bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution of the CB6 benchmark on VVER-440 final disposal using the Serpent reactor physics code
Authors: Lahtinen T.
Published: August 2014

The CB6 benchmark on VVER-440 final disposal consists of two parts. The decay calculation part is aimed at determination of isotopic composition of irradiated fuel material over the time scale relevant to long-term spent fuel disposal. The second part involves calculation of keff values in a 3D cask configuration at various time points. In this study, the code Serpent is applied in solution of the benchmark. Serpent is a continuous energy Monte Carlo reactor physics code developed at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland. The decay calculation part of the benchmark is, in addition to Serpent, also carried out using point-depletion calculation code ORIGEN. This enables comparison of the results obtained using the two codes exploiting two different methods in solution of the decay equations. The paper demonstrates the decay and keff calculation results as determined in the benchmark specification. The differences in results arising between the two calculation codes in decay calculation, and between the ENDF/B-VII and JEFF-3.1.1 based cross section libraries in keff calculation, are depicted and discussed.
Wittig- and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons-Olefination Reactions with Stabilised and Semi-Stabilised Phosphoranes and Phosphonates under Non-Classical Conditions
Authors: Jasem Yosef Al , El-Esawi Randa , Thiemann Thies
Published: August 2014

Developments in the Wittig and Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE)-olefination of aldehydes and ketones with stabilised phosphoranes or phosphonates provide opportunities for multicomponent reactions and for reactions with greatly reduced solvent requirements. The in situ preparation of phosphonium salts, phosphoranes or phosphonates and carrying out the reaction and product workup in a biphasic medium can greatly facilitate the reactions. Microwave irradiation and ultrasonication can shorten reaction times considerably. Wittig and HWE reactions have also been carried out in the solid phase, with either polymer-bound reagents or in Wittig reactions with reagents adsorbed on silica or alumina. Good E- and Z-selectivity has been achieved, despite the E/ Z-directivity of the carbonyl reagent and of the residue linked to the phosphorane moiety.
A New Three-Component Coupling reaction of Aryl Glyoxal, Malononitrile, and 4-Hydroxy Coumarin Catalysed by Recyclable Tio2 nanoparticles
Authors: Khodabakhshi Saeed , Shahamirian Mozhgan , Baghernejad Mojtaba
Published: August 2014

Aryl glyoxals reacted with malononitrile and 4-hydroxycoumarin in the presence of a catalytic amount of TiO2 nanoparticles to give a hitherto unknown family of pyranochromenes in up to 80% yield. This new three-component reaction yielded some novel pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-5-ones containing an aroyl substituent. Using a recyclable and safe catalyst along with a green solvent system made the process eco-friendly and economic.
A Binuclear Azido-Bridged Manganese Complex: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Ping , Kong Lingqian , Zhang Daopeng
Published: August 2014

The azido-bridged binuclear manganese complex [{Mn(0.5H2O)(0.5N3)(tptz)(NO3)}2(μ1,3-N3)] [tptz=2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine] has been synthesised and structurally characterised. Two [Mn(0.5H2O)(0.5N3)(tptz)(NO3)] units are bridged by the end-to-end (EE) azide ligand. The Mn atoms are seven coordinated, with the five equatorial positions occupied by three N atoms of the tptz ligands and two O atoms of the nitrate ion and the two axial positions are coordinated by the N atom of the bridge azide ligand and the N atom of the disordered terminal azide ligand or the O atom of a disordered solvent water molecule, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility investigation shows antiferromagnetic coupling between the adjacent Mn(II) ions bridged by the azide ligands.
Synthesis of Novel 9,9-Dimethyl-8,12-Dihydro-9H-chromeno[3,2-e] [1,2,4] triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-11(10H)-one derivatives
Authors: Wang Zhong-Xia , Li Bei , Xing Zheng , Chen Li-Zhuang , Han Guang-Fan
Published: August 2014

Novel 9,9-dimethyl-8,12-dihydro-9 H-chromeno[3,2- e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- c]pyrimidin-11(10 H)-one derivatives were synthesised by the reactions of triethyl orthoformate or aromatic aldehydes with chromeno[2,3- d]pyrimidine derivatives, which were prepared by the reactions of hydrazine monohydrate and formimidate derivatives. Formimidate were synthesised by the reactions of 2-amino-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4 H-chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives and triethyl orthoformate. The structures of 12-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,9-dimethyl-8,12-dihydro-9 H-chromeno[3,2- e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- c] pyrimidin-11(10 H)-one was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Dinuclear CoIII/PrIII and CoIII/NdIII Complexes Derived from a Hexadentate Schiff Base: Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Luo Hui , Sui Yan , Luo Zhi-Gang , Wen Ji-Wu , Sui Hai-Sheng
Published: August 2014

