bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinação de regiões homólogas para registro de uma série multitemporal de imagens de satélite usando algoritmos genéticos
Authors: Silva Mara Rubia , Centeno Jorge Antonio Silva , Araki Hideo
Published: August 2011

O presente trabalho faz parte do programa GEOSAFRAS, estimativa e safras no Brasil, coordenado pela Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento e do Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento. Uma aplicação muito comum no gerenciamento de safras é o monitoramento de mudanças nos campos de cultivo usando imagens de satélite adquiridas em diferentes datas. Para isto, a compatibilidade espacial entre essas imagens é um requisito básico, mais ainda quando se trata de imagens de diferentes sensores. Nesse artigo é descrita uma metodologia para a semi-automação do processo de correção geométrica com a finalidade de facilitar o ajuste geométrico entre imagens de diferentes sensores. Inicialmente, uma imagem base é manualmente corrigida a partir de dados extraídos de uma carta topográfica digital. Após essa correção, a imagem corrigida é utilizada como elemento base de referência para corrigir as outras imagens (denominadas neste trabalho de imagens de ajuste), as quais são adquiridas em datas diferentes e/ou de diferentes sensores. Depois de corrigida a imagem base todas as imagens (base e de ajuste) são segmentadas e classificadas. Os segmentos classificados como vegetação florestal são escolhidos para compor a malha relacional. As imagens de ajuste são registradas pelo processo imagem-imagem usando os centróides dos segmentos de vegetação florestal. Os segmentos de vegetação florestal presentes na imagem base são confrontados com os segmentos correspondentes nas imagens de ajuste, para buscar correspondências (matching). O processo de matching é realizado através da aplicação de algoritmos genéticos. Ao obter um resultado satisfatório na busca de correspondência, calcula-se os centróides correspondentes aos segmentos detectados, os quais são utilizados como pontos de controle para o processo de registro das imagens. Os resultados mostram que os algoritmos genéticos encontraram a solução ótima na maior parte dos experimentos realizados. Porém, para a imagem LANDSAT 2002 reamostrada a solução encontrada foi sub-ótima, pois um segmento sofreu grandes variações em relação ao mesmo segmento na imagem base.
Classificação de sombra em imagens orbitais e aéreas utilizando uma matriz de co-ocorrência modificada
Authors: Centeno Jorge Antonio Silva , Pacheco Admilson da Penha
Published: August 2011

Embora seja considerada útil para a identificação de objetos mais elevados, a presença de sombras pode ser um elemento prejudicial na extração de informações quando esconde objetos de menor altura. Neste trabalho é descrito o desenvolvimento conceitual e exemplos de aplicação de um método para a segmentação de sombras em imagens de satélite e fotografias aéreas baseado na análise da matriz de co-ocorrência. A matriz de co-ocorrência traduz a relação entre o pixel e sua vizinhança, o que permite identificar áreas uniformes e escuras, que correspondem a sombras. Com esta premissa, foi proposto um método que analisa a diagonal principal da matriz de co-ocorrência e identifica nela os agrupamentos associados a sombras. Para delimitar as sombras, é usada uma função contextual derivada da melhor reta perpendicular à diagonal principal da matriz de co-ocorrência que separa áreas escuras e uniformes. Testes com imagens aéreas e de satélite são apresentados para ilustrar o método. O método proposto é do tipo adaptativo e pode ser usado tanto em imagens de 8 bits como também estendido à maiores resoluções radiométricas, além disso seu funcionamento não é afetado pela eventual contribuição atmosférica, que afeta principalmente as bandas do visível.
Correspondência eficiente de descritores SIFT para construção de mapas densos de pontos homólogos em imagens de sensoriamento remoto
Authors: Silveira Marcelo Teixeira , Feitosa Raul Queiroz , Brito Jorge Luís Nunes e Silva , Jacobsen Karsten
Published: August 2011

Métodos automáticos de localização de pontos homólogos em imagens digitais baseados em área, combinados com técnicas de crescimento de região, são capazes de produzir uma malha densa e exata de pontos homólogos. Entretanto, o processo de crescimento de região pode ser interrompido em regiões da imagem, cuja paralaxe no eixo horizontal apresenta variação abrupta. Essa situação geralmente é causada por uma descontinuidade na superfície ou espaço-objeto imageado, tal como um prédio numa cena urbana ou um paredão de exploração de uma mina a céu aberto. Nesses casos, novos pares de pontos homólogos (sementes) devem ser introduzidos, normalmente por um operador humano, a partir dos quais o processo é reiniciado. Dependendo do tipo da imagem utilizada e da estrutura 3D da região mapeada, a intervenção humana pode ser considerável. Uma alternativa totalmente automatizada em que se combinam as técnicas SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform), pareamento por mínimos quadrados e crescimento de região foi proposta anteriormente pelos autores. O presente trabalho apresenta uma extensão a essa técnica. Basicamente, propõem-se alterações na etapa de correspondência do SIFT, que exploram características de estereogramas produzidos por sensores aéreos e orbitais. Avaliações experimentais demonstram que as modificações propostas trazem dois tipos de benefícios. Em primeiro lugar, obtém-se um aumento do número de pontos homólogos encontrados, sem aumento correspondente na proporção de falsas correspondências. Em segundo lugar, a carga computacional é reduzida substancialmente.
Possible Lenalidomide‐Induced Stevens‐Johnson Syndrome During Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Boruah Pranjal K. , Bolesta Scott , Shetty Shubhra M.
Published: August 2011

