bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Autochthonous Microalgae Strains from the Red Sea
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Custódio Luísa , Rodrigues Maria , De Sousa Carolina , Oliveira Marta , Barreira Luísa , Neng Nuno , Nogueira José , Alrokayan Salman , Mouffouk Fouzi , Abu-Salah Khalid , Ben-Hamadou Radhouan , Varela João
Published: June 2015

Four lipid-rich microalgal species from the Red Sea belonging to three different genera (Nannochloris, Picochlorum and Desmochloris), previously isolated as novel biodiesel feedstocks, were bioprospected for high-value, bioactive molecules. Methanol extracts were thus prepared from freeze-dried biomass and screened for different biological activities. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 and Desmochloris sp. SBL3 had the highest radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and the best copper and iron chelating activities. All species had potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (>50%) and mildly inhibited tyrosinase. Picochlorum sp. SBL2 and Nannochloris sp. SBL4 extracts significantly reduced the viability of tumoral (HepG2 and HeLa) cells with lower toxicity against the non-tumoral murine stromal (S17) cells. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 significantly reduced the viability of Leishmania infantum down to 62% (250 µg/mL). Picochlorum sp. SBL2 had the highest total phenolic content, the major phenolic compounds identified being salicylic, coumaric and gallic acids. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene were identified in the extracts of all strains, while canthaxanthin was only identified in Picochlorum sp. SBL2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the microalgae included in this work could be used as sources of added-value products that could be used to upgrade the final biomass value.
Hot Ductility Behavior of a Peritectic Steel during Continuous Casting
Authors: Arıkan Mustafa
Published: June 2015

Hot ductility properties of a peritectic steel for welded gas cylinders during continuous casting were studied by performing hot tensile tests at certain temperatures ranging from 1200 to 700 °C for some cooling rates by using Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical test and simulation machine in this study. The effects of cooling rate and strain rate on hot ductility were investigated and continuous casting process map (time-temperature-ductility) were plotted for this material. Reduction of area (RA) decreases and cracking susceptibility increases during cooling from solidification between certain temperatures depending on the cooling rate. Although the temperatures which fracture behavior change upon cooling during continuous casting may vary for different materials, it was found that the type of fracture was ductile at 1100 and 1050 °C; semi-ductile at 1000 °C, and brittle at 800 °C for the steel P245NB. There is a ductility trough between 1000 and 725 °C. The ductility trough gets slightly narrower as the cooling rate decreases.
Sevoflurane-Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Complex: Preparation, Characterization, Cellular Toxicity, Molecular Modeling and Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Studies
Authors: Shityakov Sergey , Puskás István , Pápai Katalin , Salvador Ellaine , Roewer Norbert , Förster Carola , Broscheit Jens-Albert
Published: June 2015

The objective of the present investigation was to study the ability of sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD) to form an inclusion complex with sevoflurane (SEV), a volatile anesthetic with poor water solubility. The inclusion complex was prepared, characterized and its cellular toxicity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation potential of the formulated SEV have also been examined for the purpose of controlled drug delivery. The SEV-SBEβCD complex was nontoxic to the primary brain microvascular endothelial (pEND) cells at a clinically relevant concentration of sevoflurane. The inclusion complex exhibited significantly higher BBB permeation profiles as compared with the reference substance (propranolol) concerning calculated apparent permeability values (Papp). In addition, SEV binding affinity to SBEβCD was confirmed by a minimal Gibbs free energy of binding (ΔGbind) value of −1.727 ± 0.042 kcal·mol−1 and an average binding constant (Kb) of 53.66 ± 9.24 mM indicating rapid drug liberation from the cyclodextrin amphiphilic cavity.
γ-Tocotrienol and 6-Gingerol in Combination Synergistically Induce Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in HT-29 and SW837 Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Md Yusof Khairunnisa' , Makpol Suzana , Jamal Rahman , Harun Roslan , Mokhtar Norfilza , Wan Ngah Wan
Published: June 2015

Numerous bioactive compounds have cytotoxic properties towards cancer cells. However, most studies have used single compounds when bioactives may target different pathways and exert greater cytotoxic effects when used in combination. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the anti-proliferative effect of γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3) and 6-gingerol (6G) in combination by evaluating apoptosis and active caspase-3 in HT-29 and SW837 colorectal cancer cells. MTS assays were performed to determine the anti-proliferative and cytotoxicity effect of γ-T3 (0–150 µg/mL) and 6G (0–300 µg/mL) on the cells. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 6G+ γ-T3 for HT-29 was 105 + 67 µg/mL and for SW837 it was 70 + 20 µg/mL. Apoptosis, active caspase-3 and annexin V FITC assays were performed after 24 h of treatment using flow cytometry. These bioactives in combination showed synergistic effect on HT-29 (CI: 0.89 ± 0.02,) and SW837 (CI: 0.79 ± 0.10) apoptosis was increased by 21.2% in HT-29 and 55.4% in SW837 (p < 0.05) after 24 h treatment, while normal hepatic WRL-68 cells were unaffected. Increased apoptosis by the combined treatments was also observed morphologically, with effects like cell shrinkage and pyknosis. In conclusion, although further studies need to be done, γ-T3 and 6G when used in combination act synergistically increasing cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells.
An Effective Quality Control of Pharmacologically Active Volatiles of Houttuynia cordata Thunb by Fast Gas Chromatography-Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor
Authors: Oh Se
Published: June 2015