Two heterodimetallic complexes of formulae [LCo(AcO)2Pr(NO3)2] and [LCo(AcO)2Nd(NO3)2] (H2L=N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene) propane-1,2-diamine) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The cobalt(III) ion shows a slightly distorted octahedral geometry in which the equatorial plane is formed by the N2O2 set of the Salen-type Schiff base, and the axial positions are occupied by two oxygen atoms from both acetate groups. The praseodymium(III) and neodymium (III) ions are decacoordinated. In addition to the four oxygen atoms of the Schiff base, the rare earth ions coordinate two bidentate nitrate groups and two oxygen atoms of the acetate groups. The metal ions are bridged by both the phenolate oxygens and the acetate groups. The χM T values observed for the complexes are lower than the free-ion approximation of PrIII and NdIII ions, although the cobalt(III) is diamagnetic.
Regiospecific synthesis of Biogenetically Possible Phenylpyrano[2,3-A] carbazolones
Authors: Sridharan Makuteswaran , Zeller Matthias , Prasad K.J. Rajendra
Published: August 2014

Reaction of 1-hydroxycarbazoles with phenylpropiolic acid in the presence of trifluroacetic acid led to the formation of a mixture of isomeric α- and γ-pyrones, 2- and 4-phenylpyrano[2,3- a]carbazolones. Variation of reagents and reaction conditions, however, allowed the exclusive formation of either the α–pyrones or the γ-pyrones in high yields. A single crystal X-ray structure was determined for one of the novel α-pyrones, 4-phenylpyrano[2,3-a]carbazol-2-one.
Influence of Feeding Frequency and Timetable on Egg Parameters and Reproductive Performance in Broiler Breeder Hens
Authors: Soltanmoradi Majid Gholami , Seidavi Alireza , Dadashbeiki Mohammad , Laudadio Vito , Centoducati Gerardo , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the feeding frequency and timetable on egg parameters and reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. The study involved 480 Ross–308 strain broiler breeder hens from 31 to 38 weeks of age. Birds were randomly assigned to 15 dietary treatments, including four replicates (seven hens and one rooster/treatment), and fed conventional diet (11.7 MJ kg−1 of metabolisable energy, 14% crude protein). Treatments were as follows: (1) once-a-day feeding schedule (control), in which birds received their total allocated feed at 0400 h; (2) twice-a-day feeding schedule, in which the daily feed allowance was divided into two equal meals (50:50) and fed at 0400 and 1600 h; (3) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1600 h; (4) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0400 and 1200 h; (5) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0400 and 1200 h; (6) twice-a-day feeding, 75:25 at 0600 and 1600 h; (7) twice-a-day feeding, 50:50 at 0600 and 1600 h; (8) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (9) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (10) three times feeding schedule, 25:50:25 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (11) three times feeding schedule, 25:25:50 at 0400, 1200 and 1600 h; (12) three times feeding schedule, 50:25:25 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (13) three times feeding schedule, 33:33:33 at 0600, 1200 and 1600 h; (14) four times feeding schedule, 33:22:22:22 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h; and (15) four times feeding schedule, 50:17:17:17 at 0400, 0800, 1200 and 1600 h, respectively. According to our results, until 38 weeks of age the egg production, eggshell weight, albumen height and yolk colour as well as Haugh unit were positively influenced (P < 0.05) in the hens fed twice a day. Similarly, also using the evaluation index and sub-ordinate function methods, the higher scores were obtained by birds fed more than once a day. In contrast, all feeding regimens did not affect the other egg parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that feeding broiler breeder hens twice or three times per day improved the egg traits and reproductive performance during the egg peak production phase.
Cloning, Expression and Bioactivity of Wild Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) Interleukin-2
Authors: Liu Lanlan , Xu Xianyun , Hao Ruijun , Han Chunyan , Zhuang Yanna , Yan Chao , Zeng Xiangwei
Published: August 2014

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is one of the most actively studied interleukins. It is a powerful growth factor for a variety of cell types, plays a central role in the cell differentiation and stimulates the activity of many kinds of killer cells. However, little information is available on the IL-2 genes in migratory waterfowl, ecologically important species potentially involved in virus transmission. In this study, the cDNA of wild ruddy shelduck IL-2 was cloned by RT-PCR from peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with Concanavalin A (ConA), and the recombinant ruddy shelduck IL-2 (rRSIL-2) mature protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. In vitro bioactivity of rRSIL-2 was demonstrated in a lymphocyte proliferation assay. The results showed that RSIL-2 cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 423 bp encoding a protein of 140 amino acids (aa) with a putative signal peptide of 21 aa. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences showed that RSIL-2 was most closely related to IL-2s of the muscovy duck and mallard (homology of 97.4% and 96.2%), and to a lesser extent to spot-billed duck and swan goose sequences (homology of 95.8% and 93.6%). The RSIL-2 showed genetic diversity compared with other birds of anseriformes. Fusion protein expressed in E. coli had the molecular weight of around 31.7 kDa, as shown by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The rRSIL-2 affected the duck, chicken, and goose lymphocyte proliferation in the same concentration, although the effect on goose and chicken lymphocytes was relatively weak. Our study reported the molecular signatures and bioactivity of IL-2 in a migratory waterfowl species.
Abundance and Habitat Diversity of Springtails (Insecta: Collembola) of Rajshahi City Corporation
Authors: Hossain Mosharrof , Mirjahan Dr , Faruki Saiful Islam
Published: August 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v7i0.20132 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 7: 119-120, 2012
Correlation Analysis of Flag Leaf with Yield in Several Rice Cultivars
Authors: Rahman Md Asadur , Haque ME , Sikdar B , Islam Md Asadul , Matin Muhammad Nurul
Published: August 2014

