bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quyền công dân trong nhà nước thời hậu hiện đại
Authors: Nguyễn Hoàng Anh
Published: July 2017

Mối quan hệ giữa Nhà nước và cá nhân, công dân là chủ đề bao phủ hầu khắp các lĩnh vực chính trị, xã hội hay pháp luật. “Lịch sử tư tưởng chính trị pháp lý là lịch sử đấu tranh giữa các quan niệm tiến bộ với các quan niệm bảo thủ, lạc hậu trong việc xác định mối quan hệ giữa nhà nước và cá nhân” (2; 198)[1].

Dù có thể được tiếp cận ở nhiều góc độ khác nhau, nhưng cơ bản nhất, mối quan hệ Nhà nước – công dân được phản ánh thông qua khái niệm “quyền công dân” (la citoyenneté – tiếng Pháp; citizenship – tiếng Anh). Quyền công dân là khái niệm gốc: từ đây sẽ nảy sinh các khái niệm nền tảng của nền chính trị như: dân chủ; nhà nước pháp quyền, công lý.v.v. Mỗi đổi thay của khái niệm quyền công dân, phản ánh những bước chuyển của xã hội ở từng thời kỳ lịch sử. Và ẩn chứa sau nội dung quyền công dân có thể nhìn thấy hướng vận động của một quốc gia hay xu hướng của thế giới.

Bài viết sau đây lược dịch từ tác phẩm của học giả Jacques Chevallier (Giáo sư Đại học Pantheon – Assas, Paris 2) trong đó khái niệm quyền công dân được xem xét từ góc độ thời gian (từ nhà nước cổ xưa đến xã hội hậu hiện đại); và góc độ không gian (từ quốc gia đến quốc tế); từ lĩnh vực chính trị đến các lĩnh vực kinh tế, xã hội.

 

[1] Khoa Luật Trường Đại học Tổng hợp Hà Nội, “Giáo trình Lý luận chung về Nhà nước và pháp luật”, Hà Nội 1993, tr. 196.
Bị hại trong Bộ luật Tố tụng hình sự năm 2015 và một số kiến nghị hoàn thiện pháp luật
Authors: Trần Thu Hạnh
Published: July 2017

Trong bối cảnh Bộ luật tố tụng hình sự (BLTTHS) năm 2015 đã được ban hành nhưng tạm thời chưa có hiệu lực, tác giả nghiên cứu những quy định về bị hại, các quyền và nghĩa vụ của bị hại và đưa ra một số kiến nghị hoàn thiện các quy định này trong BLTTHS năm 2015.
Changes in cause-specific mortality among the elderly in Canada, 1979–2011
Authors: Bergeron-Boucher Marie-Pier , Bourbeau Robert , Légaré Jacques
Published: July 2017

The structure of causes of death in Canada has been changing since the onset of the “cardiovascular revolution.” While mortality due to cardiovascular diseases has been declining, mortality due to other causes of death, such as cancers and Alzheimer’s disease has been increasing. Our research investigates how these changes have re-modeled life expectancy at age 65 and age 85, and what specific causes of death are involved. We distinguish between premature and senescent deaths in Canada, using a cause-specific age structure. Our results suggest that although a decline in premature deaths has contributed to increasing life expectancy in recent years, most of the gains in life expectancy at age 65 and 85 have resulted from a decline in senescent deaths. We also find a decline in mortality due to the main causes of death, leading to a greater diversification of causes.Depuis le début de la révolution cardiovasculaire, le Canada a connu d’importants changements dans la distribution des décès selon la cause. La mortalité par maladies cardiovasculaires a connu une importante diminution alors que les taux de mortalité pour les cancers et pour la maladie d’Alzheimer ont augmenté. Cet article examine comment ces changements ont influencé les tendances de l’espérance de vie à 65 et à 85 ans et quelles causes de décès spécifiques furent impliquées. Une distinction entre les décès prématurés et les décès liés à un processus de sénescence est réalisée, se basant sur deux indicateurs de variations par âge des causes de décès. Nos résultats suggèrent que la majorité des gains en espérance de vie à 65 et 85 ans proviennent d’une plus faible mortalité par cause de décès sénescente. De plus, une diminution des principales causes de décès chez les personnes âgées de 65 ans et plus laisse place à une plus grande diversification de causes aux grands âges.
Improving Students’ Speaking Skill By Using Their Spoken Audio Recording In The Middle School
Authors: Widyawan Kristanto Wahyu , Hartati Elysa
Published: July 2017

