bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulatory Effect of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3on IL1β-Induced RANKL, OPG, TNFα, and IL-6 Expression in Human Rheumatoid Synoviocyte MH7A
Authors: Feng Xiaoke , Lv Chengyin , Wang Fang , Gan Ke , Zhang Miaojia , Tan Wenfeng
Published: November 2013

Receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand (RANKL) plays a crucial role in the bone erosion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by prompting osteoclastogenesis. Considering that 1,25(OH)2D3has been suggested as a potent inducer of RANKL expression, it should clarify whether vitamin D supplement could result in RANKL overexpression and thereby facilitate excessive osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in RA. Here, we investigated modulatory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3on the expression of RANKL and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) in an inflammatory condition of human rheumatoid synoviocyte MH7A. MH7A cells were stimulated with IL1βand then treated with different concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3for 48 h. A significantly elevated OPG/RANKL ratio and markedly decreased levels of IL-6 and TNFβmRNA expression in cells and IL-6 protein in supernatants were observed in IL1β-induced MH7A in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3compared with those in the absence of it. Osteoclast formation was obviously decreased when RAW264.7 cells were treated with both 1,25(OH)2D3and IL1β. In summary, although it has a biological function to induce RANKL expression, 1,25(OH)2D3could upregulate OPG/RANKL ratio and mediate anti-inflammatory action in an inflammatory milieu of synoviocyte, contributing to the inhibition of inflammation-induced osteoclastogenesis in RA.
How to Differentiate Sites of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Hematochezia by Using Clinical Factors?
Authors: Sittichanbuncha Yuwares , Senasu Suthasinee , Thongkrau Theerayut , Keeratikasikorn Chaiyapon , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: November 2013

Hematochezia is one of common gastrointestinal complaint at the Emergency Department (ED). Causes may be due to upper (UGIB) or lower (LGIB) gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Here, clinical factors were studied to differentiate sites of bleeding in patients with hematochezia. All patients with an age of more than 18 years who were diagnosed with GIB at the ED, Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand were enrolled. Patients who presented with hematochezia and received complete workups to identify causes of bleeding were studied and categorized as being in the UGIB or LGIB groups. There were 1,854 patients who presented with GIB at the ED. Of those, 76 patients presented with hematochezia; 30 patients were in the UGIB group, while 43 patients were in the LGIB group. Clinical variables between both groups were mostly comparable. Three clinical factors were significantly associated with UGIB causes in patients with hematochezia including systolic blood pressure, hematocrit level, and BUN/Cr ratio. The adjusted odds ratios for all three factors were 0.725 (per 5 mmHg increase), 0.751 (per 3% increase), and 1.11 (per unit increase). Physicians at the ED could use these clinical factors as a guide for further investigation in patients who presented with hematochezia.
An Initial Value Calibration Method for the Wheel Force Transducer Based on Memetic Optimization Framework
Authors: Lin Guoyu , Zhang Weigong , Yang Fan , Pang Han , Wang Dong
Published: November 2013

Some initial values of the wheel force transducer (WFT) change after being mounted in the vehicle. The traditional static calibration is inadequate to fully obtain these initial values. Aiming to this problem, an online initial value calibration method is proposed. The method does not require any additional calibration equipment or manual operation and just requires the vehicle mounted with the WFT to be driven on a flat road with constant speed. In this way, an initial value mode is constructed and then converted to an optimization problem. To solve this problem and acquire the right initial value, an improved Memetic framework based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) is adopted. To verify the effect of the proposed method, the real WFT data is used and the comparative test is carried out. The experiment result shows that the proposed method is superior to the traditional one and can improve the measurement accuracy effectively.
Evaluation of Ultrasonic Nonlinear Characteristics in Heat-Treated Aluminum Alloy (Al-Mg-Si-Cu)
Authors: Kim JongBeom , Jhang Kyung-Young
Published: November 2013

The nonlinear ultrasonic technique has been known to be more sensitive to minute variation of elastic properties in material than the conventional linear ultrasonic method. In this study, the ultrasonic nonlinear characteristics in the heat-treated aluminum alloy (Al-Mg-Si-Cu) have been evaluated. For this, the specimens were heat treated for various heating period up to 50 hours at three different heating temperatures: 250°C, 300°C, and 350°C. The ultrasonic nonlinear characteristics of each specimen were evaluated by measuring the ultrasonic nonlinear parameterβfrom the amplitudes of fundamental and second harmonic frequency components in the transmitted ultrasonic wave. After the ultrasonic test, tensile strengths and elongations were obtained by the tensile test to compare with the parameterβ. The heating time showing a peak in the parameterβwas identical to that showing critical change in the tensile strength and elongation, and such peak appeared at the earlier heating time in the higher heating temperature. These results suggest that the ultrasonic nonlinear parameterβcan be used for monitoring the variations in elastic properties of aluminum alloys according to the heat treatment.
Preparation of Vertically Aligned ZnO/TiO2Core-Shell Composites for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Lung-Chuan , Tsai Shuei-Feng , Chen Jean-Hong , Wang Gaun-Wen
Published: November 2013

