bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoter methylation status of tumor suppressor genes and inhibition of expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Bangqing , Song Jianfei , Luan Jiaqiang , Sun Xiaolin , Bai Jian , Wang Haiyong , Li Angui , Zhang Lifei , Feng Xiaoyan , Du Zhenzong
Published: April 2016

DNA methylation is an epigenetic DNA modification catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The purpose of this study was to investigate DNMT1 gene and protein expression and the effects of methylation status on tumor suppressor genes in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines grown in vitro and in vivo. Human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and H838, were grown in vitro and inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice to form tumors and were then treated with the DNA methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, with and without treatment with the benzamide histone deacetylase inhibitor, entinostat (MS-275). DNMT1 protein expression was quantified by Western blot. Promoter methylation status of tumor suppressor genes ( RASSF1A, ASC, APC, MGMT, CDH13, DAPK, ECAD, P16, and GATA4) was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Methylation status of the tumor suppressor genes was regulated by the DNMT1 gene, with the decrease of DNMT1 expression following DNA methylation treatment. Demethylation of tumor suppressor genes ( APC, ASC, and RASSF1A) restored tumor growth in nude mice. The results of this study support a role for methylation of DNA as a potential epigenetic clinical biomarker of prognosis or response to therapy and for DNMT1 as a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Louis de Wecker (1832-1906) and His Innovations in Ocular Surgery
Authors: Laios Konstantinos , Moschos Marilita M. , Androutsos George
Published: April 2016

Louis de Wecker (1832-1906) was a famous French ophthalmologist and was considered one of the greatest ophthalmologists of his time with worldwide reputation. He introduced many innovative surgical techniques such as his method for iridotomy, “anterior sclerotomy,” and the so-called “de Wecker’s capsular advancement” for the treatment of strabismus. He also invented surgical instruments such as “de Wecker’s pince-ciseaux” and “de Wecker’s double advancement hook.”
Learning vector quantization neural network–based model reference adaptive control method for intelligent lower-limb prosthesis
Authors: Yang Jia-Qiang , Yang Lei , Ma Yuliang
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on the design of a control system for intelligent prostheses. Learning vector quantization neural network–based model reference adaptive control method is employed to implement real-time trajectory tracking and damp torque control of intelligent lower-limb prosthesis. The method is then analyzed and proposed. A model reference control system is first built with two learning vector quantization neural networks. One neural network is used for output prediction, and the other is used for input control. The angle information of the prosthetic knee joint is utilized to train these two neural networks with the given learning algorithm. The testing results of different movement patterns verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and its suitability for intelligent lower-limb prostheses.
Fragile finance: The revenue models of oppositional news outlets in repressive regimes
Authors: Cook Clare E
Published: April 2016

For journalists promoting the free flow of information in repressive or restrictive media environments, the issue of financial sustainability is complex. Both media in exile (out-of-country news outlets feeding independent information into the country of origin) and news outlets in restrictive news environments (in-country providing counter-information) exist in flawed market situations and often rely on grant funding. This is the first academic study of the revenue streams of these media, providing scarce empirical data and a typology of funding structures of these media. This article examines three main revenue categories: grant funding, earned income and donations. The major factors influencing revenue streams compared to online media start-ups in open markets are discussed. The article finds significant barriers to revenue creation and identifies the need for alternative approaches, particularly partnerships, to promote economic resilience for media under threat.
Assessing the previous economic knowledge of beginning students in Germany: Implications for teaching economics in basic courses
Authors: Happ Roland , Förster Manuel , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Carstensen Vivian
Published: April 2016

Study-related prior knowledge plays a decisive role in business and economics degree courses. Prior knowledge has a significant influence on knowledge acquisition in higher education, and teachers need information on it to plan their introductory courses accordingly. Very few studies have been conducted of first-year students’ prior economic knowledge or differences among students in such knowledge. In this article, the prior economic knowledge and the influence of personal factors on first-year students’ prior economic knowledge are examined. For this purpose, an adaptation of the fourth, revised edition of the American Test of Economic Literacy was administered, which was adapted in 2014 according to the Test and Adaptation Guidelines for use in higher education in Germany. We present findings based from an assessment conducted in higher education in Germany in the summer term of 2014; the subsample for this study comprises first-year students of business and economics. Findings indicate that there are significant differences in prior economic knowledge among first-year students within universities. Influence factors include economic learning experiences prior to starting university, gender, and mother tongue. The article closes with implications for teaching and degree program design.
Factors Influencing Discharge Destination After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Schwarzkopf Ran , Ho Jenny , Quinn John R. , Snir Nimrod , Mukamel Dana
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

The demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to challenge hospital financial resources. Hospitals have countered this economic demand by reducing patient length of stay (LoS), thus requiring a higher utilization of extended care facilities (ECF) and home with home health care (HHC). With an increase in the number of insured low-income families following the Affordable Care Act (ACA), TKA patients’ demographics are anticipated to change. Both trends have significant economic implications, and predicting the discharge destinations of TKA patients would help plan for future health expenditures. The purpose of this study was to determine which variables are significant in predicting discharge destinations of patients treated with TKA.

