bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centrifugal gravity-induced BMP4 induces chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells via SOX9 upregulation
Authors: Jang Yeonsue , Jung Hyerin , Nam Yoojun , Rim Yeri Alice , Kim Juryun , Jeong Sang Hoon , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: December 2016

Background

Cartilage does not have the capability to regenerate itself. Therefore, stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for impaired cartilage. For stem cell transplantation, in vitro enrichment is required; however, stem cells not only become senescent but also lose their differentiation potency during this process. In addition, cytokines are normally used for chondrogenic differentiation induction of stem cells, which is highly expensive and needs an additional step to culture. In this study, we introduced a novel method to induce chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), which are more readily available than bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(bMSCs), using centrifugal gravity (CG).

Methods

ASCs were stimulated by loading different degrees of CG (0, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, and 3600 g) to induce chondrogenic differentiation. The expression of chondrogenic differentiation-related genes was examined by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and western blot analyses. The chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs stimulated with CG was evaluated by comparing the expression of positive markers [aggrecan (ACAN) and collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1)] and negative markers (COL1 and COL10) with that in ASCs stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 using micromass culture, immunofluorescence, and staining (Alcian Blue and Safranin O).

Results

Expression of SOX9 and SOX5 was upregulated by CG (2400 g for 30 min). Increased expression of ACAN and COL2A1 (positive markers) was detected in monolayer-cultured ASCs after CG stimulation, whereas that of COL10 (a negative marker) was not. Expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4, an upstream stimulator of SOX9, was upregulated by CG, which was inhibited by Dorsomorphin (an inhibitor of BMP4). Increased expression of proteoglycan, a major component of cartilage, was confirmed in the micromass culture of ASCs stimulated with CG by Alcian Blue and Safranin O staining.

Conclusions

Chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs can be induced by optimized CG (2400 g for 30 min). Expression of SOX9 is upregulated by CG via increased expression of BMP4. CG has a similar ability to induce SOX9 expression as TGF-β1.
Extracellular matrix components and culture regimen selectively regulate cartilage formation by self-assembling human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ng Johnathan , Wei Yiyong , Zhou Bin , Burapachaisri Aonnicha , Guo Edward , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana
Published: December 2016

Background

Cartilage formation from self-assembling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro recapitulate important cellular events during mesenchymal condensation that precedes native cartilage development. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM) components and culture regimen on cartilage formation by self-assembling human MSCs in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were seeded and compacted in 6.5-mm-diameter transwell inserts with coated (type I, type II collagen) or uncoated (vehicle) membranes, at different densities (0.5 × 106, 1.0 × 106, 1.5 × 106 per insert). Pellets were formed by aggregating hMSCs (0.25 × 106) in round-bottomed wells. All tissues were cultured for up to 6 weeks for in vitro analyses. Discs (cultured for 6, 8 or 10 weeks) and pellets (cultured for 10 weeks) were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice to evaluate the cartilage stability in vivo.

Results

Type I and type II collagen coatings enabled cartilage disc formation from self-assembling hMSCs. Without ECM coating, hMSCs formed dome-shaped tissues resembling the pellets. Type I collagen, expressed in the prechondrogenic mesenchyme, improved early chondrogenesis versus type II collagen. High seeding density improved cartilage tissue properties but resulted in a lower yield of disc formation. Discs and pellets exhibited compositional and organizational differences in vitro and in vivo. Prolonged chondrogenic induction of the discs in vitro expedited endochondral ossification in vivo.

Conclusions

The outcomes of cartilage tissues formed from self-assembling MSCs in vitro and in vivo can be modulated by the control of culture parameters. These insights could motivate new directions for engineering cartilage and bone via a cartilage template from self-assembling MSCs.
Candida antifungal drug resistance in sub-Saharan African populations: A systematic review
Authors: Africa Charlene Wilma Joyce , Abrantes Pedro Miguel dos Santos
Published: December 2016

Background:Candidainfections are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality rates in at-risk patients, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to antifungal drugs and a high burden of HIV co-infection. Objectives:This study aimed to identify antifungal drug resistance patterns within the subcontinent of Africa. Methods: A literature search was conducted on published studies that employed antifungal susceptibility testing on clinicalCandidaisolates from sub-Saharan African countries using Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 21 studies from 8 countries constituted this review. Only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and employing antifungal drug susceptibility testing were included. Regional differences inCandidaspecies prevalence and resistance patterns were identified. Discussion: The outcomes of this review highlight the need for a revision of antifungal therapy guidelines in regions most affected byCandidadrug resistance.  Better controls in antimicrobial drug distribution and the implementation of regional antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance programmes are required in order to reduce the highCandidadrug resistance levels seen to be emerging in sub-Saharan Africa.
Friedrich Ludwig von Maydells Brief aus Rom vom Jahr 1823
Authors: Teemus Moonika
Published: December 2016

