bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free radical scavenging decreases endothelin‐1 excretion and glomerular albumin permeability during type 1 diabetes
Authors: Saleh Mohamed A. , De Miguel Carmen , Stevens David I. , Carmines Pamela K. , Pollock David M. , Pollock Jennifer S.
Published: December 2016

Increased renal endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) production and an ETA receptor‐dependent increase in glomerular albumin permeability (Palb) accompany type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). We hypothesized that T1D‐induced oxidative stress contributes to renal ET‐1 production and glomerular Palb. Male rats with streptozotocin‐induced T1D were provided free access to drinking water without additives (T1D rats) or containing the free radical scavenger tempol (1 mmol/L; T1D+Tempol). After 3 weeks, T1D+Tempol rats displayed lower urinary excretion of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glomerular superoxide production (dihydroethidium staining) compared to T1D rats. Urinary ET‐1 excretion and inner medullary (but not cortical or outer medullary) prepro‐ET‐1 mRNA expression were lower in the T1D+Tempol group than in the T1D group. Palb, measured as the change in volume of isolated glomeruli upon exposure to oncotic gradients of albumin, was significantly lower in the T1D+Tempol group than in the T1D group. Tempol treatment did not alter protein excretion or creatinine clearance. These data support the postulate that oxidative stress contributes to glomerular Palb and renal ET‐1 production during the early phase of type 1 diabetes.
Role of BAFF in pulmonary autoantibody responses induced by chronic cigarette smoke exposure in mice
Authors: Morissette Mathieu C. , Gao Yang , Shen Pamela , Thayaparan Danya , Bérubé Jean‐Christophe , Paré Peter D. , Brandsma Corry‐Anke , Hao Ke , Bossé Yohan , Ettinger Rachel , Herbst Ronald , Humbles Alison A. , Kolbeck Roland , Zhong Nanshan , Chen Rongchang , Stämpfli Martin R.
Published: December 2016

Emerging evidence suggests that autoimmune processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we assessed the expression of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) in smokers, and investigated the functional importance of BAFF in the induction and maintenance of cigarette smoke‐induced pulmonary antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) using a preclinical mouse model. We observed that BAFF levels were elevated in smokers and mice exposed to cigarette smoke. In mice, BAFF expression was rapidly induced in the lungs following 4 days of cigarette smoke exposure and remained elevated following 8 and 24 weeks of exposure. Alveolar macrophages were the major source of BAFF. Blockade of BAFF using a BAFF receptor‐Fc (BAFFR‐Fc) construct prevented pulmonary ANA and TLT formation when delivered concurrent with cigarette smoke exposure. Under these conditions, no impact on lung inflammation was observed. However, administration of BAFFR‐Fc following smoking cessation markedly reduced the number of TLTs and ANA levels and, of note, reduced pulmonary neutrophilia. Altogether, this study shows for the first time a central role of BAFF in the induction and maintenance of cigarette smoke‐induced pulmonary ANA and suggests that BAFF blockade following smoking cessation could have beneficial effects on persistent inflammatory processes.

In this study, we assessed the expression of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) in smokers, and investigated the functional importance of BAFF in the induction and maintenance of cigarette smoke‐induced pulmonary antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) using a preclinical mouse model. Data presented show that BAFF plays a central role in the induction and maintenance of cigarette smoke‐induced pulmonary ANA and suggest a therapeutic potential for BAFF blockade in limiting autoimmune processes associated with smoking.
The effect of polyphenols on cytokine and granulocyte response to resistance exercise
Authors: Jajtner Adam R. , Hoffman Jay R. , Townsend Jeremy R. , Beyer Kyle S. , Varanoske Alyssa N. , Church David D. , Oliveira Leonardo P. , Herrlinger Kelli A. , Radom‐Aizik Shlomit , Fukuda David H. , Stout Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2016

This study examined the effect of resistance exercise on the production, recruitment, percentage, and adhesion characteristics of granulocytes with and without polyphenol (PPB) supplementation. Thirty‐eight untrained men were randomized into three groups: PPB (n = 13, 21.8 ± 2.5 years, 171.2 ± 5.5 cm, 71.2 ± 8.2 kg), placebo (PL; n = 15, 21.6 ± 2.5 years, 176.5 ± 4.9 cm, 84.0 ± 15.7 kg), or control (CON; n = 10, 23.3 ± 4.3 years, 173.7 ± 12.6 cm, 77.3 ± 16.3 kg). Blood samples were obtained pre (PRE), immediately (IP), 1 h (1H), 5 h (5H), 24 h (24H), 48 h (48H), and 96 h (96H) postresistance exercise (PPB/PL) or rest (CON). Fine‐needle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at PRE, 1H, 5H, and 48H. Plasma concentrations and intramuscular content of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), granulocyte (G‐CSF), and granulocyte–macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were analyzed via multiplex assays. Changes in relative number of circulating granulocytes and adhesion receptor (CD11b) were assessed using flow cytometry. Intramuscular IL‐8 was significantly elevated at 1H, 5H, and 48H (P < 0.001). Area under the curve analysis indicated a greater intramuscular IL‐8 content in PL than PPB (P = 0.011). Across groups, circulating G‐CSF was elevated from PRE at IP (P < 0.001), 1H (P = 0.011), and 5H (P = 0.025), while GM‐CSF was elevated at IP (P < 0.001) and 1H (P = 0.007). Relative number of granulocytes was elevated at 1H (P < 0.001), 5H (P < 0.001), and 24H (P = 0.005, P = 0.006) in PPB and PL, respectively. Across groups, granulocyte CD11b expression was upregulated from PRE to IP (P < 0.001) and 1H (P = 0.015). Results indicated an increase in circulating CD11b on granulocytes, and IL‐8 within the muscle following intense resistance exercise. Polyphenol supplementation may attenuate the IL‐8 response, however, did not affect granulocyte percentage and adhesion molecule expression in peripheral blood following resistance exercise.
Cryptosporidium parvum infection attenuates the ex vivo propagation of murine intestinal enteroids
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Tian , Gong Ai‐Yu , Wang Yang , Chen Xiqiang , Lim Sheng‐Yau S. , Dolata Courtney E. , Chen Xian‐Ming
Published: December 2016