Fast gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave sensor (GC/SAW) has been applied for the detection of the pharmacological volatiles emanated from Houttuynia cordata Thunb which is from South Korea. H. cordata Thunb with unpleasant and fishy odors shows a variety of pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and insect repellent. The aim of this study is to show a novel quality control by GC/SAW methodology for the discrimination of the three different parts of the plant such as leaves, aerial stems, and underground stems for H. cordata Thunb. Sixteen compounds were identified. β-Myrcene, cis-ocimene and decanal are the dominant volatiles for leaves (71.0%) and aerial stems (50.1%). While, monoterpenes (74.6%) are the dominant volatiles for underground stems. 2-Undecanone (1.3%) and lauraldehyde (3.5%) were found to be the characteristic components for leaves. Each part of the plant has its own characteristic fragrance pattern owing to its individual chemical compositions. Moreover, its individual characteristic fragrance patterns are conducive to discrimination of the three different parts of the plant. Consequently, fast GC/SAW can be a useful analytical method for quality control of the different parts of the plant with pharmacological volatiles as it provides second unit analysis, a simple and fragrant pattern recognition.
Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs: Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Applications in Cancer
Authors: Bullock Marc , Silva Andreia , Kanlikilicer-Unaldi Pinar , Filant Justyna , Rashed Mohammed , Sood Anil , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Calin George
Published: June 2015

Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, are important regulatory molecules which are corrupted in cancer, often in a tissue and stage specific manner. Accumulated data suggests that these promising biomarkers, may also form the basis of novel targeted therapeutic strategies. The role of exosomes in cancer development and metastasis pathways is also increasingly well described. These endosome derived extracellular vesicles which are trafficked horizontally between tumor cells, and vertically between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment, carry bioactive cargos, which can reprogram the phenotype of recipient cells with important oncogenic consequences. Exosomes are enriched with non-coding RNA content. Within exosomes, non-coding RNAs are secreted into the peripheral circulation and other bodily fluids where they are protected from enzymatic degradation by the surrounding phospholipid membrane. Exosomes are therefore a highly promising source of diagnostic and prognostic material in cancer. Furthermore, as exosomes are natural ncRNA carriers, they may be adapted for the purpose of drug delivery by the introduction of exogenous ncRNAs or by manipulating their endogenous ncRNA content. In the current review, we will explore these highly clinically relevant themes by examining the roles of exosomal ncRNAs in cancer diagnostics, prognostics and therapy.
Groundwater Quantity and Quality Issues in a Water-Rich Region: Examples from Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Luczaj John , Masarik Kevin
Published: June 2015

The State of Wisconsin is located in an unusually water-rich portion of the world in the western part of the Great Lakes region of North America. This article presents an overview of the major groundwater quantity and quality concerns for this region in a geologic context. The water quantity concerns are most prominent in the central sand plain region and portions of a Paleozoic confined sandstone aquifer in eastern Wisconsin. Water quality concerns are more varied, with significant impacts from both naturally occurring inorganic contaminants and anthropogenic sources. Naturally occurring contaminants include radium, arsenic and associated heavy metals, fluoride, strontium, and others. Anthropogenic contaminants include nitrate, bacteria, viruses, as well as endocrine disrupting compounds. Groundwater quality in the region is highly dependent upon local geology and land use, but water bearing geologic units of all ages, Precambrian through Quaternary, are impacted by at least one kind of contaminant.
FLCNDEMF: An Event Metamodel for Flood Process Information Management under the Sensor Web Environment
Authors: Chen Nengcheng , Du Wenying , Song Fan , Chen Zeqiang
Published: June 2015

Significant economic losses, large affected populations, and serious environmental damage caused by recurrent natural disaster events (NDE) worldwide indicate insufficiency in emergency preparedness and response. The barrier of full life cycle data preparation and information support is one of the main reasons. This paper adopts the method of integrated environmental modeling, incorporates information from existing event protocols, languages, and models, analyzes observation demands from different event stages, and forms the abstract full life cycle natural disaster event metamodel (FLCNDEM) based on meta-object facility. Then task library and knowledge base for floods are built to instantiate FLCNDEM, forming the FLCNDEM for floods (FLCNDEMF). FLCNDEMF is formalized according to Event Pattern Markup Language, and a prototype system, Natural Disaster Event Manager, is developed to assist in the template-based modeling and management. The flood in Liangzi (LZ) Lake of Hubei, China on 16 July 2010 is adopted to illustrate how to apply FLCNDEM in real scenarios. FLCNDEM-based modeling is realized, and the candidate remote sensing (RS) dataset for different observing missions are provided for LZ Lake flood. Taking the mission of flood area extraction as an example, the appropriate RS data are selected via the model of simplified general perturbation version 4, and the flood area in different phases are calculated and displayed on the map. The phase-based modeling and visualization intuitively display the spatial-temporal distribution and the evolution process of the LZ Lake flood, and it is of great significance for flood responding. In addition, through the extension mechanism, FLCNDEM can also be applied in other environmental applications, providing important support for full life cycle information sharing and rapid responding.
Evaluation of ALOS PALSAR Data for High-Resolution Mapping of Vegetated Wetlands in Alaska
Authors: Clewley Daniel , Whitcomb Jane , Moghaddam Mahta , McDonald Kyle , Chapman Bruce , Bunting Peter
Published: June 2015

