bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences between Active and Inactive Quality Circles in Attendance and Performance
Authors: Tang Thomas Li-Ping , Tollison Peggy Smith , Whiteside Harold D.
Published: July 2015

Based on the archival data of a quality circle (QC) program in a three-year period, the differences between active QCs (n = 32) and inactive QCs (n = 12) on QC members' participation and QCs' performance were examined using a discriminant analysis. The results showed that active QCs had lower rate of problem-solving failure, higher attendance rate at QC meetings, and higher net savings of QC projects than inactive QCs. The results were discussed in terms of the problem-solving process of small groups.
Evaluating Public Sector Training Programs
Authors: Sims Ronald R.
Published: July 2015

This article discusses the importance of training program evaluation in increasing the effectiveness of agency training efforts. The article describes a framework available to the personnelist to plan, design, conduct and implement training program evaluations that more clearly identify the effectiveness of training programs.
Effects of the Applicant's Gender-Appropriateness and Qualifications and Rater Self-Monitoring Propensities on Hiring Decisions
Authors: Sheets Tilman L. , Bushardt Stephen C.
Published: July 2015

The present study examines the influence of the personality construct of self-monitoring on gender related biases in personnel selection decisions. Selection and starting salary decisions were made by subjects in one of two formats, where decision making involved using a comparative strategy or a noncomparative decision making strategy. Regardless of the decision strategy, high self-monitors, relative to low self-monitors were found to offer higher starting salaries to applicants who were gender appropriate for the job.
Public Sector Motivation as an Independent Variable Affecting Career Decisions
Authors: Gabris Gerald T. , Simo Gloria
Published: July 2015

This article addresses the issue of public sector motivation. Essentially, do public sector employees elicit different motives regarding their work expectations in contrast to people working in the private sector? For instance, do public sector employees have a higher need to serve the public and a lower need for monetary rewards? This article explores the conceptual and theoretical basis for public sector motivation and then reports the results of a small empirical study that tests hypotheses derived from these constructs. Our findings suggest that if public sector motivation does exist, that its effect on employee behavior and attitudes toward work expectations and personal goals is negligible at best.
Local Government Training: A Review of the South African Experience
Authors: Reddy P.S.
Published: July 2015

Local authorities are established to give the citizens of the town or city the opportunity to provide those services which are fundamental to community living. They provide essential services and it is therefore imperative that members of the legislative, governing and administrative components be effectively trained. The councilors are members of the political institution, namely the council.1 The councilors have to undertake legislative and governmental functions in addition to their supervision of the appointed officials who constitute the executive and administrative component. The council is the corporate body and is therefore the employer and the appointed officials are its employees. The Local Government Training Act is the first overall human resources strategy in South Africa that lays down the policy for the creation, development and maintenance of administrative structures and institutions to enable suitably trained people to undertake all the diverse functions of local government. In this paper the administrative structures and institutions for the implementation of the Act is described. This is followed by discussion of the problems' experienced in the implementation of the Act and finally an evaluation of the Act as an overall policy document for local government training in a democratic South Africa.
Comparable Worth: Is It a Moot Issue? Part III Controversy, Implications, and Measurement
Authors: Moore Mary V. , Abraham Yohannan T.
Published: July 2015

In part one of this series (Moore and Abraham, 1992), the authors explore the topic of comparable worth from a historical perspective. In part two (Moore and Abraham, 1993), the authors discuss legislation and subsequent litigation that resulted from laws governing sex discrimination and compensation. This final article in this series addresses three major areas of controversy on the comparable worth issue including explanations for the gender earnings gap, the economic implications of comparable worth, and measuring job value. Together these articles should provide a comprehensive picture of the comparable worth issue in response to the question raised in the title, Comparable Worth: Is it a moot issue?
Sexual Harassment: A Legal Perspective for Public Administrators
Authors: Strickland Ruth Ann
Published: July 2015

Since the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill hearings, there has been a heightened awareness in the U.S. of sexual harassment in the workplace. Recent case law has given men and women more protections against sexual harassment. At the same time, the liability of employers for acts of harassment in the public and private sector has increased. The purpose of this article is to discuss the issue of sexual harassment from a public administrator's viewpoint. Various types of sexual harassment are identified and preventive and remedial measures are provided.
Arbitration in Practice: A Profile of Public Sector Arbitration Cases
Authors: Mesch Debra J. , Shamayeva Olga
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to describe the types of cases typically brought to arbitration in the public sector and to analyze the pattern of case resolutions—in what areas is the grievant or management more likely to win, lose, or reach some compromise. Additionally, comparisons of public versus private arbitration cases are examined. The authors analyzed 994 public sector arbitration cases from Labor Arbitration Reports: Dispute Settlements over a seven year period of time (1985–1992). Each case was coded according to the parties involved in the dispute, the type of case, and case resolution. The results of this study suggest that a wide variety of cases are brought to arbitration in the public sector and, depending on the type of grievance, the outcome is quite different. Furthermore, although more cases are found in favor of the union in the public sector rather than private sector, management in both the public and private sectors experience a higher winning percentage. Finally, the results indicate that significantly more termination and fewer suspension cases are brought to arbitration in the private than public sector.
A Third Role in Performance Appraisal: A Suggestion from the Medical Care Quality Appraisal Systems
Authors: Lyons Thomas F. , Callahan Thomas J.
Published: July 2015

