bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave plasma assisted pyrolysis of refuse derived fuels
Authors: Khongkrapan Parin , Thanompongchart Patipat , Tippayawong Nakorn , Kiatsiriroat Tanongkiat
Published: March 2014

This work combined plasma reactivity and pyrolysis for conversion of solid wastes. Decomposition of refuse derived fuel (RDF) and its combustible components (paper, biomass, and plastic) in an 800 W microwave plasma reactor was investigated at varying argon flow rates of 0.50 to 1.25 lpm for 3 minutes. The characteristic bright light emission of plasma was observed with calculated maximum power density of about 35 W/cm3. The RDF and its components were successfully converted into char and combustible gas. The average char yield was found to be 12–21% of the original mass, with a gross calorific value of around 39 MJ/kg. The yield of the product gas was in the range 1.0–1.7 m3/kg. The combustible gas generated from the pyrolysis of the RDF contained about 14% H2, 66% CO, and 4% CH4 of the detected gas mass, with a heating value of 11 MJ/m3. These products are potentially marketable forms of clean energy.
Optimization of gas injection conditions during deposition of AlN layers by novel reactive GIMS method
Authors: Zdunek Krzysztof , Nowakowska-Langier Katarzyna , Chodun Rafal , Dora Jerzy , Okrasa Sebastian , Talik Ewa
Published: March 2014

In 2011, we proposed a novel magnetron sputtering method. It involved the use of pulsed injection of working gas for the initiation and control of gas discharge during reactive sputtering of an AlN layer (Gas Injection Magnetron Sputtering — GIMS). Unfortunately, the presence of Al-Al bonds was found in XPS spectra of the AlN layers deposited by GIMS onto Si substrate. Our studies reported in this paper proved that the synchronization of time duration of the pulses of both gas injection and applied voltage, resulted in the elimination of Al-Al bonds in the AlN layer material, which was confirmed by the XPS studies. In our opinion the most probable reason of Al-Al bonds in the AlN layers deposited by the GIMS was the self-sputtering of the Al target in the final stage of the pulsed discharge.
Efficacy and Safety of Sublingual Immunotherapy in Children Aged 3–13 Years with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Shao Jie , Cui Yu-xia , Zheng Yu-fei , Peng Han-fen , Zheng Zhu-li , Chen Jing-ya , Li Qin , Cao Lan-fang
Published: March 2014

Background

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is recommended for allergic diseases. However, clinical studies containing evidence-based data of this treatment in young children, which is rarely reported in the literature, are needed. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of SLIT in children, including very young children.

Methods

Two hundred sixty-four children aged 3–13 years old (133 children, 3–5 years old) with Dermatophagoides farinae–induced allergic rhinitis with or without asthma treated by standard pharmacotherapy had randomly received either SLIT (SLIT group) or no SLIT (control group) for 12 months. Symptoms, medications, visual analog scale (VAS) and presence of adverse events (AEs) were assessed at monthly visits. Skin-prick test and Dermatophagoides farinae–specific IgE and IgG4 were measured before and after treatment.

Results

Both treatments were effective in the global clinical scores during the first seven visits when compared with baseline (all, p < 0.01), and SLIT showed lower symptoms scores and VAS scores throughout this period (all, p < 0.01). These improvements continued until the later visits only in the SLIT group. Also, the asthma medication consumption was decreased by SLIT treatment only at the end of study (p < 0.01). The specific IgG4 was significantly increased after SLIT treatment when compared with the control group, but no significant change of specific IgE was observed in either groups. In the SLIT group, there was no significant difference between children less than or more than 5 year old in terms clinical efficacy, onset of action, immunologic parameters, and safety. No severe systemic AEs were reported.

Conclusion

SLIT is effective and well-tolerated in children with allergic rhinitis 3–13 years old.
Osteitis is Associated with P-Glycoprotein Overexpression in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis without Nasal Polyps
Authors: Günel Ceren , Feldman Rachel E. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: March 2014

Background

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a membrane-bound efflux pump that is up-regulated in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and participates in epithelial cytokine secretion. Osteitis is associated with eosinophilic inflammation and may represent a method to predict patients with P-gp overexpression. The purpose of this article was to determine whether P-gp overexpression and increased osteitis scores are associated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

An Institutional Review Board-approved study was performed using sinus tissue in 38 patients with CRS. P-gp expression was calculated using quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemistry to generate an epithelial-to-background staining ratio. Patients were stratified into low and high P-gp expression groups. Osteitis was scored radiologically using the Kennedy Osteitis Score (KOS) and Global Osteitis Score (GOS). Serum eosinophilia was assessed. KOS and GOS were compared using a Pearson's correlation coefficient. Osteitis scores and serum eosinophil concentrations between P-gp expression groups were compared using a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test (two tailed).

