bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cytosolic proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in neutrophils: antiapoptotic role of the monomer
Authors: De Chiara Alessia , Pederzoli-Ribeil Magali , Mocek Julie , Candalh Céline , Mayeux Patrick , Millet Arnaud , Witko-Sarsat Véronique
Published: July 2013

We have shown previously that PCNA, a nuclear factor involved in DNA replication and repair in proliferating cells, is localized exclusively in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, where it regulates their survival. Nuclear PCNA functions are tightly linked to its ring-shaped structure, which allows PCNA to bind to numerous partner proteins to orchestrate DNA-related processes. We have shown that only monomeric PCNA can expose its NES to be relocalized from nucleus to cytosol during granulocyte differentiation. This study tested the hypothesis that monomeric PCNA could have a biological role in neutrophils. With the use of a combination of cross-linking and gel-filtration experiments, trimeric and monomeric PCNAs were detected in neutrophil cytosol. The promyelocytic cell line PLB985 was next stably transfected to express the monomeric PCNAY114A mutant to examine its function compared with the WT trimeric PCNA. Monomeric PCNAY114A mutant potentiated DMF-induced differentiation, as evidenced by an increased percentage of CD11b- and gp91phox-positive PLB985PCNAY114A cells and by an increased, opsonized zymosan-triggered NADPH oxidase activity compared with PLB985PCNA or PLB985 cells overexpressing WT PCNA or the empty plasmid, respectively. Regarding antiapoptotic activity, DMF-differentiated PLB985 cells overexpressing WT or the monomeric PCNAY114A mutant displayed a similar antiapoptotic activity following treatment with gliotoxin or TRAIL compared with PLB985. The molecular basis through which cytoplasmic PCNA exerts its antiapoptotic activity in mature neutrophils may, at least in part, be independent of the trimeric conformation.
A Simple and Straightforward Protocol to 3,5-Disubstituted 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles from Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Ramu Tadikonda , Prasanthi Sarakula , Mangarao Nakka , Basha Gajula Mahaboob , Srinuvasarao Rayavarapu , Siddaiah Vidavalur
Published: July 2013

A convenient one-pot synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles is described. The condensation of carboxylic acids and amidoximes in the presence of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine (CDMT) and N-methylmorpholine (NMM) has been employed to synthesize a variety of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in good to excellent yields. The methodology has been applied for the synthesis of a metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 (mGlu5) receptor antagonist.
Curcumin reduces prostaglandin E2, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and proteoglycan release in the secretome of interleukin 1β-treated articular cartilage
Authors: Clutterbuck Abigail L , Allaway David , Harris Pat , Mobasheri Ali
Published: July 2013

Objective:Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a phytochemical with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to determine whether non-toxic concentrations of curcumin can reduce interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)-stimulated inflammation and catabolism in an explant model of cartilage inflammation.

Methods:Articular cartilage explants and primary chondrocytes were obtained from equine metacarpophalangeal joints. Curcumin was added to monolayer cultured primary chondrocytes and cartilage explants in concentrations ranging from 3μM-100μM. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 release into the secretome of IL-1β-stimulated explants was measured using a competitive ELISA and western blotting respectively. Proteoglycan (PG) release in the secretome was measured using the 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed with a live/dead assay in monolayer cultures after 24 hours, 48 hours and five days, and in explants after five days.

Results:Curcumin induced chondrocyte death in primary cultures (50μM p<0.001 and 100μMp<0.001) after 24 hours. After 48 hours and five days, curcumin (≥25μM) significantly increased cell death (p<0.001 both time points). In explants, curcumin toxicity was not observed at concentrations up to and including 25μM after five days. Curcumin (≥3μM) significantly reduced IL-1β-stimulated PG (p<0.05) and PGE2release (p<0.001) from explants, whilst curcumin (≥12μM) significantly reduced MMP-3 release (p<0.01).

Conclusion:Non-cytotoxic concentrations of curcumin exert anti-catabolic and anti-inflammatory effects in cartilage explants.
Approaches to the assessment of innovation capability and innovation activity of enterprises
Authors: Кучеренко  , Kucherenko Anna
Published: July 2013

In the article analyze the main approaches to assessing of innovative potential of enterprise. Presented method of determining the innovation potential of enterprise with a description of the main indicators. Analyzed the interrelation of innovation potential and innovation activity of enterprise.
Quality analysis of patient information on surgical treatment of haemorrhoids on the internet
Authors: Yeung TM , D’Souza ND
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Haemorrhoids are the most common benign condition seen by colorectal surgeons. At clinic appointments, advice given about lifestyle modification or surgical interventions may not be understood fully by patients. Patients may use the internet for further research into their condition. However, the quality of such information has not been investigated before. This study assessed the quality of patient information on surgical treatment of haemorrhoids on the internet.

Methods

Four searches were carried out using the search terms ‘surgery for haemorrhoids’ and ‘surgery for piles’ on two search engines (Google and Yahoo). The first 50 results for each search were assessed. Sites were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument.

