bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Mental Imagery with Video-Modeling on Self-Efficacy and Maximal Front Squat Ability
Authors: Buck Daniel , Hutchinson Jasmin , Winter Christa , Thompson Brian
Published: April 2016

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of mental imagery supplemented with video-modeling on self-efficacy and front squat strength (three repetition maximum; 3RM). Subjects (13 male, 7 female) who had at least 6 months of front squat experience were assigned to either an experimental (n = 10) or a control (n = 10) group. Subjects′ 3RM and self-efficacy for the 3RM were measured at baseline. Following this, subjects in the experimental group followed a structured imagery protocol, incorporating video recordings of both their own 3RM performance and a model lifter with excellent technique, twice a day for three days. Subjects in the control group spent the same amount of time viewing a placebo video. Following three days with no physical training, measurements of front squat 3RM and self-efficacy for the 3RM were repeated. Subjects in the experimental group increased in self-efficacy following the intervention, and showed greater 3RM improvement than those in the control group. Self-efficacy was found to significantly mediate the relationship between imagery and front squat 3RM. These findings point to the importance of mental skills training for the enhancement of self-efficacy and front squat performance.
Chlamydiaphage φCPG1 Capsid Protein Vp1 Inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis Growth via the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Guo Yuanli , Guo Rui , Zhou Quan , Sun Changgui , Zhang Xinmei , Liu Yuanjun , Liu Quanzhong
Published: April 2016

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of curable bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Although the pathogen is well established, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Given the current challenges of antibiotic resistance and blocked processes of vaccine development, the use of a specific chlamydiaphage may be a new treatment solution. φCPG1 is a lytic phage specific for Chlamydia caviae, and shows over 90% nucleotide sequence identity with other chlamydiaphages. Vp1 is the major capsid protein of φCPG1. Purified Vp1 was previously confirmed to inhibit Chlamydia trachomatis growth. We here report the first attempt at exploring the relationship between Vp1-treated C. trachomatis and the protein and gene levels of the mitogen-activated/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway by Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. Moreover, we evaluated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after Vp1 treatment. After 48 h of incubation, the p-ERK level of the Vp1-treated group decreased compared with that of the Chlamydia infection group. Accordingly, ERK1 and ERK2 mRNA expression levels of the Vp1-treated group also decreased compared with the Chlamydia infection group. IL-8 and IL-1 levels were also decreased after Vp1 treatment compared with the untreated group. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition effect of the chlamydiaphage φCPG1 capsid protein Vp1 on C. trachomatis is associated with the MAPK pathway, and inhibits production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1. The bacteriophages may provide insight into a new signaling transduction mechanism to influence their hosts, in addition to bacteriolysis.
Economic Analysis and Feasibility of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Urban and Peri-Urban Environments: A Review of the Global Situation with a Special Focus on Australia and Kenya
Authors: Christian Amos Caleb , Rahman Ataur , Mwangi Gathenya John
Published: April 2016

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) plays an important role in increasing water security for individuals and governments. The demand for tools to enable technical and economic analysis of RWH systems has led to a substantial body of research in the recent past. This paper focuses on the economic aspects of domestic RWH in urban and peri-urban environments. In this regard, key issues are identified and discussed including quality and quantity of harvested water, the water demand profile, the scale of installation, interest rates, the period of analysis, real estate value, and the water-energy-food nexus. Kenya and Australia are used as reference points having different economies and opposing RWH policies. It has been found that the previous studies on financial aspects of RWH systems often had conflicting results. Most of the economic analyses have ignored the full benefits that a RWH system can offer. In view of the varying and conflicting results, there is a need to standardize the methods of economic analysis of RWH systems.
Feasibility Study of Advanced NOM-Reduction by Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration and Nanofiltration at a Swedish Surface Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Lidén Angelica , Persson Kenneth
Published: April 2016

Membrane technology, i.e., ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, is growing in popularity, as it is a space efficient alternative for surface water treatment. Two types of hollow fiber membranes were tested in a fully equipped and automated pilot at a Swedish water treatment plant. Raw water was treated by a nanofilter and by coagulation before an ultrafilter. Operation parameters recorded during these trials have been the basis for cost estimations and assessments of environmental impact, comparing the two membrane modules to the existing conventional treatment. The membranes required lower chemical consumption, but led to increased costs from membrane modules and a higher energy demand. Compared to the existing treatment (0.33 €/m3), the operational costs were estimated to increase 6% for ultrafiltration and 30% for nanofiltration. Considering the low emissions from Nordic energy production, the membrane processes would lower the environmental impact, including factors such as climate and ecosystem health. Greenhouse gas emissions would decrease from 161 g CO2-eq/m3 of the existing process, to 127 g CO2-eq/m3 or 83 g CO2-eq/m3 for ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, respectively. Lower chemical consumption and less pollution from the sludge leaving the water treatment plant lead to lower impacts on the environment.
Plasmid-Based Stat3 siRNA Delivered by Functional Graphene Oxide Suppresses Mouse Malignant Melanoma Cell Growth
Authors: Yin Di , Li Yang , Guo Baofeng , Liu Zhewen , Xu Yang , Wang Xiaoqin , Du Yanwei , Xu Libo , Meng Yan , Zhao Xuejian , Zhang Ling
Published: April 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) has been used for cancer gene therapy in recent years. However, the application of RNAi is hindered in the absence of safe and efficient gene delivery. In this article, a novel vehicle of graphene oxide functionalized with polyethylenimine and polyethylene glycol
(GO-PEI-PEG) was successfully synthetized and then used to deliver plasmid-based Stat3 siRNA. The carrier can readily bind plasmid with high transfection efficiency. Moreover, molecular biology studies reveal that Stat3-related gene and protein expressions were significantly inhibited, suggesting that the formation of GO-PEI-PEG complexes could be utilized as a promising gene delivery in cancer therapy.
Raltitrexed Inhibits HepG2 Cell Proliferation via G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Yubao , Sun Jianmin , Zhan Chao , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2016

