bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Combination of Type I IFN, TNF-α, and Cell Surface Receptor Engagement with Dendritic Cells Enables NK Cells To Overcome Immune Evasion by Dengue Virus
Authors: Lim Daniel Say Liang , Yawata Nobuyo , Selva Kevin John , Li Na , Tsai Chen Yu , Yeong Lai Han , Liong Ka Hang , Ooi Eng Eong , Chong Mun Keat , Ng Mah Lee , Leo Yee Sin , Yawata Makoto , Wong Soon Boon Justin
Published: October 2014

Clinical studies have suggested the importance of the NK cell response against dengue virus (DenV), an arboviral infection that afflicts >50 million individuals each year. However, a comprehensive understanding of the NK cell response against dengue-infected cells is lacking. To characterize cell-contact mechanisms and soluble factors that contribute to the antidengue response, primary human NK cells were cocultured with autologous DenV-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). NK cells responded by cytokine production and the lysis of target cells. Notably, in the absence of significant monokine production by DenV-infected DC, it was the combination of type I IFNs and TNF-α produced by DenV-infected DC that was important for stimulating the IFN-γ and cytotoxic responses of NK cells. Cell-bound factors enhanced NK cell IFN-γ production. In particular, reduced HLA class I expression was observed on DenV-infected DC, and IFN-γ production was enhanced in licensed/educated NK cell subsets. NK–DC cell contact was also identified as a requirement for a cytotoxic response, and there was evidence for both perforin/granzyme as well as Fas/Fas ligand–dependent pathways of killing by NK cells. In summary, our results have uncovered a previously unappreciated role for the combined effect of type I IFNs, TNF-α, and cell surface receptor–ligand interactions in triggering the antidengue response of primary human NK cells.
Communal child-rearing: The role of nurses in school health
Authors: Mulaudzi Fhumulani M. , Peu Mmapheko D.
Published: October 2014

Background: Child-rearing remains a concern within our communities, especially because families of today lack primary parents due to multifaceted challenges such as working mothers, diseases and violence. Health-promoting school initiatives are necessary because they allow a multifaceted approach to child-rearing. They further provide a conducive environment for continued schoolchild-rearing moving from home to school.Objectives: This study promotes an integrated approach to school care using the African concept of Ubuntu – solidarity and sense of community – as a point of departure. The socio-ecological model was used, which includes the work of the school healthcare nurse in contributing to holistic health services.Method: An integrative review was conducted in January 2013, which included methodology studies, a theory review and a variety of studies related to school health. The studies were categorised according to school health, Ubuntu and the socio-ecological model.Findings: The role of school healthcare nurses entails acting as a liaison officer between a variety of stakeholders who work together to shape the future of children.Conclusion: Ubuntu, together with the socio-ecological model, can assist us to involve an entire community to raise children. This knowledge serves as a background to the planning of a school health programme. The role of the nurse in school health can also assist in collaborative efforts to formulate the programme and develop the competencies that will inform school health nurse training curricula.
A Comprehensive Comparison of Normalization Methods for Loading Control and Variance Stabilization of Reverse-Phase Protein Array Data
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Ju Zhenlin , Lu Yiling , Mills Gordon B. , Akbani Rehan
Published: October 2014

Loading control (LC) and variance stabilization of reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) data have been challenging mainly due to the small number of proteins in an experiment and the lack of reliable inherent control markers. In this study, we compare eight different normalization methods for LC and variance stabilization. The invariant marker set concept was first applied to the normalization of high-throughput gene expression data. A set of “invariant” markers are selected to create a virtual reference sample. Then all the samples are normalized to the virtual reference. We propose a variant of this method in the context of RPPA data normalization and compare it with seven other normalization methods previously reported in the literature. The invariant marker set method performs well with respect to LC, variance stabilization and association with the immunohistochemistry/florescence in situ hybridization data for three key markers in breast tumor samples, while the other methods have inferior performance. The proposed method is a promising approach for improving the quality of RPPA data.
Inferring Aberrant Signal Transduction Pathways in Ovarian Cancer from TCGA Data
Authors: Neapolitan Richard , Jiang Xia
Published: October 2014

This paper concerns a new method for identifying aberrant signal transduction pathways (STPs) in cancer using case/control gene expression-level datasets, and applying that method and an existing method to an ovarian carcinoma dataset. Both methods identify STPs that are plausibly linked to all cancers based on current knowledge. Thus, the paper is most appropriate for the cancer informatics community. Our hypothesis is that STPs that are altered in tumorous tissue can be identified by applying a new Bayesian network (BN)-based method (causal analysis of STP aberration (CASA)) and an existing method (signaling pathway impact analysis (SPIA)) to the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) gene expression-level datasets. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 20 cancer-related STPs and 6 randomly chosen STPs using the 591 cases in the TCGA ovarian carcinoma dataset, and the 102 controls in all 5 TCGA cancer datasets. We identified all the genes related to each of the 26 pathways, and developed separate gene expression datasets for each pathway. The results of the two methods were highly correlated. Furthermore, many of the STPs that ranked highest according to both methods are plausibly linked to all cancers based on current knowledge. Finally, CASA ranked the cancer-related STPs over the randomly selected STPs at a significance level below 0.05 ( P = 0.047), but SPIA did not ( P = 0.083).
Optimization of Network Topology in Computer-Aided Detection Schemes Using Phased Searching with NEAT in a Time-Scaled Framework
Authors: Tan Maxine , Pu Jiantao , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2014