The uppermost leaf below the panicle is the flag leaf that provides the most important source of photosynthetic energy during reproduction and grain filling, thereby has great impact in panicle development and grain yield in rice. In the present investigation in order to explore the relationship between grain yield and flag leaf parameters, yield composition, length and width of the flag leaf, and panicle length were measured in some rice cultivars. Statistical analysis indicated that flag leaf length was positively correlated with panicle length for the studied cultivars demonstrating higher grain yield. Chlorophyll measurement indicated that flag leaf contained more chlorophyll than penultimate leaf. Yield of all the cultivars upon excision of flag leaf was also compared. Removal of flag leaf led to a decline in the seed-setting rate which eventually reduced the grain yield. Besides this, variable pollen viability was also noticed in the different cultivars. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v8i0.20139 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 49-54, 2013
Vulnerability Concepts and its Application in Various Fields: A Review on Geographical Perspective
Authors: Paul Shitangsu Kumar
Published: August 2014

Vulnerability has no universal definition. Experts from various disciplines use the concept and define vulnerability, which leads diverse measuring methods to serve their own purpose and interests. Approaches to define vulnerability vary among the disciplines because of the various components of risk, household response and welfare outcomes. The objective of this paper is to present an overview based on available scientific literature from various disciplines to examine the origin, evolution and use of the vulnerability concept across different field of studies. Vulnerability is exclusively used in various disciplines such as geography, anthropology, economics, ecology, public health, poverty and development, sustainable livelihoods, famine and food security, sustainability science, land management, disaster management and climate change. Therefore, different disciplines have their own reasons for defining, measuring and developing conceptual models of vulnerability; hence there is no reason to presume that concepts, measures and methods will be universal across the disciplines. Lessons learned from one area may not be equally suitable for all. Hence, differences between various fields need to be bridged by a holistic approach and multidisciplinary research cooperation, and geography as a unique multidisciplinary field of study has the major disciplinary legitimacy to fill up the gaps and to create a common platform to work together in vulnerability research among the various research traditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v8i0.20150 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 8: 63-81, 2013
Optimizing Re-planning Operation for Smart House Applying Solar Radiation Forecasting
Authors: Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu , Funabashi Toshihisa , Mandal Paras , Kim Chul-Hwan
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes the re-planning operation method using Tabu Search for direct current (DC) smart house with photovoltaic (PV), solar collector (SC), battery and heat pump system. The proposed method is based on solar radiation forecasting using reported weather data, Fuzzy theory and Recurrent Neural Network. Additionally, the re-planning operation method is proposed with consideration of solar radiation forecast error, battery and inverter losses. In this paper, it is assumed that the installation location for DC smart house is Okinawa, which is located in Southwest Japan. The validity of proposed method is confirmed by comparing the simulation results.
Non-Coding RNAs Including miRNAs and lncRNAs in Cardiovascular Biology and Disease
Authors: Kataoka Masaharu , Wang Da-Zhi
Published: August 2014

It has been recognized for decades that proteins, which are encoded by our genome and produced via transcription and translation steps, are building blocks that play vital roles in almost all biological processes. Mutations identified in many protein-coding genes are linked to various human diseases. However, this “protein-centered” dogma has been challenged in recent years with the discovery that the majority of our genome is “non-coding” yet transcribed. Non-coding RNA has become the focus of “next generation” biology. Here, we review the emerging field of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and their role in cardiovascular function and disease.
Antibacterial Activity of TiO2 Photocatalyst Alone or in Coatings on E. coli: The Influence of Methodological Aspects
Authors: Verdier Thomas , Coutand Marie , Bertron Alexandra , Roques Christine
Published: August 2014

In damp environments, indoor building materials are among the main proliferation substrates for microorganisms. Photocatalytic coatings, including nanoparticles of TiO2, could be a way to prevent microbial proliferation or, at least, to significantly reduce the amount of microorganisms that grow on indoor building materials. Previous works involving TiO2 have already shown the inactivation of bacteria by the photocatalysis process. This paper studies the inactivation of Escherichia coli bacteria by photocatalysis involving TiO2 nanoparticles alone or in transparent coatings (varnishes) and investigates different parameters that significantly influence the antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of TiO2 was evaluated through two types of experiments under UV irradiation: (I) in slurry with physiological water (stirred suspension); and (II) in a drop deposited on a glass plate. The results confirmed the difference in antibacterial activity between simple drop-deposited inoculum and inoculum spread under a plastic film, which increased the probability of contact between TiO2 and bacteria (forced contact). In addition, the major effect of the nature of the suspension on the photocatalytic disinfection ability was highlighted. Experiments were also carried out at the surface of transparent coatings formulated using nanoparticles of TiO2. The results showed significant antibacterial activities after 2 h and 4 h and suggested that improving the formulation would increase efficiency.
National Deployment of Domestic Geothermal Heat Pump Technology: Observations on the UK Experience 1995–2013
Authors: Rees Simon , Curtis Robin
Published: August 2014