Raltitrexed (RTX) is an antimetabolite drug used as a chemotherapeutic agent for treating colorectal cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and gastric cancer. The antitumor capacity of RTX is attributed to its inhibitory activity on thymidylate synthase (TS), a key enzyme in the synthesis
of DNA precursors. The current study is aimed at investigating the potential antitumor effects of RTX in liver cancer. Using the HepG2 cell line as an in vitro model of liver cancer, we evaluated the effects of RTX on cell proliferation employing both a WST-8 assay and a clone formation efficiency
assay. In addition, we monitored the ultrastructure changes of HepG2 cells in response to RTX with transmission electric microscopy. To investigate the mechanism underlying the regulation of cell proliferation by RTX, we analyzed cell cycle using cell flow cytometry. Moreover, real-time PCR
and Western blot analyses were conducted to examine expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), as well as their mediators tumor suppressor genes p53 and p16. Our results demonstrate that RTX inhibits HepG2 proliferation by arresting the
cell cycle at G0/G1. This cell cycle arrest function was mediated via downregulation of cyclin A and CDK2. The observed elevated expression of p53 and p16 by RTX may contribute to the reduction of cyclin A/CDK2. Our study indicates that RTX could serve as a potential
chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
IL-17A Promotes the Migration and Invasiveness of Colorectal Cancer Cells Through NF-κB-Mediated MMP Expression
Authors: Ren Hongtao , Wang Zhongwei , Zhang Shuqun , Ma Hongbing , Wang Yali , Jia Lijun , Li Yiming
Published: April 2016

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) plays a significant role in many inflammatory diseases and cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of IL-17A on the invasiveness of colorectal cancer. In the study, we found that IL-17A could promote the migration and invasion of colorectal
cancer cells. Furthermore, after being treated with IL-17A, the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were upregulated. Moreover, the nuclear/overall fractions and DNA-binding activity of p65 and p50 were dramatically elevated by IL-17A. Pretreatment with
a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor (PDTC) or PI3K/AKT inhibitor (LY294002) was proven to abolish the promoting effect of IL-17A on the invasion ability of colorectal cancer cells and upregulation of MMP-2/9. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that IL-17A could promote
the invasion of colorectal cancer cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently upregulating the expression of MMP-2/9. Our results suggest that IL-17A could serve as a promising therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
ACCESS TO MORTGAGE CREDIT AND HOUSING PRICE DYNAMICS
Authors: HUI Eddie C. M. , NG Ivan M. H.
Published: April 2016

In real estate studies, arguably the most important topic revolves around what actually affect the price of properties. In addition to various macroeconomic factors, the mortgage industry is also believed to play a major role. Nonetheless, despite its profound implications on the banking sector, the property market, and the economy as a whole, there is no consensus as to the relationship between property price and bank mortgage lending. In light of this, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between property price and mortgage lending, along with other macroeconomic variables, in two housing sub-markets of Hong Kong (i.e. the mass housing market and the luxury housing market). The findings illustrate that one-way directional relationships are discovered 1) from mass housing price to mortgage lending; 2) from luxury housing price to mortgage lending; and 3) from mass housing price to luxury housing price. Macroeconomic factors such as GDP, inflation rate, and interest rate are also found to play a major role in influencing the prices of both property markets and the amount of outstanding mortgage loans. Implications based upon these findings are also discussed.
FORWARD MODELING OF STANDING KINK MODES IN CORONAL LOOPS. I. SYNTHETIC VIEWS
Authors: Yuan Ding , Doorsselaere Tom Van
Published: April 2016

Kink magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves are frequently observed in various magnetic structures of the solar atmosphere. They may contribute significantly to coronal heating and could be used as a tool to diagnose the solar plasma. In this study, we synthesize the Fe ix λ171.073 Å emission of a coronal loop supporting a standing kink MHD mode. The kink MHD wave solution of a plasma cylinder is mapped into a semi-torus structure to simulate a curved coronal loop. We decompose the solution into a quasi-rigid kink motion and a quadrupole term, which dominate the plasma inside and outside of the flux tube, respectively. At the loop edges, the line of sight integrates relatively more ambient plasma, and the background emission becomes significant. The plasma motion associated with the quadrupole term causes spectral line broadening and emission suppression. The periodic intensity suppression will modulate the integrated intensity and the effective loop width, which both exhibit oscillatory variations at half of the kink period. The quadrupole term can be directly observed as a pendular motion at the front view.
THE FIRST DETECTION OF GeV EMISSION FROM AN ULTRALUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXY: Arp 220 AS SEEN WITH THE FERMI LARGE AREA TELESCOPE
Authors: Peng Fang-Kun , Wang Xiang-Yu , Liu Ruo-Yu , Tang Qing-Wen , Wang Jun-Feng
Published: April 2016

