bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Andria Torkvato Brlic as a publisher of the Ottoman Turkish narative sources for Serbian national history
Authors: Colic Ljiljana
Published: December 2014

The study focuses on the activities of Andria Torkvato Brlic as a publisher
of Ottoman Turkish narrative sources for Serbian national history. Although
he did not know Ottoman Turkish language, in his intellectual engagement Mr.
Brlic focused the greatest attention to the researches of Turkish (Ottoman)
historical sources for Serbian national history. The lack of this knowledge
he tried to compensate by using the German translation made by Walther
Berhnauer. Apart from its presence in Serbian historiography, the work and
efforts of Mr. Andria Torkvato Brlic with the aim to work on the awakening of
the national consciousness and keeping cultural and spiritual identity of the
Serbian people has not yet been recognized in the full measure. Moreover, in
spite of the fact that he was a pionir in this field, his publication was
lately strongly criticized.
Poslanica cara Avgara Isusu Hristu prema Srpskom prepisu s kraja XIII - pocetka XIV veka
Authors: Jovanovic Tomislav
Published: December 2014

nema
Investigating the Impact of Temperature Changes, Material Aging, and Service Load on the Strain of a Reinforced Concrete Construction
Authors: Kanciruk Adam
Published: December 2014

Intensive exploitation of coal beds in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin led to the degradation of the Katowice-Muchowiec civilian/military airport. As a result, it became necessary to adapt the Pyrzowice military airport for use as a public transport facility. This involved reconstruction of a hangar located at the airport. As part of this process, a new hangar slab was constructed, designed in such a way as to bear the load of passenger aircraft. In the area of the greatest wheel load to the slab, three strain rosettes were installed for the purpose of monitoring the slab strain. The mointoring process - which has been automatically conducted for almost three years now - revealed deformations resulting from service load, the aging of reinforced concrete, and changes of its temperature.
The Numerical Simulation of a Sudden Inflow of Methane into the end Segment of a Longwall with Y-Type Ventilation System
Authors: Krawczyk Jerzy , Janus Jakub
Published: December 2014

Present paper is an analysis of the propagation of methane in the end segment of a longwall ventilated by means of the Y-type ventilation system. The propagation in question occurs as a result of sudden inflows of methane from the adjacent goaf. Relevant simulations for multiple variants were carried out using the Finite Volume Method. As part of the process of verifying the adopted numerical methods, the simulation of the stationary propagation of methane under conditions corresponding to in-situ measurements, and in relation to the end segment of the CW-4 longwall in the „Budryk” coliery, was carried out. The dimensions adopted were consistent with the data obtained in the course of in-situ measurements. The model encompassed eight sections of a powered roof support, a segment of a temporary support, and a fragment of the CW-4 heading. The distributions of velocity for the SST k-ω and SAS turbulence models were compared with the data from the in-situ measurements. The highest compatibility with the results of the flow velocity measurements was demonstrated in the case of the SAS model. The verified models were subsequently used in the process of simulating the results of sudden, local methane inflows from the goaf adjacent to the temporary support, as well as from underneath the shield of the fifth section. The simulation results were presented as a sequence of methane concentration distributions, on selected internal surfaces of the computational domain.
The Application of Coreless Inductors for Displacement Measurements in Laboratory Investigations of Rock Properties
Authors: Nurkowski Janusz
Published: December 2014

The paper presented the coreless inductive sensor, its construction and principle of operation. The impact of temperature on the outcome of a measurement performed with the inductor was discusses, together with the possibility of temperature compensation of the inductor’s performance. Subsequently, the reasons for limited measurement accuracy and resolution were discussed, particularly under the variable pressure in the order of some hundreds MPa. Two types of such sensor were presented: a sensor for measuring linear strains, e.g. during compressibility measurements, and an sensor for measuring circumferential strains during triaxial compression tests. Additionally, the manners of fixing the sensor on rock samples were presented. Finally, some examples of the sensor application were shown, together with the results of measurements of deformations of rock samples - especially in cases when resistance gauges cannot be used, and the samples are subjected to a load in the uniaxial and triaxial system, under the hydrostatic pressure of up to 400 MPa and the normal one.
A Complex Use of the Materials Extracted from an Open-Cast Lignite Mine
Authors: Buryan Petr , Bučko Zdeněk , Mika Petr
Published: December 2014

The company Sokolovská uhelná, was the largest producer of city gas in the Czech Republic. After its substitution by natural gas the gasification technology became the basis of the production of electricity in the combine cycle power plant with total output 400 MW. For the possibility of gasification of liquid by- -products forming during the coal gasification a entrained-flow gasifier capable to process also alternative liquid fuels has been in installed. The concentrated waste gas with these sulphur compounds is conducted to the desulphurisation where the highly desired, pure, 96 % H2SO4 is produced.