In the field of computer-aided mammographic mass detection, many different features and classifiers have been tested. Frequently, the relevant features and optimal topology for the artificial neural network (ANN)-based approaches at the classification stage are unknown, and thus determined by trial-and-error experiments. In this study, we analyzed a classifier that evolves ANNs using genetic algorithms (GAs), which combines feature selection with the learning task. The classifier named “Phased Searching with NEAT in a Time-Scaled Framework” was analyzed using a dataset with 800 malignant and 800 normal tissue regions in a 10-fold cross-validation framework. The classification performance measured by the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.856 ± 0.029. The result was also compared with four other well-established classifiers that include fixed-topology ANNs, support vector machines (SVMs), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and bagged decision trees. The results show that Phased Searching outperformed the LDA and bagged decision tree classifiers, and was only significantly outperformed by SVM. Furthermore, the Phased Searching method required fewer features and discarded superfluous structure or topology, thus incurring a lower feature computational and training and validation time requirement. Analyses performed on the network complexities evolved by Phased Searching indicate that it can evolve optimal network topologies based on its complexification and simplification parameter selection process. From the results, the study also concluded that the three classifiers – SVM, fixed-topology ANN, and Phased Searching with NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) in a Time-Scaled Framework – are performing comparably well in our mammographic mass detection scheme.
Impact of the Argemone mexicana Stem Extracts on the Reproductive Fitness and Behavior of Adult Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Warikoo Radhika , Kumar Sarita
Published: October 2014

Present investigations evaluated the impact of Argemone mexicana stem extracts on the reproductive fitness of dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, assessed in terms of oviposition deterrent and ovicidal potential. The oviposition deterrent studies of the extracts, prepared using petroleum ether, hexane, benzene, acetone, and ethanol as the solvents, revealed the maximum deterrence potency of the petroleum ether extracts with a significant 15.6% ED at 60 ppm rising by 83.8% at 1000 ppm to 99.4% effective deterrence (ED). Other stem extracts were found to be ineffective at 60 ppm, though resulted in 85.3–96.2% ED and diminished fecundity in A. aegypti at 1000 ppm. Further, A. mexicana stem extracts exhibited moderate ovicidal potential against A. aegypti eggs causing only 42.65–67.85% egg mortality at 1000 ppm, the lowest hatch of 32.15% caused by the benzene extract. Other stem extracts also failed to express effective ovicidal potency with the percent egg hatch ranging between 96.6 and 99.0 at 400 ppm, and 78.8 and 99.0 at 600 ppm. Our results suggest the significant but variable efficacy of A. mexicana stem extracts causing reproductive disadvantage in A. aegypti.
Prospective Randomized Trial on Postoperative Administration of Diet Containing Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Gamma-linolenic Acid, and Antioxidants in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Patients with Free-flap Reconstruction
Authors: Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Motohashi Ray , Sato Hiroki , Endo Minoru , Ueda Yuri , Nakamura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and antioxidants in head and neck cancer surgery patients with free-flap reconstruction.

METHODS

In this randomized, prospective study, 62 patients with head and neck cancers were assigned to receive a general control diet (Ensure® H; Abbott Japan, Tokyo, Japan) or the study diet (Oxepa®; Abbott Japan) containing EPA, DHA, GLA, and antioxidants (eg vitamins A, E, and C). The primary assessment item was the degree of postoperative inflammation, as assessed by measuring maximum body temperature and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin from the day of surgery to postoperative day 8. Secondary assessment items were lengths of stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

Results

The control diet group ( n = 32) and study diet group ( n = 30) showed no significant difference in energy administered through diet. No significant differences in the parameters of the primary assessment item were noted. Length of stay in the ICU was significantly shorter for the control diet group than for the study diet group ( P = 0.011). No significant difference in duration of hospitalization was seen between groups.