Cosmic rays (CRs) in starburst galaxies produce high-energy gamma-rays by colliding with the dense interstellar medium. Arp 220 is the nearest ultraluminous infrared galaxy that has star formation at extreme levels, so it has long been predicted to emit high-energy gamma-rays. However, no evidence of gamma-ray emission was found despite intense search efforts. Here we report the discovery of high-energy gamma-ray emission above 200 MeV from Arp 220 at a confidence level of ∼6.3σ using 7.5 years of Fermi Large Area Telescope observations. The gamma-ray emission shows no significant variability over the observation period and it is consistent with the quasi-linear scaling relation between the gamma-ray luminosity and total infrared luminosity for star-forming galaxies, suggesting that these gamma-rays arise from CR interactions. As the high-density medium of Arp 220 makes it an ideal CR calorimeter, the gamma-ray luminosity can be used to measure the efficiency of powering CRs by supernova (SN) remnants given a known supernova rate in Arp 220. We find that this efficiency is about 4.2 ± 2.6% for CRs above 1 GeV.
RADIO FLARING FROM THE T6 DWARF WISEPC J112254.73+255021.5 WITH A POSSIBLE ULTRA-SHORT PERIODICITY
Authors: Route Matthew , Wolszczan Alexander
Published: April 2016

We present new results from a continuing 5 GHz search for flaring radio emission from a sample of L and T brown dwarfs, conducted with the 305 m Arecibo radio telescope. In addition to the previously reported flaring from the T6.5 dwarf 2MASS J10475385+212423, we have detected and confirmed circularly polarized flares from another T6 dwarf, WISEPC J112254.73+255021.5. Although the flares are sporadic, they appear to occur at a stable period of 0.288 hr. Given the current constraints, periods equal to its second and third subharmonic cannot be ruled out. The stability of this period over the eight-month timespan of observations indicates that, if real, it likely reflects the star’s rapid rotation. If confirmed, any of the three inferred periodicities would be much shorter than the shortest, 1.41 hr, rotation period of a brown dwarf measured so far. This finding would place a new observational constraint on the angular momentum evolution and rotational stability of substellar objects. The detection of radio emission from the sixth ∼1000 K dwarf further demonstrates that the coolest brown dwarfs and, possibly, young giant planets, can be efficiently investigated using radio observations at centimeter wavelengths as a tool.
L’intervention de la Résistance islamique en Syrie : causes, formes et répercussions en termes de mobilisation
Authors: Daher Aurélie
Published: April 2016

Deux ans après le début de la protestation populaire syrienne contre le régime de Bachar al-Assad, les troupes de la Résistance islamique, organisation militaire mère du Hezbollah libanais, font une entrée, assumée et remarquée, dans le conflit voisin aux côtés de l’armée régulière. Malgré l’objectif déclaré d’aider la dynastie des Assad à se maintenir, cette intervention répond davantage en réalité à une action préventive, pensée dans le sens d’une anticipation des retombées négatives que pourrait provoquer une éventuelle fin du pouvoir du Baath sur les intérêts propres de l’organisation libanaise en Syrie. Critiquée sur la scène interne, notamment par un 14 Mars officiellement hostile au régime syrien, cette intervention a été présentée par de nombreux auteurs comme le déclencheur d’un déclin inévitable du Hezbollah, notamment pour ses répercussions en termes de mobilisation dans son pays d’origine. Pourtant, après plus de trois ans de participation aux combats en territoire syrien, la Résistance islamique et le Hezbollah conservent non seulement toute la confiance de leur communauté, à savoir les chiites du Liban, mais jouissent également, dans l’aventure syrienne, d’un soutien élargi à des pans de la société libanaise qui leur étaient jusqu’alors restés peu favorables.
De battre son cœur s’est arrêté
Authors: Adomnicai Irina
Published: April 2016

La désorganisation somatique brutale, arrivée dans les conditions de perte effective d’un être cher, chez une patiente encore jeune, confronte sa psychanalyste à des questions de fond autant théoriques que techniques. Le déroulement de la cure, qui présente la particularité de se déployer en institution, notamment à l’Institut de psychosomatique de Paris, met en perspective du jeu transféro-contretransférentiel le fonctionnement spécifique de ces sujets vulnérables qu’on appelle « psychosomatiques ».
« Docteur j’ai le cœur malade », coup et après-coup de la pulsion de mort
Authors: Aloupis Panos
Published: April 2016

L’auteur, à partir d’une psychothérapie avec un patient cardiaque, aborde la question de l’influence calmante de la pulsion de mort sur un fonctionnement psychique confronté à un dysfonctionnement d’un organe (en l’occurrence du cœur) qui est capable d’être traité tout autant en tant qu’objet interne qu’objet de projection. Cette problématique est reliée à la fonction du soin de soi-même et également à la fonction thérapeutique.
Douleurs de cœurs
Authors: Rappoport de Aisemberg Elsa
Published: April 2016

