bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic Behavior of Steel Frames Infilled with Composite Panels: Experimental and Numerical
Authors: Hou Hetao , Qiu Canxing , Lv Zhonglong , Sun Yanfei
Published: April 2014

For studying the hysteretic behavior of steel frames with sandwich composite (SC) panels, an experiment was
implemented. A full scale one-bay and one storey specimen was tested under cyclic loading. Seismic behaviors were
evaluated in line with the failure pattern and damage process of the specimen. Based on the experimental data, hysterics
loops, skeleton curves, curves of strength degradation, and curves of stiffness degradation, ductility index and viscous
damping coefficient were obtained. It is indicated that although the failures of panels mostly occurred around the embedded
parts, SC panels exhibit a better integration than traditional walls. The connection between panel and steel frame is
crucial to the corporation of the two parts. Finally, the suggestions for seismic design were put forward based on ductility
index analysis and structures' energy dissipation. Moreover, FEA study was also carried out by using ABAQUS. A good
agreeement was achieved between the experimental data and the numerical result in FEA. Finally, the useful information
was got according to simplified caculation model. Only 7% of lateral stiffness is considered into calculation when panel is
bolted to the frame at four corners of the frame.
Investigation of Developed Thermal Forces in Long Concrete Frame Structures
Authors: Badrah Mustafa K. , Jadid Mansour N.
Published: April 2014

The objectives of this paper are to review the modeling and design of concrete frame structures for the changing
member-temperature loading case and the section gradient-temperature loading case. In addition, the intensity distribution
of internal forces resulting from temperature changes and the factors that cause a decrease or increase in these
forces was studied. When the temperature of an object changes positively or negatively, its length increases or decreases
according to basic physical laws. If an object subjected to temperature change is restrained, internal compression or tension
forces are created. Using temperature equations in a finite element structural analysis software package, deformation
and internal forces were calculated for 2-D and 3-D frame buildings. In the member-temperature change loading case,
conclusions were reached that no matter how high the structure is, only members such as beams and columns on the lowest
two stories are substantially affected, but the greater the length or width of the structure, the greater are the force values
on the affected members. In the section gradient-temperature loading case, it was observed that the most affected
members were the beams on the upper two levels in addition to the facade columns; however, the output forces and moment
values were small and sometimes negligible.
Numerical Analysis of Geocell Protective Slope Stability
Authors: Wang Guangyue , Zhang Jianpeng , Xu Tianyu
Published: April 2014

Geocell protective slope is a kind of important ecological protection form, which is widely used in the geotechnical
engineering field. Based on the finite element software ABAQUS, and combining with protective slope body’s mechanics
performance in shallow soil, the finite element model of geocell slope protection is established under the conditions
of rainfall seepage, and then we simulate the shallow and the overall stability of slope in rainfall seepage cases. The
results show that the safety factor of slope body increased by about 14% when using geocell slope protection and it reduces
the displacement of slope surface effectively, it prolongs the destruction time of the slope under the condition of
continuous reduction of soil shear strength, and it further helps reducing the collapse or part of slope sliding of slope disasters.
The Effectiveness of Semi-Natural Rearing of Coho Salmon
(Oncorhynchus kisutch) at the Nitinat River Hatchery, British Columbia
Authors: Brouwer Robert , Ross Amanda , Trepanier Ian , Tanasichuk Ronald W.
Published: April 2014

We compared: 1) rearing mortality, 2) size at release (mean length), 3) jack, male and female sizes, and 4) jack,
female, and adult returns of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from three consecutive brood years reared at the Nitinat
River hatchery using a conventional or a semi-natural rearing method. The semi-natural method included feeding restrictions,
shading of the rearing ponds, lower rearing temperature and rearing densities, exposure to a predator and a volitional
release. We found no significant effects of brood year or rearing method on rearing mortality; it was significantly
lower during the marking to release phase than during the other two phases (eyed-egg to ponding, ponding to marking).
Conventionally reared smolts were significantly longer. Conventionally reared males were longer. As a proportion of
number of smolts released, semi-natural rearing produced 86% fewer jacks, the same proportion of females and 15% more
adults. Adult production trends, described as marine survival rate (returning adults • smolt-1) for Nitinat River Hatchery
coho, and as ln recruits • female spawner-1 for a nearby wild coho population, were similar. Jacking rates were lower in
Nitinat River hatchery coho than for the nearby wild coho population. We concluded that the semi-natural rearing methodology
produces adult fish more efficiently than the conventional rearing method does, and at 73% of the cost.
Body Weight Bias in Hiring Decisions: Identifying Explanatory Mechanisms
Authors: Grant Sharon , Mizzi Toby
Published: April 2014

