bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐trauma growth in a mainland Chinese population with chronic skin disease
Authors: Zhai Jianxia , Huang Ying , Gao Xudong , Jiang Hong , Xu Jinhua
Published: February 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the underlying factor structure of the mainland Chinese version of the Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI‐MC) and the determinants of post‐trauma growth (PTG).

Methods

A total of 297 participants who had been treated for chronic skin diseases completed the PTGI‐MC and other self‐report inventories assessing resilience, optimism, hope, and self‐efficacy.

Results

Similarly to other populations which have experienced trauma and adversity, chronic skin disease patients also report PTG. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis showed a factor structure that differed from that of the original English‐language version of the PTGI. The dimensions of growth could also be broadly summarized into three dimensions in this mainland Chinese sample. Stepwise regression analysis showed that resilience was the strongest determinant of PTG compared with optimism, hope, and self‐efficacy.

Discussion

Implications for further research and interventions facilitating PTG are discussed.
Ridge‐Related Reentry: A Variant of Perimitral Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: TAKATSUKI SEIJI , FUKUMOTO KOTARO , IGAWA OSAMU , KIMURA TAKEHIRO , NISHIYAMA NOBUHIRO , AIZAWA YOSHIYASU , TANIMOTO YOKO , TANIMOTO KOJIRO , MIYOSHI SHUNICHIRO , FUKUDA KEIICHI
Published: February 2013

Ridge‐Related Reentry

Introduction

The ridge between the left pulmonary veins (PV) and the left atrial appendage composes part of the lateral mitral isthmus (LMI). Following circumferential PV isolation and LMI linear ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), a critical pathway might develop over the ridge leading to a ridge‐related reentry (RRR).

Methods and Results

Out of 61 patients who underwent circumferential PV isolation appended by LMI ablation, 5 patients developed RRR. The diagnosis of RRR was based on (1) macro‐reentrant atrial tachycardia involving the septum, anterior and inferior wall of the left atrium; (2) slow conduction along the ridge; (3) wide‐split double potentials in the ventricular aspect of the LMI were identified with the coronary sinus (CS) electrodes. RRR was investigated with electroanatomical mapping and entrainment mapping and catheter ablation was carried out in all patients. The mean cycle length (CL) of RRR was 312 ± 82 milliseconds and the PPIs at the left atrial septum, inferior and anterior wall during RRR were 10 ± 6, 12 ± 8, 9 ± 5 milliseconds longer than the RRR CL. The interval of the double potentials recorded in the CS electrodes crossing the LMI was 164 ± 38 milliseconds during RRR and the PPI on the LMI near the mitral annulus was 57 ± 10 milliseconds longer than the RRR CL. Catheter ablation was performed anatomically by targeting the ridge and successfully terminated RRR.

Conclusion

After circumferential PV isolation and ablation for LMI in patients with AF, RRR can develop by utilizing the surviving myocardial tissue of the ridge as a critical pathway.
Application of a Smooth Approximation of the Schmid's Law to a Single Crystal Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Ramaglia Alessandro D.
Published: February 2013

In industrial practice the choice of the most suitable material model does not solely rely on the ability of the model in describing the intended phenomena. Most of the choice is often based on a trade-off between a great variety of factors. Robustness, cost, and time for the minimum testing campaign necessary to identify the model and preexisting standard practices are only a few of them. This is particularly true in the case of nonlinear structural analyses because of their intrinsic difficulties and the higher level of skills needed to carefully exploit their full potential. So, despite the great progress in this field, in certain cases it is desirable to use plasticity models that are rate independent and possess very simple hardening terms. This is for example the case in which long term creep can be an issue or when the designer may want to treat separately different phenomena contributing to inelastic deformation. If the material to be modeled is isotropic, commercial finite element (FE) packages are able to deal with such problems in almost every case. On the contrary for anisotropic materials like Ni-based superalloys cast as single crystals, the choice of the designer is more limited and despite the large amount of research literature on the subject, single crystal constitutive models remain quite difficult to handle, to implement into FE codes, to calibrate, and to validate. Such difficulties, coupled with the unavoidable approximations introduced by any model, often force the practice of using oversimplifications of the material behavior. In what follows this problem is addressed by showing how single crystal plasticity modeling can be reduced to the adoption of an anisotropic elastic behavior with a sort of von Mises yield surface.
Colitis: an unusual presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Sinnott Joseph Dalby , Matthews Paul , Fletcher Simon
Published: February 2013

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) also known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive (ANCA) vasculitis which most commonly affects the upper respiratory tract, lungs and kidneys. It is uncommon for colitis to be the primary reason for the first hospital admission related to WG. This case represents one of the few in the literature where colitis is associated with WG and in particular, where colonic involvement was the presenting symptom. The patient presented to hospital with a 3-day history of bloody diarrhoea and was treated for colitis. The disease progressed and during the second admission renal and pulmonary involvement was found. A renal biopsy showed a crescentic change and a CT-confirmed inflammatory changes in the caecum and ascending colon. A diagnosis of WG was made and appropriate treatment initiated. The patient is now in remission.
Solid Phase Recrystallization and Strain Relaxation in Ion-Implanted Strained Si on SiGe Heterostructures
Authors: Phen M.S. , Crosby R. T. , Craciun V. , Jones K. S. , Law M.E. , Hansen J.L. , Larsen A.N.
Published: February 2013