The background of the study was based on phenomenon at the eighth grade students of SMP Bopkri Godean. Some of them were still too shy or even discourage to speak in English because they did not have enough idea of what to speak. It used their own audio voice recording in teaching English speaking to activate students’ ability in speaking English. So they will have something to speak. It will give positive outcome toward the problem. This was a classroom action research. The object of this study is the eighth class students of SMP Bopkri Godean. The methods of collecting data were using test and observation. The result of this study showed that in the pre cycle, the students’ average score was 41.96. In the first cycle, the students’ average score was 60.93. It means that there was a progress of students’ achievement after being taught by using their spoken audio recording. In the second cycle, the students’ average score was 75.93. Using their audio recording we were able to improve the students’ speaking ability because they became easier to express what they are going to say based on the prompt from us.
Redesigning English Syllabus And Lesson Plan For The First Graders Of Elementary School
Authors: Windyaningrum Shinta , Arini Restu
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe objectives of this research were: 1) to find out the strengths and weaknesses of English syllabus and lesson plan for the first graders used by the teacher in SD Panggang; (2) to explain the process of redesigning English syllabus and lesson plan; (3) to present the result of the implementation of redesigning English syllabus and lesson plan for the first graders of elementary school. This research was conducted by using Research and Development (R&D) method which involved eight phases to redesign syllabus and lesson plan. The instruments were used to collect the data by interviewing, observing classroom, and analyzing syllabus and lesson plan. The subject of this research were 30 students consisting of male and female students. The result of this research showed that English syllabus and lesson plan had the strengths and weaknesses. There were the strengths of syllabus including basic competence, assessments, and learning source. Whereas, the weaknesses of English syllabus, there were learning material, learning activity, indicator, and time allocation. Moreover the strengths of lesson plan covered identity column, standard competence; basic competency, and source of learning. The last was the weaknesses of lesson plan consisting of indicators, learning objectives, learning material, steps of learning, and rubric assessments. Then, the result of implementation for the first graders of elementary school was good. The students were very enthusiastic, happy and fun when they learnt English based on their needs.
The Effectiveness Of Animation Video In Teaching Speaking To Junior High School
Authors: Kurniati Kurniati
Published: July 2017

AbstractThere were many problems happened in the E n g l i s h l e a r n i n g p r o c e s s i n S M P N 1 S e ye g a n , s u c h a s ; (1) the students were afraid of expressing their ideas; (2) they were lack of vocabularies; (3) they were bored in studying English including in their learning speaking. Thus, this research was intended to find out the effectiveness of animation video in teaching speaking to seventh graders in SMP N 1 Seyegan-Sleman. It involved 32 students of 7A as experimental class and 7B as control class. It was experimental study to overcome students’ problem in learning English speaking skill and used pre-test and post-test as the instrument. The used design was quasi-experimental study. It was done with pre-test before treatments and post-test after having treatments. It was found that teaching speaking using animation video was effective. It can be seen from the result of the statistical computation using t- test. The t-test result of post-test in both of classes was 2.170 while t-table with the degree of freedom N-2 at 5% significance level was 1.999. It means that the result of the t-test was higher than ttable. Therefore, teaching speaking skill using animation video was considered effective. Based on this finding the researcher suggested to the teachers to use animation video in improving speaking skill especially for students in Junior High Schools.
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING INTEGRATED COUNSELING & TESTING CENTRE OF A PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE IN DELHI
Authors: Dahiya Neha , Bachani D , Das R , Rasania SK
Published: July 2017

Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global pandemic affecting principally the sexually active and economically productive population of any country. Additionally the dual epidemic of HIV and TB infection is of growing concern in Asia, where nearly two-third of TB-infected individuals live and where tuberculosis now accounts for 40 percent of HIV/AIDS deaths. Keeping this in mind, a study was conducted to understand the profile of HIV/AIDS patients attending Integrated Counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) located at Primary Health Centre, Palam in Delhi.Methodology: This was a descriptive record based study undertaken at ICTC, PHC PALAM, New Delhi. Records of all HIV seropositive patients identified in reference period (January 2010 to December 2014) were analyzed retrospectively to assess the socio-demographic and clinical profile including possible route of transmission, CD4 counts at the time of first reporting to the Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) centre and the presence of co-infections including tuberculosis were recorded. Total 77 HIV seropositive patients were identified.Results: Mean Age of presentation of male was 31.18 ± 8.85 years (12-60 years) and female 30.30 ± 10.07 years (7-53 years). Majority of HIV+ persons were married (16% of males and 6% females were unmarried).24% of women were widows. Majority of HIV+ males and females had only primary schooling. 11% males and 21% females were illiterate. Main occupations of HIV+ males were daily wages labor and salaried service or other unspecified four out of 5 HIV+ women were housewives 70% of subjects were either referred from RNTCP or were self reporting. Heterosexual route was the most common route of transmission. Mean CD4 counts Males: 190.48 ± 180.52, Females: 286.21 ± 220.25 (t=2.09; p=0.039, significant).At the time of first reporting to ART centers, mean CD4 count was significantly higher in HIV+ females as compared to males. More than 50% of HIV+ males and 30% of females had co-infection of HIV & TB. CD4 count was associated with gender and co-infection with TB. Significantly higher odds of HIV-TB co-infection among male as compared to females (chi-square=4.49, p=0.034) and odds Ratio=2.76(1.07 – 7.14)Conclusions: Low literacy and some occupations carry higher risk of HIV. CD4 count was associated with gender and co-infection with TB. Odds of co-infection with TB were higher in males. Analysis of information at ICTC & ART centre should be used to monitor and plan HIV prevention and control in the area.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2017; XIV(1), page: 22-26
EXTRA-PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS MIMICKING FRONTAL SINUSITIS
Authors: Singh I , Tandon Swati , Yadav SPS
Published: July 2017