Vertically aligned ZnO/TiO2(VA-ZnO/TiO2) core-shell composites deposited on ZnO-seeded indium tin oxide (ITO) glasses have been synthesized by a chemical bath deposition approach for growing one-dimensional ZnO structure followed by a spin procedure for coating TiO2on the surface of ZnO structure. The influences of the cycles of spin coating of TiO2(CSCT) on the properties of VA-ZnO/TiO2and performances of the assembled DSSCs were studied. The power conversion efficiency of the VA-ZnO/TiO2-based DSSC measured under illumination of 100 mW/cm2and AM 1.5 can reach 0.81%, representing 93% improvement when compared with that of the pristine VA-ZnO electrode (0.42%). The intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were applied to study the kinetics and interfacial transfer of the photogenerated electrons. Both the photocurrent and power conversion efficiency correlate well with the steady state electron density. Enlargement in surface area and dye adsorption, suppression of dissolution of Zn2+, diminishment in electron recombination, and fast transfer of injected electrons from excited dyes to TiO2conduction bands arising from coating TiO2on VA-ZnO are regarded as the predominant causes for this improvement.
Projective Lag Synchronization of Delayed Neural Networks Using Intermittent Linear State Feedback
Authors: Huang Junjian , Li Chuandong , Huang Tingwen , Li Huaqing , Peng Mei
Published: November 2013

The problem of projective lag synchronization of coupled neural networks with time delay is investigated. By means of the Lyapunov stability theory, an intermittent controller is designed for achieving projective lag synchronization between two delayed neural networks systems. Numerical simulations on coupled Lu neural systems illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
To Enhance Performance of Light Soaking Process on ZnS/CuIn1-xGaxSe2Solar Cell
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Jen , Lu Chung-Hsin , Fang Te-Hua
Published: November 2013

The ZnS/CuInGaSe2heterojunction solar cell fabricated on Mo coated glass is studied. The crystallinity of the CIGS absorber layer is prepared by coevaporated method and the ZnS buffer layer with a band gap of 3.21 eV. The MoS2phase was also found in the CuInGaSe2/Mo system form HRTEM. The light soaking effect of photoactive film for 10 min results in an increase in F.F. from 55.8 to 64%, but series resistivity from 7.4 to 3.8 Ω. The efficiency of the devices improved from 8.12 to 9.50%.
Stochastic Volterra Equation Driven by Wiener Process and Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yan Litan
Published: November 2013

For a mixed stochastic Volterra equation driven by Wiener process and fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameterH>1/2, we prove an existence and uniqueness result for this equation under suitable assumptions.
Recent Advances inAstragalus membranaceusAnti-Diabetic Research: Pharmacological Effects of Its Phytochemical Constituents
Authors: Agyemang Kojo , Han Lifeng , Liu Erwei , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao , Gao Xiumei
Published: November 2013

The disease burden of diabetes mellitus is increasing throughout the world. The need for more potent drugs to complement the present anti-diabetic drugs has become an imperative.Astragalus membranaceus, a key component of most Chinese herbal anti-diabetic formulas, has been an important prospect for lead anti-diabetic compounds. It has been progressively studied for its anti-diabetic properties. Ethnopharmacological studies have established its potential to alleviate diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have sought to relate its chemical constituents to types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Its total polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids fractions and several isolated compounds have been the most studied. The total polysaccharides fraction demonstrated activity to both types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. This paper discusses the anti-diabetic effects and pharmacological action of the chemical constituents in relation to types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.
Audiovisual Speech Integration Does Not Rely on the Motor System: Evidence from Articulatory Suppression, the McGurk Effect, and fMRI
Authors: Matchin William , Groulx Kier , Hickok Gregory
Published: November 2013

Visual speech influences the perception of heard speech. A classic example of this is the McGurk effect, whereby an auditory /pa/ overlaid onto a visual /ka/ induces the fusion percept of /ta/. Recent behavioral and neuroimaging research has highlighted the importance of both articulatory representations and motor speech regions of the brain, particularly Broca's area, in audiovisual (AV) speech integration. Alternatively, AV speech integration may be accomplished by the sensory system through multisensory integration in the posterior STS. We assessed the claims regarding the involvement of the motor system in AV integration in two experiments: (i) examining the effect of articulatory suppression on the McGurk effect and (ii) determining if motor speech regions show an AV integration profile. The hypothesis regarding experiment (i) is that if the motor system plays a role in McGurk fusion, distracting the motor system through articulatory suppression should result in a reduction of McGurk fusion. The results of experiment (i) showed that articulatory suppression results in no such reduction, suggesting that the motor system is not responsible for the McGurk effect. The hypothesis of experiment (ii) was that if the brain activation to AV speech in motor regions (such as Broca's area) reflects AV integration, the profile of activity should reflect AV integration: AV > AO (auditory only) and AV > VO (visual only). The results of experiment (ii) demonstrate that motor speech regions do not show this integration profile, whereas the posterior STS does. Instead, activity in motor regions is task dependent. The combined results suggest that AV speech integration does not rely on the motor system.
Acoustic Noise Improves Visual Perception and Modulates Occipital Oscillatory States
Authors: Gleiss Stephanie , Kayser Christoph
Published: November 2013

