bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sport and Art: Differences and Theatrical Similarities
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: November 2014

A certain tradition of philosophical considerations on the interrelation between sport and art has already been established. According to Tim L. Elcombe (Elcombe, 2012, p. 201), such considerations on the subject first appeared in English-language literature in the 1970s and 1980s, and were fruitful. Usually, they appear together with questions on the aesthetic properties of sport - in this case, a special issue of the Journal of the Philosophy of Sport dedicated to ―Sport and Aesthetics‖ (2012, vol. 39, no. 2), and an excellent postdoctoral dissertation by Jakub Mosz entitled ―Estetyczne aspekty uczestnictwa w sporcie‖ (English: Aesthetic aspects of participation in sports) may serve as good examples. In his article (Elcombe, 2012), Tim L. Elcombe describes the contention and briefly characterizes the main differences between the two opposing viewpoints (Elcombe, 2012, pp. 202-204). It should be noted that he sympathizes with the view of David Best, who some years ago argued that sport is not art (1988, pp. 527-539). He believes that ―although art could use sport as a subject, art could not be the subject of sport‖ (Elcombe, 2012, p. 202). I would like to make that statement more specific by adding that its second part suggests that the display of artistic values cannot be the fundamental purpose of sport. I shall expand on that later. Best's viewpoint was criticized by Jan Boxil (1988), Spencer Wertz (1988), and Terry Roberts (1995), who believed that sport could be treated as art. Christopher Cordner (1995a; 1995b) and Joseph Kupfer (1988) also challenged Best, although they did not entirely disagree with him (see: Elcombe, 2012, pp. 202-204). Because literature on the subject published in English presents diversified statements on the interrelation between sport and art, and the circle of people engaged in the matters of physical culture in Poland is still in favor of equating sport with art, I have decided to present my own stance on that matter.
A performance profile of dairying in Bangladesh - programs, policies and way forwards
Authors: Huque KS
Published: November 2014

A national dairy performance profile is developed and described in this article reviewing the performance of the smallholder dairy production system, its backward and forward supports and existing development programs and policies; and based on the analyses further way forwards are described concisely. Inclusion of quality genes over the past decades of crossbreeding resulted in crossbred cows of about 47% with an average lactation yield of 1838 litre in 266 days, while the similar performance of a local cow is 619 litre in 230 days, respectively. Further, population increase of crossbred cows may increase milk production horizontally at the expense of genetic dilution. Nevertheless, a common plane of nutrition with the availability of 54.7 and 22.5% of annual requirement of metabolizable energy and digestible crude protein, respectively, may not uphold vertical improvement of dairying in Bangladesh. Local buffaloes, on the other hand, having only 635 litre lactation yield in 227 days share only 2.29% of the total liquid milk production, and unlocking potentials of dairy Buffaloes may boost milk production further. Creation of an enabling environment for multiplication of private dairy feed  industry and community fodder production system; policy support to private entrepreneurs remain active in dairy marketing; reviewing and revising of present domestic support to dairy; establishment of easy credit and capital support to rural dairy farmers; strengthening of coordinated backward services of the public and private sector; capacity strengthening for dairy extension, research and education and human resource development are the way forwards for expediting the dairy industry in the country. An important and effective support to dairy would be capacity strengthening through establishing an autonomous organization for an enhanced coordinated support to both public and private sector with a clear authoritative mandate for setting policy priorities, institutional structures, priorities for research and extension and appropriation of adequate financial resources. Considering all the above suggestions an action plan may be formulated to meet the growing demand of milk in the present changing and challenging socio-economic condition of the country.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20662 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 81-103
Effects of aqueous extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves as growth promoter and anti-colibacillosis in broilers
Authors: Sarker SK , Mostofa M , Akter F , Rahman MM , Sultana MR
Published: November 2014

The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of aqueous extract of Neem leaves against colibacillosis and as a growth promoter in broilers. A total of 40 commercial day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups; viz. A, B, C and D. Group A was kept as non-treated control, Group B  and C was treated with 1% Neem leaves in drinking water for six weeks,  and colibacillosis was induced at 2nd week in group C and  D. In group D, Neem leaves treatment continued from 2nd to 6th week after the colibacillosis induction to compare its antibacterial efficacy to prophylactic effect. Escherichia coli induction rate was 200µl per bird where 1 ml contains approximately 1X106 CFU (Colony Forming Unit). Data were recorded for live body weight, weekly gain in weight and hematological parameters of birds for six weeks. Clinical examination and antibacterial sensitivity studies  suggests administration of aqueous extract of Neem leaves significantly (p<0.001) improved body weight gain in the Neem treated groups but did not prevent E. coli induced colibacillosis in broilers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20715 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 138-141
Patient Attitudes and Beliefs and Provider Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Minya, Egypt
Authors: Kandeel Amr , El-Shoubary Waleed , Hicks Lauri , Fattah Mohamed , Dooling Kathleen , Lohiniva Anna , Ragab Omnia , Galal Ramy , Talaat Maha
Published: November 2014