As the largest natural source of methane, wetlands play an important role in the carbon cycle. High-resolution maps of wetland type and extent are required to quantify wetland responses to climate change. Mapping northern wetlands is particularly important because of a disproportionate increase in temperatures at higher latitudes. Synthetic aperture radar data from a spaceborne platform can be used to map wetland types and dynamics over large areas. Following from earlier work by Whitcomb et al. (2009) using Japanese Earth Resources Satellite (JERS-1) data, we applied the “random forests” classification algorithm to variables from L-band ALOS PALSAR data for 2007, topographic data (e.g., slope, elevation) and locational information (latitude, longitude) to derive a map of vegetated wetlands in Alaska, with a spatial resolution of 50 m. We used the National Wetlands Inventory and National Land Cover Database (for upland areas) to select training and validation data and further validated classification results with an independent dataset that we created. A number of improvements were made to the method of Whitcomb et al. (2009): (1) more consistent training data in upland areas; (2) better distribution of training data across all classes by taking a stratified random sample of all available training pixels; and (3) a more efficient implementation, which allowed classification of the entire state as a single entity (rather than in separate tiles), which eliminated discontinuities at tile boundaries. The overall accuracy for discriminating wetland from upland was 95%, and the accuracy at the level of wetland classes was 85%. The total area of wetlands mapped was 0.59 million km2, or 36% of the total land area of the state of Alaska. The map will be made available to download from NASA’s wetland monitoring website.
Colorimetric-Based Detection of TNT Explosives Using Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Idros Noorhayati , Ho Man , Pivnenko Mike , Qasim Malik , Xu Hua , Gu Zhongze , Chu Daping
Published: June 2015

This proof-of-concept study proposes a novel sensing mechanism for selective and label-free detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). It is realized by surface chemistry functionalization of silica nanoparticles (NPs) with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES). The primary amine anchored to the surface of the silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NH2) acts as a capturing probe for TNT target binding to form Meisenheimer amine–TNT complexes. A colorimetric change of the self-assembled (SAM) NP samples from the initial green of a SiO2-NH2 nanoparticle film towards red was observed after successful attachment of TNT, which was confirmed as a result of the increased separation between the nanoparticles. The shift in the peak wavelength of the reflected light normal to the film surface and the associated change of the peak width were measured, and a merit function taking into account their combined effect was proposed for the detection of TNT concentrations from 10−12 to 10−4 molar. The selectivity of our sensing approach is confirmed by using TNT-bound nanoparticles incubated in AptamerX, with 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) and toluene used as control and baseline, respectively. Our results show the repeatable systematic color change with the TNT concentration and the possibility to develop a robust, easy-to-use, and low-cost TNT detection method for performing a sensitive, reliable, and semi-quantitative detection in a wide detection range.
Réajustements du paysage des géographes (Landscape and geographers)
Authors: Rougerie G.
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Son itinéraire personnel conduit l'auteur à insister sur la variété des approches que les géographes ont eues de la notion de paysage : naturalistes ou culturelles, sensibles ou formalisées, conceptuelles et méthodologiques ou appliquées.
Paysages et géotypes (Landscapes and geotypes)
Authors: Ormaux Serge
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Le paysage observable en un lieu est un ensemble structuré de signaux produits par un système complexe où interfèrent les différentes composantes du milieu géographique. La notion de paysage n'est pas seulement une abstraction, c'est aussi un concept opératoire apte à rendre compte de la variété de l'espace.
Paysage visible et simulation numérique (Visible landscape and numerical simulation)
Authors: Brossard Thierry
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Le paysage visible possède une objectivité propre non réductible et appelle, à ce titre, une méthodologie spécifique qui implique la prise en compte de l'infinité des rapports « vu-voyant » inscrits dans le continuum spatio-temporel. Nous présentons une procédure qui permet de simuler des hypothèses d'aménagement après réduction de l'information sous forme numérique. Les résultats sont visualisés au moyen de cartes de probabilités. Un exemple d'application vient à l'appui de la présentation.
Paysages reconnus. Essai de localisation des paysages recommandés et utilisés dans l'espace français (Recommanded landscapes in France)
Authors: Tourneux François-Pierre
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Une étude de la localisation des points de vue, parcours pittoresques ou panoramas indiqués par les cartes touristiques montre une distribution inégale des paysages recommandés sur l'ensemble français, avec une nette domination des zones accidentées. La localisation de plusieurs séries de photographies paysagères recueillies dans des guides amène à des conclusions similaires, en faisant apparaître des zones de paysages à localisation floue.
L'attraction migratoire des villes et l'évolution récente du système urbain français (The attractiveness of french cities, and the recent changes in the urban system)
Authors: Saint-Julien Thérèse
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The aim of this paper is to examine the significance of changes in attractiveness of french cities, which occured during the last 15 years (from 1968 to 1982). The author explains how the observations confirm her previous statements about the general processes of change in a national set of cities.
L'efficacité des lycées français. La part des explications géographiques (The efficiency of french lycees. The part of geographical explanation)
Authors: Sanders Lena , Durand-Dastès François
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Cet article étudie le taux de succès au baccalauréat en fonction d'un certain nombre de variables géographiques, à l'aide d'un modèle.
Les centres commerciaux intégrés en centre-ville (Commercial centres located in the center of the cities)
Authors: Bachelard Mireille
Published: June 2015