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome is a rare, severe cutaneous reaction most often associated with drug therapy. Lenalidomide is a derivative of thalidomide used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. We describe a case of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome possibly induced by lenalidomide in a 73‐year‐old Caucasian female undergoing induction therapy for multiple myeloma. After 13 doses of induction therapy, she was admitted to the hospital directly from her oncologist's office after presenting with a diffuse, bodywide, maculopapular rash with desquamation. She had prominent crusting of her lips, erythematous ulcers on her soft palate that could not be distinguished from petechial hemorrhages, and acute kidney injury (serum creatinine concentration 4.6 mg/dl). She was also febrile and hypotensive. Lenalidomide was discontinued, and the patient was treated with intravenous dexamethasone 10 mg every 6 hours and topical corticosteroids. Over the next week, the patient's condition improved, but she had extensive exfoliation of her rash and pruritus that required antihistamine therapy. By hospital day 9, her rash continued to improve, her pruritus resolved, and she was discharged with a tapering dose of oral prednisone. Lenalidomide was switched to bortezomib for her induction therapy, and the patient did not experience any further cutaneous reactions. The results of a skin biopsy concluded that the findings were consistent with a drug hypersensitivity reaction, suspected to be Stevens‐Johnson syndrome. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a possible relationship (score of 3) between the patient's development of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and lenalidomide therapy. To our knowledge, no published case reports of severe dermatologic reactions, such as Stevens‐Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, to lenalidomide have been reported. Thus, we believe this to be the first published case report of a patient who developed Stevens‐Johnson syndrome while receiving lenalidomide for induction therapy for multiple myeloma. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of the signs and symptoms of these severe skin reactions if their patients are receiving lenalidomide.
Variable effects of a generalist parasitoid on a biocontrol seed predator and its target weed
Authors: Swope Sarah M. , Satterthwaite William H.
Published: August 2011

Biological control (the importation of enemies from an invader's native range) is often considered our best chance of controlling the most widespread invaders. Ideally, the agent reduces invader abundance to some acceptably low level, and the two coexist at low density with the agent providing continuous control over the long term. But the outcome may be complicated when the agent is attacked by native predators and parasites. We used a spatially explicit, discrete‐time, individual‐based, coupled plant–seed predator–parasitoid model to estimate the impact of the biocontrol agent Eustenopus villosus (a seed predator) on the invasive, annual weed Centaurea solstitialis, both with and without the generalist parasitoid Pyemotes tritici. We estimated the agent's ability to reduce plant density, spread rate, and population growth rate over 50 years. We used long‐term demographic data from two sites in central California, USA, to parameterize the model and assess how populations in different climatic zones might respond differently to the agent and the parasitoid. We found that the biocontrol agent reduced plant density (relative to predictions for an uncontrolled invasion), but its impact on the invader's spread rate was modest and inconsistent. The agent had no long‐term impact on population growth rate (λ). Parasitism caused a trophic cascade, the strength of which varied between sites. At our coastal site, the parasitoid entirely eliminated the impact of the agent on the plant. At our Central Valley site, even when parasitized, the agent significantly reduced plant density and spread rate over several decades (although to a lesser degree than when it was not parasitized), but not invader λ. Surprisingly, we also found that the length of time the invader was allowed to spread across the landscape prior to introducing the agent (5, 25, or 50 years) had little influence over its ability to control the weed in the long term. This is encouraging news for land managers attempting to control invasive plants that have already established widespread, high‐density populations. Unfortunately, our results also show that attack by the native generalist parasitoid had a larger influence over how effectively the agent reduced invader performance.
Ammonia Emission Factors from Broiler Litter in Barns, in Storage, and after Land Application
Authors: Moore Philip A. , Miles Dana , Burns Robert , Pote Dan , Berg Kess , Choi In Hag
Published: August 2011

We measured NH3 emissions from litter in broiler houses, during storage, and after land application and conducted a mass balance of N in poultry houses. Four state‐of‐the‐art tunnel‐ventilated broiler houses in northwest Arkansas were equipped with NH3 sensors, anemometers, and data loggers to continuously record NH3 concentrations and ventilation for 1 yr. Gaseous fluxes of NH3, N2O, CH4, and CO2 from litter were measured. Nitrogen (N) inputs and outputs were quantified. Ammonia emissions during storage and after land application were measured. Ammonia emissions during the flock averaged approximately 15.2 kg per day‐house (equivalent to 28.3 g NH3 per bird marketed). Emissions between flocks equaled 9.09 g NH3 per bird. Hence, in‐house NH3 emissions were 37.5 g NH3 per bird, or 14.5 g kg−1 bird marketed (50‐d‐old birds). The mass balance study showed N inputs for the year to the four houses totaled 71,340 kg N, with inputs from bedding, chicks, and feed equal to 303, 602, and 70,435 kg, respectively (equivalent to 0.60, 1.19, and 139.56 g N per bird). Nitrogen outputs totaled 70,396 kg N. Annual N output from birds marketed, NH3 emissions, litter or cake, mortality, and N2O emissions was 39,485, 15,571, 14,464, 635, and 241 kg N, respectively (equivalent to 78.2, 30.8, 28.7, 1.3, and 0.5 g N per bird). The percent N recovery for the N mass balance study was 98.8%. Ammonia emissions from stacked litter during a 16‐d storage period were 172 g Mg−1 litter, which is equivalent to 0.18 g NH3 per bird. Ammonia losses from poultry litter broadcast to pastures were 34 kg N ha−1 (equivalent to 15% of total N applied or 7.91 g NH3 per bird). When the litter was incorporated into the pasture using a new knifing technique, NH3 losses were virtually zero. The total NH3 emission factor for broilers measured in this study, which includes losses in‐house, during storage, and after land application, was 45.6 g NH3 per bird marketed.
Using Electromagnetic Induction Technology to Predict Volatile Fatty Acid, Source Area Differences
Authors: Woodbury Bryan L. , Eigenberg Roger A. , Varel Vince , Lesch Scott , Spiehs Mindy J.
Published: August 2011