We examined the impact of job applicant body weight on employability ratings via the mediators of obesity and physical attractiveness stereotypes, organizational costs, and rational bias. The moderating effect of job type was also examined. A sample of 202 (75% female) university students
assessed a job applicant on the basis of a résumé which was accompanied by a photograph (overweight vs. average weight) and a position description (face-to-face vs. telephone sales). Results revealed that the overweight applicant was rated significantly higher on the obesity
stereotype, significantly lower on the physical attractiveness stereotype, and as significantly less employable. Stereotypes failed to mediate between applicant weight and employability, and rational bias only was found to be a significant mediator. There was no significant interaction between
applicant weight and job type when the mediators were controlled. Our findings in this study underscore the importance of examining multiple pathways from applicant weight to employment-related weight discrimination.
Effect of Compatibility Between Decision Target and Processing Strategy on Postdecision Satisfaction
Authors: Wang Huaiyong , Liu Yongfang
Published: April 2014

We conducted 2 experiments to examine the effect of compatibility between decision target (making a decision for oneself vs. another person) and processing strategy (alternative- vs. attribute-based) on postdecision satisfaction. The results showed that participants who were making
decisions for themselves were more likely to prefer an alternative-based to an attribute-based processing strategy, whereas this effect was reversed for participants who were making decisions for others. A high degree of compatibility between self/other decision and alternative-based/attribute-based
processing strategy increased postdecision satisfaction. Moreover, this effect was found to be mediated by decision confidence. Implications and suggestions related to these findings are discussed.
Finite difference approximation of a parabolic problem with variable coefficients
Authors: Jovanovic Bosko , Milovanovic Zorica
Published: April 2014

We study the convergence of a finite difference scheme that approximates the
third initial-boundary-value problem for a parabolic equation with variable
coefficients on a unit square. We assume that the generalized solution of the
problem belongs to the Sobolev space W s,s/2 2, s?3. An almost second-order
convergence rate estimate (with additional logarithmic factor) in the
discrete W 1,1/2 2 norm is obtained. The result is based on some nonstandard
a priori estimates involving fractional order discrete Sobolev norms.
The variety of semirings generated by distributive lattices and finite fields
Authors: Shao Yong , Crvenkovic Sinisa , Mitrovic Melanija
Published: April 2014

A semiring variety is d-semisimple if it is generated by the distributive
lattice of order two and a finite number of finite fields. A d-semisimple
variety V = HSP{B2, F1,..., Fk} plays the main role in this paper. It will be
proved that it is finitely based, and that, up to isomorphism, the
two-element distributive lattice B2 and all subfields of F1,..., Fk are the
only subdirectly irreducible members in it.
Binary relations and algebras on multisets
Authors: Ghilezan Silvia , Pantovic Jovanka , Vojvodic Gradimir
Published: April 2014

Contrary to the notion of a set or a tuple, a multiset is an unordered
collection of elements which do not need to be different. As multisets are
already widely used in combinatorics and computer science, the aim of this
paper is to get on track to algebraic multiset theory. We consider
generalizations of known results that hold for equivalence and order
relations on sets and get several properties that are specific to multisets.
Furthermore, we exemplify the novelty that brings this concept by showing
that multisets are suitable to represent partial orders. Finally, after
introducing the notion of an algebra on multisets, we prove that two algebras
on multisets, whose root algebras are isomorphic, are in general not
isomorphic.
On the complexity of (restricted) AlCIr
Authors: Mosurovic Milenko , Zakharyaschev Michael
Published: April 2014

We consider a new description logic ALCIr that extends ALCI with role
inclusion axioms of the form R ? QR1 . . .Rm satisfying a certain regularity
condition. We prove that concept satisfiability with respect to RBoxes in
this logic is ExpTime-hard. We then define a restriction ALCIr? of ALCIr and
show that concept satisfiability with respect to RBoxes in ALCIr? is
PSpace-complete.
Unit groups of finite rings with products of zero divisors in their coefficient subrings
Authors: Chikunji Chiteng’a
Published: April 2014

Let R be a completely primary finite ring with identity 1 ? 0 in which the
product of any two zero divisors lies in its coefficient subring. We
determine the structure of the group of units GR of these rings in the case
when R is commutative and in some particular cases, obtain the structure and
linearly independent generators of GR.
On Para-Sasakian manifolds admitting semi-symmetric metric connection
Authors: Barman Ajit
Published: April 2014

We study a Para-Sasakian manifold admitting a semi-symmetric metric
connection whose projective curvature tensor satisfies certain curvature
conditions.
Derivative of Bardoxolone Methyl, dh404, in an Inverse Dose-Dependent Manner Lessens Diabetes-Associated Atherosclerosis and Improves Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tan Sih Min , Sharma Arpeeta , Stefanovic Nada , Yuen Derek Y.C. , Karagiannis Tom C. , Meyer Colin , Ward Keith W. , Cooper Mark E. , de Haan Judy B.
Published: April 2014

