évolution est liée au comportement positif du bourrelet continental occidental qui est inverse de la subsidence de la marge atlantique passive dans l'Ouest ibérique. L'érosion a exploité les diverses échelles de la fracturation, ce qu'expriment le dessin du réseau hydrographique et un modelé granitique exemplaire (penhas, tors, dalles convexes). Les formes d'érosion différentielles sont plus discrètes dans ce socle granitique homogène. Les arènes granitiques sont massivement développées sur les pentes inférieures des Serras où les processus pleistocenes ne les ont pas déblayées. Ces altérations — très évoluées — se sont formées jusqu'à présent depuis la fin du Cénozoïque et pendant les périodes tempérées du Quaternaire.
Les élections de 1979 aux Conseils de prud'hommes de la Gironde. Contribution à l'étude de la population active salariée
Authors: Pailhé Joël
Published: January 2016

Les résultats des élections aux Conseils de prud'hommes (tribunaux du travail comprenant un nombre égal d'employeurs et de salariés élus par leurs pairs), constituent un document d'une grande importance pour l'analyse des formes d'expression des rapports sociaux dans l'espace. La répartition des suffrages obtenus par les différents syndicats en Gironde met en évidence la situation originale de ce département dans l'ensemble de la France, mais aussi la variété des types de comportements électoraux observés à des échelons spatiaux plus fins (cantons, communes urbaines, ensemble de communes rurales). Ces résultats permettent d'établir des rapports entre l'importance des syndicats, les relations entre les votes syndicaux et politiques et le rôle des facteurs locaux dans une élection nationale, dans une période de crise économique profonde et durable ressentie tant en France que dans le département de la Gironde.
Un projet de recherche sur un milieu caféier en mutation en Colombie
Authors: Errazuriz Maria
Published: January 2016

L'introduction de la nouvelle variété Coffea arabica « caturra » dans la caféiculture en Colombie a modifié les techniques de culture, les paysages agraires, les équilibres écologiques et les sociétés de caféiculteurs. On a commencé d'étudier le Municipio de Libano (Tolima, Cordillère centrale) en usant de la méthode d'analyse intégrée du géosystème et de la télédétection. Les premiers résultats obtenus en 1979 permettaient d'évaluer la mutation de l'espace caféier à partir d'une cartographie historique, d'énoncer une série d'hypothèses de travail et de proposer un plan de recherche.
Clivages sociaux dans un village du Sud-Ouest
Authors: Pitt-Rivers Julian
Published: January 2016

FRE: Sud-ouest, société rurale, structures sociales
Une transnationale en milieu rural : Grundig, Fleurance, 1975-1980
Authors: Nembrini Jean-Louis
Published: January 2016

Le cas de l'usine Grundig de Fleurance (Gers) illustre bien les aléas de l'industrialisation dans un milieu rural où ne manquent ni les zones aménagées, ni les demandeurs d'emploi. Sa fermeture, décidée en pleine prospérité après cinq ans à peine d'activité (début 1975-début 1980), ne paraît pouvoir s'expliquer fondamentalement ni par le niveau des coûts de production ni par le climat social, mais illustre (comme auparavant son ouverture) la stratégie d'une firme transnationale face à l'évolution de la conjoncture.
QUANTIFYING AND PREDICTING THE PRESENCE OF CLOUDS IN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES
Authors: Stevenson Kevin B.
Published: January 2016

One of the most outstanding issues in exoplanet characterization is understanding the prevalence of obscuring clouds and hazes in their atmospheres. The ability to predict the presence of clouds/hazes a priori is an important goal when faced with limited telescope resources and advancements in atmospheric characterization that rely on the detection of spectroscopic features. As a means to identify favorable targets for future studies with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and James Webb Space Telescope, we use published HST/WFC3 transmission spectra to determine the strength of each planet's water feature, as defined by the H2O – J index. By expressing this parameter in units of atmospheric scale height, we provide a means to efficiently compare the size of spectral features over a physically diverse sample of exoplanets. We find the H2O – J index to be strongly correlated with planet temperature when T
eq