Results

Among the 38 patients, 7(18.42%) had high P-gp expression (mean ± SD, 4.86 ± 1.33) whereas 31(81.57%) had low expression ratios (1.93 ± 0.45). No patients in the high P-gp expression group had undergone prior surgery. Median serum eosinophil values were significantly greater in the high versus low P-gp expression group (6.98 ± 2.17 versus 2.36 ± 1.38, p < 0.001). GOS and KOS values were significantly greater in the high versus low P-gp expression group (15.86 ± 4.91 versus 6.29 ± 1.25 and 4.55 ± 4.33 verus 2.23 ± 1.71; p < 0.001). KOS and GOS values were significantly correlated (r = 0.835; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Increased osteitis burden as measured by either the KOS or the GOS is associated with creased P-gp membranous expression in CRS. Radiographic quantification of osteitis may therefore be used to identify patients with P-gp overexpression thereby providing a novel potential therapeutic target.
The Effect of an Absorbable Gelatin Dressing Impregnated with Triamcinolone within the Olfactory Cleft on Polypoid Rhinosinusitis Smell Disorders
Authors: Bardaranfar Mohammad Hossein , Ranjbar Zahra , Dadgarnia Mohammad Hossein , Atighechi Saeid , Mirvakili Abbas , Behniafard Nasim , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Abbaslu Fatemeh , Baradaranfar Amin
Published: March 2014

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory process that causes different clinical symptoms: nasal blockage and congestion, posterior and anterior nasal drip, and smell disorder ranging from reduced olfaction (hyposmia) to complete loss of smell (anosmia). It has been suggested that mechanical blockage of olfactory clef after polypectomy is responsible for the persistent impairment of olfaction in some cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of application of steroids at the olfactory cleft in improving olfactory function in patients who underwent sinus surgery.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Yazd, Iran, between March and December 2012. Eligible patients who had CRS with polyposis and underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. An absorbable gelatin dressing combined with triamcinolone (case) or normal saline (control) was applied at the site of surgery. Olfaction was assessed by butanol threshold tests before and 8 weeks after surgery.

Results

A total of 60 patients were enrolled into the study and were equally divided into triamcinolone and control groups. Subjects in both arms of trial experienced augmentation of smell function throughout the study; however, patients who received triamcinolone had better improvement after 8 weeks (p = 0.007). Complete remission rate was 100% in the triamcinolone group and the corresponding figure was 76% in the control group.

Conclusion

We suggest that application of triamcinolone at the olfactory cleft can boost the effect of surgery in restoring olfactory function.
Systematic Review of Immunotherapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: DeYoung Kristen , Wentzel Jennifer L. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Immunotherapy (IT) has been well established as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR), but little is known about the benefits of IT on clinical outcomes of comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The goal of this publication is to systematically review the literature regarding outcomes of IT in patients with atopic CRS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted including studies that assessed the efficacy of IT on clinical outcome measures in CRS including without polyp, with polyp, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis subgroups. Excluded articles were those only reporting outcomes specific to asthma or AR.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review, none of which were randomized controlled trials. Generally, symptom scores improved in patients treated with IT when compared with baseline data and control patients. Objective endoscopic exam measures improved with IT treatment in short-term studies. Significant improvements were observed in radiographic assessments, and there was a decreased necessity for revision surgery, interventional office visits, and intranasal and oral steroid use.

Conclusion

Conclusions are limited by the paucity of available data on the efficacy of IT for treating CRS-specific outcome measures. There is weak evidence to support the use of IT as an adjunctive treatment in CRS patients, particularly in the postoperative period.
Prevalence of White Spot Lesion in Nepalese Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance
Authors: Shrestha Sandhya , Shrestha Rabindra Man
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Enamel decalcification in the form of white spot lesion is a common complication seen in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of white spot lesion among Nepalese fixed orthodontic patients, to compare the occurrence of WSL among the patients with lesser and greater duration of treatment, and to compare between the gender groups.

Materials & Method: A cross-sectional study was done to compare the prevalence of WSL between 300 orthodontic patients and 100 non-orthodontic subjects. Further comparison was done between the mean treatment duration between orthodontic subjects of 6-18 months and >18 months, and between male and female samples. Subjects were visually examined on second premolar to second premolar in both maxillary and mandibular arches using Gorelick’s WSL index. Descriptive statistics were calculated and independent t-test was used to compare the difference between the groups. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Result: The prevalence of WSL in Nepalese orthodontic patients was 54.3%; among them prevalence was 40% in lesser treatment duration group and 68.7% in greater treatment duration group. The study found significant difference between untreated nonorthodontic group and orthodontically treated group with respect to the number of teeth affected with WSL. Also, there was significant difference between the categories of orthodontic treatment duration. There was no significant difference between male and female samples.

Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic treatment increase the risk of white spot lesion. Duration of orthodontic treatment also showed significant increase in the occurrence of WSL.
Evaluation of Tooth Size and Dental Arch Ratio in Bengali Population Sample
Authors: Murmu Dhyan Chand , Acharya Swati Saraswata , Das Anu Ranjan , Bhaumik Bides
Published: March 2014

Introduction: In order to maintain the proper relationship between upper and lower arch, Bolton proposed anterior ratio and overall ratio.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the tooth size and arch size discrepancies between normal cases and Class I crowded cases of the Bengali population. To determine Bolton’s overall ratio and anterior ratio in the normal sample , and to identify the possible variation in tooth-arch size ratio in subjects in Bengali population.

Materials & Method: A total of 60 maxillary and mandibular pretreatment dental study casts were taken and divided into control group and study group. The descriptive statistics in respect of Bolton’s anterior ratio and overall ratio were calculated. The t-test was done for the statistical difference between the two mean values.

Result: Bolton’s ratios in Bengali population sample values were found to be similar to the original data of Caucasian population. Females showed a tendency of smaller teeth than the males.

Conclusion: Bolton’s ratios could be consistent to use in the orthodontic diagnosis of Bengali population. It supports the concept that females showed smaller teeth than the males.
Establishment of Yemeni Dental Arch Form
Authors: Al-Zubair Nabil M
Published: March 2014

Objective: To assess the dental arch forms of Yemeni adult sample.

Materials & Method: The Eucledian clustering method of analysis was utilized for the determination of dental arch form. A total of 398 study models were constructed and evaluated to do measurements for both arches using a modified sliding caliper gauge. Six dental cast measurements divided into three sagittal and three transverse measurements were utilized to represent the dental arch width and length measurements.

Result: Narrow form is the most prevalent arch form (30.9%) followed by wide form (23.9%), their prominence appear more in females and the least prevalent arch form was the mid form (9.3%), while flat and pointed forms were in between 18.3% and 17.6% respectively.

Conclusion: Five arch forms: narrow, wide, mid, pointed and flat were distinguished as unique forms for the dental arches, with the predominance of the narrow arch form were found among Yemeni adults.
Palatal Rugae Pattern in Nepalese Subjects
Authors: Bajracharya Dipshikha , Vaidya Anisha , Thapa Sunaina , Shrestha Sujita
Published: March 2014

Objective: To determine the number and pattern of palatal rugae in Nepalese subjects and to find the association of gender with the number and pattern of palatal rugae.

Materials & Method: 200 Nepalese subjects comprising of 100 male and 100 female were randomly selected and their maxillary casts were examined for the palatal rugae length applying the classification proposed by Thomas and Kotze and palatal rugae pattern was recorded using the classification given by Kapali. Statistical analysis using Student t-test was applied for comparing the number of palatal rugae between right and left sides. Chi square test was used to find the association between gender and number of rugae as well as the pattern.

Result: The study demonstrated that the mean number of primary palatal rugae on left side was predominant, similarly wavy pattern was the most predominant in Nepalese subjects. No statistical significant difference was noticed in the palatal rugae number and pattern between the gender groups.

Conclusion: The study found predominant palatal form in Nepalese subjects which might have superior effectiveness in population differentiation and may be used as an effective tool in forensic odontology identification.
Self-ligating brackets in perspective of friction: A Review
Authors: Thapa Barsha , Wu Li Peng
Published: March 2014

No abstract available.
Kinetics of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Catalysed Oxidation of Cyclopentanone by N-Bromophthalimide in Acidic Medium
Authors: Katre Yokraj R. , Tripathi Kamalni , Singh Ajaya K.
Published: March 2014

The effect of cationic micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic micelles of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on the kinetics of oxidation of cyclopentanone by N-bromophthalimide (NBP) was studied iodometrically at 308 K. In addition to the kinetic experiments, conductivity measurements have also been done to obtain critical micelle concentration and other thermodynamic properties. The kinetic observations indicate fractional order and first order dependence with respect to [cyclopentanone] and [NBP] respectively. Cationic surfactant (CTAB) strongly catalyses the oxidation of Cyclopentanone in aqueous acetic acid medium. Typical kobs
and [CTAB] profile were observed i. e. with the progressive increase in [CTAB], the reaction rate increased and at higher concentration of CTAB, constancy in kobs
was observed. Anionic surfactant (sodium dodecylsulphate, SDS), mercuric acetate and phthalimide did not influence the reaction rate. The presence of inorganic salts (KCl, KBr) exhibits a severe hike in the reaction rate. The various activation parameters in the presence of CTAB have been also evaluated. A suitable mechanism consistent with the experimental findings has been proposed.
Homogeneity Quantification Method and its Application to Microstructure Assessment
Authors: Rossi P. , Engstler M. , Mücklich F.
Published: March 2014