Methods:

We utilized the California Hospital Discharge data set of the year 2010. For each hospitalization, the data set includes information about patient demographics (age, gender, race, and ethnicity), insurance type, diagnoses and procedures, and patient disposition. Discharge to home was the reference category. Discharges to a skilled nursing home and discharge to home with home care were the 2 additional alternatives. Independent variables included the Charlson comorbidity index, payer category (private, Medicare, Medical, and other), race, ethnicity, age, and gender.

Results:

Over 28 611 TKAs were reviewed with 45.9% discharged to HHC, 29.9% going to ECF, and 24.2% going home without home health care. Race, age, insurance, and morbidity proved to be highly significant factors influencing patient discharge destination ( P < .001). Medicare coverage relative to private payers was a strong predictor for discharge destination (relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.69, P < .001). The strongest predictors were black and Asian races relative to whites (RRR 1.54, P < .01). Male gender was the only factor that lowered the risk of discharge to a nursing home (RRR 0.43, P < .001).

Conclusions:

This study provides insight on which patient characteristics influence discharge destination after TKA. Race, age, insurance, and morbidity were highly significant ( P < .001) factors on patient discharge destination.
A Retrospective Review of the Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Foster Rukhsana , Ferguson Thomas W. , Rigatto Claudio , Lerner Blake , Tangri Navdeep , Komenda Paul
Published: April 2016

Background:

Reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a health concern for patients on dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant, as these patients are often immunosuppressed. The most frequently used test for LTBI screening in this population is the tuberculin skin test (TST). The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the TST in a contemporary North American or Western European dialysis population is unknown.

Objectives:

Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the two-step TST in patients receiving dialysis.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

This study is set at four tertiary dialysis units across Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Patients:

There are 483 chronic hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in the study.

Measurements:

The measurements are sensitivity and specificity of the TST with respect to abnormal chest X-ray.

Methods:

All patients received a two-step TST and assessment of risk factors for prior tuberculosis (TB) infection between February 2008 and December 2008. This cohort was retrospectively linked to our tuberculosis registry to ascertain if prophylaxis was received for LTBI.

Results:

At an induration cutoff of 5 mm, 62 (13 %) patients had a positive two-step TST. Patients with a known Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination were more likely to test positive (50 % of those with a positive TST had a BCG versus 34 % with a negative TST, p = 0.05). Using a diagnostic gold standard of an abnormal chest X-ray as a proxy for LTBI, the sensitivity of the TST was only 14 % and the specificity was 88 %. Only 8 of 62 patients with a positive TST (13 %) received prophylaxis for LTBI. None of the patients who tested negative were treated.

Limitations:

There is a lack of a truly accurate gold standard for LTBI.

Conclusions:

The TST has limited diagnostic and clinical utility for LTBI screening in patients on dialysis. Further research into the diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma release assays and a revision of LTBI screening guidelines in patients on dialysis should be considered.
Validation and Quality Assessment of the Kilimanjaro Cancer Registry
Authors: Zullig Leah L. , Schroeder Kristin , Nyindo Pilli , Namwai Theresia , Silayo Elvis , Msomba Angelah , Munishi Michael Oresto , Karia Francis , Muiruri Charles , Bartlett John , Maro Venance , Zafar S. Yousuf
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Global cancer burden has increasingly shifted to low- and middle-income countries and is particularly pronounced in Africa. There remains a lack of comprehensive cancer information as a result of limited cancer registry development. In Moshi, Tanzania, a regional cancer registry exists at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center. Data quality is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the completeness and quality of the Kilimanjaro Cancer Registry (KCR).

Methods

In October 2015, we conducted a retrospective review of KCR by validating the internal consistency of registry records with medical and pathology records. We randomly sampled approximately 100 total registry cases. Four reviewers not associated with the KCR manually collected data elements from medical records and compared them with KCR data.

Results

All 100 reviewed registry cases had complete cancer site and morphology included in the registry. Six had a recorded stage. For the majority (n = 92), the basis of diagnosis was pathology. Pathology reports were found in the medical record for 40% of patients; for the remainder, these were stored separately in the pathology department. Of sampled registry cases, the KCR and medical records were 98% and 94% concordant for primary cancer site and morphology, respectively. For 28%, recorded diagnosis dates were within 14 days of what was found in the medical record, and for 32%, they were within 30 days.

