bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of human adipose stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells with restricted localization to liver using acellular amniotic membrane
Authors: Yuan Jie , Li Weihong , Huang Jieqiong , Guo Xinyue , Li Xueyang , Lu Xin , Huang Xiaowu , Zhang Haiyan
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Adult stem cell-derived hepatocytes transplantation holds considerable promise for future clinical individualized therapy of liver failure or dysfunction. However, the low engraftment of the available hepatocytes in the liver disease microenvironment has been a major obstacle.

Methods

Acellular human amniotic membrane was developed as a three-dimensional scaffold and combined with hepatocyte-like cells derived from human adipose stem cells to engineer a hepatic tissue graft that would allow hepatocyte engraftment in the liver effectively.

Results

The hepatic tissue grafts maintained hepatocyte-specific gene expression and functionality in vitro. When transplanted into the surgical incision in livers for engraftment, the engineered hepatic grafts significantly decreased the degree of liver injury caused by a carbon tetrachloride treatment and generated cords that were similar to the ductal plates in the liver between the acellular human amniotic membrane and the liver of receipts at day 3 post-transplantation. The hepatic tissue grafts maintained the expression of human hepatocyte-specific markers albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, and cytochrome P450 2B6 in the liver of receipts, and acquired human-specific drug metabolism ability at eight weeks post-transplantation.

Conclusions

The acellular human amniotic membrane has the ability to maintain the functional phenotype of the hepatocyte-like cells derived from human adipose stem cells. Functional acellular human amniotic membrane-hepatocytes grafts integrated with the liver decreases the acute liver injury of mice. These engineered tissue constructs may support stem cell-based individualized therapy for liver disease and for bioartificial liver establishment.
Effects of in vitro endochondral priming and pre-vascularisation of human MSC cellular aggregates in vivo
Authors: Freeman Fiona E. , Allen Ashley B. , Stevens Hazel Y. , Guldberg Robert E. , McNamara Laoise M.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

During endochondral ossification, both the production of a cartilage template and the subsequent vascularisation of that template are essential precursors to bone tissue formation. Recent studies have found the application of both chondrogenic and vascular priming of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhanced the mineralisation potential of MSCs in vitro whilst also allowing for immature vessel formation. However, the in vivo viability, vascularisation and mineralisation potential of MSC aggregates that have been pre-conditioned in vitro by a combination of chondrogenic and vascular priming, has yet to be established. In this study, we test the hypothesis that a tissue regeneration approach that incorporates both chondrogenic priming of MSCs, to first form a cartilage template, and subsequent pre-vascularisation of the cartilage constructs, by co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, will improve vessel infiltration and thus mineral formation once implanted in vivo.

Methods

Human MSCs were chondrogenically primed for 21 days, after which they were co-cultured with MSCs and HUVECs and cultured in endothelial growth medium for another 21 days. These aggregates were then implanted subcutaneously in nude rats for 4 weeks. We used a combination of bioluminescent imaging, microcomputed tomography, histology (Masson’s trichrome and Alizarin Red) and immunohistochemistry (CD31, CD146, and α-smooth actin) to assess the vascularisation and mineralisation potential of these MSC aggregates in vivo.

Results

Pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were found to have mature endogenous vessels (indicated by α-smooth muscle actin walls and erythrocytes) after 4 weeks subcutaneous implantation, and also viable human MSCs (detected by bioluminescent imaging) 21 days after subcutaneous implantation. In contrast, aggregates that were not pre-vascularised had no vessels within the aggregate interior and human MSCs did not remain viable beyond 14 days. Interestingly, the pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were also the only group to have mineralised nodules within the cellular aggregates, whereas mineralisation occurred in the alginate surrounding the aggregates for all other groups.

Conclusions

Taken together these results indicate that a combined chondrogenic priming and pre-vascularisation approach for in vitro culture of MSC aggregates shows enhanced vessel formation and increased mineralisation within the cellular aggregate when implanted subcutaneously in vivo.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma: stem cell transplantation methods that enhance stemness
Authors: Tobita Morikuni , Tajima Satoshi , Mizuno Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Because of their ease of isolation and relative abundance, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are a particularly attractive autologous cell source for various therapeutic purposes. ASCs retain a high proliferation capacity in vitro and have the ability to undergo extensive differentiation into multiple cell lineages. Moreover, ASCs secrete a wide range of growth factors that can stimulate tissue regeneration. Therefore, the clinical use of ASCs is feasible. However, the potential of ASCs differs depending on the donor’s medical condition, including diseases such as diabetes. Recent studies demonstrated that ASCs from diabetic donors exhibit reduced proliferative potential and a smaller proportion of stem cell marker-positive cells. Therefore, to ensure the success of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering methods must be improved by the incorporation of factors that increase the proliferation and differentiation of stem/progenitor cells when autologous cells are used. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains high levels of diverse growth factors that can stimulate stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation in the context of tissue regeneration, has recently been identified as a biological material that could be applied to tissue regeneration. Thus, co-transplantation of ASCs and PRP represents a promising novel approach for cell therapy in regenerative medicine. In this review, we describe the potential benefits of adding PRP to ASCs and preclinical and clinical studies of this approach in various medical fields. We also discuss the mechanisms of PRP action and future cell-based therapies using co-transplantation of ASCs and PRP.
Let-7b-mediated pro-survival of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells for cardiac regeneration
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhang Ping , Jiang Hongbing
Published: November 2015