À partir de l’exploration d’un patient avec un infarctus du myocarde, l’auteure transmet les vicissitudes du traitement, depuis les affects scindés captés dans le contre-transfert jusqu’au changement psychique avec l’émergence d’un fonctionnement plus névrotique, en le comparant à la capacité des artistes de représenter le trauma.
Le Cœur n’est pas que métaphore
Authors: Horn Admar
Published: April 2016

L’auteur propose une discussion au sujet des maladies du cœur, leurs sens métaphorique et leurs significats à la suite des nouvelles recherches théoriques à L’IPSO de Paris.
Le rôle du manager public dans une démarche de prospective territoriale des métiers : le cas des biomédicaments en Région Centre - Val de Loire
Authors: Brillet Franck , Evon Juliette , Gavoille Franck , Hulin Annabelle
Published: April 2016

Dans un contexte d’innovation impactant durablement un secteur d’activité, la prospective des métiers représente une démarche à considérer pour anticiper au mieux les évolutions possibles en termes d’emplois et de compétences. Lorsque le secteur impacté est très ancré au sein d’un territoire, une telle démarche doit mobiliser les parties prenantes qui permettront de piloter les actions en lien avec les évolutions. Cet article se propose d’explorer le rôle envisagé du manager public au cœur d’une démarche de prospective des métiers au sein d’un territoire, au travers d’une étude menée en Région Centre-Val de Loire dans le cadre d’un projet d’innovation thérapeutique « Ambition Recherche et Développement 2020 – Biomédicaments ». Nos résultats conduisent à préciser le rôle de traduction qu’est susceptible d’endosser le manager public (Desmarais et Abord de Châtillon, 2010) pour piloter, coordonner les actions de l’ensemble des parties prenantes au sein de son territoire, dans cette démarche de GRH territoriale.
Les représentations de la performance des directeurs d’Etablissements et Services Médico-Sociaux
Authors: Lux Gulliver
Published: April 2016

Dans le cadre des mouvements de type New Public Management (NPM) de nombreuses organisations du secteur public ou de la délégation de service public ont été contraintes de s’inscrire dans une logique de mesure et d’amélioration des performances. Si nombre de travaux ont étudié le devenir des outils de gestion dans ces organisations peu se sont intéressés aux rapports des acteurs opérationnels de ces organisations avec le concept de performance. Dans le cadre de cet article, nous étudions la représentation de la performance des directeurs d’Établissements et Services Médico-Sociaux du champ du handicap (ESMS). Nous nous appuyons pour cela sur la réalisation de 32 entretiens semi-directifs de directeurs d’établissements médico-sociaux. Nous montrons que le concept de performance est appréhendé de différentes façons par les acteurs des organisations et que ces conceptions peuvent être éloignées des définitions proposées au sein de la littérature académique ou par les pouvoirs publics. Nous identifions ainsi cinq types de représentations de la performance : du rejet total du concept à son acceptation dans une approche multidimensionnelle (financière, organisationnelle, sociale et sociétale). Ces types semblent correspondre à des postures idéologiques parfois divergentes autour de la performance et amènent à réflexion sur le devenir des réformes de type NPM dans les structures médico-sociales.
North American entomophagy
Authors: Schrader J. , Oonincx D.G.A.B. , Ferreira M.P.
Published: April 2016

Eating insects is not a common Northern American practice today. However, in the past a variety of insect species was consumed in Northern America (north of Mexico including Greenland). The aim of this literature review is to provide an historical overview of North American entomophagy based upon both peer and non-peer reviewed sources on this topic. Regional differences in insect consumption and reasons for being underreported are discussed. We show that North American natives, and in certain cases colonists, collected and consumed a large variety of edible insects. These are categorised per order and where available, information on how these species were collected and processed is provided. Lastly, we mention reasons for the renewed interest in edible insects in North America, and make suggestions for future studies.
Effect of pH on the ultrastructure of the conidial wall ofAspergillus niger aggregate conidia and its relationship to zearalenone adsorption
Authors: Pereyra C.M. , Cavaglieri L.R. , Poloni V. , Chiacchiera S.M. , Cristofolini A. , Merkis C. , Dalcero A.M.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pH on the ultrastructure of the conidial wall of dead conidia harvested from the non-toxicogenicAspergillus niger aggregate strain RC084 and its relationship to zearalenone (ZEA) adsorption capacity. Moreover, mathematical models were applied to explain the interaction between conidia and ZEA absorbance. A ZEA adsorption test was performed using a concentration of 1×107 dead conidia/ml at pH 2 and 6 at 37 °C for 30 min. Unbound ZEA was quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The ZEA adsorption was strongly dependent on the pH of the medium; the highest values were 2.2×10-6 μg ZEA/conidia at pH 6. Isotherms representing the amount of bound ZEA as a function of ZEA concentration in equilibrium after adsorption have typical S- or L-shapes. The experimental data could be fitted to the Frumkin-Fowler-Guggenheim (FFG) and Hill theoretical models. The ultrastructure of the conidial wall was studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The representative IR spectra showed that pH did not produce significant changes in the different chemical groups. However, ultrastructure studies by TEM detected considerable changes in the organisation of the conidial wall. This is the first study showing that the loss of the outermost electron dense layer, responsible for the ornamentations on the conidial surface. Adsorption is favoured at pH 6".
Sebastian Brant und die Straßburger Passionsspiele
Authors: Wilhelmi Thomas
Published: April 2016