Tuberculosis of paranasal sinuses is very rare. It is usually secondary to pulmonary Tuberculosis. Among the Paranasal sinuses, maxillary sinus is the most common to be involved by tuberculosis. Frontal sinus Tuberculosis is very rarely seen. We report a case of extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis of frontal sinus presenting as mucocele in a 40 year old female who presented with a painless swelling. Computed Tomographic scan of Paranasal Sinuses revealed it to be a mucocele but Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology clinched the diagnosis. It was managed conservatively by Anti Tubercular Treatment.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2017; XIV(1), page: 46-48
Transitional care services: a quality and safety process improvement program in neurosurgery
Authors: Robertson Faith C. , Logsdon Jessica L. , Dasenbrock Hormuzdiyar H. , Yan Sandra C. , Raftery Siobhan M. , Smith Timothy R. , Gormley William B.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE

Readmissions increasingly serve as a metric of hospital performance, inviting quality improvement initiatives in both medicine and surgery. However, few readmission reduction programs have targeted surgical patient populations. The objective of this study was to establish a transitional care program (TCP) with the goal of decreasing length of stay (LOS), improving discharge efficiency, and reducing readmissions of neurosurgical patients by optimizing patient education and postdischarge surveillance.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective cranial or spinal neurosurgery performed by one of 5 participating surgeons at a quaternary care hospital were enrolled into a multifaceted intervention. A preadmission overview and establishment of an anticipated discharge date were both intended to set patient expectations for a shorter hospitalization. At discharge, in-hospital prescription filling was provided to facilitate medication compliance. Extended discharge appointments with a neurosurgery TCP-trained nurse emphasized postoperative activity, medications, incisional care, nutrition, signs that merit return to medical attention, and follow-up appointments. Finally, patients received a surveillance phone call 48 hours after discharge. Eligible patients omitted due to staff limitations were selected as controls. Patients were matched by sex, age, and operation type—key confounding variables—with control patients, who were eligible patients treated at the same time period but not enrolled in the TCP due to staff limitation. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of TCP enrollment with discharge time and readmission, and linear regression with LOS. Covariates included matching criteria and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2015, 416 patients were enrolled in the program and matched to a control. The median patient age was 55 years (interquartile range 44.5–65 years); 58.4% were male. The majority of enrolled patients underwent spine surgery (59.4%, compared with 40.6% undergoing cranial surgery). Hospitalizations averaged 62.1 hours for TCP patients versus 79.6 hours for controls (a 16.40% reduction, 95% CI 9.30%–23.49%; p < 0.001). The intervention was associated with a higher proportion of morning discharges, which was intended to free beds for afternoon admissions and improve patient flow (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.27–4.30; p < 0.001), and decreased 30-day readmissions (2.5% vs 5.8%; OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.14–5.27; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This neurosurgical TCP was associated with a significantly shorter LOS, earlier discharge, and reduced 30-day readmission after elective neurosurgery. These results underscore the importance of patient education and surveillance after hospital discharge.
Inspection of diesel engine injectors by several electromagnetic nondestructive methods
Authors: Vértesy G. , Balassa P. , Gasparics A. , Tomáš I. , Mészáros I.
Published: July 2017

Improved eddy current techniques and a method of magnetic hysteresis measurement were applied for nondestructive inspection of thickness of the hardened surface layer of the steel injectors of diesel engines. A monotonic correlation was found with enough sensitivity and acceptable signal/noise ratio between the electromagnetic parameters and the thickness of the layer. Both the hysteresis and the eddy current methods show very similar types of the correlation. Based on these results, practical application of these novel methods can be realized instead of the presently used destructive tests for inspection of the steel injectors of diesel engines.
A simple test for measuring the shielding effectiveness of coaxial cables and connectors
Authors: Santos Kenedy Marconi G. , Novo Marcela Silva , Fontgalland Glauco , Perotoni Marcelo Bender
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a simple methodology to measure the shielding quality in coaxial cables and connectors through the Shielding Effectiveness (SE) parameter at high frequencies. The discovery of complications as soon as possible is of paramount importance in order to avoid unpredicted costs in advanced phases of the project. This proposal describes an SE measurement setup using standard Electromagnetic Compatibility instrumentation such as electric field probe, signal generator, and power meter in a semi-anechoic shielded chamber and comparing physical measurement with computational simulations. A virtual model has been created based upon the physical coaxial cable, respecting dimensions and materials characteristics. The agreement between measurements and simulations is good in the considered frequency range 240 MHz to 3 GHz.
Estimation of vitamin B12 in plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Hasnat Fahmida , Bhuiyan Habiba Akhter , Misbahuddin Mir
Published: July 2017