The relaxation process of strained silicon films on silicon-rich relaxed SiGe alloys has been studied. Experimental structures were grown via Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) growth techniques and contain a strained silicon capping layer approximately 50 nm thick. The relaxed SiGe alloy compositions range from 0 to 30 at.% germanium. A 12 keV Si+ implant at a dose of 1×1015 atoms/cm2 was used to generate an amorphous layer ∼30 nm thick, which was confined within the strained silicon capping layer. Upon annealing at 500 °C, it was found that the solid phase epitaxial regrowth process of the amorphous silicon breaks down for high strain levels and regrowth related defects were observed in the regrown layer. In addition, high-resolution X-Ray diffraction results indicate a reduction in strain for the silicon capping layer. This study addresses the critical strain regime necessary for the breakdown of solid phase epitaxial recrystallization in silicon.
Functional traits explain phytoplankton responses to environmental gradients across lakes of the United States
Authors: Edwards Kyle F. , Litchman Elena , Klausmeier Christopher A.
Published: February 2013

Ecological communities exhibit regular shifts in structure along environmental gradients, but it has proved difficult to dissect the mechanisms by which environmental conditions determine the relative success of species. Functional traits may provide a link between environmental drivers and mechanisms of community membership, but this has not been well tested for phytoplankton, which dominate primary production in many aquatic ecosystems. Here we test whether functional traits of phytoplankton can explain how species respond to gradients of light and phosphorus across U.S. lakes. We find that traits related to light utilization and maximum growth rate can predict species' differential responses to the relative availability of these resources. These results show that laboratory‐measured traits are predictive of species' performance under natural conditions, that functional traits provide a mechanistic foundation for community ecology, and that variation in community structure is predictable in spite of the complexity of ecological communities.
A Blend of Sound and Image- the Music Video
Authors: Filimon Eliza Claudia
Published: February 2013

The focus of this paper is first of all the issue of authorship in music videos, with reference to the division of tasks between the musician and the director. Secondly, a non-narrative musical piece in analysed - The Chemical Brothers’ Star Guitar - in relation to the narrative video created by Michel Gondry to enrich its meanings and better convey the intended message of the musicians.
Culture in Esp Syllabus: Why and How
Authors: Kavalir Monika
Published: February 2013

While language and culture are generally recognised to be intimately linked, English for Specific Purposes has typically been seen as “acultural”. This paper argues that cultural information is a necessary component of any ESP course and that a contrastive-comparative approach can help the learner in appropriating other cultures.
“The Powers That Decide” in the J. R. Ward Message Board
Authors: Pele Andreea
Published: February 2013

Romance has the reputation of being an opiate for the masses. This paper intends to analyze if it is indeed a fantasy imposed from above or if there is room for negotiation. The chosen space is vampire romance writer J. R. Ward's forum. Power will be discussed through the lens of Foucault's Panopticon and de Certeau's productive consumption, among others.
Averaged models of pulse-modulated DC-DC power converters. Part I. Discussion of standard methods
Authors: Janke Włodzimierz
Published: February 2013

The averaged models of switch-mode DC-DC power converters are discussed. Two methods of averaged model derivation are considered - the first, based on statespace averaging and the second, on the switch averaging approach. The simplest converters: BUCK, BOOST and BUCK-BOOST working in CCM (continuous conduction mode) or DCM are taken as examples in detailed considerations. Apart from the ideal converters, the more realistic case of converters with parasitic resistances is analyzed. The switch averaging approach is used more frequently than the other and is believed to be more convenient in practical applications. It is shown however, that in the deriving the averaged models based on the switch-averaging approach, some informalities have been made, which may be the source of errors in the case of converters with parasitic resistances, or working in DCM mode.
Identification and Analysis of Intermetallic Phases in Age-Hardened Recycled AISi9Cu3 Cast Alloy
Authors: Hurtalová Lenka , Tillová Eva , Chalupová Mária
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe influence of age-hardening solution treatment at temperature 515_C with holding time 4 hours, water quenching at 40_C and artificial aging by different temperature 130_C, 150_C, 170_C and 210_C with different holding time 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 hours on changes in morphology of Fe-rich Al15(FeMn)3Si2 and Cu-rich (Al2Cu, Al-Al2Cu-Si) intermetallic phases in recycled AlSi9Cu3 cast alloy.

Material/Methods: Recycled (secondary) AlSi9Cu3 cast alloy is used especially in automotive industry (dynamic exposed cast, engine parts, cylinder heads, pistons and so on). Microstructure was observed using a combination of different analytical techniques (scanning electron microscopy upon standard and deep etching and energy dispersive X-ray analysis - EDX) which have been used for the identification of the various phases. Quantitative study of changes in morphology of phases was carried out using Image Analyzer software NIS-Elements. The mechanical properties (Brinell hardness and tensile strength) were measured in line with STN EN ISO.