Results

In total, 200 websites were assessed, of which 144 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 63 (44%) were sponsored by herbal remedies for haemorrhoids. Eighty-nine (62%) mentioned conservative treatment options but eleven (8%) did not include surgery in their treatment options. Only 38 sites (27%) mentioned recurrence of haemorrhoids following surgery and 28 sites (20%) did not list any complications. Overall, 19 websites (14%) were judged as being of high quality, 66 (45%) as moderate quality and 58 (40%) as low quality.

Conclusions

The quality of information on the internet is highly variable and a significant proportion of websites assessed are poor. The majority of websites are sponsored by private companies selling alternative treatments for haemorrhoids. Clinicians should be prepared to advise their patients which websites can provide high-quality information on the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids.
Recognising and approving trainers: are we ready?
Authors: Wade Anca , Beard Jonathan
Published: July 2013

The quality of medical practice and the safety of patients are crucially dependent on the quality of the training provided to medical students and trainees. This may sound obvious, but is something that we need to remind ourselves of every day, and consider what it means in our day-to-day practice. As winston Churchill famously said: 'To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often'. A huge challenge, maybe, but a challenge to which need to face and respond.
Care pathways: challenges and opportunities for restorative dentistry
Authors: Brunton Paul
Published: July 2013

In the future, dental care in England, both in the primary and secondary sectors, will be delivered increasingly via care pathways. A care pathway describes in detail a patient’s journey from referral to treatment, review and subsequent recall if required. It provides for the right person treating the right patients at the right time for the right condition in the right situation. It is the intention at a central National Health Service (NHS) level that these pathways will operate in managed clinical networks that will be consultant and/or specialist led. There are already several successful pilots running in England. A good example is the periodontic and endodontic service provided by three enhanced practitioners in the Bradford and Airedale primary care trust (PCT).
The Balcony and the Street: Gender, Virtue, and Politics in George Caleb Bingham's Antebellum America
Authors: Moskop Wynne Walker
Published: June 2013

This essay draws insight from George Caleb Bingham's painting The Verdict of the People (1854-55) to examine the gendered connections between virtue and politics in the decade before the Civil War, when woman's rights activists challenged the boundary that separated masculine politics from feminine virtue. The painting shows a chaotic masculine street scene just as election results are read. In the margin of the painting, high above the street, women appear to participate in the political event from the safety of a balcony. While art history accounts portray the women as traditional moral reformers who eschew politics, I integrate these accounts with more recent women's history accounts and nineteenth-century visual culture to show that Bingham and his audiences would have perceived the women as political activists. From this perspective, I argue, the contrast between the balcony and the street in Verdict provides a visual map of pervasive tensions between politics and virtue that still trouble American political culture today.
The Role of Doctors in the Slave Trade during the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries within the Kingdom of Valencia (Crown of Aragon)
Authors: Ferragud Carmel
Published: June 2013

Slavery had become increasingly widespread throughout the entire Mediterranean region during the late Middle Ages. At the same time, a new form of medicine (based upon the Galenism to which the universities gave voice), together with the practice thereof and its practitioners, had gained ground. Detailed evidence from the Kingdom of Valencia enables us to study these two topics, namely slavery and the new medicine. This article illustrates how doctors came to play a highly active role in the slave trade through the assistance they provided in preventing and rectifying any instances of fraud therein.
The Deed of Reading: Toni Morrison and the Sculpted Book
Authors: Stewart Garrett
Published: June 2013

With Jazz (1992) and especially A Mercy (2008), one finds in Toni Morrison's writing an attempt to figure the very reading of that writing as a three-dimensional enterprise, somatic and architectonic by turns, where either the body of the text or its "talking room" bears comparison with the kind of conceptual book sculptures that suspend the act of legible decipherment to figure the cognitive and emotional space of reading. But no immersive verbal experience is thereby disavowed. Even contradictory tropes of embrace and dispersal for readerly contact with a narrator's words can lead us back to the audiovisual materiality of inscribed lettering in Morrison's subvocal sound play, her "oralterity."
The Self-Made Son: Social Competition and the Vanishing Mother in Franklin's Autobiography
Authors: Garrett Matthew
Published: June 2013

Benjamin Franklin says little about his mother, Abiah, in the Autobiography , and critics have ignored her presence, presumably with the view that his reticence should be the model for our own. This essay situates Franklin's reticence in relation to the ideology of mothering and the egalitarian family to emphasize the contrast between competition and equal distribution. Whereas recent recuperations of Franklin's infrastructure-building and civil-society projects have emphasized only the brightest facet of a social order we still inhabit, Franklin's mother reminds us of the chasm between Franklinian success and the social cost of the competition on which it is based.
Reading's Refrain: From Bibliography to Topology
Authors: Piper Andrew
Published: June 2013