Briquettable brown coal is crushed, milled and dried and then it is passed into briquetting presses where briquettes, used mainly as a fuel in households, are pressed without binder in the punch under the pressure of 175 MPa. Fine brown coal dust (multidust) is commercially used for heat production in pulverized-coal burners. It forms not only during coal drying after separation on electrostatic separators, but it is also acquired by milling of dried coal in a vibratory bar mill.

Slag from boilers of classical power plant, cinder form generators and ashes deposited at the dump are dehydrated and they are used as a quality bedding material during construction of communications in the mines of SUAS. Fly ash is used in building industry for partial substitution of cement in concrete. Flue gases after separation of fly ash are desulphurized by wet limestone method, where the main product is gypsum used, among others, in the building industry.

Expanded clays from overburdens of coal seams, that are raw material for the production of “Liapor” artificial aggregate, are used heavily. This artificial aggregate is characterized by outstanding thermal and acoustic insulating properties.
From the Birth of the Smokers' Clinic to the Invention of Nicorette: Problematizing Smoking as Addiction in Sweden 1955-1971
Authors: Elam Mark
Published: December 2014

Aim

To discuss how scientific confirmation of cigarette smoking as a major contemporary drug problem during the 1980s was preceded by a rising tide of clinical and pharmaceutical innovation dedicated to treating smoking as a problem of addiction.

Background

This current of innovation, commencing already in the 1950s, carried the smokers' clinic and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) into the world, both of which were originally invented and pioneered in Sweden. It is argued that both of these inventions were vital for advancing the problematization of smoking as a matter of nicotine addiction. While the British doctor Lennox Johnston is well-known for his early attempts to demonstrate the reality of smoking as nicotine addiction through auto-experimentation, the historical significance of Börje Ejrup's founding of the first smokers' clinics in Stockholm in the late 1950s has not been widely commented upon. Attempting to remedy this situation, the rise and fall of Ejrup's clinics deploying lobeline substitution therapy as a cure for ‘nicotinism’ is outlined in the main body of the paper.

Findings

Although the clinical treatment of smoking as addiction lost momentum during the 1960s, the invention of Nicorette gum in southern Sweden at the end of the decade provided renewed impetus. Commencing in Helsingborg and Lund in 1970, the smokers' clinic and NRTs entered into the long-term service of each other; a new combination that in just over a decade would succeed in propagating the reality of smoking as nicotine addiction on to a global stage.
Construction and Handling of Drug Problems in Denmark from the 1870s to the 1980s
Authors: Houborg Esben
Published: December 2014

Aim

To present a historical account of how addiction has been conceptualized and handled in Denmark from the 1870s to the 1980s.

Design

Analytically the account is inspired by elements from Michel Foucaults archeology of knowledge by focusing on how established ways of thinking, talking and acting in relation to drugs and drug use from time to time were challenged by changes with regard to which drugs were used, how they were used and by whom they were used.

Findings

The account is structured in four parts that covers the dominating ways of conceptualizing and handling drug related problems in four different periods. These periods are: (1) the era of ‘chronic morphinism’, (2) the era of ‘euphomania’ and the emergence of drug use as a criminological issue, (3) the era of ‘youth-euphomania’ and (4) the emergence of harm reduction as a way to conceptualize and handle drug related problems.
Medicalisation of the Social Perspective: Changing Conceptualisations of Drug Problems in Finnish Social Care and Substance abuse Treatment
Authors: Rosenqvist Pia , Stenius Kerstin
Published: December 2014

Aims

Starting from the notion of the Finnish “non-medical approach” in the handling of alcohol and drug problems, this article analyses expressions of the medicalisation of drug problems and drug users in Finnish social work and specialised substance abuse treatment. The article focuses on the first drug wave, in the 1960s, and the second, at the end of the 1990s.

Design

The data consists of all texts on illegal drugs found in the years 1968-1972 and 1997-2001 in two leading journals of social work, one from the social care and social service field, the other issued by the key provider of specialist substance abuse treatment. The texts were systematically analysed (author(s), problem descriptions, suggested solutions, and words used for the problem and the drug user).

Results

In both periods, we found in the journals a social perspective on drugs and drug problems. There is more emphasis on prevention and more optimism on the possibilities of prevention in the first than in the second period. During the first period the call for medicine or medical solutions are few and the medical voices rare. Medical expertise gets more space in both journals in the second period. The predominant understanding of the problem changes from drugs as part of a new youth culture, possibly an epidemic in the first period, to a dependence/addiction in the second. The description of the user shifts from a young person to a (marginalised) dependent or addict. The proposed solutions in the 1960s are (youth focused) social policy and social change, while the 1990s solutions highlight refined treatment and more specific interventions. The society seems difficult to change, and so do the established institutions.