The article studies a letter from Friedrich Ludwig von Maydell (1795– 1846), the most renowned representative of Romanticism in Estonia, to his uncle Otto Christian Sigismund von Ungern-Sternberg (1778–1861), written in Rome at the beginning of the year 1823. It was the turning point in Maydell’s life when he had decided to give up the studies in law at the University of Tartu and to devote himself to art. For this reason, Maydell like many of his contemporaries travelled to Rome. In his letter, now preserved in the National Archives in Tartu, Maydell describes his everyday life in Rome and the efforts he has made to “follow his true path”. Additionally, it appears that it was the founder and leader of the Nazarene movement, Johann Friedrich Overbeck (1789–1869), who played an influential role in Maydell’s decision about whether or not to become an artist.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPOSITIONS OF BACKFILLING MIXTURES
Authors: Агеева  , Ageeva Marina , Сопин  , Sopin Mikhail , Лесовик  , Lesovik Ruslan , Богусевич  , Bogusevich Galina
Published: December 2016

The results of the selection of compositions of stowing mixes on the basis of technogenic raw materials KMA region, set mikrostukturnye particularly developed composites, illustrates the activation process Rolv hydration of granulated blast slag and tailings.
TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DISINTEGRATOR WITH A VERTICAL LOAD OF MATERIAL
Authors: Семикопенко  , Semikopenko Igor , Воронов  , Voronov Vitaliy , Вялых  , Vyalykh Sergey
Published: December 2016

In this article, analytical expression is presented. This expression can determine the productivity of the cage mill with vertical material leading. It considered the expiration of the material from the capital pipe and its path through the vertical loading pipe. Presented a calculation scheme for determine the productivity of the cage mill with vertical material loading
ANALYSIS OF THE DEGREE OF RUSSIA INCLUSION IN GLOBALIZATION PROCESSES (Part 2)
Authors: Растворцева  , Rastvortseva Svetlana , Усманов  , Usmanov Daler
Published: December 2016

The article presents the results of evaluation of the intensity of trade relations of Russia with the largest trade organizations near and far abroad. A comparison of commodity structure of the key groups of equipment, products and semi-finished products (machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, electrical and electronic equipment, plastics and articles thereof, optical, technical and medical equipment, chemical products, organic chemicals, iron and steel, ores slag, ash and others.) with CIS, BSEC, BRICK.
STUDY OF PARTICLE AGGREGATES COARSE-GRAINED MARL AND PROCESS OF DIS-AGGREGATION OF IT IN THE SEPARATOR WITH DEVICE AS MULTIPLE-BANDS
Authors: Ханин  , Khanin Sergey , Трофимченко  , Trofimchenko Vladimir , Мордовская  , Mordovskaya Olga
Published: December 2016

Production of powder materials is accompanied by the formation of aggregates of particles, which complicates the process of their separation. For example coarse-grained marl with high resolution scanning electronic microscope and laser particle size analyzer studies performed that allowed to establish the size of the particles aggregating, volume distribution, their shape and nature of contacts between particles. In the experimental setup of the circulation separator disaggregated device in the form of multiple-bands, using the method of mathematical experiment planning central composite orthogonal plan 24 studied the effects on particle disaggregation of factors studied. The regions of their rational values have been defined.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF INTEGRATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Дектерев  , Dekterev Petr , Завьялов  , Zavyalov Vladimir
Published: December 2016

At the present time a large amount of articles are dedicated to building modeling. At the same time the application of BIM (Building Information Model) is rather limited. This article discusses the problem of information models of building generalized entities` and Building Management Systems` (BMS) integration. The solution of this problem will allow to find new options for practical application of BIM. The author analyzed foreign and domestic literature on this subject and on the basis of analysis produced he selected the main concepts of integration of BIM and BMS. The author found and justified the concept of Building Information Models` application to determine the cumulative value of environmental perturbations on guidance systems. On the basis of this concept he offered a way to optimize the BMS` equipment operating mode by finding of control`s Root Mean Square Error (RMS Error) and calculating of regulator`s optimal parameters using the RMS error minimum criterion. Integration which is produced as described allows to calculate the value of cumulative perturbation`s equivalent and do not stop the regulation of investigated control path.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY МAGNETITE IRON CONCENTRATE EXPOSED TO HIGH COMPACTION PRESSURE
Authors: Матюхин  , Matyukhin Pavel
Published: December 2016

This article presents the results of electron–microscopic study of samples surface–modified finely divided magnetite iron ore concentrate subjected to high pressure molding. Magnetite used as a filler in the development and design of new types of radiation protective materials, including materials based on aluminum matrix.
EMPIRICAL MODELS DURABILITY CARBIDE INSERTS IN TURNING A CORROSION-RESISTANT HEAT-RESISTANT STEEL
Authors: Пчёлкин  , Pchelkin Vyacheslav , Дуюн  , Duyun Tatyana
Published: December 2016