Le secrétaire municipal strasbourgeois Sébastien Brant, qui a mis en scène, à Strasbourg, l’été 1512 une pièce de sa création « Tugent Spyl » (le jeu de la vertu), a aussi apporté sa contribution aux Jeux de la Passion qui ont été présentés pour Pâques 1512 au Marché aux Chevaux (actuelle Place Broglie). Sans doute avait-il retravaillé une pièce qui avait déjà été jouée en 1488. Il n’est pas possible d’affirmer que Brant ait été en charge de la mise en scène, les ordonnances et chroniques ne le relatent pas. Ce qui est clairement documenté pour les années 1512-1518, c’est que Brant, de par son influente fonction de secrétaire de la ville, n’a pas seulement suivi ces représentations avec une bienveillante attention, mais qu’il a fait en sorte que la ville mette à disposition les moyens financiers et matériels (échafaudages, local pour les costumes et accessoires, etc.) nécessaires. De plus, il a établi un règlement afin de prévenir les troubles, vociférations, comportements indécents, obstructions visuelles, etc. de façon à ce que ces représentations, qui duraient plusieurs jours, puissent se dérouler sans perturbations. Ces prescriptions, que Brant a conçues au nom de la ville, sont ici éditées pour la première fois.
Laser Metal Deposition Process
Authors: Mahamood Rasheedat M.
Published: April 2016

Laser metal deposition process belongs to the directed energy deposition class of additive manufacturing process that is capable of producing highly complex part directly from the three dimensional (3D) computer aided design file of the component by adding materials layer after layers. Laser metal deposition process is a very important additive manufacturing process and it is the only class of additive manufacturing process that can be used to repair valued component parts which were not repairable in the past. Also because this additive manufacturing process can handle multiple materials simultaneously, it is used to produce part with functionally graded material. Some of the features of the laser metal deposition process are described in this chapter. Some experimental studies on the laser metal deposition of Titanium alloy- composite are also presented.
Enhancement of Surface Integrity of Titanium Alloy with Copper by Means of Laser Metal Deposition Process
Authors: Erinosho Mutiu F. , Akinlabi Esther T. , Pityana Sisa
Published: April 2016

The laser metal deposition process possesses the combination of metallic powder and laser beam respectively. However, these combinations create an adhesive bonding that permanently solidifies the laser-enhanced-deposited powders. Titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V) Grade 5 have been regarded as the most used alloys for the aerospace applications, due to their lightweight properties and marine application due to their excellent corrosion resistance. The improvements in the surface integrity of the alloy have been achieved successively with the addition of Cu through the use of Ytterbium laser system powered at maximum of 2000 Watts. The motivation for this research work can be attributed to the dilapidation of the surface of titanium alloy, when exposed to marine or sea water for a longer period of time. This chapter provides the surface modification of titanium alloy with the addition of percentage range of Cu within its lattices; and the results obtained from the characterizations conducted on the laser deposited Ti6Al4V/Cu alloys have been improved.
Mitigation of Wear Damage by Laser Surface Alloying Technique
Authors: Adebiyi Isaac Damilola , Popoola Patricia A. P. , Pityana Sisa
Published: April 2016

Today's increasingly extreme and aggressive production environments require that machine components be made with materials having specific surface properties such as good wear resistance. Unfortunately, nature does not provide such materials, and alloys having these specific properties are usually very expensive and their use drastically increases components and production costs. Moreover, the economic implications of wear, in form of detrimental effects – and waste, are severe. This includes replacement costs, and all downtime costs related to such replacement. Consequently, companies will increasingly need to look to wear reduction as a direct, immediate avenue for maintaining output quotas and for cutting production costs. Laser coating of engineering alloys with wear resistant materials is one efficient and economical means of increasing the wear resistance of these alloys. This work discusses laser coatings for wear prevention. Different wear mechanisms are discussed and the coatings for specific environment are identified. This will provide information for combating wear.
At High Levels, Constitutively Activated STAT3 Induces Apoptosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Rozovski Uri , Harris David M. , Li Ping , Liu Zhiming , Wu Ji Yuan , Grgurevic Srdana , Faderl Stefan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Wierda William G. , Martinez Matthew , Verstovsek Srdan , Keating Michael J. , Estrov Zeev
Published: April 2016