How might knowledge of the refrain--of reading's redundancy--help us imagine what it would mean to read topologically instead of bibliographically? This essay seeks to identify some of the features that underlie computational approaches to reading and how those approaches might change our relationship to textuality. In privileging a sense of dimensionality, topologies invite us to think not only about the visuality of reading, but also language's agential nature, as a form of action rather than expression. In privileging a sense of restraint, a refraining from , topologies move us away from individualistic models of the palpable and the transformational, toward the likely, the proximate, and the scalar--from a field of reading's revolutions to one of resolution.
In Search of the Real Nick Adams: The Case for “A Very Short Story”
Authors: Daiker Donald A.
Published: June 2013

This essay argues that Hemingway constructed In Our Time in a way that encourages readers to identify the unnamed protagonist of “A Very Short Story” as Nick Adams. Similarities between the story and the preceding vignette, as well as similarities between the jilted soldier’s personality and Nick’s, help to make the case. Identification of the short story’s love-devastated protagonist as Nick Adams not only fills in Nick’s life story but humanizes him and makes the evolution of his values in later stories such as “Cross-Country Snow” and “Big Two-Hearted River” more credible as well.
Gifts Bearing Greekness: Epistles as Cultural Capital in Fourth-Century Cappadocia
Authors: Howard Nathan D.
Published: June 2013

The Cappadocian Fathers composed letters for a wide variety of audiences. A large number of their epistles accentuated a heritage they shared with addressees who were proficient in the complex education of Greek παιδεία. This study addresses the bishops' letters through a sociological lens by characterizing the epistles as a form of cultural capital: evidence of an individual's comprehension of the Hellenic values guiding social interaction among elites. By exchanging letters with leaders of similar training in the eastern Roman Empire, the Cappadocians and their correspondents were participating in a trans-historical camaraderie with noble Greeks from the past. Like the heroes of Homeric epics, they were engaging in a form of gift giving that accentuated the virtues of φιλία (friendship) and τιμή (honor). The epistles were manifestations of an accumulated cultural knowledge that informed the policies of rhetoricians and select bishops and officials within the eastern provincial administration. The Cappadocians' conveyance of letters imbued with Greek references and allusions facilitated their acts of civic patronage by transcending potential religious differences with the language of a nostalgic pre-Christian past. Lessons from this venerated antiquity resonated within the fellowship of the learned and reinforced a social and political administration rooted in Hellenic tradition.
Honglou Meng and Agrarian Values
Authors: Zhou Yiqun
Published: June 2013

This paper analyzes how Cao Xueqin subjects the conventional idealization of farmers, farming, and land ownership to a systematic and trenchant critique in Honglou meng. In this paper, I argue that the novel offers a different view of the agrarian that does not owe its inspiration to the ascendant commercial interests of his times. In the sustained critical stance that Cao’s novel adopts toward agrarian values and in the radically different alternative that it upholds, Honglou meng strikes a distinctive note not only in Ming-Qing fiction but also in the entire premodern Chinese literary tradition.
Gu Yanwu’s Mixed Model and the Problem of Two Despotisms
Authors: Delury John
Published: June 2013

Based on a close reading of Gu Yanwu’s masterpiece of statecraft reform thought, Record of Daily Learning , this article maps out Gu’s attempt to mix two rival “constitutional” systems, the centralized junxian system and devolutionary fengjian model, so as to reorder the late imperial polity. Tapping both Confucian and Legalist streams of reformist political discourse, Gu devised a “mixed constitution” that would solve the basic problems he saw exposed by the fall of the Ming Dynasty – local despotism of predatory elites and centralized despotism of autocratic emperors. Restoring Gu’s ideas to their early Qing context and examining the intellectual sources upon which he drew allows for a clearer picture of his carefully balanced plan for devolutionary centralism that he hoped would ensure both good local governance as well as a strong central state.
Age, stage and biomarkers for the definition of CKD: a construction in progress
Authors: Zoccali Carmine , Santoro Antonio , Plebani Mario
Published: July 2013

The international recommendations of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) to define chronic kidney disease (CKD) and classify patients in CKD stages are discussed in an opinion paper published in this issue of the journal. In this counterpoint, we will review some questions and criticisms raised by the authors to provide further contribution on the issue. In particular, we would like to discuss the age issue in the definition of CKD, the validity of the KDIGO staging, the validity of creatinine-based equations for the estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), as well as the clinical value of cystatin C and the epidemiological rather than clinical nature of the arguments proposed to justify recommendations in the KDIGO guidelines.
Industrial and Agricultural Pollution Patterns
Authors: Clark Don P. , Dellachiesa Alejandro E.
Published: July 2013

Industrial and agricultural pollution emissions are compared with levels of economic activity as countries move up the per capita income scale. Pollution emissions are found to be concentrated among the lower income countries. Industrial CH4 and both agricultural CH4 and N2O emissions display the highest degrees of concentration among poorer countries relative to their GDP shares. Agricultural CH4 and N2O emissions are more concentrated among the poorer countries than are industrial CH4 and N2O emissions. Little improvement in environmental quality will result from implementing costly emissions reductions in the industrial nations alone. Environmental policies must focus on lower- and middle-income countries. More attention must be devoted to reducing agricultural pollution emissions. Improving the economic activity–environmental tradeoff will require a global approach to reducing greenhouse gases.
Surmounting the Individual: Establishing a Common Currency in Asia – A Case Study of East Asian Economies
Authors: Ishaq Maryam , Atiq Ur Rehman Muhammad
Published: July 2013