Conclusions

The medicalisation of the Finnish perspective on drugs in the 1990s is expressed through a narrowing of perspective on illegal drugs as social problems. While present, the social perspective is impotent.
A new porphyrin sensitizer with phenolic binding group for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jin Liguo , Wang Hongjie , Wang Shuo , Wen Liping , Zhai Jin , Wei Tianxin
Published: December 2014

A novel zinc porphyrin (5,10,15-tri-dodecoxyphenyl-20-(4-hydroxyphenyl-azo-benzenyl)-porphyrinatozinc (tdhab-ZnP)) with benzenyl-azo-phenolic group, able to adsorb on the nanocrystalline-TiO2 film, has been synthesized. We constructed a dye-sensitized solar cell based on the nanocrystalline-TiO2 hierarchical structure film, with a power conversion efficiency of 4.15 % and a high current density of 14 mA/cm2 under AM 1.5 irradiation. UV-Vis absorption spectra measurements indicated that the tdhab-ZnP molecules formed a charge transfer complex with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through the phenolic group. Cyclic voltammetry measurement showed that the charge separation resulting from the tdhab-ZnP excited singlet state to the conduction band (CB) of TiO2 and charge shifting from the I−/I3− couple to the porphyrin radical cation were thermodynamically feasible.
First-principles investigation of the structural stability and electronic properties of Pd doped monoclinic Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compounds
Authors: Shao Wei-Quan , Lu Wen-Cai , Chen Sha-Ou
Published: December 2014

Tri-layer Au/Pd/Ni(P) films have been widely used as surface finish over the Cu pads in high-end packaging applications. It was found that a thin (Cu,Pd)6Sn5 IMC layer was beneficial in effective reducing inter-diffusion between a Cu substrate and a solder, and therefore the growth of the IMC layer and the EM (electromigration) processes. In this study, the structural properties and phase stability of monoclinic Cu6Sn5-based structures with Pd substitutions were studied by using the first-principles method. The (Cu,Pd)6Sn5 structure with the 4e site substituted by Pd has the lowest heat of formation and is the most stable among (Cu,Pd)6Sn5 structures. Hybridization of Pd-d and Sn-p states is a dominant factor for stability improvement. Moreover, Pd atoms concentration corresponding to the most stable structure of (Cu,Pd)6Sn5 was found to be 1.69 %, which is consistent with the experimental results.
Walking Dynamics in Preadolescents With and Without Down Syndrome
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Beerse Matthew , Ajisafe Toyin , Liang Huaqing
Published: December 2014

Background

A force-driven harmonic oscillator (FDHO) model reveals the elastic property of general muscular activity during walking.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether children with Down syndrome (DS) have a lower K/G ratio, a primary variable derived from the FDHO model, compared with children with typical development during overground and treadmill walking and whether children with DS can adapt the K/G ratio to walking speeds, external ankle load, and a treadmill setting.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was used that included 26 children with and without DS, aged 7 to 10 years, for overground walking and 20 of them for treadmill walking in a laboratory setting.

Methods

During overground walking, participants walked at 2 speeds: normal and fastest speed. During treadmill walking, participants walked at 75% and 100% of their preferred overground speed. Two load conditions were manipulated for both overground and treadmill walking: no load and an ankle load that was equal to 2% of body mass on each side.

Results

Children with DS showed a K/G ratio similar to that of their healthy peers and increased this ratio with walking speed regardless of ankle load during overground walking. Children with DS produced a lower K/G ratio at the fast speed of treadmill walking without ankle load, but ankle load helped them produce a K/G ratio similar to that of their healthy peers.

Limitations

The FDHO model cannot specify what muscles are used or how muscles are coordinated for a given motor task.

Conclusions

Children with DS show elastic property of general muscular activity similar to their healthy peers during overground walking. External ankle load helps children with DS increase general muscular activity and match their healthy peers while walking fast on a treadmill.
Legal Challenges and Pitfalls for Start-up Companies – 48 Common Questions and Answers
Authors: Staehelin Matthias
Published: December 2014

Transforming a business idea into reality requires a legal implementation plan. The following 48 questions and answers address key issues that typically arise in start-up situations. Early planning can help avoid costly mistakes.
The Health Valley: Global Entrepreneurial Dynamics
Authors: Dubuis Benoit
Published: December 2014

In the space of a decade, the Lake Geneva region has become the Health Valley, a world-class laboratory for discovering and developing healthcare of the future. Through visionary individuals and thanks to exceptional infrastructure this region has become one of the most dynamic in the
field of innovation, including leading scientific research and exceptional actors for the commercialization of academic innovation to industrial applications that will improve the lives of patients and their families. Here follows the chronicle of a spectacular expansion into the Health Valley.
Student, School, and Country Differences in Sustained Test-Taking Effort in the 2009 PISA Reading Assessment
Authors: Debeer Dries , Buchholz Janine , Hartig Johannes , Janssen Rianne
Published: December 2014

In this article, the change in examinee effort during an assessment, which we will refer to as persistence, is modeled as an effect of item position. A multilevel extension is proposed to analyze hierarchically structured data and decompose the individual differences in persistence. Data from the 2009 Program of International Student Achievement (PISA) reading assessment from N = 467,819 students from 65 countries are analyzed with the proposed model, and the results are compared across countries. A decrease in examinee effort during the PISA reading assessment was found consistently across countries, with individual differences within and between schools. Both the decrease and the individual differences are more pronounced in lower performing countries. Within schools, persistence is slightly negatively correlated with reading ability; but at the school level, this correlation is positive in most countries. The results of our analyses indicate that it is important to model and control examinee effort in low-stakes assessments.
Improving Measurement Precision of Hierarchical Latent Traits Using Adaptive Testing
Authors: Wang Chun
Published: December 2014