Conclusion

The KCR has a high level of concordance for classification and coding when data are retrieved for validation. This parameter is one of the most important for measuring data quality in a regional cancer registry.
The Asexual-Single and the Collective: Remaking Queer Bonds in (A)sexual, Bill Cunningham New York, and Year of the Dog
Authors: Francis Marc
Published: April 2016

This article examines a series of recent films that seeks to represent the often conflated categories of asexuality and singlehood. The films (A)sexual (dir. Angela Tucker, US, 2011), Year of the Dog (dir. Mike White, US, 2007), and Bill Cunningham New York (dir. Richard Press, US, 2010) illustrate that the binding of the asexual to the single, though seemingly misguided, can open up fruitful pathways for reimagining queer relationality. Responding in part to scholarship on singlehood and asexuality while also attending to the film studies historiography of sexuality, this essay challenges both the representability and study of these emergent types that seem legible only through their apparent lack. In its call to disassociate coupled and sexualized desire from the practice of engaging films' gender and sexual politics, this article analyzes examples in independent cinema that seek to bring longings for collectivity, without an identitarian focus, to the foreground of political consciousness. These filmic examples thus struggle to find a space for the queer collective in place of more traditional modes of coupled romance and sex. They reexamine naturalized and commonplace narratives of sexual fulfillment that are taken for granted in most liberal and even in more radical queer politics. In the end, these films incisively critique definitions of romance and love by extending them beyond oversaturated normative connotations and into the less defined—potentially more public—terrains of collectivity, friendship, and even interspecies affinities, giving spectators glimpses into queer existential and political formations outside of a predominantly LGBT framework.
New Day Films, Digital Distribution, and Collective Aesthetics
Authors: Coffman Elizabeth , Stein Erica
Published: April 2016

New Day Films was formed in 1972 as a feminist media collective to distribute films addressing gender issues. Forty years later, New Day boasts close to two hundred members and yearly distribution profits of $1 million. This article uses New Day's history to illuminate the economic and political implications of the media collective's recently developed digital platform. It argues that this distribution format extends the logic of the collective, which has informed both New Day's institutional culture and its dominant aesthetics. Drawing on interviews with key New Day members, research on the initial production and reception of the collective's earliest work, and analyses of the style and structure of both canonic and contemporary films in its collection, this article demonstrates that the organization's valorization of collective production and collective political action has a key analogue in its development of an aesthetic of collectivity. This aesthetic helps constitute the political “discussion film” and is coevolving in compelling, interactive ways with New Day's embrace of new technologies for noncommercial distribution.
Mitochondrial biogenesis is required for axonal growth
Authors: Vaarmann Annika , Mandel Merle , Zeb Akbar , Wareski Przemyslaw , Liiv Joanna , Kuum Malle , Antsov Eva , Liiv Mailis , Cagalinec Michal , Choubey Vinay , Kaasik Allen
Published: April 2016

During early development, neurons undergo complex morphological rearrangements to assemble into neuronal circuits and propagate signals. Rapid growth requires a large quantity of building materials, efficient intracellular transport and also a considerable amount of energy. To produce this energy, the neuron should first generate new mitochondria because the pre-existing mitochondria are likely unable to provide a sufficient acceleration in ATP production. Here, we demonstrate that mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production are required for axonal growth and neuronal development. We also demonstrate that growth signals activating the CaMKKβ, LKB1-STRAD or TAK1 pathways also co-activate the AMPK-PGC-1α-NRF1 axis leading to the generation of new mitochondria to ensure energy for upcoming growth. In conclusion, our results suggest that neurons are capable of signalling for upcoming energy requirements. Earlier activation of mitochondrial biogenesis through these pathways will accelerate the generation of new mitochondria, thereby ensuring energy-producing capability for when other factors for axonal growth are synthesized.
Delamination of neural crest cells requires transient and reversible Wnt inhibition mediated by DACT1/2
Authors: Rabadán M Angeles , Herrera Antonio , Fanlo Lucia , Usieto Susana , Carmona-Fontaine Carlos , Barriga Elias H. , Mayor Roberto , Pons Sebastián , Martí Elisa
Published: April 2016

Delamination of neural crest (NC) cells is a bona fide physiological model of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that is influenced by Wnt/b-catenin signalling. Using two in vivo models, we show that Wnt/b-catenin signalling is transiently inhibited at the time of NC delamination. In attempting to define the mechanism underlying this inhibition, we found that the scaffold protein DACT1/2, which is expressed in pre-migratory NC cells, is required for NC delamination in Xenopus and chick embryos, while it does not affect the motile properties of migratory NC cells. DACT1/2 inhibits Wnt/b-catenin signalling upstream of the transcriptional activity of TCF, which is required for the EMT to proceed. DACT1/2 regulates the sub-cellular distribution of b-catenin, preventing b-catenin from acting as a transcriptional co-activator to TCF, yet without affecting is stability. Together, these data identify a novel yet important regulatory element required for NC delamination that inhibits b-catenin signalling.
Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, and Program and Social Security Data
Authors: Amarante Verónica , Manacorda Marco , Miguel Edward , Vigorito Andrea
Published: April 2016

