bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Media propaganda and human rights issues: What can be learnt from the former Yugoslavia’s experience in relation to the current developments in the Arab Spring countries?
Authors: de la Brosse Renaud , Lajmi Nouri , Ekelin Annelie 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Recent history has proven that media propaganda can impact severely on human rights issues. This article aims at exploring what can be learnt from previous lessons in order to avoid the same mistakes happening again and/or to fight them more ­efficiently. It questions the experience of the former Yugoslavia in relation to the current developments in the Arab Spring countries. The propaganda theory is applied for an analysis of how the media were instrumentalized for political and nationalist goals under Milosevic’s regime. Through content discourse analysis, the techniques of media propaganda are described and analysed, and consequences are drawn. Although the situation varies from one case to another, widespread hate propaganda speeches in some Arab countries is a challenge to a successful political transition. This has been the case in Tunisia after the 2011 Revolution, where hatred messages have been widely spread by broadcast media and social networks. Propaganda theory has thus been applied to the specific case of broadcast television. The study shows that, contrary to some other countries, Tunisian society has its own peculiarities, and that it has succeeded in developing brakes that have reduced the scope and impact of propaganda messages of some extremist media. In view of past experiences, such as the former Yugoslavia or Rwanda, and in this context, this article also aims to demonstrate the full importance of the existence of quality public service media in the Tunisian case, and of an independent regulation of both traditional and social media. In its conclusion, this article also raises the question of social media regulation, which is all the more acute given that Tunisia is immersed in an environment where more and more hate content and stigmatization messages are developing.
Flat-field anastigmatic mirror objective for high-magnification extreme ultraviolet microscopy
Authors: Toyoda Mitsunori 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
To apply high-definition microscopy to the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) region in practice, i.e. to enable in situ observation of living tissue and the at-wavelength inspection of lithography masks, we constructed a novel reflective objective made of three multilayer mirrors. This objective is configured as a two-stage imaging system made of a Schwarzschild two-mirror system as the primary objective and an additional magnifier with a single curved mirror. This two-stage configuration can provide a high magnification of 1500, which is suitable for real-time observation with an EUV charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Besides, since off-axis aberrations can be corrected by the magnifier, which provides field flattener optics, we are able to configure the objective as a flat-field anastigmatic system, in which we will have a diffraction-limited spatial resolution over a large field-of-view. This paper describes in detail the optical design of the present objective. After calculating the closed-form equations representing the third-order aberrations of the objective, we apply these equations to practical design examples with a numerical aperture of 0.25 and an operation wavelength of 13.5 nm. We also confirm the imaging performances of this novel design by using the numerical ray-tracing method.
Kinetics for an Optimized Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alfalfa Extracts
Authors: Ibarra-Sánchez José J. , Fuentes-Ramírez Rosalba , Reyes-Aguilera José Antonio , Figueroa-Gerstenmaier Susana , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo , Concha-Guerrero Sandra Ixmucamé , de la Rosa Guadalupe 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In recent years, great efforts have been directed to provide eco-friendly methods for nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis. In this endeavor, it is desired that polydispersity be as narrow as possible and that the chemical and physical properties can be controlled. In this work, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were obtained by means of (a) a green approach (biosynthesis) using alfalfa extracts; and (b) a thermal decomposition method in organic media. As per biosynthesis, pH, initial concentration of precursor (Ag+) and extraction solvent of plant metabolites were varied in order to identify the conditions where SNP polydispersity presented a best value. When these conditions were determined, the reaction kinetics was evaluated. The rate constant and order of reaction were 7.33×10−6 L3.6/mol3.6 s, and 4.6, respectively. Also, in the biosynthesis, it was found that the size and the degree of polydispersity depend on initial concentration of precursor and the type of extractant. Thermal decomposition was performed using silver oleate as precursor in order to compare characteristics of the NPs obtained by both biosynthesis and the chemical method. According to our results, SNPs obtained through thermal decomposition showed a lower polydispersity and higher degree of crystallinity than those obtained using biosynthesis. However, the green method eliminates the use of toxic compounds, which is extremely important if these particles are intended for biomedical purposes. In addition, this is a less expensive method as compared to other chemical methods. To our knowledge, this is one of the few reports analyzing the reaction kinetics, which is extremely important if scale-up is intended.