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community is one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to explore the physician prescribing pattern of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients regarding antibiotic use for ARIs. The study was conducted in Upper Egypt and used quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Eligible patients exiting outpatient clinics with ARIs were invited to participate in the study. A qualitative study was conducted through 20 focus group discussions. Out of 350 encounters for patients with various ARIs, 292 (83%) had been prescribed at least one antibiotic. Factors significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing for adults included patient preference that an antibiotic be prescribed. For children younger than 18, presentation with fever, cough, loss of appetite, and sore throat, along with the caregiver’s antibiotic preference, were associated with an antibiotic prescription. Several misconceptions regarding antibiotic use among community members were stated, such as the strong belief of the curing and prophylactic power of antibiotics for the common cold. Interventions to promote proper antibiotic use for ARIs need to be piloted, targeting both physicians and the public. Educational programs for physicians and campaigns to raise public awareness regarding proper antibiotic use for ARIs need to be developed.
The Yang-Baxter Equation, (Quantum) Computers and Unifying Theories
Authors: Iordanescu Radu , Nichita Florin , Nichita Ion
Published: November 2014

Quantum mechanics has had an important influence on building computers;nowadays, quantum mechanics principles are used for the processing and transmission ofinformation. The Yang-Baxter equation is related to the universal gates from quantumcomputing and it realizes a unification of certain non-associative structures. Unifyingstructures could be seen as structures which comprise the information contained in other(algebraic) structures. Recently, we gave the axioms of a structure which unifies associativealgebras, Lie algebras and Jordan algebras. Our paper is a review and a continuation of thatapproach. It also contains several geometric considerations.
A Simplified Algorithm for Inverting Higher Order Diffusion Tensors
Authors: Astola Laura , Sepasian Neda , Haije Tom , Fuster Andrea , Florack Luc
Published: November 2014

In Riemannian geometry, a distance function is determined by an inner product on the tangent space. In Riemann–Finsler geometry, this distance function can be determined by a norm. This gives more freedom on the form of the so-called indicatrix or the set of unit vectors. This has some interesting applications, e.g., in medical image analysis, especially in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). An important application of DWI is in the inference of the local architecture of the tissue, typically consisting of thin elongated structures, such as axons or muscle fibers, by measuring the constrained diffusion of water within the tissue. From high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) data, one can estimate the diffusion orientation distribution function (dODF), which indicates the relative diffusivity in all directions and can be represented by a spherical polynomial. We express this dODF as an equivalent spherical monomial (higher order tensor) to directly generalize the (second order) diffusion tensor approach. To enable efficient computation of Riemann–Finslerian quantities on diffusion weighted (DW)-images, such as the metric/norm tensor, we present a simple and efficient algorithm to invert even order spherical monomials, which extends the familiar inversion of diffusion tensors, i.e., symmetric matrices.
Integrative Therapy Use for Management of Side Effects and Toxicities Experienced by Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Jacobs Shana
Published: November 2014

Integrative Therapies (IT), otherwise known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine, are widely used among pediatric oncology patients, despite a paucity of available evidence. This review summarizes surveys that describe the prevalence of IT use by pediatric oncology patients, both during therapy and in survivorship, as well as the modalities being used. Additionally, the evidence that exists for specific treatments that appear to be efficacious in controlling specific symptoms is described. Finally, there are recommendations for practitioners on how to best counsel patients about IT use.
Design Optimization of Heat Wheels for Energy Recovery in HVAC Systems
Authors: De Antonellis Stefano , Intini Manuel , Joppolo Cesare , Leone Calogero
Published: November 2014

Air to air heat exchangers play a crucial role in mechanical ventilation equipment, due to the potential primary energy savings both in case of refurbishment of existing buildings or in case of new ones. In particular, interest in heat wheels is increasing due to their low pressure drop and high effectiveness. In this paper a detailed optimization of design parameters of heat wheels is performed in order to maximize sensible effectiveness and to minimize pressure drop. The analysis is carried out through a one dimensional lumped parameters heat wheel model, which solves heat and mass transfer equations, and through appropriate correlations to estimate pressure drop. Simulation results have been compared with experimental data of a heat wheel tested in specific facilities, and good agreement is attained. The device optimization is performed through the variation of main design parameters, such as heat wheel length, channel base, height and thickness and for different operating conditions, namely the air face velocity and the revolution speed. It is shown that the best configurations are achieved with small channel thickness and, depending on the required sensible effectiveness, with appropriate values of wheel length and channel base and height.
The Differential Effects of the Blue-Stain Fungus Leptographium qinlingensis on Monoterpenes and Sesquiterpenes in the Stem of Chinese White Pine (Pinus armandi) Saplings
Authors: Pham Thanh , Chen Hui , Yu Jiamin , Dai Lulu , Zhang Ranran , Vu Thi
Published: November 2014

