bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the use of serum C-reactive protein concentration to predict outcome in puppies infected with canine parvovirus
Authors: McClure Vanessa , van Schoor Mirinda , Thompson Peter N. , Kjelgaard-Hansen Mads , Goddard Amelia
Published: July 2013

Objective—To evaluate associations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration with duration of hospitalization and with outcome in puppies with canine parvoviral enteritis.

Design—Prospective observational study.

Animals—79 client-owned puppies with naturally acquired canine parvovirus infection.

Procedures—All puppies received supportive care. Serum CRP concentration was measured at the time of admission, approximately every 10 to 12 hours for the first 48 hours, and then every 24 hours until discharge from the hospital or death. Associations between outcome and CRP concentration at various time points or changes in CRP concentration over time were assessed via multiple logistic regression. Associations of CRP concentration with survival time and duration of hospitalization among survivors were estimated with Cox proportional hazards regression. Use of CRP concentration to predict outcome was evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results—Serum CRP concentrations at admission and 12 and 24 hours later were positively associated with odds of death, and CRP concentrations at 12 and 24 hours after admission were negatively associated with survival time for puppies. Among survivors, duration of hospitalization was positively associated with CRP concentrations at 12, 24, and 36 hours after admission. Sensitivity and specificity of CRP concentration to differentiate between survivors and nonsurvivors at 24 hours after admission were 86.7% and 78.7%, respectively (considered moderately accurate).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although serum CRP concentration was associated with outcome in puppies with canine parvovirus enteritis, it did not prove to be a good predictor of outcome when used alone.
Mineral composition of urinary calculi from potbellied pigs with urolithiasis: 50 cases (1982–2012)
Authors: Chigerwe Munashe , Shiraki Ryoji , Olstad Erik C. , Angelos John A. , Ruby Annette L. , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To determine the mineral composition and anatomic location of urinary calculi and to investigate sex and reproductive status as predisposing factors for development of urolithiasis in potbellied pigs.

Design—Retrospective case series

Samples—Urinary calculi from 50 purebred and crossbred potbellied pigs.

Procedures—Laboratory records for urinary calculi of potbellied pigs submitted to the University of California-Davis Stone Laboratory from 1982 through 2012 were reviewed. Mineral composition of calculi was determined by polarized light microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and, in some cases, x-ray diffractometry.

Results—Of the 48 urinary calculi analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, 21 (44%) were composed primarily of amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate; another 9 (19%) were primarily composed of calcium phosphate in the form of apatite. Of 50 urinary calculi, 22 (44%), 14 (28%), 10 (20%), 3 (6%), and 1 (2%) were removed from the urinary bladder only, urethra, both urinary bladder and urethra, urine, and renal pelvis, respectively. Sex of 6 potbellied pigs was not recorded. For 44 urinary calculi, 41 (93%) were from males (11 sexually intact males and 30 castrated) and 3 (7%) were from females (2 sexually intact females and 1 spayed). Among males, 73% (30/41) of submissions were from castrated males.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In contrast to results from studies in commercial pigs, the most common composition of urinary calculi identified in purebred and crossbred potbellied pigs was amorphous magnesium calcium phosphate. Potential predisposing factors for urolithiasis in potbellied pigs may be similar to those for urolithiasis in commercial pigs. These include diet, urinary tract infections, and sex. Thus, prevention of urolithiasis should target these potential predisposing factors.
Changes of organic acids and phenolic compounds contents in grapevine berries during their ripening
Authors: Jančářová Irena , Jančář Luděk , Náplavová Alice , Kubáň Vlastimil
Published: July 2013

Changes of total content of phenolic substances, alteration in total titratable acidity and differences in tartaric acid content in grapes of four white (Müller-Thurgau — MT, Pinot Blanc — Rulandské bílé in Czech, RB, Sauvignon (Sg), and Muscat Ottonel — Muškát Ottonel in Czech, MO) and two blue (Dornfelder — Df and Blue Frankish — Frankovka in Czech, Fr) grapevine varieties throughout their growth, ripening and maturing (July–November). Potentiometric titration was applied for the determination of total titratable acids in grapes (expressed as tartaric acid equivalents in g L−1). A spectrophotometric method according Rebelein based on the formation of a colored complex of ammonium metavanadate and tartaric acid was used for determination of tartaric acid in green juice made by pressing unripe grapes. A spectrophotometric method based on reduction of phosphomolybdato-tungsten complex in alkaline solution using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent was applied for determination of total content of phenolic substances (TCP).
Aqueous photocatalytic oxidation of prednisolone
Authors: Klauson Deniss , Pilnik-Sudareva Jana , Pronina Natalja , Budarnaja Olga , Krichevskaya Marina , Käkinen Aleksandr , Juganson Katre , Preis Sergei
Published: July 2013