Oxidative stress and inflammation are inextricably linked and play essential roles in the initiation and progression of diabetes complications such as diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and nephropathy. Bolstering antioxidant defenses is an important mechanism to lessen oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we have used a novel analog of the NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) agonist bardoxolone methyl, dh404, to investigate its effects on diabetic macrovascular and renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E−/− mice. We show that dh404, at lower but not higher doses, significantly lessens diabetes-associated atherosclerosis with reductions in oxidative stress (in plasma, urine, and vascular tissue) and proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). We demonstrate that dh404 attenuates functional (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and structural (mesangial expansion) glomerular injury and improves renal tubular injury. Liver functional and structural studies showed that dh404 is well tolerated. Complementary in vitro studies in normal rat kidney cells showed that dh404 significantly upregulates Nrf2-responsive genes, heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and glutathione-S transferase, with inhibition of transforming growth factor-β–mediated profibrotic fibronectin, collagen I, and proinflammatory interleukin-6. Higher doses of dh404 were associated with increased expression of proinflammatory mediators MCP-1 and nuclear factor-κB. These findings suggest that this class of compound is worthy of further study to lessen diabetes complications but that dosage needs consideration.
Direct and indirect contact rates among livestock operations in Colorado and Kansas
Authors: McReynolds Sara W. , Sanderson Michael W. , Reeves Aaron , Sinclair Marna , Hill Ashley E. , Salman Mo D.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To characterize direct and indirect contacts among livestock operations in Colorado and Kansas.

Design—Cross-sectional quarterly survey.

Sample—532 livestock producers.

Procedures—Livestock producers in Colorado and Kansas were recruited by various means to participate in the survey, which was sent out via email or postal mail once quarterly (in March, June, September, and December) throughout 2011. Data were entered into an electronic record, and descriptive statistics were summarized.

Results—Large swine operations moving animals to other large swine operations had the highest outgoing direct contact rates (range, 5.9 to 24.53/quarter), followed by dairy operations moving cattle to auction or other dairy operations (range, 2.6 to 10.34/quarter). Incoming direct contact rates for most quarters were highest for large feedlots (range, 0 to 11.56/quarter) and dairies (range, 3.90 to 5.78/quarter). For large feedlots, mean total indirect contacts through feed trucks, livestock haulers, and manure haulers each exceeded 725 for the year. Dairy operations had a mean of 434.25 indirect contacts from milk trucks and 282.25 from manure haulers for the year.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—High direct contact rates detected among large swine operations may suggest a risk for direct disease transmission within the integrated swine system. Indirect contacts as well as incoming direct contacts may put large feedlots at substantial risk for disease introduction. These data can be useful for establishing and evaluating policy and biosecurity guidelines for livestock producers in the central United States. The results may be used to inform efforts to model transmission and control of infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease in this region.
Analytical investigation of lignite and its ash samples taken from the Afşin-Elbistan coal basin in Turkey
Authors: Kucukonder A. , Paksoy E. , Durdu B. G. , Biber S. , Baskaya H. , Dogru M.
Published: April 2014

Lignite, taken from basin in Afşin-Elbistan region, and ash samples were analyzed according to the qualitative, quantitative and radioactivity properties. An elemental analysis was made by using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. 59.5 keV photons emitted from a 241Am source and 5.9 keV photons emitted from a 55Fe radioactive source were used for excitation. The characteristic K X-rays of the elements were counted with a Si(Li) detector. For the same samples gross alpha, gross beta and radionuclide activities were also measured.
Analysis of the CSF model for simulated loss of coolant accident conditions
Authors: Thangamani I. , Dutta A. , Shanware V. M. , Verma V. , Singh R. K.
Published: April 2014

An experimental facility called Containment Studies Facility (CSF) has been constructed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for the purpose of research and development in the area of nuclear reactor containment thermal hydraulics. The facility consists of reinforced concrete containment structural model (CM) and a Primary Heat Transport Model (PHTM) vessel. The containment model of CSF is divided into high enthalpy V1 volume (dry well) and low enthalpy V2 volume (wet well). The PHTM and associated pump and piping system is designed for simulating the Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) conditions within the containment model. Experiments were carried out in CSF for 30 bar and 50 bar blowdown conditions. Pressure, temperature and other transient parameters were recorded. The experimental results were compared with outputs of modeling carried out using RELAP code and in-house containment thermal hydraulic code CONTRAN.
The Revolution Will be Uploaded: Vernacular Video and the Arab Spring
Authors: Snowdon Peter
Published: April 2014