Abstract. — One of the main features of the 80s has been the setting up in city centers of integrated shopping centers. These creations have been in keeping with urban modernization and fit into multifunctional programs that combine a great variety of both public and private equipment. These creations are typical of the latest trends in trade urbanism, mainly as regards the space strategies of the different actors. They have also had an impact on the evolution of shopping in city centers.
Réflexions sur l'évolution contemporaine des centres-villes (Reflections on present-days trends in town centres)
Authors: Lévy Jean-Paul
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Urban research no longer approaches the study of town centres as it did thirthy years ago. Have old neighbourhoods stepped into the place of town centers ? Centrality appears more as a stage in the territorial organization of society than as an aggregate of central activities practiced here. This is revealed by the centrality cycles of the last three centuries. The improvement of central areas through renovation, restoration and rehabilitation is well under way. It is neither complete nor uniform. The reoccupation and gentrification of the town centre are ambiguous notions.
Promotion immobilière et rénovation urbaine aux Etats- Unis : James Rouse (Development and urban renewal in the U.S.A. : James Rouse)
Authors: Boquet Yves
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Renowned since the 50's for his suburban shopping malls, developer J. Rouse, founder of Maryland's Columbia new town, has become in the 70' s a big name in downtown commercial revitalization. His realisations in Boston's Faneuil Hall and Baltimore's Harborplace are the prototypes of festival marketplaces in U.S. Cities, especially along waterfronts. J. Rouse has also established a foundation for the renovation of slums.
La Réunion. Développement, intégration européenne et coopération régionale (La Réunion. Development, relationship with European Community and regional cooperation)
Authors: Bertile Wilfrid
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Ce texte présente d'abord les caractères de développement et de sous-développement de la Réunion, liés respectivement à son statut de D.O.M. depuis 1946, et à son passé colonial et à l'éloignement. Il examine ensuite les relations entre cette île de l'Océan Indien et la C.E.E. dont elle fait partie en tant que département français. Il s'agit d'une situation complexe mais dont elle tire avantage (garantie des prix agricoles). Il traite enfin des rapports entre ce département et les îles voisines qui font partie des pays A.C.P. Ils sont faibles mais se développent.
Atouts et contraintes du milieu naturel réunionnais (Natural potentialities and constraints in La Réunion)
Authors: Bougère Jacques
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Cet article passe en revue les contraintes physiques non climatiques. Les risques encourus du fait du volcanisme sont limités. Les principaux sont liés aux glissements de terrains provoqués par les fortes pluies sur des pentes raides et instables. L'érosion des sols, notamment sur les andosols, est très élevée. La Réunion bénéficie cependant de la complémentarité des milieux géographiques, du fait de l'étagement et de l'exposition.
Les confluences rhodaniennes. De la dynamique holocène aux changements contemporains (The rhodanien confluences, from holocenic to recent times)
Authors: Bravard Jean-Paul
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Cette étude traite du thème des confluences dans l'espace rhodanien. Elle les passe en revue à trois périodes, l'Holocène, l'époque du fleuve à cours libre et l'époque contemporaine où il est aménagé. On montre que ce thème a beaucoup perdu de sa pertinence au cours des dernières décennies.
Confluences ligériennes : Loire et Allier, Loire et Vienne (Confluences on the river Loire : Loire and Allier, Loire and Vienne)
Authors: Bomer Bernard
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Etude, à partir de séries de photographies aériennes et de plans anciens, de l'état actuel des confluences et de leur évolution depuis le milieu du dix-neuvième siècle. Interprétation de la géométrie hydraulique et de ses modifications à partir des données hydrologiques et sédimentologiques.
Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in 69 small breed dogs using conically coupled 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates
Authors: Reif U. , Martini F. M. , Cosenza G.
Published: June 2015

Objective: To report clinical experiences with the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure in small breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease using specific, conically coupled, 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates and evaluating short-term complications and outcome.

Methods: Medical records of small breed dogs (<15 kg) that underwent TPLO using 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative, postoperative and six to eight weeks postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurements were determined from the radiographic images. Lameness evaluation was assessed subjectively preoperatively and six to eight weeks postoperatively.

