bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Universal minicircle sequence binding protein of Leishmania donovani regulates pathogenicity by controlling expression of cytochrome-b
Authors: Singh Ruby , Purkait Bidyut , Abhishek Kumar , Saini Savita , Das Sushmita , Verma Sudha , Mandal Abhishek , Ghosh Ayan Kr. , Ansari Yousuf , Kumar Ashish , Sardar Abul H. , Kumar Ajay , Parrack Pradeep , Das Pradeep
Published: February 2016

Background

Leishmaniacontains a concatenated mitochondrial DNA, kDNA. Universal minicircle sequence binding protein (UMSBP), a mitochondrial protein, initiates kDNA replication by binding with a conserved universal minicircle sequence (UMS) of kDNA. Here, we describe first time inL. donovanithe regulation of DNA binding activity of UMSBP and the role of UMSBP in virulence.

Methods

Insilco and EMSA study were performed to show UMS-binding activity of UMSBP. Tryparedoxin(TXN)-tryparedoxin peroxidase(TXNPx) assay as well as co-overexpression of cytochrome-b5 reductase-like protein (CBRL) and tryparedoxin inL. donovaniwere done to know the regulation of DNA binding activity of UMSBP. Knockout and episomal-expression constructs of UMSBP were transfected inL. donovani. The cell viability assay and immunofluorescence study to know the status of kDNA were performed. Macrophages were infected with transfected parasites. mRNA level of cytochrome b, activity of complex-III, intracellular ATP level of both transfected promastigotes and amastigotes as well as ROS concentration and the level of apoptosis of transfected promastigotes were measured. Level of oxidative phosphorylation of both transfected and un-transfected amastigotes were compared. Burden of transfected amastigotes in both macrophages and BALB/c mice were measured.

Results

L. donovaniUMSBP is capable of binding with UMS, regulated by redox through mitochondrial enzymes, TXN, TXNPx and CBRL. Depletion of UMSBP (LdU−/−) caused kDNA loss, which decreased cytochrome-b expression [component of complex-III of electron transport chain (ETC)] and leads to the disruption of complex-III activity, decreased ATP generation, increased ROS level and promastigotes exhibited apoptosis like death. Interestingly, single knockout of UMSBP (LdU−/+) has no effect on promastigotes survival. However, single knockout in intracellular amastigotes demonstrate loss of mRNA level of cytochrome-b, disruption in the activity of complex-III and reduced production of ATP in amastigotes than wild type. This process interfere with the oxidative-phosphorylation and thereby completely inhibit the intracellular proliferation of LdU−/+amastigotes in human macrophages and in BALB/c mice. Amastigotes proliferation was restored as wild type after episomal expression of LdUMSBP in LdU−/+parasites (LdU−/+AB).

Conclusion

The LdUMSBP regulates leishmanial mitochondrial respiration and pathogenesis. So, LdUMSBP may be an attractive target for rational drug designing and LdU−/+parasites could be considered as a live attenuated vaccine candidate against visceral leishmaniasis.
Hospital treatment, mortality and healthcare costs in relation
to socioeconomic status among people with bipolar affective
disorder
Authors: Pan Yi-Ju. , Yeh Ling-Ling , Chen Yu-Chun , Kuo Kuei-Hong , Chang Chin-Kuo
Published: February 2016

Background

Evidence regarding the relationships between the socioeconomic status and
long-term outcomes of individuals with bipolar affective disorder (BPD)
is lacking.

Aims

We aimed to estimate the effects of baseline socioeconomic status on
longitudinal outcomes.

Method

A national cohort of adult participants with newly diagnosed BPD was
identified in 2008. The effects of personal and household socioeconomic
status were explored on outcomes of hospital treatment, mortality and
healthcare costs, over a 3-year follow-up period (2008–2011).

Results

A total of 7987 participants were recruited. The relative risks of
hospital treatment and mortality were found elevated for the ones from
low-income households who also had higher healthcare costs. Low premium
levels did not correlate with future healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with poorer outcome and higher
healthcare costs in BPD patients. Special care should be given to those
with lower socioeconomic status to improve outcomes with potential
benefits of cost savings in the following years.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Buildings Retrofitted Using GIB Systems
Authors: Beigi Hossein Agha , Christopoulos Constantin , Sullivan Timothy J. , Calvi Gian Michele
Published: February 2016

Recently, the gapped-inclined brace system (GIB) has been developed as an effective retrofitting solution for soft-story buildings. This paper presents a cost-benefit study of a building retrofitted using the GIB system. A six-story, reinforced concrete (RC) frame with an open story at the ground level and masonry infills on all other floors is studied. To investigate the effectiveness of alternate retrofit configurations, different scenarios of GIB systems are numerically analyzed, expected repair costs for various levels of seismic intensity are computed, and cost benefit values are compared to each other and to those obtained when the building is strengthened and stiffened at the ground floor using conventional methods. Results show that GIB retrofit solutions are likely to represent significant cost benefits compared to traditional retrofit solutions. The results also indicate that GIBs do not need to be positioned at all column locations of the soft story, which could be beneficial in reducing the overall retrofit cost and improving architectural functionality of the retrofitted structure.
A Method for Extracting Building Empirical Capacity Curves from Earthquake Response Data
Authors: Dowgala Jeffrey , Irfanoglu Ayhan
Published: February 2016