The technique of developing empirical models wear resistance of carbide inserts for turning of different brands of corrosion-resistant heat-resistant steel 08X18H10T. The experiment was conducted in a production environment using the existing industrial equipment, tooling and tools. As the work piece used Tee - pipeline fittings. A special feature of the experiment was intermittent cutting with impact loads. For the development of models used by the planning of extreme experiments of the second order by rotatable planning. As the study of technological parameters adopted: the supply of cutting tools and cutting speed. The character of wear, the magnitude of the resistance of various grades of carbide inserts with the same process conditions, the effect of the studied set of technological regimes of turning on the wear processes. The developed empirical models enable reasonably assign process parameters to predict the value of the tool life, to carry out optimization of process parameters for a given resistance by the criterion of maximum productivity.
Creation of Public-Law Companies Is Dictated by the Needs of Growth
Authors: Смирнов  , Smirnov E.
Published: December 2016

In October, in Russia came into force the Federal Law of July 3, 2016 № 236-FZ, which introduces into circulation

a legal entity in the form of public-law companies, designed to ensure the implementation of the most important goals of

public policy, public property management solutions and other socio-economic problems.
Tax Audit Problems in Russia
Authors: Денисенко  , Denisenko Galina , Федоренко  , Fedorenko Ilya , Золотарева  , Zolotaryeva Galina
Published: December 2016

The article considers the problems existing in the development of tax audit in Russia, in particular, uncertainty of concepts of tax audit and tax registration, incompleteness of methodological support of tax audit, etc.
Modeling As an Instrument of Accounting Practice Development
Authors: Устинова  , Ustinova Yana
Published: December 2016

Th is article considers possibilities of practice realizing model conception in the accounting practice from the accounting judgment production in order to form the accounting police and to decide the accounting practice problems and from the creation of regulative construction, which has a module structure and supposes a presence of module set. Th e author grounds necessity and expediency of use accounting models both for change of accounting problem decisions and for accounting standards creation.
International Auditing Standards: Recognition and Application in Russia
Authors: Лосева  , Loseva N.
Published: December 2016

The article discusses the procedure for recognition in Russia of international auditing standards, the examination of the applicability of the documents containing international auditing standards applicable in the territory of Russia.
Requirements Applicable to Audit of Financial Statements by International Standards
Authors: Кочинев  , Kochinev Yuriy , Ашрафф  , Ashraf Alio
Published: December 2016

Th e paper analyzes the basic requirements applicable to the audit of fi nancial statements of International Standards on Auditing. Th e questions of audit planning, materiality, risk assessment, selection of audit procedures and evaluating the results, the auditor’s report are considered. It also reveals several positions of international standards requiring specifi cations in SRO-standards. Appropriate recommendations are suggested.
ANALYSIS OF THE DEGREE OF RUSSIA INCLUSION IN GLOBALIZATION PROCESSES (Part 2)
Authors: Ширина  , Shirina Natalya , Калачук  , Kalachuk Tatyana
Published: December 2016

The article presents the results of evaluation of the intensity of trade relations of Russia with the largest trade organizations near and far abroad. A comparison of commodity structure of the key groups of equipment, products and semi-finished products (machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, electrical and electronic equipment, plastics and articles thereof, optical, technical and medical equipment, chemical products, organic chemicals, iron and steel, ores slag, ash and others.) with CIS, BSEC, BRICK.
NEW CONSTRUCTION SEALANTS WITH DAMPING PROPERTIES ON THE BASIS OF URETANOVOGO FORPOLIMER
Authors: Ефремова  , Efremova Mariya , Кукса  , Kuksa Petr , Матвеева  , Matveeva Larisa , Ястребинская  , Yastrebinskaya Anna
Published: December 2016

On the basis of synthetic rubber – chemically modified uretanovy matrix (forpolimer) and an aminny hardener compositions of domestic construction damping sealants with high physicomechanical characteristics in combination with high adhesion to concrete and steel, low water absorption, high corrosion resistance are developed. The polymeric matrix of sealant represents two-component system which hardening is carried out under natural conditions in the presence of the catalyst of aminny type. Polyurethane sealants of the Trifor series represent compositions on the basis of uretanovy rubber with the functional groups providing good adhesion to concrete and steel. Sealants intend for a waterproofing and seal of seams, cracks, deep sinks in the concrete and reinforced concrete designs experiencing the vibrating and other mechanical strain. The construction composite materials developed filled damping and waterproofing meet all requirements of construction imposed to materials of this class.
INFLUENCE OF GAP FORM IN NON-CONTACT SEAL OF HIGH-SPEED TURBOMACHINE UPON ITS PARAMETERS
Authors: Иванов Андрей , Ivanov Andrey
Published: December 2016