K and weakly correlated with surface gravity for planets with

dex. Otherwise, the median value of the H2O – J index is 1.8 ± 0.3 H. Using these two physical parameters, we identify a division between “classes” of exoplanets, such that objects above T
eq = 700 K and

dex are more likely to have clearer atmospheres with stronger spectral features (H2O – J > 1) and those below at least one of these thresholds are increasingly likely to have predominantly cloudy atmospheres with muted spectral features (H2O – J < 1). Additional high-precision measurements are needed to corroborate the reported trends.
Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders in the Context of Evidence-Based Taxonomies
Authors: Zhukova Marina A. , Kornilov Sergey A. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: January 2016

Disorders of speech and language affect approximately 6% of children, yet they remain largely understudied, underidentified, and underserved. This article reviews the disorders in the two most recent revisions of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
—the fourth edition, text revision and fifth edition (
DSM-5
). Furthermore, the article highlights the new revisions as well as the main differences between
DSM-5
and the
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems
, 11th edition (scheduled to release in 2018). The main categories of language disorders have remained relatively unchanged throughout the last several decades, both conceptually and diagnostically. The results are discussed in the context of future possibilities for rooting the revisions of these diagnostic categories in interdisciplinary research literature. This may require significant cross-talk between researchers and practitioners from multiple fields, including psychiatry, psychology, and speech and language pathology.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2016;46(1):45–51.]
Turkish Senior Nursing Students' Communication Experience With English-Speaking Patients
Authors: Guvenc Gulten , Unver Vesile , Basak Tulay , Yuksel Cigdem , Ayhan Hatice , Kok Gulsah , Konukbay Dilek , Kose Gulsah , Aslan Ozlem , Tastan Sevinc , Iyigun Emine
Published: January 2016

Background:

Simulation has been widely accepted as a valuable learning method in nursing education programs so that nursing students can learn and develop communication skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate nursing students' communication experience with an English-speaking standardized patient in the context of the Rational Administration of Medicines course.

Method:

Involving both quantitative and qualitative research designs, this descriptive study was conducted with 104 nursing students in Ankara, Turkey, from September 2012 to July 2013.

Results:

The majority (98.1%) of the participants stated the necessity of improving their English to communicate with English-speaking patients. Three overarching categories, including seven themes, emerged from the description of nursing students' experience: recognition of emotions, experiences during the simulation, and gains.

Conclusion:

Standardized patient practice emphasized the significance of cultural differences, of knowing and using a foreign language, of communication, and of patient safety. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2016;55(2):73–81.]
Comparison of Mental Health Characteristics and Stress Between Baccalaureate Nursing Students and Non-Nursing Students
Authors: Bartlett Michelle L. , Taylor Heidi , Nelson J. Dirk
Published: January 2016

Background:

Nurses consistently report the highest levels of job stress among all health professionals. To best prepare students for such a high-stress profession, insights into the onset of stress is warranted, especially with the literature supporting that nursing students experience significant stress during their education.

Method:

This study sought to explore the sources of stress among nursing students and to compare stress levels and selected mental health indicators between nursing students and the general student body using the paper-and-pencil version of the National College Health Assessment II.

Results:

Nursing students were found to have significantly more stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and stress-related illnesses than the general student body.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the importance of self-care and stress management skills education in nurse preparatory programs for use in both academic preparation and in future careers. [
J Nurs Educ.
2016;55(2):87–90.]
Antijudaísmo teológico en Gregorio Magno
Authors: Laham Cohen Rodrigo
Published: January 2016