There is limited empirical evidence on whether cash transfers to poor pregnant women improve children's birth outcomes and potentially help weaken the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Using a unique array of program and social security administrative micro-data matched to longitudinal vital statistics in Uruguay, we estimate that participation in a generous social assistance program led to a sizable reduction in the incidence of low birthweight. The effect is due to faster intrauterine growth rather than longer gestational length. Our findings are consistent with improved maternal nutrition during pregnancy being a key driver of improved birthweight. (JEL I14, I32, I38, J13, J16, O15)
Current techniques for visualizing RNA in cells
Authors: Mannack Lilith V.J.C. , Eising Sebastian , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: April 2016

Labeling RNA is of utmost interest, particularly in living cells, and thus RNA imaging is an emerging field. There are numerous methods relying on different concepts ranging from hybridization-based probes, over RNA-binding proteins to chemo-enzymatic modification of RNA. These methods have different benefits and limitations. This review aims to outline the current state-of-the-art techniques and point out their benefits and limitations.
Сombining Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies in Sociolinguistic Research
Authors: Чернобровкина  , Chernobrovkina E.
Published: April 2016

The article deals with the methodology of current sociolinguistics. The author considers main disciplines of sociolinguistics, reviews the notions of quantitative and qualitative methods used in sociolinguistic studies and dwells upon a present tendency to employ mixed methods which combine the advantages of both methodological approaches.
Phenomenon of Socio-cultural Adaptation of Anglo-Saxon PR-communications in Russia
Authors: Чилингир  , Chilingir E.
Published: April 2016

This article describes the process of the English term “public relations” entering

the Russian language and culture; there is the term (and its Russian

synonyms) frequency statistics in Russian texts as well. Analysis of spelling

usage of the English term (in official documents, professional sphere, and

informal contexts) has been done. The article also provides a forecast that

in some time the term пиар (in Russian spelling) will become neutral, and

will possibly remain the only one name for that sphere of activity.
Barents Euro-Arctic Region – International Cooperation in Education in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Калугина  , Kalugina T.
Published: April 2016

The article considers education as a soft power tool to promote national interests. As an area of permanent cultural cooperation, education being a factor of socio-cultural integration, enhances socio-economic mobility. Both national higher education integration in the European educational space and globalization cause national identity crisis. The author reviews international cooperation in education as well as intensive process of cross-cultural communication aimed at creating and implementing principles conducive to sustainable development of the Barents region. The article emphasizes the benefit of the geographical location of BEAR for creating a “mixed” model of higher education, which will contribute to further integration of Russian education system in the European educational space.
Does Corporate Governance Matter More for High Financial Slack Firms?
Authors: John Kose , Li Yuanzhi , Pang Jiaren
Published: April 2016

The effect of corporate governance may depend on a firm’s financial slack. On one hand, financial slack may be spent by managers for their private benefits; a high level is likely associated with severe agency conflicts. Thus corporate governance matters more for high financial slack firms (i.e., the wasteful spending hypothesis). On the other hand, financial slack provides insurance against future uncertainties; a low level may signal deviations from the best interests of shareholders. Then corporate governance is more effective for low financial slack firms (i.e., the precautionary needs hypothesis). We differentiate the two hypotheses using the passage of antitakeover laws to identify exogenous variation in governance. Consistent with the wasteful spending hypothesis, the laws’ passage has a larger negative impact on the operating and stock market performance of high financial slack firms. Further analysis shows that these firms do not invest more but become less efficient at cost management after the laws’ passage.

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Optimal Strategies for Flood Prevention
Authors: Eijgenraam Carel , Brekelmans Ruud , den Hertog Dick , Roos Kees
Published: April 2016

Flood prevention policy is of major importance to the Netherlands since a large part of the country is below sea level and high water levels in rivers may also cause floods. In this paper we propose a dike height optimization model to determine economically efficient flood protection standards. We improve the model proposed by David van Dantzig [van Dantzig D (1956) Economic decision problems for flood prevention. Econometrica 24(3):276–287] after a devastating flood in the Netherlands in 1953. Our model is nonconvex, but we derive an explicit simple expression for the global optimal solution, which is periodic. We also discuss how to use this optimal investment policy to derive an efficient flood protection standard. The rather simple expression for this standard gives us much insight into how it depends on several relevant economic and climate model parameters. This approach has been applied to all dike rings in the Netherlands, and the resulting standards have been stated in the new Delta Programme 2015, which has been accepted by the government.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
The Sand Bar Formation and Its Impact on the Mangrove Ecosystem:A Case Study of Kadalundi Estuary of Kadalundi River Basin in Kerala, India
Authors: Bindu K B. , Jayapal G
Published: April 2016