Results: Sixty-nine small breed dogs (n = 79 stifles) were included in the study. Mean (± SD) preoperative TPA was 29.0 ± 3.4°, postoperative TPA was 5.8 ± 2.5°, and six to eight weeks postoperative TPA was 7.3 ± 4.1°. Sixteen complications occurred in 12 out of 79 TPLO procedures: three were intra-operative (intra-articular screw placement) and 13 were postoperative complications, of which nine were identified as minor complications not requiring surgical reintervention, and four as major complications requiring additional surgical intervention, including tibial tuberosity fracture (n = 1), osteomyelitis (n = 1), screw failure (n = 1), and plate breakage (n = 1). Lameness scores by clinical assessment reduced from a median value of 3/4 preoperatively to 1/4 at six to eight weeks postoperatively.

Clinical significance: 1.9/2.5 mm locking plates appear to be a valid choice of implant for the stabilization of unilateral TPLO in small breed dogs.
Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of barbed suture and standard polypropylene suture for acute tendon laceration in a canine model
Authors: Main R. P. , Moore G. E. , Breur G. J. , Millard R. P. , Duffy D. J.
Published: June 2015

Objectives: Evaluate performance and resistance to gap formation of a non-absorbable, barbed, monofilament suture, in comparison with a non-absorbable, smooth, monofilament polypropylene suture, in two different suture patterns: three-loop pulley (3LP) and modified Bunnell-Mayer (BM).

Sample size: Seventy-two medium-sized cadaveric superficial digital flexor muscle tendon units.

Methods: After manual transection and suture repair, individual specimens were placed in an electromechanical tensile testing machine and tested to monotonic failure using tensile ramp loading. Video data acquisition allowed evaluation of failure mode and quantification of gap formation.

Results: Incidence of gap formation between tendon ends was significantly greater in tenorrhaphies repaired with barbed suture compared to those repaired with smooth polypropylene. Use of a 3LP suture pattern caused significantly less gapping between tendon ends when compared to the BM pattern.

Conclusion: Smooth polypropylene suture was consistently superior in load performance than a unidirectional barbed suture. The 3LP pattern was more resistant than a BM pattern at preventing gap formation.

Clinical significance: Smooth polypropylene should be recommended over barbed unidirectional suture for use in canine tendinous repair to provide increased resistance to gap formation. The 3LP is superior to the BM suture pattern, requiring significantly more force to cause tenorrhaphy gap formation and failure, which may translate to increased accrual of repair site strength and tendinous healing in clinical situations.
Proximo-distal patellar position in three small dog breeds with medial patellar luxation
Authors: Theyse L. F. H. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Wangdee C.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Medial patellar luxation is thought to be associated with a high proximal position of the patella in the trochlear groove.

Objective: To determine whether the ratio of patellar ligament length and patellar length (L:P) is influenced by the stifle angle (75°, 96°, 113°, 130°, and 148°) in small dog breeds and to compare the L:P ratio in dogs of three small dog breeds with and without medial patellar luxation.

Methods: A mediolateral radiograph of the stifle joint was used to measure the L:P ratio in the stifle joints of dogs of three small breeds with and without medial patellar luxation. The L:P ratio was evaluated at five stifle angles (75°, 96°, 113°, 130°, and 148°) in 14 cadavers (26 stifle joints) of small dog breeds in order to identify the best stifle angle to measure the L:P ratio. Then the mean ± SD L:P ratio was calculated for normal stifles and stifles with medial patellar luxation grades 1, 2, and 3 in 194 Pomeranians, 74 Chihuahuas, and 41 Toy or Standard Poodles.

Results: The L:P ratio was the same for all five stifle angles in the cadavers (p = 0.195). It was also not significantly different in the three breeds (p = 0.135), in normal and medial patellar luxation-affected stifles overall (p = 0.354), and in normal and medial patellar luxation-affected joints within each breed (p = 0.19).

Clinical significance: We conclude that a proximo-distal patellar position is not associated with medial patellar luxation in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Toy or Standard Poodles. Thus a longer patellar ligament length does not play a role in the pathophysiology of medial patellar luxation in these small dog breeds.
Surface excitations in the modelling of electron transport for electron-beam-induced deposition experiments
Authors: Salvat-Pujol Francesc , Valentí Roser , Werner Wolfgang S
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present overview article is to raise awareness of an essential aspect that is usually not accounted for in the modelling of electron transport for focused-electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) of nanostructures: Surface excitations are on the one hand responsible for a sizeable fraction of the intensity in reflection-electron-energy-loss spectra for primary electron energies of up to a few kiloelectronvolts and, on the other hand, they play a key role in the emission of secondary electrons from solids, regardless of the primary energy. In this overview work we present a general perspective of recent works on the subject of surface excitations and on low-energy electron transport, highlighting the most relevant aspects for the modelling of electron transport in FEBID simulations.
GENERATING PARETO OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS OF MULTI-OBJECTIVE LFPP WITH INTERVAL COEFFICIENTS USING E-CONSTRAINT METHOD
Authors: Nayak Suvasis , Ojha Akshay
Published: June 2015