In the Ministerial meeting of ASEAN held in 1998, the devastation caused by Asian financial crisis remained the point of contemplation. The participants enthusiastically discussed the need to establish common currency and exchange rate system in order to counter any financial crisis anticipated. The ever-growing financial crisis threatening every region in the world has compelled the economists to acknowledge the elevating need of financial cooperation in their respective territories. This is certainly meant to ensure economic stability at both economic and political level. The authors, in the course of this paper, have focused the need to materialize the ideal of promoting monetary integration in the major economies of South, South East, and North East Asia. Calculating Optimum Currency Area (OCA) Index, the authors in a way present costs and benefits associated with the adoption of this currency union. Demand and supply sides of each economy are tested as a pre requisite of OCA in order to provide a good rationale in favor of selection of regions. For this purpose, Structural VAR Analysis (SVAR) method was employed and innovation accounting is done through variance decomposition of forecast errors, impulse response function and correlation matrix. The theory of OCA has been tested by (i) calculating the OCA index estimated by simple OLS method and (ii) following Bayoumi and Eichengreen extrapolating the variability of exchange rate data. The common consensus drawn from the two approaches adopted implies that there is a good potential in the region excluding China to construct a currency union particularly amongst South and North East Asian economies. It is worth mentioning, however, that some of these will have to work harder to join and become an effective member of this currency merger.
Spatial Dependence of Technology Spillovers among Trading Partners
Authors: Fawaz Fadi , Moghadam Mashaallah Rahnama
Published: July 2013

Previous literature suggests that trade contributes to knowledge and technology spillovers among trading partners. Using panel data and country-specific fixed effects, we show that the technology of a country is explained by existing technology of its major trading partners. We build an endogenous growth model for OECD countries for the 1960–2010 period; we draw the residuals to measure the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of each country. Then, using spatial econometrics, we regress the TFP of each country on previous TFP of its major trading partners. In addition, we run a Random Coefficient Model, to let this relationship vary randomly by country. Finally, we run the endogenous growth model again, but now it includes the spatial lag term as an explanatory variable.
Identification of a novel heterozygous mutation in exon 50 of the COL1A1 gene causing osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Aftab S A S , Reddy N , Owen N L , Pollitt R , Harte A , McTernan P G , Tripathi G , Barber T M
Published: July 2013

A 19-year-old woman was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). She had sustained numerous low-trauma fractures throughout her childhood, including a recent pelvic fracture (superior and inferior ramus) following a low-impact fall. She had the classical blue sclerae, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scanning confirmed low bone mass for her age in the lumbar spine (Z-score was −2.6). However, despite these classical clinical features, the diagnosis of OI had not been entertained throughout the whole of her childhood. Sequencing of her genomic DNA revealed that she was heterozygous for the c.3880_3883dup mutation in exon 50 of theCOL1A1gene. This mutation is predicted to result in a frameshift at p.Thr1295, and truncating stop codon 3 amino acids downstream. To our knowledge, this mutation has not previously been reported in OI.

Learning points

OI is a rare but important genetic metabolic bone and connective tissue disorder that manifests a diverse clinical phenotype that includes recurrent low-impact fractures.

Most mutations that underlie OI occur within exon 50 of theCOL1A1gene (coding for protein constituents of type 1 pro-collagen).

The diagnosis of OI is easily missed in its mild form. Early diagnosis is important, and there is a need for improved awareness of OI among health care professionals.

OI is a diagnosis of exclusion, although the key diagnostic criterion is through genetic testing for mutations within theCOL1A1gene.

Effective management of OI should be instituted through a multidisciplinary team approach that includes a bone specialist (usually an endocrinologist or rheumatologist), a geneticist, an audiometrist and a genetic counsellor. Physiotherapy and orthopaedic surgery may also be required.
Imunização de camundongos com "vacina" viva avirulenta do Trypanosoma cruzi: III. variação do meio de cultura
Authors: Menezes Humberto , Albuquerque Rosa D. R.
Published: July 2013

Os autores demonstram através de testes em camundongos que variando o meio de cultivo a avirulência da cepa Y, cultivada, do Trypanosoma cruzi se conserva inalterada. Diante da possibilidade de que se trate de um mutante da mesma linhagem Y virulenta, mantida em animais, sugerem a designação de PF (Pedreira de Freitas) para essa nova cepa.
O foco pestoso dos municípios de Teresópolis e Nova Friburgo, estado do Rio de Janeiro-Brasil: estudo paisagística da região
Authors: Mello Dalva A.
Published: July 2013