High performance liquid chromatography was used to develop and validate the detection of vitamin B12 in blood plasma sample. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of 0.025% trifluroacetic acid in deionized water and 30% methanol. The mixture used was adjusted to pH 2.9 and the flow rate was adjusted to 0.5 mL/min. The separation was achieved using C18 column maintained at 30ºC temperature and detection of vitamin B12 was conducted at maximum wavelength 230 nm.Video Clip of Methodology:Estimation of vitamin B12 in plasma by HPLC: 4 min 29 sec   Full Screen   Alternate
Electrochemical Biosensors for the Determination of Toxic Substances Related to Food Safety Developed in South America: Mycotoxins and Herbicides
Authors: Fernández Héctor , Arévalo Fernando J. , Granero Adrian M. , Robledo Sebastián N. , Nieto César H. Díaz , Riberi Walter I. , Zon María A.
Published: July 2017

The goal of achieving food safety and quality has become increasingly important in relevant areas. The achievement of this objective includes a significant effort in different areas related to the production of raw materials, storage, transportation, etc. One of the central areas in the verification of food safety and food quality control is related to the analysis of food components and, in particular, possible toxic substances that they may contain. Therefore, the demand for appropriate methods for the determination of these substances is increasingly demanding. Thus, not only is accuracy and precision sought in the results of the analysis, but also the speed, simplicity and lowering of costs. In this way, electrochemical techniques and, particularly, electrochemical biosensors have emerged in recent times as good candidates to satisfy such requirements. This review summarizes the advances made in research and development centers located in South American countries related to the development of electrochemical biosensors for the determination of toxic substances present in foods, particularly mycotoxins and herbicides.
Adaptive Fuzzy Control for Power-Frequency Characteristic Regulation in High-RES Power Systems
Authors: Rikos Evangelos , Caerts Chris , Cabiati Mattia , Syed Mazheruddin , Burt Graeme
Published: July 2017

Future power systems control will require large-scale activation of reserves at distribution level. Despite their high potential, distributed energy resources (DER) used for frequency control pose challenges due to unpredictability, grid bottlenecks, etc. To deal with these issues, this study presents a novel strategy of power frequency characteristic dynamic adjustment based on the imbalance state. This way, the concerned operators become aware of the imbalance location but also a more accurate redistribution of responsibilities in terms of reserves activations is achieved. The proposed control is based on the concept of “cells” which are power systems with operating capabilities and responsibilities similar to control areas (CAs), but fostering the use of resources at all voltage levels, particularly distribution grids. Control autonomy of cells allows increased RES hosting. In this study, the power frequency characteristic of a cell is adjusted in real time by means of a fuzzy controller, which curtails part of the reserves, in order to avoid unnecessary deployment throughout a synchronous area, leading to a more localised activation and reducing losses, congestions and reserves exhaustion. Simulation tests in a four-cell reference power system prove that the controller significantly reduces the use of reserves without compromising the overall stability.
Alternative for Summer Use of Solar Air Heaters in Existing Buildings
Authors: González-González Sergio L. , Tejero-González Ana , Rey-Martínez Francisco J. , Andrés-Chicote Manuel
Published: July 2017

Among solar thermal technologies for indoor heating, solar air heaters (SAH) are appealing for implementation on existing buildings due to their simplicity, fewer risks related to the working fluid, and possible independence from the building structure. However, existing research work mainly focuses on winter use and still fails in providing effective solutions for yearly operation, which would enhance their interest. With the aim of analysing an alternative summer use, this work firstly characterises a double channel-single pass solar air collector through experimentation. From the obtained results, modelling and simulation tasks have been conducted to evaluate the possibilities of using hot air, provided by the SAH, while operating under summer conditions within a closed loop, to feed an air-to-water heat exchanger for domestic hot water (DHW) production. The system is studied through simulation under two different configurations for a case study in Valladolid (Spain), during the period from May to September for different airflows in the closed loop. Results show that daily savings can vary from 27% to 85% among the different operating conditions; a configuration where make-up water is fed to the heat exchanger being preferable, with a dedicated water tank for the solar heated water storage of the minimum possible volume. The more favourable results for the harshest months highlight the interest of extending the use of the solar air heaters to the summer period.
Combustion-Related Properties of Poplar, Willow and Black Locust to be used as Fuels in Power Plants
Authors: Monedero Esperanza , Hernández Juan , Collado Rocío
Published: July 2017