Many latent traits in social sciences display a hierarchical structure, such as intelligence, cognitive ability, or personality. Usually a second-order factor is linearly related to a group of first-order factors (also called domain abilities in cognitive ability measures), and the first-order factors directly govern the actual item responses. Because only a subtest of items is used to measure each domain, the lack of sufficient reliability becomes the primary impediment for generating and reporting domain abilities. In recent years, several item response theory (IRT) models have been proposed to account for hierarchical factor structures, and these models are also shown to alleviate the low reliability issue by using in-test collateral information to improve measurement precision. This article advocates using adaptive item selection together with a higher order IRT model to further increase the reliability of hierarchical latent trait estimation. Two item selection algorithms are proposed—the constrained D-optimal method and the sequencing domain method. Both are shown to yield improved measurement precision as compared to the unidimensional item selection (by treating each dimension separately). The improvement is more prominent when the test length is short and when the correlation between dimensions is high (e.g., higher than .64). Moreover, two reliability indices for hierarchical latent traits are discussed and their use for quantifying the reliability of hierarchical traits measured by adaptive testing is demonstrated.
Laboratory Investigation of Biochar-Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Huang Baoshan , Shu Xiang , Ye Philip
Published: December 2014

The United States is promoting the establishment of a bio-based economy, generating energy and fuels from renewable organic matters rather than fossil fuels. Byproducts such as fractions of biochar not suitable for biofuel production are drawing extensive attention. (“Biochar” is defined by Oxford's online dictionary as “charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in the soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”) Recently, biochar produced with different production parameters was tried as an asphalt modifier owing to its carbon origin and proved to be positive in binder modification. This study evaluated the performance of hot-mix asphalt modified by one type of pyrolytic biochar with controlled production parameters. Typical carbon black powder pellets and microsized carbon fiber were selected as the reference additives. Multiple laboratory binder and performance tests were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of the modified binder, rutting resistance, moisture susceptibility, and cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. On the basis of test results, the biochar evaluated in this study proved to be an effective modifier in reducing the temperature susceptibility of the binder and thus increased the rutting, moisture, and cracking resistance of hot-mix asphalt. In addition, biochar proved to be a better asphalt modifier than did carbon black and carbon fiber.
How Technology Can Improve the Efficiency of Excavator-Based Cable Harvesting for Potential Biomass Extraction—A Woody Productivity Resource and Cost Analysis for Ireland
Authors: Devlin Ger , Klvač Radomír
Published: December 2014

Two cable logging systems were reviewed to compare the efficiency of potential biomass extraction from remote forest sites in Ireland based on productive machine hour (PMH) and unit cost of operation (€/m3). Three operational scenarios (SC) were analysed where SC I was a three man crew operation (choker setter, the carriage operator and unhooking chokers). SC II was a variation of this with a two man crew operation. SC III was operating radio controlled chokers there was a two man crew (choker setter and carriage operator). The study aims to assess how operations in Ireland perform against previous known cable studies to determine whether the cost of timber extraction on remote forest sites inaccessible for mechanised felling, has a future given the increased demand for wood fibre in Ireland, both from the sawmilling industries and the wood for energy sector. The volume per PMH was recorded at 17.97 for SC I, 15.09 for SC II and 20.58 m3 for SC III. The difference in productivity versus SC III remote controlled chokers is 5.49 m3/PMH for SC II crew and 2.61 m3/PMH for SC I. The decrease in total volume extracted from SCs I and II versus SC III was recorded at 15.69 m3 (15%) and 32.97 m3 (36%) product respectively. In value terms, the unit cost (€/m3) varied from 6.29 (SC I) to 6.43 (SC II) to 4.57 (SC III). When looking at the production unit costs of normal wood energy supply chains in Ireland, the figures are similar ranging from 3.17 €/m3 to 8.01 €/m3. The value of the end product of course will always determine which market the eventually goes to but given that cable log wood fibre has been unthinned and unmaintained then the biomass sector may be an ever increasing demand point in the search for increased woody biomass given that the unit costs can be competitive with other wood energy supply chains.
Managing Everyday Life: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences of a Web-Based Ulcer Record for Home-Based Treatment
Authors: Trondsen Marianne
Published: December 2014