Stem cell-based repair and regeneration for cardiac regeneration following myocardial injury remain unmet challenges largely due to low viability of cells transplanted in the recipient sites. Accumulating evidence has revealed that local existence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes transplanted cell death via both apoptosis and autophagy. Ham and colleagues have identified let-7b as one of the primary mediators for ROS-induced apoptosis and autophagy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through direct targeting of caspase-3. Importantly, intramyocardial injection of let-7b-modified MSCs significantly enhanced ventricular function and facilitated myocardial repair by protecting transplanted cells from apoptosis and autophagy in the rat cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of microRNA underlying stem cell survival following in vivo delivery, and offer further evidence that microRNA-modified MSC transplantation might be an effective therapeutic approach for tissue repair and regeneration.
Structural effect of polyester SCY knitted fabric on fabric size, stretch properties, and clothing pressure
Authors: Sang Jeong Seon , Lee Mee Sik , Park Myung Ja
Published: November 2015

This study facilitates an effective design and development of various high stretch compression products by analyzing fabric size, stretch properties, and clothing pressure for various knit structures. Four types of fabrics were knitted with polyester SCY (Single Covered Yarn). Then fabric size including weight and thickness, stretch properties (stretch, elastic recovery), and clothing pressure were then measured, to analyze their interrelation. A comparison of fabric size indicated that yarn floating caused reduction in both course and wale-wise specimens; in addition, yarn overlapping caused a release in course-wise and shrinkage in wale–wise due to tuck. The high density caused by shrinkage in the course-wise due to yarn floating rather than overlapping influenced the weight and thickness of knitted fabrics. Yarn floating reduced course-wise elasticity and increased wale-wise elasticity in the fabric stretch test; however, yarn overlapping reduced elasticity in both directions. The elastic recovery analysis indicated that the recovery value gap among four specimens decreased over time. In comparison clothing pressure, ‘plain-float’ fabric showed higher clothing pressure than ‘plain’, while the pressure value of ‘plain-tuck’ was similar to ‘plain’. Dimensional change in course-wise had a greater effect on clothing pressure than in wale-wise in the correlation among fabric size, stretch properties and clothing pressure. Weight and thickness change exerted a strong influence on clothing pressure which vertically presses down the body. The clothing pressure value of knitted specimen having a lower stretch ratio was higher in course-wise.
Inflammation and preterm birth
Authors: Cappelletti Monica , Della Bella Silvia , Ferrazzi Enrico , Mavilio Domenico , Divanovic Senad
Published: November 2015

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although the underlying causes of pregnancy-associated complication are numerous, it is well established that infection and inflammation represent a highly significant risk factor in preterm birth. However, despite the clinical and public health significance, infectious agents, molecular trigger(s), and immune pathways underlying the pathogenesis of preterm birth remain underdefined and represent a major gap in knowledge. Here, we provide an overview of recent clinical and animal model data focused on the interplay between infection-driven inflammation and induction of preterm birth. Furthermore, here, we highlight the critical gaps in knowledge that warrant future investigations into the interplay between immune responses and induction of preterm birth.
Peering into the “rabbit hole” of publication bias and inadequate research transparency: Adding tangibility to the abstract
Authors: Mayer Martin
Published: November 2015

When patients seek medical care, they assume the treatment or advice they receive is based on a strong understanding of the human body and its processes. They also typically assume the care they receive is based on a strong understanding of the research literature pertaining to their well-being and any ailments for which they might seek care. However, publication bias and inadequate research transparency greatly threaten medical providers’ ability to practice evidence-based medicine in its truest form, and this in turn puts patients at unnecessary risk. The evidence of these issues existing is unequivocal. However, systematic reviews and other studies that present overviews of these issues – although certainly incredibly important in establishing the undeniable presence and pervasiveness of these issues – may inadvertently obfuscate the concreteness of these closely-related processes in action. Therefore, this article presents a “case series” of these detrimental issues in action in an effort to emphasize the tangibility of these issues and thereby help make their importance unmistakably clear.
Vivências e Expectativas de Mães com Recém-nascidos Pré-termo Internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal
Authors: Dadalto Elâine Cristina Vargas , Rosa Edinete Maria
Published: November 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de conhecer vivências e expectativas de mães com recém-nascidos pré-termo internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal (UTINs) avaliando processos proximais iniciais mãe-filho. O planejamento foi pelaTeoria Bioecológica do Desenvolvimento Humano, com a participação de 62 mães. A maioria delas nunca tinha pensado na possibilidade da hospitalização do filho. A UTIN foi descrita como ambiente de cuidado e atenção, mas a vivência foi avaliada como evento impactante, independente da escolaridade, classe econômica, tipo de UTIN e idade gestacional (p>0,05), relatando tristeza e preocupação (45,2%), rotina cansativa, mas necessária (24,2%) e, mesmo diante da felicidade pela recuperação, o período inicial foi difícil e doloroso (30,6%). Para a maioria não terá consequência negativa na relação mãe-bebê (66,2%) e os processos proximais iniciais combinaram contato físico, conversa e amamentação.As mães estavam enfrentando a hospitalização do bebê sob perspectiva positiva, a partir dos próprios recursos biopsicológicos, apoio familiar e profissional.
O papel preditor dos estilos de apego na resolução do conflito conjugal
Authors: Scheeren Patrícia , Delatorre Marina Zanella , Neumann Angélica Paula , Wagner Adriana
Published: November 2015