El uso de tópicos antijudíos por parte de los hombres de Iglesia del primer milenio ha suscitado debates en torno a las razones que motivaron tal práctica discursiva. Una línea de investigación enfatizó la existencia de un conflicto real entre judíos y cristianos, hecho que habría derivado en la constitución de la literatura Adversus Iudaeos. En contraste, otra posición hizo hincapié en aspectos discursivos, resaltando la necesidad cristiana de autodefinición en oposición a la matriz judía y confinando el antijudaísmo a cuestiones estrictamente textuales e identitarias distantes del contexto social inmediato. La figura de Gregorio Magno, gracias a la gran variabilidad textual que presenta su obra, otorga una herramienta fundamental a la hora de comprender las dinámicas del antijudaísmo cristiano. En este artículo se exploran todos los escritos gregorianos, mediante un estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo, poniéndose de releve en qué tipo de textos aparecen los topoi Adversus Iudaeos y concluyendo que, al menos para el Papa entre el 590 y el 604, el antijudaísmo fue una cuestión estrictamente simbólica.
La influencia de Abraham Cohen de Herrera en la Filosofía Natural del siglo XVII: su impronta en los Principia Philosophiae de Anne Conway
Authors: Matzkevich Hernán
Published: January 2016

La filosofía natural del siglo XVII comparte con el pensamiento del XVI rasgos de misticismo hermético-cabalístico y neoplatonismo. Las obras que presentan este legado, lejos de representar accidentes o casos aislados, constituyen el magma intelectual en el cual se gestaron muchos de los debates que signaron a la ciencia moderna. Representante paradigmática de esta corriente es Anne Conway, quien en sus Principia Philosophiae realiza un ataque al mecanicismo y al dualismo de cuño cartesiano apoyándose en doctrinas emanantistas, monistas y espiritualistas de la materia que toma directamente de la tradición cabalística luriánica representada por Abraham Cohen de Herrera y su Puerta del Cielo.
Los sefardíes de Esmirna durante la Primera guerra mundial: el hambre y la miseria
Authors: Romero Elena
Published: January 2016

En el presente artículo, que viene a aportar nuevos datos sobre la historia de los sefardíes del Imperio otomano en el siglo XX, se editan y estudian dos poemas del prolífico autor esmirniota Alexandr (o Alexandro) Ben-Guiat que describen la difícil situación económica de los sefardíes de Esmirna durante la Primera guerra mundial. Los poemas se publicaron en un folleto que apareció en 1918 como suplemento del periódico local El Meseret, dirigido por nuestro autor. A partir de los datos que los poemas proporcionan, en el artículo se examina su trasfondo histórico, se aportan nuevos datos sobre la vida del autor y se discute su posible presencia en el ejército turco.
Parallel Multi-Criterion Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Mishra Bhabani Shankar Prasad , Mishra Subhashree , Singh Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: January 2016

The objective of this paper is to study the existing and current research on parallel multi-objective genetic algorithms (PMOGAs) through an intensive experiment. Many early efforts on parallelizing multi-objective genetic algorithms were introduced to reduce the processing time needed to reach an acceptable solution of them with various examples. Further, the authors tried to identify some of the issues that have not yet been studied systematically under the umbrella of parallel multi-objective genetic algorithms. Finally, some of the potential application of parallel multi objective genetic algorithm is discussed.
Influence of Microwave Treatment on Properties of Concrete with Non-Cyclic Alkanes
Authors: Jaskulski Roman
Published: January 2016

Influence of exposure to microwave (MW) radiation of concrete with paraffin addition was presented. Specimens were exposed to MW after 7 and 28 days from casting. The exposure times were: 20 minutes and 40 minutes. Concretes were made with 1 and 3% addition of paraffin of the volume of concrete mixture. As a reference served concrete with no paraffin addition and concrete containing paraffin but not treated with MW. Paraffin was added in two forms: as a powder (fine paraffin) and as a granules (coarse paraffin). Influence of radiation on compressive and tensile splitting strength was tested as well as its impact on sorptivity and free water absorption. Exposure to MW radiation lowered the mean values of concrete compressive and tensile splitting strength maximum of about 24%. Sorptivity test results showed no general tendency and free water absorption has decreased maximum about 20%.
Evaluation of the Modulus of Elasticity of Different Types of Concrete Compared with Eurocode 2
Authors: Křížová Klára , Hela Rudolf
Published: January 2016