The physical and thermochemical properties of three short rotation forestry crops (poplar, willow and black locust) have been determined and compared in order to evaluate their suitability (energy potential and combustion-related operation problems) to be used in energy devices. The planting density was 6666 in a rotation of four years and the analysis were performed at the end of the first rotation. The three species showed significant differences regarding production, moisture and ash content, heating value and bulk density. The results obtained allow to establish priorities between species according to the expectable combustion behavior, willow being the most appropriate. Results indicate no problems related to SOx and NOx emissions. Moreover, the alkali metals determined in the fuel together with the chlorine content suggest no operation problems related with fouling or harmful corrosion.
Investigation of Processes of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures by PFC Modeling Comparing against Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhang Luqing , Braun Anika , Han Zhenhua
Published: July 2017

Hydraulic fracturing technology is usually used to stimulate tight gas reservoirs for increasing gas production. The stimulated volume depends in part on the pre-existing natural fractures in a reservoir. The mechanisms influencing the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures have to be well understood in order to achieve a successful application of hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, hydraulic fracturing simulations were performed based on a two-dimensional Particle Flow Code with an embedded Smooth Joint Model to investigate the interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures and compare these against laboratory experimental results and analytical models. Firstly, the ability of the Smooth Joint Model to mimic the natural rock joints was validated. Secondly, the interactions between generated hydraulic fractures and natural fractures were simulated. Lastly, the influence of angle of approach, in situ differential stress, and the permeability of natural fractures was studied. It is found that the model is capable of simulating the variety of interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures such as Crossed type, Arrested type and Dilated type, and the modeling examples agree well with the experimental results. Under high approach angles and high differential stresses, the hydraulic fractures tend to cross pre-existing natural fractures. Under contrary conditions, a hydraulic fracture is more likely to propagate along the natural fracture and re-initiate at a weak point or the tip of the natural fracture. Moreover, these numerical results are in good agreement compared with Blanton’s criterion. The variety of permeability of natural fractures has a great effect on their interactions, which should not be overlooked in hydraulic fracturing studies.
Groundwater Engineering in an Environmentally Sensitive Urban Area: Assessment, Landuse Change/Infrastructure Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Authors: Yihdego Yohannes , Danis Cara , Paffard Andrew
Published: July 2017

A rise in the shallow unconfined groundwater at a site in Australia is causing water logging of the underground facility in the affected area. Realizing this problem, a study was conducted to identify the source of water that is causing the rise and to develop an implementation and operation plan of the mitigation (dewatering system). Modelling was undertaken using MODFLOW-SURFACT code, within the framework of Visual MODFLOW, to assess the spatial and temporal groundwater level at the site. The study undertaken incorporates compilation and assessment of available data, including a list of factual information reviewed, development of a conceptual groundwater model for the site and modelling of the pre and post development conditions. The outcomes of the assessment indicate water level rises due to the construction of the embankment are likely less than 0.12 m and changes in land, such as affected area burial, may change aquifer characteristics more significantly than the embankment. It is concluded that the elevated groundwater levels in the affected area are most likely a result of above average rainfall since 2007 and long term cumulative land use changes. The embankment construction is just one of many land use changes that have occurred both within and surrounding the affected area and likely only a minor contributor to the elevated water levels. Greater contribution may be attributed to re-direction of the natural flow paths the railway culvert weir reducing the overland flow gradient and ongoing changes (burial) within the affected area and including the embankment. The model findings gives answers on what factors may be/are causing/contributing to, the higher than usual groundwater levels in the study area. A combination of drainage and/or pumping (dewatering system) is suggested as a solution to overcome the problem of rising groundwater levels at the site. Further, the model output can aid in assessing mitigation options, including horizontal drainage networks and pumping to control for the rising water table conditions in the area, depending on the level of treatment and pathogenic criteria.
Into the Woods or a Stroll in the Park: How Virtual Contact with Nature Impacts Positive and Negative Affect
Authors: McAllister Elizabeth , Bhullar Navjot , Schutte Nicola S.
Published: July 2017

This study examined the effects of virtual contact with nature on positive and negative affect, and investigated the psychological process of perceived restorativeness as a mediator of this relationship. A sample of 220 Australians aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 49.07, SD = 14.34, female = 72%) participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three experimental conditions experienced through video presentations: (1) ‘wild’ nature, (2) ‘urban’ nature, and (3) non-nature control. They then completed measures of perceived restorativeness as well as positive and negative affect. Compared to the non-nature control condition, the experience of wild nature resulted in significantly higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect. The experience of urban nature resulted in significantly lower levels of negative affect only compared to the non-nature control video. Experience of wild and urban nature resulted in greater perceptions of restorativeness as compared to the non-nature control video. Restorativeness was a significant underlying psychological mediating path through which nature experience exerted its influence on affect. These results have the potential to inform nature-based green care interventions for mental health as well as for urban planning to maximize beneficial effects of natural environments.
Occupational Class Differences in Trajectories of Working Conditions in Women
Authors: Raittila Simo , Rahkonen Ossi , Lahelma Eero , Alho Juha , Kouvonen Anne
Published: July 2017