A method is presented for extracting empirical capacity curves from building earthquake response data. The method can be applied to buildings with acceleration response records from each floor to develop story empirical capacity curves assuming the building has flexible columns and rigid floors. The method can also be applied to buildings with acceleration response records from the roof and ground to develop a fundamental mode empirical capacity curve. The method relies on extracting the restoring force and relative displacement of the system by removing damping force, considered as equivalent viscous damping, from the inertial response, using a proposed viscous damping identification procedure. The method is demonstrated using data from a small-scale, three-story experimental model subjected to strong base motion.
Thermal biology of the sub-polar–temperate estuarine crabHemigrapsus crenulatus(Crustacea: Decapoda: Varunidae)
Authors: Cumillaf Juan P. , Blanc Johnny , Paschke Kurt , Gebauer Paulina , Díaz Fernando , Re Denisse , Chimal María E. , Vásquez Jorge , Rosas Carlos
Published: February 2016

Optimum temperatures can be measured through aerobic scope, preferred temperatures or growth. A complete thermal window, including optimum, transition (Pejus) and critical temperatures (CT), can be described if preferred temperatures and CT are defined. The crustacean Hemigrapsus crenulatus was used as a model species to evaluate the effect of acclimation temperature on: (i) thermal preference and width of thermal window, (ii) respiratory metabolism, and (iii) haemolymph proteins. Dependant on acclimation temperature, preferred temperature was between 11.8°C and 25.2°C while CT was found between a minimum of 2.7°C (CTmin) and a maximum of 35.9°C (CTmax). These data and data from tropical and temperate crustaceans were compared to examine the association between environmental temperature and thermal tolerance. Temperate species have a CTmax limit around 35°C that corresponded with the low CTmax limit of tropical species (34–36°C). Tropical species showed a CTmin limit around 9°C similar to the maximum CTmin of temperate species (5–6°C). The maximum CTmin of deep sea species that occur in cold environments (2.5°C) matched the low CTmin values (3.2°C) of temperate species. Results also indicate that the energy required to activate the enzyme complex (Ei) involved in respiratory metabolism of ectotherms changes along the latitudinal gradient of temperature.
Engrailed 1 shapes the dopaminergic and serotonergic landscape through proper isthmic organizer maintenance and function
Authors: Kouwenhoven Willemieke M. , Veenvliet Jesse V. , van Hooft Johannes A. , van der Heide L. P. , Smidt Marten P.
Published: February 2016

The isthmic organizer (IsO) is a signaling center that specifies the correct and distinct embryonic development of the dopaminergic midbrain and serotonergic hindbrain. The IsO is a linear boundary between the two brain regions, emerging at around embryonic day 7-8 of murine embryonic development, that shapes its surroundings through the expression of instructive signals such as Wnt and growth factors. Homeobox transcription factor engrailed 1 (En1) is present in midbrain and rostral hindbrain (i.e. rhombomere 1, R1). Its expression spans the IsO, and it is known to be an important survival factor for both dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Erroneous composition of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain or serotonergic neurons in the hindbrain is associated with severe pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, depression or autism. Here we investigated the role of En1 in early mid-hindbrain development, using multiple En1-ablated mouse models as well as lineage-tracing techniques, and observed the appearance of ectopic dopaminergic neurons, indistinguishable from midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on molecular profile and intrinsic electrophysiological properties. We propose that this change is the direct result of a caudal relocation of the IsO as represented by ectopic presence of Fgf8, Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signalling. Our work suggests a newly-discovered role for En1: the repression of Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signaling in R1. Overall, our results suggest that En1 is essential for proper IsO maintenance and function.
Cdk4 functions in multiple cell types to controlDrosophilaintestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Adlesic Mojca , Frei Christian , Frew Ian J.
Published: February 2016

The proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and differentiation of enteroblasts to form mature enteroendocrine cells and enterocytes in the Drosophila intestinal epithelium must be tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis. We show that genetic modulation of CyclinD/Cdk4 activity or mTOR-dependent signalling cell-autonomously regulates enterocyte growth, which influences ISC proliferation and enteroblast differentiation. Increased enterocyte growth results in higher numbers of ISCs and defective enterocyte growth reduces ISC abundance and proliferation in the midgut. Adult midguts deficient for Cdk4 show severe disruption of intestinal homeostasis characterised by decreased ISC self-renewal, enteroblast differentiation defects and low enteroendocrine cell and enterocyte numbers. The ISC/enteroblast phenotypes result from a combination of cell autonomous and non-autonomous requirements for Cdk4 function. One non-autonomous consequence of Cdk4-dependent deficient enterocyte growth is high expression of Delta in ISCs and Delta retention in enteroblasts. We postulate that aberrant activation of the Delta–Notch pathway is a possible partial cause of lost ISC stemness. These results support the idea that enterocytes contribute to a putative stem cell niche that maintains intestinal homeostasis in the Drosophila anterior midgut.
The DbpA catalytic core unwinds double-helix substrates by directly loading on them
Authors: Childs Jared J. , Gentry Riley C. , Moore Anthony F.T. , Koculi Eda
Published: February 2016

