bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a carbazole derivative as a spectroscopic fluorescent probe for real time monitoring of cationic photopolymerization
Authors: Ortyl Joanna , Galica Mateusz , Popielarz Roman , Bogdał Dariusz
Published: March 2014

The performance of 1-(9-ethylcarbazol-3-yl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione (1) as a fluorescent probe for the monitoring of cationic photopolymerization processes by Fluorescence Probe Technique (FPT) has been evaluated in comparison with the response of 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (Coumarin 1) (2). Triethylene glycol divinyl ether and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate were used as an example monomer and a cationic photoinitiator respectively. It has been found that the probe 1 withstands the cationic polymerization conditions and provides correct probe response. 1-(9-ethylcarbazol-3-yl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione shifts its fluorescence spectrum with progress of cationic photopolymerization of the monomer, which enables the monitoring of the polymerization progress using the fluorescence intensity ratio measured at two different wavelengths as the progress indicator. By comparing the behavior of 1 and 2, it has been documented that the fluorescence spectrum of probe 1 shows a spectacular hypsochromic shift (Δλ = 33 nm) upon the monomer polymerization, while the shift of 2 is three times smaller (Δλ = 11 nm). Moreover, the sensitivity of probe 1 is more than 2.5-times higher than that of any other probes suitable for monitoring cationic polymerization processes, reported previously. Therefore, application of the carbazole derivative (1) as a new probe for the monitoring of the crosslinking process of coatings cured by cationic photopolymerization has been proposed.
Effect of sulphur added to phosphate rock on solubility and phytoavailability of phosphorus
Authors: Stanisławska-Glubiak Ewa , Korzeniowska Jolanta , Hoffmann Józef , Górecka Helena , Jóźwiak Wiktor , Wiśniewska Grażyna
Published: March 2014

For ground phosphate rock (GPR) to be applied as phosphorus fertilizer, the availability of phosphorus to plants needs to be improved. One possible way to achieve this is by adding sulphur, which will accelerate decomposition of phosphate in soil owing to the activation of microbiological processes. This study involved granulation of fertilizers composed of phosphate and sulphur mixed at 38:1 and 10:1 ratios and two analogous fertilizer variants but with added molasses as a source of organic carbon for sulphur bacteria. A small-scale industrial installation for production of multi-component fertilizers was used to make granular fertilizer by the compaction method. The granular fertilizers were then tested in an agricultural experiment. The fertilizer in which the phosphate to sulphur ratio was 10:1 produced better effects. Addition of molasses to the fertilizers did not improve their fertilizing capacity
Authority, History, and Everyday Mysticism in the Poetry of Lucille Clifton
Authors: Harding Rachel Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

Lucille Clifton, a northern-born woman with Southern roots, was a writer of profound illumination and plain speaking. This combination in her work—spare elegance of tone and deep practical wisdom—is often remarked upon by literary critics and admirers. Those who know Clifton's work well also note key elements of her poetic voice in which she honors the everyday mysticism of African American experience, a firm claim to agency and creativity in the face of terror, and an insistence on telling the truths of history—the joyful truths as well as the hidden and hurtful ones. In all of these elements, black women and our ways of knowing are privileged in Clifton's writing. There is a strong measure in which the poet's oeuvre and sensibility may be described as “womanist” in the broadest sense of the term developed by Alice Walker (1983). Using a framework informed by Walker's womanism, African American literary studies, and the history of Afro-Atlantic religions, this essay explores connections among these signal components of Clifton's work: namely, the poet's sense of agency and authority; the power of personal and collective history; and a nonsensational mystic spirituality linked to broader diasporic understandings of the sacred.
Where Author and Auteur Meet
Authors: Hardison Ayesha
Published: March 2014