Results/Conclusion: Age-hardening led to changes in microstructure include the spheroidization of eutectic silicon, gradual disintegration, shortening and thinning of Fe-rich intermetallic phases and Al-Al2Cu-Si phases were fragmented, dissolved and redistributed within _-matrix. These changes led to increase in the hardness and tensile strength in the alloy.
In-House Reference Material of Chloramphenicol in Pig Muscle
Authors: Śniegocki Tomasz , Żmudzki Jan , Posyniak Andrzej , Sell Bartosz
Published: February 2013

An in-house reference material of chloramphenicol (CAP) in pigs muscle was prepared from the chloramphenicol treated animals. The incurred muscle material was diluted by mixing with blank muscle sample. The concentration of CAP at the level 0.33 μg kg−1 was reached. For the homogeneity study, 10 random samples were analysed and the results were interpreted by Cochran’s test and the sufficient homogeneity test. Additionally, the samples were tested for their stability according to the following scheme: 1, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, and 112 d. It was confirmed that an appropriate homogeneity and stability of the produced in-house reference material was obtained.
One Hundred Years of Dermatovenereology in the Serbian Army / Sto godina detmatologije u srpskoj vojsci
Authors: Dinić Miroslav Ž. , Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija , Zečević Radoš D.
Published: February 2013

One hundred years of dermatovenereology of the Serbian Army was celebrated on November 7, 2009, in the amphitheatre of the Military Medical Academy (MMA). The oldest document in possession of the Serbian Armed ForcesMedical Services is dated on St. George’s Day, May 6th, 1869 and represents a “Daily report of military hospitals”. This document clearly shows the number of patients, and what they suffered from. Moreover, this document shows, among other things, how many patients were suffering from “venereal diseases, red wind, mechanical injuries, base wounds, ulcers, lichen and mange“. Until 1909, the Department of Dermatovenereology did not exist as an independent. Today, the Clinic has 2 divisions (a total of 36 beds), as well as the Laboratory for immunodermatology, Surgical unit, GeneralDermatology Outpatient Clinic, Allergology Section, Phototherapy Section, Dermoscopy and Melanoma Outpatient Clinic. The Clinic is the leader in the treatment of psoriasis, autoimmune skin diseases (pemphigus, pemphigoid), severe forms of atopic dermatitis, erythroderma, skin lymphomas and cutaneous manifestations of connective tissue diseases (lupus, dermatomyositis, sclerodermia), and a dermatologic oncology section is being developed, where systemic therapy of melanoma and follow-up of these patients will be done. Regarding the vision of the future, the main task of the Clinic is to ensure continuous improvement in the field of dermatology in Serbia. The plan is to develop the area of photodiagnostics and phototherapy, which are insufficient in the region. Also, further development of dermatological surgery is planned. Further development of Allergology Service is mandatory, as well as establishment of Pediatric Dermatology, Phlebology and Trichology Outpatient Clinic. Continued scientific research is essential for the development of an academic institution and a prerequisite for continuous diagnostic and therapeutic progress, and a permanent pursuit.
First observation of the black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus in Slovakia
Authors: Václav Radovan
Published: February 2013

The details and circumstances of the first observation of the black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus in Slovakia are described in the article. An adult individual of the nominate subspecies of the black-winged kite, in the age of at least two years, was observed on August 1 5, 201 2 in the Žitavský luh Nature Reserve, SW Slovakia. Behavioural and ecological information pertaining to the observation are provided, including weather conditions prevailing in the region immediately before the observation day.
An Attempt to Asses Suitability of Middle-Poland Salt Domes for Natural Gas Storage / Ocena Przydatności Środkowopolskich Wysadów Solnych Do Magazynowania Gazu Ziemnego
Authors: Ślizowski Jarosław , Urbańczyk Kazimierz
Published: February 2013

The aim of the paper is to assess geological conditions in Middle-Poland salt domes and their suitability for natural gas storage. The starting point to the assessment were statistical distributions of caverns depth and volume in Mogilno CUGS. The distributions were generalized to other domes using the part of anticline forms in the salt mirror surface. The expected average cavern volumes, depths with their standard deviations are evaluated. Storing capacity of the caverns and the risk of a borehole unsuitable for cavern location are also given.
Meningioma of the pineal region
Authors: Radoi M. , Danaila L. , Stefanescu F. , Vakilnejad R. , Popa Roxana
Published: February 2013

Meningiomas rarely occur in the pineal region, but they can reach huge diameters. We presented the case of a patient with a very large meningioma of the pineal region (6x5x4 cm). The tumor, developed from the falcotentorial junction, was totally removed via an occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach with minimal postoperative neurological deficits. The postoperative course was complicated with an acute internal hydrocephalus that needed temporary placement of an external ventricular drainage. The supratentorial surgical corridors allow for increased exposure and are best suited for falcotentorial meningiomas.
Design and implementation of agent interaction mechanisms for emotionally intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Petrovica Sintija , Anohina-Naumeca Alla
Published: February 2013