CONCLUSION

No usefulness of a diet containing EPA, DHA, GLA, and antioxidants was demonstrated.
Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Analogs: Searching for New Potential Therapeutics
Authors: Midura-Nowaczek Krystyna , Markowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2014

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an essential part of innate immunity. These compounds have been considered as potential therapeutics because of their broad-spectrum activities and proven ability to avoid antimicrobial resistance, but their clinical and commercial developments have some limitations, such as susceptibility to proteases and a high cost of peptide production. To overcome these problems, many researchers have tried to develop short active peptides, their modifications and mimics with better properties while retaining their basic features of natural AMPs such as cationic charge and the amphipathic structure.
Revisiting Twomey's approximation for peak supersaturation
Authors: Shipway B. J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Twomey's seminal 1959 paper provided lower and upper bound approximations to the estimation of peak supersaturation within an updraft and thus provides the first closed expression for the number of nucleated cloud droplets. The form of this approximation is simple, but provides a surprisingly good estimate and has subsequently been employed in more sophisticated treatments of nucleation parametrization. In the current paper, we revisit the lower bound approximation of Twomey and make a small adjustment which can be used to obtain a more accurate calculation of peak supersaturation under all potential aerosol loadings and thermodynamic conditions. In order to make full use of this improved approximation, the underlying integro-differential equation for supersaturation evolution and the condition for calculating peak supersaturation are examined. A simple rearrangement of the algebra allows for an expression to be written down which can then be solved with a single lookup table with only one independent variable for an underlying lognormal aerosol population. Multimode aerosol with only N different dispersion characteristics require only N of these one-dimensional lookup tables. No additional information is required in the lookup table to deal with additional chemical, physical or thermodynamic properties. The resulting implementation provides a relatively simple, yet computationally cheap and very accurate physically-based parametrization of droplet nucleation for use in climate and NWP models.
Emission factors of SO2, NOx and particles from ships in Neva Bay from ground-based and helicopter-borne measurements and AIS-based modeling
Authors: Beecken J. , Mellqvist J. , Salo K. , Ekholm J. , Jalkanen J.-P. , Johansson L. , Litvinenko V. , Volodin K. , Frank-Kamenetsky D. A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Emission factors of SO2, NOx and size distributed particle numbers were measured for approximately 300 different ships in the Gulf of Finland and Neva Bay area during two campaigns in August/September 2011 and June/July 2012. The measurements were carried out from a harbor vessel and from an MI-8 helicopter downwind of passing ships. Other measurements were carried out from shore sites near the island of Kronstadt and along the river Neva in the city area of Saint Petersburg. Most ships were running at reduced speed (10 knots), i.e. not at their optimal load. Vessels for domestic and international shipping were monitored. It was seen that the distribution of the SO2 emission factors is bi-modal with averages of 4.6 gSO2 kgfuel−1 and 18.2 gSO2 kgfuel−1 for the lower and the higher mode, respectively. The emission factors show compliance with the 1% fuel sulfur content SECA limit for 90% of the vessels in 2011 and 97% in 2012. The distribution of the NOx emission factor is mono-modal with an average of 58 gNOx kgfuel−1. The corresponding emission related to the generated power yields an average of 12.1 gNOx kWh−1. The distribution of the emission factors for particulate number shows that nearly 90% of all particles in the 5.6 nm to 10 μm size range were below 70 nm in diameter. The distribution of the corresponding emission factors for the mass indicates two separated main modes, one for particles between 30 and 300 nm the other above 2 μm. The average particle emission factors were found to be in the range from 0.7 to 2.7 × 1016 particles kgfuel−1 and 0.2 to 3.4 gPM kgfuel−1, respectively. The NOx and particulate emissions are comparable with other studies. The measured emission factors were compared, for individual ships, to modeled ones using the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM) of the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A reasonably good agreement for gaseous sulfur and nitrogen emissions can be seen for ships in international traffic, but significant deviations are found for inland vessels. Considering particulate mass, the modeled data is about two to three times above the measured results, which probably reflects the assumptions made in the modeled fuel sulfur content. The sulfur contents in the fuel retrieved from the measurements were lower than the previously used assumptions by the city of Saint Petersburg when carrying out atmospheric modeling and using these measurements it was possible to better assess the impact of shipping on air quality.
Applying inversion techniques to derive source currents and geoelectric fields for geomagnetically induced current calculations
Authors: de Villiers J. S. , Cilliers P. J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This research focuses on the inversion of geomagnetic variation field measurement to obtain source currents in the ionosphere. During a geomagnetic disturbance, the ionospheric currents create magnetic field variations that induce geoelectric fields, which drive geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in power systems. These GIC may disturb the operation of power systems and cause damage to grounded power transformers. The geoelectric fields at any location of interest can be determined from the source currents in the ionosphere through a solution of the forward problem. Line currents running east–west along given surface position are postulated to exist at a certain height above the Earth's surface. This physical arrangement results in the fields on the ground having the magnetic north and down components, and the electric east component. Ionospheric currents are modelled by inverting Fourier integrals (over the wavenumber) of elementary geomagnetic fields using the Levenberg–Marquardt technique. The output parameters of the inversion model are the current strength, height and surface position of the ionospheric current system. A ground conductivity structure with five layers from Quebec, Canada, based on the Layered-Earth model is used to obtain the complex skin depth at a given angular frequency. This paper presents preliminary and inversion results based on these structures and simulated geomagnetic fields. The results show some interesting features in the frequency domain. Model parameters obtained through inversion are within 2% of simulated values. This technique has applications for modelling the currents of electrojets at the equator and auroral regions, as well as currents in the magnetosphere.
Seasonal and interannual variations in the nitrogen cycle in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Rixen T. , Baum A. , Gaye B. , Nagel B.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The Arabian Sea plays an important role in the marine nitrogen cycle because of its pronounced mid-water oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in which bio-available nitrate (NO3−) is reduced to dinitrogen gas (N2). As the nitrogen cycle can respond fast to climate-induced changes in productivity and circulation, the Arabian Sea sediments are an important palaeoclimatic archive. In order to understand seasonal and interannual variations in the nitrogen cycle, nutrient data were obtained from the literature published prior to 1993, evaluated, and compared with data measured during five expeditions carried out in the framework of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) in the Arabian Sea in 1995 and during a research cruise of RV Meteor in 2007. The data comparison showed that the area characterized by a pronounced secondary nitrite maximum (SNM) was by 63% larger in 1995 than a similarly determined estimate based on pre-JGOFS data. This area, referred to as the core of the denitrifying zone, showed strong seasonal and interannual variations driven by the monsoon. During the SW monsoon, the SNM retreated eastward due to the inflow of oxygen-enriched Indian Ocean Central Water (ICW). During the NE monsoon, the SNM expanded westward because of the reversal of the current regime. On an interannual timescale, a weaker SW monsoon decreased the inflow of ICW from the equatorial Indian Ocean and increased the accumulation of denitrification tracers by extending the residence time of water in the SNM. This is supported by palaeoclimatic studies showing an enhanced preservation of accumulative denitrification tracers in marine sediments in conjunction with a weakening of the SW monsoon during the late Holocene.