DbpA is a DEAD-box RNA helicase implicated in the assembly of the large ribosomal subunit. Similar to all the members of the DEAD-box family, the DbpA protein has two N-terminal RecA-like domains, which perform the RNA unwinding. However, unlike other members of this family, the DbpA protein also possesses a structured C-terminal RNA-binding domain that mediates specific tethering of DbpA to hairpin 92 of the Escherichia coli 23S ribosomal RNA. Previous studies using model RNA molecules containing hairpin 92 show that the RNA molecules support the DbpA protein's double-helix unwinding activity, provided that the double helix has a 3′ single-stranded region. The 3′ single-stranded region was suggested to be the start site of the DbpA protein's catalytic unwinding activity. The data presented here demonstrate that the single-stranded region 3′ of the double-helix substrate is not required for the DbpA protein's unwinding activity and the DbpA protein unwinds the double-helix substrates by directly loading on them.
La Grece rurale revisitee
Authors: Burgel Guy
Published: February 2016

15 ans après une première enquête approfondie dans un village grec,
peut-on mesurer la distance parcourue? Elle apparaît immense au
plan de la réalité, La Grèce rurale s’est désenclavée, à la fois dans son
espace géographique, dans ses mentalités et dans ses univers humains.
Pour autant, la connaissance de la campagne grecque s'en estelle
améliorée et approfondie? Ou, autre manière de formuler la question:
la distance économique, psychologique et culturelle entre la ville
et la campagne s’en est-elle trouvée diminuée? Dans le même temps, il
faut constater la multiplicité des points de fusion entre les sociétés
rurales et urbaines en Grèce: mode ou évolution profonde, «l'urbanisation
des campagnes» a gagné du terrain dans un pays, qui
n’était ni très urbanisé, ni très industrialisé. Enfin, à côté des déséquilibres
régionaux se sont encore renforcées les disparités sociales et
économiques du monde rural, entre ceux qui ont su profiter des
évolutions et ceux quelles ont anéantis. Pourtant beaucoup de ces
ébranlements étaient potentiellement contenus dans la société rurale
traditionnelle. Le recours à l'histoire, appuyé sur un examen attentif
des sources locales êt la perception des clivages des sociétés rurales
grecques, devrait, mieux que beaucoup d’études macro-économiques,
permettre de s’interroger sur le devenir démographique de la campagne
hellénique: il reste certainement la clef essentielle de son explication
et de son aménagement.
Le role de la cooperation dans le developpment rural
Authors: Avdelidis Parmenion
Published: February 2016

L'apparition tardive et le développement de la coopération en Grèce
sont liés à l'évolution économique, sociale et politique du pays. Son
retard est dû au sous-développement économique et aux rapports de
production féodaux qui prévalaient encore dans l’économie agraire
bien des décennies après l'Indépendance du pays. C’est seulement
après l'abolition des rapports féodaux dans l'agriculture, avec la
distribution des terres aux paysans, que naissent les conditions
nécessaires au développement du mouvement coopératif.
En dépit de son extension dans l'après-guerre, le mouvement
coopératif présente des retards dans les domaines tant de l'organisa­
tion ou du fonctionnement que de l'activité, a cause essentiellement
de la législation anachronique sur les coopératives, de l'intervention
des services publics, de l’absence d’aide économique et d'assistance de
la part de l’État, de l'absence de capitaux et de formation.
Aujourd'hui, surtout avec l'entrée de la Grèce dans le Marché com­
mun, la coopération peutjouer un rôle important pour la réorganisa­
tion de l'agriculture et sonajustement aux conditions de la CEE, pour
la croissance du revenu agricole, pour la réduction du sous-emploi et
de l'exode rural, pour le développement culturel au village, pour le
développement général des campagnes.
Quelques aspects des economies villageoises au debut du XIXe siecle: Fiscalite et rentes foncieres
Authors: Asdrachas Spyros
Published: February 2016

Cette recherche présente certains exemples d’économies villageoises
en Grèce au début du XIXe siècle. La composition de la rente fon­
cière et des cultures céréalières, les dimensions des exploitations
pastorales, Γ incidence de la fiscalité sur Γ économie des villages et sur
leur démographie, Γ endettement des paysan?, corollaire de la rente
fiscale et/ou foncière monétaires, tels sont les axes principaux de cette
étude qui combine le témoignage qualitatif avec quelquesapproxima­
tions quantitatives établies d'après les données fiscales.
L' absence vecue au village: L' ici entre l' Ailleurs et l' Autrefois: Essai sur la situatuin d' Ano Ravenia, village d' Epire
Authors: Piault Colette
Published: February 2016