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the increment in PBLs is slower than the expected increment calculated from the cells’ proliferation rate, suggesting that cellular proliferation and apoptosis are concurrent. Exploring this phenomenon, we found overexpression of caspase-3, higher cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase levels (p < 0.007), and a higher apoptosis rate in cells from patients with high counts compared with cells from patients with low counts. Although we previously found that STAT3 protects CLL cells from apoptosis, STAT3 levels were significantly higher in cells from patients with high counts than in cells from patients with low counts. Furthermore, overexpression of STAT3 did not protect the cells. Rather, it upregulated caspase-3 and induced apoptosis. Remarkably, putative STAT3 binding sites were identified in the caspase-3 promoter, and a luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and an EMSA revealed that STAT3 activated caspase-3. However, caspase-3 levels increased only when STAT3 levels were sufficiently high. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and EMSA, we found that STAT3 binds with low affinity to the caspase-3 promoter, suggesting that at high levels, STAT3 activates proapoptotic mechanisms and induces apoptosis in CLL cells.
The Complement Inhibitor Factor H Generates an Anti-Inflammatory and Tolerogenic State in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Olivar Rut , Luque Ana , Cárdenas-Brito Sonia , Naranjo-Gómez Mar , Blom Anna M. , Borràs Francesc E. , Rodriguez de Córdoba Santiago , Zipfel Peter F. , Aran Josep M.
Published: April 2016

The activation of the complement system is a key initiating step in the protective innate immune-inflammatory response against injury, although it may also cause harm if left unchecked. The structurally related soluble complement inhibitors C4b-binding protein (C4BP) and factor H (FH) exert a tight regulation of the classical/lectin and alternative pathways of complement activation, respectively, attenuating the activity of the C3/C5 convertases and, consequently, avoiding serious damage to host tissues. We recently reported that the acute-phase C4BP isoform C4BP lacking the β-chain plays a pivotal role in the modulation of the adaptive immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate that FH acts in the early stages of monocyte to dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and is able to promote a distinctive tolerogenic and anti-inflammatory profile on monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) challenged by a proinflammatory stimulus. Accordingly, FH-treated and LPS-matured MoDCs are characterized by altered cytoarchitecture, resembling immature MoDCs, lower expression of the maturation marker CD83 and the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86, decreased production of key proinflammatory Th1-cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-8), and preferential production of immunomodulatory mediators (IL-10 and TGF-β). Moreover, FH-treated MoDCs show low Ag uptake and, when challenged with LPS, display reduced CCR7 expression and chemotactic migration, impaired CD4+ T cell alloproliferation, inhibition of IFN-γ secretion by the allostimulated T cells, and, conversely, induction of CD4+CD127low/negativeCD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells. Thus, this novel noncanonical role of FH as an immunological brake able to directly affect the function of MoDCs in an inflammatory environment may exhibit therapeutic potential in hypersensitivity, transplantation, and autoimmunity.
Neurotensin Promotes the Development of Colitis and Intestinal Angiogenesis via Hif-1α–miR-210 Signaling
Authors: Bakirtzi Kyriaki , Law Ivy Ka Man , Xue Xiang , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Shah Yatrik M. , Pothoulakis Charalabos
Published: April 2016

Neurotensin (NT) via its receptor 1 (NTR1) modulates the development of colitis, decreases HIF-1α/PHD2 interaction, stabilizes and increases HIF-1α transcriptional activity, and promotes intestinal angiogenesis. HIF-1α induces miR-210 expression, whereas miR-210 is strongly upregulated in response to NT in NCM460 human colonic epithelial cells overexpressing NTR1 (NCM460-NTR1). In this study, we examined whether NT activates a NTR1-HIF-1α-miR-210 cascade using in vitro (NCM460-NTR1 cells) and in vivo (transgenic mice overexpressing [HIF-1α-OE] or lacking HIF-1α [HIF-1α-knockout (KO)] in intestinal epithelial cells and mice lacking NTR1 [NTR1-KO]) models. Pretreatment of NCM460-NTR1 cells with the HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 or silencing of HIF-1α (small interfering HIF-1α) attenuated miR-210 expression in response to NT. Intracolonic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) administration (2-d model) increased colonic miR-210 expression that was significantly reduced in NTR1-KO, HIF-1α-KO mice, and wild-type mice pretreated intracolonically with locked nucleic acid anti–miR-210. In contrast, HIF-1α-OE mice showed increased miR-210 expression at baseline that was further increased following TNBS administration. HIF-1α-OE mice had also exacerbated TNBS-induced neovascularization compared with TNBS-exposed wild-type mice. TNBS-induced neovascularization was attenuated in HIF-1α-KO mice, or mice pretreated intracolonically with anti–miR-210. Intracolonic anti–miR-210 also reduced colitis in response to TNBS (2 d). Importantly, miR-210 expression was increased in tissue samples from ulcerative colitis patients. We conclude that NT exerts its proinflammatory and proangiogenic effects during acute colitis via a NTR1-prolyl hydroxylase 2/HIF-1α-miR-210 signaling pathway. Our results also demonstrate that miR-210 plays a proinflammatory role in the development of colitis.
TNFR-Associated Factors 2 and 5 Differentially Regulate the Instructive IL-6 Receptor Signaling Required for Th17 Development
Authors: Nagashima Hiroyuki , Okuyama Yuko , Hayashi Takaya , Ishii Naoto , So Takanori
Published: April 2016