Consolidation is one of the most significant elements in any turbomachine defining both economy and capacity for work of a unit. In high-speed pumps and turbines which belong turbo-pump units (TPU) of liquid-propellant engines (LPE) to, one uses mainly non-contact seals and in the first place groove seals. A radial seal gap its value and a form is a basic factor defining parameters and characteristics of sealing. In the paper there is shown the influence of geometrical characteristics of a non-contact seal gap in a high-speed turbomachine upon its characteristics. The influ-ence of the form of a sealing gap upon carrying capacity in it is analyzed that is particularly significant at the definition of seal influence upon critical frequencies of rotor rotation. The mutual misalignments in rotor and stator elements of a seal result in rotor stability reduction, the occurrence of additional radial loads upon bearings. Deviations in a surface form and deformations of sealing elements result in the pressure redistribution in a seal gap that, in its turn, changes forces character affecting a rotor from the side of a seal and, hence, its dynamic characteristics. The analysis of the influence upon carrying capacity in a seal gap of such factors as ellipse, obliquity, barreling, saddling is carried out. The results shown in the paper allow defining the tolerances influence upon manufacturing and deformations of sealing elements upon dynamic characteristics of a high-speed turbomachine rotor at the stage of designing a “rotor-bearings-seals” system.
INFLUENCE OF BABBIT RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTY UPON STRESSES IN ANTIFRICTION LAYER OF SLIDER BEARING
Authors: Яковлев Александр , Yakovlev Aleksandr , Зернин Михаил , Zernin Mikhail
Published: December 2016

The procedure for tests of contact creep in ring bearing-samples is developed and also a generalized diagram of residual stresses formation after babbitting and machining a babbit layer in bearings is obtained. It is shown that the existence of a cyclic deformation of an antifriction layer results in a complete relaxation of the sum of all constant constituents of residual stresses. It is concluded that the main reason of the dissi-pation of strength characteristics in babbit samples consists in rheological properties of this material.
CHOICE OF NECLEUS FUNCTION FOR PROBLEM COMPUITATION OF STEEL MOTION IN LIQUID PHASE IN VESSEL WITH OPEN WALL THROUGH SPH METHOD
Authors: Гурьянов Максим , Guryanov Maksim , Кожухов Алексей , Kozhukhov Aleksey
Published: December 2016

Recently the method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics developed rapidly and was already used for the solution of a wide spectrum of scientificengineering problems in the fields of astrophysics, hydrodynamics, gasdynamics and so on. Besides, there were solved many problems on liquid motion in a ves-sel with an open wall. But at the solution of specific problems typical for the field of metallurgy, simulators created with the aid of the method shown may behave unstably. Models instability is characterized with an uneven distribution of liquid in a vessel and particles penetration through rigid walls and with the isolation of particles from a basic mass of liquid. The particles isolation from the mass of liquid and the entrainment of surrounding particles with it results in non-physical behavior of liquid and, as a consequence, in wrong results of computation. This paper reports the analysis of the applica-tion of nucleus different functions to the computation of a density value for the problem solution of particle isolation from the basic mass of liquid and their entrainment of surrounding particles with them. For re-sults check a model of liquid steel oscillation in a steelladle on the basis of the method of particles smoothing was used.
NEW APPROACHES TO DESIGNING VIBRATORY TECHNOLOGICAL TECHNIQUE IN FOOD AND PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Authors: Мищенко Елена , Mishchenko Elena , Мищенко Владимир , Mishchenko Vladimir
Published: December 2016

In the paper there are considered new approaches to designing equipment allowing intensifying technological processes. Among different forms of mechanical effects upon dispersion systems used in technological processes of food and processing industry, vibration occupies a significant place as one of the most efficient means for the creation of an essential dynamic state in dispersion systems. The application of vibration equipment allows improving principally common technological processes and developing new ones. At the same time many processes are accelerated dozens of times. Vibration machines are considerably simpler and more efficient than common ones and consume less power. Alongside with the technological processes intensification at the vibration impact upon material worked the final product quality is also improved.

On the basis of the results in theoretical and ex-perimental investigations with the use of a mechatron-ics approach at designing the authors have developed an automated complex for manufacturing a pectin concentrate from beet pulp through the method of vibratory extraction functioning on the basis of a module principle, and also the technology is offered allowing the realization of this process. At that the extracting degree increased by 30-35% in comparison with analogues and the period of extracting fulfillment decreased up to 30-35 min.

In such a way, using mechanotronic approaches to the creation of technological vibratory machines containing the methods for dynamic systems formation taking into account inseparable ties with mechanical, electromagnetic, hydrodynamic and heat-mass exchanging processes, the theory of automated control and current micro-controller means of control one can speak about the creation of a fundamentally new direction at designing vibratory technique for food and processing industry.
SYSTEM OF AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY OF PARTS: ANALYSIS IN PHASE SPACE
Authors: Кузнецова Светлана , Kuznetsova Svetlana
Published: December 2016

A process of the functioning of a system of automated parts assemblage can be presented in a phase space.

Any way of assemblage, irrespective of a struc-tural scheme, physical nature of power impacts, a method of parts motion control is characterized by a motion of assembly components throughout a path of combination. Hence, the coordinates of position adap-tation and their derivatives allow obtaining a common geometrical image of an assembly system.

A state of the relative position and orientation of parts connected in a phase space at any time period during an operation is shown by phase trajectories.