Uptake of geothermal heat pump technology in the UK and corresponding development of a domestic installation industry has progressed significantly in the last decade. This paper summarizes the growth process and reviews the research that has been specifically concerned with conditions in the UK. We discuss the driving forces behind these developments and some of the supporting policy initiatives that have been implemented. Publically funded national trials were completed to assess the performance and acceptance of the technology and validate design and installation standards. We comment on both the technical and non-technical findings of the trials and the related academic research and their relevance to standards development. A number of technical issues can be identified—some of which may be particular to the UK—and we suggest a number of research and development questions that need to be addressed further. Current national support for the technology relies solely on a tariff mechanism and it is uncertain that this will be effective enough to ensure sufficient growth to meet the national renewable heat target in 2020. A broader package of support that includes mandatory measures applied to future housing development and retrofit may be necessary to ensure long-term plans for national deployment and decarbonization of heat are achieved. Industry needs to demonstrate that efficiency standards can be assured, capital costs reduced in the medium-term and that national training schemes are effective.
Affinity Purification of Binding miRNAs for Messenger RNA Fused with a Common Tag
Authors: Wei Ke , Yan Feng , Xiao Hui , Yang Xiaoxu , Xie Guie , Xiao Ye , Wang Tingting , Xun Yu , Huang Zhaoqin , Han Mei , Zhang Jian , Xiang Shuanglin
Published: August 2014

Prediction of microRNA–mRNA interaction typically relies on bioinformatic methods, but these methods only suggest the possibility of microRNA binding and may miss important interactions as well as falsely predict others. A major obstacle to the miRNA research has been the lack of experimental procedures for the identification of miRNA–mRNA interactions. Recently, a few studies have attempted to explore experimental methods to isolate and identify miRNA targets or miRNAs targeting a single gene. Here, we developed an more convenient experimental approach for the isolation and identification of miRNAs targeting a single gene by applying short biotinylated DNA anti-sense oligonucleotides mix to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mRNA which was fused to target gene mRNA. This method does not require a design of different anti-sense oligonucleotides to any mRNA. This is a simple and an efficient method to potentially identify miRNAs targeting specific gene mRNA combined with chip screen.
Polymorphism of the Flap Endonuclease 1 Gene in Keratoconus and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Wojcik Katarzyna , Synowiec Ewelina , Polakowski Piotr , Głowacki Sylwester , Izdebska Justyna , Lloyd Sophie , Galea Dieter , Blasiak Janusz , Szaflik Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek
Published: August 2014

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including serious ocular diseases, keratoconus (KC) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) plays an important role in the repair of oxidative DNA damage in the base excision repair pathway. We determined the association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), c.–441G>A (rs174538) and g.61564299G>T (rs4246215), in the FEN1 gene and the occurrence of KC and FECD. This study involved 279 patients with KC, 225 patients with FECD and 322 control individuals. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and length polymorphism restriction fragment analysis (RFLP) were applied. The T/T genotype of the g.61564299G>T polymorphism was associated with an increased occurrence of KC and FECD. There was no association between the c.–441G>A polymorphism and either disease. However, the GG haplotype of both polymorphisms was observed more frequently and the GT haplotype less frequently in the KC group than the control. The AG haplotype was associated with increased FECD occurrence. Our findings suggest that the g.61564299G>T and c.–441G>A polymorphisms in the FEN1 gene may modulate the risk of keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
A Pirate too Needs to be Heard: Procedural Compromises in Online Copyright Infringement Cases in the UK
Authors: Mysoor Poorna
Published: August 2014

Online copyright infringement is one of the toughest challenges the content industry has faced in the twenty first century. Article 8(3) of the Information Society Directive, implemented under section 97A of the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, provides an injunctive remedy in response to such online infringement. Given the elusive nature of the website operators and the sheer number of their users, rights owners have turned to the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement the injunctions granted under section 97A to block websites with infringing content. In their battle to keep pace with online infringers, the UK courts have permitted significant compromises to the procedures while granting these injunctive blocking orders. One of the pioneers in this line of cases in the UK is the Pirate Bay case (TPB case), which ruled as a matter of law that the procedure under Section 97A does not require the alleged infringers to be made parties to those proceedings. TPB case also marks the trend of the ISPs consenting to an order of injunction, and not defending the proceedings. This has resulted in the absence of any adverse party in the proceedings under section 97A. This threatens the basic tenets of procedural fairness and propriety, having adverse consequences on both the substantive and procedural aspects, evident in the cases that followed TPB case. This article examines the aspects of the judgment in TPB case that led to these procedural compromises, whether it had any basis in the pre-existing case law, what the nature of an injunction under section 97A is and how the subsequent line of cases have followed TPB case as a precedent. It further explores the adverse consequences of the procedural compromises and whether any safeguards are available against such compromises.
Epoxy Resin Composite Based on Functional Hybrid Fillers
Authors: Oleksy Mariusz , Szwarc-Rzepka Karolina , Heneczkowski Maciej , Oliwa Rafał , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: August 2014