The comparison of really measured compressive strength static modulus of elasticity with table values stated in Eurocode 2 is essential part of the paper. Since the standard draws from modulus of elasticity - concrete strength class, the set compressive strengths will be classified in concrete particular classes. Experimental part was based on several concrete design compositions differing in particular input raw-materials. Monitored values were set with concretes in different ages with final value 180 days. The experiment tries to demonstrate the impossibility of static modulus of elasticity derivation from table values which do not match the present-date produced concretes.
Sustainability Considerations of Concrete Mixes Incorporating Slag as Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shaibani Afrah , Sabouni Reem
Published: January 2016

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the largest consumers of concrete in the region due to the enormous number of mega reinforced concrete projects constructed in the country. The harsh weather of the UAE, where temperature may reach to above 45 °C and the humidity at coastal areas up to 100%, requires special attention to the design of the concrete mixes used in these projects to make sure that they meet the strength requirement and satisfy the sustainability condition. To insure the sustainability of the projects constructed in the UAE a local sustainability rating system called “Estidama” was developed by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. The Estidama sustainability rating system is equivalent to the LEED, but tailored to the special culture and climate of the UAE and the region. This system is mainly implemented in the UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi and gaining more publicity in the region. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate collected concrete mixes implemented in some major projects in the UAE’s based on Estidama’s requirements, and to come up with an optimization process to choose the most sustainable concrete that satisfies the mechanical properties requirements, durability requirements and has the least embodied CO2 emission. This research will concentrate on concrete mixes commonly used in the UAE with emphasises on those incorporating slag as a partial replacement of cement in concrete.
Recycled Concrete in Weak Acidic Environments
Authors: Joseph Miquel , Boehme Luc , Cornelly Christel , Anseeuw Ian , Declercq Wouter , Vandenwalle Lucie
Published: January 2016

Literature
often
concludes
that
the
drop
in
mechanical
properties
of
recycled
concrete,
compared
to
concrete
made
with
natural
aggregates,
is
unfavourable
for
concrete
durability
in
aggressive
environments.
The
agricultural
industry
is
one
of
these
environments
where
concrete
floorboards
and
walls
are
confronted
with
weak
organic
acids.
A
research
program
was
undertaken
to
determine
the
resistance
of
concrete,
made
with
coarse
recycled
concrete
aggregates
(0-75%),
against
these
acids.
In
this
research
two
different
qualities
of
recycled
aggregates
were
used:
while
the
first
originated
from
road
demolition
and
contained
porphyry
as
main
aggregate,
the
latter
originated
from
mixed
demolition
and
contained
mostly
limestone.
One
reference
concrete
mixture
and
six
different
recycled
mixtures
were
made.
These
seven
concretes
were
exposed
to
three
different
acids:
acetic,
tartaric
and
citric
acid.
Beside
the
acidic
resistance
tests,
workability,
density
(fresh
and
hardened)
and
water
absorption
(both
by
capillarity
and
submersion)
were
also
determined
for
each
mixture.
The
results
show
that
the
increase
of
acid
soluble
material
increases
the
resistance
of
concrete
against
erosion
due
to
weak
acids.
Behavior of Concrete Containing of Fine Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Šefflová Magdaléna , Pavlů Tereza , Hujer Vladimír
Published: January 2016