Cryptosporidium, a ubiquitous coccidian protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal epithelium and other mucosal surfaces, is an important opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised individuals and a common cause of diarrhea in young children in the developing countries. One of the pathological hallmarks of intestinal cryptosporidiosis is villous atrophy, which results in a shorter height of intestinal villi. Here, we investigated the effects of Cryptosporidium infection on intestinal epithelial growth, using an ex vivo model of intestinal cryptosporidiosis employing enteroids from mice. We detected infection of enteroids isolated from immunocompetent adult and neonatal mice after ex vivo exposure to Cryptosporidium sporozoites. We observed a significant inhibition of enteroid propagation following infection. Intriguingly, we identified a decreased expression level of intestinal stem cell markers in enteroids following C. parvum infection. We further measured the expression levels of several Wnt antagonists or agonists in infected enteroids, as induction of the Wnt/β‐catenin activation is a key factor for intestinal stem cell function. We detected a markedly increased level of the Dickkopf‐related protein 1 and decreased level of the Wnt family member 5a in enteroids after infection. The low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5, one of the Wnt co‐receptors, is downregulated in the infected enteroids. In addition, increased apoptotic cell death and cell senescence were observed in the infected enteroids. Our results demonstrate a significant inhibitory effect of Cryptosporidium infection on the ex vivo propagation of enteroids from mice, providing additional insights into the impact of Cryptosporidium infection on intestinal epithelial growth.
Nrf2 deficiency does not affect denervation‐induced alterations in mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kitaoka Yu , Takeda Kohei , Tamura Yuki , Fujimaki Shin , Takemasa Tohru , Hatta Hideo
Published: December 2016

Oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with age‐related and disuse‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) during muscle fiber atrophy remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined whether deficiency of Nrf2, a master regulator of antioxidant transcription, promotes denervation‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation and muscle atrophy. We found that the expression of Nrf2 and its target antioxidant genes was upregulated at 2 weeks after denervation in wild‐type (WT) mice. The response of these antioxidant genes was attenuated in Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice. Nrf2 KO mice exhibited elevated levels of 4‐hydroxynonenal in the skeletal muscle, whereas the protein levels of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex IV was declined in the denervated muscle of these mice. Increased in mitochondrial fission regulatory proteins and decreased fusion proteins in response to denervation were observed in both WT and KO mice; however, no difference was observed between the two groups. These findings suggest that Nrf2 deficiency aggravates denervation‐induced oxidative stress, but does not affect the alterations in mitochondrial morphology proteins and the loss of skeletal muscle mass.
Monitoring the Resistance of the Military Aircraft’s Fuselage
Authors: Gębura Andrzej , Mach-Cygankiewicz Aurelia
Published: December 2016

The article includes the description of the measurements of the military aircraft’s fuselage resistance, conducted for the purpose of identifying corroded spots in the fuselage’s mechanical connections’ structure. Considerations regarding the errors in measuring the single connections of the airframe’s mechanical element pairs and the entire structure of such connections in an actual aircraft are also presented. The paper includes the proposal of the superposition method for locating the mechanical connection pairs with improved electrical resistance. Simultaneously, for the purpose of forecasting the time of exploitation of the selected (most endangered) fuselage mechanical connections pairs, the article proposes conducting (in laboratory conditions) of the accelerated ageing process and converting the results to real-time using the Arrhenius method.
On a Linear Cryptanalysis of a Family of Modified DES Ciphers with Even Weight S-Boxes
Authors: Borissov Yuri , Boyvalenkov Peter , Tsenkov Robert
Published: December 2016

We investigate the effect of inserting extra linearity in the Data Encryption Standard (DES) through appropriate nonsingular linear encodings of the output of the individual S-boxes. More specifically, we examine the general situation when the output of each S-box of the DESis precoded separately intoaproperly constructed copy of the inherent even-weight code of length 4. The study is focused on finding multi-round linear characteristics for thus modified DESciphers having maximal effectiveness. Depending on the particular encodings, it turns out that the effectiveness of interest may be larger but in most cases is smaller than that one for the original DESwith the same number of rounds. The latter means that the complexity of successful linear cryptanalysis against these ciphers will mainly increase comparing to the DESitself. The present research extends inanatural way our previous work[Linear Cryptanalysis and Modified DESwith Parity Check in the S-boxes, LNCS 9540 (2016), pp. 60-78].
Learning a Class-Specific Dictionary for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Zhang Shiqing , Zhang Gang , Cui Yueli , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: December 2016