Practitioners and theorists alike increasingly have become dissatisfied with formal performance appraisals. A focus on the structural aspects of appraisals, as developed in the health care industry, is offered as a meaningful addition to traditional performance appraisal methods.
Implementing Health and Fitness Programs for Firefighters
Authors: Pynes Joan E.
Published: July 2015

This article briefly summarizes the issues that local governments should review prior to implementing health and fitness programs for firefighters. The courts have upheld employer imposed fitness standards for law enforcement officers. This article generalizes the application to firefighters.
Utility Analysis in Public Sector Personnel Management: Current Issues and Keys to Implementation
Authors: Shultz Kenneth S.
Published: July 2015

While utility analysis is often encouraged as the “final step” necessary in any evaluation of a human resources intervention (e.g., selection, training, performance evaluation program), anecdotal evidence appears to suggest that, in practice, it is rarely done, particularly in the public sector. Therefore, a brief history and nontechnical explanation of utility analysis is provided. Several examples from the literature are given. In addition, current issues and keys to more successful implementation are discussed in order to acknowledge the realities of trying to incorporate utility analyses into the evaluation of human resources programs in applied settings. It is hoped that increased awareness of these critical issues and potential roadblocks to the use of utility analysis will increase its use and ultimately improve our ability to critically assess and continually improve the success of our human resources.
Defamation by Action May “Speak as Loudly as Words”
Authors: Roline Alan C.
Published: July 2015

Imagine yourself as the human resource manager in the following scenario: You have just notified one of your employees that he is going to be terminated due to a conflict of interest which the employee has repeatedly refused to resolve. In accordance with usual company practice, you instruct his immediate supervisor to accompany the employee to his office to pack up his personal belongings and escort him out the main entrance. Neither you, nor the supervisor say anything to anyone regarding the reason for the employee's termination.
Retaliation: Agency Theory and Gaps in the Law
Authors: Crockett Richard W. , Gilmere Julie A.
Published: July 2015

This paper will explore the application of agency theory, the view that the principal is responsible for the actions of his agent, to the law of retaliation in sexual harassment cases. In the law the agency principle is sometimes known as the doctrine of respondeat superior. This doctrine has been used in sexual harassment cases, most frequently in hostile environment cases, but also in quid pro quo cases. The question addressed in this paper is, “Can the principle of respondeat superior be applied to issues of retaliation where the retaliation in question is not conducted by an employer, directly, but indirectly through the actions of a co-worker who had been accused of sexual harassment?”

Section 704 (a) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in part reads as follows: “It shall be an unlawful practice for an employer to discriminate against any of its employees or applicants for employment…because he has opposed any practice, made an unlawful employment practice by this title, or because he has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this title.” The language seems clear enough, but what of a circumstance in which a harassing fellow employee uses tactics which are plainly retaliatory, except that they are conducted by the employee, not the employer, but the employer does nothing to curb the retaliatory behavior? Does this mean that an earlier victim of sexual harassment must now be the victim of retaliation? In the enforcement of Title VII, does the employer have a responsibility to bring the wayward harasser to tow?

This paper will lay out the broad outlines of retaliation from a legal perspective, examine some applications of respondeat superior in sexual harassment law and finally suggest gaps in the law wherein this principle may be applied in cases of retaliation following sexual harassment claims. Our examination will also include retaliation against supporting fellow employees of a victim.
The Collective Wisdom of the Workforce: Conversations with Employees regarding Performance Evaluation
Authors: Clifford James P.
Published: July 2015

During the summer and fall of 1994, employees were offered an opportunity to meet and talk about performance evaluation. A number of questions were prepared to stimulate conversation; but basically, the employees were encouraged to talk about their concerns. Nearly 150 employees attended a variety of discussion meetings to share their views. In some cases, specific groups requested to be included, such as secretaries. Comments were recorded and then returned to the employees for verification. Fourteen meetings were held, which generated more that 450 comments on the topic of performance evaluation and peripheral issues. The basic interest, which drove this activity, was the question is there a better way to conduct performance evaluations?
Globalization of Human Resource Management: A Cross-Cultural Perspective for the Public Sector
Authors: Kim Pan Suk
Published: July 2015