The vernacular online videos produced by the Arab revolutions constitute an un-precedented (though not unproblematic) historical resource for understanding the subjective experience of the ordinary people who find themselves on the front line of revolutionary struggle. But they also effect a sea-change in the way in which we view and understand YouTube itself. This article argues that the political significance of these videos lies less in their explicit content, than in their aesthetics - that is, in the new formal and sensory propositions that they constitute, the ways in which they “redistribute the sensible” (Rancière). The prologue proposes, following Judith Butler, that “the people” who are the subject of history are essentially a performative event, rather than a pre-existing entity, and that to write about revolution therefore requires a performative and allegorical approach. The first section reviews the current academic notion of “vernacular video” in the light of Ivan Illich’s work of the early 1980s on vernacular language and values, and argues that a stronger, more political conception of the vernacular is necessary to do justice to these works. The second section offers a close reading of one particular video from the Libyan uprising, and argues that it offers less an example, than an allegory of the dialogical relationship between the individual and the collective that defines the moral economy of the vernacular. The article concludes by proposing that the right response to such videos is not (just) more theory or criticism, but rather to seek to emulate their radically egalitarian forms of practice.
Terms of Engagement: Re-Defining Identity and Infertility On-line
Authors: Korolczuk Elzbieta
Published: April 2014

This article focuses on the identity work that takes place on the biggest Polish Internet forum for infertile people (www.nasz-bocian.pl). It is an example of a wider trend of “digital groupings created by and for those who struggle with the physical and emotional burden of a disease or disability, and through blogs, chats and forums contact others who have similar experiences, while staying anonymous. Participating in on-line discussions often leads to various forms of social engagement, both on-line and off-line. The sick, their family members, partners and friends cooperate in order to change the public discourse, as well as the regulation and financing of research and the treatment of certain diseases. Emergence and proliferation of such digital groupings raise questions such as: what ails these communities? How the collective identity is constructed on-line? This article examines “boundary work, which is a specific element of collective identity construction processes. The analysis concerns how the borders are established between the different sub-groups within the digital community, and how this process involves producing novel forms of identity based on a fragmented “socially legitimized childlessness. It focuses on a sub-forum” Conscious Childlessness and is based on qualitative analysis of the posts placed there. This sub-forum was established by users who do not necessarily share the dominant collective identity around which the social mobilization on infertility in Poland coalesces. They refuse to see themselves as sick people, or as patients, attempting to construct a new collective identity based on the idea of choice and the pursuit of happiness.
On-Beads Digestion in Conjunction with Data-Dependent Mass Spectrometry: A Shortcut to Quantitative and Dynamic Interaction Proteomics
Authors: Turriziani Benedetta , Garcia-Munoz Amaya , Pilkington Ruth , Raso Cinzia , Kolch Walter , Von Kriegsheim Alexander
Published: April 2014

With the advent of the “-omics” era, biological research has shifted from functionally analyzing single proteins to understanding how entire protein networks connect and adapt to environmental cues. Frequently, pathological processes are initiated by a malfunctioning protein network rather than a single protein. It is therefore crucial to investigate the regulation of proteins in the context of a pathway first and signaling network second. In this study, we demonstrate that a quantitative interaction proteomic approach, combining immunoprecipitation, in-solution digestion and label-free quantification mass spectrometry, provides data of high accuracy and depth. This protocol is applicable, both to tagged, exogenous and untagged, endogenous proteins. Furthermore, it is fast, reliable and, due to a label-free quantitation approach, allows the comparison of multiple conditions. We further show that we are able to generate data in a medium throughput fashion and that we can quantify dynamic interaction changes in signaling pathways in response to mitogenic stimuli, making our approach a suitable method to generate data for system biology approaches.
Design of Catalytically Amplified Sensors for Small Molecules
Authors: Makhlynets Olga , Korendovych Ivan
Published: April 2014

Catalytically amplified sensors link an allosteric analyte binding site with a reactive site to catalytically convert substrate into colored or fluorescent product that can be easily measured. Such an arrangement greatly improves a sensor’s detection limit as illustrated by successful application of ELISA-based approaches. The ability to engineer synthetic catalytic sites into non-enzymatic proteins expands the repertoire of analytes as well as readout reactions. Here we review recent examples of small molecule sensors based on allosterically controlled enzymes and organometallic catalysts. The focus of this paper is on biocompatible, switchable enzymes regulated by small molecules to track analytes both in vivo and in the environment.
Modeling of Clostridium tyrobutyricum for Butyric Acid Selectivity in Continuous Fermentation
Authors: Du Jianjun , McGraw Amy , Hestekin Jamie
Published: April 2014

A mathematical model was developed to describe batch and continuous fermentation of glucose to organic acids with Clostridium tyrobutyricum. A modified Monod equation was used to describe cell growth, and a Luedeking-Piret equation was used to describe the production of butyric and acetic acids. Using the batch fermentation equations, models predicting butyric acid selectivity for continuous fermentation were also developed. The model showed that butyric acid production was a strong function of cell mass, while acetic acid production was a function of cell growth rate. Further, it was found that at high acetic acid concentrations, acetic acid was metabolized to butyric acid and that this conversion could be modeled. In batch fermentation, high butyric acid selectivity occurred at high initial cell or glucose concentrations. In continuous fermentation, decreased dilution rate improved selectivity; at a dilution rate of 0.028 h−1, the selectivity reached 95.8%. The model and experimental data showed that at total cell recycle, the butyric acid selectivity could reach 97.3%. This model could be used to optimize butyric acid production using C. tyrobutyricum in a continuous fermentation scheme. This is the first study that mathematically describes batch, steady state, and dynamic behavior of C. tyrobutyricum for butyric acid production.
Routing Diverse Evacuees with the Cognitive Packet Network Algorithm
Authors: Bi Huibo
Published: April 2014