A value set of initial mismatch of parts condi-tions on a set of phase trajectories, that is, a phase portrait of an adaptation method under consideration. A graphical image of changes in the state of a common position of parts allows introducing quantitative criteria for the evaluation of the quality of this method and, therefore, for the comparative analysis of different methods.
ASSESSMENT OF CONSIDERATION INFLUENCE OF ELASTIC PROPERTIES IN ROAD-TRAIN SUSPENSION UPON DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FLAT-CAR FOR PIGGYBACK TRANSPORTATIONS
Authors: Мануева Марина , Manueva Marina , Антипин Дмитрий , Antipin Dmitriy , Кобищанов Владимир , Kobishchanov Vladimir
Published: December 2016

The assessment of consideration influence of elastic-dissipative properties in a road-train located upon a flat-car for piggyback transportations at the motion on real surface road imperfections is carried out. The assessment of dynamic characteristics in a flat-car frame is carried out on the basis of finite-element models with the use of “Universal Mecha-nism” software complex.
MODEL OF INFORMATION SECURITY OF INFORMATION ADVISING SY
Authors: Аверченкова Елена , Averchenkova Elena , Гончаров Д. , Goncharov D. , Лысов Дмитрий , Lysov Dmitriy
Published: December 2016

The problems in assurance of information security for the automated system under development are considered. The model of threats to security is formulated. A topicality and possibility of threats realization, a level of design protection of the information system developed are defined. Peculiarities in the formation of an information security module and its correlation with other elements of a structural-functional circuit of an automated system are considered.
PROBLEMS IN ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT OF INNOVATION PROCESS AT INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE
Authors: Ерохин Дмитрий , Erokhin Dmitriy , Горностаева Алла , Gornostaeva Alla , Чернышова Ирина , Chernyshova Irina
Published: December 2016

In the paper the innovation management of an industrial enterprise is considered. The cooperation problem of colleges and industrial enterprises is touched upon. The regularities in scientific-engineering development of production under conditions of the formation of market economy and its crisis state are revealed. New principles ensuring the purposefulness of development are elaborated, the peculiarities in re-search work are considered.

The authors have formulated the factors affect-ing the innovation development of an industrial enterprise both in the view of acceleration and from the point of view of innovation process deceleration.

On the basis of the analysis carried out there is formed a program of innovation project realization at the “UK”BMP” Co. with the indication of terms and costs. The stages of program realization with measures shown increasing innovation activity efficiency are formulated.
Dynamic Pricing in a Distribution Channel in the Presence of Switching Costs
Authors: Cosguner Koray , Chan Tat Y. , Seetharaman P. B. (Seethu)
Published: December 2016

We advance the literature on dynamic oligopoly pricing models in the presence of switching costs by additionally modeling the strategic pricing role of the retailer within the distribution channel. In doing this, we study the relative dynamic pricing implications of how current retail and wholesale prices for a brand must optimally take into account past and future demand, respectively, for the brand. Using scanner data from the cola market, we find that while the retailer exploits the benefit of inertial demand by appropriately increasing the retail profit margin, the cost of investing is borne entirely by the manufacturers. We use simulation studies to show how the retailer will lose its ability to leverage the benefits of inertial demand as consumers become more price sensitive. We also show that when inertia of the more price-sensitive customer segment increases, the aggregate welfare of consumers, the retailer, and manufacturers may increase.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2649 .

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
RETRACTED: Hiding multi-level multi-color images in terahertz metasurfaces
Authors: Chanana Ashish , Paulsen Andrew , Guruswamy Sivaraman , Nahata Ajay
Published: December 2016

Our work presents a novel technique to encode information onto
terahertz metasurfaces comprised of geometrically identical unit cell
arrays. Previous demonstrations on metasurfaces or frequency-selective
surfaces have shown interesting concepts to engineer electromagnetic
radiation, but such designs often require a spatial arrangement of
geometrically varying unit cells, either by shape, size, orientation,
etc. In some cases, the output response can be mapped by examining the
arrangement of atoms. Here, we show that by fabricating an array of
resonant structures that are nominally identical visually, but where
individual structures can have different conductivities, we can hide
image information that is revealed when imaged using the appropriate
terahertz frequency and polarization. This is achieved because changes
in the structure’s conductivity correspond to changes in the
depth of the resonant absorption observed in transmission. Using the
simplest unit cell consisting of a single dipole, we create images
that have up to 9 different discernible gray levels when interrogated
at a single frequency. When a slightly more complex cross structure is
used in the unit cell, 36 discernible levels are encoded in the image
using two different polarizations. Finally, when the unit cell
consists of multiple dipoles designed for multiple frequencies, we
observe 64 unique colors in an encoded image. We believe our results
present a unique approach for hiding information that could be applied
to security-related applications.
Feira de economia solidária da UNESC (FES-UNESC): espaços coletivos de trocas de sabores e saberes
Authors: ESTEVAM Dimas de Oliveira
Published: December 2016