Ano Ravenia est un village de montagne situé à 600 m d'altitude en
Epire: Cent soixante dix habitants en 1978. neuf enfants à l'école, on
y pratique surtout l'élevage, mais nombreux sont les vieux (50 ont
plus de 65 ans) qui vivent de retraites, de pensions et de quelques
mandats envoyés par ceux qui sont partis. Qu'est-ce alors précisément
qu'un village atteint par la désertion? On pourrait se contenter de le
considérer comme une simple réduction du village vivant d'autrefois:
moins d'habitants et d age plus avancé, une production et une activité
économique diminuées, des maisons vides ou en ruines. Mais au delà
de ces modifications démographiques qui entraient nécessairement
des transformations économiques non seulement quantitatives
Ivolume de la production! mais qualitatives mature des activités), c'est
tout l'équilibre de la communauté villageoise qui est en cause, le sens
même de sa vie (ou de sa survie!.
Car peu à peu la vie quotidienne actuelle —l’Ici— ne trouve son
identité, que par référence nostalgique à un Autrefois révolu, et sa
signification, qu’en relation avec un Ailleurs où vivent maintenant les
forces vives du village.
Cette situation apparaît clairement au moment des fêtes qui provo­
quent le retour temporaire des absents et qui pour le village sont des
moments privilégiés, vivants et heureux, bien plus importants que la
vie quotidienne malgré leur brièveté. Ainsi peu à peu le village
substitue à sa vie propre celle que lui assignent les absents de
Γ A illeurs. Il se voit par leurs yeux. Il est possible que cet équilibre
franchisse une nouvelle étape avec l'intérêt naissant des nouveaux
citadins pour leurs racines villageoises, intérêt qui les incite à acquérir
un terrain, à se construire une maison de repli pour des séjours tem­
poraires et éventuellement pour les accueillir lors de leur retraite.
Nid ne peut encore prévoir la spécificité de ce nouveau village où le
poids de ces résidents temporaires, plus jeunes et plus riches ne sera
sans doute pas négligeable. Màis ce sera un village autre.
A new hypothesis: some metastases are the result of inflammatory processes by adapted cells, especially adapted immune cells at sites of inflammation
Authors: Shahriyari Leili
Published: February 2016

There is an old hypothesis that metastasis is the result of migration of tumor cells from the tumor to a distant site. In this article, we propose another mechanism for metastasis, for cancers that are initiated at the site of chronic inflammation. We suggest that cells at the site of chronic inflammation might become adapted to the inflammatory process, and these adaptations may lead to the initiation of an inflammatory tumor. For example, in an inflammatory tumor immune cells might be adapted to send signals of proliferation or angiogenesis, and epithelial cells might be adapted to proliferation (like inactivation of tumor suppressor genes). Therefore, we hypothesize that metastasis could be the result of an inflammatory process by adapted cells, especially adapted immune cells at the site of inflammation, as well as the migration of tumor cells with the help of activated platelets, which travel between sites of inflammation.  If this hypothesis is correct, then any treatment causing necrotic cell death may not be a good solution. Because necrotic cells in the tumor micro-environment or anywhere in the body activate the immune system to initiate the inflammatory process, and the involvement of adapted immune cells in the inflammatory processes leads to the formation and progression of tumors. Adapted activated immune cells send more signals of proliferation and/or angiogenesis than normal cells. Moreover, if there were adapted epithelial cells, they would divide at a much higher rate in response to the proliferation signals than normal cells. Thus, not only would the tumor come back after the treatment, but it would also grow more aggressively.
Writing for publication. Part 5: putting pen to paper
Authors: Fowler John
Published: February 2016

This series of articles explore the practical issues of writing for professional publication. This article encourages you to take the final practical step and asks you to put pen to paper
Safeguarding: the five-point plan for dental practices
Authors: Powell Jill
Published: February 2016

To help ensure that safeguarding of children and adults is fully understood and carried through into daily practice this article focuses on a five-point plan to ensure your practice is well prepared and responsive to the safeguarding needs of children, young people and adults
Segurar a família pelas pontas: Os dilemas dos avós cuidadores a tempo inteiro
Authors: Jorge Helena , Lind Wolfgang
Published: February 2016

Cuidar dos netos a tempo inteiro, na ausência permanente dos pais biológicos, é uma tarefa inesperada pelos avós. No entanto, constitui uma realidade cada vez mais emergente, em vários países do Mundo, na sociedade contemporânea. O aumento de fenómenos como o desemprego, o divórcio, a emigração, a gravidez na adolescência, o consumo de substâncias psicoativas, prisão, doenças terminais ou a morte dos pais biológicos empurram os avós para assumir responsabilidades que os colocam perante dilemas individuais, intrafamiliares e extrafamiliares. Usando como pano de fundo uma grelha sistémica, este artigo destaca as especificidades desta nova forma familiar.
Springs, Formulas and Flatland:A Path to Boundary Integral Methods in Elasticity
Authors: Rizzo Frank J.
Published: February 2016

This memoir is about some embryonic thoughts and experiences with what is now often called the Direct Boundary Integral Method for boundary value problems in â€˜classical elastostatics.â€™ It covers a very early period for me, from about 1954 to 1965, when I wrestled with relevant theoretical and mathematical issues, which I thought were important, primarily in the last two or three of those years. This was before I became aware of other contributors to the method, who are not mentioned here, and before they became aware of my work. So this is not a memoir largely filled with recollections of people and places; although I believe that subsequent interactions with fellow contributors and users of computational methods have become the most important part of my research experience. In any case, I understand that memoirs and papers of a more technical nature, written by some of those contributors, are part of these EJBE volumes. Those writings have bearing, no doubt, on the present memoir and much more, over a long period of time, and I look forward to reading them all....
Boundary Integral Equations - A Personal View
Authors: Cruse T A
Published: February 2016