Winter-to-summer evolution of pCO2 in surface water and air–sea CO2 flux in the seasonal ice zone of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Nomura D. , Yoshikawa-Inoue H. , Kobayashi S. , Nakaoka S. , Nakata K. , Hashida G.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in surface water and vertical profiles of the carbonate system parameters were measured during austral summer in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (64–67° S, 32–58° E) in January 2006 to understand the CO2 dynamics of seawater in the seasonal ice zone. Surface-water pCO2 ranged from 275 to 400 μatm, and longitudinal variations reflected the dominant influence of water temperature and dilution by sea ice meltwater between 32 and 40° E and biological productivity between 40 and 58° E. Using carbonate system data from the temperature minimum layer (−1.9 °C < T < −1.5 °C, 34.2 < S < 34.5), we examined the winter-to-summer evolution of surface-water pCO2 and the factors affecting it. Our results indicate that pCO2 increased by as much as 32 μatm, resulting mainly from the increase in water temperature. At the same time as changes in sea ice concentration and surface-water pCO2, the air–sea CO2 flux, which consists of the exchange of CO2 between sea ice and atmosphere, changed from −1.1 to +0.9 mmol C m−2 day−1 between winter and summer. These results suggest that, for the atmosphere, the seasonal ice zone acts as a CO2 sink in winter and a temporary CO2 source in summer immediately after the retreat of sea ice. Subsequent biological productivity likely decreases surface-water pCO2 and the air–sea CO2 flux becomes negative, such that in summer the study area is again a CO2 sink with respect to the atmosphere.
Methods to evaluate CaCO3 cycle modules in coupled global biogeochemical ocean models
Authors: Koeve W. , Duteil O. , Oschlies A. , Kähler P. , Segschneider J.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The marine CaCO3 cycle is an important component of the oceanic carbon system and directly affects the cycling of natural and the uptake of anthropogenic carbon. In numerical models of the marine carbon cycle, the CaCO3 cycle component is often evaluated against the observed distribution of alkalinity. Alkalinity varies in response to the formation and remineralization of CaCO3 and organic matter. However, it also has a large conservative component, which may strongly be affected by a deficient representation of ocean physics (circulation, evaporation, and precipitation) in models. Here we apply a global ocean biogeochemical model run into preindustrial steady state featuring a number of idealized tracers, explicitly capturing the model's CaCO3 dissolution, organic matter remineralization, and various preformed properties (alkalinity, oxygen, phosphate). We compare the suitability of a variety of measures related to the CaCO3 cycle, including alkalinity (TA), potential alkalinity and TA*, the latter being a measure of the time-integrated imprint of CaCO3 dissolution in the ocean. TA* can be diagnosed from any data set of TA, temperature, salinity, oxygen and phosphate. We demonstrate the sensitivity of total and potential alkalinity to the differences in model and ocean physics, which disqualifies them as accurate measures of biogeochemical processes. We show that an explicit treatment of preformed alkalinity (TA0) is necessary and possible. In our model simulations we implement explicit model tracers of TA0 and TA*. We find that the difference between modelled true TA* and diagnosed TA* was below 10% (25%) in 73% (81%) of the ocean's volume. In the Pacific (and Indian) Oceans the RMSE of A* is below 3 (4) mmol TA m−3, even when using a global rather than regional algorithms to estimate preformed alkalinity. Errors in the Atlantic Ocean are significantly larger and potential improvements of TA0 estimation are discussed. Applying the TA* approach to the output of three state-of-the-art ocean carbon cycle models, we demonstrate the advantage of explicitly taking preformed alkalinity into account for separating the effects of biogeochemical processes and circulation on the distribution of alkalinity. In particular, we suggest to use the TA* approach for CaCO3 cycle model evaluation.
Transient tracer applications in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Stöven T. , Tanhua T. , Hoppema M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Transient tracers can be used to constrain the Inverse-Gaussian transit time distribution (IG-TTD) and thus provide information about ocean ventilation. Individual transient tracers have different time and application ranges which are defined by their atmospheric history (chronological transient tracers) or their decay rate (radioactive transient tracers). The classification ranges from tracers for highly ventilated water masses, e.g. sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), the decay of Tritium (δ3H) and to some extent also dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) to tracers for less ventilated deep ocean basins, e.g. CFC-12, Argon-39 (39Ar) and radiocarbon (14C). The IG-TTD can be empirically constrained by using transient tracer couples with sufficiently different input functions. Each tracer couple has specific characteristics which influence the application limit of the IG-TTD. Here we provide an overview of commonly used transient tracer couples and their validity areas within the IG-TTD by using the concept of tracer age differences (TAD). New measured CFC-12 and SF6 data from a section along 10° E in the Southern Ocean in 2012 are presented. These are combined with a similar data set of 1998 along 6° E in the Southern Ocean as well as with 39Ar data from the early 1980s in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Weddell Sea for investigating the application limit of the IG-TTD and to analyze changes in ventilation in the Southern Ocean. We found that the IG-TTD can be constrained south to 46° S which corresponds to the Subantarctic Front (SAF) denoting the application limit. The constrained IG-TTD north of the SAF shows a slight increase in mean ages between 1998 and 2012 in the upper 1200 m between 42–46° S. The absence of SF6 inhibits ventilation analyses below this depth. The time lag analysis between the 1998 and 2012 data shows an increase in ventilation down to 1000 m and a steady ventilation between 2000 m-bottom south of the SAF between 51–55° S.
The fate of seeds in the soil: a review of the influence of overland flow on seed removal and its consequences for the vegetation of arid and semiarid patchy ecosystems
Authors: Bochet E.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Since seeds are the principle means by which plants move across the landscapes, the final fate of seeds plays a fundamental role in the assemblage, functioning and dynamics of plant communities. Once seeds land on the soil surface after being dispersed from the parent plant, they can be moved horizontally by surface runoff. In arid and semiarid patchy ecosystems, where seeds are scattered into a very heterogeneous environment and intense rainfalls occur, the transport of seeds by runoff to new sites may be an opportunity for seeds to reach more favourable sites for seed germination and seedling survival. Although seed transport by runoff may be of vital importance for the recruitment of plants in these ecosystems, it has received little attention in the scientific literature, especially among soil scientists. The main goals are (1) to offer an updated conceptual model of seed fate with a special attention to seed destiny in and on the soil, (2) to review studies on seed fate in overland flow and the ecological implications seed transport by runoff has for the origin, spatial patterning and maintenance of patches and for plant community composition in arid and semiarid patchy ecosystems, and finally (3) to point out directions for future research. Our review shows that seed fate in overland flow may result either in the export of seeds from the system (seed loss) or in the spatial redistribution of seeds within the system through short-distance seed movements (seed displacement). Seed transport by runoff depends on rainfall, slope and soil characteristics. Seed susceptibility to be removed varies highly between species and is mainly related to seed traits, as seed size, seed shape, presence of appendages, and seed ability to secrete mucilage. Although initially considered as a risk of seed loss, seed removal by runoff has recently been described as an ecological driver that shapes plant composition from the first phases of the plant life, by favouring species with seeds able to resist erosion and by selecting for plant traits that prevent seed loss. Moreover, the interaction of seed transport by overland flow with the high seed trapping capacity of vegetated patches results in a "patch-to-patch" transport of seeds that plays a relevant role in vegetation establishment and patterning in arid and semiarid patchy ecosystems. Overall, this review shows how the knowledge about seed fate in overland flow can be used to explain a number of important characteristics of whole plant communities. It also underlines important gaps of knowledge that should be filled in. Future lines of research are proposed in order to broaden our understanding of the origin, maintenance and dynamics of patchiness in arid and semiarid ecosystems and to improve restoration success of intensively eroded ecosystems.
1970 British Cohort Study
Authors: Brown Matt
Published: October 2014