This essay examines black women's transition from cultural consumers to artistic producers in Martha Southgate's under-studied novel Third Girl from the Left. Analyzing the text's exploration of black women's misrepresentation in popular film and mainstream narratives of history, this essay argues that Southgate rewrites the script of black female desire beyond sexual subjugation and racial stereotype over the course of the novel's three generations of mothers and daughters. Southgate reveals the importance of black women controlling the narrative of black female subjectivity portrayed on the movie screen. Moreover, she illustrates the significance of black women's performance of subjectivity in their own lives. By charting a “reel” and “real” history of the erotic, Southgate not only explores the repercussions of movie-watching and movie-making for black female spectators, but she also demands that her readers participate in the critical interpretive work necessary for recognizing the difference between “fact” and “fiction.” Her novel reveals that such cultural work is important for interrogating and reconfiguring past and present representations of black female eroticism. This essay looks at the nuances in Third Girl from the Left by placing the novel in the context of its explicit movie allusions as well as films with which the text is in tacit dialogue.
Recent developments in the medical and surgical treatment of melanoma
Authors: Saranga‐Perry Vita , Ambe Chenwi , Zager Jonathan S. , Kudchadkar Ragini R.
Published: March 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Increasing knowledge of the biology of melanoma has led to significant advances in drug development to fight this disease. Surgery is the primary treatment for localized disease and is an integral part of management in patients with more advanced disease. The last decade has become the era of targeted therapy in melanoma and has revolutionized the treatment of this disease. Since 2011, 4 new agents have been approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma: ipilimumab, vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib. Several new agents are currently in phase 3 trials with hopes of even more agents being approved for this once “untreatable” disease. How to integrate surgical options with more effective systemic therapies has become a new challenge for physicians. This review will provide an update on current surgical options, highlight the pathway to the development of the newly approved agents, and further discuss new treatments that are on the horizon. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:171–185. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Informed consent of human subjects: a review
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rashedul
Published: March 2014

Informed consent is a vital part of the research process, and as such entails more than obtaining a signature on the consent form. Researchers or investigators must educate potential subjects to ensure that they can reach a truly informed decision about whether or not to participate in the research. Their consent must be given freely, without coercion, and must be based on a clear understanding of what participation involves. Only then it can be regarded as informed consent. Although a relatively recent phenomenon, the role of informed consent in human research is central to its ethical regulation and conduct. However, guidelines often recommend procedures for obtaining informed consent (usually written consent) that are difficult to implement in developing countries. This paper reviews the guidelines for obtaining informed consent and also discusses prevailing views on current controversies, ambiguities and problems with these guidelines and suggests potential solutions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v5i1.18444 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2014 Vol.5(1): 20-35
RNA Splicing Factors and RNA-Directed DNA Methylation
Authors: Huang Chao-Feng , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: March 2014

RNA-directed histone and/or DNA modification is a conserved mechanism for the establishment of epigenetic marks from yeasts and plants to mammals. The heterochromation formation in yeast is mediated by RNAi-directed silencing mechanism, while the establishment of DNA methylation in plants is through the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. Recently, splicing factors are reported to be involved in both RNAi-directed heterochromatin formation in yeast and the RdDM pathway in plants. In yeast, splicing factors may provide a platform for facilitating the siRNA generation through an interaction with RDRC and thereby affect the heterochromatin formation, whereas in plants, various splicing factors seem to act at different steps in the RdDM pathway.
Reciprocal Supportive Interplay between Glioblastoma and Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Zhou Wenchao , Bao Shideng
Published: March 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal and aggressive type of primary brain malignancy. Failures of the traditional therapies in treating GBMs raise the urgent requirement to develop new approaches with more responsive targets. The phenomenon of the high infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into GBMs has been observed for a long time. Regardless of the limited knowledge about TAMs, the high percentage of supportive TAM in GBM tumor mass makes it possible to be a good target for GBM treatment. In this review, we discussed the unique features of TAMs in GBMs, including their origin, the tumor-supportive properties, the secreted cytokines, and the relevant mechanisms. In addition, we tried to interpret the current understandings about the interplay between GBM cancer cells and TAMs. Finally, the translational studies of targeting TAMs were also described.
HiJAK’d Signaling; the STAT3 Paradox in Senescence and Cancer Progression
Authors: Junk Damian , Bryson Benjamin , Jackson Mark
Published: March 2014