My first exposure to what were best known then as potential methods was around the 1965-1966 academic year at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. I had been a stress analyst at The Boeing Company, working on the US's version of the Supersonic Transport, which was properly fated for many reasons never to be built and fly. As a stress analyst, I made extensive use of a mechanical calculator. I shared it with two other stress analysts, along with my very important stress books led, of course, by Roarkâ€™s famous volume of stress results for beams, plates, shells, and the like. I watched in envy as other engineers in the methods area gathered their computer output and punched cards each morning to continue the very first development of automated stress analysis methods for aircraft design (the Boeing 737 aircraft was to be that first design done by the finite element method not too long after this time). There were two types of computer algorithms that were still competing for this first design task -- the force method and the displacement method. The force method derived from efficient hand analysis methods developed by Civil Engineers for analyzing complex redundant structures....
Early Development of the BEM at the University of Kentucky
Authors: Shippy David
Published: February 2016

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to honor Frank J. Rizzo, following his retirement, by contributing to this volume. My professional and close personal association with Frank for two decades was one of the great privileges and pleasures of my life. Our lives were closely entwined not only as teaching and research colleagues but also as good friends. During the course of our work together I developed an immense respect for FrankÂ’s vision, his creativity, his care in being clear, complete and accurate, and his understanding of the foundations of solid mechanics. In addition, he was adept in communicating with others, such as colleagues and students, had a great capacity for hard work, and showed a remarkable willingness to plow through some of the less pleasant aspects of research, such as writing proposals and reports.
A Report on Some Boundary Element Adventures
Authors: Telles J C F
Published: February 2016

The present paper discusses the authorâ€™s experience and contributions to the implementation and development of the boundary element method (BEM). The main motivation for this descriptive text is to pay homage to Professor Frank Rizzoâ€™s well known career, dedicated to boundary integral techniques, whose recent retirement certainly deserves recognition of the BEM community. The present author feels very honoured for the opportunity to celebrate Prof. Rizzoâ€™s achievements and shares the feeling that his pioneer work undoubtedly has much to be thanked for.
An Improved Implementation of Time Domain Elastodynamic BIEM in 3D for Large Scale Problems and its Application to Ultrasonic NDE
Authors: Yoshikawa Hitoshi , Nishimura Naoshi
Published: February 2016

This paper discusses a three dimensional implementation of boundary integral equation method (BIEM) for large scale time domain elastodynamic problems and its application to ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE). We improve the time integration algorithm of the BIEM in order to reduce the required computational time. We show the eÂ±ciency of the proposed method by applying it to a simple wave scattering problem and to a more realistic crack determination problem related to ultrasonic NDE.
Continuum Models of Carbon Nanotube-Based Composites Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Liu Y.J. , Chen X.L.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents some recent advances in the boundary element method (BEM) for the analysis of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based composites. Carbon nanotubes, formed conceptually by rolling thin graphite sheets, have been found to be extremely stiff, strong and resilient, and therefore may be ideal for reinforcing composite materials. However, the thin cylindrical shape of the CNTs presents great challenges to any computational method when these thin shell-like CNTs are embedded in a matrix material. The BEM, based on exactly the same boundary integral equation (BIE) formulation developed by Rizzo some forty years ago, turns out to be an ideal numerical tool for such simulations using continuum mechanics. Modeling issues regarding model selections, representative volume elements, interface conditions and others, will be discussed in this paper. Methods for dealing with nearly-singular integrals which arise in the BEM analysis of thin or layered materials and are crucial for the accuracy of such analyses will be reviewed. Numerical examples using the BEM and compared with the finite element method (FEM) will be presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the BEM in analyzing the CNT-reinforced composites.
Hybrid Green's functions for multiple cracks: Numerical extension of single crack analytical Green's functions to multiple cracks
Authors: Denda M.
Published: February 2016

The Green's functions for the line force and dislocation that satisfy the traction free boundary condition on the surfaces of arbitrary multiple straight cracks in the isotropic solids are obtained. We develop the hybrid Green's functions combining the analytical and numerical Green's function methods. The Green's function is split into the singular and the image terms. The crack opening displacement, represented as the continuous distribution of dislocation dipoles over each crack, serves as the source of the image term. It is proposed that the image term from each crack is further split into two parts: analytical image term for the individual single crack and the additional numerical image term caused by the presence of other cracks. Although, for the single crack problem, the analytical image term is the only image term needed to satisfy the traction free boundary condition, additional image term is needed to satisfy the boundary condition for multiple cracks. The advantage of the analytical image term is its ability to absorb high stress gradient when the singularity is located near one of the cracks. The additional image term, given in terms of the additional dislocation dipole distribution, needs only to provide small and smooth perturbation, due to the presence of other cracks, to satisfy the traction free boundary condition.
The Case of the Founding of Monmouth County
Authors: Lurie Maxine
Published: February 2016

This paper originated as a presentation for New Jersey Archives Day held at Monmouth County Archives, when the county celebrated its 325th anniversary. The first four clearly defined counties in New Jersey were established in 1683, and they set the pattern for the future role counties played in the state. Much, though certainly not all, of the controversy leading up to their creation came from the Monmouth towns whose story is emphasized here.
"Will I Ever be Fit for Civil Society Again?" The Challenges of Readjustment Through the Prism of the New Jersey Soldier's Home at Newark
Authors: Bussanich Leonard
Published: February 2016

Abstract: The New Jersey Soldier's Home was founded to assist Civil War veterans who returned home scarred by the conflict's frightful scenes of carnage. The Home's records, indeed, its very existence, show that the transition from military to civilian life was no easier 150 years ago than it is today.
Carleman estimates for singular parabolic equations with interior degeneracy and non-smooth coefficients
Authors: Fragnelli Genni , Mugnai Dimitri
Published: February 2016