Perception is a multisensory process, and previous work has shown that multisensory interactions occur not only for object-related stimuli but also for simplistic and apparently unrelated inputs to the different senses. We here compare the facilitation of visual perception induced by transient (target-synchronized) sounds to the facilitation provided by continuous background noise like sounds. Specifically, we show that continuous acoustic noise improves visual contrast detection by systematically shifting psychometric curves in an amplitude-dependent manner. This multisensory benefit was found to be both qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that induced by a transient and target synchronized sound in the same paradigm. Studying the underlying neural mechanisms using electric neuroimaging (EEG), we found that acoustic noise alters occipital alpha (8–12 Hz) power and decreases beta-band (14–20 Hz) coupling of occipital and temporal sites. Task-irrelevant and continuous sounds thereby have an amplitude-dependent effect on cortical mechanisms implicated in shaping visual cortical excitability. The same oscillatory mechanisms also mediate visual facilitation by transient sounds, and our results suggest that task-related sounds and task-irrelevant background noises could induce perceptually and mechanistically similar enhancement of visual perception. Given the omnipresence of sounds and noises in our environment, such multisensory interactions may affect perception in many everyday scenarios.
Impact of Typhoons on the Ocean in the Pacific
Authors: D'Asaro E.A. , Black P. G. , Centurioni L. R. , Chang Y.-T. , Chen S. S. , Foster R. C. , Graber H. C. , Harr P. , Hormann V. , Lien R.-C. , Lin I.-I. , Sanford T. B. , Tang T.-Y. , Wu C.-C.
Published: November 2013

Tropical cyclones (TCs) change the ocean by mixing deeper water into the surface layers, by the direct air–sea exchange of moisture and heat from the sea surface, and by inducing currents, surface waves, and waves internal to the ocean. In turn, the changed ocean influences the intensity of the TC, primarily through the action of surface waves and of cooler surface temperatures that modify the air–sea fluxes. The Impact of Typhoons on the Ocean in the Pacific (ITOP) program made detailed measurements of three different TCs (i.e., typhoons) and their interaction with the ocean in the western Pacific. ITOP coordinated meteorological and oceanic observations from aircraft and satellites with deployments of autonomous oceanographic instruments from the aircraft and from ships. These platforms and instruments measured typhoon intensity and structure, the underlying ocean structure, and the long-term recovery of the ocean from the storms' effects with a particular emphasis on the cooling of the ocean beneath the storm and the resulting cold wake. Initial results show how different TCs create very different wakes, whose strength and properties depend most heavily on the nondimensional storm speed. The degree to which air–sea fluxes in the TC core were reduced by ocean cooling varied greatly. A warm layer formed over and capped the cold wakes within a few days, but a residual cold subsurface layer persisted for 10–30 days.
The freedom within: Time, trauma and temporality in Vasilii Grossman’s For a Just Cause and Life and Fate
Authors: Shulga Jekaterina
Published: November 2013

Set in extraordinarily traumatic times, Vasilii Grossman’s For a Just Cause and Life and Fate testify to the ability of the human spirit to survive, and sometimes even thrive, in inhuman circumstances. Ultimately, freedom – both individual and national – is shown to be victorious over slavery. Yet there is a tension within the novels between trauma and freedom. This essay explores that tension by tracing Grossman’s use of time in depicting these dual phenomena, and specifically by analysing Nikolai Krymov’s fate. The focus is in part on how his identity changes over time. Yet Grossman also employs different modes of temporality to depict the psychological effects of traumatic events, during which inner experience of time becomes fragmented and repetitive. Time and temporality provide the focus for a nuanced exploration of Krymov’s identity and his eventual ability to attain freedom in the midst of traumatic repression.
Testimony on the margins: Silence, innocence and the other in Vasilii Grossman’s late fiction
Authors: Young Sarah J.
Published: November 2013

This article examines the mode of testimony to trauma employed by Vasilii Grossman in his short later works. Deflecting attention from his main subject, and focusing on peripheral figures and unusual viewpoints, Grossman explores the possibilities and limitations of representing trauma, interrogating how those involved understand and testify to their experiences. The article first discusses the novella Everything Flows, in particular the encounter between Ivan, the Gulag returnee, and Anna, the former activist, that leads to her testimony about the terror famine. It then analyses two stories, ‘Mama’ and ‘The road’, which are characterized by the adoption of marginal focalizers. The article discusses recurring themes such as the absent mother figure and the embodiment of testimony through the senses. These become central to the construction of two modes of witnessing, the relational and the pure, which make testimony possible but also illuminate the difficulties of realizing it.
Les lead-users en marketing : Interrogations et nouvelles contributions psychométriques
Authors: Vernette Eric , Beji-Becheur Amina , Gollety Mathilde , Hamdi-Kidar Linda
Published: November 2013