Subsurface measures have been adapted to identify manure accumulation on feedlot surfaces. Understanding where manure accumulates can be useful to develop management practices that mitigate air emissions from manure, such as odor or greenhouse gases. Objectives were to determine if electromagnetic induction could be used to predict differences in volatile fatty acids (VFA) and other volatiles produced in vitro from feedlot surface material following a simulated rain event. Twenty soil samples per pen were collected from eight pens with cattle fed two different diets using a predictive sampling approach. These samples were incubated at room temperature for 3 d to determine fermentation products formed. Fermentation products were categorized into acetate, straight‐, branched‐chained, and total VFAs. These data were used to develop calibration prediction models on the basis of properties measured by electromagnetic induction (EMI). Diet had no significant effect on mean volatile solids (VS) concentration of accumulated manure. However, manure from cattle fed a corn (Zea mays L.)–based diet had significantly (P ≤ 0.1) greater mean straight‐chained and total VFA generation than pens where wet distillers grain with solubles (WDGS) were fed. Alternately, pens with cattle fed a WDGS‐based diet had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater branched‐chained VFAs than pens with cattle fed a corn‐based diet. Many branched‐chain VFAs have a lower odor threshold than straight‐chained VFAs; therefore, emissions from WDGS‐based diet manure would probably have a lower odor threshold. We concluded that diets can affect the types and quantities of VFAs produced following a rain event. Understanding odorant accumulation patterns and the ability to predict generation can be used to develop precision management practices to mitigate odor emissions.
Chloropicrin Emissions after Shank Injection: Two‐Dimensional Analytical and Numerical Model Simulations of Different Source Methods and Field Measurements
Authors: Wang D. , Yates S. R. , Gao S.
Published: August 2011

Understanding the control mechanisms of fumigant movement in soil is a fundamental step for developing management strategies to reduce atmospheric emissions. Most soil fumigants including chloropicrin (CP) are applied by shank injection, and the application process often leaves vertical soil fractures that would potentially cause preferential fumigant movement and increased emissions. This potential transport pathway was evaluated by comparing cumulative emissions and soil air concentrations of CP from direct field measurements with those predicted using analytical and numerical models after assuming either point or rectangle sources for the injected CP. Results clearly showed that shank‐injected CP, when treated as vertical rectangle sources, produced cumulative emission losses similar to the field measurements. Treating the shanked CP as point sources caused approximately 50% underprediction than the field measurements. The study also demonstrated that fumigant cumulative emissions can be predicted, with reasonable accuracy, using either analytical or numerical simulations.
Laboratory Evaluation of Dust‐Control Effectiveness of Pen Surface Treatments for Cattle Feedlots
Authors: Guo Li , Maghirang Ronaldo G. , Razote Edna B. , Auvermann Brent W.
Published: August 2011

Emission of particulate matter (PM) is one of the major air quality concerns for large beef cattle feedlots. Effective treatments on the uncompacted soil and manure mixture of the pen surface may help in reducing PM emission from feedlots. A laboratory apparatus was developed for measuring dust‐emission potential of cattle feedlot surfaces as affected by pen surface treatments. The apparatus was equipped with a simulated pen surface, four mock cattle hooves, and samplers for PM with equivalent aerodynamic diam. ≤10 μm (PM10). The simulated pen surface had a layer of dry, loose feedlot manure with a compacted soil layer underneath. Mock hooves were moved horizontally on the manure layer to simulate horizontal action of cattle hooves on the pen surface. High‐volume PM10 samplers were used to collect emitted dust. Effects of hoof speed, depth of penetration, and surface treatments with independent candidate materials (i.e., sawdust, wheat straw, hay, rubber mulch, and surface water application) on PM10 emission potential of the manure layer were investigated. Our laboratory study showed PM10 emission potential increased with increasing depth of penetration and hoof speed. Of the surface treatments evaluated, application of water (6.4 mm) and hay (723 g m−2) exhibited the greatest percentage reduction in PM10 emission potential (69 and 77%, respectively) compared with the untreated manure layer. This study indicated application of hay or other mulch materials on the pen surface might be good alternative methods to control dust emission from cattle feedlots.
Application of flow cytometry for examining phytoplankton succession in two eutrophic lakes
Authors: Dennis M. A. , Landman M. , Wood S. A. , Hamilton D.
Published: August 2011