Este artigo avaliou o papel preditor dos estilos de apego na resolução do conflito conjugal. Foram investigados 428 homens e mulheres com idades entre 18 e 75 anos, de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos, residentes na região sul do Brasil. Os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, ao The Conflict Resolution Style Inventory (CRSI) e à Escala de Apego Adulto (EAA). Realizou-se uma análise de regressão linear múltipla para testar as hipóteses. Os resultados apontam que os estilos de apego inseguros foram preditores dos estilos de resolução de conflitos destrutivos, enquanto que o estilo de apego seguro foi preditor da resolução de conflitos construtiva. Esses achados apontam para a importância de considerar os estilos de apego dos membros do casal na compreensão do padrão de relacionamento conjugal diante de situações conflitivas.
Para além da punição: (re)construindo o conceito de responsabilização socioeducativa
Authors: Valente Fernanda Pinheiro Rebouças , Oliveira Maria Cláudia Santos Lopes de
Published: November 2015

O presente artigo discute o conceito de responsabilização juvenil, a partir do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA), da Lei 12.594 que institui o Sistema Nacional de Atendimento Socioeducativo e da filosofia, e considera os impactos da polissemia do termo sobre a apropriação que dele fazem os operadores do sistema socioeducativo. Os documentos normativos fazem menção a diferentes formas de responsabilização, vistas como alternativas não punitivas no processo socioeducativo, sem que apresentem uma definição clara desses termos. A imprecisão do conceito pode estar contribuindo, no processo histórico, para a manutenção do caráter coercivo, aflitivo e punitivo, frequentemente presentes na execução de medidas socioeducativas. Para chegar a uma compreensão mais clara da questão, procedeu-se inicialmente a análise documental de textos legais que tratam do processo de responsabilização socioeducativa. No segundo momento, realizou-se pesquisa quali-quantitativa, em que um instrumento do tipo escala Lickert foi aplicado entre operadores do sistema socioeducativo. Os resultados evidenciam que a vinculação entre punição e culpabilização e as práticas promotoras de responsabilização socioeducativa, diz mais sobre as crenças e as representações que seguem existindo dentro do sistema socioeducativo do que a um não conhecimento das leis e normas que regem o sistema socioeducativo pelos profissionais.
A fenomenologia de Husserl no contexto da psicologia na virada para o século XX
Authors: Peres Sávio Passafaro
Published: November 2015

Neste artigo buscamos esclarecer como a fenomenologia de Husserl situa-se no contexto da psicologia na passagem para o século XX. Focamos especialmente na obra Investigações Lógicas, que marca a virada de Husserl à fenomenologia. Inicialmente, examinamos o surgimento da Psicologia Experimental na Alemanha para, posteriormente, examinarmos a influência que Husserl exerceu em algumas dessas escolas na primeira década do século XX e, em particular, nas escolas de Würzburg, Göttingen, Berlim e Munique. Constatamos que a fenomenologia de Investigações Lógicas foi recebida como uma forma de psicologia descritiva, cujo intuito seria a preparação conceitual para a elaboração de uma psicologia empírica.
Raça e criminalidade na obra de Nina Rodrigues: Uma história psicossocial dos estudos raciais no Brasil do final do século XIX
Authors: Rodrigues Marcela Franzen
Published: November 2015

Este artigo tem por intuito rever e analisar algumas obras de Nina Rodrigues (1862-1906) que tratam, sobretudo, de seus trabalhos acerca da inferioridade física e mental dos negros e mestiços no Brasil, baseando-se mormente no saber produzido por criminalistas italianos como Lombroso, Garófalo e Ferri. Raimundo Nina Rodrigues foi um médico maranhense, radicado na Bahia, que no final do século XIX interessou-se pelos estudos raciais a partir da Medicina Legal. Produziu diversas obras nas quais busca explicar e analisar o que ele considerava provas irrefutáveis da inferioridade da raça negra. Assim, Nina Rodrigues se debruçava sobre casos de crimes, de loucura, de crenças religiosas, sempre na busca de pistas que pudessem comprovar suas teorias sobre a inferioridade racial. Neste trabalho procura-se analisar tais obras, a fim de apreender as motivações do autor assim como compreender o contexto científico da época, buscando-se, assim, alguma contribuição para a história da psicologia no Brasil.
Embedding a ‘mastery‘ teaching approach
Authors: Crittenden Jenna
Published: November 2015