A study was carried out involving the filling of epoxy resin (EP) with bentonites and silica modified with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). The method of homogenization and the type of filler affect the functional and canceling properties of the composites was determined. The filler content ranged from 1.5% to 4.5% by mass. The basic mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were found to improve, and, in particular, there was an increase in tensile strength by 44%, and in Charpy impact strength by 93%. The developed hybrid composites had characteristics typical of polymer nanocomposites modified by clays, with a fine plate morphology of brittle fractures observed by SEM, absence of a plate separation peak in Wide Angles X-ray Scattering (WAXS) curves, and an exfoliated structure observed by TEM.
Reliability Investigation of GaN HEMTs for MMICs Applications
Authors: Chini Alessandro , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Pantellini Alessio , Lanzieri Claudio , Zanoni Enrico
Published: August 2014

Results obtained during the evaluation of radio frequency (RF) reliability carried out on several devices fabricated with different epi-structure and field-plate geometries will be presented and discussed. Devices without a field-plate structure experienced a more severe degradation when compared to their counterparts while no significant correlation has been observed with respect of the different epi-structure tested. RF stress induced two main changes in the device electrical characteristics, i.e., an increase in drain current dispersion and a reduction in gate-leakage currents. Both of these phenomena can be explained by assuming a density increase of an acceptor trap located beneath the gate contact and in the device barrier layer. Numerical simulations carried out with the aim of supporting the proposed mechanism will also be presented.
Challenges and Advances in Nanotoxicology
Authors: Tanguay Robert
Published: August 2014

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials examines the potential for engineered nanomaterials to negatively impact biological systems and highlights some advances in evaluating key areas of their hazard potential. Nanomaterial science is evolving rapidly with the generation of more complex nanostructures with exciting potential applications. Keeping modern toxicology abreast of this innovation to the point that it guides a safer nanotechnology presents an equally exciting and eminently worthwhile challenge. [...]
Genetic Characterization of Fungi Isolated from the Environmental Swabs collected from a Compounding Center Known to Cause Multistate Meningitis Outbreak in United States Using ITS Sequencing
Authors: Sulaiman Irshad , Jacobs Emily , Simpson Steven , Kerdahi Khalil
Published: August 2014

A multistate fungal meningitis outbreak started in September of 2012 which spread in 20 states of the United States. The outbreak has been fatal so far, and has affected 751 individuals with 64 deaths among those who received contaminated spinal injections manufactured by a Compounding Center located in Massachusetts. In a preliminary study, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated the outbreak in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health departments, and identified four fungal and several bacterial contaminations in the recalled unopened injection vials. This follow-up study was carried out to assess DNA sequencing of the ITS1 region of rRNA gene for rapid identification of fungal pathogens during public health outbreak investigations. A total of 26 environmental swabs were collected from several locations at the manufacturing premises of the Compounding Center known to have caused the outbreak. The swab samples were initially examined by conventional microbiologic protocols and a wide range of fungal species were recovered. Species-identification of these microorganisms was accomplished by nucleotide sequencing of ITS1 region of rRNA gene. Analysis of data confirmed 14 additional fungal species in the swabs analyzed.
Religion and Marriage Timing: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Rendon Joshua , Xu Xiaohe , Denton Melinda , Bartkowski John
Published: August 2014

Previous studies have revealed denominational subculture variations in marriage timing in the U.S. with conservative Protestants marrying at a much younger age than Catholics and the unaffiliated. However, the effects of other religious factors, such as worship service attendance and religious salience, remain overlooked. Informed by a theoretical framework that integrates the denominational subculture variation thesis and the gendered religiosity thesis, this study replicates, updates, and extends previous research by examining the effects of religiosity on the timing of first marriage among 10,403 men and 12,279 women using pooled cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006–2010. Our survival regression models indicate that: (1) consistent with previous research, Protestants in general, and conservative Protestants in particular, marry earlier than the religiously unaffiliated; (2) irrespective of denominational affiliation, increased frequency of worship service attendance decreases age at first marriage for both men and women, whereas religious salience is associated with earlier marriage only for women; (3) among Catholics, as worship service attendance increases, the waiting time to first marriage decreases; and (4) among Protestants, however, worship service attendance decreases age at first marriage for men who are affiliated with mainline and non-denominational Protestant churches, while for women the decrease in age at first marriage associated with worship service attendance is found for those who report a conservative Protestant affiliation. The complex intersections of denominational affiliation, frequency of worship service attendance, religious salience, and gender are discussed. Results suggest that religion continues to exert influences on marriage timing among recent birth cohorts of young Americans.
The Cultivation of Electric Vehicles Market in China: Dilemma and Solution
Authors: Tan Qinliang , Wang Minnan , Deng Yanming , Yang Haiping , Rao Rao , Zhang Xingping
Published: August 2014