The 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) is one of Britain’s world famous national longitudinal birth cohort studies, three of which are run by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the Institute of Education, University of London. BCS70 follows the lives of more than 17,000 people born in England, Scotland and Wales in a single week of 1970. Over the course of cohort members lives, the BCS70 has collected information on health, physical, educational and social development, and economic circumstances among other factors.Since the birth survey in 1970, there have been nine ‘sweeps’ of all cohort members at ages 5, 10, 16, 26, 30, 34, 38 and most recently at 42.Data has been collected from a number of different sources (the midwife present at birth, parents of the cohort members, head and class teachers, school health service personnel and the cohort members themselves). The data has been collected in a variety of ways including via paper and electronic questionnaires, clinical records, medical examinations, physical measurements, tests of ability, educational assessments and diaries.The majority of BCS70 survey data can be accessed by bona fide researchers through the UK Data Service at the University of Essex.
Performance, Carcass and Meat Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Given Water Contaminated With Used Engine Oil
Authors: O. O. Eniolorunda , E. S. Apata , D. F. Akinruntan , L. A. Tijani
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to determine the effect of giving water contaminated with used engine oil on performance, carcass and meat characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. 15 WAD rams about 10 months old were used. They were grouped into 5 balanced for weight. Used engine oil was collected from an Auto mechanic workshop in Ayetoro Yewa Ogun state and mixed to 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20ml with one litre of clean water at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% designated T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The rams were assigned to these treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment and were given the contaminated water for 13 weeks. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p=0.05. The results showed that nutrient intake was higher, while water intake decreased (p<0.05) as the level of used engine oil in water increased, nitrogen intakes and urinary nitrogen decreased (p<0.05) as well as nitrogen retention. Although weight gain increased (p<0.05) feed efficiency decreased (p<0.05). Carcass primal cuts and meat characteristics decreased except cooking yield and water holding capacity as used engine oil increased in the given water. It was therefore, recommended that used engine oil should not be allowed to flow freely into the surrounding water bodies where grazing animals may consume it as this may lead to reduction in their water intake which can affect the health of the animals and increased feed intake can affect profit margin of the farmers.
Het staken van het overleg als stakingsalternatief voor militairen
Authors: Hummel Nataschja
Published: October 2014