Clinical and epidemiological data have associated chronic inflammation with cancer progression. Most tumors show evidence of infiltrating immune and inflammatory cells, and chronic inflammatory disorders are known to increase the overall risk of cancer development. While immune cells are often observed in early hyperplastic lesions in vivo, there remains debate over whether these immune cells and the cytokines they produce in the developing hyperplastic microenvironment act to inhibit or facilitate tumor development. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines, which includes IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), among others (LIF, CT-1, CNTF, and CLC), are secreted by immune cells, stromal cells, and epithelial cells, and regulate diverse biological processes. Each of the IL-6 family cytokines signals through a distinct receptor complex, yet each receptor complex uses a shared gp130 subunit, which is critical for signal transduction following cytokine binding. Activation of gp130 results in the activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) signaling cascades. Tumor suppressive signaling can often be observed in normal cells following prolonged STAT3 activation. However, there is mounting evidence that the IL-6 family cytokines can contribute to later stages of tumor progression in many ways. Here we will review how the microenvironmental IL-6 family cytokine OSM influences each stage of the transformation process. We discuss the intrinsic adaptations a developing cancer cell must make in order to tolerate and circumvent OSM-mediated growth suppression, as well as the OSM effectors that are hijacked during tumor expansion and metastasis. We propose that combining current therapies with new ones that suppress the signals generated from the tumor microenvironment will significantly impact an oncologist’s ability to treat cancer.
Potential Roles of Swedish Forestry in the Context of Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Lundmark Tomas , Bergh Johan , Hofer Peter , Lundström Anders , Nordin Annika , Poudel Bishnu , Sathre Roger , Taverna Ruedi , Werner Frank
Published: March 2014

In Sweden, where forests cover more than 60% of the land area, silviculture and the use of forest products by industry and society play crucial roles in the national carbon balance. A scientific challenge is to understand how different forest management and wood use strategies can best contribute to climate change mitigation benefits. This study uses a set of models to analyze the effects of different forest management and wood use strategies in Sweden on carbon dioxide emissions and removals through 2105. If the present Swedish forest use strategy is continued, the long-term climate change mitigation benefit will correspond to more than 60 million tons of avoided or reduced emissions of carbon dioxide annually, compared to a scenario with similar consumption patterns in society but where non-renewable products are used instead of forest-based products. On average about 470 kg of carbon dioxide emissions are avoided for each cubic meter of biomass harvested, after accounting for carbon stock changes, substitution effects and all emissions related to forest management and industrial processes. Due to Sweden’s large export share of forest-based products, the climate change mitigation effect of Swedish forestry is larger abroad than within the country. The study also shows that silvicultural methods to increase forest biomass production can further reduce net carbon dioxide emissions by an additional 40 million tons of per year. Forestry’s contribution to climate change mitigation could be significantly increased if management of the boreal forest were oriented towards increased biomass production and if more wood were used to substitute fossil fuels and energy-intensive materials.
Water Quality Assessment in the Harbin Reach of the Songhuajiang River (China) Based on a Fuzzy Rough Set and an Attribute Recognition Theoretical Model
Authors: An Yan , Zou Zhihong , Li Ranran
Published: March 2014

A large number of parameters are acquired during practical water quality monitoring. If all the parameters are used in water quality assessment, the computational complexity will definitely increase. In order to reduce the input space dimensions, a fuzzy rough set was introduced to perform attribute reduction. Then, an attribute recognition theoretical model and entropy method were combined to assess water quality in the Harbin reach of the Songhuajiang River in China. A dataset consisting of ten parameters was collected from January to October in 2012. Fuzzy rough set was applied to reduce the ten parameters to four parameters: BOD5, NH3-N, TP, and F. coli (Reduct A). Considering that DO is a usual parameter in water quality assessment, another reduct, including DO, BOD5, NH3-N, TP, TN, F, and F. coli (Reduct B), was obtained. The assessment results of Reduct B show a good consistency with those of Reduct A, and this means that DO is not always necessary to assess water quality. The results with attribute reduction are not exactly the same as those without attribute reduction, which can be attributed to the α value decided by subjective experience. The assessment results gained by the fuzzy rough set obviously reduce computational complexity, and are acceptable and reliable. The model proposed in this paper enhances the water quality assessment system.
Beclin 1 Expression in Ovarian Tissues and Its Effects on Ovarian Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Cai Mingbo , Hu Zhenhua , Liu Juanjuan , Gao Jian , Liu Chuan , Liu Dawo , Tan Mingzi , Zhang Danye , Lin Bei
Published: March 2014