‘Mastery’ teaching encourages pupils to learn to redraft and improve their own work, equipping them with a deep understanding of their learning. Jenna Crittenden explains how she worked to embed this approach at her school
CPD that is driven by pupils' learning needs
Authors: Brosnan Jessica
Published: November 2015

How can you ensure that your teachers' professional development is being driven by your pupils' learning needs? Jessica Brosnan advises
Semi-Automated Digital Image Analysis of Pick’s Disease and TDP-43 Proteinopathy
Authors: Irwin David J. , Byrne Matthew D. , McMillan Corey T. , Cooper Felicia , Arnold Steven E. , Lee Edward B. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Xie Sharon X. , Lee Virginia M.-Y. , Grossman Murray , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: November 2015

Digital image analysis of histology sections provides reliable, high-throughput methods for neuropathological studies but data is scant in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), which has an added challenge of study due to morphologically diverse pathologies. Here, we describe a novel method of semi-automated digital image analysis in FTLD subtypes including: Pick’s disease (PiD, n=11) with tau-positive intracellular inclusions and neuropil threads, and TDP-43 pathology type C (FTLD-TDPC, n=10), defined by TDP-43-positive aggregates predominantly in large dystrophic neurites. To do this, we examined three FTLD-associated cortical regions: mid-frontal gyrus (MFG), superior temporal gyrus (STG) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) by immunohistochemistry. We used a color deconvolution process to isolate signal from the chromogen and applied both object detection and intensity thresholding algorithms to quantify pathological burden. We found object-detection algorithms had good agreement with gold-standard manual quantification of tau- and TDP-43-positive inclusions. Our sampling method was reliable across three separate investigators and we obtained similar results in a pilot analysis using open-source software. Regional comparisons using these algorithms finds differences in regional anatomic disease burden between PiD and FTLD-TDP not detected using traditional ordinal scale data, suggesting digital image analysis is a powerful tool for clinicopathological studies in morphologically diverse FTLD syndromes.
Expression of WNT5A in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Its Control by TGF-β and WNT7B in Human Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Newman Donna R. , Sills W. Shane , Hanrahan Katherine , Ziegler Amanda , Tidd Kathleen McGinnis , Cook Elizabeth , Sannes Philip L.
Published: November 2015

The wingless (Wnt) family of signaling ligands contributes significantly to lung development and is highly expressed in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). We sought to define the cellular distribution of Wnt5A in the lung tissue of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the signaling ligands that control its expression in human lung fibroblasts and IPF myofibroblasts. Tissue sections from 40 patients diagnosed with IPF or UIP were probed for the immunolocalization of Wnt5A. Further, isolated lung fibroblasts from normal or IPF human lungs, adenovirally transduced for the overexpression or silencing of Wnt7B or treated with TGF-β1 or its inhibitor, were analyzed for Wnt5A protein expression. Wnt5A was expressed in IPF lungs by airway and alveolar epithelium, smooth muscle cells, endothelium, and myofibroblasts of fibroblastic foci and throughout the interstitium. Forced overexpression of Wnt7B with or without TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased Wnt5A protein expression in normal human smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts but not in IPF myofibroblasts where Wnt5A was already highly expressed. The results demonstrate a wide distribution of Wnt5A expression in cells of the IPF lung and reveal that it is significantly increased by Wnt7B and TGF-β1, which, in combination, could represent key signaling pathways that modulate the pathogenesis of IPF.
O jornal como fonte de pesquisa histórica e antropológica: entre o monologismo e a polifonia
Authors: Müller Aline Maria
Published: November 2015

A pós-modernidade implicou transformações nos diversos campos do conhecimento acadêmico. Esses câmbios também foram sentidos no campo do jornalismo, aonde uma retrospectiva crítica conduziu a reflexão sobre a forma de compor os produtos midiáticos, abrindo caminho para a construção de um texto jornalístico polifônico. Os jornais impressos, antes desprezados pelos historiadores, passaram a ser reconhecidos como importantes fontes de pesquisa histórica e antropológica. Após analisado e desconstruído, o texto jornalístico permite abordagens em diversos campos de pesquisa, como o das representações ou das construções sociais. O presente ensaio discute esses pressupostos teóricos, aplicando- os em um estudo de caso baseado no conflito ocorrido na Serra da Bodoquena (MS) na década de 1980.
[Recensão a] CARLOS ALBERTO AUGUSTO (2014). Sons e silêncios da paisagem sonora portuguesa
Authors: Fernandes João Luís
Published: November 2015

http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/0870-4112_3-1_20
[Recensão a] ANTÓNIO DE OLIVEIRA (2013). Antiquarismo e História: para a História da Historiografia (séculos XVII-XXI)
Authors: Homem Armando Luís de Carvalho
Published: November 2015

http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/0870-4112_3-1_23
As Humanidades como lugar do ensino do Jornalismo
Authors: Peixinho Ana Teresa
Published: November 2015