Flow cytometry has potential as a rapid assessment technique to evaluate phytoplankton biomass and species composition. It facilitates for multi-parameter analysis of individual cells on the basis of light scattering effects induced from cellular constituents, as well as auto-fluorescence. Fluorescence emission characteristics may be especially useful in classifying cyanobacteria as they contain phycoerythrin which emits light predominantly in the 550–600 nm waveband, chlorophyll-a (650–700 nm emission) and allophycocyanin (660 nm emission). The objective of our study was to assess the utility of flow cytometry for the rapid identification and sorting of freshwater algae and cyanobacteria species. Using a selection of laboratory-cultured freshwater algae and cyanobacteria species, this study demonstrated unique light scatter and fluorescent characteristics for each species examined, allowing for rapid species identification and sorting of mixed populations of laboratory cultures and samples from two lakes in the Rotorua region (New Zealand). Analysis of lake water samples collected over seven months demonstrated changes in abundance and community composition of phytoplankton in the two lakes and demonstrates that flow cytometry may be a useful technique for examining seasonal changes in phytoplankton composition.
Determination of toxic heavy metals in sea water by FAAS after preconcentration with a novel chelating resin
Authors: Manivannan D. , Biju V. M.
Published: August 2011

A solid phase extraction procedure was developed for preconcentration of toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, lead and zinc in sea water samples. A microcolumn packed with 6-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]naphthalene-2,3-diol-formaldehyde (HPDN-F) resin acts as a sorbent to retain the analyte ions by forming metal chelates. The retained trace level metal was subsequently eluted with 1 mol/L HCl and the acid eluent was analysed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). The HPDN-F chelating resin and its metal chelates were characterized by spectral and thermal analysis. The chelating property of the HPDN-F resin towards divalent metal ions was studied as a function of pH and preconcentration flow rate. The recoveries of cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, lead and zinc under the optimum working conditions were above 95%. The relative standard deviations were <2%. The limits of detection were <0.1 μg/L. The method presented was applied for the determination of cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, lead and zinc in sea water samples.
Effect of thermal alkaline pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of wasted activated sludge
Authors: Vigueras-Carmona S. E. , Ramírez F. , Noyola A. , Monroy O.
Published: August 2011

The effect of alkaline pretreatment of waste-activated sludge, using two models to study the sequential hydrolysis rates of suspended (Sanders' surface model) and dissolved (Goel's saturation model) solids, on the mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion rate is evaluated. The pretreatment, which reduces the size of the solids, increases the reaction rate by increasing the surface area and the specific surface hydrolysis constant (KSBK); at thermophilic conditions from 0.45 × 10−3 kg m−2 d−1 for the fresh sludge to 0.74 × 10−3 kg m−2 d−1 for the pretreated sludge and at mesophilic conditions these values are 0.28 × 10−3 kg m−2 d−1 and 0.47 × 10−3 kg m−2 d−1 confirming the usefulness of a pretreatment for solids reduction. But for soluble solids, the thermoalkaline pretreatment decreases the reaction rates by inducing a competitive inhibition on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion rate while in the mesophilic range, a non-competitive inhibition is observed. A mathematical simulation of the consecutive reactions, suspended solids to dissolved solids and to methane in staged anaerobic thermophilic–mesophilic digestion, shows that with 4% suspended solids concentration it is better not to use a thermoalkaline pretreatment because overall solids reduction and total methane production are not as good as without pretreatment.
Superior Visual Analysis and Imagery in an Autistic Child with Drawing Talent
Authors: Drake Jennifer E. , Winner Ellen
Published: August 2011

Two opposing theories have been proposed to account for the strong visuospatial performance often seen in high-functioning individuals with autism. According to the weak central coherence account, individuals with autism show a local processing bias. They have a superior grasp of the local details of a visual display but fail to grasp global aspects of the display (Happé & Frith, 2006). According to the enhanced perceptual functioning account, individuals with autism have superior local processing as well as intact global processing (Mottron & Burack, 2001). We report a case study of J.G., a 10-year-old child of normal intelligence diagnosed with autism. He experienced expressive language delay, but showed special talents in both drawing and visual imagery. Our tests revealed that J.G. had superior local but poor global processing. This pattern of performance provides stronger support for weak central coherence than for enhanced perceptual functioning.
Imaginative Representations of Two - and Three-Dimensional Matrices in Children with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cornoldi Cesare , Ficili Paola , Giofrè David , Mammarella Irene Cristina , Mirandola Chiara
Published: August 2011

Children with non-verbal learning disabilities (NLD) are characterized by high verbal and poor non-verbal intelligence, poor cognitive abilities, school difficulties, and—sometimes—depressive symptoms. NLD children lack visuospatial working memory, but it is not clear whether they encounter difficulties in mental imagery tasks. In the present study, NLD adolescents without depressive symptoms, depressed adolescents without NLD symptoms, and a control group were administered a mental imagery task requiring them to imagine to move along the cells of a 2-D (5 × 5) or 3-D (3 × 3 × 3) matrix. Results showed that NLD adolescents had difficulty at performing the imagery task when a 3-D pattern was involved. It is suggested that 3-D mental imagery tasks tap visuospatial processes which are weak in NLD individuals. In addition, their poor cognitive performance cannot be attributed to a depressive state, as the depressed group had a performance similar to that of controls.
Mirror Neurons and Visuo-Motor Images in Children: A Meta-Analysis of Piaget and Inhelder's Data
Authors: D'Angiulli Amedeo , Schibli Kylie
Published: August 2011