We establish Carleman estimates for singular/degenerate parabolic Dirichlet problems with degeneracy and singularity occurring in the interior of the spatial domain. Our results are completely new, since this situation is not covered by previous contributions for degeneracy and singularity on the boundary. In addition, we consider non-smooth coefficients, thus preventing the use of standard calculations in this framework.
Conformal Willmore tori in ℝ4
Authors: Lamm Tobias , Schätzle Reiner M.
Published: February 2016

For every two-dimensional torus

T
2

{T^{2}}

and every k

∈

\in

ℕ

\mathbb{N}

,

k
≥
3

{k\geq 3}

, we construct a conformal Willmore immersion f :

T
2

T^{2}

→

\to

ℝ
4

\mathbb{R}^{4}

with exactly one point of density k and Willmore energy 4πk. Moreover, we show that the energy value

8
⁢
π

{8\pi}

cannot be attained by such an immersion. Additionally, we characterize the branched double covers

T
2

T^{2}

→

\to

S
2

S^{2}

×

\times

{

\{

0

}

\}

as the only branched conformal immersions, up to Möbius transformations of

ℝ
4

{\mathbb{R}^{4}}

, from a torus into

ℝ
4

{\mathbb{R}^{4}}

with at least one branch point and Willmore energy

8
⁢
π

{8\pi}

. Using a perturbation argument in order to regularize a branched double cover, we finally show that the infimum of the Willmore energy in every conformal class of tori is less than or equal to

8
⁢
π

{8\pi}

.
Preparation of TiC by carbothermal reduction in vacuum and acid leaching using blast furnace slag bearing titania
Authors: Hu Meilong , Wei Ruirui , Qu Zhengfeng , Yin Fangqing , Xu Yuzhou , Deng Qingyu
Published: February 2016

A combined process of carbothermal reduction in vacuum and acid leaching is proposed to produce TiC from titanium bearing blast furnace (BF) slag from Pan Steel in Panzhihua city in China. Thermodynamics calculation shows that TiC can be obtained in the appropriate temperature and pressure range. Moreover, the results of the experiment indicate that TiC can be prepared by the combined process. The optimized parameters include particle size of original slag ideally below 200 mesh, reduction temperature of 1400°C, pressure of 1~10 Pa and mass ratio of slag and reduction (carbon powder) of 100/38. The x value in TiC
Mehr als Mythos und Konstruktion? Die römische Königszeit
Authors: Walter Uwe
Published: February 2016

Das frühe römische Königtum wird in der Forschung wegen der bekannten Quellensituation entweder ausgeklammert oder spezialistisch behandelt. Der Aufsatz umreißt zunächst wesentliche Konzeptionen und Narrative – antike wie moderne –, um dann einige vielleicht halbwegs zu erhärtende Züge der frühen römischen Monarchie herauszustellen. Dabei sind verschiedene methodische Pfade zu beschreiten, unter anderem die Kritik der überlieferten Erzählungen, der Blick auf den italischen und aristokratischen Kontext des 7. bis 5. Jahrhunderts, die Auswertung der archäologischen und urbanistischen Befunde sowie das Durchspielen verschiedener Entwicklungsmodelle. Bereits die antike Überlieferung betont, wie wenig institutionalisiert dieses Königtum war, obgleich es zur Ausbildung von Staatlichkeit im frühen Rom offenbar wesentlich beitrug. Die „Könige“ waren offenbar eher warlords mit Gefolgschaften, die in verschiedenen Konstellationen Stadtherrschaften unterschiedlichen Zuschnitts etablieren konnten. Auch nachdem sich in Rom kein Einzelherrscher mehr auf längere Zeit etablieren konnte, dauerte die fluide, experimentelle Gestaltung der Position an der Spitze bis zur Schaffung des Doppelkonsulats im Jahr 367 v. Chr. fort. Mochte freilich das frührömische Königtum im typologischen Vergleich antiker Monarchien auch ein Nebengleis darstellen, so wirkte es doch in den späteren Prozessen der Konstruktion und Tradition von historisch-politischer Identität stark nach. Es stellte ferner einige wichtige Weichen für den Fortgang der römischen Geschichte bis hin zur Etablierung einer neuen Monarchie.
Comparative Study of Quick Lime and CaO as Catalysts of Safflower Oil Transesterification
Authors: Camacho Jesus N. , Natividad Reyna , Galvan Muciño Gabriel E. , García-Orozco Ivan , Baeza Ramiro , Romero Rubi
Published: February 2016

This work aimed to contrast the performance of quicklime and CaO reagent grade as heterogeneous catalysts for the safflower oil transesterification reaction. Quicklime was characterized by TGA analysis, XRD, atomic absorption, nitrogen physisorption and by Hammett method. In the safflower transesterification reaction, four main variables were studied: addition reagents order, reagents dosage, type of catalyst and methanol-oil molar ratio. The addition reagents order was not found to be determinant on time for reaching equilibrium or maximum methyl esters yield. On the contrary, reagents dosage was found to negatively affect reaction rate and methyl esters yield. It was found that quicklime performs better than CaO and this was ascribed to an increased basicity found in the former. From the results can also be inferred that the use of quicklime as catalyst of the transesterification reaction allows the decrease of the process cost by reducing both, the reaction time and the required amount of alcohol.
Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling of Propane-SCR-NOx Using Group Method of Data Handling and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ghasemian N. , Nourmoradi H.
Published: February 2016