When conifers such as Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi Fr.) are attacked by insects or pathogens, they respond by increasing their content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. In this study, we determined the effects of the blue-stain fungus Leptographium qinlingensis Tang and Chen on monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the phloem and xylem of the stem of P. armandi saplings. We found that the total monoterpene concentrations in the phloem and xylem of the stem and the total sesquiterpene concentrations in the xylem of the stem were significantly higher in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in control (mechanically wounded) saplings or untreated saplings. Additionally, the proportions of β-pinene in the xylem of the stem and limonene + β-phellandrene in the phloem and xylem of the stem were significantly higher in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in both control and untreated saplings. The proportions of individual sesquiterpenes in the phloem and xylem of the stem were significantly greater in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in untreated saplings. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that increases in total monoterpene and sesquiterpene concentrations, as well as increases in the concentrations of β-pinene and limonene + β-phellandrene, may play an important defensive role against blue-stain fungus L. qinlingensis inoculation.
Comparing Multipollutant Emissions-Based Mobile Source Indicators to Other Single Pollutant and Multipollutant Indicators in Different Urban Areas
Authors: Oakes Michelle , Baxter Lisa , Duvall Rachelle , Madden Meagan , Xie Mingjie , Hannigan Michael , Peel Jennifer , Pachon Jorge , Balachandran Siv , Russell Armistead , Long Thomas
Published: November 2014

A variety of single pollutant and multipollutant metrics can be used to represent exposure to traffic pollutant mixtures and evaluate their health effects. Integrated mobile source indicators (IMSIs) that combine air quality concentration and emissions data have recently been developed and evaluated using data from Atlanta, Georgia. IMSIs were found to track trends in traffic-related pollutants and have similar or stronger associations with health outcomes. In the current work, we apply IMSIs for gasoline, diesel and total (gasoline + diesel) vehicles to two other cities (Denver, Colorado and Houston, Texas) with different emissions profiles as well as to a different dataset from Atlanta. We compare spatial and temporal variability of IMSIs to single-pollutant indicators (carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and elemental carbon (EC)) and multipollutant source apportionment factors produced by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Across cities, PMF-derived and IMSI gasoline metrics were most strongly correlated with CO (r = 0.31–0.98), while multipollutant diesel metrics were most strongly correlated with EC (r = 0.80–0.98). NOx correlations with PMF factors varied across cities (r = 0.29–0.67), while correlations with IMSIs were relatively consistent (r = 0.61–0.94). In general, single-pollutant metrics were more correlated with IMSIs (r = 0.58–0.98) than with PMF-derived factors (r = 0.07–0.99). A spatial analysis indicated that IMSIs were more strongly correlated (r > 0.7) between two sites in each city than single pollutant and PMF factors. These findings provide confidence that IMSIs provide a transferable, simple approach to estimate mobile source air pollution in cities with differing topography and source profiles using readily available data.
Isolation and Multiple Differentiation Potential Assessment of Human Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhao Guizhi , Li Dongxia , Chen Xin , Pang Jianliang , Ke Jie
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to isolate human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the gingiva (GMSCs) and confirm their multiple differentiation potentials, including the odontogenic lineage. GMSCs, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and dermal stem cells (DSCs) cultures were analyzed for cell shape, cell cycle, colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) and stem cell markers. Cells were then induced for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and analyzed for differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization nodule formation and Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I expressions for the osteogenic differentiation, and lipid vacuole formation and PPARγ-2 expression for the adipogenic differentiation). Besides, the odontogenic differentiation potential of GMSCs induced with embryonic tooth germ cell-conditioned medium (ETGC-CM) was observed. GMSCs, PDLSCs and DSCs were all stromal origin. PDLSCs showed much higher osteogenic differentiation ability but lower adipogenic differentiation potential than DSCs. GMSCs showed the medial osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials between those of PDLSCs and DSCs. GMSCs were capable of expressing the odontogenic genes after ETGC-CM induction. This study provides evidence that GMSCs can be used in tissue engineering/regeneration protocols as an approachable stem cell source.
Effects of Melatonin on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Sheep Granulosa Cells under Thermal Stress
Authors: Fu Yao , He Chang-Jiu , Ji Peng-Yun , Zhuo Zhi-Yong , Tian Xiu-Zhi , Wang Feng , Tan Dun-Xian , Liu Guo-Shi
Published: November 2014

The cross-talk between oocyte and somatic cells plays a crucial role in the regulation of follicular development and oocyte maturation. As a result, granulosa cell apoptosis causes follicular atresia. In this study, sheep granulosa cells were cultured under thermal stress to induce apoptosis, and melatonin (MT) was examined to evaluate its potential effects on heat-induced granulosa cell injury. The results demonstrated that the Colony Forming Efficiency (CFE) of granulosa cells was significantly decreased (heat 19.70% ± 1.29% vs. control 26.96% ± 1.81%, p < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased (heat 56.16% ± 13.95% vs. control 22.80% ± 12.16%, p < 0.05) in granulosa cells with thermal stress compared with the control group. Melatonin (10−7 M) remarkably reduced the negative effects caused by thermal stress in the granulosa cells. This reduction was indicated by the improved CFE and decreased apoptotic rate of these cells. The beneficial effects of melatonin on thermal stressed granulosa cells were not inhibited by its membrane receptor antagonist luzindole. A mechanistic exploration indicated that melatonin (10−7 M) down-regulated p53 and up-regulated Bcl-2 and LHR gene expression of granulosa cells under thermal stress. This study provides evidence for the molecular mechanisms of the protective effects of melatonin on granulosa cells during thermal stress.
Growth Suppression of Colorectal Cancer by Plant-Derived Multiple mAb CO17-1A × BR55 via Inhibition of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation
Authors: Kwak Dong , Moussavou Ghislain , Lee Ju , Heo Sung , Ko Kisung , Hwang Kyung-A , Jekal Seung-Joo , Choo Young-Kug
Published: November 2014