Regarding mobility, health conditions and personal preferences, evacuees can be categorized into different classes in realistic environments. Previous emergency navigation algorithms that direct evacuees with a single decision rule cannot fulfil civilians’ distinct service requirements and increase the likelihood of inducing destructive crowd behaviours, such as clogging, pushing and trampling, due to diverse mobility. This paper explores a distributed emergency navigation algorithm that employs the cognitive packet network concept to tailor different quality of service needs to different categories of evacuees. In addition, a congestion-aware algorithm is presented to predict the future congestion degree of a path with respect to the observed population density, arrival rate and service rate of each route segment. Experiments are implemented in a simulated environment populated with autonomous agents. Results show that our algorithm can increase the number of survivors while providing improved quality of service.
Side-Detecting Optical Fiber Doped with Tb3+ for Ultraviolet Sensor Application
Authors: Zmojda Jacek , Kochanowicz Marcin , Miluski Piotr , Dorosz Dominik
Published: April 2014

In the article a novel construction of a side-detecting luminescent optical fiber for an UV sensor application has been presented. In the fiber, structure phosphate glass doped with 0.5 mol% Tb3+ ions was used as a UV sensitive core/ribbon. The luminescence spectrum of glass and the optical fiber was measured under UV excitation using a deuterium lamp. It was found that large energy gap between upper (metastable) and lower (ground) levels of terbium ions incorporated in phosphate matrix leads to the effective emission at wavelengths of 489, 543, 586 and 621 nm, which correspond to 5D4 → 7FJ, (J = 3, 4, 5, 6) transitions respectively. Phosphate glass doped with optimal (the strongest VIS emission) concentration of Tb3+ (0.5 mol%) was used as the active core/ribbon in the construction of UV side-detecting optical fiber.
Microbial Contamination Detection in Water Resources: Interest of Current Optical Methods, Trends and Needs in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Jung Aude-Valérie , Le Cann Pierre , Roig Benoit , Thomas Olivier , Baurès Estelle , Thomas Marie-Florence
Published: April 2014

Microbial pollution in aquatic environments is one of the crucial issues with regard to the sanitary state of water bodies used for drinking water supply, recreational activities and harvesting seafood due to a potential contamination by pathogenic bacteria, protozoa or viruses. To address this risk, microbial contamination monitoring is usually assessed by turbidity measurements performed at drinking water plants. Some recent studies have shown significant correlations of microbial contamination with the risk of endemic gastroenteresis. However the relevance of turbidimetry may be limited since the presence of colloids in water creates interferences with the nephelometric response. Thus there is a need for a more relevant, simple and fast indicator for microbial contamination detection in water, especially in the perspective of climate change with the increase of heavy rainfall events. This review focuses on the one hand on sources, fate and behavior of microorganisms in water and factors influencing pathogens’ presence, transportation and mobilization, and on the second hand, on the existing optical methods used for monitoring microbiological risks. Finally, this paper proposes new ways of research.
Occupational Exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. among Spray Irrigation Workers Using Reclaimed Water
Authors: Goldstein Rachel , Micallef Shirley , Gibbs Shawn , He Xin , George Ashish , Sapkota Amir , Joseph Sam , Sapkota Amy
Published: April 2014

As reclaimed water use expands, it is important to evaluate potential occupational health risks from exposure to this alternative water source. We compared odds of colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE) between spray irrigation workers using reclaimed water and office worker controls. Nasal and dermal swabs from 19 spray irrigation workers and 24 office worker controls were collected and analyzed for MRSA, MSSA, VRE, and VSE. Isolates were confirmed using standard biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Sensititre® microbroth dilution. Data were analyzed by two-sample proportion, chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression. No MRSA or VRE were detected in any samples. MSSA was detected in 26% and 29% of spray irrigators and controls, respectively. VSE was detected in 11% and 0% of spray irrigation workers and controls, respectively. The adjusted odds of MSSA, multidrug-resistant MSSA, and either MSSA or VSE colonization were greater among spray irrigation workers, however results were not statistically significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate this relationship.
MALDI Q-TOF CID MS for Diagnostic Ion Screening of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Samples
Authors: Jovanović Marko , Tyldesley-Worster Richard , Pohlentz Gottfried , Peter-Katalinić Jasna
Published: April 2014