Este artigo trata da experiência da Feira de Economia Solidária (FES) da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC). A primeira FES-UNESC foi realizada em 2011, com o objetivo de possibilitar a produção e a comercialização dos produtos da agricultura familiar e do artesanato da região no campus da UNESC. A segunda FES-UNESC aconteceu em outubro de 2012. A partir desta data, a feira passou a funcionar regularmente todas as quartas-feiras do período letivo. O presente artigo discute os espaços de produção e de comercialização numa perspectiva da Economia Solidária, com ênfase na FES-UNESC. Como procedimentos metodológicos, foram utilizados: fontes bibliográficas e documentais, obtidas em arquivos das cooperativas, associações e no Programa de Apoio à Economia Solidária (PAES) da UNESC, sendo complementadas por uma pesquisa de campo, por meio da qual os consumidores da FES-UNESC foram entrevistados. Atualmente, quatro cooperativas da agricultura familiar e cinco associações de artesãos da Região participam da FES-UNESC.
Effects of plant growth regulators in heliconia ‘Red Opal’
Authors: Castro Ana Cecilia Ribeiro de , Hawerroth Fernando José , Taniguchi Carlos Alberto Kenji , Silva Tiago Freitas , Soares Nazaré Suziane
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth regulators with purpose of reducing the size of heliconia ‘Red Opal’ potted plants. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with five treatments (trinexapac-ethyl and paclobutrazol at rates of 37.5 and 75.0 mg of active ingredient per pot and control without growth regulator) and five replicates. The treatments were applied 40 days after planting the rhizomes in pots filled with soil. Thirty and 150 days after the growth regulator application, plant height, number of leaves and shoots, petioles length and leaf area were evaluated. One year after planting the rhizomes in pots the number of inflorescence and leaves (leaves, sheathing leaf bases and inflorescences) and rhizomes (rhizomes and roots) dry mass were determined. Trinexapac-ethyl had no differences compared to the control in any of the variables evaluated. Paclobutrazol proved effective in reducing plant height, leaf area and petiole length and increase in number of leaves and shoots but the effect was temporary. Also, it did not affect the inflorescences production and leaves and rhizomes dry mass. Paclobutrazol is efficient to promote height reduction and to increase the number of shoots in heliconia ‘Red Opal’ potted plants without affect the inflorescence formation but its effects is temporary.
Growth, nutrient accumulation and export by heliconia ‘Red Opal’
Authors: Taniguchi Carlos Alberto Kenji , Castro Ana Cecilia Ribeiro de , Silva Tiago Freitas , Silva Elane Bezerra da , Martins Thaís Da Silva
Published: December 2016

Synchronizing the timing of fertilizer applications with plant nutrient demand increases the nutritional efficiency and decrease the cost of production. The objective of this study was to determine the growth and the nutrient uptake and export by heliconia ‘Red Opal’. The experiment was carried out in a shade house and Heliconia psittacorum ‘Red Opal’ rhizomes were planted in soil classified as Arenic Kandinstults. The experimental design was completely randomized with nine plant sampling (zero; 30; 90; 150; 210; 270; 330; 390 and 450 days after planting) and five replicates. Leaves, sheathing leaf bases, flower stem, rhizomes and roots were collected every sampling and dry mass and nutrients accumulation were determined. Heliconia plants showed slow initial development but from the 210 days of planting, which corresponds with the beginning of the flower stem harvest there is a marked increase in dry mass accumulation. Nutrient accumulation followed the decreasing order: K > N = Ca > P = Mg > S > Fe = Mn > Zn > Cu = B. Potassium and calcium were the most exported macronutrients by heliconia flower stem and among the micronutrients, manganese was the most exported.
Novel Approaches in Pilonidal Sinus Treatment
Authors: Isik Arda , Idiz Oguz , Firat Deniz
Published: December 2016

Pilonidal sinus is a very common inflammatory disease of the gluteal region. The ideal method of pilonidal sinus treatment should have a low recurrence rate with minimum excision. Moreover, the treatment method should have a short hospitalization time, should let the patient return to his normal life rapidly, should cause minimum loss of labour and should result a small scar only. In the presented review, modalities in pilonidal sinus treatment in the light of current information in the literature are evaluated.
Severe Snakebite Envenoming in Intensive Care
Authors: Valenta Jiří , Stach Zdeněk , Michálek Pavel
Published: December 2016

Snakebites by exotic venomous snakes can cause serious or even life-threatening envenoming. In Europe and North America most victims are breeders, with a few snakebites from wild native American rattlesnakes. The envenomed victims may present in organ and/or system failure with muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, circulatory instability, acute kidney injury, severe coagulation disorder, and local disability – compartment syndrome and necrosis. Best managed by close collaboration between clinical toxicology and intensive care, most severe envenomings are managed primarily by intensive care physicians. Due to the low incidence of severe envenoming, the clinical course and correct management of these cases are not intrinsically familiar to most physicians. This review article summarizes the clinical syndromes caused by severe envenoming and the therapeutic options available in the intensive care setting.
Can Anxiety Tested in the Elevated Plus-maze Be Related to Nociception Sensitivity in Adult Male Rats?
Authors: Pometlová Marie , Yamamotová Anna , Nohejlová Kateryna , Šlamberová Romana
Published: December 2016