Using a meta-analysis of Piaget and Inhelder's (1966) data on static reproductive images, we examined the link between Piaget's theory of mental imagery and the motor cognition hypothesis (MCH), which reflects the functional aspect of the mirror neuron systems. We confirmed that reproduction of complex visual models mediated by visuo-motor images was facilitated much more by children's own activity than simple observation of either the model or someone else's reconstruction. Critically, the influence of imitation over the images did not change with children's age. Thus, as Piaget hypothesized, imagery may indeed have a very close relationship with imitation. However, lack of age effects shows that the type of imitation involved in visuo-motor imagery likely does not develop gradually, as predicted by Piaget, but rather it may be grounded on mirror neurons. The latter may be interpreted as the plausible biological substrate of accommodation, validating a cornerstone of Piaget's general theory.
A Framework and Open Questions on Imagination in Adults and Children
Authors: Davies Jim , Atance Cristina , Martin-Ordas Gema
Published: August 2011

In this article we review work on mental imagery in adults and children. We argue that the fundamental issue of how we respond to a stimulus to create a descriptive, propositional scene description, and then render this description into an image is poorly understood. In addition to providing a new framework by which to address this issue, we highlight several other topics within the study of mental imagery that require further investigation. These include inhibiting irrelevant information and making inferences, knowing the difference between reality and imagination (or even beliefs and imagination), and point of view. We conclude by suggesting future directions of study to address these additional topics.
Robust semi-coarsening multilevel preconditioning of biquadratic FEM systems
Authors: Lymbery Maria , Margenov Svetozar
Published: August 2011

While a large amount of papers are dealing with robust multilevel methods and algorithms for linear FEM elliptic systems, the related higher order FEM problems are much less studied. Moreover, we know that the standard hierarchical basis two-level splittings deteriorate for strongly anisotropic problems. A first robust multilevel preconditioner for higher order FEM systems obtained after discretizations of elliptic problems with an anisotropic diffusion tensor is presented in this paper. We study the behavior of the constant in the strengthened CBS inequality for semi-coarsening mesh refinement which is a quality measure for hierarchical two-level splittings of the considered biquadratic FEM stiffness matrices. The presented new theoretical estimates are confirmed by numerically computed CBS constants for a rich set of parameters (coarsening factor and anisotropy ratio). In the paper we consider also the problem of solving efficiently systems with the pivot block matrices arising in the hierarchical basis two-level splittings. Combining the proven uniform estimates with the theory of the Algebraic MultiLevel Iteration (AMLI) methods we obtain an optimal order multilevel algorithm whose total computational cost is proportional to the size of the discrete problem with a proportionality constant independent of the anisotropy ratio.
Mesopleistocene loess deposits in the Mamalyha 2 profile of Ukraine — interlaboratory comparison of the thermoluminescence dating results
Authors: Łanczont Maria , Bogucki Andrij , Fedorowicz Stanisław , Kusiak Jarosław
Published: August 2011

The history of the interlaboratory comparison of TL dating results in Poland started in the 1980s. At that time the Lublin, Warsaw and Silesian laboratories made the first attempts at TL dating of the same loess samples from the Odonów profile. However, the cooperation ceased for many years due to great differences in the obtained TL age estimates. The next interlaboratory comparisons were made in the years 2000–2009 for the loess samples from several Polish (Dybawka, Tarnawce, Dankowice, Biały Kościół) and Ukrainian (Boyanychi, Halych, Velykyj Hlybochok, Yezupil) profiles. Most of the compared dates, obtained for the loess deposits from the Upper Pleistocene and younger part of the Middle Pleistocene, were consistent. This encouraged us to undertake the Gdańsk-Lublin interlaboratory cooperation in dating of 200-700 ka old loess deposits. Nine samples were taken from the Ukrainian profile Mamalyha 2 in 2009 for this purpose. The TL dating results indicate that comparable dates are obtained in two laboratories for loess deposits younger than 300 ka BP. The TL signal obtained in the Gdańsk laboratory for the samples older than 300 ka BP was saturated so such samples should not be dated by the multi-aliquot regeneration method. The results obtained in the Lublin laboratory for these deposits (489–682 ka) confirm that it is possible to date loess deposits older than 500 ka. It probably results from the use of total-bleach method with preheating at 160°C for the equivalent dose determination.
From forest to field: Perennial fruit crop domestication
Authors: Miller Allison J. , Gross Briana L.
Published: August 2011

•Premise of the study:Archaeological and genetic analyses of seed‐propagated annual crops have greatly advanced our understanding of plant domestication and evolution. Comparatively little is known about perennial plant domestication, a relevant topic for understanding how genes and genomes evolve in long‐lived species, and how perennials respond to selection pressures operating on a relatively short time scale. Here, we focus on long‐lived perennial crops (mainly trees and other woody plants) grown for their fruits.