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) represent the bioactive components of human milk, influencing the infant’s gastrointestinal microflora and immune system. Structurally, they represent a highly complex class of analyte, where the main core oligosaccharide structures are built from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine, linked by 1-3 or 1-4 glycosidic linkages and potentially modified with fucose and sialic acid residues. The core structures can be linear or branched. Additional structural complexity in samples can be induced by endogenous exoglycosidase activity or chemical procedures during the sample preparation. Here, we show that using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) collision-induced dissociation (CID) as a fast screening method, diagnostic structural information about single oligosaccharide components present in a complex mixture can be obtained. According to sequencing data on 14 out of 22 parent ions detected in a single high molecular weight oligosaccharide chromatographic fraction, 20 different oligosaccharide structure types, corresponding to over 30 isomeric oligosaccharide structures and over 100 possible HMO isomers when biosynthetic linkage variations were taken into account, were postulated. For MS/MS data analysis, we used the de novo sequencing approach using diagnostic ion analysis on reduced oligosaccharides by following known biosynthetic rules. Using this approach, de novo characterization has been achieved also for the structures, which could not have been predicted.
Combined Elevation of microRNA-196a and microRNA-196b in Sera Predicts Unfavorable Prognosis in Patients with Osteosarcomas
Authors: Zhang Chun , Yao Cong , Li Haopeng , Wang Guoyu , He Xijng
Published: April 2014

Aim: To investigate whether the aberrant expression of microRNA (miR)-196a and miR-196b can be used as potential prognostic markers of human osteosarcoma. Methods: Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-196a and miR-196b in osteosarcoma tissues and patients’ sera. Results: Expression levels of miR-196a and miR-196b in osteosarcoma tissues were both significantly higher than those in noncancerous bone tissues (both p < 0.001), in line with which, the serum levels of the two miRNAs were also markedly upregulated in patients with osteosarcomas compared with healthy controls (both p < 0.001). Then, the elevation of serum miR-196a and miR-196b levels both more frequently occurred in osteosarcoma patients with high tumor grade (p = 0.008 and 0.01, respectively), positive metastasis (p = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively) and recurrence (p = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). Moreover, high serum miR-196a, high serum miR-196b and conjoined expression of miR-196a/miR-196b were all independent prognostic factors for OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease-free survival) of osteosarcoma patients. Conclusion: Our present data indicate the involvement of miR-196a and miR-196b upregulation in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. More importantly, the altered levels of circulating miR-196a and miR-196b might have great potential to serve as novel and non-invasive prognostic factors for this malignancy.
Vitamin D: Link between Osteoporosis, Obesity, and Diabetes?
Authors: Cândido Flávia , Bressan Josefina
Published: April 2014

Vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) is a steroid hormone that has a range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues, and can contribute to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In bone metabolism, vitamin D increases the plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus, regulates osteoblast and osteoclast the activity, and combats PTH hypersecretion, promoting bone formation and preventing/treating osteoporosis. This evidence is supported by most clinical studies, especially those that have included calcium and assessed the effects of vitamin D doses (≥800 IU/day) on bone mineral density. However, annual megadoses should be avoided as they impair bone health. Recent findings suggest that low serum vitamin D is the consequence (not the cause) of obesity and the results from randomized double-blind clinical trials are still scarce and inconclusive to establish the relationship between vitamin D, obesity, and T2DM. Nevertheless, there is evidence that vitamin D inhibits fat accumulation, increases insulin synthesis and preserves pancreatic islet cells, decreases insulin resistance and reduces hunger, favoring obesity and T2DM control. To date, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of vitamin D as a pathway to prevent and/or treat obesity and T2DM.
Melatonin Prevents Chemical-Induced Haemopoietic Cell Death
Authors: Salucci Sara , Burattini Sabrina , Battistelli Michela , Baldassarri Valentina , Curzi Davide , Valmori Aurelio , Falcieri Elisabetta
Published: April 2014

Melatonin (MEL), a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is a powerful antioxidant in tissues as well as within cells, with a fundamental role in ameliorating homeostasis in a number of specific pathologies. It acts both as a direct radical scavenger and by stimulating production/activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. In this work, some chemical triggers, with different mechanisms of action, have been chosen to induce cell death in U937 hematopoietic cell line. Cells were pre-treated with 100 µM MEL and then exposed to hydrogen peroxide or staurosporine. Morphological analyses, TUNEL reaction and Orange/PI double staining have been used to recognize ultrastructural apoptotic patterns and to evaluate DNA behavior. Chemical damage and potential MEL anti-apoptotic effects were quantified by means of Tali® Image-Based Cytometer, able to monitor cell viability and apoptotic events. After trigger exposure, chromatin condensation, micronuclei formation and DNA fragmentation have been observed, all suggesting apoptotic cell death. These events underwent a statistically significant decrease in samples pre-treated with MEL. After caspase inhibition and subsequent assessment of cell viability, we demonstrated that apoptosis occurs, at least in part, through the mitochondrial pathway and that MEL interacts at this level to rescue U937 cells from death.
The Role of Survivin in Podocyte Injury Induced by Puromycin Aminonucleoside
Authors: Li Xuejuan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Xiaoyan , Ding Fangrui , Ding Jie
Published: April 2014