In this work, a method to precisely define and quantify homogeneity of microstructures is proposed. Said method is based on an interpretation of the Gini index and it was developed specifically for microstructure homogeneity assessments. Object homogeneity and region homogeneity are examples of parameters developed to describe different aspects of homogeneity in micrographs. Using these parameters, the homogeneities of Al-Si casting alloys and cast iron have been evaluated. The method can be adapted and combined with other techniques to fit the requirements of a given study case. Further applications of the method are discussed.
Grain Size Measurements by the Triple Point Count Method
Authors: Vander Voort G. F.
Published: March 2014

Aside from the well-known grain size measurement techniques using either the planimetric methods of Jeffries or Saltykov, or the intercept method of Heyn, Hilliard and Abrams, one can measure the grain size through a count of grain-boundary triple point intersections within a known area through the use of Euler's law. This technique has rarely been used manually. It is possible to do such a count by image analysis as long as the magnification is not too low. In general, measurements based on point counts (0 dimensional) are less subject to errors than lineal measurements (one-dimensional) which are less subject to error than areal measurements (two-dimensional).
Localization of Discrete Time Quantum Walks on the Glued Trees
Authors: Ide Yusuke , Konno Norio , Segawa Etsuo , Xu Xin-Ping
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we consider the time averaged distribution of discrete time quantum walks on the glued trees. In order to analyze the walks on the glued trees, we consider a reduction to the walks on path graphs. Using a spectral analysis of the Jacobi matrices defined by the corresponding random walks on the path graphs, we have a spectral decomposition of the time evolution operator of the quantum walks. We find significant contributions of the eigenvalues, ±1, of the Jacobi matrices to the time averaged limit distribution of the quantum walks. As a consequence, we obtain the lower bounds of the time averaged distribution.
Methods to Increase the Robustness of Finite-Volume Flow Models in Thermodynamic Systems
Authors: Quoilin Sylvain , Bell Ian , Desideri Adriano , Dewallef Pierre , Lemort Vincent
Published: March 2014

This paper addresses the issues linked to simulation failures during integration in finite-volume flow models, especially those involving a two-phase state. This kind of model is particularly useful when modeling 1D heat exchangers or piping, e.g., in thermodynamic cycles involving a phase change. Issues, such as chattering or stiff systems, can lead to low simulation speed, instabilities and simulation failures. In the particular case of two-phase flow models, they are usually linked to a discontinuity in the density derivative between the liquid and two-phase zones. In this work, several methods to tackle numerical problems are developed, described, implemented and compared. In addition, methods available in the literature are also implemented and compared to the proposed approaches. Results suggest that the robustness of the models can be significantly increased with these different methods, at the price of a small increase of the error in the mass and energy balances.
Over-Expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-D Promotes Tumor Growth and Invasion in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Yuan , Qiu Haifeng , Hu Weixu , Li Shaoru , Yu Jinjin
Published: March 2014

The platelet-derived growth factor-D (PDGF-D) was demonstrated to be able to promote tumor growth and invasion in human malignancies. However, little is known about its roles in endometrial cancer. In the present study, we investigated the expression and functions of PDGF-D in human endometrial cancer. Alterations of PDGF-D mRNA and protein were determined by real time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Up-regulation of PDGF-D was achieved by stably transfecting the pcDNA3-PDGF-D plasmids into ECC-1 cells; and knockdown of PDGF-D was achieved by transient transfection with siRNA-PDGF-D into Ishikawa cells. The MTT assay, colony formation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of PDGF-D on cellular proliferation and invasion. The xenograft assay was used to investigate the functions of PDGF-D in vivo. Compared to normal endometrium, more than 50% cancer samples showed over-expression of PDGF-D (p < 0.001), and high level of PDGF-D was correlated with late stage (p = 0.003), deep myometrium invasion (p < 0.001) and lympha vascular space invasion (p = 0.006). In vitro, over-expressing PDGF-D in ECC-1 cells significantly accelerated tumor growth and promoted cellular invasion by increasing the level of MMP2 and MMP9; while silencing PDGF-D in Ishikawa cells impaired cell proliferation and inhibited the invasion, through suppressing the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Moreover, we also demonstrated that over-expressed PDGF-D could induce EMT and knockdown of PDGF-D blocked the EMT transition. Consistently, in xenografts assay, PDGF-D over-expression significantly promoted tumor growth and tumor weights. We demonstrated that PDGF-D was commonly over-expressed in endometrial cancer, which was associated with late stage deep myometrium invasion and lympha vascular space invasion. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed PDGF-D could promote tumor growth and invasion through up-regulating MMP2/9 and inducing EMT. Thus, we propose targeting PDGF-D to be a potent strategy for endometrial cancer treatment.
Interaction of Heavy Metal Ions with Carbon and Iron Based Particles
Authors: Fialova Dana , Kremplova Monika , Melichar Lukas , Kopel Pavel , Hynek David , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: March 2014