De afgelopen jaren verloopt het collectief arbeidsvoorwaardenoverleg bij de overheid stroef; in een aantal gevallen hebben de ambtenarenorganisaties het overleg zelfs geheel opgeschort. Zij menen dat het opschorten van het overleg tot gevolg heeft dat het bevoegd gezag geen besluiten kan nemen ten aanzien van nieuwe arbeidsvoorwaarden en reorganisaties, omdat niet wordt voldaan aan de voorgeschreven overlegverplichtingen. Eenzijdige opschorting van het overleg wordt daarmee een belangrijk pressiemiddel voor de ambtenarenorganisaties. Met name de centrales van overheidspersoneel binnen de sector Defensie zien hierin een alternatief voor de werkstaking: militairen mogen immers niet staken. In de overlegregeling voor de sector Defensie wordt deze situatie niet geadresseerd. Kernvraag in deze bijdrage is in hoeverre de minister van Defensie deze impasse formeel kan doorbreken.
De la publicidad de “bien público” a la publicidad social en Argentina
Authors: Taricco José Luis
Published: October 2014

En la Argentina el fenómeno de la denominada hoy publicidad social tiene una importante historia.En los últimos años ha recibido nuevos aportes y conceptos, de la mano de los procedimientos del Marketing Social y de la denominada Responsabilidad Social Empresaria.No es menos cierto que el contexto de crecimiento económico(al menos hasta ahora) de los últimos años, volvió a dar impulso a las campañas sociales, tanto desde el sector privado apoyando a las ONG, cómo del propio Estado Nacional que incluyo muchos temas sociales en las estrategias de comunicación oficial.
L’instabilité des alliances stratégiques asymétriques
Authors: Cheriet Foued , Cherbib Jihene
Published: October 2014

L’instabilité des alliances stratégiques asymétriques est une question controversée en sciences de gestion (Cheriet, 2009). Plusieurs ambigüités subsistent quant à sa mesure ou à son appréciation. L’objet de notre travail est d’analyser cette notion comme un outil stratégique mis en place par la firme multinationale pour faire évoluer la relation coopérative. Notre recherche s’appuie sur l’étude de 8 cas d’alliances asymétriques entre firmes multinationales et entreprises locales tunisiennes. Les résultats montrent que l’instabilité peut être une option délibérée et programmée par les firmes. Nos résultats seront discutés ensuite à travers deux notions : l’instabilité répétée et transférée.
Intercambio tecnológico: intereses del nuevo profesorado de educación secundaria
Authors: Morant Navasquillo Remigi , Huerta Ramón Ricard
Published: October 2014