Sparse coding is currently an active topic in signal processing and pattern recognition. Meta Face Learning (MFL) isatypical sparse coding method and exhibits promising performance for classification. Unfortunately, due to using the l1-norm minimization, MFLis expensive to compute and is not robust enough. To address these issues, this paper proposesafaster and more robust version of MFLwith the l2-norm regularization constraint on coding coefficients. The proposed method is used to learnaclass-specific dictionary for facial expression recognition. Extensive experiments on two popular facial expression databases, i.e., the JAFFEdatabase and the Cohn-Kanade database, demonstrate that our method shows promising computational efficiency and robustness on facial expression recognition tasks.
Development of Control Strategies and Implementation to Electrical Water Heaters for Energy Conservation
Authors: Feyzioglu Ahmet , Kar A. Kerim
Published: December 2016

Optimum design for storage type Electric Water Heaters (EWHs) was analyzed for energy conservation and maximum hot water output. Single and dual tank EWHs were compared with each other. For each comparison, data were gathered for tank volumes and power ratings ranging 100-400land 1-4 k Wrespectively. Different dual tank EWHs were designed with different control mechanisms to find which one had the optimum outcome. For these comparisons, dual tank EWHs in which the upper part of the tanks had 25%of the total volume and 75%of the total power rating were used. Afive day usage period of an EWHinatypical household was simulated on SIMULINK. To minimize this energy loss, transient analysis on FLUENTwas performed to see how long it took for the outlet water temperature. In these simulations, single and dual tank EWHs with different control mechanisms were compared with each other to find the design with minimum energy consumption and maximum hot water output. From these results the most efficient control system cost analysis was determined for minimum operating cost and minimum carbon footprint through optimized control strategies.
The smoothing methods used in assessing the influence of pollution sources on groundwater quality – a case study of metallurgical landfill in Lipówka (southern Poland)
Authors: Sołtysiak Marek , Dąbrowska Dominika
Published: December 2016

Several methods have been used to determine trends in hydrogeochemical elements. This study is concerned with the ordinary 3-period moving averages, the 3-period moving median and the exponential smoothing method. It has taken into account the chloride concentration in groundwater from the region of the landfill of the Katowice Ironworks (southern Poland). The data from two piezometers were used: T1 screened in the Triassic and Q1 screened in the Quaternary aquifers. The main aim of this article was to compare statistical methods and to choose the most appropriate method for an assessment of the impact of pollution sources on groundwater quality and determining any trends. The choice of chlorides as the analyzed indicator is connected with their chemical conservative character. They are also indicators of negative impact on groundwater of e.g. municipal, metallurgical landfill sites on groundwater. Results showed that the moving median is less sensitive to outliers than the moving average. The running median preserves sharp discontinuities in the signal but the biggest smoothing was observed in the case of exponential smoothing. All of these methods filter out the noise and transform the data into a smooth curve, which is unbiased by outliers. Application of the smoothing method allowed the generalization of the monitoring data which clearly showed trends. In the absence of reliable data for short periods, these statistical methods made it possible to fill in missing values. These methods are easier to calculate than regression models even if they ignore complex relationships in the data. Moreover, they can also be used as a component in many other indicators such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence.
Prospects for Sunflower Cultivation in the Krasnodar Region with the Use of Plant Growth Regulator
Authors: Nenko N.I. , Neshchadim N.N. , Yablonskay E.K. , Sonin K.E.
Published: December 2016

Based on the biological characteristics of sunflower, Krasnodar region is the most favorable area for high and stable yields of this crop in the Russian Federation. However, there is a manifestation of the drought in the summer time that adversely affects the productivity and quality of sunflower seeds. Increased resistance to adverse weather conditions is possible only on the basis of deep studying of the physiological features of formation of productivity and quality of seeds, which is a very urgent task The effect of plant growth regulator furolan on growth, productivity and the formation of physical and chemical indicators of quality of sunflower seeds of the P-453 varieties, the SEC and the RMS selection by VNIIMK were investigated. The treatment of vegetative plants by furolan has activated the growth and biomass accumulation in the stems, improved the photosynthetic activity of plants, leaf area increased, thereby increasing their life expectancy and productivity of photosynthesis. Increased plants productivity reduced their empty grain, increasing the geometric dimensions of the seeds and sunflower kernels, reduced seed husk content, oil content and increased oleic acid content in the oil.
Evaluation of the Surface Contamination by Cytotoxic Agents of a Chemotherapy Reconstitution Unit: From Analysing Work Practices to Preventive and Corrective Actions
Authors: Drapeau Florent , Rossard Caroline , Darricau Béatrice , Hoarau Gilles , Bouscaren Nicolas , Hoarau Luciano , Rosbicki Sabrina , Chan-Ou-Teung Françoise
Published: December 2016

Introduction:

The staff handling the cytotoxics are exposed to contamination as an occupational hazard. The unit of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (C.H.U) of Saint Pierre is ISO9001 certified. In a constant effort to improve the quality of our work, samples of the work surface were collected and allowed us, in a first step, to evaluate the contamination in a CRU in Reunion Island. As a result, corrective and preventive actions were implemented in the work routines.