We have generated the transgenic Tabaco plants expressing multiple monoclonal antibody (mAb) CO7-1A × BR55 by cross-pollinating with mAb CO17-1A and mAb BR55. We have demonstrated the anti-cancer effect of plant-derived multiple mAb CO17-1A × BR55. We find that co-treatment of colorectal mAbs (anti-epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM), plant-derived monoclonal antibody (mAbP) CO17-1A and mAbP CO17-1A × BR55) with RAW264.7 cells significantly inhibited the cell growth in SW620 cancer cells. In particular, multi mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 significantly and efficiently suppressed the growth of SW620 cancer cells compared to another mAbs. Apoptotic death-positive cells were significantly increased in the mAbP CO17-1A × BR55-treated. The mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 treatment significantly decreased the expression of B-Cell lymphoma-2 (BCl-2), but the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 were markedly increased. In vivo, the mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 significantly and efficiently inhibited the growth of colon tumors compared to another mAbs. The apoptotic cell death and inhibition of pro-apoptotic proteins expression were highest by treatment with mAbP CO17-1A × BR55. In addition, the mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 significantly inhibited the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in cancer cells and tumors. Therefore, this study results suggest that multiple mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 has a significant effect on apoptosis-mediated anticancer by suppression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in colon cancer compared to another mAbs. In light of these results, further clinical investigation should be conducted on mAbP CO17-1A × BR55 to determine its possible chemopreventive and/or therapeutic efficacy against human colon cancer.
The eTOX Data-Sharing Project to Advance in Silico Drug-Induced Toxicity Prediction
Authors: Cases Montserrat , Briggs Katharine , Steger-Hartmann Thomas , Pognan François , Marc Philippe , Kleinöder Thomas , Schwab Christof , Pastor Manuel , Wichard Jörg , Sanz Ferran
Published: November 2014

The high-quality in vivo preclinical safety data produced by the pharmaceutical industry during drug development, which follows numerous strict guidelines, are mostly not available in the public domain. These safety data are sometimes published as a condensed summary for the few compounds that reach the market, but the majority of studies are never made public and are often difficult to access in an automated way, even sometimes within the owning company itself. It is evident from many academic and industrial examples, that useful data mining and model development requires large and representative data sets and careful curation of the collected data. In 2010, under the auspices of the Innovative Medicines Initiative, the eTOX project started with the objective of extracting and sharing preclinical study data from paper or pdf archives of toxicology departments of the 13 participating pharmaceutical companies and using such data for establishing a detailed, well-curated database, which could then serve as source for read-across approaches (early assessment of the potential toxicity of a drug candidate by comparison of similar structure and/or effects) and training of predictive models. The paper describes the efforts undertaken to allow effective data sharing intellectual property (IP) protection and set up of adequate controlled vocabularies) and to establish the database (currently with over 4000 studies contributed by the pharma companies corresponding to more than 1400 compounds). In addition, the status of predictive models building and some specific features of the eTOX predictive system (eTOXsys) are presented as decision support knowledge-based tools for drug development process at an early stage.
Plasma Levels of Homocysteine and Cysteine Increased in Pediatric NAFLD and Strongly Correlated with Severity of Liver Damage
Authors: Pastore Anna , Alisi Anna , Di Giovamberardino Gianna , Crudele Annalisa , Ceccarelli Sara , Panera Nadia , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Nobili Valerio
Published: November 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of metabolic abnormalities ranging from simple triglyceride accumulation in the hepatocytes to hepatic steatosis with inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that the pathogenesis of NAFLD involves increased oxidative stress, with consumption of the major cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH). Liver has a fundamental role in sulfur compound metabolism, although the data reported on plasma thiols status in NAFLD are conflicting. We recruited 63 NAFLD patients, and we analyzed all plasma thiols, such as homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), cysteinylglycine (CysGly) and GSH, by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Hcy, Cys and CysGly plasma levels increased in NAFLD patients (p < 0.0001); whereas GSH levels were decreased in NAFLD patients when compared to controls (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, patients with steatohepatitis exhibited lower levels of Hcy and Cys than subjects without. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between Hcy and Cys and the presence of fibrosis in children with NAFLD. Taken together, these data demonstrated a defective hepatic sulfur metabolism in children with NAFLD, and that high levels of Hcy and Cys probably correlates with a pattern of more severe histological liver damage, due to mechanisms that require further studies.
The Future of Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
Authors: Pergament Eugene
Published: November 2014

The future of prenatal diagnosis and screening lies in developing clinical approaches and laboratory technologies applicable to genetic analyses and therapeutic interventions during embryonic development.
Estimation of Aboveground Biomass Using Manual Stereo Viewing of Digital Aerial Photographs in Tropical Seasonal Forest
Authors: Shimizu Katsuto , Ota Tetsuji , Kajisa Tsuyoshi , Mizoue Nobuya , Yoshida Shigejiro , Takao Gen , Hirata Yasumasa , Furuya Naoyuki , Sano Takio , Heng Sokh , Vuthy Ma
Published: November 2014