Abstract -

Modern intelligent systems are built from intelligent agents, but usually agent interaction mechanisms are described at the general level omitting design and implementation details. The paper presents aspects of practical implementation of agent interaction mechanisms in JADE platform on the basis of the set of agents for modelling student’s emotions in intelligent tutoring systems. The concepts of an intelligent and affective tutoring system, agent, and agent interaction are explained, as well.
Adherence to Behavioral Interventions for Stress Incontinence: Rates, Barriers, and Predictors
Authors: Borello-France Diane , Burgio Kathryn L. , Goode Patricia S. , Ye Wen , Weidner Alison C. , Lukacz Emily S. , Jelovsek John-Eric , Bradley Catherine S. , Schaffer Joseph , Hsu Yvonne , Kenton Kimberly , Spino Cathie ,   for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network
Published: February 2013

Background

First-line conservative treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women is behavioral intervention, including pelvic-floor muscle (PFM) exercise and bladder control strategies.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe adherence and barriers to exercise and bladder control strategy adherence and (2) to identify predictors of exercise adherence.

Design

This study was a planned secondary analysis of data from a multisite, randomized trial comparing intravaginal continence pessary, multicomponent behavioral therapy, and combined therapy in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

Data were analyzed from the groups who received behavioral intervention alone (n=146) or combined with continence pessary therapy (n=150). Adherence was measured during supervised treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomization. Barriers to adherence were surveyed during treatment and at the 3-month time point. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of exercise adherence during supervised treatment and at the 3- and 12-month time points.

Results

During supervised treatment, ≥86% of the women exercised ≥5 days a week, and ≥80% performed at least 30 contractions on days they exercised. At 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomization, 95%, 88%, and 80% of women, respectively, indicated they were still performing PFM exercises. During supervised treatment and at 3 months post-randomization, ≥87% of the women reported using learned bladder control strategies to prevent SUI. In addition, the majority endorsed at least one barrier to PFM exercise, most commonly “trouble remembering to do exercises.” Predictors of exercise adherence changed over time. During supervised intervention, less frequent baseline UI and higher baseline 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental scores predicted exercise adherence. At 3 months post-randomization, women who dropped out of the study had weaker PFMs at baseline. At 12 months post-randomization, only “trouble remembering” was associated with exercise adherence.

Limitations

Adherence and barrier questionnaires were not validated.

Conclusions

Adherence to PFM exercises and bladder control strategies for SUI can be high and sustained over time. However, behavioral interventions to help women link exercise to environmental and behavioral cues may only be beneficial over the short term.
Dural closure for the treatment of superficial siderosis
Authors: Egawa Satoru , Yoshii Toshitaka , Sakaki Kyohei , Inose Hiroyuki , Kato Tsuyoshi , Kawabata Shigenori , Tomizawa Shoji , Okawa Atsushi
Published: February 2013

Superficial siderosis (SS) of the CNS is a rare disease caused by repeated hemorrhages in the subarachnoid space. The subsequent deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord leads to the progression of neurological deficits. The causes of bleeding include prior intradural surgery, carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, nerve root avulsion, and dural abnormality. Recently, surgical treatment of SS associated with dural defect has been reported. The authors of the present report describe 2 surgically treated SS cases and review the literature on surgically treated SS. The patients had dural defects with fluid-filled collections in the spinal canal. In both cases, the dural defects were successfully closed, and the fluid collection was resolved postoperatively. In one case, the neurological symptoms did not progress postoperatively. In the other case, the patient had long history of SS, and the clinical manifestations partially deteriorated after surgery, despite the successful dural closure.

In previously reported surgically treated cases, the dural defects were closed by sutures, patches, fibrin glue, or muscle/fat grafting. Regardless of the closing method, dural defect closure has been shown to stop CSF leakage and subarachnoid hemorrhaging. Successfully repairing the defect can halt the disease progression in most cases and may improve the symptoms that are associated with CSF hypovolemia. However, the effect of the dural closure may be limited in patients with long histories of SS because of the irreversibility of the neural tissue damage caused by hemosiderin deposition. In patients with SS, it is important to diagnose and repair the dural defect early to minimize the neurological impairments that are associated with dural defects.
International Journal of Molecular Science Best Paper Award 2013
Authors: Han Ophelia
Published: February 2013

Since 2012, International Journal of Molecular Science has instituted an annual award to recognize outstanding papers in the area of chemistry, molecular physics and molecular biology that meet the aims, scope and high standards of this journal [1]. We are pleased to announce the second “International Journal of Molecular Science Best Paper Award” for 2013. Nominations were made by the Section Editor-in-Chiefs of International Journal of Molecular Science, with all papers published in 2009 eligible for consideration. The awards are issued for reviews and articles separately. [...]
IMPACT OF INNOVATION CLIMATE ON INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANISATIONAL LEVEL FACTORS IN ASIA AND EUROPE
Authors: Übius Ülle , Alas Ruth , Elenurm Tiit
Published: February 2013