The aim was to examine occupational class differences in trajectories of working conditions in ageing female municipal employees. Longitudinal survey data were collected among 40 to 60-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland. The 2000–2002 baseline survey (N = 8960, response rate 67%) was followed up in 2007 and 2012. Only those female participants who remained employed through all three phases were included (n = 2540). The effects of age, occupational class, and time period on physical and psychosocial working conditions were estimated using a mixed linear growth model. Physical workload decreased with age, except for manual workers, for whom there was no change. Manual workers also had less control over their work than managers and professionals, semi-professionals, or routine non-manual employees. Job control declined similarly in all occupational classes. Although occupational class differences in the levels of job demands were found, with the managers and professionals reporting the most increased demands, job demands were fairly stable and there was virtually no age or period associated linear change in them. Age trajectories in physical workload differ by occupational class, and the differences in psychosocial working conditions between occupational classes do not converge with age.
lncRNAs and MYC: An Intricate Relationship
Authors: Iaccarino Ingram
Published: July 2017

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of gene expression networks, acting either at the transcriptional level, by influencing histone modifications, or at the post-transcriptional level, by controlling mRNA stability and translation. Among the gene expression networks known to influence the process of oncogenic transformation, the one controlled by the proto-oncogene MYC is one of the most frequently deregulated in cancer. In B-cell lymphomas, the MYC gene is subject to chromosomal rearrangements that result in MYC overexpression. In many other cancers, the region surrounding MYC is subject to gene amplification. MYC expression is also controlled at the level of protein and mRNA stability. Neoplastic lesions affecting MYC expression are responsible for a drastic change in the number and the type of genes that are transcriptionally controlled by MYC, depending on differential promoter affinities. Transcriptome profiling of tumor samples has shown that several lncRNAs can be found differentially regulated by MYC in different cancer types and many of them can influence cancer cell viability and proliferation. At the same time, lncRNAs have been shown to be able to control the expression of MYC itself, both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Given that targeting the MYC-dependent transcriptional program has the potential to reach broad anticancer activity, molecular dissection of the complex regulatory mechanisms governing MYC expression will be crucial in the future for the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
Current Knowledge on the Use of Computational Toxicology in Hazard Assessment of Metallic Engineered Nanomaterials
Authors: Chen Guangchao , Peijnenburg Willie , Xiao Yinlong , Vijver Martina
Published: July 2017

As listed by the European Chemicals Agency, the three elements in evaluating the hazards of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) include the integration and evaluation of toxicity data, categorization and labeling of ENMs, and derivation of hazard threshold levels for human health and the environment. Assessing the hazards of ENMs solely based on laboratory tests is time-consuming, resource intensive, and constrained by ethical considerations. The adoption of computational toxicology into this task has recently become a priority. Alternative approaches such as (quantitative) structure–activity relationships ((Q)SAR) and read-across are of significant help in predicting nanotoxicity and filling data gaps, and in classifying the hazards of ENMs to individual species. Thereupon, the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach is able to serve the establishment of ENM hazard thresholds sufficiently protecting the ecosystem. This article critically reviews the current knowledge on the development of in silico models in predicting and classifying the hazard of metallic ENMs, and the development of SSDs for metallic ENMs. Further discussion includes the significance of well-curated experimental datasets and the interpretation of toxicity mechanisms of metallic ENMs based on reported models. An outlook is also given on future directions of research in this frontier.
Epigenetic Modifications and Head and Neck Cancer: Implications for Tumor Progression and Resistance to Therapy
Authors: Castilho Rogerio , Squarize Cristiane , Almeida Luciana
Published: July 2017

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer and one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide. Despite continuous efforts to identify molecular markers for early detection, and to develop efficient treatments, the overall survival and prognosis of HNSCC patients remain poor. Accumulated scientific evidences suggest that epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone covalent modifications, chromatin remodeling and non-coding RNAs, are frequently involved in oral carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to therapy. Epigenetic alterations occur in an unsystematic manner or as part of the aberrant transcriptional machinery, which promotes selective advantage to the tumor cells. Epigenetic modifications also contribute to cellular plasticity during tumor progression and to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumor cells with self-renewal ability. CSCs are involved in the development of intrinsic or acquired therapy resistance, and tumor recurrences or relapse. Therefore, the understanding and characterization of epigenetic modifications associated with head and neck carcinogenesis, and the prospective identification of epigenetic markers associated with CSCs, hold the promise for novel therapeutic strategies to fight tumors. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on epigenetic modifications observed in HNSCC and emerging Epi-drugs capable of sensitizing HNSCC to therapy.
miR-206-3p Inhibits 3T3-L1 Cell Adipogenesis via the c-Met/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Tang Renqiao , Ma Feifei , Li Wei , Ouyang Shengrong , Liu Zhuo , Wu Jianxin
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators during adipocyte adipogenesis. MiR-206-3p, a tissue-specific miRNA, is absent in white adipocytes. In this study, we examined the roles of mmu-miR-206-3p in the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The miR-206-3p expression has shown an apparent decreasing trend after induction, and sustained low expression throughout the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. miR-206-3p blocked the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells by attenuating c-Met expression; the inhibition effect of miR-206 to the adipogenic differentiation can be counteracted by restoring c-Met expression. In addition, miR-206-3p decreased the phosphorylation of Akt, which is the downstream effector of c-Met in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These data indicate that miR-206-3p inhibits adipocyte adipogenesis through silencing c-Met and subsequently inactivating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Distinct Mechanisms Underlying Resveratrol-Mediated Protection from Types of Cellular Stress in C6 Glioma Cells
Authors: Means John , Gerdes Bryan , Koulen Peter
Published: July 2017