The use of coarse recycled aggregate in concrete is already accepted in the Czech Republic but with specific restrictions. The problem is the use of fine recycled aggregate (FRA) in concrete. This paper is focused on behavior of concrete containing FRA. FRA, which originated from recycling plant in the Czech Republic, was used in an experimental part. FRA was obtained from demolished and crushed concrete structures. Four concrete mixtures were designed and prepared. The first concrete mixture was reference which did not include FRA. Natural sand was replaced by FRA in other concrete mixtures in varying ratio. There were tested physical, mechanical and deformation properties of concrete. According to test results it is possible to say that the use FRA as partial replacement of natural sand in concrete mixtures.
Comparative Investigations of some Properties of Lightweight Cement Concretes Containing Siliceous Fly Ash
Authors: Kubissa Wojciech
Published: January 2016

In the article the possibility of lightweight cement concrete manufacturing has been presented with use of binder in which part of cement was replaced with siliceous fly ash Class F. It was used lightweight aggregate Pollytag and Keramzyt. Total amount of binder was 400 kg/m3 with w/b=0.5. Mechanical properties has been tested as well as properties affecting durability of concrete. Replacing part of cement with fly ash improved concrete resistance on chloride ion migration, reduced compressive and tensile strength of concrete and increased carbonation depth.
The Effect of Elevated Temperatures and Nuclear Radiation on the Properties of Biological Shielding Concrete
Authors: Koťátková Jaroslava , Zatloukal Jan , Reiterman Pavel , Patera Jan , Hlaváč Zbyněk , Brabec Petr
Published: January 2016

The paper reviews the so far known information about the properties of biological shielding concrete used in the containment vessel of nuclear power plants (NPP) and its behaviour when exposed to radiation. The damage of concrete caused by neutron and gamma radiation as well as by the accompanying generation of heat is described. However, there is not enough data for the proper evaluation of the negative impacts and further research is needed.
Effects of Pseudorabies Virus Infection on the Tracheobronchial Lymph Node Transcriptome
Authors: Miller Laura C. , Bayles Darrell O. , Zanella Eraldo L. , Lager Kelly M.
Published: January 2016

This study represents the first swine transcriptome hive plots created from gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) data and provides a novel insight into the global transcriptome changes occurring in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) and spanning the swine genome. RNA isolated from draining TBLN from 5-week-old pigs, either clinically infected with a feral isolate of Pseudorabies virus or uninfected, was interrogated using Illumina Digital Gene Expression Tag Profiling. More than 100 million tag sequences were observed, representing 4,064,189 unique 21-base sequences collected from TBLN at time points 1, 3, 6, and 14 days post-inoculation (dpi). Multidimensional statistical tests were applied to determine the significant changes in tag abundance, and then the tags were annotated. Hive plots were created to visualize the differential expression within the swine transcriptome defined by the Broad Institute's GSEA reference datasets between infected and uninfected animals, allowing us to directly compare different conditions.
Circulating Neutrophil MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for the Detection of Lung Cancer
Authors: Ma Jie , Li Ning , Lin Yanli , Gupta Chhavi , Jiang Feng
Published: January 2016

Peripheral neutrophils are the predominant circulating leukocytes and an important component of innate and adaptive immune systems, which is a primary defense against cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can modulate neutrophil functions and play important roles in cancer pathogenesis by regulating neutrophil gene expression. To investigate if assessment of differential miRNA levels of peripheral neutrophils has the potential for diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we examine neutrophils of 15 patients with stage I NSCLC and 15 smokers without cancer. We identify five neutrophil miRNAs that have an abnormal level in patients with NSCLC versus smokers without cancer. In a training set of 82 patients with lung cancer and 73 controls, a set of two genes (miRs-26a-2-3p and 574-3p) are developed, producing 77.8% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity for NSCLC detection. Furthermore, in a testing set of 60 patients with lung cancer and 58 smokers, the performance of analyzing the two miRNAs for lung cancer detection is confirmed. This study for the first time shows that a neutrophil miRNA profile may serve as a new category of circulating biomarkers for the detection of NSCLC.
Lymphangiogenesis and Lesion Heterogeneity in Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Yamashita Masahiro
Published: January 2016