The objectives of this study are to: (1) evaluate accuracy of tree height measurements of manual stereo viewing on a computer display using digital aerial photographs compared with airborne LiDAR height measurements; and (2) develop an empirical model to estimate stand-level aboveground biomass with variables derived from manual stereo viewing on the computer display in a Cambodian tropical seasonal forest. We evaluate observation error of tree height measured from the manual stereo viewing, based on field measurements. RMSEs of tree height measurement with manual stereo viewing and LiDAR were 1.96 m and 1.72 m, respectively. Then, stand-level aboveground biomass is regressed against tree height indices derived from the manual stereo viewing. We determined the best model to estimate aboveground biomass in terms of the Akaike’s information criterion. This was a model of mean tree height of the tallest five trees in each plot (R2 = 0.78; RMSE = 58.18 Mg/ha). In conclusion, manual stereo viewing on the computer display can measure tree height accurately and is useful to estimate aboveground stand biomass.
Vibration Modes at Terahertz and Infrared Frequencies of Ionic Liquids Consisting of an Imidazolium Cation and a Halogen Anion
Authors: Yamada Toshiki , Tominari Yukihiro , Tanaka Shukichi , Mizuno Maya , Fukunaga Kaori
Published: November 2014

The terahertz and infrared frequency vibration modes of room-temperature ionic liquids with imidazolium cations and halogen anions were extensively investigated. There is an intermolecular vibrational mode between the imidazolium ring of an imidazolium cation, a halogen atomic anion with a large absorption coefficient and a broad bandwidth in the low THz frequency region (13–130 cm−1), the intramolecular vibrational modes of the alkyl-chain part of an imidazolium cation with a relatively small absorption coefficient in the mid THz frequency region (130–500 cm−1), the intramolecular skeletal vibrational modes of an imidazolium ring affected by the interaction between the imidazolium ring, and a halogen anion with a relatively large absorption coefficient in a high THz frequency region (500–670 cm−1). Interesting spectroscopic features on the interaction between imidazolium cations and halogen anions was also obtained from spectroscopic studies at IR frequencies (550–3300 cm−1). As far as the frequency of the intermolecular vibrational mode is concerned, we found the significance of the reduced mass in determining the intermolecular vibration frequency.
The Antiosteoporotic Activity of Central-Icaritin (CIT) on Bone Metabolism of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Jiang Jun , Li Jie , Jia Xiaobin
Published: November 2014

Central-icaritin (CIT) is a flavonoid aglycone first discovered in our laboratory, which is an isomeric aglycone of icaritin (IT). We wanted to know whether CIT also had anti-osteoporosis activity. In this study, CIT was investigated in an ovariectomized rat (OVX) model. Fifty-six 6-month old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham operated group (Sham) and six OVX subgroups (n = 8 each). The OVX rats were then subdivided into six groups treated with vehicle (OVX), icaritin (IT, 40 mg/kg body weight/day), estradiol valerate (EV, 100 μg/kg body weight/day) or CIT (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks, respectively. Then, the serum biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanical properties, bone microarchitecture, bone immunohistochemistry and related protein and gene expressions were evaluated. In OVX rats, the increases of body weight, HOP, AKP, and TRACP5b levels, and the decreases of uterus wet weight, femurs weight, BMD, serum OPG/RANKL and OCN were significantly inhibited by CIT treatment. Micro-CT analysis results showed that CIT apparently enhanced trabecular bone compared with the OVX group (p < 0.05). Total femur BMD and biomechanical strength of tibia were significantly improved (p < 0.05) after 12 weeks of CIT administration. In addition, the CIT administration also significantly enhanced the OPG expression, whereas reduced the RANKL expression in femurs according to RT-PCR, western blot assays and immunohistochemical evaluation. CIT had the antiosteoporotic activity, and its antiosteoporotic effects in OVX rats may be stronger than that of IT.
Removing Tannins from Medicinal Plant Extracts Using an Alkaline Ethanol Precipitation Process: A Case Study of Danshen Injection
Authors: Gong Xingchu , Li Yao , Qu Haibin
Published: November 2014

The alkaline ethanol precipitation process is investigated as an example of a technique for the removal of tannins extracted from Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the manufacture of Danshen injection. More than 90% of the tannins can be removed. However, the recoveries of danshensu, rosmarinic acid, and salvianolic acid B were less than 60%. Total tannin removal increased as the refrigeration temperature decreased or the amount of NaOH solution added increased. Phenolic compound recoveries increased as refrigeration temperature increased or the amount of NaOH solution added decreased. When operated at a low refrigeration temperature, a relative high separation selectivity can be realized. Phenolic compound losses and tannin removal were mainly caused by precipitation. The formation of phenol salts, whose solubility is small in the mixture of ethanol and water used, is probably the reason for the precipitation. A model considering dissociation equilibrium and dissolution equilibrium was established. Satisfactory correlation results were obtained for phenolic compound recoveries and total tannin removal. Two important parameters in the model, which are the water content and pH value of alkaline supernatant, are suggested to be monitored and controlled to obtain high batch-to-batch consistency.
An Arch-Shaped Intraoral Tongue Drive System with Built-in Tongue-Computer Interfacing SoC
Authors: Park Hangue , Ghovanloo Maysam
Published: November 2014