O autor do presente trabalho realizou um estudo paisagístico do foco pestoso do município de Teresópolis, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O estudo compreendeu a revisão dos casos humanos desde 1938, os aspectos geológicos, climáticos, geográficos, fitofisionômicos e a fauna de roedores. Discussões foram feitas em tôrno do Homem e suas interações com o ambiente, relacionando-as com o problema da peste.
Experiências terapêuticas com um derivado da rifamicina: a rifampicina
Authors: Camillo-Coura Léa , Soli Adelina de Souza Velho , Ramos João Batista , Coura J. Rodrigues
Published: July 2013

Os autores apresentam os resultados obtidos com a rifampicina no tratamento de 31 casos de infecções bacterianas diversas. Foram tratadas 15 crianças, cujas idades variaram de 4 a 11 anos, senão 6 do sexo feminino e 9 do sexo masculino, e 16 adultos, 7 do sexo masculino e 9 do sexo feminino. Em 25 casos foi possível isolar o agente bacteriano possivelmente responsável pelo quadro clínico. As doses empregadas para crianças foram de 20 mg/kg ao dia, distribuídos em 2 doses com intervalos de 12 horas; os adultos receberam 450 a 900 mg a intervalos de 12 horas. Os pacientes foram tratados por períodos que variaram de 4 a 15 dias de acôrdo com a gravidade da infecção e a resposta terapêutica. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos, antes, durante e avós o tratamento, a exame clínico completo, hemogramas, provas de função hepática, dosagem de transaminases, exames de urina (elementos anormais e sedímentoscopia), dosagem de uréia, glicose e colesterol sanguíneos e a outros exames visando ao diagnóstico etiológico e evolução de cada caso em particular. Os resultados obtidos com rifampicina no tratamento de 31 casos foram considerados excelentes em 24, muito bons em 5 e bons em 2, em nenhum dos casos tratados se observando intolerância à droga. A rifampicina pode, sem dúvida, na opinião dos autores, ser considerada um antibiótico altamente eficaz para o tratamento de infecções bacterianas por gram-positivos e gram-negatívos.
Aspectos dermatológicos da toxoplasmose
Authors: Amato Neto Vicente
Published: July 2013

São efetuadas considerações sôbre manifestações cutâneas encontráveis em pacientes com toxoplasmose adquirida. Fundamentalmente, foram verificadas as seguintes alterações: a) erupção máculo-papular petequial; b) alteração mãculo-papular; c) erupção vesiculosa: d) erupção escarlatiniforme; e) eritema nodoso; f) erupção de caráter misto. O assunto mereceu comentários sobretudo som a finalidade de ser apresentada uma sistematização inicial, tendo ficado salientado que a toxoplasmose oferece aos dermatologistas, sem dúvida, motivos justificadores de cabais interesse e atenção.
Numerical analysis of two pile caps with sockets embedded, subject the eccentric compression load
Authors: Delalibera R. G. , Giongo J. S.
Published: July 2013

The structural behavior of pile caps with sockets embedded is influenced by interface of column-socket, which can be smooth or rough. With intent to analyze the behavior of two pile caps with embedded socket, considering the friction between the column and the socket, with eccentric normal load, the numerical simulations were carried out, using a program based on the Finite Element Methods (FEM). In the numerical analysis the non-linear behavior of materials was considered, also the friction between the column and the socket. It was considered perfect bond between the reinforcement and the concrete around. It was observed that the embedded length is preponderant factor in the structural behavior of the analyzed element.
Experimental study on growth of time-dependent strain in SMA reinforced PSC beams
Authors: Debbarma Swarup Ranjan , Saha Showmen
Published: July 2013

Gradual changes occur in the internal forces and deflections of reinforced pre-stressed concrete (PSC) flexural members owing to the combined effects of concrete creep and shrinkage, and relaxation of pre-stress. For wide-scale use of PSC members in civil engineering applications (e.g. long-span bridge girders), this long-term behaviour must be minimised. The ability of shape memory alloy (SMA) bars to restrict the growth of time-dependent and thermal strains in reinforced PSC beams was investigated up to concrete age of 350 days using four laboratory-scale models. It was observed that the growth of time-dependent strain was less in the treated PSC beams reinforced with a combination of SMA and conventional steel bars than in controlled PSC beams with only conventional steel bars. Analysis of the results of the experimental beams showed that the presence of SMA bars increases the cracking moment and effective moment of inertia of the treated specimens. This makes the treated beams stiffer and restricts the growth of time-dependent strain and deflections. The experimentally obtained strain values were compared with predicted strain values of similar size and grade of plain concrete (PC) beam using model code ACI 318, and it was found that the strain in treated PSC beams was less than that in PC beams.
Estimating the fates of organic contaminants in an aquifer using QSAR
Authors: Lim Seung Joo , Fox Peter
Published: July 2013

The quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model, BIOWIN, was modified to more accurately estimate the fates of organic contaminants in an aquifer. The predictions from BIOWIN were modified to include oxidation and sorption effects. The predictive model therefore included the effects of sorption, biodegradation, and oxidation. A total of 35 organic compounds were used to validate the predictive model. The majority of the ratios of predicted half-life to measured half-life were within a factor of 2 and no ratio values were greater than a factor of 5. In addition, the accuracy of estimating the persistence of organic compounds in the sub-surface was superior when modified by the relative fraction adsorbed to the solid phase, 1/Rf, to that when modified by the remaining fraction of a given compound adsorbed to a solid, 1 − fs.
Fraud Examination Case: Crafty Cash Theft?
Authors: Gissel Jodi L.
Published: July 2013