Beclin 1 is an autophagy-associated protein involved in apoptosis and drug resistance, as well as various malignancies. We investigated the expression of Beclin 1 protein in ovarian epithelial tissues and correlated it with the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Beclin 1 protein expression was determined using immunohistochemistry in 148 patients with ovarian epithelial cancer, 26 with ovarian borderline tumor, 25 with benign ovarian tumor, and 30 with normal ovarian tissue. The relationships between Beclin 1 protein expression and ovarian cancer pathological characteristics were analyzed. The risk factors for ovarian cancer prognosis were analyzed using Cox’s regression model. A survival curve was plotted from the follow-up data of 93 patients with ovarian cancer to analyze the effects of Beclin 1 expression on the prognosis of ovarian cancer. The positive rates of Beclin 1 were significantly higher in ovarian epithelial cancer (148) and borderline tumor (26) than in benign ovarian tumor (25) or normal ovarian tissue (30) (all p < 0.001). The surgical stage and Beclin 1 expression were both independent risk factors for ovarian cancer prognosis (both p < 0.05). Patients with high Beclin 1 levels showed better survival than those with low Beclin 1 levels (p = 0.009). Beclin 1 protein is upregulated in ovarian epithelial cancer and is a prognostic factor of ovarian cancer.
Role of VEGF-A and Its Receptors in Sporadic and MEN2-Associated Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Ferreira Carla , Siqueira Débora , Romitti Mírian , Ceolin Lucieli , Brasil Beatriz , Meurer Luise , Capp Clarissa , Maia Ana
Published: March 2014

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare catecholamine producing tumor arising from the chromaffin cells, may occurs sporadically (76%–80%) or as part of inherited syndromes (20%–24%). Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in tumor proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the most well-characterized angiogenic factor. The role of angiogenic markers in PHEO is not fully understood; investigations were therefore made to evaluate the expression of VEGF-A and its receptors in PHEO and correlate to clinical parameters. Twenty-nine samples of PHEO were evaluated for VEGF-A, VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) VEGFR-2 expression and microvessel density (MVD) by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were reviewed in medical records. The mean age of patients was 38 ± 14 years, and 69% were woman. VEGF-A, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 staining were detected in nearly all PHEO samples. No significant correlation was observed between VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 expression or MVD and age at diagnosis, tumor size or sporadic and hereditary PHEO. However, the levels of expression of these molecules were significantly higher in malignant PHEO samples (p = 0.027, p = 0.003 and p = 0.026, respectively).VEGF-A and its receptors were shown to be up-regulated in malignant PHEO, suggesting that these molecules might be considered as therapeutic targets for unresectable or metastatic tumors.
Molecular Control of Cardiac Fetal/Neonatal Remodeling
Authors: Breckenridge Ross
Published: March 2014

Immediately following birth, the mammalian heart switches from generating ATP via glycolysis to β-oxidation of lipid. Coincident with this metabolic remodeling, cardiomyocyte mitosis ceases and regenerative capacity is lost. Recently, our understanding of the molecular pathways linking physiological stimuli with gene expression and phenotype changes around birth has increased, although fundamental gaps remain. This review discusses recent work that sheds light on this important area of mammalian cardiovascular development.
Field Application of Accelerated Mineral Carbonation
Authors: Reynolds Brandon , Reddy K. , Argyle Morris
Published: March 2014

Globally, coal-fired power plants are the largest industrial source of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 emissions from flue gas have potential for direct mineralization with electrostatic precipitator fly ash particles in the field. Demonstration scale accelerated mineral carbonation (AMC) studies were conducted at the Jim Bridger Power Plant, a large coal fired power plant located in Wyoming, USA. AMC produces kinetically rapid conditions for increased rates of mineralization of CO2, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and mercury (Hg) on fly ash particles. Control and AMC reacted fly ash particles were investigated for: change in carbon (expressed as CaCO3), sulfur (expressed as SO42−), and mercury (Hg) contents; topology and surface chemical composition by scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis; chemical distribution of trace elements; and aqueous mineral solubility by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. Results of the AMC process show an increase in C, S, and Hg on AMC fly ash particles suggesting that multiple pollutants from flue gas can be removed through this direct mineral carbonation process. Results also suggest that the AMC process shifts soluble trace elements in fly ash to less leachable mineral fractions. The results of this study can provide insight into potential successful field implementation of AMC.
Topographic Correction of ZY-3 Satellite Images and Its Effects on Estimation of Shrub Leaf Biomass in Mountainous Areas
Authors: Gao Ming-Liang , Zhao Wen-Ji , Gong Zhao-Ning , Gong Hui-Li , Chen Zheng , Tang Xin-Ming
Published: March 2014