The lymphatic system has several physiological roles, including fluid homeostasis and the activation of adaptive immunity by fluid drainage and cell transport. Lymphangiogenesis occurs in adult tissues during various pathologic conditions. In addition, lymphangiogenesis is closely linked to capillary angiogenesis, and the balanced interrelationship between capillary angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis is essential for maintaining homeostasis in tissues. Recently, an increasing body of information regarding the biology of lymphatic endothelial cells has allowed us to immunohistochemically characterize lymphangiogenesis in several lung diseases. Particular interest has been given to the interstitial lung diseases. Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are characterized by heterogeneity in pathologic changes and lesions, as typified by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia. In IIPs, lymphangiogenesis is likely to have different types of localized functions within each disorder, corresponding to the heterogeneity of lesions in terms of inflammation and fibrosis. These functions include inhibitory absorption of interstitial fluid and small molecules and maturation of fibrosis by excessive interstitial fluid drainage, caused by an unbalanced relationship between capillary angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and trafficking of antigen-presenting cells and induction of fibrogenesis via CCL21 and CCR7 signals. Better understanding for regional functions of lymphangiogenesis might provide new treatment strategies tailored to lesion heterogeneity in these complicated diseases.
Genome Sequence and Analysis of Peptoclostridium difficile Strain ZJCDC-S82
Authors: Luo Yun , Huang Chen , Ye Julian , Fang Weijia , Gu Wanjun , Chen Zhiping , Li Hui , Wang XianJun , Jin Dazhi
Published: January 2016

Peptoclostridium difficile ( Clostridium difficile) is the major pathogen associated with infectious diarrhea in humans. Concomitant with the increased incidence of C. difficile infection worldwide, there is an increasing concern regarding this infection type. This study reports a draft assembly and detailed sequence analysis of C. difficile strain ZJCDC-S82. The de novo assembled genome was 4.19 Mb in size, which includes 4,013 protein-coding genes, 41 rRNA genes, and 84 tRNA genes. Along with the nuclear genome, we also assembled sequencing information for a single plasmid consisting of 11,930 nucleotides. Comparative genomic analysis of C. difficile ZJCDC-S82 and two other previously published strains, such as M120 and CD630, showed extensive similarity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genetic diversity among C. difficile strains was not influenced by geographic location. Evolutionary analysis suggested that four genes encoding surface proteins exhibited positive selection in C. difficile ZJCDC-S82. Codon usage analysis indicated that C. difficile ZJCDC-S82 had high codon usage bias toward A/U-ended codons. Furthermore, codon usage patterns in C. difficile ZJCDC-S82 were predominantly affected by mutation pressure. Our results provide detailed information pertaining to the C. difficile genome associated with a strain from mainland China. This analysis will facilitate the understanding of genomic diversity and evolution of C. difficile strains in this region.
Epigenetic Regulation of Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Human Brain Tissue and Brain-Derived Cells
Authors: Olsson Martina , Hultman Karin , Dunoyer-Geindre Sylvie , Curtis Maurice A. , Faull Richard L. M. , Kruithof Egbert K. O. , Jern Christina
Published: January 2016

The serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is involved in both vital physiological brain processes, such as synaptic plasticity, and pathophysiological conditions, such as neurodegeneration and ischemic stroke. Recent data suggest that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of t-PA in human endothelial cells. However, there are limited data on epigenetic regulation of t-PA in human brain-derived cells. We demonstrate that treatment of cultured human neurons and human astrocytes with the histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) and MS-275 resulted in a two- to threefold increase in t-PA mRNA and protein expression levels. Next, we performed a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay on treated astrocytes with antibodies directed against acetylated histones H3 and H4 (both markers of gene activation). Treatment with MS-275 and TSA for 24 hours resulted in a significant increase in H3 acetylation, which could explain the observed increase in t-PA gene activity after the inhibition of histone deacetylation. Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis of cultured human neurons and astrocytes, as well as human postmortem brain tissue, revealed a stretch of unmethylated CpG dinucleotides in the proximal t-PA promoter, whereas more upstream CpGs were highly methylated. Taken together, these results implicate involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of t-PA expression in the human brain.
Interactive Effects of the BIS and the BAS on Trajectories of Alcohol Misuse after University Graduation
Authors: Keough Matthew T. , O'connor Roisin M.
Published: January 2016

Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory predicts that those with a strong behavioral inhibition system (BIS) likely experience considerable anxiety and uncertainty during the transition out of university. Accordingly, they may continue to drink heavily to cope during this time (a period associated with normative reductions in heavy drinking), but only if they also have a strong behavioral approach system (BAS) to enhance the anxiolytic effects of drinking. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesis. Participants completed online measures prior to and at 3-month intervals over the course of the year following graduation. As hypothesized, results showed that an elevated BIS predicted impeded maturing out, but only when the impulsivity facet of BAS was also elevated. In contrast, a strong BIS predicted rapid maturing out if BAS impulsivity was weak. Study findings advance our understanding of BIS-related alcohol misuse trajectories in young adulthood and provide direction for clinical interventions.
Time-Domain Numerical Solutions of Maxwell Interface Problems with Discontinuous Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Zhang Ya , Nguyen Duc Duy , Du Kewei , Xu Jin , Zhao Shan
Published: January 2016

This paper is devoted to time domain numerical solutions of two-dimensional (2D) material interface problems governed by the transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) Maxwell's equations with discontinuous electromagnetic solutions. Due to the discontinuity in wave solutions across the interface, the usual numerical methods will converge slowly or even fail to converge. This calls for the development of advanced interface treatments for popular Maxwell solvers. We will investigate such interface treatments by considering two typical Maxwell solvers – one based on collocation formulation and another based on Galerkin formulation. To restore the accuracy reduction of the collocation finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm near an interface, the physical jump conditions relating discontinuous wave solutions on both sides of the interface must be rigorously enforced. For this purpose, a novel matched interface and boundary (MIB) scheme is proposed in this work, in which new jump conditions are derived so that the discontinuous and staggered features of electric and magnetic field components can be accommodated. The resulting MIB time-domain (MIBTD) scheme satisfies the jump conditions locally and suppresses the staircase approximation errors completely over the Yee lattices. In the discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) algorithm – a popular GalerkinMaxwell solver, a proper numerical flux can be designed to accurately capture the jumps in the electromagnetic waves across the interface and automatically preserves the discontinuity in the explicit time integration. The DGTD solution to Maxwell interface problems is explored in this work, by considering a nodal based high order discontinuous Galerkin method. In benchmark TM and TE tests with analytical solutions, both MIBTD and DGTD schemes achieve the second order of accuracy in solving circular interfaces. In comparison, the numerical convergence of the MIBTD method is slightly more uniform, while the DGTD method is more flexible and robust.
Two-Grid Finite Element Methods for the Steady Navier-Stokes/Darcy Model
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Tong
Published: January 2016

Two-grid finite element methods for the steady Navier-Stokes/Darcy model are considered. Stability and optimal error estimates in theH1-norm for velocity and piezometric approximations and theL2-norm for pressure are established under mesh sizes satisfyingh = H2. A modified decoupled and linearised two-grid algorithm is developed, together with some associated optimal error estimates. Our method and results extend and improve an earlier investigation, and some numerical computations illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the new algorithm.
Novice Agriculture Teachers’ General Self Efficacy and Sense of Community Connectedness
Authors: Langley G. Curtis , Martin Michael , Kitchel Tracy
Published: January 2016