Human resource management can include two large areas: personnel management and development functions. This paper attempts to shed light on development functions, which have tended to be somewhat disregarded in traditional public personnel administration and international public administration education. The primary objective is to answer some of the most critical questions regarding human resources in a global perspective. How can executives develop a multicultural management group? What role should human resources play in the management of negotiations and international collaboration? How can cross-cultural competencies best be developed?
Ethical Decision-Making: Global Concerns, Frameworks, and Approaches
Authors: Burke Frances
Published: July 2015

Throughout the world, public personnel managers have become deeply involved in organizational issues, such as increased productivity, strengthened quality, and improved service. With the global effort to institutionalize these goals came a dramatic and dynamic redefinition and application of human resources (HR) roles. If these multiple personnel roles, as has been suggested, include both 1) Strategic and 2) Operational activities, then human resource management has become more complex. Now the task has moved more certainly into the group assessment process, organizational strategic planning, and international arenas, all beyond the original functional management of personnel.1 Included in strategic personnel activities are those of: a) human resource planning, b) tracking legal and ethical issues, c) incorporating global innovations, d) assessing trends in the workforce, and e) assisting in restructuring and rightsizing of public service personnel.
The Public Service Ethic in the New Public Personnel Systems
Authors: Pfiffner James R.
Published: July 2015

A “public service ethic” implies more than just ethical behavior on the job; it also entails a dedication to the public interest and a commitment to mission accomplishment. This essay argues that the political need to make the government look smaller has led to more contracting out and analyzes the problem of promoting the principles of merit in private sector contractors. It then takes up the new challenge of public management: how to ensure that the public service ethic permeates all organizations and individuals engaged in executing the laws—not only those directly employed by the government in the traditional public service.
Morality vs. Mandate: Affirmative Action in Employment
Authors: Soni Vidu
Published: July 2015

Affirmative action, one of the most significant public policies of the 20th century, can be seen as an attempt to establish a more “inclusive moral convention,”1 which aims at achieving fairness and equality for all members of society. In such a society everyone has the ability to compete for its goods and benefits.2 Attempting to create a society, workplaces, and educational institutions in which individuals or groups are not stigmatized or excluded from opportunities on the basis of race/ethnicity or gender can be seen as the ethical foundation of affirmative action.3 The moral basis for affirmative action is found in the tradition of American public administration, anti-discrimination laws, and the principles of organizational justice.4 To public personnel practitioners, affirmative action has ethical significance from a variety of viewpoints, particularly as it relates to the “merit controversy” and organizational justice issues.

This article argues that affirmative action (AA) is as much a moral issue as it is an anti-discriminatory measure. The focus of this article is to examine the ethical aspects of AA rather than to discuss the anti-discrimination principles of AA as embodied in the Constitution, statutes, and legal precedents. Today, the increased national sensitivity to the rights of minorities does not rely on the moral imperatives that should underlie such a debate, but, rather, the fear of litigation or so-called “political correctness.” Viewing AA from a purely legal perspective reduces it to an adversarial proposition with winners and losers. Furthermore, the doctrine of legal protection does not always discourage discriminatory behaviors. In spite of the available legal remedies, discrimination is often under-reported due to reasons such as fear of retaliation, complexities of the legal system, difficulty in supplying the necessary proof, and the psychological and financial costs involved.5 Focusing attention on the ethical principles of affirmative action divert attention from contentious legal issues and reinforce its fundamental purpose. In addition, an ethical perspective can also help counter the backlash and resentment toward AA policies within organizations.6
Reinventing Public Personnel Management: Ethical Implications for Managers and Public Personnel Systems
Authors: Kellough J. Edward
Published: July 2015

The need to ensure responsible administration in government is an imperative concern for the field of public management. The interest in administrative responsibility is crucial because public administrators are the people who place government into action. They manage and direct the operations of federal, state, and local organizations providing essential services and programs. They issue directives and regulations, which give meaning to public policy, and in the process, substantive policy choices are made. In addition, in these capacities, government administrators act on behalf of the people. Ultimately, they must be accountable to the public interest. As a consequence, public servants bear important moral and ethical obligations. Indeed, much of the history of public administration in the United States has focused on the question of how those obligations might best be met.
The development of intercultural competency in school psychology graduate students
Authors: Davies Susan C. , Lewis Abigail A. , Anderson Amy E. , Bernstein Elana R.
Published: July 2015