Organisation climate plays an important role for the innovation of an organisation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate connections between the innovation climate and individual and organisational level factors. Surveys were conducted among Japanese, Chinese, Estonian, Czech and Slovakian enterprises. Linear regression analysis was conducted. The results of an empirical study show that the innovation climate predicts differently some individual and organisational level factors in studied countries. Two innovation climate facets – commitment and freedom predict individual level factors– attitude toward the firm in all 5 countries. In two studied Asian countries, Japan and China, commitment predicts meaning of work and job satisfaction whereas in all three new European Union member states some links between facets of the innovation climate and individual meaning of work and job satisfaction were missing. Although individual job satisfaction and meaning of work in is still shaped by to some extent different mechanisms in studied countries, implications of the innovative climate for organisation are more similar, at least in industries that are influenced by rapid technological development and globalization.
Future Trends in Space Education
Authors: Raychev Raycho
Published: February 2013

This paper searches and explores the next steps for the space education and space industry in Bulgaria. The reason is simple - it is time to move away from the monopolies of a few huge companies and open up opportunities for new players. It is certainly plausible that newly created SMEs could create radically new solutions in the fields of space transportation, exploration, commercialization of resources and bring innovation to the sector. Through the exponential growth of technologies such as biotech, nanotech and material sciences, AI and robotics, neuroscience and medicine, the world is changing dramatically. It is time for the space sector to start moving forward with the same pace. This paper represents the author’s point of view of the space sector from a different perspective. The document does not give a concrete plan for the development of the national space program of Bulgaria when it comes to detailed steps and proposal of concrete niches. This will require a whole new research and could be the next step of this analysis. The article aims at presenting new logic for restarting the Bulgarian national space industry. It is not detailing the exact path but rather proposing logic for developing one.
Delineation of management zones with measurements of soil apparent electrical conductivity in the southeastern pampas
Authors: Peralta Nahuel Raúl , Costa José Luis , Balzarini Mónica , Angelini Hernán
Published: February 2013

Peralta, N. R., Costa, J. L., Balzarini, M. and Angelini, H. 2013. Delineation of management zones with measurements of soil apparent electrical conductivity in the southeastern pampas. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 205–218. Site-specific management demands the identification of subfield regions with homogeneous characteristics (management zones). However, determination of subfield areas is difficult because of complex correlations and spatial variability of soil properties responsible for variations in crop yields within the field. We evaluated whether apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) is a potential estimator of soil properties, and a tool for the delimitation of homogeneous zones. ECamapping of a total of 647 ha was performed in four sites of Argentinean pampas, with two fields per site composed of several soil series. Soil properties and ECawere analyzed using principal components (PC)–stepwise regression and ANOVA. The PC–stepwise regression showed that clay, soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil gravimetric water content (θg) are key loading factors, for explaining the ECa(R2≥0.50). In contrast, silt, sand, extract electrical conductivity (ECext), pH values and [Formula: see text]-N content were not able to explain the ECa. The ANOVA showed that ECameasurements successfully delimited three homogeneous soil zones associated with spatial distribution of clay, soil moisture, CEC, SOM content and pH. These results suggest that field-scale ECamaps have the potential to design sampling zones to implement site-specific management strategies.
Greek Ethnic Terminology
Authors: Fraser P. M.
Published: February 2013

This volume is a contribution to the study of the ancient Greek vocabulary used to describe the local origins of individuals. It sheds light on ancient grammarians, and other ancient writers (many of them ‘lost’ in the sense that they survive only in quotations in later sources). At the heart of the volume is a study of the sources that lie behind an enigmatic treatise, which survives only in epitome: the Ethnika of the grammarian Stephanus of Byzantium. This supplement to the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names is the final work of its founding editor (d. 2007).
Les milieux fluviaux et humides en ville, du déni à la reconnaissance de paysages urbains historiques
Authors: Dournel Sylvain , Sajaloli Bertrand
Published: February 2013

En moins de quatre décennies, les milieux fluviaux et humides des villes occidentales sont passés du statut d’espace répulsif et marginal à celui d’élément patrimonial, convoité par les sociétés urbaines. Les nombreux dispositifs réglementaires français attachés à leurs qualités écologiques, paysagères et culturelles en témoignent : la vallée de l’Erdre en région nantaise et les marais de Bourges sont classés au titre de la loi de 1930 quand les rives du Loiret à Orléans et le vieux-centre de Châlons-en-Champagne forment des aires de mise en valeur de l’architecture et du patrimoine. En outre, les quais de la Seine à Paris, ceux de la Garonne à Bordeaux, les cités historiques de Lyon et d’Albi, le Val de Loire sont autant de sites d’eau inscrits au patrimoine de l’UNESCO. Notre article cherche à comprendre l’actuel engouement patrimonial des citadins pour les milieux d’eau, relayé aujourd’hui par le développement de projets urbains attachés à leur requalification esthétique et fonctionnelle. Dans cette perspective, nous focalisons notre étude sur plusieurs cités d’eau du Bassin parisien (Amiens, Bourges, Châlons-en-Champagne, Évreux, Orléans, Tours, Troyes) pour y entreprendre une étude géohistorique, diachronique et dynamique, dans un double objectif. D’un côté, il s’agit d’y repérer et de théoriser les types de rapports à l’eau qui se sont développés dans le temps et dans l’espace, afin de souligner le caractère historique et socioculturel des milieux et les conditions de leur patrimonialisation. De l’autre, notre but est de décrypter la formation des paysages d’eau singuliers des villes étudiées, héritage d’une histoire et de façonnements spécifiques. Étroitement associés à la ville, les milieux fluviaux et humides participent à la constitution de la notion de patrimoine urbain.
Application of Voice Biometrics in Protection Systems and Crime Fighting
Authors: Paunović Saša , Nešić Lazar , Kovačević Jovan
Published: February 2013