Résumé

Les lead-users jouent un rôle significatif dans le développement de nouveaux produits. Leur identification constitue un enjeu important pour les entreprises qui souhaitent innover. Bien qu’une dizaine de mesures d’auto-évaluation du lead-user soit disponible, aucune n’est pleinement satisfaisante. Une nouvelle mesure est donc construite, validée et normée sur plusieurs catégories de produits, grâce à trois séries d’études. La première élabore une version épurée de l’échelle. La seconde établit la validité de construction (convergente et discriminante) et normalise l’échelle sur un échantillon représentatif de la population française (n = 2000) pour trois catégories de produits alimentaires ; nous confirmons que le lead-user et le leader d’opinion sont deux concepts différents, mais qu’un petit nombre d’individus peut cumuler ces deux statuts ; le caractère lead-user est également contingent à la catégorie de produit. La troisième confirme la validité nomologique de l’échelle pour un nouvel échantillon représentatif (n = 456) et une nouvelle catégorie de produit : le lead-usership est relié positivement aux compétences pour la co-création et à l’engagement dans la co-création de jeux vidéo.
Financial Distress, Use of Cost-Coping Strategies, and Adherence to Prescription Medication Among Patients With Cancer
Authors: Zullig Leah L. , Peppercorn Jeffrey M. , Schrag Deborah , Taylor Donald H. , Lu Ying , Samsa Gregory , Abernethy Amy P. , Zafar S. Yousuf
Published: November 2013

The authors found that cost-related medication nonadherence was prevalent among patients with cancer who sought financial assistance.
Practice-Changing Strategies to Deliver Affordable, High-Quality Cancer Care: Summary of an Institute of Medicine Workshop
Authors: Balogh Erin P. , Bach Peter B. , Eisenberg Peter D. , Ganz Patricia A. , Green Robert J. , Gruman Jessie C. , Nass Sharyl J. , Newcomer Lee N. , Ramsey Scott D. , Schottinger Joanne E. , Shih Ya-Chen Tina
Published: November 2013

The authors summarize presentations and discussion from the Delivering Affordable Cancer Care in the 21st Century workshop and focus on proposed strategies to improve the affordability of cancer care while maintaining or improving the quality of care.
Embers of the Past
Authors: Sanjines C. Javier
Published: November 2013

Embers of the Past is a powerful critique of historicism and modernity. Javier Sanjinés C. analyzes the conflict between the cultures and movements of indigenous peoples and attention to the modern nation-state in its contemporary Latin American manifestations. He contends that indigenous movements have introduced doubt into the linear course of modernity, reopening the gap between the symbolic and the real. Addressing this rupture, Sanjines argues that scholars must rethink their temporal categories. Toward that end, he engages with recent events in Latin America, particularly in Bolivia, and with Latin American intellectuals, as well as European thinkers disenchanted with modernity. Sanjinés dissects the concepts of the homogeneous nation and linear time, and insists on the need to reclaim the indigenous subjectivities still labeled "premodern" and excluded from the production, distribution, and organization of knowledge.
The Economics of Slums in the Developing World
Authors: Marx Benjamin , Stoker Thomas , Suri Tavneet
Published: November 2013

The global expansion of urban slums poses questions for economic research as well as problems for policymakers. We provide evidence that the type of poverty observed in contemporary slums of the developing world is characteristic of that described in the literature on poverty traps. We document how human capital threshold effects, investment inertia, and a “policy trap” may prevent slum dwellers from seizing economic opportunities offered by geographic proximity to the city. We test the assumptions of another theory—that slums are a just transitory phenomenon characteristic of fastgrowing economies—by examining the relationship between economic growth, urban growth, and slum growth in the developing world, and whether standards of living of slum dwellers are improving over time, both within slums and across generations. Finally, we discuss why standard policy approaches have often failed to mitigate the expansion of slums in the developing world. Our aim is to inform public debate on the essential issues posed by slums in the developing world.
A Century of US Central Banking: Goals, Frameworks, Accountability
Authors: Bernanke Ben S
Published: November 2013

Several key episodes in the 100-year history of the Federal Reserve have been referred to in various contexts with the adjective “Great” attached to them: the Great Experiment of the Federal Reserve's founding, the Great Depression, the Great Inflation and subsequent disinflation, the Great Moderation, and the recent Great Recession. Here, I'll use this sequence of “Great” episodes to discuss the evolution over the past 100 years of three key aspects of Federal Reserve policymaking: the goals of policy, the policy framework, and accountability and communication. The changes over time in these three areas provide a useful perspective, I believe, on how the role and functioning of the Federal Reserve have changed since its founding in 1913, as well as some lessons for the present and for the future.
Does the Federal Reserve Care about the Rest of the World?
Authors: Eichengreen Barry
Published: November 2013