Material and method:

53 samples of the work surface, collected in December 2015 and in March and April 2016 in seven different spots, were treated in this observational study. The 5-FU was chosen as example and analysed and quantified by using liquid chromatography associated with a mass spectrometer with a detection limit of 2 ng/pf.

Results:

We observed a great difference in contamination; 29 samples were positive, the isolator container was the location with the highest level of contamination, including manipulator gloves under the isolator, work surface and the inside of the isolator bin. The contamination was reduced after a first clean-up with water only.

The overwrapping bags and the manipulator gloves are only a little or not at all contaminated.

Conclusions

In order to reduce the exposure to cytotoxic residuals, corrective actions have been implemented: more frequent changes of manipulator gloves, the use of closed systems, and cleaning of the isolator with water. The efficiency of these modifications of work practices will be evaluated again in a few months.
Exercise Modification Strategies to Prevent and Train Around Shoulder Pain
Authors: Escalante Guillermo
Published: December 2016

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE RELATED TO SHOULDER PAIN IN STRENGTH ATHLETES. THE PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER INJURIES AND TYPES OF SHOULDER INJURIES SUSTAINED WILL BE REVIEWED. EXERCISES THAT MAY PREDISPOSE STRENGTH ATHLETES TO SHOULDER INJURIES AND SUGGESTIONS OF SPECIFIC EXERCISE MODIFICATIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY WILL BE DISCUSSED. FINALLY, PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SHOULDER INJURIES WILL BE ADDRESSED. FOR A VIDEO ABSTRACT DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE, SEE VIDEO, SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT 1, http://links.lww.com/SCJ/A199.
Criteria for Freeze-Thaw Resistant Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Obla Karthik H. , Kim Haejin , Lobo Colin L.
Published: December 2016

Concrete, especially for improved durability, is typically specified with prescriptive provisions. More recently there has been increasing interest in evolving towards performance-based specifications, both within state highway agencies and industry (FHWA, 2014, “Guide to Developing Performance-Related Specifications, FHWA-RD-98-155, FHWA-RD-98-156, FHWA-RD-98-171, Vol. III, Appendix C,” http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/pccp/pavespec/, last accessed July 28, 2014; ACI Committee 329, Report on Performance-Based Requirements for Concrete, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, 2010; The P2P Initiative, 2014, “National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring,” http://www.nrmca.org/p2p/, last accessed July 28, 2014). One of the challenges in successfully implementing performance-based specifications is the existence and use of reliable test methods and specification criteria that can measure the potential durability of concrete mixtures and provide the expected service life. A state pooled fund research project (TPF-5 (179), 2014, “Evaluation of Test Methods for Permeability (Transport) and Development of Performance Guidelines for Durability,” http://www.pooledfund.org/Details/Study/406, last accessed July 28, 2014) was developed with an objective to propose performance criteria for concrete that will be resistant to penetration of chlorides, cycles of freezing and thawing, and sulfate attack. This paper summarized results pertaining to freeze-thaw resistance. Concrete freeze-thaw (F-T) performance was evaluated by ASTM C666/C666M-15 (AASHTO T161-08 (Standard Method of Test for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, Part 2A: Tests, AASHTO, Washington DC, 2013)) and deicer salt scaling resistance was evaluated by ASTM C672/C672M-12. It was examined whether F-T performance of concrete correlated with results of rapid index tests for fluid transport characteristics of concrete. These tests included the rapid chloride permeability, absorption, and initial and secondary sorptivity. The impact of degree of saturation on the F-T resistance of concrete was also explored. Criteria for F-T resistant concrete mixtures depending on type of exposure were suggested.
Using Low-Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry to Quantify Calcium Oxychloride Formation for Cementitious Materials in the Presence of Calcium Chloride
Authors: Monical J. , Villani C. , Farnam Y. , Unal E. , Weiss W. J.
Published: December 2016

Whereas many concrete pavements have exhibited service lives of 30 to 50 years, a portion of these pavements in regions that are exposed to snow, ice, and salt have shown premature distress at the joints. This distress has been observed to occur between 5 and 20 years and requires extensive repair of an otherwise well-functioning pavement. Although there are several potential mechanisms that can lead to this deterioration, a reaction can occur between calcium chloride coming from deicing salt (CaCl2) and the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and/or calcium hydroxide (CH) in the cementitious matrix. This paper describes the development of a test method that can be used to evaluate the potential for a cementitious binder to react with the calcium chloride deicing salts to form calcium oxychloride (the reaction between CaCl2 and CH). The test method enables the quantity of calcium oxychloride to be determined for each binder system. The results indicate that the amount of calcium oxychloride can be reduced with the replacement of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag, silica fume, etc.). It is anticipated that the proposed test method could be used to better understand the role of binder chemistry on the calcium oxide formation and to optimize the binder composition to reduce the calcium chloride formation to an acceptable level and ultimately reduce the risk for deterioration.
Evaluation of Soil State Variation using Bender Elements Within Centrifuge Models
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Cho Hyung-Ik , Park Heon-Joon , Kim Dong-Soo
Published: December 2016