This case engages students in an interactive in-class learning activity. Students are given a brief case scenario and the task of investigating fraud in a small company. Pre-class preparations require students to identify likely fraud schemes and how to proceed with the fraud investigation. The in-class portion summarizes students' individual assessments and then emphasizes examination of evidence to resolve the case. The case challenges students to consider how to approach a fraud investigation and what procedures or analyses would provide relevant evidence. The activity also requires students to consider internal control weaknesses and suggestions for improving internal control in a small organization. The intended audience is a graduate-level fraud examination course or auditing course with a fraud examination component.

Data Availability: Handouts and solutions are provided in the Teaching Notes.
Long-Term Chemical Stability of BaCe0,85Y0,15O3-δ + Ce0,85Y0,15O2-δ Composite Samples at Room Temperature and at 873 K for Use in Dual Pcfc-Sofc Fuel
Authors: Gawel R. , Viviani M. , Przybylski K.
Published: July 2013

The goal of this work is to compare the long-term chemical stability of BaCe0,85Y0,15O3-δ and Ce0,85Y0,15O2-δ bulk composite samples to that of pure BaCe0,85Y0,15O3-δ after ageing for 600 hours in CO2/H2O atmosphere at room temperature and N2/H2O atmosphere at 873 K. Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry were used to investigate the physicochemical processes that took place during the ageing of the afore-mentioned samples and the chemical composition of the gases released from the samples was analyzed by a Mass Spectrometer. The influence of the reactive atmospheres on phase and chemical composition, as well as the microstructure of the bulk samples, was determined from X-ray Diffraction results and Scanning Electron Microscopy observations combined with Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy analysis. From these studies it can be concluded that the composite materials are capable of maintaining stability in the studied conditions, however, pure BaCe0,85Y0,15O3-δ is unstable in CO2/H2O atmosphere at room temperature.
Whisker Growth in Tin Alloys on Glass-Epoxy Laminate Studied by Scanning Ion Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Czerwiński A. , Skwarek A. , Płuska M. , Ratajczak J. , Witek K.
Published: July 2013

Tin-rich solders are widely applied in the electronic industry in the majority of modern printed circuit boards (PCBs). Because the use of lead-tin solders has been banned in the European Union since 2006, the problem of the bridging of adjacent conductors due to tin whisker growth (limited before by the addition of Pb) has been reborn. In this study tin alloys soldered on glass-epoxy laminate (typically used for PCBs) are considered. Scanning ion microscopy with Focused Ion Beam (FIB) system and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) were used to determine correlations between spatial non-uniformities of the glass-epoxy laminate, the distribution of intermetallic compounds and whisker growth.
Microstructure and Microhardness of Ball Milled/Hot Pressed Aluminium with Mg3n2 Addition
Authors: Gajewska M. , Dutkiewicz J. , Morgiel J.
Published: July 2013

The microstructure and microhardness of a ball milled and hot pressed aluminium powder with 10 vol.% of magnesium nitride (Mg3N2) were investigated. It was expected that the addition of a Mg3N2 as an nitrogen-bearing substrate would allow to obtain an in situ reaction leading to a formation of an aluminium nitride (AlN) strenghtening phase. The powders were milled in a high energy planetary ball mill for up to 40 h and then compacted in vacuum at 400ºC/600 MPa. The material was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and microhardness tests. The performed investigations showed that the composite preparation method provided a significant structure refinement of the material - the average matrix grain size of composite compact was about ˜140 nm. Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) analysis of Al/Mg3N2 compact combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique indicated a presence of Mg3N2 as well as Mg-Al-O phase, which were probably formed during hot pressing. Microhardness tests showed nearly 40% increase in the hardness of Al/Mg3N2 composite over the non-reinforced aluminium compact.
Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers/ ZrO2 Ceramic Matrix Composite
Authors: Duszová A. , Morgiel J. , Bastl Z. , Mihály J. , Dusza J.
Published: July 2013

Carbon micro/nanofibers prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition have been characterized in the form of powders and in the form of filaments, intercorporated in the matrix of ZrO2. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution electron microscopy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and Raman spectroscopy have been used. The outer diameter of the fibers varied from 50 nm to 600 nm with an average diameter of 120 nm, length from several micrometers to several tens of micrometers and inner diameters from 20 nm to 230 nm. Two types of fibers have been identified; cylindrical which consists of a distinct graphite layers parallel to the fiber axes and bamboo - shaped fibers with walls which are built from domains with different orientations of graphite layers. The fibers contain 99.05 at.% carbon and 0.95 at.% oxygen with a binding energy of O (1s) electrons of 532.7 e V which corresponds to carbon in C-O bonds. In the first-order Raman spectra, the position of the band G was found at 1600 cm-1 and D at 1282 cm-1. The CNFs in ZrO2 + CNFs composite have been relatively well dispersed, however clusters of CNFs together with porosity are present as a result of the difficulty of dispersing, too. TEM and HREM revealed that the CNFs are usually located at the grain boundaries of ZrO2 in the form of undamaged nanofibers or disordered graphite.
Characterization and Experimental Investigation of Tin Micro Tubular Coil Heater Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sureshkannan G. , Kumar G. Mohan , Saravanan M.P.
Published: July 2013