Chronic skin ulcers are a significant challenge for patients and health service resources, and ulcer treatment often requires the competence of a specialist. Although e-health interventions are increasingly valued for ulcer care by giving access to specialists at a distance, there is limited research on patients’ use of e-health services for home-based ulcer treatment. This article reports an exploratory qualitative study of the first Norwegian web-based counselling service for home-based ulcer treatment, established in 2011 by the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN). Community nurses, general practitioners (GPs) and patients are offered access to a web-based record system to optimize ulcer care. The web-based ulcer record enables the exchange and storage of digital photos and clinical information, by the use of which, an ulcer team at UNN, consisting of specialized nurses and dermatologists, is accessible within 24 h. This article explores patients’ experiences of using the web-based record for their home-based ulcer treatment without assistance from community nurses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of four patients who had used the record. The main outcomes identified were: autonomy and flexibility; safety and trust; involvement and control; and motivation and hope. These aspects improved the patients’ everyday life during long-term ulcer care and can be understood as stimulating patient empowerment.
Detection of Abnormal Extracellular Matrix in the Interstitium of Regenerating Renal Tubules
Authors: Minuth Will , Denk Lucia
Published: December 2014

Stem/progenitor cells are promising candidates for the regeneration of parenchyma in acute and chronic renal failure. However, recent data exhibit that survival of stem/progenitor cells after implantation in diseased renal parenchyma is restricted. To elaborate basic parameters improving survival, cell seeding was simulated under advanced in vitro conditions. After isolation, renal stem/progenitor cells were mounted in a polyester interstitium for perfusion culture. During generation of tubules, chemically defined CO2 Independent Medium or Leibovitz’s L-15 Medium was applied. Specimens were then fixed for transmission electron microscopy to analyze morphological features in generated tubules. Fixation in conventional glutaraldehyde (GA) solution shows development of tubules each exhibiting a polarized epithelium, an intact basal lamina and an inconspicuous interstitium. In contrast, special fixation of specimens in GA solution containing cupromeronic blue, ruthenium red or tannic acid unveils previously not visible extracellular matrix. Control experiments elucidate that a comparable extracellular matrix is not present in the interstitium of the matured kidney. Thus, generation of renal tubules in combination with advanced fixation of specimens for electron microscopy demonstrates that development of abnormal features in the newly developed interstitium has to be considered, when repair of renal parenchyma is performed by implantation of stem/progenitor cells.
Ecology and Physiology of the Pathogenic Cyanobacterium Roseofilum reptotaenium
Authors: Richardson Laurie , Stanić Dina , May Amanda , Brownell Abigael , Gantar Miroslav , Campagna Shawn
Published: December 2014

Roseofilum reptotaenium is a gliding, filamentous, phycoerythrin-rich cyanobacterium that has been found only in the horizontally migrating, pathogenic microbial mat, black band disease (BBD) on Caribbean corals. R. reptotaenium dominates the BBD mat in terms of biomass and motility, and the filaments form the mat fabric. This cyanobacterium produces the cyanotoxin microcystin, predominately MC-LR, and can tolerate high levels of sulfide produced by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) that are also associated with BBD. Laboratory cultures of R. reptotaenium infect coral fragments, suggesting that the cyanobacterium is the primary pathogen of BBD, but since this species cannot grow axenically and Koch’s Postulates cannot be fulfilled, it cannot be proposed as a primary pathogen. However, R. reptotaenium does play several major pathogenic roles in this polymicrobial disease. Here, we provide an overview of the ecology of this coral pathogen and present new information on R. reptotaenium ecophysiology, including roles in the infection process, chemotactic and other motility responses, and the effect of pH on growth and motility. Additionally, we show, using metabolomics, that exposure of the BBD microbial community to the cyanotoxin MC-LR affects community metabolite profiles, in particular those associated with nucleic acid biosynthesis.
Magnetic Field-Induced Reverse Martensitic Transformation and Thermal Transformation Arrest Phenomenon of Ni41Co9Mn39Sb11 Alloy
Authors: Umetsu Rie , Xu Xiao , Ito Wataru , Kihara Takumi , Takahashi Kohki , Tokunaga Masashi , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: December 2014

In order to investigate behavior of magnetic field-induced reverse martensitic transformation for Ni-Co-Mn-Sb, magnetization experiments up to a static magnetic field of 18 T and a pulsed magnetic field of 40 T were carried out. In the thermomagnetization curves for Ni41Co9Mn39Sb11 alloy, the equilibrium transformation temperature T0 was observed to decrease with increasing applied magnetic field, μ0H, at a rate of dT0/dμ0H = 4.6 K/T. The estimated value of entropy change evaluated from the Clausius-Clapeyron relation was about 14.1 J/(K·kg), which was in good agreement with the value obtained by differential scanning calorimetric measurements. For the isothermal magnetization curves, metamagnetic behavior associated with the magnetic field-induced martensitic transformation was observed. The equilibrium magnetic field, μ0H0 = (μ0HAf + μ0HMs)/2, of the martensitic transformation tended to be saturated at lower temperature; that is, transformation arrest phenomenon was confirmed for the Ni-Co-Mn-Sb system, analogous with the Ni(Co)-Mn-Z (Z = In, Sn, Ga, Al) alloys. Temperature dependence of the magnetic field hysteresis, μ0Hhys = μ0HAf − μ0HMs, was analyzed based on the model for the plastic deformation introduced by the dislocations. The behavior can be explained by the model and the difference of the sweeping rate of the applied magnetic field was well reflected by the experimental results.
Properties of An Oral Nanoformulation of A Molecularly Dispersed Amphotericin B Comprising A Composite Matrix of Theobroma Oil and Bee’S Wax
Authors: Tan Chloe , Billa Nashiru , Roberts Clive , Scurr David
Published: December 2014