Objective: Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, which uniquely promotes mitosis and regulates apoptosis in cancer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that survivin also expresses in several normal adult cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of survivin in the terminally differentiated epithelial cells, podocytes. Methods: Survivin expression and location were detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR, western blot and fluorescence confocal microscopy methods in normal and injured mouse podocytes. Cyto-protection function of survivin was also studied in cultured podocyte injured by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), transfected with survivin siRNA to down-regulate survivin expression, or with survivin plasmid to transiently over-express survivin. Results: In podocytes, PAN stimulated expressions of survivin and the apoptosis related molecule caspase 3. Knockdown of survivin expression by siRNA increased the activation of caspase 3, induced podocyte apoptosis and remarkable rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, over-expression of survivin inhibited PAN-induced podocyte apoptosis and cytoskeleton rearrangement. Conclusion: Our data provides the evidence that survivin plays an important role in protecting podocytes from apoptosis induced by PAN. The mechanism of survivin related anti-apoptosis may, at least partially, be through the activation of caspase 3.
Characterization of High-k Nanolayers by Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometry
Authors: Müller Matthias , Hönicke Philipp , Detlefs Blanka , Fleischmann Claudia
Published: April 2014

The accurate characterization of nanolayered systems is an essential topic for today’s developments in many fields of material research. Thin high-k layers and gate stacks are technologically required for the design of current and future electronic devices and can be deposited, e.g., by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). However, the metrological challenges to characterize such systems demand further development of analytical techniques. Reference-free Grazing Incidence X-ray Fluorescence (GIXRF) based on synchrotron radiation can significantly contribute to the characterization of such nanolayered systems. GIXRF takes advantage of the incident angle dependence of XRF, in particular below the substrate’s critical angle where changes in the X-ray Standing Wave field (XSW) intensity influence the angular intensity profile. The reliable modeling of the XSW in conjunction with the radiometrically calibrated instrumentation at the PTB allows for reference-free, fundamental parameter-based quantitative analysis. This approach is very well suited for the characterization of nanoscaled materials, especially when no reference samples with sufficient quality are available. The capabilities of this method are demonstrated by means of two systems for transistor gate stacks, i.e., Al2O3 high-k layers grown on Si or Si/SiO2 and Sc2O3 layers on InGaAs/InP substrates.
Qualitative and Quantitative Requirements for Assessing Prognostic Markers in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Burdelski Christoph , Matuszewska Aleksandra , Kluth Martina , Koop Christina , Grupp Katharina , Steurer Stefan , Wittmer Corinna , Minner Sarah , Tsourlakis Maria , Sauter Guido , Schlomm Thorsten , Simon Ronald
Published: April 2014

Molecular prognostic markers are urgently needed in order to improve therapy decisions in prostate cancer. To better understand the requirements for biomarker studies, we re-analyzed prostate cancer tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (IHC) data from 39 prognosis markers in subsets of 50 – >10,000 tumors. We found a strong association between the “prognostic power” of individual markers and the number of tissues that should be minimally included in such studies. The prognostic relevance of more than 90% of the 39 IHC markers could be detected if ≥6400 tissue samples were analyzed. Studying markers of tissue quality, including immunohistochemistry of ets-related gene (ERG) and vimentin, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), we found that 18% of tissues in our tissue microarray (TMA) showed signs of reduced tissue preservation and limited immunoreactivity. Comparing the results of Kaplan-Meier survival analyses or associations to ERG immunohistochemistry in subsets of tumors with and without exclusion of these defective tissues did not reveal statistically relevant differences. In summary, our study demonstrates that TMA-based marker validation studies using biochemical recurrence as an endpoint require at least 6400 individual tissue samples for establishing statistically relevant associations between the expression of molecular markers and patient outcome if weak to moderate prognosticators should also be reliably identified.
Structural Modeling of Djenkolic Acid with Sulfur Replaced by Selenium and Tellurium
Authors: Melnikov Petr , Nascimento Valter , Silva Anderson , Consolo Lourdes
Published: April 2014

The comparative structural modeling of djenkolic acid and its derivatives containing selenium and tellurium in chalcogen sites (Ch = Se, Te) has provided detailed information about the bond lengths and bond angles, filling the gap in what we know about the structural characteristics of these aminoacids. The investigation using the molecular mechanics technique with good approximation confirmed the available information on X-ray refinements for the related compounds methionine and selenomethionine, as well as for an estimate made earlier for telluromethionine. It was shown that the Ch-C(3) and Ch-C(4) bond lengths grow in parallel with the increasing anionic radii. Although the distances C-C, C-O, and C-N are very similar, the geometry of conformers is quite different owing to the possibility of rotation about four carbon atoms, hence the remarkable variability observed in dihedral angles. It was shown that the compounds contain a rigid block with two Ch atoms connected through a methylene group. The standard program Gaussian 03 with graphical interface Gaussview 4.1.2 has proved to be satisfactory tool for the structural description of less-common bioactive compositions when direct X-ray results are absent.
Plant Cell Wall Proteins: A Large Body of Data, but What about Runaways?
Authors: Albenne Cécile , Canut Hervé , Hoffmann Laurent , Jamet Elisabeth
Published: April 2014