Raman spectroscopy is a commonly used tool in bio-diagnostics and micro sensor technology. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering provides high signal enhancements especially at micro and nanostructured metallic surfaces. Micro tubular coil heaters have been widely investigated because of their extensive applications in PET Preformed Moulds, Hot Runner Nozzles & Bushings and Thin Walled Container Moulds and other Microsystems. This paper describes the characterization, experimental investigation and analysis of Titanium Nitride (TiN) micro tubular coil heater using Raman spectroscopy and Comsol multiphysics. The material characterization was performed using Raman spectrometer and the geometric optimization for the micro tubular coil heater was performed by simulating a wide range of possible geometries using COMSOLTM, a commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package. The characteristic dimensions of the microstructures are varied and the results are discussed and compared to each other. The simulated results of micro tubular heaters having an improved temperature distribution over the sensing area and a higher density of integration is presented in this paper.
Diagnostics of Induction Motor Based on Spectral Analysis of Stator Current with Application of Backpropagation Neural Network
Authors: Głowacz W.
Published: July 2013

Nowadays PC computers make possible the signal characteristics by calculation. The paper presents an automatic computerized system for the diagnosis of the rotor bars of the induction motor by applying spectral analysis and backpropagation neural network. Software to recognize the current of induction motor was implemented. System of current recognition is based on a study of the frequency spectrum of stator current. The studies were conducted for two conditions of induction motor. The results of the numerical experiments are presented and discussed in the paper. The researches show that the system can be useful for protection of the engines and metallurgical equipment.
Microstructure and Properties of Welds of Semi-Austenitic Precipitation Hardening Stainlees Steel after Heat Treatment
Authors: Ziewiec A. , Tasak E. , Witkowska M. , Ziewiec K.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the studies of the microstructure and properties of the welded joints made of 15-7Mo precipitation hardened semi-austenitic stainless steel welded by Tungsten Inert Gas. Microstructural changes in the heat treated welded joints was assessed. It was found that the joints of 15-7Mo steel in as welded state contain martensite, austenite and δ-ferrite. Scanning electron microscope study of the joints was carried out. The sub-zero and destabilization heat treatment were found to decrease or completely eliminate the austenite in the microstructure and increase hardness of the welded joint.
Optimization of the Code of the Numerical Magnetosheath-Magnetosphere Model
Authors: Dobreva P.
Published: July 2013

The proposed three dimensional model contains two earlier developed 3D regional numerical models: a grid-characteristic model of the magnetosheath and a finite element model of the magnetosphere. The model output is the distribution of gas-dynamic parameters in the magnetosheath and of magnetic field inside the magnetosphere. The efforts are focused on the modernization of the existing software, written in Fortran, using several techniques for parallel programming such as OpenMP extensions. After analyzing the numerical performance of the model a possible scenario for the code optimization is shown. First results with the improved variant of the model are presented.
Simulation of Fluid Flow in Centrifugal Tricanter
Authors: Puscasu Cristian , Grigorescu Mihaela , Axene Ghita , Voicu Raluca , Stefanescu Mariana , Teleaba Victoria , Zheleva Ivanka
Published: July 2013

An ANSYS simulation of the multiphase complex fluid flow motion in a centrifugal device (tricanter) is presented in the paper. This centrifugal device is designed for one step efficient solution for contaminated river water processing with oil and oil products. The proposed tricanter is one of the main objectives of the project named “Common strategy to prevent the Danube’s pollution technological risks with oil and oil products CLEANDANUBE” financed by European Commission within the frame of Romania-Bulgaria Trans-Border Cooperation Program 2007 - 2013 (grant MIS-ETC code 653). Results for liquid phases (water and oil products) and for solid particles motion are presented graphically and are commented.
Effect of Triton X-100 and Dtt Concentrations on Wide Range Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis of Tissue, Cell and Fluid Proteomes
Authors: Charneau Sébastien , Nunes da Cruz Gabriel Costa , Costa Camila Miranda , Sousa Marcelo Valle de , Ornelas Carlos André
Published: July 2013

High-resolution separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2- DE) is still challenging due to the intrinsic behavior of proteins, principally throughout isoelectric focusing separation. It is often observed low resolution of proteins in the alkaline pH region when using wide range pH gradients. Herein, we show the effect of different concentrations of Triton X‑100 and DTT in the sample buffer on wide range pH (3-10) 2-DE profiles of three different biological samples as Trypanosoma cruzi cells, honey bee brain tissue and human saliva fluid. Higher resolution, number and intensity of spots were achieved when 85 mM DTT and 2.5% Triton X‑100 were employed for cell and tissue samples. No improvement was observed for fluid proteins, probably because water-soluble proteins do not require special conditions for extraction and prevention of precipitation during isoelectric focusing.
Density Functional Theory Based Modeling of the Corrosion on Iron Surfaces
Authors: Nunomura N. , Sunada S.
Published: July 2013