An amphotericin B-containing (AmB) solid lipid nanoparticulate drug delivery system intended for oral administration, comprised of bee’s wax and theobroma oil as lipid components was formulated with the aim to ascertain the location of AmB within the lipid matrix: (a) a homogenous matrix; (b) a drug-enriched shell; or (c) a drug enriched core. Both the drug-loaded and drug-free nanoparticles were spherical with AmB contributing to an increase in both the z-average diameter (169 ± 1 to 222 ± 2 nm) and zeta potential (40.8 ± 0.9 to 50.3 ± 1.0 mV) of the nanoparticles. A maximum encapsulation efficiency of 21.4% ± 3.0%, corresponding to 10.7 ± 0.4 mg encapsulated AmB within the lipid matrix was observed. Surface analysis and electron microscopic imaging indicated that AmB was dispersed uniformly within the lipid matrix (option (a) above) and, therefore, this is the most suitable of the three models with regard to modeling the propensity for uptake by epithelia and release of AmB in lymph.
Modified Weibull Distribution for Analyzing the Tensile Strength of Bamboo Fibers
Authors: Wang Fang , Shao Jiaxing
Published: December 2014

There is growing evidence that the standard Weibull strength distribution is not always accurate for the description of variability in tensile strength and its dependence on the gauge size of brittle fibers. In this work, a modified Weibull model by incorporating the diameter variation of bamboo fiber is proposed to investigate the effect of fiber length and diameter on the tensile strength. Fiber strengths are obtained for lengths ranging from 20 to 60 mm and diameters ranging from 196.6 to 584.3 μm through tensile tests. It is shown that as the within-fiber diameter variation increases, the fracture strength of the bamboo fiber decreases. In addition, the accuracy of using weak-link scaling predictions based on the standard and modified Weibull distribution are assessed, which indicates that the use of the modified distribution provides better correlation with the experimental data than the standard model. The result highlights the accuracy of the modified Weibull model for characterizing the strength and predicting the size dependence of bamboo fiber.
Identifying Changing Snow Cover Characteristics in Central Asia between 1986 and 2014 from Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Dietz Andreas , Conrad Christopher , Kuenzer Claudia , Gesell Gerhard , Dech Stefan
Published: December 2014

Central Asia consists of the five former Soviet States Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, therefore comprising an area of ~4 Mio km2. The continental climate is characterized by hot and dry summer months and cold winter seasons with most precipitation occurring as snowfall. Accordingly, freshwater supply is strongly depending on the amount of accumulated snow as well as the moment of its release after snowmelt. The aim of the presented study is to identify possible changes in snow cover characteristics, consisting of snow cover duration, onset and offset of snow cover season within the last 28 years. Relying on remotely sensed data originating from medium resolution imagers, these snow cover characteristics are extracted on a daily basis. The resolution of 500–1000 m allows for a subsequent analysis of changes on the scale of hydrological sub-catchments. Long-term changes are identified from this unique dataset, revealing an ongoing shift towards earlier snowmelt within the Central Asian Mountains. This shift can be observed in most upstream hydro catchments within Pamir and Tian Shan Mountains and it leads to a potential change of freshwater availability in the downstream regions, exerting additional pressure on the already tensed situation.
Community is Cult, Cult is Community: Weaving the Web of Meanings for the Chalcolithic
Authors: Lovell Jaimie L.
Published: December 2014

In the last 5-10 years archaeological data to support “ cultic” or ritual activity amongst communities of the Chalcolithic period has expanded exponentially. Despite this, T. E. Levy’s thesis remains the major statement on the socio-economic organisation of the Chalcolithic and has survived minimal challenge. Successfully unpicking how ritual behaviour operated and how it has been interpreted in the past requires grappling with the “ mid-level theory gap” and critically reviewing implicit assumptions about both the material culture record and general cultural theory. Historiographically, ritual activity has been tied to discussions of socio-economic complexity in the Southern Levantine Chalcolithic despite the fact that very few regional studies of economic or social integration within or between sites have been presented which address how communities may have experienced or participated in such activities. With the data from three “ key” sites (Gilat, En Gedi and Teleilat Ghassul) now available, a review of the current perspectives on cultic or ritual behaviour is timely. This paper reviews the existing data alongside the current syntheses and suggests some ways in which we might bring Chalcolithic communities into sharper focus.
Centralisation or Regional Identity in the Halaf Period? Examining Interactions within Fine Painted Ware Production
Authors: Spataro Michela , Fletcher Alexandra
Published: December 2014