Este artículo nos aproxima a los intereses del nuevo profesorado de educación secundaria, explorando cómo podría funcionar una verdadera conexión entre los docentes en formación y los que ya tienen acumulados años de experiencia en el aula. Analizamos aspectos referidos a los indicadores corporativos y observamos la condición de pertenencia a un colectivo docente desde la implantación en España del Máster Universitario en Profesor/a de Educación Secundaria. Desde la perspectiva de  las TIC, el factor generacional representa una fase de cambio hacia el reto digital. Nuestro trabajo de campo tiene como fuente de información a los estudiantes del máster del profesorado de educación secundaria de las especialidades de música y dibujo. Hemos apoyando nuestra observación cualitativa con encuestas semiestructuradas. Consideramos prioritario que las TIC se utilicen como una herramienta de diálogo fecundo entre diferentes generaciones de docentes. El alumnado del máster valora las TIC como una mediación idónea para establecer contactos con profesores experimentados. Concluimos que los docentes de música o dibujo deben transmitir las nociones de sus lenguajes, generando además una capacidad de recepción artística entre su alumnado adolescente. El profesorado de disciplinas artísticas con experiencia puede resultar de gran utilidad para los recién llegados a la profesión docente.http://dx.doi.org/10.7203/eari.5.3498
Propuestas para mejorar la estética cotidiana del entorno escolar*
Authors: Errázuriz Luis Hernán
Published: October 2014

El principal objetivo de este artículo es proponer algunas orientaciones, criterios y sugerencias para mejorar la calidad estética de los ambientes escolares, más específicamente las imágenes visuales desplegadas en salas de clase de educación primaria. No hay investigación ni estudios sistemáticos en Chile sobre la cultura visual del entorno escolar. En consecuencia, existe la necesidad de abordar el tema para contribuir a crear espacios educativos estéticamente más consistentes y sustentables.http://dx.doi.org/10.7203/eari.5.3772
PhD competences of food studies
Authors: Gonzalez-Martinez Chelo , L.M. Silva Cristina , Costa Rui
Published: October 2014

In European Higher Education, learning outcomes and competences have been used sometimes with different meanings and sometimes with the same meaning. But both terms have been more commonly used to refer to knowledge, understanding and abilities a student must demonstrate at the end of a learning experience. Their use is a consequence of the paradigm shift of the Bologna Process to a learner centered education environment. The definition of standards of competences (or learning outcomes) for the PhD degree is thus a need for the quality assurance of this degree. In this work, subject-specific and generic competences for the PhD in Food Science and Technology and their alignment with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level descriptors for quality assurance purposes have been identified.
Evaluation of cookies produced from blends of wheat, cassava and cowpea flours
Authors: Olapade Abiodun , Abimbola Mary Adeyemo
Published: October 2014

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) were processed into flours and used to substitute wheat flour for preparation of cookies. The chemical, including proximate composition and anti-nutritional factors, and functional and pasting properties of the blends were determined. Cookies were produced from the blends with 100% wheat flour as a control. The antinutritional factors, physical properties and organoleptic attributes of the cookies were evaluated. An increase in the level of cassava flour substitution resulted in a decrease in the protein content of the composite flour. However, addition of cowpea flour resulted in an increase in the protein content. There were significant (p<0.05) reductions in the studied anti-nutritional factors after baking. Cookies from composite flours were not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control in overall acceptability. This indicates the feasibility of producing nutritious cookies with desirable organoleptic qualities from cassava, wheat and cowpea composite flour.
Functional properties of proteins isolated from industrially produced sunflower meal
Authors: Ivanova Petia , Chalova Vesela , Koleva Lidia
Published: October 2014

Protein isolate 1 (PI1) and protein isolate 2 (PI2) were prepared from industrially produced sunflower meal by using isoelectric and ethanol precipitation respectively. The water absorption capacity of PI1 was 6 times higher than that of PI2 and was significantly reduced by the presence of 0.03 M and 0.25 M NaCl. Oil absorption capacity of both protein isolates was not influenced by NaCl supplementation. Foam capacity of PI1 and PI2 was pH-dependent. While the foam capacity of both isolates was improved by either 0.03 M or 0.25 M NaCl, the foam stability was negatively influenced by the addition of NaCl at all pH values with except for pH 4. Emulsifying activity of PI1 and PI2 was lowest at pH 4. The emulsions exhibited relatively high stability (> 90%) under all studied conditions. Knowledge of the influence of pH and boundary concentrations of NaCl on the functionality of sunflower meal protein isolates could be beneficial for their future potential application in food industry. 
Blast-cooling of beef-in-sauce catering meals: numerical results based on a dynamic zero-order model
Authors: Rabi Jose , Derens-Bertheau Evelyne , Morelli Elisabeth , Trezzani-Harbelot Isabelle
Published: October 2014