Durante décadas, uma considerável parte da discussão sobre o ensino do Jornalismo em Portugal focou-se, sobretudo, em aspetos que diziam respeito, por um lado, à eterna querela entre prática e teoria e, por outro lado, à necessidade de adaptação tecnológica dos curricula, a fim de responderem à acelerada mudança das tecnologias da informação e da comunicação. Neste artigo, defende-se o valor das Humanidades na formação dos jornalistas, atendendo aos desafios que atualmente se colocam à profissão. Ora, uma formação universitária em Jornalismo tem de estar preparada para conseguir precisamente dotar os estudantes de um conjunto de saberes e competências que lhes permitam respeitar as questões éticas e deontológicas inerentes à profissão; perceber que o mundo multicultural, multilinguístico e, sobretudo, multimédia, implica novos desafios éticos e realidades mais complexas que exigem uma estrutura de pensamento mais sólida e, sobretudo, a capacidade de pensar e resolver problemas mais complexos e sensíveis.
The Achievement Goal Questionnaire-Revised for Thai College Students and Asian Context
Authors: Ratsameemonthon L.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. The four dimensions (2x2) of achievement goal are the latest versión of achievement goal questionnaire to explain reasons or purposes of individuals pursuing their goal. In Thailand the 2x2 framework of achievement goal questionnaire to examine a student’s achievement goal in the Thai Language version may not have been sufficiently researched. Therefore, it is necessary to develop achievement goal in the Thai version to assess students’ achievement goal in order to investigate how they utilize their achievement goal to achieve in their academic performance as well as to examine whether an achievement goal assessment developed from Western perspective could apply in Thai context.Method. The Thai version of AGQ-R was administered to 988 students from three selected universities located in Songkhla province Thailand. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explain a common relationship of each variable, whereas, CFA was used to confirm the factor structure identified via EFA.Results. The result of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the four-factor structure of the Thai version of AGQ-R appeared to be the same as that of the original scale. The translated Thai version of AGQ-R demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity.Discussion and conclusion. Theoretical perspective advocated a separation of the four-factor structure of achievement goal and could bridge the cultural gap of people living in different cultures having the same factor structural domain of achievement goal. Future research should be replicated with other academic years or with other educational levels or other locations to increase validity and reliability of this assessment.
Surrendering Information through the Looking Glass: Transparency, Trust, and Protection
Authors: Walker Kristen L.
Published: November 2015

Trust and transparency influence consumer information exchanges, yet the understanding of how they shape marketing and public policy relating to privacy and security issues is not current with the digital and informational age. People face increasing complexity in online exchanges of information and lack the time, attention, and wherewithal to understand how to protect themselves. Society's reliance on technology results in individuals engaging in continuous partial attention and behaving as cognitive misers. The author explains the concept of surrendering to technology and presents a sharing–surrendering information matrix to address this phenomenon. The matrix clarifies the difference between surrendering versus sharing information online, leading to the proposition that current efforts to protect privacy and security, such as enhancing trust and transparency, lack legitimacy and will not be effective in the digital age. Surrendering information is a long-term societal and ethical issue for marketers and policy makers, requiring improvement(s) in verification mechanisms and increased educational efforts aimed at enhancing consumers’ attention.
Secondary flows occurring in a whirlpool separator – A study of phenomena – observation, simulation and measurements
Authors: Jakubowski Marek
Published: November 2015

The whirlpool separator, used for hot trub separation, is prevalent in the brewing industry. It is a kind of a hydrocyclone inside of which a tea leaf effect occurs, which is sediment accumulation into a cone shape at the central part of the tank’s bottom. This manner of sediment accumulation is caused by the secondary flow occurring in the so-called Ekman boundary layer. This article is a summary of the research, which has been conducted for many years and involved observation, simulation and experimental research on the recognition and formation of the secondary flow accumulating the sediment cone. Secondary flows occurring in a whirlpool were identified through CFD simulation and PIV experiments, and are presented in this paper. Based on their location and direction, an attempt to determine their impact on the separation process taking place in the whirlpool has been made. The secondary flow identification methods proposed in this paper can be successfully applied in other solutions, e. g. structural ones, which involve rotational-flow-based separation.
Intensification of heat transfer between heat exchange surfaces at low RE values
Authors: Cernecky Jozef , Brodnianska Zuzana , Koniar Jan
Published: November 2015

This contribution deals with the heat transfer parameters and pressure losses in heat exchange sets with six geometrical arrangements at low Re values (Re from 476 to 2926). Geometrical arrangements were characterised by the h/H ratio ranging from 0.2 to 1.0. The experiments used the holographic interferometry method in real time. This method enables visible and quantitative evaluations of images of temperature fields in the examined heat exchange. These images are used to determine the local and mean heat transfer parameters. The obtained data were used to determine the Colburn j-factor and the friction coefficient f. The measured values show that by using the profiled heat exchange surfaces and inserting regulating tubes, an intensification of heat transfer (increase of Num, and/or j) was achieved. However, pressure losses recorded a significant increase (increase of f).
New records of chironomids (Chironomidae: Diptera) from Slovakia / Nové nálezy pakomárov (Chironomidae: Diptera) zo Slovenska
Authors: Ščerbáková Soňa , Bitušík Peter
Published: November 2015