The research into the aqueous photocatalytic oxidation of the anti-inflammatory drug prednisolone was undertaken with P25 titanium dioxide (Evonik) and visible light-sensitive sol-gel synthesized titania-based photocatalysts containing carbon, sulphur, and iron. Possible prednisolone photocatalytic oxidation reaction pathways were proposed based on a number of oxidation by-products determined in the present study. The prednisolone adsorption properties, effects of initial prednisolone concentration, pH, usual wastewater matrix admixtures, like carbamide and sucrose, were studied. The nontoxicity of doped catalysts towards Tetrahymena thermophila, a ciliate protozoa present in the activated sludge, indicated their lower oxidative ability compared to P25, but also implied their potential application in pre-treatment of toxic hazardous materials under VIS or solar radiation before the biological degradation stage.
A silica-silver nanocomposite obtained by sol-gel method in the presence of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Racles Carmen , Nistor Alexandra , Cazacu Maria
Published: July 2013

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were obtained by a redox reaction, using a glucose-containing cyclosiloxane as a reduction agent and stabilizer. Then the AgNPs aqueous solution was used as the reaction medium for the sol-gel process, starting from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursor. The nanocomposite material resulted (SilAg) after solvent removal, aging and calcination and was investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray system (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The results were compared to model silicas obtained without silver. A higher condensation degree in SilAg was obtained due to the basic medium used in the first step and was confirmed by a sorption capacity lower than for the model silicas. The solid surface area calculated with GAB analysis using DVS data for the water vapors is 210 m2 g−1. The nanocomposite showed good catalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide decomposition.
Synthesis, characterization and bioevaluation of partially stabilized cements for medical applications
Authors: Voicu Georgeta , Bădănoiu Alina , Andronescu Ecaterina , Chifiruc Carmen
Published: July 2013

Materials for dental applications, i.e., white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and partial stabilized cements (PSC) were obtained using the sol-gel method. The presence of ZnO or/and CaF2 additions in the starting mixture induced changes in the composition, morphology and grindability of PSCs as compared with WMTA. The presence of foreign elements (Zn or F) in the crystalline lattice of mineralogical phases, increased their grindability. Thermal analysis (TG&DTA) was used to assess the kinetics of hydration process in binding systems based on WMTA/PSCs. The presence of foreign elements in PSCs systems increases the reactivity vs. water of these materials and consequently, the compressive strength developed after 28 days of hardening at 37°C are higher as compared with WMTA. The in vitro bioevaluation results (trypan blue staining, eukaryotic cells cycle assay by flowcytometry) accounted for a high biocompatibilty of the obtained materials demonstrating their potential use for biomedical applications.
Development of a screening method for the determination of xenobiotic organic pollutants in municipal landfill leachate using solvent extraction and comprehensive GCxGC-qMS analysis
Authors: Beldean-Galea Mihail , Vial Jerome , Thiebaut Didier
Published: July 2013

In the present study, we propose a method for the evaluation of different classes of xenobiotic organic compounds enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GCxGC-qMS). Here we show that, due to high peak capacity of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, in a single run it is possible to separate compounds with different physical-chemical properties (such as aliphatic and aromatic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, aldehydes, ketones, nitrogen containing compounds, organo-phosphoric flame retardants etc.), compounds which have proved to be endocrine disruptors, compounds that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, reprotoxic or harmful for the environment. Even though a solvent extraction method has been optimised, the extraction step still remains the main problem for a comprehensive characterization of all classes of organic toxicants enclosed in the municipal landfill leachate.
Shape-controlled synthesis of polyhedral CdS flowerlike architectures and their optical properties
Authors: Kong Qinghong , Wu Hui , Zhang Xingguang , Yao Shanshan , Zhang Junhao , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: July 2013

Fabrication of polyhedral CdS flower-like architectures have been achieved on a large scale through a mixed solvothermal method. The obtained CdS are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and the results indicate that the CdS flower-like architectures with diameters of 1.5–2.0 µm are hexagonal wurtzite phase and are assembled by some pyramids with the bottom side length of about 440 nm, which have some crystallographic faces. A series of relevant experiments through altering experimental parameters, indicate that the temperature, starting materials and solvent play key roles for the shape evolution of CdS flower-like architectures. The studies of optical properties for polyhedral CdS flower-like architectures indicate that the UV-vis spectroscopy shows a blue-shift absorption peak at 500 nm compared to that of bulk CdS, the photoluminescence spectroscopy shows an emission peak at 640 nm and another strong emission peak at 695 nm, which are believed to be attributed to excitonic emission and deep levels.
Flow injection analysis of ethambutol in synthetic urine using a graphite-polyurethane composite electrode as an amperometric detector
Authors: Perantoni Camila , Azevedo Alessandra , Vaz Fernando , Oliveira Marcone , Matos Renato , Lowinsohn Denise
Published: July 2013