Global warming has been increasingly concerning, and international society has been taking various measures to mitigate this issue. Since the electric vehicle has important and generally beneficial impacts on environment protection, grid construction, and operation economical efficiency improvement, many countries have stressed the status of electric vehicle promotion in future planning. As China is the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter, the Chinese government has taken various acts to reduce emissions, of which promoting electric vehicle is an effective one. This paper attempts to present a critical review of the current EV situations including the market sales, charging infrastructure, battery performances and policies in China. The survey of customer preferences and acceptance to electric vehicle indicate that purchasing behaviors are affected by four factors: charge inconvenience, short battery range, cost and psychological factors. According to the China’s situation, recommendations including diversified energy supplement approaches, time-of-use charging price mechanism, vehicle-to-grid technology and enlarge price subsidy scope are proposed to accelerate the development of the electric vehicle industry.
Assembly and Maturation of a T = 4 Quasi-Equivalent Virus Is Guided by Electrostatic and Mechanical Forces
Authors: Kearney Bradley , Johnson John
Published: August 2014

Nudaurelia capensis w virus (NωV) is a eukaryotic RNA virus that is well suited for the study of virus maturation. The virus initially assembles at pH 7.6 into a marginally stable 480-Å procapsid formed by 240 copies of a single type of protein subunit. During maturation, which occurs during apoptosis at pH 5.0, electrostatic forces guide subunit trajectories into a robust 410-Å virion that is buttressed by subunit associated molecular switches. We discuss the competing factors in the virus capsid of requiring near-reversible interactions during initial assembly to avoid kinetic traps, while requiring robust stability to survive in the extra-cellular environment. In addition, viruses have a variety of mechanisms to deliver the genome, which must remain off while still inside the infected cell, yet turn on under the proper conditions of infection. We conclude that maturation is the process that provides a solution to these conflicting requirements through a program that is encoded in the procapsid and that leads to stability and infectivity.
Pyrrolidine nucleotide analogs with a tunable conformation
Authors: Poštová Slavětínská Lenka , Rejman Dominik , Pohl Radek
Published: August 2014

Conformational preferences of the pyrrolidine ring in nucleotide analogs 7–14 were investigated by means of NMR and molecular modeling. The effect of the relative configuration of hydroxy and nucleobase substituents as well as the effect of the alkylation or acylation of the pyrrolidine nitrogen atom on the conformation of the pyrrolidine ring were studied. The results of a conformational analysis show that the alkylation/acylation can be effectively used for tuning the pyrrolidine conformation over the whole pseudorotation cycle.
De l'intérêt de l'approche de l'économie industrielle pour le management stratégiques : une application originale aux clubs européens de football de l'élite
Authors: Montchaud Sandra , Millereux Vincent , Cicut Nicolas , Dantin Pierre
Published: August 2014

Cette recherche porte sur les clubs européens de football de l’élite, c’est-à-dire de la première division des cinq championnats majeurs, à savoir : allemand, anglais, espagnol, français et italien. L’objectif est de comprendre leurs stratégies à partir des caractéristiques qui fondent et structurent l’industrie du football professionnel européen dans laquelle ils évoluent. Pour ce faire, notre réflexion mobilise l’approche de l’économie industrielle (« industrial organization » (IO)) à travers son schéma d’analyse reliant les conditions de base, la structure, les comportements et les performances dans une industrie et s’inscrit dans la perspective de Porter (1981) qui souligne l’intérêt de l’IO pour le management stratégique (MS). Une application originale de cette approche à l’industrie footballistique professionnelle européenne est ainsi proposée.
Poluição sonora: estudo de caso do trânsito de veículos na subprefeitura de Pinheiros – São Paulo
Authors: Shoegima Thiago França , Filho Alfredo Pereira de Queiroz
Published: August 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é comparar o ruído do trânsito de veículos na Subprefeitura de Pinheiros com os respectivos limites de poluição sonora da lei de zoneamento do município de São Paulo. Foram realizados três levantamentos, entre 2010 e 2011, em 40 pontos distintos da região, no período matutino. Constatou-se que as médias de 39 pontos (97,5%) excederam os limites sonoros do zoneamento municipal e que somente um ponto (2,5%) apresentou valor compatível. A média das emissões sonoras foi de 70,7 dBA, que excede todos os limites do mapa acústico da cidade. A análise desses resultados indica, ao menos, duas necessidades básicas: a implantação de sistemas de monitoramento e de controle da poluição sonora e a revisão das políticas públicas relacionadas ao sistema de transportes no município de São Paulo.
Fragmentation sociospatiale à Brasília et Curitiba : villes différentes, villes inégalitaires
Authors: Catalão Igor
Published: August 2014