In this study, the catalytic behavior of protonated clinoptilolite in propane-SCR-NOx was investigated. The experiments were carried out in the temperature range of 200–500 °C as a function of zeolite mesh size 20, 35 and 70 at different weights of zeolite (0.45–1 g) and flow rates (300–600 ml/min) and consequently at various gas hourly space velocities (GHSV). Group method of data handling (GMDH) and artificial neural network (ANN) system were applied for mathematical modeling of NOx conversion to N2 in propane-SCR-NOx. The operating temperature (T), volumetric flow rate (F) and the weight of clinoptilolite zeolite (W) and the conversion of NOx to N2 (X) were considered as the inputs and output, respectively. In order to evaluate the models performance, conversions of NOx obtained from the GMDH and ANN systems were compared with those obtained from the experimental method. It is concluded that the ANN could successively estimate the conversion and the results were in a good agreement with the experimental data.
On a Rational Performance Evaluation for the Development of Inorganic Membrane Technology in Gas Separation and Membrane Reactors
Authors: Avila Adolfo M. , Arancibia Eleuterio L.
Published: February 2016

Inorganic membranes can be made of different materials. However, there have been only few reports on membrane evaluation to convert lab-scale membranes into a prototype for industrial applications. In order to fill this significant gap, new approaches for the development and optimization of membrane products are required. This work focuses on the different aspects related to the performance assessment of membranes used for gas separation and membrane reactors. This approach can be visualized as an algorithm consisting of three specific loops involving different aspects of the overall membrane evaluation. Several factors that have an impact on membrane performance are discussed. These factors are divided into two categories: directly affecting the measurements (setup leakage, concentration polarization, repeatability, pressure gradient) and related to the intrinsic characteristics of permeation flux across the membrane (single and mixture permeation, transport modeling, defect flux, microstructure flexibility). This evaluation protocol includes a literature review with the most recent breakthroughs in this research area.
Robust Spatial Approximation of Laser Scanner Point Clouds by Means of Free-form Curve Approaches in Deformation Analysis
Authors: Bureick Johannes , Alkhatib Hamza , Neumann Ingo
Published: February 2016

In many geodetic engineering applications it is necessary to solve the problem of describing a measured data point cloud, measured, e. g. by laser scanner, by means of free-form curves or surfaces, e. g., with B-Splines as basis functions. The state of the art approaches to determine B-Splines yields results which are seriously manipulated by the occurrence of data gaps and outliers.

Optimal and robust B-Spline fitting depend, however, on optimal selection of the knot vector. Hence we combine in our approach Monte-Carlo methods and the location and curvature of the measured data in order to determine the knot vector of the B-Spline in such a way that no oscillating effects at the edges of data gaps occur. We introduce an optimized approach based on computed weights by means of resampling techniques. In order to minimize the effect of outliers, we apply robust M-estimators for the estimation of control points.

The above mentioned approach will be applied to a multi-sensor system based on kinematic terrestrial laserscanning in the field of rail track inspection.
Measurement of Deflection in Concrete Beams During Fatigue Loading Test Using the Microsoft Kinect 2.0
Authors: Lahamy Herve , Lichti Derek D. , Steward Jeremy , El-Badry Mamdouh , Moravvej Mohammad
Published: February 2016

This study focuses on 3 Hz fatigue load testing of a reinforced concrete beam in laboratory conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) image time series of the beam’s top surface were captured with the Microsoft time-of-flight Kinect 2.0 sensor. To estimate the beam deflection, the imagery was first segmented to extract the top surface of the beam. The centre line was then modeled using third-order B-splines. The deflection of the beam as a function of time was estimated from the modeled centre line and, following past practice, also at several witness plates attached to the side of the beam. Subsequent correlation of the peak displacement with the applied loading cycles permitted estimation of fatigue in the beam. The accuracy of the deflections was evaluated by comparison with the measurements obtained using a Keyence LK-G407 laser displacement sensors. The results indicate that the deflections can be recovered with sub-millimetre accuracy using the centreline profile modelling method.
Raman Amplification in WDM Optical Communication Systems: A System Perceptive
Authors: Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar , Srinivas Talabattula
Published: February 2016

Statistical study on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) crosstalk has been done by many researchers while ignoring pulse walk-off effect due to analytically unsolvable nonlinear coupled equations. To our knowledge there is no treatise, which deals with pulse walk-off effect except statistically for few cases in case of wideband WDM Raman amplification systems. In this paper, we investigate the effect of group velocity dispersion induced crosstalk. We have tried to solve nonlinear coupled Raman gain equations for few channels by using the numerical technique called finite difference method. Finally we have provided results of the simulation for few cases. It is ever known that pulse walk-off effect (time-dependent effect) is responsible for transient effects hence the modeling has also done in this paper to simulate the effect of abrupt channel addition and removal response.
Estrogen maintains myometrial tumors in a lymphangioleiomyomatosis model
Authors: Prizant Hen , Taya Manisha , Lerman Irina , Light Allison , Sen Aritro , Mitra Soumya , Foster Thomas H , Hammes Stephen R
Published: February 2016