Ethambutol (ETB) is a first-line antitubercular drug effective against actively growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Resistance of the mycobacterium to ethambutol among tuberculosis (TB) patients results from inadequate or inappropriate dosing of treatment or using low quality medication. It is therefore necessary to develop reliable methods for determining ethambutol metabolic profiles of patients at point of care for proper dosing. Herein an efficient ETB sensor device is illustrated. It consists of a graphite-polyurethane composite electrode. In order to characterise the electrochemical behaviour of ethambutol at pH = 8.0 voltammetric studies were performed. The detector was assembled in a flow injection apparatus and operated at +1.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl(NaCl sat.)). The influence of sample volume and flow rate was studied. The linear response for the method was extended up to a 1.1 mmol L−1 ethambutol solution with a detection limit of 0.0634 mmol L−1. The reproducibility of current responses for injections of 0.7 mmol L−1 ethambutol solution was evaluated to be 5.1% (n = 30) and the analytical frequency was 161 determinations h−1. Two different samples were successfully analysed and the results were in good agreement with those obtained using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE).
Let their Fingers do the Talking? Using the Implicit Association Test in Market Research
Authors: Gregg Aiden P. , Klymowsky James , Owens Dominic , Perryman Alex
Published: July 2013

Self-report methodologies - such as surveys and interviews - elicit responses that are vulnerable to a number of standard biases. These biases include social desirability, self-deception and a lack of self-insight. However, indirect measures, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), offer a potential means of bypassing such biases. Here, we evaluate the scope for using the IAT in market research, drawing on recent empirical findings. We conclude that the IAT meets several desirable criteria: it yields consistent results, possesses predictive power, offers unique advantages, is relevant to commercial issues and poses no insuperable challenges to adoption.
Integrated Market-related Internal Communication: Development of the Construct
Authors: Castillo David Jimenez , Perez Manuel Sanchez
Published: July 2013

Although companies are increasingly using integrative communication processes to develop and improve market information dissemination, research in marketing has typically conceptualised and measured dissemination in terms of the use and frequency of information-sharing activities. In view of this asynchrony between theory and practice, this research explores the above neglected domain of market information dissemination, proposing a new construct that we call ‘integrated market-related internal communication’ (IMIC), which encompasses the integrative communication processes implemented by firms aimed at enhancing employees' market information processing. After conceptualising IMIC as a fourdimensional construct, we developed and validated a measurement instrument for assessing this emergent concept. In particular, the proposed dimensions were confirmed as reflective factors of the higher order-construct IMIC, and nomological validity was assessed by demonstrating the positive influence of IMIC on both employees' capacity to assimilate market information and shared interpretation of this information.
Risk profile disclosure requirements for Italian insurance companies: Differences in the financial statement preparation
Authors: Buzzichelli Francesca , Di Pietra Roberto
Published: July 2013

The content of the annual report of insurance undertakings is regulated by art. 2428 of Italian Civil Code, as well as by the Insurance Code and specific Italian Insurance Supervisor's regulations. The paper compare the existing legislations, providing an overview of the different requirements, with particular attention to the risk profile disclosure. Moreover, the paper analyzes a significant sample of Italian insurance groups annual reports (from 2007 to 2009 financial year), using content analysis, in order to highlight the level of compliance with the existing rules and the level of preparedness for the upcoming Directive 2009/138/EC requirements (Solvency II Directive), which will come into force starting from 2012 financial year.
An exploratory study of intangibles risk disclosure in annual reports of banking companies from the UK, US, Germany and Italy - Some descriptive insights
Authors: Durst Susanne
Published: July 2013

Intangibles are viewed as the key drivers in most industries, and current research shows that firms voluntarily disclose information about their investments in intangibles and their potential benefits. Yet little is known of the risks relating to such resources and the disclosures firms make about such risks. In order to obtain a more balanced and complete picture of firms' activities, information about the risky side of their intangibles is also needed. This exploratory study provides some descriptive insights into intangibles-related risk disclosure in a sample of 16 large banks from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Germany and Italy. Annual report data is analyzed using the three Intellectual Capital dimensions. Study findings illustrate the variety of intangibles-related risk disclosure as demonstrated by the banks involved.
Investigation of risk management and risk disclosure practices of Italian listed local utilities
Authors: Aureli Selena , Salvatori Federica
Published: July 2013

Local utility services deeply affect the overall quality of life of a country's population. For this reason service providers should pay strong attention to risk management practices, but also to the external communication of both the risk exposure and the risk responses. Following a qualitative methodology, this paper aims at exploring the risk management and risk disclosure practices of five Italian listed local utility companies combining two research methods: questionnaire and document analysis. Results show that these Italian listed local utilities are characterized by different maturity levels of risk management practices, which are not extensively disclosed in public reports and documents. Interestingly, the link between the level of disclosure and maturity of risk management practices is confirmed just for those companies that seem to be the most mature in terms of risk management.
DNA Methylation and Apoptosis Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Hervouet Eric , Cheray Mathilde , Vallette François , Cartron Pierre-François
Published: July 2013