We present a new arch-shaped intraoral Tongue Drive System (iTDS) designed to occupy the buccal shelf in the user’s mouth. The new arch-shaped iTDS, which will be referred to as the iTDS-2, incorporates a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that amplifies and digitizes the raw magnetic sensor data and sends it wirelessly to an external TDS universal interface (TDS-UI) via an inductive coil or a planar inverted-F antenna. A built-in transmitter (Tx) employs a dual-band radio that operates at either 27 MHz or 432 MHz band, according to the wireless link quality. A built-in super-regenerative receiver (SR-Rx) monitors the wireless link quality and switches the band if the link quality is below a predetermined threshold. An accompanying ultra-low power FPGA generates data packets for the Tx and handles digital control functions. The custom-designed TDS-UI receives raw magnetic sensor data from the iTDS-2, recognizes the intended user commands by the sensor signal processing (SSP) algorithm running in a smartphone, and delivers the classified commands to the target devices, such as a personal computer or a powered wheelchair. We evaluated the iTDS-2 prototype using center-out and maze navigation tasks on two human subjects, which proved its functionality. The subjects’ performance with the iTDS-2 was improved by 22% over its predecessor, reported in our earlier publication.
A 12-Bit High-Speed Column-Parallel Two-Step Single-Slope Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) for CMOS Image Sensors
Authors: Lyu Tao , Yao Suying , Nie Kaiming , Xu Jiangtao
Published: November 2014

A 12-bit high-speed column-parallel two-step single-slope (SS) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for CMOS image sensors is proposed. The proposed ADC employs a single ramp voltage and multiple reference voltages, and the conversion is divided into coarse phase and fine phase to improve the conversion rate. An error calibration scheme is proposed to correct errors caused by offsets among the reference voltages. The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) used for the ramp generator is based on the split-capacitor array with an attenuation capacitor. Analysis of the DAC’s linearity performance versus capacitor mismatch and parasitic capacitance is presented. A prototype 1024 × 32 Time Delay Integration (TDI) CMOS image sensor with the proposed ADC architecture has been fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process. The proposed ADC has average power consumption of 128 μW and a conventional rate 6 times higher than the conventional SS ADC. A high-quality image, captured at the line rate of 15.5 k lines/s, shows that the proposed ADC is suitable for high-speed CMOS image sensors.
Hardware Architecture and Cutting-Edge Assembly Process of a Tiny Curved Compound Eye
Authors: Viollet Stéphane , Godiot Stéphanie , Leitel Robert , Buss Wolfgang , Breugnon Patrick , Menouni Mohsine , Juston Raphaël , Expert Fabien , Colonnier Fabien , L'Eplattenier Géraud , Brückner Andreas , Kraze Felix , Mallot Hanspeter , Franceschini Nicolas , Pericet-Camara Ramon , Ruffier Franck , Floreano Dario
Published: November 2014

The demand for bendable sensors increases constantly in the challenging field of soft and micro-scale robotics. We present here, in more detail, the flexible, functional, insect-inspired curved artificial compound eye (CurvACE) that was previously introduced in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS, 2013). This cylindrically-bent sensor with a large panoramic field-of-view of \(180^\circ\) \(\times\) \(60^\circ\)composed of 630 artificial ommatidia weighs only 1.75 g, is extremely compact and power-lean (0.9 W), while it achieves unique visual motion sensing performance (1950 frames per second) in a five-decade range of illuminance. In particular, this paper details the innovative Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) sensing layout, the accurate assembly fabrication process, the innovative, new fast read-out interface, as well as the auto-adaptive dynamic response of the CurvACE sensor. Starting from photodetectors and microoptics on wafer substrates and flexible printed circuit board, the complete assembly of CurvACE was performed in a planar configuration, ensuring high alignment accuracy and compatibility with state-of-the art assembling processes. The characteristics of the photodetector of one artificial ommatidium have been assessed in terms of their dynamic response to light steps. We also characterized the local auto-adaptability of CurvACE photodetectors in response to large illuminance changes: this feature will certainly be of great interest for future applications in real indoor and outdoor environments.
McSustainability and McJustice: Certification, Alternative Food and Agriculture, and Social Change
Authors: Hatanaka Maki
Published: November 2014

Alternative food and agriculture movements increasingly rely on market-based approaches, particularly voluntary standards and certification, to advance environmental sustainability and social justice. Using a case study of an ecological shrimp project in Indonesia that became certified organic, this paper raises concerns regarding the impacts of certification on alternative food and agriculture movements, and their aims of furthering sustainability and justice. Drawing on George Ritzer’s McDonaldization framework, I argue that the ecological shrimp project became McDonaldized with the introduction of voluntary standards and certification. Specifically, efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control became key characteristics of the shrimp project. While the introduction of such characteristics increased market access, it also entailed significant costs, including an erosion of trust and marginalization and alienation of farmers. Given such tradeoffs, in concluding I propose that certification is producing particular forms of environmental sustainability and social justice, what I term McSustainability and McJustice. While enabling the expansion of alternative food and agriculture, McSustainability and McJustice tend to allow little opportunity for farmer empowerment and food sovereignty, as well as exclude aspects of sustainable farming or ethical production that are not easily measured, standardized, and validated.
Using a Statistical Model to Examine the Effect of COD: SO42− Ratio, HRT and LA Concentration on Sulfate Reduction in an Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Moon Chungman , Veeravalli Sathyanarayan , Shanmugam Saravanan , Chaganti Subba , Lalman Jerald
Published: November 2014