Plant cell wall proteomics has been a very dynamic field of research for about fifteen years. A full range of strategies has been proposed to increase the number of identified proteins and to characterize their post-translational modifications. The protocols are still improving to enlarge the coverage of cell wall proteomes. Comparisons between these proteomes have been done based on various working strategies or different physiological stages. In this review, two points are highlighted. The first point is related to data analysis with an overview of the cell wall proteomes already described. A large body of data is now available with the description of cell wall proteomes of seventeen plant species. CWP contents exhibit particularities in relation to the major differences in cell wall composition and structure between these plants and between plant organs. The second point is related to methodology and concerns the present limitations of the coverage of cell wall proteomes. Because of the variety of cell wall structures and of the diversity of protein/polysaccharide and protein/protein interactions in cell walls, some CWPs can be missing either because they are washed out during the purification of cell walls or because they are covalently linked to cell wall components.
Automatic Descriptor-Based Co-Registration of Frame Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Vakalopoulou Maria , Karantzalos Konstantinos
Published: April 2014

Frame hyperspectral sensors, in contrast to push-broom or line-scanning ones, produce hyperspectral datasets with, in general, better geometry but with unregistered spectral bands. Being acquired at different instances and due to platform motion and movements (UAVs, aircrafts, etc.), every spectral band is displaced and acquired with a different geometry. The automatic and accurate registration of hyperspectral datasets from frame sensors remains a challenge. Powerful local feature descriptors when computed over the spectrum fail to extract enough correspondences and successfully complete the registration procedure. To this end, we propose a generic and automated framework which decomposes the problem and enables the efficient computation of a sufficient amount of accurate correspondences over the given spectrum, without using any ancillary data (e.g., from GPS/IMU). First, the spectral bands are divided in spectral groups according to their wavelength. The spectral borders of each group are not strict and their formulation allows certain overlaps. The spectral variance and proximity determine the applicability of every spectral band to act as a reference during the registration procedure. The proposed decomposition allows the descriptor and the robust estimation process to deliver numerous inliers. The search space of possible solutions has been effectively narrowed by sorting and selecting the optimal spectral bands which under an unsupervised manner can quickly recover hypercube’s geometry. The developed approach has been qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated with six different datasets obtained by frame sensors onboard aerial platforms and UAVs. Experimental results appear promising.
A Discriminant Distance Based Composite Vector Selection Method for Odor Classification
Authors: Choi Sang-Il , Jeong Gu-Min
Published: April 2014

We present a composite vector selection method for an effective electronic nose system that performs well even in noisy environments. Each composite vector generated from a electronic nose data sample is evaluated by computing the discriminant distance. By quantitatively measuring the amount of discriminative information in each composite vector, composite vectors containing informative variables can be distinguished and the final composite features for odor classification are extracted using the selected composite vectors. Using the only informative composite vectors can be also helpful to extract better composite features instead of using all the generated composite vectors. Experimental results with different volatile organic compound data show that the proposed system has good classification performance even in a noisy environment compared to other methods.
Exposure to BPA in Children—Media-Based and Biomonitoring-Based Approaches
Authors: Christensen Krista , Lorber Matthew
Published: April 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in numerous industrial and consumer product applications resulting in ubiquitous exposure. Children’s exposure is of particular concern because of evidence of developmental effects. Childhood exposure is estimated for different age groups in two ways. The “forward” approach uses information on BPA concentrations in food and other environmental media (air, water, etc.) combined with average contact rates for each medium. The “backward” approach relies on urinary biomonitoring, extrapolating backward to the intake which would have led to the observed biomarker level. The forward analysis shows that BPA intakes are dominated by canned food consumption, and that intakes are higher for younger ages. Mean intake estimates ranged from ~125 ng/kg-day for 1 year-olds to ~73 ng/kg-day among 16–20 years olds. Biomonitoring-based intakes show the same trend of lower intakes for older children, with an estimate of 121 (median) to 153 (mean) ng/kg-day for 2–6 years, compared with 33 (median) to 53–66 (mean) ng/kg-day for 16–20 years. Infant intakes were estimated to range from ~46 to 137 ng/kg-day. Recognizing uncertainties and limitations, this analysis suggests that the “forward” and “backward” methods provide comparable results and identify canned foods as a potentially important source of BPA exposure for children.
L'espace maltais: évolution et problèmes
Authors: Miossec Jean-Marie
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - Le village et le quartier, cellules élémentaires de la société maltaise, cèdent la place à un système « centre-périphérie » dominé par la conurbation des ports. Deux axes SE-NW attirent industrie et tourisme. Mais l'espace est exigu et fragile et les disparités s'accentuent.