School psychologists often have the opportunity to work with students and families from varied backgrounds and cultures. While this can be an exciting and enriching part of the job, it can also be daunting for some practitioners, particularly those who are inadequately prepared. A number of strategies have been implemented in school psychology training programs to improve students’ intercultural competency. This exploratory study investigated the results of one university’s short-term study abroad program for school psychology graduate students. Pre- and post- intercultural development assessments were given to school psychology graduate students who completed a course abroad; results were compared to students who took the same course on campus in the United States. Findings indicated that there was no measurable growth in intercultural competence in either group. Implications for school psychology training programs, suggestions for future research, and ways to improve intercultural competency among school psychologists are discussed.
Numerically validated reduced-order model for laminates containing shape memory alloy wire meshes
Authors: Halbert Tyler , Peraza Hernandez Edwin , Malak Richard , Hartl Darren
Published: July 2015

The incorporation of active materials into composites is an active area of research. However, the design and optimization of such composites is challenging because detailed analysis using finite element analysis (FEA) is computationally intensive. This work presents a new reduced-order model for laminates containing shape memory alloy (SMA) wire meshes that significantly reduces the computational burden on design analysis while maintaining good accuracy. The approach is based on a foundation of classical laminated plate theory (CLPT). It considers fully non-linear stress distributions and incorporates a detailed phenomenological model of the hysteretic SMA constitutive behavior. The reduced-order CLPT-based model and its numerical implementation are fully described and unique laminate responses are presented. The model is validated against a corresponding high-fidelity FEA model of an SMA-based laminate. The reduced-order model produces accurate predictions at significantly less expense than the high-fidelity FEA approach, with normalized root-mean-squared error below 10% for most design cases.
Trends in NCAA Athletic Spending
Authors: Hoffer Adam , Humphreys Brad R. , Lacombe Donald J. , Ruseski Jane E.
Published: July 2015

We develop and empirically test a model of intercollegiate athletic department expenditure decisions. The model extends general dynamic models of nonprice competition and includes the idea that nonprofit athletic departments may simply set expenditure equal to revenues. Own and rival prestige are included in the athletic departments’ utility functions, generating rivalrous interaction. The model predicts that current own and rival investment has multi-period effects on prestige since investment is durable. We test the model using data from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic programs from 2006-2011, and the models incorporate spatial autocorrelation that captures dynamic rivalrous interaction. Results support the predictions of both models—NCAA Division I athletic programs appear to engage in dynamic nonprice competition in terms of expenditure and spend all revenues generated.
The ‘Single Place of Truth’: Effective regulatory information management for Generics
Authors: Schoepke Olaf
Published: July 2015

Compared to the active ingredient manufacturers, Generics face different challenges in today’s healthcare market. Smaller margins on products, extensive competition and harsh timelines all play a role in making enough profits to benefit all parties concerned, from the Generics providing the medication via the healthcare professional to the patients. And that is exactly where modern technology can help, specifically considering the ‘Single Place of Truth’. Multinational corporations spend hundreds of thousands in specialised technology covering all angles of the medicinal product life cycle, from drug discovery via marketing applications to drug safety. Furthermore, additional investment is required to integrate these applications to enable the detailed, up to date reporting on consistent accurate data that is vital to understand the dynamics of the healthcare market. Generics with equal requirements in terms of regulatory compliance are facing the same challenges but on far smaller budgets. This article gives an overview on how Generics could benefit from an alternative via the ‘Single Place of Truth’.
Optimizing the Microbiome and Immune System With Maternal Diet in Pregnancy and Lactation May Prevent Food Allergies in Infants
Authors: Hurd Lindsey
Published: July 2015

Breast milk contains a perfect blend of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water. This supports a baby’s nutritional needs exclusively for the first 6 months and beyond when paired with solid foods. Human milk also provides a unique blend of hormones, growth factors, and protective nutrients that support healthy functioning of the body as it matures, especially the microbiome within the digestive system. As a direct carrier of beneficial microbes, breast milk contains growth factors, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin, and lysozymes, which support the microbiome and immune system. These components regulate host–microbe interactions and establish the innate and adaptive immune response within the body. When the infant’s gastrointestinal tract is adequately colonized with an intact mucosal barrier, oral tolerance to antigens and pathogens creates a strong immune defense, avoiding expression of disease and atypical immune responses. There are many perinatal factors that affect the bacterial composition of breast milk and the maternal/infant gastrointestinal tract such as maternal body mass index, mode of delivery, perinatal antibiotic use, formula supplementation, and inflammation. Dysbiosis contributes to an increased expression of immune-mediated and allergic disease states. The impact of perinatal factors cannot always be prevented. When alternatives are not available, medical nutrition therapy can be key in supporting a healthy microbiome as well as improving maternal and infant gut function to prevent or treat food sensitivities. This article aims to address the role of maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation through optimizing the microbiome and immune system and reducing the infant allergy risk.
Contested Meaning of the Veil and Political Ideologies of Iranian Regimes
Authors: Zahedi Ashraf
Published: July 2015