Five chironomid species: Thienemannimyia vitellina (Kieffer, 1916), Orthocladius (Pogonocladius) consobrinus (Holmgren, 1869), Parachironomus danicus, Lehmann 1970, Tanytarsus norvegicus (Kieffer 1924) and Tanytarus smolandicus, Brundin 1947 were recorded in Slovakia for the first time. The pupal exuviae were collected in 2012-2013 from 9 water reservoirs. Details on finding with the notes on distribution and ecology are presented.
Flow-specific physical properties of coconut flours
Authors: Manikantan Musuvadi R. , Kingsly Ambrose Rose P. , Alavi Sajid
Published: November 2015

Coconut milk residue and virgin coconut oil cake are important co-products of virgin coconut oil that are used in the animal feed industry. Flour from these products has a number of potential human health benefits and can be used in different food formulations. The objective of this study was to find out the flow-specific physical properties of coconut flours at three moisture levels. Coconut milk residue flour with 4.53 to 8.18% moisture content (w.b.) had bulk density and tapped density of 317.37 to 312.65 and 371.44 to 377.23 kg m-3, respectively; the corresponding values for virgin coconut oil cake flour with 3.85 to 7.98% moisture content (wet basis) were 611.22 to 608.68 and 663.55 to 672.93 kg m-3, respectively. The compressibility index and Hausner ratio increased with moisture. The angle of repose increased with moisture and ranged from 34.12 to 36.20 and 21.07 to 23.82° for coconut milk residue flour and virgin coconut oil cake flour, respectively. The coefficient of static and rolling friction increased with moisture for all test surfaces, with the plywood offering more resistance to flow than other test surfaces. The results of this study will be helpful in designing handling, flow, and processing systems for coconut milk residue and virgin coconut oil cake flours.
Changes in the germination process and growth of pea in effect of laser seed irradiation
Authors: Podleśna Anna , Gładyszewska Bożena , Podleśny Janusz , Zgrajka Wojciech
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre-sowing helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation of pea seeds on changes in seed biochemical processes, germination rate, seedling emergence, growth rate, and yield. The first experimental factor was exposure to laser radiation: D0 - no irradiation, D3 - three exposures, D5 - five exposures, and the harvest dates were the second factor. Pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds with He-Ne laser light increased the concentrations of amylolytic enzymes and the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in pea seeds and seedlings. The exposure of seeds to He-Ne laser light improved the germination rate and uniformity and modified growth stages, which caused acceleration of flowering and ripening of pea plants. Laser light stimulation improved the morphological characteristics of plants by increasing plant height and leaf surface area. Irradiation improved the yield of vegetative and reproductive organs of pea, although the effects varied at the different growth stages. The increase in the seed yield resulted from a higher number of pods and seeds per plant, whereas no significant changes were observed in the number of seeds per pod. Both radiation doses exerted similarly stimulating effects on pea growth, development, and yield.
Effects of powder from white cabbage outer leaves on sponge cake quality
Authors: Prokopov Tsvetko , Goranova Zhivka , Baeva Marianna , Slavov Anton , Galanakis Charis M.
Published: November 2015

The main objective of this study was to develop high fibre cakes utilizing and valorising cabbage by-products - cabbage outer leaves. Cabbage outer leaves were dried and milled in order to produce cabbage leaf powder. The cabbage leaf powder was added at 0, 10, 20% into sponge cake. All of the samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis and sensory evaluation. Methods of descriptive sensory analysis were used for a comparative analysis of the sponge cakes with cabbage leaf powder and the cake without cabbage leaf powder. Addition of cabbage leaf powder in sponge cakes significantly affected the cake volume and textural properties. Springiness of cakes with cabbage leaf powder and crumb tenderness were lower, while the structure was stable at high loads, as expressed by lower shrinkage in comparison with the control cake. The nutritional value of the sponge cakes with cabbage leaf powder was lower than the control cake. The cells cakes modified by cabbage leaf powder were smaller and almost equal, uniformly distributed in the crumb, and at the same time had thicker walls. The cakes with addition of cabbage leaf powder showed the springiness and their crumb tenderness were lower, while their structure was stable at high loads. Control cake showed higher water-absorbing capacity compared to the cakes with 10 and 20% cabbage leaf powder.
Time series modelling of increased soil temperature anomalies during long period
Authors: Shirvani Amin , Moradi Farzad , Moosavi Ali Akbar
Published: November 2015