Due to the rapid development of industry and associated production of toxic waste, especially heavy metals, there is a great interest in creating and upgrading new sorption materials to remove these pollutants from the environment. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of different carbon forms (graphene, expanded carbon, multi-wall nanotubes) and paramagnetic particles (Fe2O3) for adsorption of cadmium(II), lead(II), and copper(II) on its surface, with different interaction time from 1 min to 24 h. The main attention is paid to the detection of these metals using differential pulse voltammetry. Based on the obtained results, graphene and Fe2O3 are found to be good candidates for removal of heavy metals from the environment.
Compounds from Dryopteris Fragrans (L.) Schott with Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Zhao Dan-Dan , Zhao Qin-Shi , Liu Li , Chen Zhong-Qin , Zeng Wei-Min , Lei Hong , Zhang Yan-Long
Published: March 2014

One new coumarin, dryofracoumarin A (1), and eight known compounds 2–9 were isolated from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analyses and comparison with reported spectroscopic data. The new compound 1 was determined to be 8-hydroxyl-4-isopropyl-7-methyl-6-methyl-2H-benzopyran-2-one. Two dimers, trans- and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (compounds 8 and 9), were isolated from the Dryopteris genus for the first time. The other six were esculetin (2), isoscopoletin (3), methylphlorbutyrophenone (4), aspidinol (5), albicanol (6) and (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)but-3-en-1-ol (7). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects by the MTT assay. Compounds 2, 3, 8 and 9 showed significantly cytotoxic effects against three cell lines (A549, MCF7 and HepG2), 1 and 5 against two cell lines (A549 and MCF7), and 6 against one cell line (MCF7). Their IC50 values ranged between 2.73 ± 0.86 μM and 24.14 ± 3.12 μM. These active compounds might be promising lead compounds for the treatment of cancer.
Maestro: An Orchestration Framework for Large-Scale WSN Simulations
Authors: Riliskis Laurynas , Osipov Evgeny
Published: March 2014

Contemporary wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have evolved into large and complex systems and are one of the main technologies used in cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things. Extensive research on WSNs has led to the development of diverse solutions at all levels of software architecture, including protocol stacks for communications. This multitude of solutions is due to the limited computational power and restrictions on energy consumption that must be accounted for when designing typical WSN systems. It is therefore challenging to develop, test and validate even small WSN applications, and this process can easily consume significant resources. Simulations are inexpensive tools for testing, verifying and generally experimenting with new technologies in a repeatable fashion. Consequently, as the size of the systems to be tested increases, so does the need for large-scale simulations. This article describes a tool called Maestro for the automation of large-scale simulation and investigates the feasibility of using cloud computing facilities for such task. Using tools that are built into Maestro, we demonstrate a feasible approach for benchmarking cloud infrastructure in order to identify cloud Virtual Machine (VM)instances that provide an optimal balance of performance and cost for a given simulation.
Leaf traits and herbivory levels in a tropical gymnosperm, Zamia stevensonii (Zamiaceae)
Authors: Prado Alberto , Sierra Adriel , Windsor Donald , Bede Jacqueline C.
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Slow‐growing understory cycads invest heavily in defenses to protect the few leaves they produce annually. The Neotropical cycad Zamia stevensonii has chemical and mechanical barriers against insect herbivores. Mechanical barriers, such as leaf toughness, can be established only after the leaf has expanded. Therefore, chemical defenses may be important during leaf expansion. How changes in leaf traits affect the feeding activity of cycad specialist insects is unknown. We investigated leaf defenses and incidence of specialist herbivores on Z. stevensonii during the first year after leaf flush.

• Methods: Herbivore incidence, leaf production, and leaf traits that might affect herbivory—including leaf age, lamina thickness, resistance‐to‐fracture, work‐to‐fracture, trichome density, and chlorophyll, water, and toxic azoxyglycoside (AZG) content—were measured throughout leaf development. Principal component analysis and generalized linear models identified characteristics that may explain herbivore incidence.

• Key results: Synchronized leaf development in Z. stevensonii is characterized by quick leaf expansion and delayed greening. Specialist herbivores feed on leaves between 10 and 100 d after flush and damage ∼37% of all leaflets produced. Young leaves are protected by AZGs, but these defenses rapidly decrease as leaves expand. Leaves older than 100 d are protected by toughness.