Apoptosis is a cell death programme primordial to cellular homeostasis efficiency. This normal cell suicide program is the result of the activation of a cascade of events in response to death stimuli. Apoptosis occurs in normal cells to maintain a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. A deregulation of this balance due to modifications in the apoptosic pathway leads to different human diseases including cancers. Apoptosis resistance is one of the most important hallmarks of cancer and some new therapeutical strategies focus on inducing cell death in cancer cells. Nevertheless, cancer cells are resistant to treatment inducing cell death because of different mechanisms, such as DNA mutations in gene coding for pro-apoptotic proteins, increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and/or pro-survival signals, or pro-apoptic gene silencing mediated by DNA hypermethylation. In this context, aberrant DNA methylation patterns, hypermethylation and hypomethylation of gene coding for proteins implicated in apoptotic pathways are possible causes of cancer cell resistance. This review highlights the role of DNA methylation of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cell resistance.
Regional Conservation Status of Scleractinian Coral Biodiversity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Richards Zoe , Beger Maria
Published: July 2013

Preventing the loss of biodiversity is a major challenge in mega-diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs where there is a critical shortage of baseline demographic data. Threatened species assessments play a valuable role in guiding conservation action to manage and mitigate biodiversity loss, but they must be undertaken with precise information at an appropriate spatial scale to provide accurate classifications. Here we explore the regional conservation status of scleractinian corals on isolated Pacific Ocean atolls in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. We compile an integrated regional species list based upon new and historical records, and compare how well the regional threat classifications reflect species level priorities at a global scale. A similar proportion of the 240 species of hard coral recorded in the current survey are classified as Vulnerable at the regional scale as the global scale using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria (23% and 20% respectively), however there are distinct differences in the composition of species. When local abundance data is taken into account, a far greater proportion of the regional diversity (up to 80%) may face an elevated risk of local extinction. These results suggest coral communities on isolated Pacific coral reefs, which are often predicted to be at low risk, are still vulnerable due to the small and fragmented nature of their populations. This reinforces that to adequately protect biodiversity, ongoing threatened species monitoring and the documentation of species-level changes in abundance and distribution is imperative.
Non-Linear Canonical Correlation Analysis Using Alpha-Beta Divergence
Authors: Mandal Abhijit , Cichocki Andrzej
Published: July 2013

We propose a generalized method of the canonical correlation analysis using Alpha-Beta divergence, called AB-canonical analysis (ABCA). From observations of two random variables, x ∈ RP and y ∈ RQ, ABCA finds directions, wx ∈ RP and wy ∈ RQ, such that the AB-divergence between the joint distribution of (wT x, wT y) and the product x y of their marginal distributions is maximized. The number of significant non-zero canonical coefficients are determined by using a sequential permutation test. The advantage of our method over the standard canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is that it can reconstruct the hidden non-linear relationship between wT xx and wT y, and it is robust against outliers. We extend ABCA when data are observed in terms of tensors. We further generalize this method by imposing sparseness constraints. Extensive simulation study is performed to justify our approach.
Determining Adaptability Performance of Artificial Neural Network-Based Thermal Control Logics for Envelope Conditions in Residential Buildings
Authors: Moon Jin , Chang Jae , Kim Sooyoung
Published: July 2013

This study examines the performance and adaptability of Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based thermal control strategies for diverse thermal properties of building envelope conditions applied to residential buildings. The thermal performance using two non-ANN-based control logics and two predictive ANN-based control logics was numerically tested using simulation software after validation. The performance tests were conducted for a two-story single-family house for various envelope insulation levels and window-to-wall ratios on the envelopes. The percentages of the period within the targeted ranges for air temperature, humidity and PMV, and the magnitudes of the overshoots and undershoots outside of the targeted comfort range were analyzed for each control logic scheme. The results revealed that the two predictive control logics that employed thermal predictions of the ANN models achieved longer periods of thermal comfort than the non-ANN-based models in terms of the comfort periods and the reductions of the magnitudes of the overshoots and undershoots. The ANN-based models proved their adaptability through accurate control of the thermal conditions in buildings with various architectural variables. The ANN-based predictive control methods demonstrated their potential to create more comfortable thermal conditions in single-family homes compared to non-ANN based control logics.
Hybrid-Electric Vehicle with Natural Gas-Diesel Engine
Authors: Ott Tobias , Onder Christopher , Guzzella Lino
Published: July 2013

In this paper we demonstrate the potential of combining electric hybridization with a dual-fuel natural gas-Diesel engine. We show that carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced to 43 gram per kilometer with a subcompact car on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The vehicle is operated in charge-sustaining mode, which means that all energy is provided by the fuel. The result is obtained by hardware-in-the-loop experiments where the engine is operated on a test bench while the rest of the powertrain as well as the vehicle are simulated. By static engine measurements we demonstrate that the natural gas-Diesel engine reaches efficiencies of up to 39.5%. The engine is operated lean at low loads with low engine out nitrogen oxide emissions such that no nitrogen oxide aftertreatment is necessary. At medium to high loads the engine is operated stoichiometrically, which enables the use of a cost-efficient three-way catalytic converter. By vehicle emulation of a non-hybrid vehicle on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), we demonstrate that transient operation of the natural gas-Diesel engine is also possible, thus enabling a non-hybridized powertrain as well.
Microstructure and Composition of Full Fat Cheddar Cheese Made with Ultrafiltered Milk Retentate
Authors: Ong Lydia , Dagastine Raymond , Kentish Sandra , Gras Sally
Published: July 2013