This article examines the history of the veil and its changing social meanings in Iran. Embedded in the meaning of the veil is the erotic meaning of female hair. The symbiotic relations of the “cover” (the veil) and the “covered” (female hair) are central to this history. Iranian political regimes have assigned to the veil meanings corresponding to their own ideologies. Through imposed unveiling and re-veiling, these regimes have constructed an ideal image of Iranian women and in turn of Iran as a modern or an Islamic country. This essentialized singular image has led to the empowerment of some women while marginalizing others and violating their rights. Re-veiling has served as an impetus for the politicization of Iranian women, and they continue to contest the social meaning of the veil and protest its imposition.
Correlating Natural Production, Price, Import and Export in a Neural Network Framework
Authors: Ekweanua U. Emmanuel , Sharma Suresh C. , Wu Xingru , Zhu Zhen , Callard Jeffrey G.
Published: July 2015

In the United States, hydrocarbon in unconventional resources such as shale gas has been dramatically changing the fossil energy prospect and transforming the energy consumption structure. Therefore, it is imperative to study how this trend has impacted the U.S. natural gas import, export and the domestic gas price. To understand the relationships, Neural Network would be used to model these variables (gas production, price, import and export) with the ultimate goal of understanding the gas price determination. The key input parameters for the Network are gas production, import and export data and the resulting output of the Network would be the gas price i.e. how well this inputs influence gas price and there magnitude of impact would be ranked in this study. Impact of Weather would be looked into as well but it is not part of the Network inputs. Data from Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the U.S. Department of Energy will be utilized in this study.

This work is motivated by the recent surging interest in converting existing gas import terminals to exporting terminals due to increase in gas production as a result of major technological advancement in getting formerly untapped gas out of the ground. The changes in the gas industry trend have prompted the government to consider policy changes as well. Our study will enable us to draw some policy implications regarding the U.S. energy policy.
Stabilized Nitrogen Fertilizers and Application Rate Influence Nitrogen Losses under Rainfed Spring Wheat
Authors: Thapa Resham , Chatterjee Amitava , Johnson Jane M.F. , Awale Rakesh
Published: July 2015

Nitrogen losses associated with fertilizer application have negative economic and environmental consequences, but urease and nitrification inhibitors have potential to reduce N losses. The effectiveness of these inhibitors has been studied extensively in irrigated but not in rainfed systems. This study was conducted at Glyndon, MN, under rainfed conditions to assess the impact of urease and nitrification inhibitors on NH3 volatilization, N2O emissions, and NO3− concentrations below the spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rooting zone. Urea (U), urea with urease and nitrification inhibitors (SU), and urea with nitrification inhibitor only (UI) were applied at 146 and 168 kg N ha−1 along with the control treatments. Cumulative NH3 volatilization was reduced by 26%, N2O emissions measured 18 d after planting were reduced by 50% with SU, but no significant reduction was observed with UI compared to U. We did not observe a significant effect of higher N rate on N2O emissions, but lower N application rate (146 kg N ha−1) significantly reduced NH3 volatilization by 26% compared to 168 kg N ha−1. Nitrate concentration below the rooting zone was reduced by applying N at lower rate and also through the use of SU and UI instead of U. Soil inorganic N intensity was significantly related with cumulative N2O emissions. Nitrogen source and rate did not influence grain yield and protein content. This single‐growing season study under rainfed conditions suggests that fertilizer N‐stabilizers can be successfully used to minimize N losses without compromising grain yield and protein content.
Recent changes in patterns of western Canadian river flow and association with climatic drivers
Authors: Bawden Allison J. , Burn Donald H. , Prowse Terry D.
Published: July 2015

Climatic variability and change can have profound impacts on the hydrologic regime of a watershed, especially in regions that are sensitive to changes in climate, such as the northern latitudes and alpine-fed regions of western Canada. Quantifying historical spatial and temporal changes in hydrological data can provide useful information as to how water resources are affected by climatic and atmospheric forcings, as well as create an understanding of potential future variability. Trends in western Canadian runoff are examined for the period of 1976–2010. Regional patterns of spatial variability are quantified using a principal component analysis (PCA) that results in the identification of three hydrological regions. Both watershed-scale and PCA trend results show increased runoff in the northern-most watersheds, while decreased water availability has generally affected the mid-latitude basins. The southern watersheds show increases and decreases in runoff with no significant trends. Runoff is shown to be positively correlated with precipitation. Runoff in some regions of western Canada is shown to be influenced by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Pacific North American (PNA) modes of atmospheric variability. The results of this analysis provide water managers with an indication of the direction and magnitude of changing water availability in western Canada.
Nanomaterials—Tools, Technology and Methodology of Nanotechnology Based Biomedical Systems for Diagnostics and Therapy
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Storsberg Joachim
Published: July 2015