Modern communication relies increasingly more on the verbal communication between a machine and a human, aiming to govern certain resources and robots, increase the security of certain means, initiate certain processing protocols, faster financial transactions... This paper illustrates the possibility of using the voice biometrics in modern living, from simple examples, such as starting the motor of a vehicle, through opening security gates, to proving fraud and embezzlement. Special emphasis has been put on the systems of automatic speaker identification and forensic speaker recognition.
The Influence of Individual Differences in Sensitivity to Provocations on Provoked Aggression
Authors: Lawrence Claire , Hutchinson Laura
Published: February 2013

Using an adapted form of the Taylor Competitive reaction Time (TCRT) task [Taylor (1967). Journal of Personality, 35, 297–310], this study is the first to examine the influence of individual differences in sensitivity to provocations (SP) [Lawrence (2006). Aggressive Behavior, 32, 3, 241–252] as opposed to sensitivity to frustrations (SF) on provoked aggression (noise blasts delivered to a bogus partner). Participants (N = 144) played a competitive reaction time task against a bogus partner, who delivered increasingly loud noise blasts to participants on trials when the participant lost. The study also manipulated the partner's behavior such that, in initial trials, the partner either delivered moderate blasts to the participant or no blasts at all. While accounting for broad trait aggression, those high in SP delivered louder noise blasts to a bogus partner when provoked but not when unprovoked. These individuals also delivered more maximum blasts to the partner and delivered maximum blasts earlier in the TCRT. The effects of SP became non‐significant when the partner was initially non‐aggressive. Similarly, an initially non‐aggressive partner reduced participant aggression under later conditions of moderate provocation from the partner, but this effect became non‐significant under subsequent high provocation from the partner. While being related to SP, SF did not influence provoked aggression. Aggr. Behav. 39 :212‐221, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Very high density of CHO cells in perfusion by ATF or TFF in WAVE bioreactor™. Part I. Effect of the cell density on the process
Authors: Clincke Marie‐Françoise , Mölleryd Carin , Zhang Ye , Lindskog Eva , Walsh Kieron , Chotteau Véronique
Published: February 2013

High cell density perfusion process of antibody producing CHO cells was developed in disposable WAVE Bioreactor™ using external hollow fiber filter as cell separation device. Both “classical” tangential flow filtration (TFF) and alternating tangential flow system (ATF) equipment were used and compared. Consistency of both TFF‐ and ATF‐based cultures was shown at 20–35 × 106 cells/mL density stabilized by cell bleeds. To minimize the nutrients deprivation and by‐product accumulation, a perfusion rate correlated to the cell density was applied. The cells were maintained by cell bleeds at density 0.9–1.3 × 108 cells/mL in growing state and at high viability for more than 2 weeks. Finally, with the present settings, maximal cell densities of 2.14 × 108 cells/mL, achieved for the first time in a wave‐induced bioreactor, and 1.32 × 108 cells/mL were reached using TFF and ATF systems, respectively. Using TFF, the cell density was limited by the membrane capacity for the encountered high viscosity and by the pCO2 level. Using ATF, the cell density was limited by the vacuum capacity failing to pull the highly viscous fluid. Thus, the TFF system allowed reaching higher cell densities. The TFF inlet pressure was highly correlated to the viscosity leading to the development of a model of this pressure, which is a useful tool for hollow fiber design of TFF and ATF. At very high cell density, the viscosity introduced physical limitations. This led us to recommend cell densities under 1.46 × 108 cell/mL based on the analysis of the theoretical distance between the cells for the present cell line. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:754–767, 2013
Otto Friedrich Karl Deiters (1834–1863)
Authors: Deiters Vera S. , Guillery R.W.
Published: February 2013

Otto Deiters, for whom the lateral vestibular nucleus and the supporting cells of the outer auditory hair cells were named, died in 1863 aged 29. He taught in the Bonn Anatomy Department, had an appointment in the University Clinic, and ran a small private practice. He published articles on the cell theory, the structure and development of muscle fibers, the inner ear, leukaemia, and scarlet fever. He was the second of five surviving children in an academic family whose private correspondence revealed him to be a young man with limited social skills and high ambitions to complete a deeply original study of the brainstem and spinal cord. However, first his father and then his younger brother died, leaving him and his older brother responsible for a suddenly impecunious family as he failed to gain academic promotion. Otto died of typhus two years after his younger brother's death, leaving his greatest scientific achievement to be published posthumously. He showed that most nerve cells have a single axon and several dendrites; he recognized the possibility that nerve cells might be functionally polarized and produced the first illustrations of synaptic inputs to dendrites from what he termed a second system of nerve fibers. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1929–1953, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Macrofilaricidal Activity of Substituted 2‐Hydroxy/5‐Hydroxy/2‐Methyl‐1,4‐Naphthoquinones
Authors: Karunan Twinkle , Mathew Nisha , Srinivasan Lakshmy , Muthuswamy Kalyanasundaram
Published: February 2013