Soil temperature just beneath the soil surface is highly dynamic and has a direct impact on plant seed germination and is probably the most distinct and recognisable factor governing emergence. Autoregressive integrated moving average as a stochastic model was developed to predict the weekly soil temperature anomalies at 10 cm depth, one of the most important soil parameters. The weekly soil temperature anomalies for the periods of January1986-December 2011 and January 2012-December 2013 were taken into consideration to construct and test autoregressive integrated moving average models. The proposed model autoregressive integrated moving average (2,1,1) had a minimum value of Akaike information criterion and its estimated coefficients were different from zero at 5% significance level. The prediction of the weekly soil temperature anomalies during the test period using this proposed model indicated a high correlation coefficient between the observed and predicted data - that was 0.99 for lead time 1 week. Linear trend analysis indicated that the soil temperature anomalies warmed up significantly by 1.8°C during the period of 1986-2011.
Assessing anaphoric relations via the phased choice methodology
Authors: Sperlich Darcy
Published: November 2015

There has been a continued interest in discovering how learners of another language acquire a target language’s anaphoric system. While our understanding of the issues has improved, the development of methodologies to assess the interpretation of anaphora in a learner’s interlanguage has not. This paper is concerned with introducing a methodology named ‘Phased Choice’ to assess anaphoric reference, which more effectively tackles the issues facing anaphoric testing. The data was gathered from an experiment that focused on English and Korean learners of Chinese acquiring the Chinese reflexive ziji ‘self’, results showing that the Korean learners are at an advantage to their English counterparts due to the similar pragmatic strategies Korean and Chinese share. Moreover, the methodology in comparison to the literature shows its strength, dealing effectively with problems past tests faced.
Developing EFL learners’ metaphoric competence through cognitive-oriented methods
Authors: Chen Yi-chen , Lai Huei-ling
Published: November 2015

This study evaluated two cognitive-oriented methods for learning figurative language in an EFL context to develop metaphoric competence. Sixty-eight Taiwanese university students participated in the experiment and were separated into two groups: one group received instruction involving conceptual metaphors, while the other group received instruction involving metaphoric mappings. A test was designed to measure the participants’ ability to recognize metaphors and metonymies. The data collected from the pre-tests and post-tests were analyzed using a multiple regression model. The results demonstrated that both methods improved learners’ awareness and retention of figurative language, confirming the beneficial influence of explicit instruction; in addition, the instruction on metaphoric mappings was more helpful in facilitating learners’ awareness of expressions involving more abstract concepts with complicated mapping relationships. The findings shed light on the effectiveness of cognitive-oriented methods in the EFL teaching and learning of figurative expressions.
Carotid intima media thickness in obese children: is there an association with hyperlipidemia?
Authors: Önal Zehra Esra , Soydan Levent , Öztürk Hatice Eren , Sağ Çiğdem , Gürbüz Tamay , Nuhoğlu Çağatay , Şimşek Mehmet Masum
Published: November 2015

We aimed to evaluate the association between hyperlipidemia and carotid intima media thickness in obese children, compared to non-obese ones.

Two hundred (110 girls, 90 boys) children aged between 6 and 15 years participated in this study. The obese group included 53 girls, 47 boys whose body mass indices (BMI) above 95th percentile, the control group included 57 girls, 43 boys who had normal weight. Fasting total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was performed with neck ultrasound.

The median thickness of right, left and mean carotis intima media were statistically higher in the study group, compared to the control group. The mean cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C levels of the study group were statistically higher, compared to the control group. There was no relationship between BMI and left carotis intima media thickness, but there was statistically significant relationship between BMI and right, mean cIMTs in the study group. There was no correlation between serum lipid levels and cIMTs in the study group. The mean atherogenic index of the study group was statistically higher, compared to the control group. There was no statistical correlation between atherogenic index and cIMTs in both of the groups.

We observed that obese children had higher carotis intima media thicknesses. Carotis intima media thickness related to obesity can play an important role in future pre-atherosclerotic changes. Large population based studies are required to confirm this associaton.
Neonatal outcome in pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Jeremic Katarina , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Dotlic Jelena , Stojnic Jelena , Kadija Sasa , Vilendecic Zoran , Janjic Tijana , Jeremic Jelena
Published: November 2015

Aims: The study aim was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and to determine which clinical parameters present risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in these patients.

Methods: The study included 55 patients with APS treated at the Clinic for Ob/Gyn, Clinical Center of Serbia, from 2006 to 2012. The control group consisted of 55 healthy pregnant women. Data regarding previous pregnancies and conception method were registered. Immunological and laboratory tests were performed. Pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, phlebothrombosis, fetal growth restriction, premature delivery, delivery method, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis were followed.

Results: The premature delivery rate in APS patients was 31.8%, and pregnancy loss was 18.2%. Significantly more patients with APS had thrombocytopenia, pregnancy losses, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal asphyxia compared with the control group. More miscarriages, preterm delivery, lower birth weight, preeclampsia, and IgM anticardiolipin antibody levels significantly correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although rare, respiratory distress syndrome can also worsen neonatal health status. According to ROC analysis, previous miscarriages correctly explained 66.3% of adverse pregnancy outcome cases. We generated four equations of adverse pregnancy outcome risk factors.