Mangrove ecosystems are prone to die due to both anthropogenic and natural effects. The present study is a case study of how the formation of sand bars affects the natural mangrove ecosystem and becoming a threat to its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The Kadalundi – Vallikkunnu Community Reserve located in Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts in Kerala State is the first community reserve of Kerala, declared in 2007 which spread across 1.5 sq. km. andthis area includes Kadalundi bird sanctuary, mangroves and estuarine. These area mainly affected by numerous biotic interferences like over fishing, collection of oyster and mussels, mining of sand and lime and also retting of coconut. The formation of sand bars at the mouth of the river has resulted in the massive die back of the mangrove vegetation, especially that of Avicennia Marina which is one of the five species of mangroves found in the Kadalundi – Vallikunnu community reserve. The illegal utilization of land for coconut plantation, urbanization and dumping of urban waste near the mouth of the river had made the problem highly complicated. The present study highlights the need for urgent measures to be adopted from the authorities to ensure community participation for restoration of community reserve.
Determination of Leaf Dust Accumulation on Certain Plant Species Grown Alongside National Highway- 22, India
Authors: Singh Navjot , Bhardwaj S. K , Pant K. S , Rai T. S
Published: April 2016

Vehicular traffic is one of the major contributors to accumulate dust on plants grown alongside roads. Plants intercept tons of dust, absorb noise and serve as acoustic screens on busy highways. Vegetation contributes in reducing dust concentration in environment by acting as a sink for air pollutants. Taking this into account, the present study was conducted on National highway- 22 from Parwanoo to Solan, falling in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Specifically, four plant species namely Grewia optiva Drummond ex Burret, Toona ciliata M. Roem, Melia azedarach L. and Woodfordia floribunda (L.) Kurz of uniform size, age, spread and common in occurrence on both sides of the highway were selected for the study. Dust accumulation on leaves of selected plants was estimated during three main seasons (Rainy, Winter and Summer) of the year. Samples were collected from two horizontal distances (0-5 m and 5-10 m) from both sides of the road. Results showed that dust accumulation on the leaves ranged from 0.0083 g m-2 in T. ciliata to 0.0597 g m-2 in G. optiva and followed the descending order G. optiva > W. floribunda > M. azedarach > T. ciliata. Season wisethe examined plant species followed the descending order winter > summer > rainy season. Plants grown at a distance of 0-5 m accumulated higher dust on their leaves as compared to 5-10 m distance from the road. Due to surface characteristics of twigs, bark and foliage of the plants particulate matters are captured by them and remain there for extended time period. From the results of this study, it could be inferred that the air quality in urban/ arid areas can be improved by planting firstly the species G. optiva and W. floribunda along road sides of similar highways to national highway-22.
Design and Implementation of A PV Powered Tri-Cycle
Authors: Das Soumya , Sadhu Pradip , Chakraborty Suprava , Dhara Saumen , Sen Shramabati
Published: April 2016

Solar PV technology is one of the first among the various renewable energy technologies that have been adopted and accepted universally in order to meet the basic needs of generation of electricity. The objective of this paper is to propose a tri-cycle that utilises the application of stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system. A preliminary design and construction of a solar tri-cycle has been performed by evaluating and estimating the required panel size, battery capacity and motor power. Calculation in this paper exhibit that the solar power alone will be sufficient to operate a tri-cycle from one place to another.
Characterization of Leachate and its Effects on Ground Water Quality Around Jawahar nagar Municipal Open Dumpsite, Rangareddy, Telangana
Authors: Kamble.B Soujanya
Published: April 2016

In the present work, characterization of leachate from an open dumpsite, Jawaharnagar, Rangareddy district, Telangana and its effects on surrounding ground water was investigated. A total of one leachate sample and twelve ground water samples were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons(2015) for monitoring purpose. All the samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters(pH, TDS, TH, CH, Cl-, SO4-2, NO3- and F-) as per standard procedures(APHA). Results indicate that, only pH and sulphates were found to be within the permissible limits in ground water recommended by WHO:2006. Total dissolved solids, Chlorides and Nitrate levels were found to be alarming in both pre and post monsoon. Water quality index(WQI) study also showed that most of the water samples fall in “Poor” and “Unsuitable” category. It is evident that the leachate from the municipal dumpsite is polluting the ground water at greater extent making them unsuitable for drinking purpose. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken to control the leachate contamination in the ground water.
Effect of Changing Climatic Conditions on Chill Units Accumulation and Productivity of Apple in Mid Hill Sub Humid Zone of Western Himalayas, India
Authors: Chand Hukam , Verma S. C , Bhardwaj S. K , Sharma S. D , Mahajan P. K , Sharma Ravinder
Published: April 2016