Nanomedicine helps to fight diseases at the cellular and molecular level by utilizing unique properties of quasi-atomic particles at a size scale ranging from 1 to 100 nm. Nanoparticles are used in therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, referred to as theranostics. The aim of this review is to illustrate the application of general principles of nanotechnology to select examples of life sciences, molecular medicine and bio-assays. Critical aspects relating to those examples are discussed.
Minimal Rényi–Ingarden–Urbanik Entropy of Multipartite Quantum States
Authors: Enríquez Marco , Puchała Zbigniew , Życzkowski Karol
Published: July 2015

We study the entanglement of a pure state of a composite quantum system consisting of several subsystems with d levels each. It can be described by the Rényi–Ingarden–Urbanik entropy Sq of a decomposition of the state in a product basis, minimized over all local unitary transformations. In the case q = 0, this quantity becomes a function of the rank of the tensor representing the state, while in the limit q → ∞, the entropy becomes related to the overlap with the closest separable state and the geometric measure of entanglement. For any bipartite system, the entropy S1 coincides with the standard entanglement entropy. We analyze the distribution of the minimal entropy for random states of three- and four-qubit systems. In the former case, the distribution of the three-tangle is studied and some of its moments are evaluated, while in the latter case, we analyze the distribution of the hyperdeterminant. The behavior of the maximum overlap of a three-qudit system with the closest separable state is also investigated in the asymptotic limit.
Identification and Bioactivity of Compounds from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Alternaria sp.
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Ding Weijia , Wang Ruimin , Du Yipeng , Liu Huanliang , Kong Xuehua , Li Chunyuan
Published: July 2015

Racemic new cyclohexenone and cyclopentenone derivatives, (±)-(4R*,5S*,6S*)-3-amino-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-methoxy-5-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (1) and (±)-(4S*,5S*)-2,4,5-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-4-methoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (2), and two new xanthone derivatives 4-chloro-1,5-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-6-methoxycarbonyl-xanthen-9-one (3) and 2,8-dimethoxy-1,6-dimethoxycarbonyl-xanthen-9-one (4), along with one known compound, fischexanthone (5), were isolated from the culture of the mangrove endophytic fungus Alternaria sp. R6. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of their MS (Mass), one and two dimensional NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] scavenging activities with EC50 values of 8.19 ± 0.15 and 16.09 ± 0.01 μM, respectively. In comparison to Triadimefon, compounds 2 and 3 exhibited inhibitory activities against Fusarium graminearum with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 215.52 and 107.14 μM, respectively, and compound 3 exhibited antifungal activity against Calletotrichum musae with MIC value of 214.29 μM.
A Conformational Shift in the Dissociated Cholera Toxin A1 Subunit Prevents Reassembly of the Cholera Holotoxin
Authors: Taylor Michael , Curtis David , Teter Ken
Published: July 2015

Cholera toxin (CT) consists of a catalytic A1 subunit, an A2 linker, and a homopentameric cell-binding B subunit. The intact holotoxin moves by vesicle carriers from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where CTA1 is released from the rest of the toxin. The dissociated CTA1 subunit then shifts to an unfolded conformation, which triggers its export to the cytosol by a process involving the quality control system of ER-associated degradation (ERAD). We hypothesized that the unfolding of dissociated CTA1 would prevent its non-productive reassociation with CTA2/CTB5. To test this prediction, we monitored the real-time reassociation of CTA1 with CTA2/CTB5 by surface plasmon resonance. Folded but not disordered CTA1 could interact with CTA2/CTB5 to form a stable, functional holotoxin. Our data, thus, identified another role for the intrinsic instability of the isolated CTA1 polypeptide in host-toxin interactions: in addition to activating the ERAD translocation mechanism, the spontaneous unfolding of free CTA1 at 37 °C prevents the non-productive reassembly of a CT holotoxin in the ER.
Exosomes: Implications in HIV-1 Pathogenesis
Authors: Madison Marisa , Okeoma Chioma
Published: July 2015

Exosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry host and pathogen derived genomic, proteomic, and lipid cargos. Exosomes are secreted by most cell types into the extracellular milieu and are subsequently internalized by recipient cells. Upon internalization, exosomes condition recipient cells by donating their cargos and/or activating various signal transduction pathways, consequently regulating physiological and pathophysiological processes. The role of exosomes in viral pathogenesis, especially human immunodeficiency virus type 1 [HIV-1] is beginning to unravel. Recent research reports suggest that exosomes from various sources play important but different roles in the pathogenesis of HIV-1. From these reports, it appears that the source of exosomes is the defining factor for the exosomal effect on HIV-1. In this review, we will describe how HIV-1 infection is modulated by exosomes and in turn how exosomes are targeted by HIV-1 factors. Finally, we will discuss potentially emerging therapeutic options based on exosomal cargos that may have promise in preventing HIV-1 transmission.
Preclinical Testing Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Strain GLV-5b451 Expressing an Anti-VEGF Single-Chain Antibody for Canine Cancer Therapy
Authors: Adelfinger Marion , Bessler Simon , Frentzen Alexa , Cecil Alexander , Langbein-Laugwitz Johanna , Gentschev Ivaylo , Szalay Aladar
Published: July 2015