Milk protein is often standardised prior to cheese-making using low concentration factor ultrafiltration retentate (LCUFR) but the effect of LCUFR addition on the microstructure of full fat gel, curd and Cheddar cheese is not known. In this work, Cheddar cheeses were made from cheese-milk with or without LCUFR addition using a protein concentration of 3.7%–5.8% w/w. The fat lost to sweet whey was higher in cheese made from cheese-milk without LCUFR or from cheese-milk with 5.8% w/w protein. At 5.8% w/w protein concentration, the porosity of the gel increased significantly and the fat globules within the gel and curd tended to pool together, which possibly contributed to the higher fat loss in the sweet whey. The microstructure of cheese from cheese-milk with a higher protein concentration was more compact, consistent with the increased hardness, although the cohesiveness was lower. These results highlight the potential use of LCUFR for the standardization of protein concentration in cheese-milk to 4%–5% w/w (equivalent to a casein to total protein ratio of 77%–79% w/w) to increase yield. Beyond this concentration, significant changes in the gel microstructure, cheese texture and fat loss were observed.
The Impact of Health Insurance Programs on Out-of-Pocket Expenditures in Indonesia: An Increase or a Decrease?
Authors: Aji Budi , De Allegri Manuela , Souares Aurelia , Sauerborn Rainer
Published: July 2013

We used panel data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey to investigate the impact of health insurance programs on reducing out-of-pocket expenditures. We employed three linear panel data models, two of which accounted for endogeneity: pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), pooled two-stage least squares (2SLS) for instrumental variable (IV), and fixed effects (FE). The study revealed that two health insurance programs had a significantly negative impact on out-of-pocket expenditures by using IV estimates. In the IV model, Askeskin decreased out-of-pocket expenditures by 34% and Askes by 55% compared with non-Askeskin and non-Askes, respectively, while Jamsostek was found to bear a nonsignificant effect on out-of-pocket expenditures. In the FE model, only Askeskin had a significant negative effect with an 11% reduction on out-of-pocket expenditures. This study showed that two large existing health insurance programs in Indonesia, Askeskin and Askes, effectively reduced household out-of-pocket expenditures. The ability of programs to offer financial protection by reducing out-of-pocket expenditures is likely to be a direct function of their benefits package and co-payment policies.
Correction: Kim, Y.W.; Lee, S.H.; Hwang, I.G.; Yoon, K.S. Effect of Temperature on Growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in Flounder, Salmon Sashimi and Oyster Meat. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2012, 12, 4662-4675
Authors: Kim Yoo , Lee Soon , Hwang In , Yoon Ki
Published: July 2013

The authors wish to add the following correction on their paper published in IJERPH [1], doi: 10.3390/ijerph9124662, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/9/12/4662. “Vibrio paraphemolyticus” in the article title should be “Vibrio parahaemolyticus”.
On the Choice of the Discount Rate and the Role of Financial Variables and Physical Parameters in Estimating the Levelized Cost of Energy
Authors: Manzhos Sergei
Published: July 2013

The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) approach has become popular, especially in the field of renewable energy. We argue that when assessing levelized cost of energy, different rates should be used for borrowing and discount rates. We further argue that the risk-free rate should be used for discounting when assessing and comparing the cost of energy across different producers and technologies. Recent analyses used the same rate for borrowing and discounting, which leads to underestimation of the cost for risky borrowers and to distorted sensitivities of the cost to financial and non-financial factors. Specifically, it is shown that they may lead to gross underestimation of the importance of solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency when applied to photovoltaics. The importance of device efficiency is re-established under the treatment of the discount rate proposed here.
Induced Production of 1-Methoxy-indol-3-ylmethyl Glucosinolate by Jasmonic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate in Sprouts and Leaves of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Wiesner Melanie , Hanschen Franziska , Schreiner Monika , Glatt Hansruedi , Zrenner Rita
Published: July 2013

Pak choi plants (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) were treated with different signaling molecules methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid, linolenic acid, and methyl salicylate and were analyzed for specific changes in their glucosinolate profile. Glucosinolate levels were quantified using HPLC-DAD-UV, with focus on induction of indole glucosinolates and special emphasis on 1-methoxy-indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate. Furthermore, the effects of the different signaling molecules on indole glucosinolate accumulation were analyzed on the level of gene expression using semi-quantitative realtime RT-PCR of selected genes. The treatments with signaling molecules were performed on sprouts and mature leaves to determine ontogenetic differences in glucosinolate accumulation and related gene expression. The highest increase of indole glucosinolate levels, with considerable enhancement of the 1-methoxy-indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate content, was achieved with treatments of sprouts and mature leaves with methyl jasmonate and jasmonic acid. This increase was accompanied by increased expression of genes putatively involved in the indole glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway. The high levels of indole glucosinolates enabled the plant to preferentially produce the respective breakdown products after tissue damage. Thus, pak choi plants treated with methyl jasmonate or jasmonic acid, are a valuable tool to analyze the specific protection functions of 1-methoxy-indole-3-carbinole in the plants defense strategy in the future.
Effect of a Static Magnetic Fields and Fluoride Ions on the Antioxidant Defense System of Mice Fibroblasts
Authors: Kurzeja Ewa , Synowiec-Wojtarowicz Agnieszka , Stec Małgorzata , Glinka Marek , Gawron Stanisław , Pawłowska-Góral Katarzyna
Published: July 2013