•Key results:We reviewed (1) the basic biology of long‐lived perennials, setting the stage for perennial domestication by considering how these species evolve in nature; (2) the suite of morphological features associated with perennial fruit crops undergoing domestication; (3) the origins and evolution of domesticated perennials grown for their fruits; and (4) the genetic basis of domestication in perennial fruit crops.

•Conclusions:Long‐lived perennials have lengthy juvenile phases, extensive outcrossing, widespread hybridization, and limited population structure. Under domestication, these features, combined with clonal propagation, multiple origins, and ongoing crop–wild gene flow, contribute to mild domestication bottlenecks in perennial fruit crops. Morphological changes under domestication have many parallels to annual crops, but with key differences for mating system evolution and mode of reproduction. Quantitative trait loci associated with domestication traits in perennials are mainly of minor effect and may not be stable across years. Future studies that take advantage of genomic approaches and consider demographic history will elucidate the genetics of agriculturally and ecologically important traits in perennial fruit crops and their wild relatives.
GLOBAL STABILITY OF A THREE-SPECIES FOOD-CHAIN MODEL WITH DIFFUSION AND NONLOCAL DELAYS
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Xu Rui , Li Zhe
Published: August 2011

In this paper, a three species reaction-diffusion food-chain system with nonlocal delays is investigated. Sufficient conditions are derived for the global stability of a positive steady state and boundary steady states of the system by using the energy function method. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the theoretical results.
IMPACT OF FACTOR ROTATION METHODS ON SIMULATION COMPOSITE INDICATORS
Authors: Rukšėnaitė Jurga
Published: August 2011

In this research one hypothesis about mathematical measure, which can be used as an additional tool for analysis and assessment Lithuania's economy tendencies, is verified. This additional measure has been constructed as a composite indicator (CI), involving indicators from social and economic fields. Simulated 45 different CIs have been obtained using several factor rotation methods. The analysis proved that standard mathematical methods may be used for composing CI, which give significant results analyzing Lithuania's economy state. Simulated CI during stable or growing periods have shown similar tendencies like GDP. Also our research proved that during crisis period different rotation methods may have influence on final results of CI.
HOMOGENIZATION OF MONOTONE PROBLEMS WITH UNCERTAIN COEFFICIENTS
Authors: Francu Jan , Nechvatal Ludek
Published: August 2011

The homogenization problem for a nonlinear elliptic equation modelling some physical phenomena set in a periodically heterogeneous medium is studied. Contrary to the usual approach, the coefficients in the equation are supposed to be uncertain functions from a given set of admissible data satisfying suitable monotonicity and continuity conditions. The problem with uncertainties is treated by means of the worst scenario method.
NONEXISTENCE OF SOLUTIONS RESULTS FOR CERTAIN FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Berbiche Mohamed
Published: August 2011

This paper is meant to establish sufficient conditions for the nonexistence of weak solutions to nonlinear fractional diffusion equation in space and time with nonlinear convective term. The Fujita exponent is determined.
Sexualité et parole en thérapie de couple
Authors: Payen Françoise
Published: August 2011

Lorsque des consultants parlent de sexualité en thérapie de couple, ils s’expriment selon des modalités très variées, du registre romantique au registre technique, via des expressions parfois crues. Derrière cette diversité le thérapeute peut percevoir des souffrances ou des défenses qui donnent une indication sur la problématique du couple. Car, au-delà de la sexualité désignant des comportements, c’est du sexuel, entendu comme un fondement existentiel de l’humain, qu’il s’agit. Il arrive que des couples n’en parlent pas du tout, l’absence de parole laissant transparaître des imagos maternelles ou paternelles angoissantes qui s’entrecroisent entre les conjoints. L’article s’interroge enfin sur la dimension transféro-contretransférentielle en jeu ici. Quelques vignettes cliniques illustrent la façon dont le thérapeute recueille les paroles entendues selon son imaginaire et sa fantasmatique propre.
Les représentations de l'autre sexe à l'adolescence
Authors: Bécar Florence
Published: August 2011

Dans les groupes de parole avec les adolescents, les échanges portent sur les représentations de l’autre sexe. La prise de conscience qui en résulte amène à mesurer l’écart entre ce que l’on perçoit de l’autre, ce qu’on en imagine et la réalité. L’élaboration verbale ouvre sur la rencontre et l’échange, confrontant représentations et réalité. S’appuyant sur l’activité de représentation (P. Aulagnier) et les poèmes des adolescents où inquiétude et peur de l’autre se donnent à entendre comme avatars du désir, l’auteur se demande comment intégrer en soi l’autre et son altérité. Il propose l’hypothèse qu’un des effets de la prise de conscience et de l’élaboration des représentations de l’autre sexe à l’adolescence est de prévenir les violences actualisées au sein du couple et de la famille. De là résulte la responsabilité de s’assumer comme sujet de son désir.
Des mots pour la vivre
Authors: Vaginay Denis
Published: August 2011