Many economists are accustomed to thinking about Federal Reserve policy in terms of the institution's “dual mandate,” which refers to price stability and high employment, and in which the exchange rate and other international variables matter only insofar as they influence inflation and the output gap—which is to say, not very much. In fact, this conventional view is heavily shaped by the distinctive and peculiar circumstances of the last three decades, when the influence of international considerations on Fed policy has been limited. In fact, the Federal Reserve paid significant attention to international considerations in its first two decades, followed by relative inattention to such factors in the two-plus decades that followed, then back to renewed attention to international aspects of monetary policy in the 1960s, before the recent period of benign neglect of the international dimension. I argue that in the next few decades, international aspects are likely to play a larger role in Federal Reserve policy making than at present.
Discrepancies in Parent and Teacher Ratings of Social-Behavioral Functioning of Children With Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Implications for Assessment
Authors: Shashi Vandana , Wray Emily , Schoch Kelly , Curtiss Kathleen , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: November 2013

Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome exhibit high rates of social-behavioral problems, particularly in the internalizing domain, indicating an area in need of intervention. The current investigation was designed to obtain information regarding parent and teacher ratings of the social-emotional behavior of children with 22q11DS. Using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the sample included 67 children with 22q11DS and 59 control subjects. Results indicated significant differences in social-behavioral functioning of children with 22q11DS, as compared to a control group, based on rater type. Specifically, parents reported more difficulties with internalizing problems, withdrawal, and social problems in children with 22q11DS. In contrast, teachers perceived few differences between children with 22q11DS and unaffected children. Correlational analyses indicated weak concordance between parent and teacher reports, with no significant correlations on any of three summary scales. The findings support the use of multiple methods of assessment and multiple informants when collecting information regarding the social-behavioral functioning of children with 22q11DS, and that interpretations based on only one informant/setting need to be made cautiously.
Perceptual Factors Influence Visual Search for Meaningful Symbols in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities and Down Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Wilkinson Krista M. , McIlvane William J.
Published: November 2013

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems often supplement oral communication for individuals with intellectual and communication disabilities. Research with preschoolers without disabilities has demonstrated that two visual–perceptual factors influence speed and/or accuracy of finding a target: the internal color and spatial organization of symbols. Twelve participants with Down syndrome and 12 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) completed two search tasks. In one, the symbols were clustered by internal color; in the other, the identical symbols had no arrangement cue. Visual search was superior in participants with ASDs compared to those with Down syndrome. In both groups, responses were significantly faster when the symbols were clustered by internal color. Construction of aided AAC displays may benefit from attention to their physical and perceptual features.
Internationalisation in the UK HEI sector: a case study of the development of a collaborative Masters programme between the University of Northampton and the University of Madras
Authors: Tudor Terry Louis
Published: November 2013

This manuscript examines, critically, key success factors for the development and implementation of internationalisation within Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), in the UK. This evaluation was undertaken using the development of a collaborative Masters in Environmental Management between the University of Northampton and the University of Madras, in India, as a case study. Using the concepts of internationalisation as a theoretical construct, the article examines, critically, the main challenges faced by the University of Northampton in the development and operation of the collaborative programme including overcoming cultural norms and bureaucracy and concludes by discussing key personal and professional lessons learnt.
Improving the provision of pre-arrival information and support to international students via the use of online resources
Authors: Webster Shelley
Published: November 2013

Rapid growth in international students studying in the UK has resulted in focus being placed upon the international student experience at all stages of the academic cycle. Particularly relevant is the pre-arrival stage, where the increased number of students from different countries means it is hard to provide comprehensive pre-arrival support to all new students. Traditional in-country pre-departure briefings are no longer financially or logistically viable and do not provide adequate support to all. This project aimed to develop a new approach to pre-arrival support, in the form of an ‘online pre-departure briefing’. This would utilise both social and multi-media resources and could be adapted to work in other institutions. Measures were identified for gauging the success of the project, including data analysis, student feedback and student participation and the data was used to identify areas of strength and weakness and make recommendations for further improvements to either the current or adapted models.
Helping Doctoral Students Write – pedagogies for supervision
Authors: Sutcliffe Nick
Published: November 2013

A review of the book: "Helping Doctoral Students Write: Pedagogies for Supervision" written by Barbara Kamler and Pat Thompson (2006, Routledge).
Cationization of Eucalyptus grandis 4-O-methyl glucuronoxylan for application as a wet-end additive in a papermaking process
Authors: Postma Dirk , Chimphango Annie F.A. , Görgens Johann F.
Published: November 2013