The polyphenolic phytostilbene, trans-resveratrol, is found in high amounts in several types and tissues of plants, including grapes, and has been proposed to have beneficial effects in the central nervous system due to its activity as an antioxidant. The objective of the present study was to identify the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of resveratrol under conditions of oxidative stress or DNA damage, induced by the extracellularly applied oxidant, tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide, or UV-irradiation, respectively. In C6 glioma cells, a model system for glial cell biology and pharmacology, resveratrol was protective against both types of insult. Prevention of tau protein cleavage and of the formation of neurofibrillary tangles were identified as mechanisms of action of resveratrol-mediated protection in both paradigms of cellular damage. However, depending on the type of insult, resveratrol exerted its protective activity differentially: under conditions of chemically induced oxidative stress, inhibition of caspase activity, while with DNA damage, resveratrol regulated tau phosphorylation at Ser422. Results advance our understanding of resveratrol’s complex impact on cellular signaling pathway and contribute to the notion of resveratrol’s role as a pleiotropic therapeutic agent.
The Effects of Haemophilia on the Postural Control of Adolescents
Authors: Thabti Hafedh , Beausoleil Sarah , Hue Olivier
Published: July 2017

A small number of studies have reported that children and adults with haemophilia have impaired balance control and show faster body sway during upright stance than healthy individuals. A decrease of somatosensory information due to multiple bleedings has been suggested to explain this difference. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine if haemophilia is related to a decreased balance control under altered visual and proprioceptive conditions in male adolescents. Postural sway of healthy (n = 12, Age = 14.8 ± 1.4 years; BMI = 19.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2) and haemophiliac (n = 8, Age = 15.0 ± 1.4 years; BMI = 20.4 ± 3.2 kg/m2) male adolescents was measured with a force platform for normal quiet stance lasting 30 s with open and closed eyes on hard and foam floor conditions. The ANOVA revealed a significant Group × Vision × Proprioception (F(1,18) = 5.861, p < 0.05) interaction. Both groups showed an increased centre of pressure (COP) speed when vision and proprioception are challenged. Planned comparisons revealed that the haemophiliac group oscillated at a faster COP speed than the healthy group when vision is altered in hard floor (1.11 ± 0.27 versus 0.76 ± 0.19 cm/s; p < 0.05) and foam floor (6.83 ± 1.68 versus 4.89 ± 1.05 cm/s; p < 0.01) conditions. More important, haemophiliac adolescents were more disturbed by the proprioceptive condition and had a significantly higher COP speed on the foam even if vision is available (3.02 ± 0.47 versus 2.34 ± 0.45 cm/s; p < 0.05) compared to the healthy adolescents. In conclusion, haemophilia clearly affects postural control in altered sensory conditions. Our results suggest that haemophilia has a negative impact on the capacity of male adolescents to adequately use proprioceptive information for posture control.
Role of the p-Coumaroyl Moiety in the Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects of Flavonoid Glycosides: Comparison of Astragalin and Tiliroside
Authors: Li Xican , Tian Yage , Wang Tingting , Lin Qiaoqi , Feng Xiaoyi , Jiang Qian , Liu Yamei , Chen Dongfeng
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to explore the role of p-coumaroyl in the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of flavonoid glycosides. The antioxidant effects of astragalin and tiliroside were compared using ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, DPPH• scavenging, ABTS•+ scavenging, •O2– scavenging, and Fe2+-chelating assays. The results of these assays revealed that astragalin and tiliroside both exhibited dose-dependent activities; however, tiliroside exhibited lower IC50 values than astragalin. In the Fe2+-chelating assay, tiliroside gave a larger shoulder-peak at 510 nm than astragalin, and was also found to be darker in color. Both of these compounds were subsequently evaluated in a Fenton-induced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) damaged assay, where tiliroside performed more effectively as a cytoprotective agent than astragalin. Tiliroside bearing a 6′′-O-p-coumaroyl moiety exhibits higher antioxidant and cytoprotective effects than astragalin. The 6′′-O-p-coumaroyl moiety of tiliroside not only enhances the possibility of electron-transfer and hydrogen-atom-transfer-based multi-pathways, but also enhances the likelihood of Fe-chelating. The p-coumaroylation of the 6"-OH position could therefore be regarded as a potential approach for improving the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of flavonoid glycosides in MSC implantation therapy.
Isolation and Characterization of Aphidicolin Derivatives from Tolypocladium inflatum
Authors: Lin Jie , Niu Shubin , Ding Zhengfeng , Wang Renlei , Dai Qun , Wei Wei , Luo Rongrong , Liu Ling
Published: July 2017