Preclinical Research

Lymphatic filariasis is a disfiguring disease caused by parasitic worms that destroy the human lymphatic system leading to substantial morbidity. The current drug of choice for the treatment of filariasis is diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin with albendazole which are only effective against the microfilaria, leaving the adult worm unaffected, requiring the development of “adulticidal drugs.” Thirty amino substituted 2‐hydroxy/5‐hydroxy/2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinones were synthesized via the reaction of 2‐hydroxy/5‐hydroxy/2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinones with different primary and secondary amines. Compounds1–30were evaluated for in vitro antifilarial activity against the adult bovine filarial wormSetaria digitataas assessed by worm motility andMTT(3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) reduction assays. The mutagenecity, tumerogenecity, irritantancy, reproductive toxicity, drug score, druglike, and cLogPproperties were calculated usingOSIRISproperty predictor. Ten compounds showed macrofilaricidal activity withED50values ranging between 0.086 and 7.6 μM. Taking into account the biological effects and the promising drug‐like profiles of these compounds, these represent valid leads for the development of antifilarial agents against adult filarial worm.
NK cells exacerbate the pathology of influenza virus infection in mice
Authors: Zhou Gang , Juang Shih Wei W. , Kane Kevin P.
Published: February 2013

NK cells offer a first line of defense against viruses and are considered beneficial to the host during infection. Nevertheless, little is understood regarding the phenotype and function of NK cells in the lung during influenza virus infection. We found that the frequency of NK cells in mouse lung increased during influenza infection, with the majority of a mature phenotype. Cell surface CD107a and intracellular IFN‐γ were detected in cells expressing multiple NK‐cell receptors in infected lung, suggesting that NK cells were activated during infection. The activating receptor NKp46 was predominantly negative on such cells, possibly as a result of encountering influenza HA. Depletion of NK cells in vivo with anti‐asialo GM1 or anti‐NK1.1 reduced mortality from influenza infection and surviving mice recovered their body weight. Pathology induced by NK cells was only observed with high, not medium or low‐dose influenza infection, indicating that the severity of infection influences NK‐cell‐mediated pathology. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of NK cells from influenza‐infected lung, but not uninfected lung, resulted in more rapid weight loss and increased mortality of influenza‐infected mice. Our results indicate that during severe influenza infection of the lung, NK cells have a deleterious impact on the host, promoting mortality.
Attenuated TGF‐β1 responsiveness of dendritic cells and their precursors in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Peng Wen‐Ming , Maintz Laura , Allam Jean‐Pierre , Novak Natalija
Published: February 2013

The responsiveness of DCs and their precursors to transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1) affects the nature of differentiating DC subsets, which are essential for the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). To evaluate TGF‐β signaling in monocytes and monocyte‐derived DCs of AD patients compared with that of controls, in vitro generated Langerhans cell (LC) like DCs, expression of TGF‐β receptors, phospho‐Smad2/3 and Smad7 were evaluated. Furthermore, TNF‐α expression and synergistic effects of TNF‐α upon TGF‐β signaling and DC generation were evaluated. We found LC‐like DC differentiation of monocytes from AD patients in response to TGF‐β1 was remarkably reduced and TGF‐β1 receptor expression was significantly lower compared with that of healthy controls. Attenuated TGF‐β1 responsiveness mirrored by lower phospho‐Smad2/3 expression after TGF‐β1 stimulation and higher expression of inhibitory Smad7 was observed in monocytes from AD patients. During DC generation, mRNA expression of Smad7 was relatively higher in LC‐like DCs of AD patients. Lower TNF‐α expression of monocytes from AD patients might further contribute to attenuated TGF‐β signaling in the disease since TNF‐α had synergistic effects on TGF‐β1 signaling and LC generation through mediating the degradation of Smad7. Our results demonstrate alleviated TGF‐β1 signaling together with the amount of soluble co‐factors might direct the nature of differentiating DCs.
Early divergence of Th1 and Th2 transcriptomes involves a small core response and sets of transiently expressed genes
Authors: van den Ham Henk‐Jan , de Waal Leon , Zaaraoui‐Boutahar Fatiha , Bijl Maarten , van IJcken Wilfred F. J. , Osterhaus Albert D.M.E. , de Boer Rob J. , Andeweg Arno C.
Published: February 2013