• Conclusions: Because AZG concentrations drop before leaves become sufficiently tough, there is a vulnerable period during which leaves are susceptible to herbivory by specialist insects. This slow‐growing gymnosperm invests heavily in constitutive defenses against highly specialized herbivores, underlining the convergence in defensive syndromes by major plant lineages.
POSSIBILITIES TO RECYCLE AUTO GLASS WASTE IN BUILDING CERAMICS
Authors: Malaiškienė Jurgita , Mačiulaitis Romualdas , Mikalauskaitė Raminta
Published: March 2014

Substantial amounts of glass waste end up in landfills because unlike ordinary glass, auto glass is unsuitable for recycling in the glass industry due to organic additives. However, it was determined that the additives make auto glass waste appropriate for the production of building ceramics, which results in improved physical-mechanical and structural properties. The optimum quantity of the additive contained in auto glass waste amounts to 15% of the formation mixture, and the most appropriate burning temperature is 1080 °C. The density of such ceramic chip is 2059 kg/m3 , the water absorption determined after 72 h is 1.2%, and the forecasted frost resistance at the beginning of decomposition is 1343 cycles, but amounts to 2188 cycles at the end of decomposition.
Small Worlds: The Character, Role and Significance of Constituent Units in Federations and Federal Political Systems
Authors: Burgess Michael
Published: March 2014

Dans cet article, je trace les grandes lignes des facteurs clés et des variables entrant dans l’étude comparative des entités constituantes, perçues en tant que « petits mondes » (small worlds), dans les États fédéraux et les systèmes politiques. On y inclut la spécificité, le rôle et l’importance générale de ces entités constituantes, en tant que blocs territoriaux au sein de l’État, ce dernier déterminant à son tour la fonction que chacun d’entre eux joue dans le corps politique. Cette brève présentation met en évidence la façon dont ces facteurs et variables sont étroitement liés et révèlent des cultures politiques infranationales complexes. Elles sont généralement ancrées dans les constitutions écrites et des systèmes juridiques qui utilisent avec succès des procédures et des dispositifs asymétriques afin de faire coexister les politiques de différence, que ces « petits mondes » ont pour principal objectif de protéger, promouvoir et préserver.
The World of the German Länder
Authors: Sturm Roland
Published: March 2014

Le fédéralisme allemand est de forme unitaire, mais les Länder allemands sont très divers en ce qui concerne les identités régionales et sous-régionales, les partis politiques et le développement économique. Les constitutions des Länder autorisent, par exemple, des différences entre les systèmes électoraux, le degré de prise de décision politique par référendum, ou l’organisation de l’administration publique. L’Allemagne est un pays aux nombreuses traditions. Il est culturellement et économiquement beaucoup plus varié que politiquement. Le pluralisme culturel est la matière première de l’identité de chaque Land. Politiquement, ce sont les institutions du fédéralisme et le système national de partis politiques qui contribuent à l’uniformité de la politique allemande, alors que, au niveau des Länder, le système partisan et les coalitions gouvernementales sont beaucoup plus variés qu’auparavant.
EFFECT OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR ON BEHAVIOR ABILITY AND NEURONS OF THE HIPPOCAMPAL CA3 AREA IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MODEL RATS
Authors: Zhu Junde , Yu Yan , Ge Guo , Kang Zhaosheng
Published: March 2014

The study aimed to examine the behavior ability and morphological changes in neuron in the hippocampal CA3 area of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats induced by β-amyloid protein (Aβ1–42) and observe the potentiality of the neuroprotective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the AD model rats. A total of 70 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the AD model group and the bFGF treatment group. The AD model rats were established by microinjection of Aβ1–42 solution into right hippocampal CA1 area. The bFGF was injected into the abdominal cavity of rats in the bFGF treatment group, and identical volume physiological saline was given for the other two groups. The colorimetric method was used to detect the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity after the behavior capability was determined. Real time-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of VEGF mRNA of the rat hippocampal CA3 area. Caspase-3 immunopositive cells in the hippocampal CA3 area were observed under a light microscopy and quantitative analysis were performed by cell morphometric technique. The ultra-microstructure of the neurons was also observed by a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that compared with the AD model group, the learning and memory abilities of the bFGF treatment group were obviously improved and the ChAT activity significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the AChE activity, expression of VEGF mRNA and quantity of Caspase-3 immunopositive cells notably decreased (p < 0.05). Under TEM, the neurons in the hippocampal CA3 area of the normal control group had moderate electron density, rule nucleus, integrity perinuclear membrane, evenly distributed chromoplasm and abundant cell organelle, however the neurons of the AD model group showed severely damaged, exhibiting cell body pyknosis, irregular nuclear membranes concentrated, intracytoplasm content concentrated, decreased or unclear organelles. The neuronic pathological lesion of the bFGF treatment group had lessened than that of the AD model group; some of them had distinct neuronal structure and abundant cell organelle. BFGF could efficiently improve the behavior ability and decrease the pathological lesion of hippocampus of the AD model rats, which might promote the neuroprotective effect in the AD.
Interactive Media Steer in Educational Printing Materials
Authors: Ispir Burcin
Published: March 2014