In order to understand the first steps of the aqueous corrosion of iron, we have performed density functional theory (DFT) based calculations for water molecules and pre-covered oxygen on iron surface. The surface structure is modeled by iron atomic layer and vacuum region, and then oxygen atom and water molecules are displaced on the surface. Self consistent DFT calculations were performed using a numerical atomic orbital basis set and a norm-conserve pseudopotential method. According to our calculations, with increasing surface oxygen coverage, the iron surface is found to be not activated, which leads to a feeble adsorption of water molecules on iron surface. Our results show that the surface covered oxygen exerts an influence on the adsorption of water molecules on iron surface.
Investigation of Structures in As-Cast Alloys from the Mg-Zn-Ca System
Authors: Kubok K. , Litynska-Dobrzynska L. , Wojewoda-Budka J. , Góral A. , Debski A.
Published: July 2013

Alloys of nominal composition Mg-3Zn-xCa (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3) wt.% have been prepared by resistance melting and casting into graphite mould under argon atmosphere. All investigated alloys have revealed α(Mg) dendritic microstructures with intermetallic phases distributed in interdendritic spacing. The Mg4Zn7 has been identified as the main phase which coexists with α(Mg) in the Mg-Zn alloy. Calcium addition causes the formation of ternary Ca2Mg6Zn3 hexagonal phase, denoted also as Ca3MgxZn15-x . The increase of Mg/Zn ratio from 0.59 in Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca wt.% alloy to 2.72 in Mg-3Zn-1.3Ca wt.% alloy in this phase is connected with an increase in the lattice parameters. The microhardness of the Ca containing alloys increases up to 67 HV (for the alloy containing 1.3 wag.% Ca) compared to the 50 HV for Mg-3Zn wt.% alloy.
Observation of the Complex Local Crystallization Process in Ti-Zr-Cu-Pd Amorphous Ribbons and Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Sypień A.
Published: July 2013

In recent years, bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have attracted much attention, especially concerning the reasons for the high glass-forming ability. To understand properties and glass-forming ability of BMGs, it is important to investigate their atomic structure in details. The structure of the metallic glass, derived from diffraction studies, confines mainly to short-range-order atomic correlations, which are statistically averaged over the glassy specimens. In the present study, local structure of a BMG and ribbons was observed using a high-resolution TEM (TECNAI G2 FEG). The TEM images of the BMG before annealed in the temperature below the crystallization clearly reveal a duplex microstructure consisting of nanocrystalline particles about 5-10 nm in size distributed uniformly in the amorphous matrix. Due to the FFT research the crystalline phases may be indexed as the Cu8Zr3, Cu3Pd, CuTi2 and CuTiZr.
Topological Games on Product Spaces and its Fuzzification
Authors: Prasad Bidyanand , Kumar BP
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with the introduction of an infinite positional game of pursuit and evasion over an ideal of a topological space. A topological game has been played over some new D-product and C-product spaces of two Hausdorff topological spaces. Perfect information, decisions and goals in a game may not be feasible. Hence, fuzzy set theory has been applied in this paper to obtain better results. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 11-15 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8278
New Born Care Practice of Tharu Mothers
Authors: Baral Om Prasad
Published: June 2013

At birth every newborn must adopt quickly to life outside the womb. Most newborn breathe and cry at birth with no help. The care need to give immediately after birth is simple but important. Immediate subsequent care of newborn are; sleep, loving care, protection from infection, bathing, cord care ,immunization, breast feeding, vitamin A, safety and security. This paper explores the newborn care practice of the Tharu mothers who have less than one year child in Kolbi VDC of Bara district. The findings of the of the research has indicated that the majority of the respondents were regular antenatal checked up, conscious of cord cutting practice, satisfied immunization, colostrums feedings and oil bath. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 38-42 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8284
Bio Diversity and Density of Phytoplankton in Pond of Kirtipur
Authors: Kushwaha Pramod Kumar
Published: June 2013

The density of the phytoplankton during the study period was recorded 1420112 No. / L with the average value of 100150.3 No. / L fortnightly. All the four groups of phytoplankton were noted with low diversity of only 12 genera. The maximum density was found on 16th June 1992 (summer period) and the minimum on 25th Dec. 1991 (winter period). Among the four major groups, Chrysophyta (Bacillariophyceae) constituted 42.1 % followed by Cyanophyta (Myxophyceae) 32.6% , pyrrophyta (Desmidaceae) 18.5% and Chlorophyta (Chlorophyceae) 6.8% respectively.  The free CO2 was positive coefficient value of phytoplankton in relation to temp., PH but dissolved oxygen had negative value of coefficient correlation. Academic Voices, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2012, Pages 43-47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v2i1.8285