Différence et inégalité sont des notions apparemment coïncidentes dont les implications dans la production et l’appropriation de l’espace ne coïncident pas, notamment dans les métropoles qui sont des espaces plus complexes et hétérogènes. L’on propose dans ce texte de comprendre comment les différences et les inégalités, combinées d’une façon contradictoire, mènent à la formation de la ville fragmentée. Cette analyse se fait à partir d’une brève comparaison entre les agglomérations métropolitaines de Brasilia et de Curitiba. Les résultats présentés sont issus d’une recherche achevée sur les deux métropoles et fournissent des éléments pour une discussion sur le processus de fragmentation sociospatiale qui s’explicite : d’un côté, par la permanence du centre-ville comme lieu de concentration de biens et d’équipements urbains sophistiqués et de la périphérie comme zone de concentration de pauvreté et précarité ; de l’autre côté, par la requalification de ce rapport centre-périphérie possible à partir de la prolifération de quartiers fermés comme lieu préférable de résidence urbaine.
Espaços e relações de poder em Chapecó/SC na década de 1950.
Authors: Moraes Cristina de
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar como foi construída a valorização de determinados espaços mediante as relações de poder estabelecidas ao longo do tempo, bem como, a utilização destes mesmos espaços, enquanto significantes e transmissores de valores como orientadores de ações sociais. O ponto principal de análise é compreender esta ideia a partir da ocorrência de um linchamento em Chapecó/SC em 1950. A partir de contextualização histórica-geográfica é possível perceber como um determinado tipo de formação sócioespacial e suas referidas relações sociais, foram embriões de relações de poder que gradativamente enraizaram-se na região, influenciando a criação de ideologias que disseminadas adquiriram materialidade. A partir da implantação das colônias de migração em meados do século XX, surgiram novos atores que foram inseridos nas relações de poder já estabelecidas anteriormente, com processo de rearticulação entre o novo e velho para mantenimento de uma ordem já estabelecida. Posteriormente com a consolidação destas colônias de migração, Chapecó passou a ser um espaço de atração populacional, resultando na presença de novos migrantes. Inseridos no surgimento do multipartidarimo brasileiro estes novos atores criaram um partido político ligado aos profissionais das atividades urbanas e liberais, representando ruptura aos tradicionais grupos de poder, suja oposição adquiriu expressividade quando estes últimos perderam as eleições municipais em outubro de 1950. Paralelamente, vários incêndios aconteceram e a queima da igreja teve grande repercussão na sociedade local, em virtude que a população possuía na religião um dos seus principais valores e elemento de identidade local, sentindo-se, portanto desrespeitada. O incêndio da igreja foi utilizado para envolver indivíduo do partido urbano/liberal neste crime com o objetivo de intimidar pessoas que não estavam inseridas nas tradicionais relações de poder, cujos suspeitos foram presos e posteriormente linchados. No linchamento é possível perceber que espaços importantíssimos para a sociedade local foram utilizados de forma estratégica possibilitando reforçar os valores sociais tradicionais pois a força destes espaços enquanto transmissores de valores foram ressaltados pelos grupos locais. É possível perceber que os espaços não são apenas uma condição de existência, são também uma construção social, carregada de sentidos, valores que visam inculcar ideias e orientar comportamentos.
A fluidez territorial na fronteira ocidental da Amazônia: as cidades gêmeas Tabatinga (Brasil) e Leticia (Colômbia)
Authors: Euzébio Emerson Flávio
Published: August 2014

As fronteiras têm sido estudadas a partir de diferentes abordagens, por exemplo, a recente análise a partir da fluidez territorial, considerando-se a intensificação dos fluxos fronteiriços consequentes da atual conjuntura globalizante. O objetivo da pesquisa foi compreender a dinâmica territorial do subespaço das cidades gêmeas Tabatinga (Brasil) e Leticia (Colômbia) a partir da análise da infraestruturas que viabilizam os fluxos fronteiriços e seus reflexos no desenvolvimento econômico e social da região. O exame das infraestruturas (fixos) e do sistema de fluxos estabelecidos na escala local e extralocal permitiu verificar a evolução da fluidez territorial e sua contribuição para o desenvolvimento regional e aproximação das comunidades vizinhas.
Mudanças climáticas e risco ao patrimônio cultural em Ouro Preto – MG - Brasil
Authors: Zanirato Silvia Helena , Ribeiro Wagner Costa
Published: August 2014

A perda do patrimônio cultural edificado implicaria em prejuízos expressivos para a memória e a história do país, assim como em danos para milhares de pessoas que têm empregos advindos da condição de Ouro Preto como cidade patrimonial. O foco deste artigo é tratar a exposição a riscos do patrimônio edificado em Ouro Preto, que podem aumentar pelos cenários futuros consequentes das mudanças climáticas globais, em especial pelo agravamento das condições de ocorrência de escorregamentos de terra. Com esse objetivo o texto é organizado em quatro partes, além da introdução. Inicialmente é discutida a preocupação da UNESCO, órgão gestor do patrimônio cultural em escala internacional a respeito da incidência das mudanças climáticas sobre o patrimônio da humanidade, bem como os cenários identificados para o Brasil e para o Sudeste do país, em particular. Na segunda parte apresenta-se em que medida a morfologia do município e a forma como sua ocupação ocorreu o tornaram propício a escorregamentos que colocam em situação de risco tanto a população quanto o patrimônio cultural. Depois, apresentam-se pontos onde é possível perceber ameaças ao patrimônio edificado, seguido das considerações finais.
Effects of Information Capitalism and Globalization on Teaching and Learning in a Developed and in a Developing Country
Authors: Adeoye Blessing F.
Published: August 2014