This paper illustrates a procedure to generate pareto optimal solutions of multi-objective linear fractional programming problem (MOLFPP) with closed interval coefficients of decision variables both in objective and constraint functions. E-constraint method is applied to produce pareto optimal solutions comprising most preferred solution to satisfy all objectives. A numerical example is solved using our proposed method and the result so obtained is compared with that of fuzzy programming which justifies the efficiency and authenticity of the proposed method.
SOLVING BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS FOR SECOND ORDER SINGULARLY PERTURBED DELAY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS BY Ε-APPROXIMATE FIXED-POINT METHOD
Authors: Bartoszewski Zbigniew , Baranowska Anna
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the boundary value problem for second order singularly perturbed delay differential equation is reduced to a fixed-point problem v = Av with a properly chosen (generally nonlinear) operator A. The unknown fixed-point v is approximated by cubic spline v
h
defined by its values v
i
= v
h
(t
i
) at grid points t
i
, i = 0, 1, . . . , N. The necessary for construction the cubic spline and missing the first derivatives at the boundary are replaced by the derivatives of the corresponding interpolating polynomials matching the grid points values nearest to the boundary points. An approximation of the solution is obtained by minimization techniques applied to a function whose arguments are the grid point values of the sought spline. The results of numerical experiments with two boundary value problems for the second order singularly perturbed delay differential equations as well as their comparison with the results of other methods employed by other authors are also provided.
APPROXIMATE EXPONENTIAL ALGORITHMS TO SOLVE THE CHEMICAL MASTER EQUATION
Authors: Mooasvi Azam , Sandu Adrian
Published: June 2015

This paper discusses new simulation algorithms for stochastic chemical kinetics that exploit the linearity of the chemical master equation and its matrix exponential exact solution. These algorithms make use of various approximations of the matrix exponential to evolve probability densities in time. A sampling of the approximate solutions of the chemical master equation is used to derive accelerated stochastic simulation algorithms. Numerical experiments compare the new methods with the established stochastic simulation algorithm and the tau-leaping method.
Construction d'une identité nationale biélorusse au prisme de la politique éducative
Authors: Zadora Anna
Published: June 2015

Le présent article est consacré à la construction d’une identité nationale biélorusse à travers la politique éducative et, plus particulièrement, de l’enseignement scolaire de l’histoire. Nous insistons sur l’emploi de l’article indéfini devant le terme d’identité, car la mise en place des liens d’identification qui lient l’individu à différents groupes est toujours dynamique et plurielle. La production du sentiment d’adhésion à un groupe est souvent tributaire du travail d’identification opéré par l’État national à travers la politique éducative. En étudiant l’évolution de la politique éducative se rapportant aux disciplines majeures pour la construction identitaire, comme l’histoire nationale, nous analyserons l’éducation à l’identité dans le contexte biélorusse. Cette évolution est analysée à travers trois périodes de la politique éducative biélorusse : la période soviétique, la perestroïka et la période actuelle. Les transformations de la politique éducative, reflétées par les manuels scolaires et notamment dans les manuels scolaires d’histoire feront l’objet d’une analyse particulière. L’examen des résultats de recherches sociologiques récentes portant sur l’identification des Biélorusses confirme l’hypothèse du rôle majeur de la politique éducative dans la construction des liens d’identification entre les membres d’une nation.
Expériences plurielles de l’enfermement : entre rejet et reprise de contrôle
Authors: Gouvernet Céline
Published: June 2015

La littérature en sciences humaines tend à dépeindre une image unique de la prison alors qu’une variété d’établissements constitue le parc pénitentiaire français et que des expériences variables semblent en émerger. Considérant ici l’importance du rapport à l’espace dans la construction de l’individu, nous avons interrogé des détenus en maison d’arrêt et en centre de détention sur leur expérience de l’incarcération et de l’espace carcéral. À travers le rapport à leur espace de vie quotidienne, nous constatons deux vécus de l’enfermement très différents en fonction du type d’établissement concerné. Les détenus en maison d’arrêt souffrent de la promiscuité et de ses conséquences en termes de perte d’intimité, de peur de la contamination. Le rapport à l’espace en centre de détention manifeste une reprise de contrôle du sujet sur son environnement. Ainsi, nous sommes autorisée à considérer l’existence d’enfermements pluriels.
Augustin, le sens et les sens. Réflexions sur le processus de spiritualisation du charnel dans l’Église médiévale
Authors: Méhu Didier
Published: June 2015