Un échantillon composé de 101 tessons de céramique fine et de 10 tessons de céramique grossière, provenant de quatre sites du Halaf (Domuztepe, Tell Halaf, Chagar Bazar et Arpachiyah), a fait l’objet d’une analyse pétrographique en lames minces ; une analyse géochimique (SEM-EDX) concerne également 42 d’entre eux. En lame mince, plusieurs pâtes ont été reconnues pour chaque site ; elles sont caractérisées par des minéraux similaires qui montrent l’utilisation de différentes sources d’argile mais d’une même composition pour la production des céramiques fines. L’analyse chimique combinant PCA et CDA indique au contraire que les potiers de Domuztepe et de Tell Halaf n’ont pas utilisé les mêmes gisements d’argile. En revanche, des similitudes chimiques et minéralogiques ont été identifiées dans la céramique peinte à pâte fine de Chagar Bazar et d’Arpachiyah, suggérant l’existence de possibles réseaux d’échanges pour ces poteries.
La question de l’adoption d’un nouveau "Bill of Rights" au Royaume-Uni
Authors: Antoine Aurélien
Published: December 2014

Depuis plusieurs années, la législation anti-terroriste britannique est réputée pour sa particulière sévérité et nombre d’observateurs la considère comme étant attentatoire aux libertés publiques. À la suite d’arrestations zélées que n’aura pas empêchées la transposition de la Convention européenne de sauvegarde des droits de l’homme et des libertés fondamentales par le Human Rights Act de 1998, le précédent gouvernement travailliste a lancé un vaste débat sur l’élaboration d’un nouveau Bill of Rights and responsibilities. Caractérisé par un contenu universaliste et opposant des responsabilités aux citoyens, un tel texte serait inédit au Royaume-Uni. Les élections du 6 mai 2010 ont suspendu les discussions sur la question, mais le programme commun des Conservateurs et des Libéraux démocrates arrivés au pouvoir maintient le souhait d’édicter une nouvelle déclaration des droits. Il apparaît alors indispensable de revenir sur un processus lancé en 2007 et destiné à se poursuivre dans un contexte où l’efficacité du Human Rights Act est de plus en plus remise en cause.
Regards croisés sur la Cour constitutionnelle de Corée et le Conseil constitutionnel français
Authors: Rambaud Thierry
Published: December 2014

La présente contribution constitue une introduction à l’étude de la Cour constitutionnelle coréenne à travers le prisme du Conseil constitutionnel français. Elle vise à comparer les deux institutions à travers leur statut et leurs fonctions. La Cour constitutionnelle de Corée constitue un modèle intéressant de justice constitutionnelle qui, tout en étant inscrit dans un modèle d’ «emprunt » et de «transfert de technologie juridique » par rapport à des institutions juridiques étrangères, ne peut se comprendre sans son insertion dans l’histoire constitutionnelle et politique de la Corée du Sud. L’article s’attache à préciser le statut et les fonctions des deux institutions en question, à une période où les fonctions du Conseil constitutionnel français sont largement modifiées par l’introduction en droit français de la «question prioritaire de constitutionnalité » en 2008-2009.
Pragmatisme juridique et développement économique dans la Chine post-Mao
Authors: Li-Kotovtchikhine Xiao-Ying
Published: December 2014

Le pragmatisme est une constante de la réforme juridique dans la Chine post-Mao. Le droit est considéré comme un instrument, au service du développement économique, de la stabilité, et du maintien des quatre principes fondamentaux, en particulier le maintien de la direction du PCC. Domaine de prédilection de la réforme juridique, la législation en matière économique a été profondément marquée par le pragmatisme. Le droit a été utilisé dès 1979 comme un moyen d’attirer les investissements étrangers, et il est devenu à partir de 1992 un instrument de la transition vers l’économie de marché socialiste. Son contenu balance depuis trente ans entre les deux lignes directrices de la réforme économique : la libéralisation et le maintien de l’intervention étatique. Sur le plan méthodologique, le législateur combine dans le processus normatif l’emprunt aux expériences étrangères et l’expérimentation locale. Ainsi, émerge un droit commun des entreprises au contenu plus «internationalisé » , visant à dépasser les dualités entre entreprises à capitaux nationaux et étrangers, entre entreprises publiques et privées.
Intranasal Delivery of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Macrophages, and Microglia to the Brain in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Danielyan Lusine , Beer-Hammer Sandra , Stolzing Alexandra , Schäfer Richard , Siegel Georg , Fabian Claire , Kahle Philipp , Biedermann Tilo , Lourhmati Ali , Buadze Marine , Novakovic Ana , Proksch Barbara , Gleiter Christoph H. , Frey William H. , Schwab Matthias
Published: December 2014