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most addictive psychostimulant drugs with a high potential for abuse. Our previous studies demonstrated that MA administered to pregnant rats increases pain sensitivity and anxiety in their adult offspring and makes them more sensitive to acute administration of the same drug in adulthood. Because individuals can differ considerably in terms of behaviour and physiology, such as rats that do not belong in some characteristics (e.g. anxiety) to average, can be described as low-responders or high-responders, are then more or less sensitive to pain. Therefore, prenatally MA-exposed adult male rats treated in adulthood with a single dose of MA (1 mg/ml/kg) or saline (1 ml/kg) were tested in the present study. We examined the effect of acute MA treatment on: (1) the anxiety in the Elevated plus-maze (EPM) test and memory in EPM re-test; (2) nociception sensitivity in the Plantar test; (3) the correlation between the anxiety, memory and the nociception. Our results demonstrate that: (1) MA has an anxiogenic effect on animals prenatally exposed to the same drug in the EPM; (2) all the differences induced by acute MA treatment disappeared within the time of 48 hours; (3) there was no effect of MA on nociception per se, but MA induced higher anxiety in individuals less sensitive to pain than in animals more sensitive to pain. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates unique data showing association between anxiety and nociceptive sensitivity of prenatally MA-exposed rats that is induced by acute drug administration.
Structural noise tolerance of photonic crystal optical properties
Authors: Odontsengel Nyam-Erdene , Cai DongSheng , Cole James B.
Published: December 2016

Using nonstandard (NS) finite difference time domain (FDTD) scheme to perform 2D electromagnetic (EM) simulations, we investigate how the optical properties of 2D photonic crystals (PCs) are affected by various different kinds of structural noises in the PC lattice. While the transmission spectrum is strongly affected by noises, the position and the depth of the band gap in the transmission spectrum are remarkably robust. It is shown that rather coarse numerical grids can be used to evaluate various PC structures in NS-FDTD EM simulations. The combination of noises affects transmission spectrum in the same way as the most influential individual noise. It is shown that reducing the most influential individual noise is a very efficient method to make PC more accurate.
DCS-SVM: a novel semi-automated method for human brain MR image segmentation
Authors: Ahmadvand Ali , Daliri Mohammad Reza , Hajiali Mohammadtaghi
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a novel method is proposed which appropriately segments magnetic resonance (MR) brain images into three main tissues. This paper proposes an extension of our previous work in which we suggested a combination of multiple classifiers (CMC)-based methods named dynamic classifier selection-dynamic local training local Tanimoto index (DCS-DLTLTI) for MR brain image segmentation into three main cerebral tissues. This idea is used here and a novel method is developed that tries to use more complex and accurate classifiers like support vector machine (SVM) in the ensemble. This work is challenging because the CMC-based methods are time consuming, especially on huge datasets like three-dimensional (3D) brain MR images. Moreover, SVM is a powerful method that is used for modeling datasets with complex feature space, but it also has huge computational cost for big datasets, especially those with strong interclass variability problems and with more than two classes such as 3D brain images; therefore, we cannot use SVM in DCS-DLTLTI. Therefore, we propose a novel approach named “DCS-SVM” to use SVM in DCS-DLTLTI to improve the accuracy of segmentation results. The proposed method is applied on well-known datasets of the Internet Brain Segmentation Repository (IBSR) and promising results are obtained.
Upregulated miR-16 expression is an independent indicator of relapse and poor overall survival of colorectal adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Diamantopoulos Marios A. , Kontos Christos K. , Kerimis Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Iordanis N. , Scorilas Andreas
Published: December 2016

Background:

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among adults in Western countries. miR-16 is heavily involved in cancer progression. In this study, we examined the potential diagnostic and prognostic utility of miR-16 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

Total RNA was extracted from 182 colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens and 86 non-cancerous colorectal mucosae. After polyadenylation of 2 μg total RNA by poly(A) polymerase and subsequent reverse transcription with an oligo-dT adapter primer, miR-16 expression was determined using an in-house developed reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR method, based on SYBR Green chemistry.

Results:

miR-16 was shown to be significantly upregulated in colorectal adenocarcinoma specimens compared to non-cancerous colorectal mucosae, suggesting its potential exploitation for diagnostic purposes. Moreover, high miR-16 expression predicts poor disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of colorectal adenocarcinoma patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that miR-16 overexpression is a significant unfavorable prognosticator in colorectal adenocarcinoma, independent of other established prognostic factors, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Interestingly, miR-16 overexpression retains its unfavorable prognostic value in patients with advanced yet locally restricted colorectal adenocarcinoma that has not grown through the wall of the colon or rectum (T3) and in those without distant metastasis (M0).