Les personnes déficientes intellectuelles présentent souvent un langage défaillant ou largement déficitaire, ce qui plonge dans la perplexité lorsqu’il s’agit d’établir leur niveau d’intégration des connaissances ou leurs capacités à être ou à agir, notamment dans un domaine aussi délicat que celui de la sexualité. En s’appuyant sur les repères que donne la psycholinguistique et à partir d’analyses de situations, l’article montre comment certaines de ces personnes déficientes réussissent à élaborer leurs représentations et à étayer leur identité sexuée. Elles le font par le biais d’apprentissages implicites et grâce à leurs compétences pragmatiques. Pour atteindre cet objectif, elles ont à lutter contre les craintes restrictives de leur entourage qui amènent celui-ci à privilégier, quand il choisit d’en donner, les informations complexes et inaccessibles.
Mémoire retrouvée pour histoire oubliée
Authors: Maczka Ewa
Published: August 2011

Résumé Depuis un demi-siècle, les écrivains français d’origine judéo-maghrébine ont cherché à sauvegarder une mémoire tissée entre les deux rives de la Méditerranée. En France, l’histoire des sépharades est marquée par la rupture avec la terre d’origine. L’expérience de la migration va déboucher sur celles de l’attente, de la déception, puis du métissage. La littérature se fait l’écho de ces vies en pointillés, de ces langues qui s’oublient, qui se réinventent en cherchant à construire une identité apaisée.
Mémoire et musique rap
Authors: Béru Laurent
Published: August 2011

Résumé Le rap venu des États-Unis émerge dans les banlieues françaises au début des années 1990. Les rappeurs français expriment une réalité sociale difficile. Leur musique cristallise les représentations et les jeux de pouvoir à l’œuvre dans la société française contemporaine. Si certains s’attirent les foudres des pouvoirs publics, la plupart mettent leur verve au service d’un engagement : en empruntant les clivages ethnoraciaux, ils entreprennent de réécrire l’histoire.
L'émeute et le postcolonial à l'épreuve du politique dans les quartiers populaires
Authors: Kokoreff Michel
Published: August 2011

Résumé Depuis une trentaine d’années des émeutes urbaines agitent régulièrement les quartiers populaires français. Une mémoire de la lutte s’est peu à peu construite dans les heurts avec les forces de l’ordre et l’odeur du caoutchouc brûlé. 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005... Au-delà de la violence qui bouleverse leur espace de vie, ces dates égrènent la montée des difficultés sociales, du racisme, de la relégation géographique et de l’assignation identitaire dont pâtissent les populations de ces quartiers. Quand la prise de parole demeure inaudible, l’émeute viserait à se faire entendre, envers et contre tous.
The P2X7 Receptor and Pannexin-1 Are Both Required for the Promotion of Multinucleated Macrophages by the Inflammatory Cytokine GM-CSF
Authors: Lemaire Irma , Falzoni Simonetta , Zhang Bin , Pellegatti Patrizia , Di Virgilio Francesco
Published: August 2011

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), an ATP-gated ion channel, has been implicated in the process of cell-to-cell fusion into multinucleated macrophages (MA), but its contribution to MA fusion driven by physiological/pathological stimuli is not clearly established. Based on several lines of evidence, we demonstrate that P2X7R is critical for the induction of multinucleated MA by the inflammatory cytokine GM-CSF: 1) pharmacological inhibition of P2X7R with oxidized ATP (oATP), KN-62, and the selective antagonist A740003 abrogated GM-CSF action on rat alveolar MA and murine peritoneal MA; 2) a murine J774 P2X7 low MA clone, selected for defective P2X7R function, was unresponsive; 3) MA from mice lacking P2X7R failed to respond to GM-CSF, in contrast to wild-type. GM-CSF also stimulated ATP-induced membrane permeabilization in J774 P2X7 high MA and rat alveolar MA, an effect absent in the P2X7 low MA clone and inhibited by the P2X7 blockers oATP and KN-62. Notably, the stimulatory effects of GM-CSF on pore formation and MA fusion were both inhibited by blocking functional Pannexin-1 (Panx-1), and GM-CSF failed to stimulate MA fusion in cells from Panx-1 knockout mice. We provide further evidence that extracellular ATP release from peritoneal MA is dependent on P2X7 but not on Panx-1 expression and that its metabolism to adenosine mediates P2X7-dependent MA fusion. These data demonstrate that both P2X7 and Panx-1 are required for GM-CSF promotion of MA fusion but likely act independently through different signaling pathway(s).
Control of Aptamer Function Using Radiofrequency Magnetic Field
Authors: Taira Kenichi , Abe Koichi , Ishibasi Takayuki , Sato Katsuaki , Ikebukuro Kazunori
Published: August 2011

Remote control of aptamer function has allowed us to control protein function in space and time. Here, we propose a novel control system for aptamer function by radiofrequency magnetic field- (RFMF-) induced local heating of a gold nanoparticle conjugated with an aptamer. In this study, we used a 31-mer thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA), which can inhibit thrombin activity, as a model aptamer. We evaluated the RFMF control of the inhibitory activity of a gold nanoparticle-conjugated TBA. To evaluate the effect of RFMF on enzymatic activity, we utilized a complementary DNA strand that maintains the broken structure during the activity assay. We observed a decrease in the inhibitory activity of TBA after RFMF irradiation. It indicates that RFMF is capable of controlling the TBA structure. Because RFMF allows noninvasive control of aptamer function, this strategy is expected to be novel way of controlling aptamer drug activity.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the Complex between Citrate and the Zinc Peptidase Carboxypeptidase A
Authors: Fernández Daniel , Boix Ester , Pallarès Irantzu , Avilés Francesc X. , Vendrell Josep
Published: August 2011