The present study was carried out during 2014-15 in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, which is situated between 31º52’00” to 31º58’00” North latitude and 76º13’00” to 77º44’00” East longitudes.The cumulative chill units hours available for apple crop were calculated by using UTAH model for the period of 1986 to 2015 and a decrease of 6.38 chill units(CU) hours per year was recorded at Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Chill units for the last three decades i.e. 1986-1995, 1996-2005 and 2006-2015 also revealed a decreasing trend of the order of 63.79 CU decreased per decade.Monthly accumulation of chill unit hours during the same period for each winter month (November, December, January and February) revealed maximum decrease of 2.186 CU per year was observed for the month of February. Trend analysis of last five years 2011-2015 showed there was a huge decrease of 14.98 chill units per year. Data on apple productivity in Kullu district for last decade (2005-2014) showed a decreasing trend of the order of 0.183 tons/ha /year as per the regression equation y = -0.183x + 5.745. Thus the climatic conditions for apple cultivation in the Kullu district will be becoming unfavorable in the coming years.
Variation in Primary Production in Relation to Physico-Chemical Parameters of Kadwai Reservoir, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India.
Authors: Rathod Rahul , R. Chavan Balasaheb , Pai Raghuvendra
Published: April 2016

The present study has been carried out to study the status of primary productivity in relation to physiochemical parameters of the Kadwai reservoir of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. The primary productivity was determined by estimating gross and net primary productivity. The experiment was conducted during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons from 1st June to 30th Nov 2015 to know the effect of organic run off on primary production of Kadwai reservoir. The physiochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity and transparency ranged from 27oC-30.5oC, 7.5-8.6, 3.2-7.0 mg/l, 46-75 mg/l, 56-95 mg/l, and 118-130 cm, respectively. The gross primary productivity (GPP) during monsoon was 0.07-0.11 gC/m3/hr in June, July and August 2015, respectively, which was very low, whereas GPP were increased during post monsoon season. The values were recorded as 0.12-0.48 gC/m3/hr in the months of September, October, and November 2015, respectively. The results indicated that during monsoon season, organic load is coming along with water in to the reservoir, but phytoplankton growth is minimum due to the heavy rain and flushing rate were high from the downstream of the reservoir. During post monsoon, primary productivity was increased. The results indicate that Kadwai reservoir is more productive during post monsoon season suitable for stocking fish seed.
Medienkaskaden
Authors: Heinze Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Die technische und soziale Medialisierung moderner Gesellschaft folgt einem kontingenten Muster: Neue Medien des Transports, der Naturbeherrschung und der Kommunikation sprengen ihre Funktion und geraten außer Kontrolle. Sie beschleunigen, rationalisieren, differenzieren und münden in industrieller Überproduktion und politischer Krise. Die Soziologie kann diesen Prozess weder subjekt- noch systemlogisch ganz erfassen. Daher eröffnet Ulrich Heinze seine Medientheorie zwischen System und Subjekt und vermittelt eine neue Sicht auf das historische Material: Die komplexen Funktionssysteme inkludieren Subjekte kommunikativ. Sie ergänzen ihre internen Codes und Steuerungsmedien um externe, massenmediale Selbstbeschriftungen und Metaphern. Sie bieten Identifikation und binden systematisches Handeln zurück an subjektive Emotionen, Erfahrungen und Entscheidungen.
Using Adomian decomposition method for solving a vector-host model
Authors: Elmojtaba Ibrahim
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we use Adomian decomposition method (ADM) for solving a vector-host model by using an alternate algorithm suggested by Biazar et. al [4]. Some of the first terms were generated and plotted against time and compared our results with the regular Runge-Kutta numerical methods by using Matlab ode45 function.
Strain rate and temperature effects on elastic properties of polycaprolactone/starch composite
Authors: Nor Fethma M. , Lee Ho Yong , Lim Joong Yeon , Kurniawan Denni
Published: April 2016

Composite of polycaprolactone (PCL) and starch is a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering scaffolds. During implantation, its mechanical properties might be compromised considering the various strain rates it is subjected to and that human body temperature is close to polycaprolactone’s melting temperature. This study aims at revealing the effect of strain rate and temperature to the elastic properties of polycaprolactone-starch composite. Tensile test at strain rates of 5, 0.1, and 0.01 mm/min at ambient and body temperatures were performed. It was revealed that strain rate as well as temperature readily have significant effects on the composite’s elastic properties. Such effects have similar trends with that of PCL homopolymer which is used as the composite’s matrix. Further analysis on the consequence of the finding was performed by applying the behavior to a finite element model of a porous scaffold and it was found that the discrepancy in elastic properties throughout the construct is even greater.
Reforming Regulatory Institutions: Enlarging the Space of Reasons
Authors: Kelly Henry
Published: April 2016

The most recent phase of global capitalism has been characterised by neoliberal arguments which have supported the deregulation of large sectors of world financial markets. This phenomenon has led to so-called financialization with capital attempting to separate itself from the material base of the economy. The instability of this form of economic activity in addition to the highly attractive short-term returns the financial sector has offered has been the main driver of the current global financial crisis.