In centrifuge modelling, in-flight soil conditions can vary horizontally depending on the location, i.e., from the center of model to a point close to the rigid wall. Moreover, loading history and earthquake shaking events affecting the particle contact force can influence the in-flight soil conditions. For reliable centrifuge modelling, therefore, it is important to evaluate the in-flight soil properties in a soil model at specific locations before target experiments are performed. A series of centrifuge model tests were undertaken on a uniform dry sand to investigate the in-flight soil parameters by measuring shear wave velocity (Vs) via bender elements (BE), as the Vs of the soil is directly related with soil properties. Three plausible conditions likely to influence the soil parameters were discussed in this paper: (i) boundary condition (location from the container boundary), (ii) load history (sequence of spinning up and down in the centrifuge), and (iii) earthquake shaking events. The Vs measured in the centrifuge was verified through comparison with resonant column (RC) test results. The results showed that the Vs is different in horizontal plane with locations within the model as well as with different loading events. The results also confirmed that the evaluation of in-flight soil properties before performing the test is important for interpreting the soil behavior accurately.
Piezoresistive Characterization of Polyethylene Terephthalate–Graphite Composite
Authors: Zhang X. , Yao Z. , Ge Z. , Yao K. , Tao R. , Yu T. , Han J.
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the mechanical properties as well as electrical resistivity and piezoresistivity of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–graphite composite. The effects of graphite content, loading type, and loading rate on the performance of PET–graphite composite were investigated. Test results showed that the compressive and flexural strengths of the composite decreased rapidly as the graphite content was beyond 12 %. The electrical resistivity of the composite decreased from 3.5 × 108 Ω · cm to 2.2 × 103 Ω · cm as the graphite contents increased from 8 % to 12 %. The graphite content for the conductive percolation threshold of the PET–graphite composite was determined to be 13 %. The PET–graphite composite was sensitive to low compressive stress. When the compressive stress reached 0.7 MPa, the fractional change in the resistivity could reach 10.5 %. The piezoresistivity of the PET–graphite composite was significantly influenced by the loading rates. The field test indicated that the composite was able to detect the traffic effectively.
Transmuted Kumaraswamy-G Family of Distributions for Modelling Reliability Data
Authors: Khan M. S. , King R. , Hudson I. L.
Published: December 2016

This research introduced the new class of distributions, called the transmuted Kumaraswamy (TKw) G family for modelling life testing problems. The new extended family is obtained by using the quadratic rank transmutation map method, which possesses a bathtub shape for its hazard rate. Some special models in the new family are discussed. We studied some mathematical properties of the new family, including the ordinary moments, moment generating functions, probability weighted moment, quantile function, and formulated the pdf of rth order statistics. The TKw G-distribution parameters are estimated using the method of maximum likelihood. We illustrate the potentiality of the new family with two applications to the failure and service times of Aircraft windshield data.
Preparation and Properties Research of Modified Silicone Resin
Authors: Wu Z. , Shen L. Y. , Tong W. , Xia F. , Zhang Y. Q.
Published: December 2016

In this study, a kind of silicone/epoxy(EP) composite resins was prepared in the way that the silicone resin was modified by the epoxy resin. The effects of epoxy with different % on the properties of composite resin were investigated. The infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), atomic force microscope (AFM), and contact angle tester were used to investigate the surface morphology and the internal micro-structure, the glass transition temperature (Tg), and the relationship between contact angle and hydrophobicity of the silicone resin before and after modification were studied. The result showed a good micro-compatibility between the silicone resin and the epoxy resin. The roughness of the fracture surface of the films and the contact angle were increased with the increase of the epoxy percentage in a certain range.
Effect of Cenosphere Size and Volume Fraction on the Microstructure and Deformation Behavior of Ti-Cenosphere Syntactic Foam Made Through Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Pandey S. , Venkat A. N. C. , Mondal D. P. , Majumdar J. D. , Jha A. K. , Rao H. , Kumar H.
Published: December 2016

An attempt was made for making Titanium–cenosphere metal syntactic foams with varying relative densities, using different cenosphere sizes and volume fractions. Cold compaction of Ti and cenosphere powder mix was carried out at a pressure of 75 MPa, followed by sintering at 1100°C for 2 h. The sintered foam samples were characterized in terms of microstructure, primarily to observe the extent of cenosphere crushing, distribution of cenosphere, and extent of sintering. Uniform distribution of cenosphere with some extent of cenosphere crushing has been observed within the Ti matrix. XRD and EDX analysis confirms the oxidation of Ti particles to a small extent and also the entrapment of crushed cenosphere shells within the matrix, which makes the foam stronger but brittle in nature. The plateau stress, energy absorption, and modulus of these foams vary with the cenosphere size and volume fraction. Foams made with finer size cenosphere exhibits higher plateau stress and higher energy absorption for a fixed cenosphere volume fraction and at a constant foam density. Crushing of cenosphere, while compaction causes an increased density of the foam as compared to the theoretical value. As a consequence, the foam with higher cenosphere volume fraction or with coarser cenosphere size exhibited marginally higher strength and energy absorption. The variation in deformation mechanism as a function of cenosphere size and volume fraction was examined. These foams exhibited considerably higher strength and stiffness than the conventional foam and demonstrate the possibility of using them for biomedical and engineering applications.
Global Analysis of Protein Expression of Inner Ear Hair Cells
Authors: Hickox Ann E. , Wong Ann C.Y. , Pak Kwang , Strojny Chelsee , Ramirez Miguel , Yates John R. , Ryan Allen F. , Savas Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2016