A high-resolution carboxypeptidase-Zn2+-citrate complex was studied by X-ray diffraction and enzyme kinetics for the first time. The citrate molecule acts as a competitive inhibitor of this benchmark zinc-dependent peptidase, chelating the catalytic zinc ion in the active site of the enzyme and inducing a conformational change such that carboxypeptidase adopts the conformation expected to occur by substrate binding. Citrate adopts an extended conformation with half of the molecule facing the zinc ion, while the other half is docked in the S1′ hydrophobic specificity pocket of the enzyme, in contrast with the binding mode expected for a substrate like phenylalanine or a peptidomimetic inhibitor like benzylsuccinic acid. Combined structural and enzymatic analysis describes the characteristics of the binding of this ligand that, acting against physiologically relevant zinc-dependent proteases, may serve as a general model in the design of new drug-protecting molecules for the oral delivery of drugs of peptide origin.
Limited Therapeutic Time Windows of Mild-to-Moderate Hypothermia in a Focal Ischemia Model in Rat
Authors: Zhao Heng , Steinberg Gary
Published: August 2011

Although many studies have shown the great potential of induced hypothermia in stroke treatment, we recognize that there are limitations to the protective effects of hypothermia even in the laboratory. Here, we review our experiments on the protective effects of mild-to-moderate hypothermia in rats. Focal ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion for 1 to 2 hours combined with permanent or transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. We compared the effects of mild () and moderate () hypothermia, evaluated therapeutic time windows, and studied the underlying mechanisms. On review, our findings revealed that the protective effects of induced mild hypothermia () were limited, and the therapeutic time window of even moderate hypothermia () was very short in our specific models, although this limitation might be due to the relatively brief periods of hypothermia used. In addition, we found that hypothermia reduced brain injury by preserving Akt activity, PTEN phosphorylation andεPKC activity, while inhibiting ROS production, andδPKC activity.
New Brightener for Zn-Fe Alloy Plating from Sulphate Bath
Authors: Praveen B. M. , Venkatesha T. V.
Published: August 2011

Zn-Fe alloy electrodeposition was carried out in the presence of condensation product 2-{[(1E)-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoic acid formed between veratraldehyde and serine in acid sulphate bath. Hull cell was used for optimizing the operating parameters and bath constituents. During deposition, the potential was shifted towards cathodic direction in the presence of addition agents and brightener. The polarization studies show that deposition taking place in basic bath and optimum bath was 1.08 and 1.15 V, respectively. Current efficiency and throwing power were reached around 85% and 26%, respectively. The SEM images of bright deposit indicated its fine-grained nature and appreciable reduction in the grain size. XRD studies have showed that the grain size of the deposit generated from optimum bath was 16 nm. UV-visible spectroscopic studies confirm the formation of complex between metal ion and brightener.
Changes in the Perceived Epidemiology of Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Fagugli Riccardo Maria , Taglioni Chiara
Published: August 2011

Primary aldosteronism has been considered a rare disease in the past years, affecting 1% of the hypertensive population. Subsequently, growing evidence of its higher prevalence is present in literature, although the estimates of disease range from 5 up to 20%, as in type 2 diabetes and resistant hypertension. The main reasons for these variations are associated with the selection of patients and diagnostic procedures. If we consider that hypertension is present in about 20% of the adult population, primary aldosteronism can no longer be considered a rare disease. Patients with primary aldosteronism have a high incidence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and kidney complications. The identification of these patients has therefore a practical value on therapy, and to control morbidities derived from vascular damage. The ability to identify the prevalence of a disease depends on the number of subjects studied and the methods of investigation. Epidemiological studies are affected by these two problems: there is not consensus on patients who need to be investigated, although testing is recommended in subjects with resistant hypertension and diabetes. The question of how to determine aldosterone and renin levels is open, particularly if pharmacological wash-out is difficult to perform because of inadequate blood pressure control.
Gene Profiling of Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells under Elevated Pressure Conditions: Modulation of Inflammatory Gene Networks
Authors: Warnock James N. , Nanduri Bindu , Pregonero Gamez Carol A. , Tang Juliet , Koback Daniel , Muir William M. , Burgess Shane C.
Published: August 2011

The study aimed to identify mechanosensitive pathways and gene networks that are stimulated by elevated cyclic pressure in aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) and lead to detrimental tissue remodeling and/or pathogenesis. Porcine aortic valve leaflets were exposed to cyclic pressures of 80 or 120 mmHg, corresponding to diastolic transvalvular pressure in normal and hypertensive conditions, respectively. Linear, two-cycle amplification of total RNA, followed by microarray was performed for transcriptome analysis (with qRT-PCR validation). A combination of systems biology modeling and pathway analysis identified novel genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the biological response of VICs to elevated pressure. 56 gene transcripts related to inflammatory response mechanisms were differentially expressed. TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1βwere key cytokines identified from the gene network model. Also of interest was the discovery that pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was significantly upregulated under elevated pressure conditions (41-fold change). In conclusion, a gene network model showing differentially expressed inflammatory genes and their interactions in VICs exposed to elevated pressure has been developed. This system overview has detected key molecules that could be targeted for pharmacotherapy of aortic stenosis in hypertensive patients.