Th cells can adopt a number of different phenotypes. We performed microarray‐assisted mRNA profiling on antigen‐stimulated, TCR transgenic murine splenocytes that were cultured in the presence of cytokines. Transcriptome snapshots of Th cells differentiating into Th1 and Th2 phenotypes were obtained at various time points. Principal component analysis shows that time since activation and Th skewing are the largest sources of variance (i.e. the largest contributing factors) in our profiling experiments. Divergence between the Th1 and Th2 phenotypes is established early and does not increase in terms of number of differential genes from day 1 to day 4 after stimulation. Notwithstanding the lack of further divergence between the Th1 and Th2 lineages, we show that gene expression is best described by a ‘turnover’ rather than a ‘core response’ model, although we find evidence for both. We identify clusters of skewed genes associated with early persistent (‘core response’) and late (‘turnover’) Th1 and Th2 gene expression. In addition to the classical Th genes, members of the Batf transcription factor family are differentially expressed in particular helper phenotypes, suggesting an important role for this family in Th‐cell phenotype differentiation.
Kaposi sarcoma trends in Uganda and Zimbabwe: A sustained decline in incidence?
Authors: Chaabna Karima , Bray Freddie , Wabinga Henry R. , Chokunonga Eric , Borok Margaret , Vanhems Philippe , Forman David , Soerjomataram Isabelle
Published: February 2013

Trends in Kaposi sarcoma (KS) incidence over four decades were described for Zimbabwe and Uganda. KS data were retrieved from the population‐based cancer registries of Bulawayo (1963–1971) and Harare (1990–2005), Zimbabwe and Kyadondo, Uganda (1960–1971 and 1991–2007). Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends of KS incidence. Trends were compared to HIV/AIDS trends and were also described as rates versus birth cohort by age. In both countries, an increased incidence of KS accompanied the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic (p‐value < 0.0001). In Zimbabwe, KS incidence (both sexes, all ages) changed in parallel to that of HIV/AIDS prevalence, whereas in Uganda, despite an observed decrease in HIV/AIDS prevalence since 1992, we observed a decrease in KS incidence in men younger than 50 years (Annual Percent Change, APC after 1991 = −4.5 [−5.6; −3.4], p‐value < 0.05) but not in men aged >50 years (APC after 1991 = 1.0 [−2.8; 5.0]) nor in women (APC = 1.0 [−0.6; 2.6]). In both populations, a period effect at older ages was observed, with initial increases in incidence in men followed subsequently by a downturn in rates of the same magnitude. The uniformly declining rates in younger men (aged less than 30 years) suggested that a recent cohort effect was also in operation with a reduced risk in generations born after the mid‐1950s in Uganda and in the mid‐1960s in Zimbabwe. The combined introduction of antiretroviral therapy and effective prevention programmes against HIV/AIDS appeared to be the key contributors to the KS decline observed in both Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Effect of Nanoclay on Styrene and Butyl Acrylate AGET ATRP in Miniemulsion: Study of Nucleation Type, Kinetics, and Polymerization Control
Authors: Hatami Leila , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Ahmadian‐Alam Leila , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: February 2013

Poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized in miniemulsion via activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Optimum amounts of catalyst and reducing agent were chosen by considering a linear increase in ln([M0]/[M]) versus time, narrow molecular distribution, and low polydispersity index (PDI). Critical micelle concentration and cross‐sectional surface area per surfactant head group were determined by surface tension analysis. Calculations show that droplet nucleation is the dominant mechanism of nucleation in a miniemulsion system, and there is no micelle in the system. Gel permeation chromatography was used to characterize molecular weight, PDI, and molecular weight distribution. After determination of appropriate conditions, poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/clay nanocomposite latexes were synthesized. Low PDI, narrow molecular weights, and first‐order kinetics of the nanocomposites justify that polymerization is well controlled. Kinetics of polymerization decreases by clay loading. The apparent propagation rate constant (kapp) of polymerization in the case of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) is 4.079 × 10−6, which becomes 0.558 × 10−6 in the case of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/clay nanocomposite with 2% nanoclay. A decrease in the polymerization rate is related to the hindrance effect of nanoclay layers on monomer diffusion toward the loci of growing macroradicals.
Molecular dynamics simulation of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, naproxen and relafen, in a lipid bilayer membrane
Authors: Yousefpour Abbas , Amjad Iranagh Sepideh , Nademi Yousef , Modarress Hamid
Published: February 2013

Naproxen and relafen, as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, were simulated in neutral and charged forms and their effects on a lipid bilayer membrane were investigated by molecular dynamics simulation using Groningen machine for chemical simulations software (GROMACS). Simulation of 10 systems was performed, which included different dosages of the drug molecules, naproxen and Relafen, in charged and neutral forms, and a mixture of naproxen and Relafen in neutral forms. The effects of the mixture and the individual drugs' dosages on membrane properties, such as electrostatic potential, order parameter, diffusion coefficients, and hydrogen bond formation, were analyzed. Hydration of the drugs in the membrane system was investigated using radial distribution function analysis. Using fully hydrated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) as a reference system, 128 lipid molecules and water molecules were simulated exclusively, and the same simulation technique was performed on 10 other systems, including drug mixtures and a DMPC membrane. Angular distributions of lipid chains of the membrane were calculated, and the effects of the drug insertion and chain orientation in the membrane were evaluated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.