The results of studies on the biological influence of magnetic fields are controversial and do not provide clear answers regarding their impact on cell functioning. Fluoride compounds are substances that influence free radical processes, which occur when the reactive forms of oxygen are present. It is not known whether static magnetic fields (SMF) cause any changes in fluoride assimilation or activity. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the potential relationship between magnetic field exposure to, and the antioxidant system of, fibroblasts cultured with fluoride ions. Three chambers with static magnetic fields of different intensities (0.4, 0.6, and 0.7 T) were used in this work. Fluoride ions were added at a concentration of 0.12 mM, which did not cause the precipitation of calcium or magnesium. The results of this study show that static magnetic fields reduce the oxidative stress caused by fluoride ions and normalize the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). Static magnetic fields modify the energy state of fibroblasts, causing an increase in the ATP concentration and a decrease in the MDA concentration. These results suggest that exposure to fluoride and an SMF improves the tolerance of cells to the oxidative stress induced by fluoride ions.
DNA Methylation and Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Delpu Yannick , Cordelier Pierre , Cho William , Torrisani Jérôme
Published: July 2013

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification that is strongly involved in the physiological control of genome expression. DNA methylation patterns are largely modified in cancer cells and can therefore be used to distinguish cancer cells from normal tissues. This review describes the main technologies available for the detection and the discovery of aberrantly methylated DNA patterns. It also presents the different sources of biological samples suitable for DNA methylation studies. We discuss the interest and perspectives on the use of DNA methylation measurements for cancer diagnosis through examples of methylated genes commonly documented in the literature. The discussion leads to our consideration for why DNA methylation is not commonly used in clinical practice through an examination of the main requirements that constitute a reliable biomarker. Finally, we describe the main DNA methylation inhibitors currently used in clinical trials and those that exhibit promising results.
Real-Time Recognition of Action Sequences Using a Distributed Video Sensor Network
Authors: Kavi Rahul , Kulathumani Vinod
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we describe how information obtained from multiple views usinga network of cameras can be effectively combined to yield a reliable and fast humanactivity recognition system. First, we present a score-based fusion technique for combininginformation from multiple cameras that can handle the arbitrary orientation of the subjectwith respect to the cameras and that does not rely on a symmetric deployment of thecameras. Second, we describe how longer, variable duration, inter-leaved action sequencescan be recognized in real-time based on multi-camera data that is continuously streaming in.Our framework does not depend on any particular feature extraction technique, and as aresult, the proposed system can easily be integrated on top of existing implementationsfor view-specific classifiers and feature descriptors. For implementation and testing of theproposed system, we have used computationally simple locality-specific motion informationextracted from the spatio-temporal shape of a human silhouette as our feature descriptor.This lends itself to an efficient distributed implementation, while maintaining a high framecapture rate. We demonstrate the robustness of our algorithms by implementing them ona portable multi-camera, video sensor network testbed and evaluating system performanceunder different camera network configurations.
5-Pentadecyl-2-((p-tolylimino)methyl)phenol
Authors: Naganagowda Gadada , Potgieter Kariska , Meijboom Reinout , Petsom Amorn
Published: July 2013

5-Pentadecyl-2-((p-tolylimino)methyl)phenol has been synthesized by reaction of 2-hydroxy-4-pentadecylbenzaldehyde with 4-amino-1-methyl-aniline in 1,4-dioxane under reflux. The structure of the synthesized compound was assigned on the basis of elemental analysis, UV, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Properties of Crude Stem Bark Extracts and Fractions of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.)
Authors: Abioye Emmanuel , Akinpelu David , Aiyegoro Olayinka , Adegboye Mobolaji , Oni Matthew , Okoh Anthony
Published: July 2013

A methanolic crude extract of Parkia biglobosa was prepared and later partitioned in succession with different solvents of increasing polarity ranging from n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate to butanol. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycoside and sugars. The inhibition zones exhibited by the extract against the tested bacteria ranged between 14 ± 0.00 mm (against Escherichia coli) and 28 ± 0.71 mm (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The MIC of the methanolic extract of P. biglobosa against isolates ranged between 0.63 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL, while the MIC values exhibited by the n-hexane and aqueous fractions ranged between 0.63 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL. Overall the extract and fractions of P. biglobosa used in this work were found to possess antimicrobial properties which compared favourably with those of streptomycin. These observations make this plant a potential source of bioactive compounds that can be used in management of bacterial infections. The use of this plant as herbal medicaments in African countries and the reports on the toxicity of the plant further show that the plant is non-toxic to humans.
Two New Chiratane-Type Triterpenoids from Swertia kouitchensis
Authors: Wan Luo-Sheng , Liu Ting-Ting , Lin Xiao-Jun , Min Qiu-Xia , Chen Jia-Chun
Published: July 2013