Hemicelluloses extracted prior to kraft pulping can subsequently be introduced as wet-end strength additives in a papermaking process. The 4-O-methyl glucuronoxylan (Me-GluX) extracted from Eucalyptus grandis (E. grandis) under mild alkaline conditions was cationized and added to bleached kraft pulp (BKP) from E. grandis before refining. The cationization by 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (ETA) was done in a central composite designed experiment. Me-GluX with an average molecular weight of 52,000 g mol-1 contained 27% Klason residue. The cationic Me-GluX had degrees of substitution of the cationic side chain between 0.05 and 0.73 and uronic acid content between 6.1% and 12.7%. The cationic Me-GluX as a wet-end strength additive was compared to cationic starch (CatStarch 134) in handsheets. The handsheets with cationic Me-GluX showed improvement in tensile, burst, and tear indices and had lower air permeability than those with CatStarch 134 at dosages between 1.0% and 2.0%. Accordingly, cationized Me-GluX is a potential green wet-end strength additive, which could fully or partially replace the synthetic and starch additives.
Human septin isoforms and the GDP-GTP cycle
Authors: Zent Eldar , Wittinghofer Alfred
Published: November 2013

Septins form oligomeric complexes consisting of septins from different subgroups, which form filaments that are involved in a number of biological processes. They are GTP-binding proteins that contain all the necessary elements to perform the general GDP-to-GTP conformational switch. It is however unclear whether or not such a switch is important for the dynamics of septin filaments. Here we investigate the complex GTPase reaction of members of each of the four human septin groups, which is dominated by the stability of dimer formation via the nucleotide binding or so-called G-interface. The results also show that the actual hydrolysis reaction is very similar for three septin groups in the monomeric state while the Sept6 has no GTPase activity. Sept7, the only member of the Sept7 subgroup, forms a very tight G-interface dimer in the GDP-bound state. Here we show that the stability of the interface is dramatically decreased by exchanging GDP with a nucleoside triphosphate, which is believed to influence filament formation and dynamics via Sept7.
Narrative Burden
Authors: Ballard Robert L.
Published: November 2013

This essay traces the qualitative investigation into narrative burden as it reveals itself in interpersonal and intercultural interactions involving transnational, transracial adoptees. Narrative burden is the context and crucible wherein adoptees struggle with issues of racism, privacy, and identity formation, given that narrative is both the origin of individual identity and the reminder of difference. Narrative burden also constitutes the centerpiece of an emerging third space for transracial, transnational adoptees. The study uses autoethnography and qualitative surveys while incorporating identity, culture, third space, and validity that requires a crystalline-based, holistic approach to knowledge creation. This approach leads to a broad understanding of narrative burden and reveals multiple trajectories of everyday interactions and individual and cultural identities.
Empyema thoracis, hemorrhagic pericarditis and acalculous cholecystitis caused byEikenella corrodenssepsis
Authors: Dézsi Csaba András , Kullmann Tamás , Issekutz Ákos , Zsoldos Péter , Fi Zsolt , Szabó Albert , Knausz Márta , Szentes Veronika , Molnár F. Tamás , Szalai Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2013

The authors present a case of a 29-year-old woman who was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left side complicated with pleural effusion and hemorrhagic pericarditis one month after she had undergone tonsillectomy. Eikenella corrodens was identified as pathogenic agent when the empyema was removed during thoracotomy. After the patient was given antibiotic treatment she was discharged from the hospital without any symptoms or complaints. However, one month after she had left the hospital she was readmitted to the surgical unit as an emergency because of acute abdominal complaints. On admission acalculous cholecystitis as well as hemorrhagic pericarditis requiring pericardiocentesis were also observed. A rare cause of sepsis, Eikenella corrodens was identified which resulted in a severe disorder including polyserositis. Pericardiocentesis was performed two times and the patient was given targeted antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. She was also treated with antimycotics as she had developed mycosis. After one month the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital. No further recurrence of symptoms or complaints was observed during follow up. Orv. Hetil., 154(47), 1873–1876.
Jenynsia luxata, a new species from Northwestern Argentina, with additional observations of J. maculataRegan and phylogeny of the genus (Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae)
Authors: Aguilera Gastón , Mirande Juan Marcos , Calviño Pablo A. , Lobo Luis Fernando
Published: November 2013

Jenynsia luxata, a new species from northwestern Argentina, is described. This species is diagnosable from all other Jenynsia by the medial processes of left and right pelvic bones relatively reduced and separated from each other. The new species resembles J. multidentata, but it is further distinguished from this species by the absence of a swelling between the urogenital opening and the anterior base of the anal fin in females and details of coloration. Phylogenetic analyses, both under implied and equal weighting, recover the subgenera Plesiojenynsia and Jenynsia as monophyletic units. New information on previously missing characters of Jenynsia maculata is added. These data and phylogenetic characters coded for the new species herein described contribute to a better resolution of the phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Jenynsia, which is herein supported by additional synapomorphies relative to previous phylogenies.
Determinants of pika population density vs. occupancy in the Southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Erb Liesl P. , Ray Chris , Guralnick Robert
Published: November 2013