Conclusions:

Overexpression of the cancer-associated miR-16 predicts poor DFS and OS of colorectal adenocarcinoma patients, independently of clinicopathological factors that are currently used for prognostic purposes.
Marine sponge skeleton photosensitized by copper phthalocyanine: A catalyst for Rhodamine B degradation
Authors: Norman Małgorzata , Zdarta Jakub , Bartczak Przemysław , Piasecki Adam , Petrenko Iaroslav , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: December 2016

We present a combined approach to photo-assisted degradation processes, in which a catalyst, H2O2 and UV irradiation are used together to enhance the oxidation of Rhodamine B (RB). The heterogeneous photocatalyst was made by the process of adsorption of copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (CuPC) onto purified spongin-based Hippospongia communis marine sponge skeleton (HcS). The product obtained, CuPC-HcS, was investigated by a variety of spectroscopic (carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDS) and microscopic techniques (scanning electron microscopy SEM, fluorescent and optical microscopy), as well as thermal analysis. The study confirms the stable combination of the adsorbent and adsorbate. For a 10 mg/L RB solution, the percentage degradation reached 95% using CuPC-HcS as a heterocatalyst. The mechanism of RB removal involves adsorption and photodegradation simultaneously.
Resisting the legitimacy of the question: Self-evident answers to questions about sources of knowledge in police interviews with child witnesses
Authors: Jol Guusje , Stommel Wyke
Published: December 2016

This paper discusses questions about sources of knowledge in Dutch police interviews with child witnesses. Police officers are instructed to ask these questions in order to allow participants in the criminal procedure to assess the reliability of the testimony. In everyday interaction, asking “how someone knows” implies that what was said earlier is not taken for granted. Therefore, questions about sources of knowledge in police interviews are potentially delicate. This paper aims to show that (a) questions about sources of knowledge are related to a specialized institutional inference system and (b) children sometimes treat those questions as causing a dilemma between the need to provide an answer and the unusual character of the question. Drawing on insights from conversation analysis, the analysis focuses on occasions when children present their answer about the source of their knowledge as self-evident. These responses suggest that the question is not genuine and legitimate. At the same time, children still try to provide a relevant answer. The self-evident answers thus deal with the explicit request for a source of knowledge and, from their perspective, the unnecessary character of the question. Police officers generally ignore the self-evident aspect of the answers in their uptakes. Yet, when they do orient to it, they justify their questions as genuine information seeking questions. Police officers thus treat sources of knowledge as something they did not know, whereas sources of knowledge often can be inferred in everyday language use. We suggest that taking this unknowing stance conveys to the child and to the tape that the police officers are not presuming specific sources of knowledge.
Facing people through language use – linguistic tools to make proceedings fair
Authors: Ervo Laura
Published: December 2016

Court proceedings should be fair. Accordingly, the right to be heard has traditionally been considered one of the fundamental principles of court proceedings. Earlier, this right was mainly interpreted in a normative and rather passive sense. Recently, however, the interpretation of the right to be heard has developed towards the requirement of active and factual participation of court parties on equal terms with the other parties involved. The explanation for this should be sought in modern (procedural) law, which is more sociologically influenced than has previously been the case. Nowadays fairness is also about feelings. Welfare in courts means not only the rule of law and legal security in its traditional form, but also a good atmosphere and the presence of concrete means to give fair experiences to people who visit courts. This places communication and interaction between judges and parties in a central position as some of the most important instruments for achieving a fair hearing. With regard to the formulation of judgments and decisions, it is important that court lawyers put themselves in the parties’ situation and give careful deliberation to the purpose of their texts and how they will be perceived and understood by those concerned. The media, too, has a key role to play as a communicating link between the courts and citizens. For the media to be able to give an all-round and balanced picture of the courts, decision-making processes in courts must, as far as possible, be observable, or, in other words, transparent. Therefore, courts are in the process of throwing open their doors and judges no longer tend to hide behind their law-books. Post-modern legal decision-making is “doing justice together” rather than isolated use of power. Courts need to face people. And to do that, they need to master the most crucial instrument of all, namely appropriate language use. The present article discusses how to realize/operationalize this “modern” form of fairness in courts and how to maintain it with reference to legal theory and practical needs.
Mechanobiology of bone remodeling and fracture healing in the aged organism
Authors: Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Liedert Astrid , Ignatius Anita
Published: December 2016

Bone can adapt to changing load demands by mechanically regulated bone remodeling. Osteocytes, osteoblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells are mechanosensitive and respond to mechanical signals through the activation of specific molecular signaling pathways. The process of bone regeneration after fracture is similarly and highly regulated by the biomechanical environment at the fracture site. Depending on the tissue strains, mesenchymal cells differentiate into fibroblasts, chondrocytes, or osteoblasts, determining the course and the success of healing. In the aged organism, mechanotransduction in both intact and fractured bones may be altered due to changed hormone levels and expression of growth factors and other signaling molecules. It is proposed that altered mechanotransduction may contribute to disturbed healing in aged patients. This review explains the basic principles of mechanotransduction in the bone and the fracture callus and summarizes the current knowledge on aging-induced changes in mechanobiology. Furthermore, the methods for external biomechanical stimulation of intact and fractured bones are discussed with respect to a possible application in the elderly patient.