Two rare new chiratane-type triterpenoids, kouitchenoids A and B (1, 2), together with oleanolic acid (3) and ursolic acid (4), were isolated from ethanol extract of Swertia kouitchensis. The new structures were determined by the analysis of MS and NMR data. In addition, compounds 1–4 showed moderate inhibitory activity against the α-glucosidase (with IC50 values ranging from 1,812 to 2,027 μM).
Éléments de conceptualisation du travail d'enseignant chercheur : L'activité suivi de mémoire est-elle homomorphe à l'activité accompagnement de Validation des Acquis de l'Expérience ?
Authors: Munoz Grégory , Sylvestre Emmanuel , Soulard Évelyne
Published: July 2013

L’étude caractérise l’activité d’ accompagnement du dossier de validation des acquis de l’expérience de l’enseignant-chercheur à travers une analyse issue du paradigme de la didactique professionnelle (Pastré, 2011). Elle explore les homomorphismes (Vergnaud, 1994) entre la situation d’activité connue de suivi de mémoire de master et cette situation d’activité moins connue. Se pose alors la question de savoir si les concepts en acte (Vergnaud, 1999) construits par l’acteur afin de pouvoir gérer la première situation sont mobilisables dans le cadre de la seconde. L’une et l’autre relèvent-elles d’une même classe de situation plus élargie, qui pourrait être relative à l’accompagnement de réalisation d’un travail universitaire  ? Si les deux situations d’activité semblent a priori parentes , il importe cependant d’en dégager les différences. En effet, ces dernières s’avèrent essentielles pour les acteurs, afin de leur permettre de mieux conceptualiser les spécificités de l’activité d’ accompagnement en VAE , pour laquelle ils sont peu formés.
L'accompagnement de l'autoformation dans des dispositifs de formation. Pratiques relationnelles et effets formatifs
Authors: Clénet Catherine
Published: July 2013

Dans notre contribution, nous construisons une problématique de l’accompagnement de l’autoformation dans les dispositifs de formation pour adultes. Notre démarche d’ensemble consiste à questionner l’accompagnement de l’autoformation comme une situation formative considérée sous l’angle des relations d’influence, au sein de collectif et dans un agir communicationnel. À travers une démarche inductive et compréhensive, nous avons analysé des pratiques dans deux dispositifs novateurs en formation pour adultes (formation individualisée et formation à distance). Nos résultats permettent d’identifier les facteurs de qualité d’une pratique relationnelle ayant des effets formatifs chez l’apprenant : une relation d’accompagnement, un espace-temps construit et partagé par le groupe social faisant étayage pour une dynamique d’engagement de l’apprenant dans ses apprentissages.
L'information au cœur de l'intelligence économique stratégique
Authors: Monino Jean-Louis
Published: July 2013

L’information est au cœur de l’Intelligence économique et sa gestion stratégique est devenue l’un des moteurs essentiels de la performance globale des entreprises. En effet, le processus de mondialisation des marchés contraint les agents économiques à s’adapter aux nouveaux équilibres qui s’établissent entre concurrence et coopération. Désormais, la conduite des stratégies industrielles repose largement sur la capacité des entreprises à accéder aux informations stratégiques pour mieux anticiper les marchés à venir et les stratégies des concurrents. Classification JEL : D83, C80, C 81, D81, O31
Qui dit intelligence économique dit partage d'information
Authors: Salam Ghizlane
Published: July 2013

Le processus d’Intelligence Économique, avec ces différentes étapes, est conditionné par une fluidité de la circulation des flux d’informations, une culture de travail en groupe, de partage d’informations et d’échange de connaissances. Alors, l’entreprise ne pourrait réussir dans sa démarche d’IE, sans développer un état d’esprit collaboratif basé sur le travail en équipe et la création collective des richesses. Pour cela, cet article vise à mettre en lumière la problématique du partage d’informations dans le cadre du processus d’IE. Classification JEL : C80, L14, J53, D83, D81
Intelligence économique et compétitivité de l'entreprise marocaine : Quelle interaction ?
Authors: Mansouri Zahra
Published: July 2013