Energy Intensity Reduction of Ca-Looping CO2 Capture by Applying Mixing Loop Seals and Cyclonic Systems
Authors: Martínez A. , Lisbona P. , Lara Y. , Romeo L. M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This work faces the challenge of cutting the specific energy demand in the CO2 capture process based on Ca-looping technology. The use of high-temperature sorbents allows an efficient integration of the excess heat flows. Up to now, several investigations studied the Ca-looping integration with external systems such as a steam cycle. In this research, a further step is done by comparing technological solutions for the internal heat integration with the aim of reducing the energy needs. Particles preheating before entering the regeneration reactor appears as an opportunity for energy saving since solids have to be heated up around 250–300°C from one reactor to another. Two different internal heat integration possibilities making use of a particle separation device and a mixing valve are presented and compared. The former consists of the inclusion of a cyclonic preheater. This configuration presents the a priori advantage of a more developed technology since it is widely used in the cement industry but the drawback of a worse gas–solid heat exchange. Although there is a lack of practical experience regarding the use of a single seal valve to feed two reactors, this configuration presents a promising prospective related to the excellent heat exchange features of the solid flows. The aim is to obtain comparative results by means of implementing advanced thermochemical models, in order to make progress on the development of less energy-intensive configurations of the calcium looping.
Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Report to Work During an Influenza Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rossow Caren C. , Ivanitskaya Lana V. , Fulton Lawrence V. , Fales William D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjective:An effective response to a pandemic influenza assumes an adequate supply of a variety of skilled healthcare workers (HCWs). But what is known of HCWs’ willingness to report to work?Method:We identified 206 relevant studies from 9 healthcare databases. Of 28 heterogeneous studies that met inclusion criteria, 18 used common methods for calculating percentages of HCWs willing to report to work. Their findings were evaluated in greater depth.Results:In 28 studies that summarized willingness to report to work of 31,633 workers, the percentage of HCWs willing to report to work varied between 23.10% and 93.10%. Scale type and dichotomization of self-report scales led to significantly different results. In 4 studies where 2097 workers responded to a survey during an actual event (2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza) percentage willing to report to work varied from 23.1% to 90.1%. In 6 studies with hypothetical scenarios of avian influenza 50%–82.50% of HCWs were willing to report to work.Conclusion:The studies we reviewed have methodological problems and inconsistencies in findings, even within relatively homogenous study subgroups. We caution emergency planners from relying on findings from any single study that estimates HCWs’ mean willingness to report to work in a pandemic influenza outbreak.
A finite element method for the inverse problem of boundary
data recovery in an oxygen balance model
Authors: Ben Belgacem Faker , Débit Naïma , El Fekih Henda , Khiari Souad 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The inverse problem under investigation consists of the
boundary data completion in a
deoxygenation-reaeration model in stream-waters.
The unidimensional model we deal with
is based on the one introduced by Streeter and Phelps,
augmented by Taylor dispersion terms.
The missing boundary condition is the load or/and the flux of the biochemical oxygen demand indicator at the upstream point.
The counterpart is the availability
of two boundary conditions on the dissolved oxygen tracer at the same point.
The major consequence of these non-standard boundary conditions is that dispersion-reaction equations on both oxygen indicators are strongly coupled
and the resulting system becomes ill-posed.
The main purpose here is a finite element space-discretization of the variational problem.
Mixed finite elements turn out to be well fitted and yield
a non-symmetric saddle point system. The obtained semi-discrete problem is
a differential algebraic equation that needs specific tools for its analysis.
Combining analytical calculations
and theoretical justifications,
we try to elucidate the main properties of this ill-posed
dynamical problem and understand its mathematical structure.
Effect of caffeine on Alzheimer’s molecular factors in correlation with involved cell communication systems in developing zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Abdelkader Tamer Said , Chang Seo-Na , Lee Ji-Min , Song JuHa , Oh Hanseul , Park Jae-Hak 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies suggested that caffeine/coffee could be an effective therapeutic agent against Alzheimer disease (AD). The mechanism has not been well established; however, molecular genetic analyses suggest that many genes influence it.

Methods: Using developing zebrafish (Danio rerio), we studied the regulatory effect of caffeine on AD molecular factors, APP, Psen1, Psen2, ApoE, and Sorl1, and on receptor expression of two cell communication systems involved in the disease, adenosine (AR) and dopamine receptors (DR).

Results: All genes are already expressed at early developmental stages. No morphological changes were found at tested concentrations and control. Caffeine significantly down-regulated the expression of all AD tested genes at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) and APP, Sorl1, and Psen1 at 96 and 168 hpf. A2aa and A2ab receptors have higher affinity for caffeine than A2b. Significant down-regulation occurred in A2b at 168 hpf in both concentrations. Caffeine blocked the expression of drd2a and drd2c at 24 hpf but significantly stimulated the expression at 96 and 168 hpf.

Conclusions: Zebrafish is a promising organism in studying AD at the molecular level because all tested factors are already expressed at early developmental stages. Caffeine has a regulatory effect on all tested genes and may protect against the disease via amyloid pathway as well as AR and DR.