The development of digital technology has been highly accelerated since the 2000s. New media environments, which increase interactivity, have been provided to users. With technological convergence, all environments in the category of new media have had the opportunity to work together. With the support of digital technologies, traditional media have also started to include elements that will allow interaction. Support of digital technology does not allow us to see that traditional media is an interactive media but it permits interactive media guidance. Newspapers, books, and magazines, which are located in the category of traditional media, support readers by directing them to interactive media with augmented reality applications. Augmented reality applications in printed materials has been used in many fields. In particular, course books, which protects the existence as the basic learning material of distance learning, can support its content with augmented reality applications. The features of augmented reality applications that allow the presentation of additional information, such as visual, audio, animated text, are discussed in this chapter.
Teacher Training in Distance Education and the Practicum Process
Authors: Aydin Belgin , Kecik Ilknur
Published: March 2014

Distance education has long been used both in pre-service and in-service teacher education programs to provide wider opportunities to people who are not able to attend face-to face courses. Since teacher education is a wide topic with participants having quite a wide range of needs, there is still a need to get information on different models, especially on the practicum part of teacher education. Within the realm of this topic, this chapter aims to describe an innovative model, the design of which is based on a need in Turkey, and discuss it in the light of available literature. After a brief terminology clarification, major models and trends in language teacher education are brought forth and discussed. Then, the model developed by Anadolu University, Distance English Language Teacher Training (DELTT), is explained and further suggestions on the issue are made.
K-12 Online Education
Authors: Journell Wayne , McFadyen Ben , Miller Marva S. , Kujawski Brown Kathryn
Published: March 2014

It is growing increasingly evident that online learning is the future of K-12 education, both in the United States and the rest of the industrialized world. Improved technology, coupled with the perceived cost-effectiveness of online education, has resulted in growing numbers of states and K-12 school districts embracing “anytime, anywhere” education. Research on K-12 online education, however, has not kept up with its growth. This chapter explores three structural issues that are currently limiting online learning from being a viable alternative to K-12 face-to-face instruction in the United States: inadequate training of online K-12 teachers, issues related to accessibility for students with diverse learning needs, and the importance of structuring courses in a way that responds to the diverse backgrounds of K-12 students. Although this chapter is framed from an American perspective, largely because the vast majority of K-12 online learning occurs in the United States, future research on these issues is essential to K-12 online education in any context.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Development in Higher Education
Authors: Anđić Dunja , Vorkapić Sanja Tatalović
Published: March 2014

This chapter aims to test the positive change in students' sustainable behavior that is expected to be found under the influence of relevant subjects. Therefore, a simple quasi-experimental design was applied to test the differences between those groups of students who have not taken the subject Pedagogy of sustainable development and those who have. Since studies for primary school and preschool teachers at the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Croatia are designed for building needed competencies in future educators, the case study was expected to determine statistically significant differences between those groups of students who have taken relevant subject and those students who have not. Finally, correlation analyses were run for relationship between life satisfaction, optimism, and sustainable behavior to be analyzed. Based on previous research studies and theoretical models, it was expected to determine significant positive relationship between students' sustainable behavior and their levels of life satisfaction and optimism. Both hypotheses are confirmed in this study. All findings are discussed in this chapter within theoretical models and future study guidelines. The results confirm the usefulness of the course Pedagogy of sustainable behavior within higher education of future educators, and its influence within positive change in their sustainable behavior. Besides, the expected positive relationship of life satisfaction and optimism with sustainable behavior was confirmed and so provided a platform for creating a suggestion of implementation of the interdisciplinary course/subject of Pedagogy of Sustainable development and Positive psychology.
Teaching of Sustainability
Authors: Haile Sue , Glassey Jarka
Published: March 2014

Following a discussion of the means of introducing sustainability and sustainable design into the engineering curriculum, this chapter provides examples of the approach taken when teaching these subjects through the use of case studies at a traditional research-intensive higher education institution in the UK: Newcastle University. This chapter demonstrates the range of topics that have been addressed through examples of case studies and discusses the methods of delivery and assessment within the curriculum. The result of a cross-curriculum mapping exercise is presented, showing how sustainability teaching can be incorporated into a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Physics of Energy
Authors: Hay Katrina
Published: March 2014