Dans un contexte de plus en plus concurrentiel, seules les entreprises qui ont adopté une stratégie de création et de gestion des différents flux d’informations seront capables d’anticiper les changements des comportements des acteurs économiques, de prévoir l’évolution des marchés, d’identifier l’innovation technologique et de prendre les bonnes décisions afin d’améliorer leur compétitivité. Considérée comme une démarche de maîtrise de l’information stratégique utile au développement des entreprises, l’intelligence économique (IE), nouveau mode de management, est devenue, un levier indispensable de la performance économique des entreprises au Maroc. Classification JEL : M15, L21, D83, D81
Situations relationnelles et gestion des grossesses non prévues à Dakar
Authors: Adjamagbo Agnès , Koné Pierrette Aguessy
Published: July 2013

De nombreuses études ont souligné l’augmentation des grossesses non planifiées chez les jeunes en Afrique subsaharienne, mais rares sont celles qui se sont intéressées à l’évolution concomitante des aspirations des jeunes dans les domaines de la sexualité et de la parentalité. À partir d’une recherche menée à Dakar au Sénégal, cet article analyse la complexité des enjeux individuels et collectifs autour d’une grossesse inattendue, et montre que cette notion renvoie à une réflexion plus ample sur les enjeux contraceptifs en début de vie sexuelle. L’étude s’appuie sur 74 récits de vie de femmes et d’hommes recueillis entre 2007 et 2008 à Dakar dans le cadre de la recherche ECAF ( Emergency Contraception in Africa ) financée par l’Union européenne. La collecte des données repose sur une approche biographique de type qualitative qui met en perspective les trajectoires résidentielle, scolaire, professionnelle, affective ou conjugale, et contraceptive des individus. Les résultats révèlent quatre dimensions structurantes de la relation à la maternité : le contexte relationnel dans lequel la grossesse survient, le jeu de pouvoir entre les différents protagonistes (individus, couples, familles et/ou entourage), les relations de pouvoir fondées sur le genre, et l’insécurité croissante des conditions de vie.
Hermenéutica e investigación cualitativa en Iberoamérica
Authors: Cisneros Puebla César A.
Published: July 2013

En este ensayo pretendo señalar la experiencia y la práctica de la investigación cualitativa en Iberoamérica. Al comparar el estado del arte de la investigación cualitativa en diferentes países, este manuscrito es un primer esfuerzo por difundir el debate al que nos enfrentamos en nuestras sociedades de habla hispana en el contexto de la globalización de la academia. ¿Cómo se ve la investigación cualitativa iberoamericana a través de la globalización? ¿Cuáles son nuestras principales preocupaciones acerca de los métodos y enfoques? ¿Está la hermenéutica incluida en nuestra agenda? En particular, voy a tomar en cuenta el contexto iberoamericano para señalar un conjunto determinado de obstáculos y desafíos de hacer investigación cualitativa en estos países.
La hermenéutica del sentido de las “cosas sociales”
Authors: Beltrán Villalva Miguel
Published: July 2013

La realidad social tiene un componente material susceptible de medición (sus dimensiones cuantitativas), y otro inmaterial, el sentido de las “cosas sociales”, que ha de ser interpretado y comprendido. Ambas dimensiones son imprescindibles para describir y eventualmente explicar la realidad, pero durante mucho tiempo ha predominado en las ciencias sociales un planteamiento naturalista, con el que se pretendía su asimilación al modelo de las ciencias físico-naturales. La atención al componente intersubjetivo del sentido que permea la realidad obliga a tener en cuenta el discurso con el que nos referimos a ella, en el bien entendido de que no se trata de una cuestión lingüistica, sino hermenéutica. Y, claro está, el propósito de la Sociología no se reduce a la comprensión del sentido, sino que pretende conocer la totalidad de la realidad.
Sociología hermenéutica del conocimiento
Authors: Reichertz Jo
Published: July 2013

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la sociología hermenéutica del conocimiento fuera de la investigación social cualitativa convencional: para delinear sus principios, enfoques y necesidades y sugerir posibles áreas de aplicación.
Epistemología y hermenéutica de la ciencia: una visión desde la obra de Kuhn
Authors: Valero Matas Jesús A. , Coca Juan R.
Published: July 2013

La intención de este trabajo es mostrar cómo es posible desarrollar una hermenéutica de la ciencia. Para esto se utilizarán los desarrollos epistemológicos de Kuhn y se desarrollará un análisis teórico de los mismos. Finalmente se exponen los elementos que condicionan la actividad tecnocientífica. Este trabajo busca, como conclusión, exponer los elementos que deberían estar presentes en una hermenéutica de la ciencia.
Campo y ciudad en la España de Fin de siglo: una lectura simmeliana de El árbol de la ciencia (1911) de Pío Baroja
Authors: Fuster García Francisco
Published: July 2013

El objetivo de este artículo es reconstruir la relación dialéctica que existía entre el campo y la ciudad —tomando como ejemplo el caso de Madrid— en la España finisecular a partir de la lectura de la novela de Pío Baroja, El árbol de la ciencia (1911). Para ello, intento cómo situar al lector en el contexto histórico del período para proceder a continuación con el análisis del punto de vista barojiano sobre la relación campo/ciudad, tomando como caso paradigmático la trayectoria personal de Andrés Hurtado, el protagonista autobiográfico de esta novela.