A systematic approach to billing laboratory services – the legal framework
Authors: Rathenberg Jan , Ivandic Boris , Wohlfart Cornelia 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Reimbursement of medical laboratory services may initially seem self-explanatory to all involved – doctors, hospitals, and laboratories. However, recurrent questions on how and to whom a particular test has to be invoiced, or whether a particular mode of billing is correct, demonstrate the great complexity in this field. These and other related issues emerge if laboratory orders involve different laboratory sectors, medical tariffs, and invoice recipients. The correct invoice practice – often evident only at second glance – has fundamental legal and financial significance not just for the laboratory service provider but also for the medical client. Influencing nearly all business processes from order to invoice, the correct invoice practice deserves special attention and diligence. In this review, we cover all relevant aspects of billing medical laboratory services in the context of ambulatory care, hospital treatment, and other models on the basis of the German health care law. We focus not only on laboratory medicine and microbiology but also include human genetics and histopathology. In addition, a schematic representation of common rules of invoicing laboratory services is provided with references to the appropriate legal text sources.
Coronary artery disease risk among obese metabolically healthy young men
Authors: Twig Gilad , Gerstein Hertzel C , Ben-Ami Shor Dana , Derazne Estela , Tzur Dorit , Afek Arnon , Tirosh Amir 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) risk among obese young men without metabolic risk factors.DesignA longitudinal study in a historical cohort.MethodsIncident CAD during a median follow-up of 6.1 years was assessed among 31 684 young men (mean age 31.2±5.7 years) of the Metabolic, Lifestyle and Nutrition Assessment in Young Adults (MELANY) cohort. Participants were categorized by BMI and the number of metabolic abnormalities (based on the Adult Treatment Panel-III). Metabolically healthy (MH) obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2 in the presence of normal blood pressure (BP) and normal levels of fasting glucose, triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (n=599; 1.9%). Cox proportional hazard models were applied.ResultsThere were 198 new cases of CAD that were diagnosed during 209 971 person-years of follow-up, of which six cases occurred among MH obese. The incidence of CAD among MH lean, overweight, and obese participants was 0.23, 0.45, and 1.0/1000 person-years respectively. In a multivariable model adjusted for clinical and biochemical CAD risk factors, a higher CAD risk was observed among MH-obese (hazard ratio=3.08; 95% CI=1.10–8.68, P=0.033), compared to MH-normal weight subjects. This risk persisted when BMI was treated as a time-dependent variable, or when fasting glucose, HDL-c, triglycerides, or BP were added to the model. Similar results were also obtained when a more permissive definition of MH was used.ConclusionsObesity may continue to contribute to increased risk for incident CAD in young men even in the presence of a healthy metabolic profile.
Epithelial Cadherin Determines Resistance to Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus in Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Moen Thomas , Torgersen Jacob , Santi Nina , Davidson William S , Baranski Matthew , Ødegård Jørgen , Kjøglum Sissel , Velle Bente , Kent Matthew , Lubieniecki Krzysztof P , Isdal Eivind , Lien Sigbjørn 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is the cause of one of the most prevalent diseases in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) has been found to be responsible for most of the genetic variation in resistance to the virus. Here we describe how a linkage disequilibrium-based test for deducing the QTL allele was developed, and how it was used to produce IPN-resistant salmon, leading to a 75% decrease in the number of IPN outbreaks in the salmon farming industry. Furthermore, we describe how whole-genome sequencing of individuals with deduced QTL genotypes was used to map the QTL down to a region containing an epithelial cadherin (cdh1) gene. In a coimmunoprecipitation assay, the Cdh1 protein was found to bind to IPNV virions, strongly indicating that the protein is part of the machinery used by the virus for internalization. Immunofluorescence revealed that the virus colocalizes with IPNV in the endosomes of homozygous susceptible individuals but not in the endosomes of homozygous resistant individuals. A putative causal single nucleotide polymorphism was found within the full-length cdh1 gene, in phase with the QTL in all observed haplotypes except one; the absence of a single, all-explaining DNA polymorphism indicates that an additional causative polymorphism may contribute to the observed QTL genotype patterns. Cdh1 has earlier been shown to be necessary for the internalization of certain bacteria and fungi, but this is the first time the protein is implicated in internalization of a virus.