Virotherapy on the basis of oncolytic vaccinia virus (VACV) strains is a novel approach for canine cancer therapy. Here we describe, for the first time, the characterization and the use of VACV strain GLV-5b451 expressing the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single-chain antibody (scAb) GLAF-2 as therapeutic agent against different canine cancers. Cell culture data demonstrated that GLV-5b451 efficiently infected and destroyed all four tested canine cancer cell lines including: mammary carcinoma (MTH52c), mammary adenoma (ZMTH3), prostate carcinoma (CT1258), and soft tissue sarcoma (STSA-1). The GLV-5b451 virus-mediated production of GLAF-2 antibody was observed in all four cancer cell lines. In addition, this antibody specifically recognized canine VEGF. Finally, in canine soft tissue sarcoma (CSTS) xenografted mice, a single systemic administration of GLV-5b451 was found to be safe and led to anti-tumor effects resulting in the significant reduction and substantial long-term inhibition of tumor growth. A CD31-based immuno-staining showed significantly decreased neo-angiogenesis in GLV-5b451-treated tumors compared to the controls. In summary, these findings indicate that GLV-5b451 has potential for use as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of CSTS.
Bare NP's, Reference to Kinds, and Incorporation
Authors: Dayal Veneeta
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
Evaluation of the potential anti-allergic effects of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus paracasei V0151 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo
Authors: Liu Y.W. , Fu T.Y. , Peng W.S. , Chen Y.H. , Cao Y.M. , Chen C.C. , Hung W.L. , Tsai Y.C.
Published: July 2015

The efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei V0151 (V0151), isolated from the faeces of a child, to modulate immune responses was investigated. In RAW 264.7 cells expressing an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-directed luciferase gene, heat-inactivated V0151 stimulated iNOS expression followed by nitric oxide production. V0151 significantly elevated interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and IL-1β production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In splenocytes isolated from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitised BALB/c mice treated with OVA and V0151 at different bacterium-to-cell ratios (1:1, 10:1, and 20:1) for 96 h, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production was dose-dependently downregulated, whereas IL-12 was dose-dependently upregulated. Collectively, our findings indicate that V0151 might regulate pro-inflammatory factors in macrophages and splenocytes. Furthermore, the T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) balance was also skewed toward Th1 dominance through the elevation of Th1 cytokine production.
A multicomponent decision support system to manageFusarium head blight and mycotoxins in durum wheat
Authors: Rossi V. , Manstretta V. , Ruggeri M.
Published: July 2015

Mycotoxin contamination is of great concern in durum wheat and pasta production in Italy. A long-term project was conducted to improve mycotoxin management, and this project had six stages, from basic research to large-scale application. In stage 1, research was conducted on the biology and epidemiology of the fungal species involved in theFusarium head blight (FHB) complex. The results were used in stage 2 to develop a multispecies, mechanistic model that included the effect of host and weather on: (1) inoculum production and dispersal; (2) infection and disease onset; and (3) mycotoxin accumulation. The weather-driven model was then validated under different epidemiological conditions. In stage 3, the model was expanded to include those crop management options that influence the risk of FHB and mycotoxin contamination, i.e. growing area, host species and resistance level of the cultivar, previous crop, and soil tillage. In stage 4, the complete model was included in a web-based decision support system (DSS) named granoduro.net®. The DSS provides plot-specific and up-to-date decision supports about weather, fertilisation, crop growth, weed control, and disease and mycotoxin risk. In stage 5, the DSS, together with Good Agricultural Practices, was applied for 2 years in 25 pilot farms across Italy. DSS use reduced external inputs (i.e. seeds, fungicides, and fertilisers) and costs, maintained or increased crop yield and quality, and kept mycotoxin contamination below the legal limit. Thus, the DSS significantly increased farmer income and reduced emission of greenhouse gasses. In stage 6, in an agreement with Barilla (a pasta producing company), the DSS was successfully used to manage 18,000 ha of durum wheat across Italy during 2013-2014. The DSS is currently being improved to include additionalFusarium species and related toxins, and the sexual stage ofFusarium graminearum. DSSs for common wheat and barley are also under development.
Ru-Based Bond Coats Used for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Soare Amalia , Csáki Ioana , Oprea Cristina , Soare Sorin , Predescu Cristian , Sohaciu Mirela
Published: July 2015