The mammalian inner ear (IE) subserves auditory and vestibular sensations via highly specialized cells and proteins. Sensory receptor hair cells (HCs) are necessary for transducing mechanical inputs and stimulating sensory neurons by using a host of known and as yet unknown protein machinery. To understand the protein composition of these unique postmitotic cells, in which irreversible protein degradation or damage can lead to impaired hearing and balance, we analyzed IE samples by tandem mass spectrometry to generate an unbiased, shotgun-proteomics view of protein identities and abundances. By using Pou4f3/eGFP-transgenic mice in which HCs express GFP driven byPou4f3, we FACS purified a population of HCs to analyze and compare the HC proteome with other IE subproteomes from sensory epithelia and whole IE. We show that the mammalian HC proteome comprises hundreds of uniquely or highly expressed proteins. Our global proteomic analysis of purified HCs extends the existing HC transcriptome, revealing previously undetected gene products and isoform-specific protein expression. Comparison of our proteomic data with mouse and human databases of genetic auditory/vestibular impairments confirms the critical role of the HC proteome for normal IE function, providing a cell-specific pool of candidates for novel, important HC genes. Several proteins identified exclusively in HCs by proteomics and verified by immunohistochemistry map to human genetic deafness loci, potentially representing new deafness genes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHearing and balance rely on specialized sensory hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear (IE) to convey information about sound, acceleration, and orientation to the brain. Genetically and environmentally induced perturbations to HC proteins can result in deafness and severe imbalance. We used transgenic mice with GFP-expressing HCs, coupled with FACS sorting and tandem mass spectrometry, to define the most complete HC and IE proteome to date. We show that hundreds of proteins are uniquely identified or enriched in HCs, extending previous gene expression analyses to reveal novel HC proteins and isoforms. Importantly, deafness-linked proteins were significantly enriched in HCs, suggesting that this in-depth proteomic analysis of IE sensory cells may hold potential for deafness gene discovery.
Coupled fixed point theorems for weakly compatible mappings along with $CLR$ property in Menger metric spaces
Authors: Ben Aoua L. , Aliouche A.
Published: December 2016

Coupled fixed point problems have attracted much attention in recent times. The aim of this paper is to extend the notions of E.A. property, CLR property and JCLR property for coupled mappings in Menger metric space and use this notions to generalizes the recent results of Jian-Zhong Xiao. The main result is supported by a suitable example.
Pointwise stabilization of the Poisson integral for the diffusion type equations with inertia
Authors: Malytska H.P. , Burtnyak I.V.
Published: December 2016

In this paper we consider the pointwise stabilization of the Poisson integral for the diffusion type equations with inertia in the case of finite number of parabolic degeneracy groups. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions of this stabilization for a class of bounded measurable initial functions.
On generalized complex space forms satisfying certain curvature conditions
Authors: Praveena M.M. , Bagewadi C.S.
Published: December 2016

We study Ricci soliton $(g,V,\lambda)$ of generalized complex space forms when the Riemannian, Bochner and $W_{2}$ curvature tensors satisfy certain curvature conditions like semi-symmetric, Einstein semi-symmetric, Ricci pseudo symmetric and Ricci generalized pseudo symmetric. In this study it is shown that shrinking, steady and expansion of the generalized complex space forms depends on the solenoidal property of vector $V$. Also we prove that generalized complex space form with conservative Bochner curvature tensor is constant scalar curvature.
Untypeable hepatitis C virus subtypes in Pakistan: A neglected section
Authors: Khan Abdul Waheed , Nasim Zeeshan , Zahir Fazli , Ali Shahid , Ali Abid , Iqbal Aqib , Munir Iqbal
Published: December 2016

Diagnostically untypeable subtypes contribute a considerable percent of hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes in Pakistan. In the present study, chronically infected HCV patients with known viremia were subjected to HCV genotyping. Among the total retrieved samples, 92.7% (64/69) were found typeable while 7.24% (5/69) were diagnostically untypeable. In conclusion, the presence of large number of untypeable HCV subtypes emphasizes the need of an updated type-specific genotyping assay and consideration of primers for proportionally rare subtypes to minimize the number of untypeable HCV subtypes.
New and noteworthy snake species records (Colubridae and Dipsadidae) for the Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, eastern Paraguay
Authors: Atkinson Karina , Smith Paul , Sarvary Joseph , Matthews Alexander
Published: December 2016

We update a species list of reptile diversity at the Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, with four additional species of snakes, Drymarchon corais Boie, 1827, Dipsas cisticeps (Boettger, 1885), Oxyrhopus rhombifer rhombifer Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, and Phimophis guerini (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854). This additional data qualifies San Pedro department as the most diverse department in Paraguay for reptiles. We build upon the already strong case for the reserve, which had its official protection lapse after five years, to be redeclared as a protected area and recognised as an “Important Area for the Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles”.
A new genus and species of maimetshid wasps in Lebanese Early Cretaceous amber (Hymenoptera: Maimetshidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: December 2016