Chaos of Rearrangements in the Mating-Type Chromosomes of the Anther-Smut Fungus Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae
Authors: Badouin Hélène , Hood Michael E , Gouzy Jérôme , Aguileta Gabriela , Siguenza Sophie , Perlin Michael H , Cuomo Christina A , Fairhead Cécile , Branca Antoine , Giraud Tatiana 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Sex chromosomes in plants and animals and fungal mating-type chromosomes often show exceptional genome features, with extensive suppression of homologous recombination and cytological differentiation between members of the diploid chromosome pair. Despite strong interest in the genetics of these chromosomes, their large regions of suppressed recombination often are enriched in transposable elements and therefore can be challenging to assemble. Here we show that the latest improvements of the PacBio sequencing yield assembly of the whole genome of the anther-smut fungus, Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae (the pathogenic fungus causing anther-smut disease of Silene latifolia), into finished chromosomes or chromosome arms, even for the repeat-rich mating-type chromosomes and centromeres. Suppressed recombination of the mating-type chromosomes is revealed to span nearly 90% of their lengths, with extreme levels of rearrangements, transposable element accumulation, and differentiation between the two mating types. We observed no correlation between allelic divergence and physical position in the nonrecombining regions of the mating-type chromosomes. This may result from gene conversion or from rearrangements of ancient evolutionary strata, i.e., successive steps of suppressed recombination. Centromeres were found to be composed mainly of copia-like transposable elements and to possess specific minisatellite repeats identical between the different chromosomes. We also identified subtelomeric motifs. In addition, extensive signs of degeneration were detected in the nonrecombining regions in the form of transposable element accumulation and of hundreds of gene losses on each mating-type chromosome. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential of the latest breakthrough PacBio chemistry to resolve complex genome architectures.
A review of water and greenhouse gas impacts of unconventional natural gas development in the United States
Authors: Arent Douglas , Logan Jeffrey , Macknick Jordan , Boyd William , Medlock Kenneth , O’Sullivan Francis , Edmonds Jae , Clarke Leon , Huntington Hillard , Heath Garvin , Statwick Patricia , Bazilian Morgan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper reviews recent developments in the production and use of unconventional natural gas in the United States with a focus on water and greenhouse gas emission implications. If unconventional natural gas in the U.S. is produced responsibly, transported and distributed with little leakage, and incorporated into integrated energy systems that are designed for future resiliency, it could play a significant role in realizing a more sustainable energy future; however, the increased use of natural gas as a substitute for more carbon intensive fuels will alone not substantially alter world carbon dioxide concentration projections.This paper reviews recent developments in the production and use of unconventional natural gas in the United States with a focus on environmental impacts. Specifically, we focus on water management and greenhouse gas emission implications. If unconventional natural gas in the United States is produced responsibly, transported and distributed with little leakage, and incorporated into integrated energy systems that are designed for future resiliency, it could play a significant role in realizing a more sustainable energy future. The cutting-edge of industry water management practices gives a picture of how this transition is unfolding, although much opportunity remains to minimize water use and related environmental impacts. The role of natural gas to mitigate climate forcing is less clear. While natural gas has low CO2 emissions upon direct use, methane leakage and long term climate effects lead to the conclusion that increased use of natural gas as a substitute for more carbon intensive fuels will not substantially alter world carbon dioxide concentration projections, and that other zero or low carbon energy sources will be needed to limit GHG concentrations. We conclude with some possible avenues for further work.
Patterning Anodic Porous Alumina with Resist Developers for Patterned Nanowire Formation
Authors: Lee SeungYeon. , Wratkowski Daniel , Cho Jeong-Hyun 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTFormation of patterned metal and semiconductor (e.g. silicon) nanowires is achieved using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with porous structures of different heights resulting from an initial step difference made by etching the aluminum (Al) thin film with a photoresist developer prior to the anodization process. This approach allows for the growth of vertically aligned nanowire arrays on a metal substrate, instead of an oriented semiconductor substrate, using an electroplating or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The vertically aligned metal and semiconductor nanowires defined on a metal substrate could be applied to the realization of vertical 3D transistors, field emission devices, or nano-micro sensors for biological applications.
Stretchable Polymeric Neural Electrode Array: Toward a Reliable Neural Interface
Authors: Guo Liang 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTConducting polymers are often employed as coatings on smooth metal electrodes to improve the electrode performance with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio for neural recording, charge-injection capacity for neural stimulation, and inducement of neural growth for electrode-tissue integration. However, adhesion of conducting polymer coatings on metal electrodes is poor, making the coating less durable and the electrical property of the electrode less stable. Moreover, conventional conducting polymers have relative low conductance, preventing their direct use as the electrode and lead material; and they are brittle, making it difficult for flexible neural electrodes to incorporate conducting polymer coatings. We have developed a new polypyrrole/polyol-borate composite film with concurrent excellent electrical and mechanical properties. We further developed a method to fabricate a stretchable multielectrode array using this new material as the sole conductor for both electrodes and leads, in contrast with the conventional approach of incorporating conducting polymers only through coating on non-stretchable metal electrodes. The resulting stretchable polymeric multielectrode array (SPMEA) was stretchable up to 23% uniaxial tensile strain with minimal losses in electrical conductivity. Electrochemical testing revealed the SPMEA’s impressive advantage for recording local field neural potentials and for epimysial stimulation of denervated skeletal muscles. As a neural interface engineer, I would also like to compare the compliant neural interfacing technology to other technologies, such as optogenetics, radiogenetics, and even a living neural interface that is currently under development in our lab.