Taguchi statistical design, an orthogonal array (OA) method, was used to study the impact of the COD/SO42− ratio, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and linoleic acid (LA) concentration on sulfate (SO42−) reduction in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor using glucose as the electron donor. Based on the OA, optimum condition for maximum SO42− reduction was evaluated. Increasing the COD/SO42− ratio and HRT caused decreasing SO42− reduction while increased SO42− reduction was observed with increasing LA concentration (1 g L−1). In control (not fed LA) cultures, higher SO42− reduction (87% ± 3%) was observed at a low COD/SO42− ratio of 0.8. This indicates that increasing SO42− reduction was observed at increasing SO42− loading rates. In general, results from this study reveal that limiting the substrate concentration with high SO42− levels (low COD/SO42− ratio) favors high SO42− removal. Surface plots were used to evaluate the significant interactions between the experimental factors. Accuracy of the model was verified using an analysis of residuals. Optimum conditions for maximum SO42− reduction (97.61%) were observed at a COD/SO42− ratio of 0.8 (level 1), 12 h HRT (level 1) together with 1000 mg L−1 LA addition (level 3). In general, the Taguchi OA provided a useful approach for predicting the percent SO42− reduction in inhibited mixed anaerobic cultures within the factor levels investigated.
La prova di Giasone nelle Argonautiche: rilettura di un mito nell’ottica di un poeta alessandrino
Authors: Melis Valeria
Published: November 2014

Dans le récit des épreuves auxquelles Jason doit faire face pour conquérir la Toison d’or, certains éléments étranges doivent être expliqués : le mufle des boeufs d’Eeta est fait de bronze (Apollonios de Rhodes, III, 230-231) et Jason utilise ses armes de façon inappropriée : le casque est d’abord utilisé pour recevoir les dents du dragon que le héros doit semer (III, 1281, 1321-1322) et par la suite pour contenir de l’eau (III, 1348-1349), alors que la lance est utilisée pour faire avancer les boeufs. Partant du parallèle avec le modèle principal, la quatrième Pythique de Pindare, dans laquelle ces éléments ne sont pas présents, et à travers une série de comparaison avec des textes de la tradition littéraire grecque et latine dans laquelle se trouve la description des taureaux, cet article trouve une explication plausible dans la tendance au réalisme qui caractérise le mode dans lequel Apollonios raconte les aventures mythiques des Argonautes. Cette tendance, à ce qu’il semble, a été reprise par Ovide, comme le démontre la description qu’il fait des taureaux dans les Métamorphoses (VII, 104) et surtout dans la douzième lettre des Héroïdes (41-44). L’usage impropre que Jason fait du casque et de la lance peut d’autre part trouver une justification dans le désir de l’auteur hellénistique d’éviter une identification de rôle entre la figure de son personnage et celle d’un paysan.
La kíbisis di Perseo: brevi riflessioni narratologiche
Authors: Pellizer Ezio
Published: November 2014

La kíbisis de Persée : quelques réfl exions narratologiques

Dans le complexe exploit qui concerne le cycle argolique de Persée, apparaissent de nombreux objets doués de pouvoirs exceptionnels : les sandales ailées d’Hermès, le casque (ou chapeau) d’Hadès, la faucille et le bouclier muni d’un miroir. Ils serviront tous au héros pour décapiter la Méduse, la seule mortelle des trois Gorgones. Même l’oeil unique (dans quelques versions il y a aussi une dent unique), prodigieusement interchangeable, qui permet aux trois Grées de voir à tour de rôle, présente des caractéristiques plutôt surprenantes. La besace, kìbisis, qui est au centre de cette courte recherche, est un objet typique du voyageur, de même que le couvre-chef d’Hadès qui, dans quelques représentations iconographiques, a la forme du pètasos. La kìbisis, utilisée à la fois comme réceptacle et écran empêchant au regard de la Gorgone d’exercer son pouvoir mortel, est étudiée du point de vue de ses implications dans le récit du héros argien et dans le contexte des fonctions canoniques de l’échange et de la communication d’objets défini par la théorie du récit de Greimas.
Après l’inscription de la coupe de Nestor : disposition du texte et formes de transtextualité dans les épigrammes de l’époque archaïque en Grande Grèce et Sicile
Authors: Dell’Oro Francesca
Published: November 2014

After the inscription on Nestor’s cup : layout and kinds of transtextuality in the archaic epigrams of Magna Graecia and Sicily

The epigram on Nestor’s cup poses, among many others, questions which are also important for other archaic epigrams from the colonial environment of Magna Graecia and Sicily : (1) the layout of a metrical text in the space of a concrete object with the possible presence of punctuation, (2) the intertextual relationship between metrical inscriptions and literary tradition, (3) the tension between concrete needs and esthetical pursuit in a metrical inscription. These three parameters have been applied to three dedicatory epigrams (CEG 392, 394, 396) and a funerary one (CEG 147). This perspective places the problems bound up in these epigrams in a new light and allows one to conclude that it is always necessary to analyse metrical inscriptions, first of all, in the concrete context of their production.
Identification d’une figure homérique mal connue à partir de l’«antithèse slave» des épopées serbes
Authors: Fajgelj Andrej
Published: November 2014