An interesting new maimetshid wasp is described and figured from the Early Cretaceous of Lebanon.  Zorophratra corynetes Engel, new genus and species, differs in several important features from all other Maimetshidae and is classified within its own subfamily, Zorophratrinae Engel, new subfamily.  A revised key to the genera of the family is provided, and attempts to incorporate all of those taxa known only as compression fossils.  The genera of the family are organized into a revised classification, with the tribe Ahiromaimetshini Engel, new tribe, newly recognized within Maimetshinae, and the genus Turgonaliscus Engel, new genus, described for Turgonalus cooperi Rasnitsyn & Jarzembowski (resulting in Turgonaliscus cooperi, new combination).
Análise ambiental da microbacia do Córrego Água da Onça com a utilização de geoprocessamento no município de Avaré/SP
Authors: Ferreira Nádia Horiye , Ferreira Cláudio Augusto Bonora Vidrih , Piroli Edson Luís
Published: December 2016

O presente estudo abrange o levantamento dos aspectos físicos, morfométricos, de uso e cobertura da terra e conflitos de usos em APP da microbacia do córrego Água da Onça, município de Avaré. O córrego Água da Onça e o Ribeirão do Lajeado são importantes mananciais, responsáveis por 33% do abastecimento público de água do município. Contudo, a presença de cuestas basálticas e da APA-Área de Preservação Ambiental Corumbataí Botucatu Tejupá, na porção sul de Avaré, direcionam as políticas de habitação e o vetor de crescimento urbano às regiões oeste e noroeste, onde já são perceptíveis os impactos das ações humanas sobre o ambiente. Na microbacia do córrego Água da Onça, a atual expansão urbana sobre suas cabeceiras ameaça a integridade dos recursos hídricos ali existentes. Tal fato evidencia a importância da aplicação de tecnologias de geoprocessamento que subsidiem o planejamento ambiental e a criação de políticas públicas capazes de assegurar um adequado ordenamento territorial. Considerando a microbacia como unidade de planejamento e gestão, os resultados deste estudo demonstram que esta microbacia possui alta a moderada susceptibilidade a enchentes. Quanto ao uso e cobertura da terra há predominância de atividades agrícolas como o cultivo da cana-de-açúcar e a silvicultura. Apesar de alta representatividade, em porcentagem, de vegetação nativa em APP, constata-se a existência de conflitos de uso nestas áreas. O levantamento dos dados secundários e as análises realizadas permitem concluir que a microbacia do Córrego Água da Onça necessita de um emergencial Plano de Manejo. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Microbacia. Análise Ambiental. Geoprocessamento.
O Aproveitamento de Resíduos de Madeira para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável
Authors: Donato Cláudio José , Takenaka Edilene Mayumi Murashita
Published: December 2016

O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi ressaltar a importância do uso de briquetes de resíduos de madeira como alternativa ao uso do carvão vegetal e também como instrumento de obtenção de vantagens sociais, econômicas e ambientais. Para a realização desta investigação científica foi adotada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, a partir do levantamento e análise sobre o aproveitamento de resíduos de madeira para o desenvolvimento sustentável. O presente estudo concluiu que o baixo custo e importância do uso da briquetagem como medida de produção sustentável, é uma alternativa viável para a produção de energia levando-se em consideração as questões sócio-econômicas e ambientais.                   Palavras-chaves: Resíduos. Madeira. Desenvolvimento sustentável.
O estudo da evolução da acessibilidade e mobilidade enquanto fator fundamental de inclusão no processo de urbanização contemporâneo
Authors: Souza Josimar dos Reis de , Melo Cristiane Aparecida Silva Moura de
Published: December 2016

O presente trabalho objetiva analisar a evolução da acessibilidade e mobilidade no processo de urbanização provocou uma serie de modificações espaciais e no modo de vida das pessoas que habitavam no campo e com o processo de urbanização passaram a migrar para as cidades a fim de buscar melhor qualidade de vida. No âmbito mundial e Brasil as pessoas com mobilidade reduzida ou deficientes ficavam reclusas devido a sua condição física e capacidade mental, mas que com o decorrer do tempo a partir da década de 1980 após uma série de reivindicações surgem documentos que asseguram a elas o direito de ir e vir e os direitos universais para todos os seres humanos como propõe a Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos. Em nível mundial foi criado o desenho universal que objetiva uma padronização de construções para todas as localidades. No Brasil a lei de acessibilidade foi criada no ano de 2000 enquanto a de mobilidade em 2012. Assim o trabalho faz uma analise teórica sobre o tema e uma analise do mesmo na cidade de Uberlândia. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Urbanização. Acessibilidade. Mobilidade.
Demanda química de oxigênio e oxigênio dissolvido como parâmetros de poluição no Rio Tietê, em Barra Bonita e Igaraçú do Tietê – SP
Authors: Oliveira Laudicéia Alves De , Graciani Fernanda Silva , Garcia Ronaldo Francisco
Published: December 2016

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O papel da comunicação organizacional nas agroindústrias: fortalecimento da imagem de responsabilidade socioambiental
Authors: Kakihara Thaís Priscila Souza , Bernardo Cristiane Hengler Corrêa , Bernardo Roberto
Published: December 2016