Species distributions are responding rapidly to global change. While correlative studies of local extinction have been vital to understanding the ecological impacts of global change, more mechanistic lines of inquiry are needed for enhanced forecasting. The current study assesses whether the predictors of local extinction also explain population density for a species apparently impacted by climate change. We tested a suite of climatic and habitat metrics as predictors of American pika (Ochotona princeps) relative population density in the Southern Rocky Mountains, USA. Population density was indexed as the density of pika latrine sites. Negative binomial regression and AICc showed that the best predictors of pika latrine density were patch area followed by two measures of vegetation quality: the diversity and relative cover of forbs. In contrast with previous studies of habitat occupancy in the Southern Rockies, climatic factors were not among the top predictors of latrine density. Populations may be buffered from decline and ultimately from extirpation at sites with high‐quality vegetation. Conversely, populations at highest risk for declining density and extirpation are likely to be those in sites with poor‐quality vegetation.
Pseudosarcomatous Fibromyxoid Tumor of the Bladder and Prostate: A Case Report
Authors: Lomboy Jason R , Desai Tejas , J Corey Allen
Published: November 2013

Pseudosarcomatous fibromyxoid tumor (PSFT) is a rare pseudotumor of the genitourinary (GU) system that typically presents with gross hematuria. These tumors are benign, locally aggressive tumors. Metastasis has never been reported. Pathology is significant for spindle cell proliferation without malignant nuclear features that are commonly seen in sarcomas. Herein, we report a case of an 8-centimeter PSFT found within the bladder of a 71-year-old gentleman with gross hematuria. We also review the literature on genitourinary pseudotumors, including postoperative spindle cell nodules (PSCN). Lastly we describe the importance of considering these types of tumors in the presence of a GU mass as early identification may preclude the patient from receiving unnecessary imaging and aggressive treatment measures.
Rheological properties of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose/sodium dodecylsulfate mixtures
Authors: Katona Jaroslav , Njaradi Sandra , Sovilj Verica , Petrovic Lidija , Marceta Brankica , Milanovic Jadranka
Published: November 2013

Rheological properties of mixtures of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), a nonionic associative cellulose ether, and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), an anionic surfactant, were investigated by viscosity measurements performed at different shear rates (0.1-6000 s-1). HPMC/SDS mixtures containing different concentrations of SDS (CSDS=0.00-3.50 % w/w) and HPMC concentrations which
corresponded to the overlap parameter c/c*=3, 6, and 12 were prepared. All HPMC/SDS mixtures were found to be shear-thinning when examined in a low-end-to mid-range of the applied shear rates. The degree of shear-thinning, n, and viscosity of the mixtures were influenced by composition of HPMC/SDS mixtures and HPMC-SDS complex formation. The changes in n ranged from values typical for highly shear thinning to almost perfectly Newtonian liquids, and were more pronounced as c/c* was increased from 3 to 6 and 12. A change in flow profile and a buildup of the first normal stress difference (N1) was observed in HPMC/SDS mixtures with c/c*=6 and 12 and CSDS 0.55-1.00 % and 0.55-2.50 %, respectively, when a critical shear rate, crit. was exceeded, suggesting that a shear-induced structure formation in the mixtures took place.
Numerical Structural Analysis of NPP Reinforced Concrete Structures Under Seismic Loading / Numeryczna Analiza Strukturalna Żelbetowych Konstrukcji Elektrowni Jądrowych W Warunkach Obciążeń Sejsmicznych
Authors: Aleshin Vladimir , Seleznev Vadim
Published: November 2013

The paper describes an approach to the numerical analysis of response of nuclear power plant buildings including soil-structure interaction effects. A reinforced concrete structure of an NPP reactor building under operating and seismic loadings is considered. The simulated seismic load corresponds to a maximum designed earthquake of magnitude 7 (the peak ground surface acceleration is 0.12 g). The numerical analysis was performed by the finite element method in a 3D nonlinear statement using the FEM-programs ANSYS and LS-DYNA. Review of the numerical analysis results demonstrated that the presented technique can be successfully applied to seismic design of NPP structures.
Possibility of Application of the Theory of Semi-Markov Processes to Determine Reliability of Diagnosing Systems / MOŻLIWOŚĆ ZASTOSOWANIA TEORII PROCESÓW SEMI-MARKOWA DO OKREŚLENIA NIEZAWODNOŚCI SYSTEMÓW DIAGNOZUJĄCYCH
Authors: Girtler Jerzy
Published: November 2013

The paper provides justification for the necessity to define reliability of diagnosing systems (SDG) in order to develop a diagnosis on state of any technical mechanism being a diagnosed system (SDN). It has been shown that the knowledge of SDG reliability enables defining diagnosis reliability. It has been assumed that the diagnosis reliability can be defined as a diagnosis property which specifies the degree of recognizing by a diagnosing system (SDG) the actual state of the diagnosed system (SDN) which may be any mechanism, and the conditional probability p(S*/K*) of occurrence (existence) of state S* of the mechanism (SDN) as a diagnosis measure provided that at a specified reliability of SDG, the vector K* of values of diagnostic parameters implied by the state, is observed. The probability that SDG is in the state of ability during diagnostic tests and the following diagnostic inferences leading to development of a diagnosis about the SDN state, has been accepted as a measure of SDG reliability. The theory of semi-Markov processes has been used for defining the SDG reliability, that enabled to develop a SDG reliability model in the form of a seven-state (continuous-time discrete-state) semi-Markov process of changes of SDG states.
Reliability Analysis of Highway Emergency Response Systems / ANALIZA NIEZAWODNOŚCIOWA AUTOSTRADOWYCH SYSTEMÓW ŁĄCZNOŚCI ALARMOWEJ
Authors: Siergiejczyk Mirosław , Chmiel Jerzy , Rosiński Adam
Published: November 2013