Conclusions: The most important prognostic factor for pregnancy outcome in APS patients is the number of previous miscarriages. Using appropriate current therapeutic protocol can enable live birth of a healthy newborn in most cases.
Pulmonary edema in pregnancy and the puerperium: a cohort study of 53 cases
Authors: O’Dwyer Sabrina L. , Gupta Manish , Anthony John
Published: November 2015

To describe the etiology and obstetric outcome in women presenting with pulmonary edema during pregnancy and the puerperium. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the utility of echocardiography in the investigation and management of such women.

Retrospective case note analysis of 53 cases of pulmonary edema that resulted in severe respiratory distress and admission to intensive care. The study population were women accessing obstetric care at a tertiary referral center in South Africa.

Cases were classified as cardiac (6/53; 11%), hypertensive (44/53; 83%), or septic (3/53; 6%), depending on the underlying cause for pulmonary edema. There were significant differences in the mean ejection fraction at echocardiography for cardiac vs. non-cardiac groups (26% vs. 55%, P=0.0001), as well as the presence of valvular stenosis or regurgitation (5/6 vs. 8/30, P=0.016). Women in the non-cardiac group were more likely to present earlier and require earlier delivery than in the cardiac group (median gestation at delivery 35 weeks vs. 38 weeks, P=0.0106) and mothers in the cardiac group were more likely to die (2/6 vs. 1/47, P=0.031). Cesarean delivery was performed in 85% of cases.

Hypertensive illness is the most common underlying etiology in the development of pulmonary edema. Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive investigation that can be carried out at the bedside and is a useful diagnostic tool in pulmonary edema occurring in pregnancy and the puerperium. Knowledge of ejection fraction is an important diagnostic tool to differentiate the underlying causes and to guide management.
Synthesis, structural characterization, and antibacterial activity of tricyclohexyltin aryloxyacetates
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yu Haixia , Liu Xijie , Tian Laijin
Published: November 2015

Three tricyclohexyltin aryloxyacetates,
Mold technology for mass production of continuous fiber-reinforced sandwich parts
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Wagner Philipp N. , Bastian Robert , Fischer Kai , Böttcher Arne
Published: November 2015

In order to reduce cycle times, increase functional integration and automation further, the innovative gap impregnation process and mold technology was developed at the Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University (Germany) in collaboration with industry partners. The novel process enables an automated production of continuous fiber-reinforced sandwich composite structures in integral design with high surface quality in short cycle times, which is demonstrated by manufacturing a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) engine hood. For the first time, the gap impregnation and mold technology makes it possible to manufacture large-scale, three-dimensionally shaped sandwich components in one shot and in short cycle times at similar mechanical properties compared to the reference steel hood. Furthermore, a weight reduction of about 60% to only 5 kg was achieved for the CFRP engine hood. This paper focuses on the systems engineering of the RTM-related gap impregnation process. The focus is on the utilized mold concepts for the pressurized air-assisted ejector pins, vacuum-tight sealing, the motion concept of the mold halves, resin traps, sensors for process control and the specially treated mold surfaces for class A surface components. Additionally, the main procedures, capabilities and characteristics of this innovative process are discussed.
Complexation of amidocarbamoyl phosphine oxides with Ln+3 (Ln = La, Nd, Pm, Sm and Eu) cation series: structural and thermodynamical features
Authors: Hosseinnejad Tayebeh , Kazemi Tayebeh
Published: November 2015

In the present study, we have mainly investigated the nature of interactions in Ln3+ (Ln = La, Nd,
Pm, Sm, Eu) complexes with amidocarbamoyl methyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) and amidocarbamoyl propyl phosphine oxide
(CPPO) ligands based on density functional theory (DFT) approaches. In the first step, thermodynamical properties for complexation of
CMPO and CPPO ligands with Ln3+ cation series have been determined in the gas phase and with the presence of three solvents:
n-hexane, chloroform and toluene, via polarized continuum model (PCM) computations. The trend of metal-ligand interaction strength has
been analyzed and compared with the trend of ionic hardness within the series of lanthanide cations and different size of alkyl chain
of amidocarbamoyl phosphine oxide ligand. The calculated thermochemical results in the gas and solution phases reveals that there is
a consistency between increasing trend in the hardness of Ln3+ cation series and also electron-donating property of alkyl
chain with increasing in thermodynamical stability of [Ln–CMPO]3+ and [Ln–CPPO]3+ complex series. We have also
demonstrated that in the complexation reaction of all complex series, using n-hexane as solvent is more favorable thermodynamically
than chloroform and toluene. It should be stated that this issue has been observed in many experiments. Finally, analysis of calculated
deformation energies and also the variation in bond order of some selected key bonds in CMPO and CPPO ligands and their corresponded
Ln+3 complexes series show a similar trend with increasing in the hardness of Ln3+ cation series and
electron-donating of alkyl chain of amidocarbamoyl phosphine oxide ligand.