The main objective of this work is the development of new Ru-based Bond Coats (BC) as part of Thermal Barrier Coating Systems (TBC).So far, Ru-based systems have not been investigated in detail. We investigate the possibility of replacing the traditional materials used as BC, with Ru-based alloys. They are important candidats because RuAl has the same structure as NiAl, has properties superior to those of NiAl at high temperatures and last but not least, Ru is much cheaper than Pt.We have prepared a RuAl 50/50 at% alloy in an induction furnace which was subsequently subjected to oxidation in an electric furnace, in air, at 1100°C, for 10h.The alloy was analysed before and after oxidation using advanced microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM).The challenge of this research is to obtain an adherent and uniform layer of alumina after oxidation. The results so far suggest encouraging results.
Metal Allergy and other Adverse Reactions in Patients with Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Niculescu Marius , Laptoiu Dan , Miculescu Florin , Antoniac Iulian Vasile
Published: July 2015

Total hip prosthese are widely used in total hip arthroplasty, offering many benefit to patients with different articular diseases like osteoarthritis or after different accidents. Many total hip prosthesis are now available to the orthopaedic surgeons to replace the hip articulation, with different design and with components made by different type of biomaterials: metallic (cobalt-chrome and titanium alloys, zirconium-niobium alloy named oxinium), ceramic (alumina, zirconia), polymers (ultra high weight molecular polyethylene-UHMWPE). Even total hip arthroplasty has a high success rate, implant loosening may occur, with different symptoms that could be attributed to metal allergy. Because the stem components of the total hip prosthesis are made by metallic biomaterials, many papers describe the adverse effects related to the release of metal ions (like cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity and metal allergy). There are different types of metal corrosion: intergranular, pitting, crevice, fatigue, stress, fretting, and galvanic. On the other hand, in many cases (like metal-on-metal prosthesis) appear corrosion and wear between two metallic components. This processes are favourable for the aparition of hypersensitivity-related tissue reactions. Especially some metallic ions (nickel, cobalt, and chromium) presents in stainless steels and cobalt-chromium alloys are most known to be released from prostheses components and give metal allergy. Of course, during the time was developped some solutions in order to improve the performance of the hip prostheses components made by metallic components like coating with thin layers using different biomaterials like porous titanium or hydroxiapatite. The aims of this review article were to explore mainly the relationship between corrosion products and implant-related hypersensitivity, the importance of surface treatment for metallic components, try define the effect of metal ion concentrations, and differentiate between allergy and infection in total hip replacement. The long-term performance of the coated components will be also analyzed and synthetic described based on clinical results. Also, some relevant aspects from our clinical experience and retrieved prosthesis analysis using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy will be shown in order to support the conclusions.
Synthesis of Co-Deposited Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Thermally-Efficient Tribological Performance
Authors: Bello Kamilu Adeyemi , Md Abdul Maleque , Zuraida Ahmad , Mirdha S.
Published: July 2015

Research in the area of alloyed deposition on ceramic particles is gaining widespread acceptance in tribology community to produce advanced wear-resistance surfaces by environmentally acceptable coating technologies. In this study, autocatalytic electroless deposition technique was used to incorporate hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) lubricant particles in nickel-phosphorous matrix. The substrate particles were subjected to series of pretreatment operations prior to electroless co-deposition process. Surface morphology and composition of pure hBN and treated powders were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results revealed that the pretreated particles have rough and increased surface area that aided deposition process. It was also found that uniform Ni-P alloy layer was successfully synthesized on Ni-coated hBN powder. Thus, the developed electroless co-deposited hBN composite powder may be regarded as an advanced solid lubricant material coating which may either be directly applied on the sliding mating surfaces or deposited by laser-cladding, TIG torch melting or thermal spaying, etc to improve the surface properties of metallic substrates against wear and friction for high temperature applications.
Magnetic Properties of Barium Ferrite Prepared by Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Chen Min , Fan Run Hua , Liu Gui Fang , Wang Xu Ai , Sun Kai
Published: July 2015

M-type barium ferrite (BaFel2O19) receives much attention due to the remarkable properties of the bulk materials: large magnetic anisotropy, sufficient saturation magnetization, non-toxic, excellent chemical stability and good corrosion resistivity. Using stoichiometric amounts of iron nitrate, barium nitrate and sodium hydroxide as the starting materials, we have prepared BaFel2O19 by hydrothermal synthesis method. The results show that when the n (Fe3+)/n (Ba2+) ratio of 6 and n (OH−)/n (NO3−) ratio of 2, the morphology of BaFe12O19 is hexagonal platelets which approximately 800 nm in length and 50 nm in thickness. The coercivity of BaFe12O19 is 1286 Oe and the saturation magnetization is 23.7 emu/g. The BaFe12O19/phenolic resin composite has been prepared and the permeability of the BaFel2O19/phenolic resin composite was measured.