A new physics course was offered at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, which provides students with an understanding of the underlying physical principles of traditional and alternative energy production. The course was a travel course in the western United States, an ideal area to study practical use and research of hydroelectric, wind, nuclear, solar, ocean wave and geothermal energy sources. This sustainability-themed course was taught for the first time in January 2011 and traveled via the Amtrak Coast Starlight train, making stops in Washington, Oregon and California. Students studied the connection between resources, energy and surrounding communities. This chapter lists learning objectives, lecture and lab topics, energy sources and locations visited. Additionally, this chapter describes motivation for a sustainability-themed course in physics and contains a discussion of the unique experience of traveling with students.
Green Chemistry
Authors: Coffey Mike
Published: March 2014

Games in a variety of formats are viable educational tools for a range of disciplines and students of all ages. However, the adoption of serious games within sciences is limited, particularly so in higher education (HE). This chapter describes the classroom adoption of an educational board game based on chemical production, pollution mitigation and green chemistry principles. Design and development considerations in creating the Green Chemistry game are outlined. The game is available free-of-charge as print-and-play files. Environmental sustainability concepts modeled in the game are described. Questionnaire-based feed-back is presented from chemistry HE tutors and from students at three institutions which trialed the game. Responses indicate there is a desire for more game resources in chemical science HE and that the activity is enjoyable and instructional. The educational objectives of the game are partially met through play but are enhanced by using supplementary activities, examples of which are described.
Using Accreditation to Foster Education for Sustainability in Higher Education
Authors: Yoder James , Miller BJ
Published: March 2014

Education for sustainability in higher education often faces numerous financial and institutional barriers. One overlooked mechanism for the promotion of education for sustainability is accreditation requirements. This chapter studies Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), a Christian liberal arts university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which took advantage of this mechanism by choosing education for sustainability as the topic for one of its accreditation requirements, the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). EMU's QEP, Peace with Creation, builds on grassroots efforts and focuses on infusing education for sustainability throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Challenges faced along the path to implementation of the plan included confusion over the definition and scope of sustainability, early fatigue and cynicism by the student body, and uncertainty as to how the now well-supported plan would mesh with other sustainability efforts on campus. Three years into implementation, it has become clear that the accreditation mandate has significantly advanced education for sustainability at EMU, and it is evident that accreditation can apply powerful leverage for integrating education for sustainability into an institutional framework.
‘Growing Oak Trees' - Education for Sustainable Design
Authors: de Eyto Adam
Published: March 2014

Designers and engineers seem finally to be awakening to the challenge that sustainable development presents. Educators and students alike are keenly aware of the need to become more effective in the training and practice of their specific disciplines with respect to sustainability (Mulder, Segalas-Coral, & Ferrer- Balas, 2010). This chapter illustrates and animates a number of critical themes in education for sustainable design that have been developed within the Irish context. However, these are scalable within the international context for training and ‘up skilling' of product designers, engineers and other design professionals. The chapter focuses on the co-design, development, validation and piloting over two years of a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course for Design Professionals in Sustainable Design. The research outlined in this work also qualitatively assesses appropriate models for educating for sustainable design thinking with design professionals, small to medium enterprise (SME) employees and undergraduate design students. The educational methodologies that were developed were evaluated over an eight year period with case study groups including: Industrial and Product Design undergraduate students at the Institute of Technology, Carlow (IT Carlow) and Professional designers taking the SDI (Sustainable Design Innovation) Certificate at IT Carlow. A parallel program (Winnovate) which aimed to up skill SME's in the South East of Ireland was also developed as a separate case study. All the case studies were benchmarked against initiatives in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Wales and Australia as well as collaboration with the University of Limerick, Ireland as a means of establishing current best practice.
Transforming University Curricula towards Sustainability
Authors: Makrakis Vassilios
Published: March 2014

The UNESCO Chair ICT in Education for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the RCE Crete (Regional Centre of Expertise) on Education for Sustainable Development responding to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD 2005-2014) took the initiative to establish a North-South Network for embedding sustainability in higher education institutions. A Consortium with 12 universities (six from Europe and six from Middle East) led by the UNESCO Chair and the RCE Crete at the University of Crete prepared a proposal submitted to the Tempus- European Commission programme for funding. The RUCAS (Reorient University Curricula to address Sustainability) project, studied in this chapter, has initiated various activities in the partner countries' institutions, which seem to exert significant curricular changes. The changes include the revision of courses, building the appropriate infrastructure, the development of an online community of practice and the RUCAS Toolkit that are being used as drivers for reorienting university curricula to address sustainability. As a result, a growing number of academics in the partner institutions are concerned with the current sustainability crisis and claim for a transformative shift in what they teach and how teaching is practiced.