In view of the rapid preclinical development of cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, and tumors, the safe and efficient delivery and targeting of therapeutic cells to the central nervous system is critical for maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety in the respective disease models. Our previous data demonstrated therapeutically efficacious and targeted delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the brain in the rat 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study examined delivery of bone marrow-derived MSCs, macrophages, and microglia to the brain in a transgenic model of PD [(Thy1)-h[A30P] aS] and an APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) via intranasal application (INA). INA of microglia in naive BL/6 mice led to targeted and effective delivery of cells to the brain. Quantitative PCR analysis of eGFP DNA showed that the brain contained the highest amount of eGFP-microglia (up to 2.1 × 104) after INA of 1 × 106cells, while the total amount of cells detected in peripheral organs did not exceed 3.4 × 103. Seven days after INA, MSCs expressing eGFP were detected in the olfactory bulb (OB), cortex, amygdala, striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem of (Thy1)-h[A30P] aS transgenic mice, showing predominant distribution within the OB and brainstem. INA of eGFP-expressing macrophages in 13-month-old APP/PS1 mice led to delivery of cells to the OB, hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum. Both MSCs and macrophages contained Iba-1-positive population of small microglia-like cells and Iba-1-negative large rounded cells showing either intracellular amyloid β (macrophages in APP/PS1 model) or α-synuclein [MSCs in (Thy1)-h[A30P] aS model] immunoreactivity. Here, we show, for the first time, intranasal delivery of cells to the brain of transgenic PD and AD mouse models. Additional work is needed to determine the optimal dosage (single treatment regimen or repeated administrations) to achieve functional improvement in these mouse models with intranasal microglia/macrophages and MSCs. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
The Potential of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Novel Cellular Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Li Jin-Feng , Zhang Da-Jin , Geng Tongchao , Chen Lin , Huang Hongyun , Yin Hong-Lei , Zhang Yu-Zhen , Lou Ji-Yu , Cao Bingzhen , Wang Yun-Liang
Published: December 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease of neurological disability, affecting more than 300 out of every 1 million people in the world. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) transplantation in MS patients. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study, and 13 of them were given hUC-MSC therapy at the same time as anti-inflammatory treatment, whereas the control patients received the anti-inflammatory treatment only. Treatment schedule included 1,000 mg/kg of methylprednisolone intravenously (IV) daily for 3 days and then 500 mg/kg for 2 days, followed by oral prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The dosage of prednisone was then reduced by 5 mg every 2 weeks until reaching a 5-mg/day maintenance dosage. Intravenous infusion of hUC-MSCs was applied three times in a 6-week period for each patient. The overall symptoms of the hUC-MSC-treated patients improved compared to patients in the control group. Both the EDSS scores and relapse occurrence were significantly lower than those of the control patients. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed, and the data demonstrated a shift from Th1 to Th2 immunity in hUC-MSC-treated patients. Our data demonstrated a high potential for hUC-MSC treatment of MS. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles as a platform for studying bio–nano interactions
Authors: Loos Cornelia , Syrovets Tatiana , Musyanovych Anna , Mailänder Volker , Landfester Katharina , Nienhaus G Ulrich , Simmet Thomas
Published: December 2014

Nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes, and materials carrying different surface modifications have numerous technological and biomedical applications. Yet, the mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with biological structures as well as their biological impact and hazards remain poorly investigated. Due to their large surface to volume ratio, nanoparticles usually exhibit properties that differ from those of bulk materials. Particularly, the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles is crucial for their durability and solubility in biological media as well as for their biocompatibility and biodistribution. Polystyrene does not degrade in the cellular environment and exhibits no short-term cytotoxicity. Because polystyrene nanoparticles can be easily synthesized in a wide range of sizes with distinct surface functionalizations, they are perfectly suited as model particles to study the effects of the particle surface characteristics on various biological parameters. Therefore, we have exploited polystyrene nanoparticles as a convenient platform to study bio–nano interactions. This review summarizes studies on positively and negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles and compares them with clinically used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
Occult hepatitis B infection among individuals belonging to the aboriginal Nicobarese tribe of India
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Roy Subarna , Sugunan Attayur Purushothaman
Published: December 2014

Introduction: The long-lasting persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes in the liver (with or without detectable HBV DNA) of individuals with negative for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) is termed occult HBV infection (OBI). The present study is a part of the follow up on efficacy of vaccination, 10 years post inception, and was designed to understand the prevalence of Occult Hepatitis B infection (OBI) among the aboriginal Nicobarese tribal community. Methodology: A total of 612 serum samples were collected and tested for various markers including HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HBc and HBV DNA. Part of S gene of the extracted HBV DNA was amplified by nested PCR. The amplified products were then subjected to sequencing. Genotyping was performed on the basis of phylogenetic relationship along with representative reference sequences from different sub genotypes. Results: The study revealed OBI in 11.1% of the people belonging to the Nicobarese tribe. Phylogenetic analysis showed only one genotype, HBV/D circulating among the Nicobarese population with ayw3 was the major serotype detected. Single or multiple amino acids substitutions were found in 5 of 34 samples (14.7%) which includes I110T, P120T, P/T127I, A128P, M133L and G159V. Conclusions: The detection of OBI among these aboriginal tribes is of great concern and stresses the need for the continuous surveillance as it may contribute to the progression of liver disease to a more advanced stage.