Education is undergoing constant changes under the effects of globalization and information generation, processing, and transmission, which is termed “informational capitalism.” The aims of this chapter are to explore how digital technologies have transformed the productive forces of capitalism and have enabled a globalized economy. The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey. The population for the study consists of students and faculty from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania and students and lecturers from the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. The data collected are compared. The findings show that perceptions vary in the magnitude with which participants responded to the use of Web 2.0 for teaching and learning. Based on the responses from all participants, both students and faculty, cultural inclination has no significant impact on their use of Web 2.0 for learning. However, the majority of the participants from the University of Lagos, both students and lecturers, believe that adoption of Web 2.0 supports cultural promotion.
Using Digital Technologies to Aid E-Learning
Authors: Cole Michele T. , Shelley Daniel J. , Swartz Louis B. , Adeoye Blessing F.
Published: August 2014

This chapter presents the results of a pilot study conducted in the summer of 2013 in which researchers sought to discover how students and instructors at two universities were using selected digital technologies in their coursework. To the extent that digital technologies were being used, did students find their use to be helpful in learning course material? Researchers surveyed undergraduate students at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students at Robert Morris University in Western Pennsylvania. For the most part, comparing responses from both universities demonstrated similarities in how and what digital technologies were used in coursework. However, there were significant differences found when the uses of certain technologies were examined at each institution and how helpful to learning they were for students. There was also a significant difference found in determining how soon new digital technologies would be adopted.
The Era of Digital Technology in Teaching and Learning in African Universities
Authors: Adeoye Blessing F. , Anyikwa E. B.
Published: August 2014

Technology for teaching and learning has transformed from its crudest form of communicating with stones, pebbles, and skin to modern day technology devices such as filmstrips, projected media, m-learning, and e-learning. This has brought immense change into higher institutions of learning in Africa. This change has brought a revolution in teaching and learning and the roles of universities in producing lifelong learners. A wide range of technology devices and their applications are outlined, ranging from multimedia to radio broadcasting with policies related to ICT applications in different African universities, showing the level of information capitalism, access, and quality of higher education in Africa. Even though low teledensity, inadequate supply of electricity, low funding, and high level of poverty are some of the challenges generally faced by African universities, it is recommended that ICT policies across African universities need to be revitalized. In addition, there is a need to provide sufficient computing facilities and specialized facilities like multimedia laboratories to enable e-content generation. Finally, teaching and learning can be made available to thousands of students in Africa when universities are operating 24-7 online tutorials as a result of ICT and other technological developments. This is explored in this chapter.
Cultural Factors Affecting Integration of Technology in Media Education in Nigeria
Authors: Ekhareafo Ofomegbe Daniel , Uchenunu Oroboh Ambrose
Published: August 2014

Today's world is aptly described as an information age, driven primarily by Information and Communication Technologies. This chapter stresses the idea that ICT usage in media education will not only improve the capacity of the students to learn but also improve the capacity of the facilitators. Although there are a number of factors that affect the integration of technology in learning, the chapter advocates that against the benefit of ICT education proactive steps need to be taken to redress the low trend if the graduates must compete with others, particularly those with overseas qualifications and other professionals in today's globalised and evanescent technological world.
Efficiency of Technology in Creating Social Networks for Mobilizing and Improving the Health of a Community
Authors: Folami Florence F.
Published: August 2014

A great deal of focus has been placed upon improving population health and providing for the well-being of communities across the nation. The advances of new media skills are vital to creating social networks for mobilizing and improving the health of a community. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the efficiency of Facebook in creating social networks to mobilize community improvement. This chapter discusses social networking group reach rates and the effectiveness of social networking in delivering health messages and improving community health knowledge. An Internet scan of a Facebook Support Group using quantitative outcomes is done. The group was followed for 2 years to track the following metric: weekly frequency of posting, the average number of followers, response time, and group engagement. Overall, this study shows positive outcomes in terms of reach, response time, and group engagement.
Using Andragogy and Bloom's Digital Taxonomy to Guide E-Portfolio and Web Portfolio Development in Undergraduate Courses
Authors: DiMarco John
Published: August 2014

This chapter offers suggestions and discussion on e-portfolio teaching approaches and how andragogy and Bloom's Digital Taxonomy can be weaved into teaching and learning to create active learning through e-portfolio development. The chapter connects andragogy (Knowles, 1980) and integrates the educational objectives in the cognitive domain put forth by Bloom in 1956 and then updated by Anderson and Krathwohl (2001) and eventually aligned to the digital realm by Churches (2009) to use as a model for teaching Web portfolio development in undergraduate courses. The Web portfolio has value for the student as a real-world tool for use in career advancement. It can be integrated into curriculum by faculty as a platform for assessment of higher-level cognitive objectives. This chapter includes a framework for a portfolio seminar course and how it implements Web portfolio (e-portfolio) components, which may provide a model for faculty developing future e-portfolio courses.