Inflatin G (1), a new aphidicolin analogue, together with seven known compounds inflatin A (2), inflatin B (3), aphidicolin (4), aphidicolin-17-monoacetate (5), gulypyrone A (6), pyridoxatin rotamers A (7) and B (8), were isolated from the ascomycete fungus Tolypocladium inflatum. Their structures were determined through NMR analyses and the circular dichroism data of the in situ formed [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complexes. Compounds 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 showed modest cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines A549, CNE1-MP1, A375, and MCF-7.
Challenges in Wireless System Integration as Enablers for Indoor Context Aware Environments
Authors: López-Iturri Peio , Aguirre Erik , Azpilicueta Leyre , Astrain José , Villandangos Jesús , Falcone Francisco
Published: July 2017

The advent of fully interactive environments within Smart Cities and Smart Regions requires the use of multiple wireless systems. In the case of user-device interaction, which finds multiple applications such as Ambient Assisted Living, Intelligent Transportation Systems or Smart Grids, among others, large amount of transceivers are employed in order to achieve anytime, anyplace and any device connectivity. The resulting combination of heterogeneous wireless network exhibits fundamental limitations derived from Coverage/Capacity relations, as a function of required Quality of Service parameters, required bit rate, energy restrictions and adaptive modulation and coding schemes. In this context, inherent transceiver density poses challenges in overall system operation, given by multiple node operation which increases overall interference levels. In this work, a deterministic based analysis applied to variable density wireless sensor network operation within complex indoor scenarios is presented, as a function of topological node distribution. The extensive analysis derives interference characterizations, both for conventional transceivers as well as wearables, which provide relevant information in terms of individual node configuration as well as complete network layout.
Fabrication of Flexible Arrayed Lactate Biosensor Based on Immobilizing LDH-NAD+ on NiO Film Modified by GO and MBs
Authors: Chou Jung-Chuan , Yan Siao-Jie , Liao Yi-Hung , Lai Chih-Hsien , Wu You-Xiang , Wu Cian-Yi , Chen Hsiang-Yi , Huang Hong-Yu , Wu Tong-Yu
Published: July 2017

We proposed the flexible arrayed lactate biosensor based on immobilizing l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( NAD + ) on nickel oxide (NiO) film, and which the average sensitivity could be enhanced by using graphene oxide (GO) and magnetic beads (MBs). By using GO and MBs, it exhibits excellent sensitivity (45.397 mV/mM) with a linearity of 0.992 in a range of 0.2 mM to 3 mM. According to the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the electron transfer resistance of LDH- NAD + -MBs/GPTS/GO/NiO film was smaller than those of LDH-NAD+/GPTS/GO/NiO film and LDH- NAD + /GPTS/NiO film, and it presented the outstanding electron transfer ability. After that, the limit of detection, anti-interference effect and bending test were also investigated.
Real-Time Communication Support for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Santos Rodrigo , Orozco Javier , Micheletto Matias , Ochoa Sergio , Meseguer Roc , Millan Pere , Molina Carlos
Published: July 2017

Underwater sensor networks represent an important and promising field of research due to the large diversity of underwater ubiquitous applications that can be supported by these networks, e.g., systems that deliver tsunami and oil spill warnings, or monitor submarine ecosystems. Most of these monitoring and warning systems require real-time communication in wide area networks that have a low density of nodes. The underwater communication medium involved in these networks is very harsh and imposes strong restrictions to the communication process. In this scenario, the real-time transmission of information is done mainly using acoustic signals, since the network nodes are not physically close. The features of the communication scenario and the requirements of the communication process represent major challenges for designers of both, communication protocols and monitoring and warning systems. The lack of models to represent these networks is the main stumbling block for the proliferation of underwater ubiquitous systems. This paper presents a real-time communication model for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UW-ASN) that are designed to cover wide areas with a low density of nodes, using any-to-any communication. This model is analytic, considers two solution approaches for scheduling the real-time messages, and provides a time-constraint analysis for the network performance. Using this model, the designers of protocols and underwater ubiquitous systems can quickly prototype and evaluate their solutions in an evolving way, in order to determine the best solution to the problem being addressed. The suitability of the proposal is illustrated with a case study that shows the performance of a UW-ASN under several initial conditions. This is the first analytic model for representing real-time communication in this type of network, and therefore, it opens the door for the development of underwater ubiquitous systems for several application scenarios.