L’histoire de l’Église médiévale est marquée par un processus de matérialisation du spirituel qui se caractérise notamment par la valorisation des édifices de culte, la légitimation de la valeur transitive des images manufacturées, la justification des possessions temporelles et la judiciarisation de l’institution ecclésiale. La période comprise entre le IX e et le XIII e   siècle constitue une étape décisive dans ce processus, mais on peut le suivre dès l’âge de Constantin et l’observer encore au temps de la Contre-Réforme. Le présent article pose l’hypothèse d’un tournant théorique effectué par l’œuvre d’Augustin au début du V e   siècle. En articulant de manière originale la dialectique charnel/spirituel ( caro/spiritus ) dans un sens non dualiste, l’évêque d’Hippone proposa une conception de l’homme et de la communauté impliquant la domination du charnel par le spirituel et une perspective eschatologique guidée par la spiritualisation du charnel. Il donna ainsi un nouveau sens (c’est-à-dire une direction et une signification) à l’être humain, qui assumait non seulement la tension entre le corps et l’esprit mais aussi la construction d’une communauté chrétienne inscrite dans le siècle. L’analyse approfondie de quelques œuvres d’Augustin datant des années 410-420 (Sermons sur l’Évangile de Jean, De Genesi ad litteram , De Trinitate , De civitate Dei ) permet de dégager les principaux concepts qui fondent sa vision de l’homme et de la société ( sensus, corpus, cor, visio, caro, spiritus, iter, homo viator , civitas , visio Dei ). Ces concepts nous semblent pouvoir être envisagés comme les fondements théoriques d’une structure sur laquelle l’Église médiévale s’est construite et a évolué. Nous proposons ainsi de considérer sous un angle à la fois structural et dynamique le double processus de matérialisation du spirituel et de spiritualisation du charnel qui a caractérisé le long millénaire médiéval.
An outbreak of fumonisin toxicosis in horses in Serbia
Authors: Jovanović M. , Trailović D. , Kukolj V. , Nešić S. , Marinković D. , Nedeljković-Trailović J. , Strajn B. Jakovac , Milićević D.
Published: June 2015

This paper reports on an outbreak of fumonisin toxicosis in a stable with 100 horses. Twenty-one horses were affected and fifteen died within a month. The animals were not febrile and exhibited poor appetite, somnolence, head pressing, blindness, ataxia, lethargy, and seizures, ending with death. The post mortem examination of the head of one 18-month-old colt revealed large, bilateral, slightly asymmetrical large areas of necrosis of the cerebral white matter. The lesions involved the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes only. Histological findings revealed leukomalacia with necrosis, infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils, haemorrhage and oedema of the surrounding grey matter. In response to the pathological findings, which indicated equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), feed samples from the premises were tested for fumonisin B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2). The milled maize samples contained 6.0 mg/kg FB1 and 2.4 mg/kg FB2, while the maize bran contained 6.05 mg/kg FB1 and 1.68 mg/kg FB2. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of fumonisin toxicosis. Hence, this report indicates that Serbia is one of the few regions in Europe with proven cases of ELEM.
Breeding healthy cereals: genetic improvement ofFusarium resistance and consequences for mycotoxins
Authors: Buerstmayr H. , Lemmens M.
Published: June 2015

Although it is generally agreed that increased genetic resistance to fungal colonisation byFusarium head blight (FHB) should lead to reduced damage and particularly to reduced contamination due to mycotoxins, this review aims to highlight on this relation based on published literature in comparison to our own results. We focus here on the major cereal crop plants wheat and barley. Generally, correlations between measures for disease severity on the plants or the seeds and toxin content were found positive and significant. Breeding of new cultivars with reducedFusarium disease severity will therefore lead to a correlated selection response in the direction of reduced toxin contamination, for the prevalent toxins such as deoxynivalenol, but also for less abundant mycotoxins and masked mycotoxins. Choosing resistant cultivars is possibly the best option for mycotoxin reduction right at the beginning of the cereal production chain: on the farmer’s field. Therefore, investment in breeding FHB resistant cultivars will contribute to sustainable reduction of the mycotoxin problems in the cereal production chain, and increase food and feed safety.
Examining the Factors that Influence how Instructors Provide Feedback in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Conrad Susan S. , Dabbagh Nada
Published: June 2015

Feedback is considered to be the bridge between what has been learned and what the student should know. Feedback can correct misconceptions, motivate learners, stimulate deep thinking, and guide future behavior. However, in the online environment instructors must rely upon technologies to deliver feedback to students. To better understand the prompts and processes for online delivery of feedback, a descriptive study of higher education instructors who teach online was conducted to discover what events trigger instructor feedback and what tools the instructors choose to administer this feedback to online students. Results of the study revealed that the chosen feedback delivery mode and method are impacted by an instructor's technology expertise, the class size, and audience composition and assessment type. The study revealed that instructors teaching online have transformed their pedagogy by purposively planning feedback methods into their course design and applying reflective methods into their teaching style.
Cassida viridis(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a Palaearctic leaf beetle newly recorded from North America
Authors: Marshall Stephen A. , Paiero Steven M.
Published: June 2015