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease in women. Patients with LAM develop metastatic smooth-muscle cell adenomas within the lungs, resulting in reduced pulmonary function. LAM cells contain mutations in tuberous sclerosis genes (TSC1orTSC2), leading to up-regulation of mTORC1 activity and elevated proliferation. The origin of LAM cells remains unknown; however, inactivation ofTsc2gene in the mouse uterus resulted in myometrial tumors exhibiting LAM features, and approximately 50% of animals developed metastatic myometrial lung tumors. This suggests that LAM tumors might originate from the uterine myometrium, possibly explaining the overwhelming prevalence of LAM in female. Here, we demonstrate that mouseTsc2-null myometrial tumors exhibit nearly all the features of LAM, including mTORC1/S6K activation, as well as expression of melanocytic markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Estrogen ablation reduces S6K signaling and results inTsc2-null myometrial tumor regression. Thus, even without TSC2, estradiol is required to maintain tumors and mTORC1/S6K signaling. Additionally, we find that MMP-2 and -9, as well as neutrophil elastase (NE), are overexpressed inTsc2-null myometrial tumors in an estrogen-dependent fashion.In vivofluorescent imaging using MMP- or NE-sensitive optical biomarkers confirms that protease activity is specific to myometrial tumors. Similar to LAM cells, uterineTsc2-null myometrial cells also overexpress melanocytic markers in an estrogen-dependent fashion. Finally, we identify glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB) as a melanocytic marker up-regulated inTsc2-null mouse uteri and human LAM samples. Our data highlight the potential importance of estradiol in LAM cells, suggesting that anti-estrogen therapy may be a treatment modality. Furthermore, proteases and GPNMB might be useful LAM biomarkers.
Role of phospholipases in adrenal steroidogenesis
Authors: Bollag Wendy B
Published: February 2016

Phospholipases are lipid-metabolizing enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids. In some cases, their activity results in remodeling of lipids and/or allows the synthesis of other lipids. In other cases, however, and of interest to the topic of adrenal steroidogenesis, phospholipases produce second messengers that modify the function of a cell. In this review, the enzymatic reactions, products, and effectors of three phospholipases, phospholipase C, phospholipase D, and phospholipase A2, are discussed. Although much data have been obtained concerning the role of phospholipases C and D in regulating adrenal steroid hormone production, there are still many gaps in our knowledge. Furthermore, little is known about the involvement of phospholipase A2, perhaps, in part, because this enzyme comprises a large family of related enzymes that are differentially regulated and with different functions. This review presents the evidence supporting the role of each of these phospholipases in steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex.
The Representation of Culture in English Textbooks Prescribed for High Schools in Indonesia
Authors: Silvia Arnis
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the culture representation  of two prescribed English textbooks suggested by the Indonesian Curriculum and Publishing Centre (Puskurbuk) used in high schools in Indonesia. Its aim was to investigate whether the representation of culture supported the main goal of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching, which is intercultural communicative competence (ICC). For this purpose, culture was classified as source, target, and international target culture (Cortazzi & Jin, 1990). A classification on the level of ICC was also conducted to these textbooks.  It was found that the prescribed English textbooks portrayed the culture of local (Indonesia), the culture of target countries (American and British), and the culture of other international countries in a quantitatively similar portion. However, qualitatively, the presented culture tended to be artificial instead of substantial. Comparison and contrast among cultures were not found, therefore, intercultural competence was not achieved.
PENDIDIKAN MULTIKULTURAL INTERRELIGIUS: UPAYA MENYEMAI PERDAMAIAN DALAM HETEROGENITAS AGAMA PERSPEKTIF INDONESIA
Authors: Iqbal Mahathir Muhammad
Published: February 2016

This article was written with the purpose to obtain a picture of interreligious conception of multicultural education as an attempt to create peace in the livelihood of the Indonesian nation that is multicult ural. Conception of multicultural education were developed through in-depth and intensive literature studies. The aut hor emphasizes the idea of multireligious and interreligious education models, not monoreligius, so that each eleme nt in different nations and religious beliefs in this country will show the inclusive character including attitude o f brotherhood, mutual tolerance for differences, respect for differences, and to avoid a culture of violence.
MODEL KERUKUNAN SOSIAL PADA MASYARAKAT MULTIKULTURAL CINA BENTENG (KAJIAN HISTORIS DAN SOSIOLOGIS)
Authors: Arif Muhamad
Published: February 2016

This study was conducted to gain an overview of the historical and sociological perspective of the model of social harmony in a multicultural society of Cina Benteng, Tangerang. It used descriptive qualitative research method using an inductive approach in conducting the analysis. Data collection techniques mainly emphasize on library research techniques, interview, observation, and documentation. There are two important c onclusions generated in this study. The fi rst, models of social cohesion in a multicultural society of Cina Ben teng has historically formed since their arrival in the watershed Cisedane. Historical process has made Cina Ben teng society has a unique blend, namely their persistence in holding the customs of their ancestors already hundreds of years old, as well as their fl exibility to enable them to carry out the process of amalgamation, assimilation, and acculturation with the local community and culture as well. Second, in a sociological perspective, the model of social harmony in Cina Benteng society is not just happening in the fi eld of art, but also occurs in settle ment patterns, language of communication, traditional wedding procession, traditional clothes, gambang kromong musi c, and cokek dance.