This article will seek to examine the manners in which global regulatory frameworks can be reformed to ameliorate the current crisis and create an institutional architecture that will be robust to future shocks. It will be argued that reform needs to proceed in two directions depth and breadth. During the neoliberal phase of economic development, the public discourse on economic policy has centred on arguments based solely upon economic value, it will be suggested that a reformed framework needs to take into account and admit into the space of public reasons, ethical, aesthetic and civic arguments. This is due to the highly volatile nature of economic value and the necessity to acknowledge that in addition to being producers and consumers economic agents are also people.

In a similar vein following the work of Karl-Otto Apel on the public sphere, international regulatory institutions should take into consideration and be accountable to all those effected by their policies and actions. Given the increasingly integrated nature of the European and World economies agencies need to be rendered democratic
Authentic Needs and Genuine Productivity
Authors: Jivan Alexandru , Năchescu Miruna-Lucia
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with a critical debate regarding the common conception on human needs and on their fulfilment through the concern for productivity and growth.

It starts from the most common way of perceiving (and, implicitly, of developing) the economy, which is reappraised on the grounds of genuine liberalism; several routine approaches in economics and most common concerns in the economy are put under question.

The debate brings conclusions related to a widened area of issues concerning the assessment of economic activities and core educational recommendations, implying interventionism focused on developing responsibility on the very long term.
Translation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents
Authors: Karahroudy Fatemeh Alaee , Shahboulaghi Farahnaz Mohammadi , Hosseini Mohammad Ali , Rassouli Maryam , Biglarian Akbar
Published: April 2016

The present study was conducted to translate and assess the validation of the measure of self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents that developed by Schilling et al [Schilling LS, Knafl KA, Grey M. Changing patterns of self-management in youth with type I diabetes. J Pediatr Nurs 2006;21:412–24].

The first stage of the study involved the translation of the measure of self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents into Persian based on the model proposed by Wild et al. in two versions [Wild D, Grove A, Martin M, Eremenco S, McElroy S, et al. Principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures: report of the ISPOR task force for translation and cultural adaptation. Value Health 2005;8:94–104; Wild D, Eremenco S, Mear I, Martin M, Houchin C, et al. Multinational trials – recommendations on the translations required, approaches to using the same language in different countries, and the approaches to support pooling the data: the ISPOR patient-reported outcomes translation and linguistic validation good research practices task force report. Value Health 2009;12:430–40]. The translated versions were reviewed in consultation sessions with experts and the more appropriate items were selected and the final version was translated back into English in two versions and was then sent to the measure’s designer for confirmation. The content validity of the measure was then evaluated by a group of experts and found to be acceptable. The next stage evaluated the measure’s construct validity. This measure contains 52 items classified under five subscales. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the measure’s construct validity and was found to be acceptable. For evaluating the reliability of the measure, its internal consistency was assessed through calculating its Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation. The measure’s consistency was measured through calculating its test-retest reliability.

The assessment of the measure’s content validity revealed a content validity index of 0.98. For the construct validity of the measure using the confirmatory factor analysis, the following figures were obtained: NFI=0.97, RMSA=0.001, AGFI=0.81, IFI=0.833, GFI=0.83. In the assessment of the measure’s reliability, the intra-class correlation showed an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.88. The test-retest showed a consistency of 0.73 for the measure.

The validation of the 48-item measure revealed that it can be used in the population of Iranian adolescents with type 1 diabetes (8 items changed their subscales and 4 items were removed).
The application of magnetic self-filter to optimization of AIN film growth process during the impulse plasma deposition synthesis
Authors: Chodun Rafal , Nowakowska-Langier Katarzyna , Okrasa Sebastian , Zdunek Krzysztof
Published: April 2016

This work presents the very first results of the application of plasma magnetic filtering achieved by a coil coupled with an electrical circuit of a coaxial accelerator during the synthesis of A1N thin films by use of Impulse Plasma Deposition method (IPD). The uniqueness of this technical solution lies in the fact that the filter is not supplied, controlled and synchronized from any external device. Our solution uses the energy from the electrical circuit of plasma accelerator. The plasma state was described on the basis of OES studies. Estimation of the effects of plasma filtering on the film quality was carried out on the basis of characterization of structure morphology (SEM), phase and chemical composition (vibrational spectroscopy). Our work has shown that the use of the developed magnetic self-filter improved the structure of the AlN coatings synthesized under the condition of impulse plasma, especially by the minimization of the tendency to deposit metallic aluminum droplets and columnar growth.
Study of high-strength and high-conductivity Cu–Sn–Fe alloys
Authors: Zhang Junting , Cui Xiaochao , Ma Jiankai , Wang Youhong
Published: April 2016