Transport telematic systems related issues are discussed in the paper. Most focused on were highway emergency response systems. Their structure and operational characterisation were described. Methods of assessing their reliability were also presented.
Aplication of Rams and FMEA Methods in Safety Management System of Railway Transport / ZASTOSOWANIE METOD RAMS I FMEA W SYSTEMACH ZARZĄDZANIA BEZPIECZEŃSTWEM W TRANSPORCIE KOLEJOWYM
Authors: Sitarz Marek , Chruzik Katarzyna , Wachnik Rafał
Published: November 2013

This paper presents an application of the FMEA (Failure mode and effects analysis) to evaluate the operational risk in railway transport. The methodology developed by the Department of Rail Transport (KTS), including approval thresholds for risk adopted, the model forms (hazard record, FMEA form) were adopted in the Polish railways as a standard to evaluate the operational risk for operators and infrastructure managers. Reacting to the development of requirements for security management - Regulation EC No 445 of 2011 - Department of Rail Transport proposed the standard RAMS - PN - EN 50126 to oversee rail vehicles. This solution is currently being implemented in several entities building maintenance management systems (MMS) for the wagons. This article is dedicated to the people who deal with issues of safety management both in the transport of goods and people as well as the maintenance of rail vehicles.
Ecological Security of a Marine Combustion Engine – A Formal Approach / Bezpieczeństwo Ekologiczne Silnika Okrętowego – Podejście Formalne
Authors: Merkisz Jerzy , Piaseczny Leszek
Published: November 2013

The authors have formed a definition of „ecological security of a marine combustion engine” originating from a general notion of ‘security’. The process of changes of the engine condition influencing the ecological security has been described formally. Based on this process the authors have introduced the notion of structural function of an engine and the structure of its ecological security. The state of ecological security of an engine as a whole has been formulated as a stochastic process and the function, being a one-dimensional distribution of this process, has been used as a measure of the ecological security of an engine at any given moment in its service life. A general example of optimization of this structure has been given based on the fulfillment by the engine of the requirements related to the emission of nitric oxides. It has been assumed that the actions taken aiming at the fulfillment of these requirements allow an obtainment of certain structures of the engine ecological security.
Reliability Analysis of Helicopter’s Supportingstracture with SSI and SST Models Used / Analiza Niezawodnościowa Struktury Nośnej Śmigłowca Modelami SSI Oraz SST
Authors: Bońkowski Tomasz , Woch Marta
Published: November 2013

In this work, algorithms have been used to compare the methods for determining reliability of critical points. Generalized models Stress-Strength- Interference (SSI) and Stress-Strength-Time (SST) have been analyzed. Input to the algorithms, stress and strength were generated by using the Markov chain model based on actual flight records. With this approach methods of determining the reliability of critical points of a helicopter’s structure are justified.
Impact of Infrastructure Type on Reliability of Railway Transportation System / Wpływ Rodzaju Infrastruktury Na Niezawodność Systemu Transportu Szynowego
Authors: Restel Franciszek J.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the author’s research work is focused on infrastructure impact on railway transportation system reliability. The aim of research described in the paper is to determine correlation between type (and age) of used infrastructure elements, and number of occurring failures. For this purpose, subsystem of infrastructure and associated with it events, were divided into main groups. Examples of groups are: track, train operation devices (related to operating control points or railway line), level crossings, etc. The second aspect is correlation between type of infrastructure and failure consequences. It is required from transportation that it is possible to achieve the right place at the right time in a safety way. Therefore, from the point of view of transportation process, which is the main goal of transportation system, the most significant failure consequences are delays. Moreover, speaking about reliability and safety of railway transportation system, the question arises what is the relation between number of trains and number of unwanted events?
Exploitation of the CWSS in the Aspect of Belonging to the Critical Infrastructure / Eksploatacja Szzw W Aspekcie Przynależności Do Infrastruktury Krytycznej
Authors: Tchórzewska-Cieślak Barbara , Pietrucha-Urbanik Katarzyna
Published: November 2013

CWSS exploitation in terms of belonging to a critical infrastructure is an important issue and requires a detailed analysis. Therefore it is important to develop emergency plans for the supply of drinking water for different crisis situations, as well as detailed analysis of the risk of possible undesirable events in CWSS, in order to develop a comprehensive safety management program of the system. In this work the problems associated with the operation of CWSS in terms of belonging to critical infrastructure were presented. Also the methodology to determine the crisis management time in the WSS, connected with a shortage of drinking water was shown.