IL-17–producing CD4+ T cells (Th17 cells) regulate host defense and immune pathogenesis, and IL-6 plays an important role for the differentiation of Th17 cells. We have previously identified that TNFR-associated factor (TRAF)5 binds to the signal-transducing receptor gp130 through the C-terminal TRAF domain and inhibits Th17 development mediated by IL-6. Although gp130 has TRAF-binding motifs that can be recognized by other TRAF family proteins, it is unclear how TRAFs regulate IL-6–driven Th17 differentiation in general. Using retrovirus-mediated gene complementation and gene silencing approaches, we found that not only TRAF5 but also TRAF2 restrained the IL-6R signaling, whereas TRAF1, TRAF3, TRAF4, and TRAF6 did not. Traf2 silencing further promoted the ability of naive CD4+ T cells from Traf5−/− mice to differentiate into Th17 cells. Notably, TRAF5 but not TRAF2 expressed in naive CD4+ T cells was rapidly downregulated after TCR triggering, which indicates that TRAF5 specifically inhibits instructive IL-6 signals in the initial stage of Th17 development. Collectively, our results demonstrate a dedicated role for TRAF2 and TRAF5 in the process of IL-6–mediated Th17 development and a differential role for TCR signaling in regulation of TRAF2 and TRAF5. Therefore, both TRAF2 and TRAF5 work as important regulators of the IL-6R signaling needed for Th17 development.
Pannexin1 Channels Are Required for Chemokine-Mediated Migration of CD4+ T Lymphocytes: Role in Inflammation and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Velasquez Stephani , Malik Shaily , Lutz Sarah E. , Scemes Eliana , Eugenin Eliseo A.
Published: April 2016

Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels are large high conductance channels found in all vertebrates that can be activated under several physiological and pathological conditions. Our published data indicate that HIV infection results in the extended opening of Panx1 channels (5–60 min), allowing for the secretion of ATP through the channel pore with subsequent activation of purinergic receptors, which facilitates HIV entry and replication. In this article, we demonstrate that chemokines, which bind CCR5 and CXCR4, especially SDF-1α/CXCL12, result in a transient opening (peak at 5 min) of Panx1 channels found on CD4+ T lymphocytes, which induces ATP secretion, focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, cell polarization, and subsequent migration. Increased migration of immune cells is key for the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we show that genetic deletion of Panx1 reduces the number of the CD4+ T lymphocytes migrating into the spinal cord of mice subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS. Our results indicate that opening of Panx1 channels in response to chemokines is required for CD4+ T lymphocyte migration, and we propose that targeting Panx1 channels could provide new potential therapeutic approaches to decrease the devastating effects of MS and other inflammatory diseases.
Variable Major Proteins as Targets for Specific Antibodies against Borrelia miyamotoi
Authors: Wagemakers Alex , Koetsveld Joris , Narasimhan Sukanya , Wickel Melvin , Deponte Kathleen , Bleijlevens Boris , Jahfari Seta , Sprong Hein , Karan Lyudmila S. , Sarksyan Denis S. , van der Poll Tom , Bockenstedt Linda K. , Bins Adriaan D. , Platonov Alexander E. , Fikrig Erol , Hovius Joppe W.
Published: April 2016

Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete in Ixodes ticks that has been recently identified as a human pathogen causing hard tick-borne relapsing fever (HTBRF) across the Northern Hemisphere. No validated serologic test exists, and current serologic assays have low sensitivity in early HTBRF. To examine the humoral immune response against B. miyamotoi, we infected C3H/HeN mice with B. miyamotoi strain LB-2001 expressing variable small protein 1 (Vsp1) and demonstrated that spirochetemia was cleared after 3 d, coinciding with anti-Vsp1 IgM production. Clearance was also observed after passive transfer of immune sera to infected SCID mice. Next, we showed that anti-Vsp1 IgG eliminates Vsp1-expressing B. miyamotoi, selecting for spirochetes expressing a variable large protein (VlpC2) resistant to anti-Vsp1. The viability of Asian isolate B. miyamotoi HT31, expressing Vlp15/16 and Vlp18, was also unaffected by anti-Vsp1. Finally, in nine HTBRF patients, we demonstrated IgM reactivity to Vsp1 in two and against Vlp15/16 in four ∼1 wk after these patients tested positive for B. miyamotoi by PCR. Our data show that B. miyamotoi is able to express various variable major proteins (VMPs) to evade humoral immunity and that VMPs are antigenic in humans. We propose that serologic tests based on VMPs are of additional value in diagnosing HTBRF.
La reconstrucción virtual del Obrador de Gaudí
Authors: Gómez Serrano Josep Vicent , Coll i Grifoll Jordi , Font i Comas Joan , Ávila i Casademont Genís
Published: April 2016