Cu–Sn–Fe alloys with different compositions were developed by casting, normalizing treatment, cold roll and subsequent annealing treatment. The results showed that the tensile strength and resistivity of the Cu–xSn–xFe alloys (where x represents wt.%) improved with increasing the content of Sn and Fe. Compared with the as-cast alloys, the resistivity and tensile strength of the Cu–xSn–xFe alloys after normalizing and cold rolling treatment increased. In addition, the resistivity and mechanical properties of the alloys after the annealing treatment were improved significantly. Finally, a conclusion could be drawn that the annealed Cu–2Sn–5Fe alloy had good mechanical properties and resistivity, and the values of the tensile strength, mechanical elongation and resistivity reached 552 MPa, 32 % and 1.92 μΩ cm, respectively.
Optical properties of porous Si/PECVD SiNX:H reflector on single crystalline Si for solar cells
Authors: Remache L. , Nychyporuk T. , Guermit N. , Fourmond E. , Mahdjoub A. , Lemiti M.
Published: April 2016

The improvement of optical confinement on the back crystalline silicon solar cell is one of the factors leading to its better performance. Porous silicon (PS) layer can be used as a back reflector (BR) in solar cells. In this work, single layers of porous silicon were grown by electrodeposition on a single crystalline silicon substrate. The measurement of the total reflectivity (RT) on Si/PS surface showed a significant improvement in optical confinement compared to that measured on Si/standard Al back surface field (BSF). The internal reflectivity (RB) extracted from total reflectivity measurements achieved 86 % for the optimized single PS layer (92 nm thick layer with 60 % porosity) in the wavelength range between 950 and 1200 nm. This improvement was estimated as more than 17 % compared to that measured on the surface of Si/BSF Al contact. To improve the stability and passivation properties of PS layer BR, silicon nitride layer (SiNx) was deposited by PECVD on a PS layer. The maximum measured total reflectivity for PS/SiNx achieved approximately 56 % corresponding to an improved RB of up to 83 %. The PS formation process in combination with the PECVD SiNx, can be applied in the photovoltaic cell technology and offer a promising technique to produce high-efficiency and low-cost c-Si solar cells.
Mucoadhesive chitosan-dextran sulfate nanoparticles of acetazolamide for ocular hypertension
Authors: Manchanda Satish , Sahoo Pravat K. , Majumdar Dipak K.
Published: April 2016

Chitosan-dextran sulfate nanoparticles of acetazolamide were formulated by using the ionic gelation technique, and evaluated for different attributes like particle size, ζ potential, drug entrapment, particle morphology, in vitro drug release, and in vivo efficacy. Particle size was observed to be changed with the increment of the drug/polymer ratio. Sustained in vitro drug release was exhibited by the particulate formulation that followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Drug release from nanoparticles was found to occur, as shown by the results, through a combination of dissolution and diffusion. The optimized formulation had a particle size of 172.3 nm and ζ potential of 36.46 mV. The particles had a spherical shape and polydispersity index of 0.257. Decrease in crystallinity of the drug was indicated by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies, in the optimized nanoparticle formulation. Approximately 2.5 times higher transcorneal permeation of drug was observed across the excised goat cornea, in comparison to the aqueous solution of drug, without any corneal damage, during ex vivo transcorneal studies. In vitro mucoadhesion studies showed 91.59% mucoadhesion. The in vivo studies involving ocular hypotensive activity in rabbits revealed significantly higher hypotensive activity with a p-value of <0.05, in contrast to a plain drug solution, with no signs of ocular irritation. The stability studies showed that the formulation was rather stable.
Soil Quality Assessment of Phaeozems and Luvisols from the Kujawy Region (Central Poland) / Ocena cech użytkowych czarnych ziem i gleb płowych rejonu Kujaw
Authors: Kobierski Mirosław , Kondratowicz-Maciejewska Krystyna , Kociniewska Katarzyna
Published: April 2016

To assess the soil quality of Phaeozems and Luvisols from Kujawy region (Kujawy-Pomerania Province, Poland), the soil quality indicators such as: content of organic matter and nutrients, as well as bulk density were used. The soils showed similar inherent properties (soil texture, depth to parent material, type of clay) and management practices (tillage, crop rotation, nutrient application). The following properties were determined: bulk density, grain size composition, exchangeable acidity, concentration of available forms of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, and the content of total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (Nt). The amounts of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved nitrogen (DN) were measured in the solution obtained after extraction with 0.004 M CaCl2. The stock of TOCs, Nts and DOCs, and DNs were calculated. The total organic carbon content in surface horizon of Phaeozems was significant higher (13.9-20.1 g·kg-1) than in Ap horizon of Luvisols (8.3-11.0 g·kg-1), which is a consequence of their origin. The stock of organic carbon in Ap horizon fell within 5.89 to 8.49 kg·m2 in Phaeozems and 3.80 to 4.81 kg·m2 in Luvisols. Although Phaeozems demonstrated a significant higher content of TOC, as compared with Luvisols, the amount of dissolved organic carbon was similar in both soil types, which points to a higher share of DOC in the total organic carbon content in Luvisols (up to 17.5% in Et horizon). The amounts of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved nitrogen and their stock do not depend on the type of soils if the management practices are similar.