The attrition rate for novice teachers can range between 20%-50% in the first five years. This problem has concerned researchers in school-based agricultural education because of the shortage of agriculture teachers and high demands of the job. Researchers narrowed down the reasons why teachers leave the profession including the role of self-efficacy. While self-efficacy of novice teachers in the classroom has been researched, general self-efficacy of novice teachers has not been examined. We investigated the influence of moving into a new community and adjusting to the new culture and social connections of the new community on the teacher’s self-efficacy. The purpose was to determine if culture shock and social connectedness explained general self-efficacy of novice agriculture teachers. It was concluded that the construct of core beliefs and how people react internally to their community within the culture shock theory significantly explained a proportion of the variance in general self-efficacy. The findings implied that the culture distance experienced by a novice teacher in a new community could affect their general well-being and ability to accomplish their goals.
“You’ve Always Got Challenges”: Resilience and the Preservice Teacher
Authors: Thieman Erica B. , Marx Adam A. , Kitchel Tracy
Published: January 2016

Agricultural educators hold a position that bears much responsibility to many different stakeholders and is accompanied by many forms of stressors, making a high level of resilience particularly essential to this group (Anderson, Kitchel, & Thieman, 2012; Croom, 2003; Straquadine, 1990; Torres, Lambert, & Lawver, 2009; Walker, Garton, & Kitchel, 2004). Agricultural educators continue to be in short supply in relation to demand and especially in the early years high attrition rates plague the profession (Kantrovich, 2007). The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe teacher resilience of preservice high school agricultural educators. The population studied was ten pre-service agricultural education teachers in their last year of coursework in agricultural education at the University of Missouri. The themes exposed include: youth experiences are a key component toward reflection on resilience, the uncertainty of the reality of the job could counter resilience, and belief that “doing a good job” is key to resilience in teaching. Recommendations for practice and theoretical questions for teacher educators to discuss are provided.
Determining the Science, Agriculture and Natural Resource, and Youth Leadership Outcomes for Students Participating in an Innovative Middle School Agriscience Program
Authors: Skelton Peter , Stair Kristin S. , Dormody Tom , Vanleeuwen Dawn
Published: January 2016

The Memorial Middle School Agricultural Extension and Education Center (MMSAEEC) located in Las Vegas, New Mexico is a youth science center focusing on agriculture and natural resources. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study of the MMSAEEC teaching and learning model was to determine if differences exist in science achievement, agriculture and natural resource achievement (ANR), leadership skill development, and interests in agriculture and natural resource and other STEM careers between students who participated in the MMSAEEC program and students at a comparison middle school. Results indicate higher overall standardized science test scores and higher scores in the scientific investigations, physical science, earth science, and science and people sub-dimensions of the science test for MMSAEEC students. MMSAEEC students also scored higher on two of the four sub-dimensions of the ANR test (agriscience and ecology). MMSAEEC students were similar to comparison school students in leadership development and career interests. Based on these results, the MMSAEEC model is a viable model for encouraging science and agriculture and natural resource achievement in middle school programs. Improvements are necessary to enhance overall achievement in ANR including higher scores on emerging ANR issues, leadership development, and interests in agricultural and natural resource careers for program participants.
A Comparison and Analysis of Preservice Teachers’ Oral and Written Reflections
Authors: Lambert Misty D. , Sorensen Tyson J. , Elliott Kristopher M.
Published: January 2016

Teacher reflection continues to be a key component of many preservice teaching programs across the United States. In Agricultural Education, reflection begins in the early field experience and continues throughout the teacher education program as an important opportunity to assess students’ proficiency of teaching concepts, thought process, and growth over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the topics of preservice teachers’ reflections and compare the effectiveness of written and reflective interviews. We examined the written and reflective interviews of four preservice teachers over three reflection cycles, comparing themes, levels of reflection, and completeness to determine the benefit of multiple methods of reflection. Applying the theory of preservice teacher concerns, we found participants tended to report more task reflection than self-concerns or impact concerns when given open-ended reflection prompts. Moreover, written reflections tended to be more summative in nature, while reflective interviews provided more support and detail. The findings indicate reflection across multiple methods may provide a more complete assessment of student proficiency. Teacher education programs could benefit from these findings by analyzing their means of facilitating preservice teacher reflection.