La observación del material fotográfico relacionado con el Templo de la Sagrada Familia ha permitido descubrir el taller que Gaudí se había construido a pie de obra y ha despertado un gran interés debido a la modernidad de sus formas. Con la ayuda de una aplicación informática y partiendo de las fotografías y los testimonios históricos, se ha procedido a la reconstrucción virtual de este edificio accesorio que desconcierta por su capacidad de anticipación a la actualidad.
Towards systematic planning of small-scale hydrological intervention-based research
Authors: Pramana K. E. R. , Ertsen M. W.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Many small-scale water development initiatives are accompanied by hydrological research to study either the shape of the intervention or its impacts. Humans influence both, and thus one needs to take human agency into account. This paper focuses on the effects of human actions in the intervention and its associated hydrological research, as these effects have not yet been discussed explicitly in a systematic way. In this paper, we propose a systematic planning, based on evaluating three hydrological research projects in small-scale water intervention projects in Vietnam, Kenya, and Indonesia. The main purpose of the three projects was to understand the functioning of interventions in their hydrological contexts. Aiming for better decision-making on hydrological research in small-scale water intervention projects, we propose two analysis steps, including (1) possible surprises and possible actions and (2) cost-benefit analysis. By performing the two analyses continuously throughout a small-scale hydrological intervention-based project, effective hydrological research can be achieved.
Linking local vulnerability assessments to climatic hazard losses for river basin management
Authors: Hung Hung-Chih , Liu Yi-Chung , Chien Sung-Ying
Published: April 2016

Abstract. To prepare for the potential impact of climate change and related hazards, many countries have implemented integrated river basin management programs. This has led to significant challenges for local authorities to improve their understanding of how the vulnerability factors are linked to losses in climatic disaster. This article aims to examine whether highly vulnerable areas experience significantly more damage at the river basin levels due to weather extreme events, and investigates the vulnerability and hazard impact factors determine losses in a disaster. Using three river basins in southern Taiwan that were seriously affected by Typhoon Morakot in 2009 as case studies, a novel methodology is proposed that combines a geographical information system (GIS) and a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) to evaluate and map composite vulnerability to climatic hazards across river basins. The linkages between the hazard impacts, vulnerability factors and disaster losses are then tested using a disaster damage model (DDM). The results of the vulnerability assessments demonstrate that almost all of the most vulnerable areas are situated in the regions of the middle, and upper reaches and some coastlines of the river basins. The losses and casualties due to typhoon are significantly affected by local vulnerability contexts and hazard impact factors. Finally, policy implications to minimize vulnerability and risk and for integrated river basin governance are suggested.
Soil fauna: key to new carbon models
Authors: Filser Juliane , Faber Jack H. , Tiunov Alexei V. , Brussaard Lijbert , Frouz Jan , De Deyn Gerlinde , Uvarov Alexei V. , Berg Matty P. , Lavelle Patrick , Loreau Michel , Wall Diana H. , Querner Pascal , Eijsackers Herman , Jiménez Juan José
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Soil organic matter (SOM) is key to maintaining soil fertility, mitigating climate change, combatting land degradation, and conserving above- and below-ground biodiversity and associated soil processes and ecosystem services. In order to derive management options for maintaining these essential services provided by soils, policy makers depend on robust, predictive models identifying key drivers of SOM dynamics. Existing SOM models and suggested guidelines for future SOM modelling are defined mostly in terms of plant residue quality and input and microbial decomposition, overlooking the significant regulation provided by soil fauna. The contribution of soil fauna activities to SOM decomposition can be as high as 40 %, as they control almost any aspect of organic matter turnover, foremost by regulating the activity and functional composition of soil microorganisms and their physico-chemical connectivity with soil organic matter. We suggest that inclusion of soil animal activities (plant residue consumption and bioturbation altering the formation, depth, hydraulic properties and physical heterogeneity of soils) can fundamentally affect the predictive outcome of SOM models. Understanding direct and indirect impacts of soil fauna on nutrient availability, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions and plant growth is key to the understanding of SOM dynamics in the context of global carbon cycling models. We argue that explicit consideration of the soil fauna is essential to make realistic modelling predictions on SOM dynamics and to detect expected non-linear responses to global change, and we suggest that guidelines for future SOM modelling should implement the role of soil fauna. Finally, we briefly introduce the new COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action ES 1406 (KEYSOM – Soil fauna: key to new carbon models) which brings together biogeochemists and soil ecologists from 21 EU countries. KEYSOM provides a research network for improved SOM models by implementing the role of the soil fauna as a basis for sustainable soil management. An interdisciplinary platform of experimentalists and modellers will assure better access to experimental data, identify the most burning research gaps and inform decision makers.
Online Learning as a Panacea for Dealing with School Truancy
Authors: Nnajiofor Francisca N. , Onyilagha Joseph C.
Published: April 2016

School truancy has been identified as one of the causes of students’ low school achievement, leading to school dropout. Although the problem of school truancy is not new, yet, many school authorities or Governments have no rules on how to deal with this problem. In some arears, there is apparently no database or information, and educators are at a loss as to whether school truancy exists, and at what level if it does. There is no coordinated action against school truancy in many school districts. Consequently, each school district takes decision on how it approaches the problem. This study is designed to have a conversation directly with the student clientele and to determine what they know about school truancy, and from their perspective offer suggestion(s) or strategies that would help to reduce or prevent school truancy. Results suggest for a distinction between “school truancy” and “class truancy” in order to help school managers to adequately focus on each group rather than treating “skipping school” and “skipping classes” with the same amount of resources. The study suggests giving incentives to good students, providing adequate school bus services, insisting on “no 12th grade, no drivers license”, and putting several classes online would be good prevention strategies. The above excerpt forms the basis of the research results presented in this paper.