L’antithèse slave est une figure de style de forme : suppositions – reprise et négation des suppositions – la vraie réponse. Cette composition permet un accroissement de la curiosité, propice à l’introduction et l’accentuation d’un élément important. Figure préférée des différentes traditions orales – notamment celle des gouslari serbes – elle passe souvent inaperçue dans la recherche scientifique. Dans le présent travail, nous étudions sa structure et son fonctionnement, nous résumons l’histoire de sa recherche et les problèmes terminologiques, avant de repérer vingt-deux exemples d’une structure semblable chez Homère. La comparaison entre Homère et les gouslari fait apparaître des correspondances particulièrement profondes dans l’exemple d’Hector (Iliade, VI, 369-389).
Alix Cléo et Jacques Roubaud : l'amour, la mort
Authors: Guétemme Geneviève
Published: November 2014

Résumé Alix Cléo Roubaud, gravement asthmatique et hantée par la mort, photographiait son corps. Ce corps, après sa mort, est saisi par son époux Jacques Roubaud, et transformé – notamment dans Quelque chose noir – en poésie. Nous proposons ici, grâce à une étude croisée de quelques images et de textes, d’observer la dimension spectrale d’un corps amoureux disparaissant, ramené à un souffle, posé entre ce qui fait et défait le corps. Ceci nous permettant d’envisager la rencontre intime entre poésie et photographie comme ce qui permet au connu et à l’inconnu, enfin, de se rejoindre.
Poésie slamoureuse : expression du désir et explosion néologique dans le slam français
Authors: Vorger Camille
Published: November 2014

Résumé Pour le poète Daumal, le poème est le fruit d’un couple formé du poète et de son récepteur. Le slam est partage poétique, communion avec un public. Il est l’expression d’un lyrisme contemporain, lieu d’une mise en abyme du désir. Nous nous proposons de l’envisager comme mise à nu d’un langage éminemment créatif, avec de nombreuses « conversions » (néologies syntaxiques), « fusions » sous la forme de mots-valises (morphologiques) et métaphores (sémantiques). Ces différents procédés, susceptibles de se combiner, traduisent la fusion des corps, s’agissant du corps même de la langue.
Moralité et distinction morale chez Proust : entre sincérité et duplicité
Authors: Balibar Justine
Published: November 2014

Résumé Nombre de personnages d’ À la recherche du temps perdu font preuve de ce que Proust appelle « distinction morale » : non la moralité même (le contenu bon ou moral d’une action ou d’une pensée), mais l’apparence de moralité que l’on manifeste en présence d’autrui. Cette apparence de moralité est-elle fidèle ou trompeuse, est-elle une marque de sincérité ou de duplicité morale ? Ni simple extériorisation d’un contenu moral intérieur, ni faux-semblant ou simulation de moralité, la distinction morale n’adhère au sentiment intérieur et n’est sincère que dans la mesure où elle suppose une part de dissimulation.
Une recherche auprès d'une unité de protection de l'enfance au Brésil : un renoncement à l'« éthos guerrier » ?
Authors: Anchieta Vânia , Galinkin Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2014

Cet article s’appuie sur une étude de cas réalisée à partir du point de vue théorique et des méthodes de recherche de la psychodynamique du travail. Il vise à discuter les stratégies de défense que les policiers et les policières utilisent dans leur travail avec les enfants et les adolescents. Les auteures ont cherché à vérifier si ces hommes et ces femmes développent des stratégies différentes face à la souffrance. La thèse soutenue est que le travail de ces agents n’est pas valorisé au sein de l’institution – ni par eux-mêmes – parce que ce n’est « pas vraiment le travail de la police » qui repose sur un « ethos guerrier », une image virile, mais qu’il s’agit d’un travail féminisé, de soin et de protection, sans héroïsme puisqu’il ne s’agit pas de pourchasser de dangereux malfaiteurs armés, mais de traiter les abus sexuels contre les enfants et les adolescents, qui sont le plus souvent commis par des personnes très proches des victimes ou des personnes de sa famille.
Les masculinités au travail : l'idéal viril en question
Authors: Gratton Emmanuel , Léon Xavier
Published: November 2014

Cet article met en évidence les enjeux d’une approche psychosociale sur les masculinités définies jusqu’alors en référence étroite à l’idéal viril. Les auteurs illustrent comment leur implication, dans ses dimensions sociale et clinique, les a conduits à aborder les questions de genre et des masculinités de manière spécifique aussi bien dans le champ de la recherche et des études que dans celui de l’intervention auprès des organisations. Ainsi, il s’agira, par cette démarche d’objectivation, de questionner la pratique du clinicien, sociologue et psychosociologue, à travers les études du genre et des masculinités, que ce soit dans le champ de la famille, du travail et des organisations et plus globalement partout où les rapports homme/femme sont engagés. Enfin, l’article défend l’hypothèse, résultant de ce processus d’élaboration, que l’individu sexué est le produit d’une histoire virile dont il cherche à devenir le sujet genré.