Beef-in-sauce catering meals under blast-cooling have been investigated in a research project which aims at quantitative HACCP (hazard analysis critical control point). In view of its prospective coupling to a predictive microbiology model proposed in the project, zero-order spatial dependence has proved to suitably predict meal temperatures in response to temperature variations in the cooling air. This approach has modelled heat transfer rates via the a priori unknown convective coefficient hc which is allowed to vary due to uncertainty and variability in the actual modus operandi of the chosen case study hospital kitchen. Implemented in MS Excel®, the numerical procedure has successfully combined the 4
th order Runge-Kutta method, to solve the governing equation, with non-linear optimization, via the built-in Solver, to determine the coefficient hc. In this work, the coefficient hc was assessed for 119 distinct recently-cooked meal samples whose temperature-time profiles were recorded in situ after 17 technical visits to the hospital kitchen over a year. The average value and standard deviation results were hc = 12.0 ± 4.1 W m−2 K −1 , whilst the lowest values (associated with the worst cooling scenarios) were about hc ≈ 6.0 W m−2 K −1 .Convective heat transfer
Variation of physicochemical and sensory properties during the aging of yerba mate
Authors: A. Holowaty Santiago , A. Surkan Sergio , D. Trela Valeria , D.  Byczko German , E. Schmalko Miguel
Published: October 2014

Yerba mate infusion is widely consumed in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. One of the processing steps used in Argentina is aging. The following three methods were used to age yerba mate: 1) air humidity and temperature-controlled aging; 2) temperature-controlled aging and 3) no control. The aim of this research was to determine the physicochemical and sensory attribute differences when yerba mate was aged using these three methods. The concentration of caffeine, glucose, fructose, maltose and phenolic compounds and pH diminished in all three aging methods but by different percentages. The sensory attributes did not exhibit uniform behaviour. Astringency remained constant in the first method and diminished in the other two. Bitterness increased in all three methods but by different percentages. Sweetness diminished in all three methods. Notably few correlations were determined between physicochemical and sensory attributes.
Telling it like it is
Authors: Woollard Alison
Published: October 2014

Following a year of public engagement activities associated with the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, Alison Woollard explains why scientists need to communicate with the public.
Candidates’ Profile and Forums’ Acceptability in the Communities of Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippines
Authors: ARONG CECILIA D. , ARONG ERROL JET D.
Published: October 2014

Candidates’ forums provide information about the candidates’ profile andability. This descriptive study gathered the candidates’ profile; determinedcases of vote buying; and determined forum acceptability. Data were gatheredusing questionnaire; three judges’ evaluated speakers’ speeches using scoresheets. Only communities with more than one candidate for captain andmore than seven for councilors were considered. Fishbowl technique determinedthe data used. A&S meeting for evaluationand consultation with candidatesfor comments or suggestions for improvementsweredone. Percentagewas used for data analysis. Resultswereas follows:majority weremale,electedcaptains gaveextemporaneous speechwhile elected councilors gaveacombinationofmemorizedandimpromptuspeech;theelectedcaptains’speechlength was 6’01 – 7’00 minutes  while that of the elected councilorswas3’01 – 4’00 minutes; the captains wereverymuch readywhile  councilorswereonly much readyto givespeech; the captains had much loud/much clear voice while the councilors had loud and clear voice; both elected captains andcouncilors were much ready to answer questions an did not have stage fright;forums were very much acceptable to  the people and much acceptable to thecandidates; the people  and the candidates were very much willing to attendand host the forums;  the elected captains’ speeches were very much acceptablewhile that of the councilors weremuch acceptable; bothelected officialshadverygood answersto questions; nearly all respondentsreportedcases ofvotebuying, but majority believedthat they won not  because of votebuying.Keywords: Acceptability, candidates’ forum, community, campaign speech, panel’squestion, vote buying, Philippines
Tirad Pass as Historic Landscape and of National Identity in a Modern Philippines
Authors: SORIA JIMMY R.
Published: October 2014

Tirad Pass is an important passage in going to the Cordillera in Northern Luzon where a battle was fought when Gen. Del Pilar held his ground in defending the main force of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in his escape to Isabela from the ensuing American forces. The study was conducted for historical emphasis which is considered necessary for more objective comprehension among the present generation. Photos and documentations were used and subjected to focus group discussion and in depth analysis. A guide questionnaire was also used to interview key informants. Findings revealed that the place is a steep slope with natural barricade of rocks that its geographic character would be of advantage to anybody who uses it. The escape of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo from Bulacan all the way to Ilocos Sur led him to consider going northeast towards the Cordillera via the Tirad Pass upon the advice of Gen. Del Pilar as the Americans started to deploy their troops along the Ilocos Coast for a total blockade, giving them more chances to be ensnared. It is concluded that Tirad Pass influenced the country’s history and the cooperation of the people is an element in the preservation of this historic landmark. Recommendations, among others, were centered on the drafting of a Sustainable Development Plan for Tirad Pass being a historical site as well as a tourist destination.Keywords: History,Tirad Pass, descriptive Research, Ilocos Sur, Philippines