The Palaearctic leaf beetle speciesCassida viridisLinnaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is newly recorded from North America on the basis of recent observations of established populations onMonardaLinnaeus (Lamiaceae) plantings in an Ontario, Canada garden. Historical specimen records show that the species has been in Ontario at least since 1974.
Causes of mortality and associated modifiable health care factors for children (< 5-years) admitted at Onandjokwe Hospital, Namibia
Authors: Mdala Johnface F. , Mash Robert
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Many countries, especially those from sub-Saharan Africa, are unlikely to reach the Millennium Development Goal for under-5 mortality reduction by 2015. This study aimed to identify the causes of mortality and associated modifiable health care factors for under-5year-old children admitted to Onandjokwe Hospital, Namibia.Method: A descriptive retrospective review of the medical records of all children under fiveyears who died in the hospital for the period of 12 months during 2013, using two differentstructured questionnaires targeting perinatal deaths and post-perinatal deaths respectively.Results: The top five causes of 125 perinatal deaths were prematurity 22 (17.6%), birth asphyxia 19 (15.2%), congenital anomalies 16 (12.8%), unknown 13 (10.4%) and abruptio placenta 11 (8.8%). The top five causes of 60 post-perinatal deaths were bacterial pneumonia 21 (35%), gastroenteritis 12 (20%), severe malnutrition 6 (10%), septicaemia 6 (10%), and tuberculosis 4 (6.7%). Sixty-nine (55%) perinatal deaths and 42 (70%) post-perinatal deaths were potentially avoidable. The modifiable factors were: late presentation to a health care facility, antenatal clinics not screening for danger signs, long distance referral, district hospitals not providing emergency obstetric care, poor monitoring of labour and admitted children in the wards, lack of screening for malnutrition, failure to repeat an HIV test in pregnant women in the third trimesteror during breastfeeding, and a lack of review of the urgent results of critically ill children.Conclusion: A significant number of deaths in children under 5-years of age could be avoided by paying attention to the modifiable factors identified in this study.
Review of Executive salaries in South Africa
Authors: Bezuidenhout Magdalena L.
Published: June 2015

No abstract available.
L2Convergence of the Lattice Boltzmann Method for One Dimensional Convection-Diffusion-Reaction Equations
Authors: Junk Michael , Yang Zhaoxia
Published: June 2015

Combining asymptotic analysis and weightedL2stability estimates, the convergence of lattice Boltzmann methods for the approximation of 1D convection-diffusion-reaction equations is proved. Unlike previous approaches, the proof does not require transformations to equivalent macroscopic equations.
Analytic Structure of the SCFT Energy Functional of Multicomponent Block Copolymers
Authors: Jiang Kai , Xu Weiquan , Zhang Pingwen
Published: June 2015

This paper concerns the analytic structure of the self-consistent field theory (SCFT) energy functional of multicomponent block copolymer systems which contain more than two chemically distinct blocks. The SCFT has enjoyed considered success and wide usage in investigation of the complex phase behavior of block copolymers. It is well-known that the physical solutions of the SCFT equations are saddle points, however, the analytic structure of the SCFT energy functional has received little attention over the years. A recent work by Fredrickson and collaborators [see the monograph by Fredrickson,The Equilibrium Theory of Inhomogeneous Polymers, (2006), pp. 203–209] has analysed the mathematical structure of the field energy functional for polymeric systems, and clarified the index-1 saddle point nature of the problem caused by the incompressible constraint. In this paper, our goals are to draw further attention to multicomponent block copolymers utilizing the Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation used by Fredrickson and co-workers. We firstly show that the saddle point character of the SCFT energy functional of multicomponent block copolymer systems may be high index, not only produced by the incompressible constraint, but also by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters. Our analysis will be beneficial to many theoretical studies, such as the nucleation theory of ordered phases, the mesoscopic dynamics. As an application, we utilize the discovery to develop the gradient-based iterative schemes to solve the SCFT equations, and illustrate its performance through several numerical experiments takingABCstar triblock copolymers as an example.
Challenges in Rail Vehicle-Track Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Sharma Sunil Kumar , Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Kumar Anil , Palli Srihari
Published: June 2015

Rail vehicle-track modeling and simulations, in past many years is developed a long way from its origins as a research tool. This paper presents an overview of the current features and applications for components of rail vehicle-track dynamic modeling and few challenges which these applications find while doing the simulations. This paper discusses appropriate modeling choices for different applications and analyse the best practice for the optimum performance of suspension components, wheel-rail contact conditions and modeling inputs such as track geometry.
Dynamic Analysis of Indian Railway Integral Coach Factory Bogie
Authors: Palli Srihari , Koona Ramji , Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Muddada Venkatesh
Published: June 2015

Dynamic response of railway coach is a key aspect in the design of coach. Indian railway sleeper and 3 tier AC coaches consist of two railway bogies, where the central distance of the center of gravity between the bogies is 14.9 m. Analysis of railway bogie forms a basis for investigating the behaviour of the coach as a whole. The current work carried out is, vehicle dynamic response in terms of Eigen frequency modal analysis and harmonic analysis of a Indian railway 6 Ton Integral Coach Factory (ICF) bogie using finite element (FE) method. The entire bogie model is discretized using solid92 tetrahedral elements. The primary and secondary suspension systems are modelled as COMBIN14 elements in the FE model of the bogie. Modal analysis of the bogie model using Block Lanczos method in ANSYS is carried out to extract first few natural modes of vibration of the bogie. The roll mode frequency attained in Modal analysis is in good agreement with the fundamental frequency calculated analytically. Sinusoidal excitation is fed as input to bottom wheel points to analyse the harmonic response of the bogie in terms of displacement at different salient locations. Harmonic response results reveal that the bogie left and right locations are more vulnerable than the locations near the centre of gravity of the bogie.