Analisar como a comunicação está sendo utilizada pelas agroindústrias da região da Alta Paulista para divulgar as ações de responsabilidade socioambiental para o fortalecimento da imagem organizacional é o objetivo deste artigo. Para coleta de dados realizou pesquisa de campo, com aplicação de formulários, junto a 59 agroindústrias da região da Nova Alta Paulista. Entre as respostas coletadas percebe-se uma falta de conhecimento evidente sobre o que é comunicação organizacional e, muitas vezes, esta é identificada apenas como publicidade. A falta de entendimento da importância das divulgações na região da Alta Paulista remete a falta de valor que se dá às próprias ações de responsabilidade socioambiental. As agroindústrias da região analisada ainda não enxergam nessas ações o potencial instrumento de fortalecimento da imagem que pode ser promovido com essas ações e, principalmente, com a eficácia da sua divulgação. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: responsabilidade socioambiental. comunicação organizacional. Imagem organizacional.
Melhoria da Qualidade da Água no Estado de Santa
Authors: Gomes Gilmar de Almeida , Jesus Naraiana Bovenschulte de , Franchini Carolina
Published: December 2016

O Estado de Santa Catarina tem como característica elevada população rural, onde os recursos hídricos estão sofrendo várias formas de contaminação, podendo gerar impactos tanto nas águas subterrâneas como nas superficiais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da água do perímetro rural de cidades da região Oeste, com enfoque maior em Pinhalzinho, Meio Oeste e Norte catarinense. Foram feitas análises microbiológicas (coliformes totais e termotolerantes) e físico-químicas (cloreto, pH e sólidos totais) segundo métodos propostos pela FUNASA (Fundação Nacional da Saúde). Os resultados mostram que todas as águas possuem algum parâmetro fora dos padrões estabelecidos pelo CONAMA (Conselho Nacional de Meio Ambiente): na região Meio Oeste o teor de sólidos totais apresentou-se acima do padrão estabelecido na cidade 9 e na região Norte as cidades 1 e 6 apresentaram valores de pH abaixo do estabelecido por esta legislação. Os coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram detectados em todas as regiões analisadas. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Perímetro rural. Qualidade da água. Meio ambiente.
Metodologia para investigação dos impactos da incorporação do sistema de aquecimento solar de água em conjunto habitacional no município de Tupã
Authors: Braga Waleska Reali de Oliveira , Gabriel Camila Pires Cremasco , Mozena Ana Laura Klaic
Published: December 2016

O Brasil vem apoiando iniciativas de melhoria no uso final de energia elétrica desde 1985 com a criação do Programa de Conservação de Energia Elétrica – PROCEL, a Lei nº 9991 de 2011 criou o Fundo Setorial CT-ENERG e dispõe sobre os investimentos das concessionárias em Eficiência Energética no Uso Final e em Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento.                   Este trabalho propõe uma investigação sobre a implantação de sistema de aquecimento solar de água, como parte de uma política pública voltada a eficiência energética em Habitação de Interesse Social devido a Lei 9991, no município de Tupã, sob o ponto de vista da sustentabilidade e da tecnologia adotada. Para isto foi adotado método o estudo de caso, e este artigo visa apenas definir os padrões e questionamentos necessários para determinação dos aspectos e impactos de utilização destes sistemas nestes conjuntos habitacionais instalados no município de Tupã. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: aquecedor solar, politicas publicas, questionários fechados e abertos, estatística descritiva dos dados
Aproveitamento de agregados regionais da jazida de prospecção às margens do rio Paraná
Authors: Fazzan João Victor , Pereira Adriana Maria , Silva Wilson José da
Published: December 2016

A exaustão prematura de algumas jazidas tem se tornado algo cada vez mais inevitável no Brasil e no mundo, colocando em risco a disponibilidade de agregados para a produção de concretos e argamassas da construção civil. Entretanto, atualmente tem se buscado medidas que possam evitar a falta de disponibilidade dos materiais responsáveis pelo empacotamento e pela garantia de resistência mecânica em compósitos cimentícios, dentre eles investimentos em novas jazidas, bem como a redução do consumo de materiais por meio da utilização de materiais alternativos oriundos da reciclagem e substituição. Neste contexto, a pesquisa visa o estudo de um agregado disponível comercialmente e economicamente no município de Presidente Epitácio-SP, conhecido popularmente como “Areião”, sendo que o material tem sido empregado em concretos para fins estruturais em diversas obras de pequeno vulto. Foram produzidos corpos de prova de concreto adicionados de “Areião”, sendo realizados os ensaios de Abatimento do Tronco de Cone (Slump Test), Absorção de Água e Resistência Mecânica à Compressão Axial. A dosagem racional obtida foi comparada com a dosagem empírica utilizada nas obras de pequeno vulto da região, por meio da proporção de agregados, consumo de água e de cimento. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o grau de empacotamento dos agregados e alterações no consumo de cimento e de água tem influência direta nas propriedades mecânicas de concretos estruturais, de modo que os dados obtidos poderão contribuir para a garantia dos requisitos de desempenho das estruturas edificadas na região de Presidente Epitácio-SP. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Agregados. Jazidas. “Areião”.