The availability of ZY-3 satellite data provides additional potential for surveying, mapping, and quantitative studies. Topographic correction, which eliminates the terrain effect caused by the topographic relief, is one of the fundamental steps in data preprocessing for quantitative analysis of vegetation. In this paper, we rectified ZY-3 satellite data using five commonly used topographic correction models and investigate their impact on the regression estimation of shrub forest leaf biomass obtained from sample plots in the study area. All the corrections were assessed by means of: (1) visual inspection (2) reduction of the standard deviation (SD) at different terrain slopes (3) correlation analysis of different correction results. Best results were obtained from the Minnaert+SCS correction, based on the non-Lambertian reflection assumption. Additional analysis showed that the coefficient correlation of the biomass fitting result was improved after the Minnaert+SCS correction, as well as the fitting precision. The R2 has increased by 0.113 to reach 0.869, while the SD (standard deviation) of the biomass dropped by 21.2%. Therefore, based on the facts, we conclude that in the region with large topographic relief, the topographical correction is essential to the estimation of the biomass.
Integration of Field and Laboratory Spectral Data with Multi-Resolution Remote Sensed Imagery for Asphalt Surface Differentiation
Authors: Mei Alessandro , Salvatori Rosamaria , Fiore Nicola , Allegrini Alessia , D'Andrea Antonio
Published: March 2014

The ability to classify asphalt surfaces is an important goal for the selection of suitable non-variant targets as pseudo-invariant targets during the calibration/validation of remotely-sensed images. In addition, the possibility to recognize different types of asphalt surfaces on the images can help optimize road network management. This paper presents a multi-resolution study to improve asphalt surface differentiation using field spectroradiometric data, laboratory analysis and remote sensing imagery. Multispectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer (MIVIS) airborne data and multispectral images, such as Quickbird and Ikonos, were used. From scatter plots obtained by field data using λ = 460 and 740 nm, referring to MIVIS Bands 2 and 16 and Quickbird and Ikonos Bands 1 and 4, pixels corresponding to asphalt covering were identified, and the slope of their interpolation lines, assumed as asphalt lines, was calculated. These slopes, used as threshold values in the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classifier, obtained an overall accuracy of 95% for Ikonos, 98% for Quickbird and 93% for MIVIS. Laboratory investigations confirm the existence of the asphalt line also for new asphalts, too.
Hybrid Integrated Label-Free Chemical and Biological Sensors
Authors: Mehrabani Simin , Maker Ashley , Armani Andrea
Published: March 2014

Label-free sensors based on electrical, mechanical and optical transduction methods have potential applications in numerous areas of society, ranging from healthcare to environmental monitoring. Initial research in the field focused on the development and optimization of various sensor platforms fabricated from a single material system, such as fiber-based optical sensors and silicon nanowire-based electrical sensors. However, more recent research efforts have explored designing sensors fabricated from multiple materials. For example, synthetic materials and/or biomaterials can also be added to the sensor to improve its response toward analytes of interest. By leveraging the properties of the different material systems, these hybrid sensing devices can have significantly improved performance over their single-material counterparts (better sensitivity, specificity, signal to noise, and/or detection limits). This review will briefly discuss some of the methods for creating these multi-material sensor platforms and the advances enabled by this design approach.
Co-Producing Sustainability: Involving Parents and Civil Society in the Governance of School Meal Services. A Case Study from Pisa, Italy
Authors: Galli Francesca , Brunori Gianluca , Di Iacovo Francesco , Innocenti Silvia
Published: March 2014

There is a rising awareness of the power of the public sector in enhancing sustainable consumption and production practices, in particular related to food procurement and its social, ethical, economical and environmental implications. School meal services have a high resonance in the debate on collective catering services because of the implications on the education to sustainable dietary habits and the orientation of the production system. This contribution focuses on the reciprocal relationship between professionals and users of school meal services as a driver to mobilize new resources—according to the theory of co-production—that steer service innovation and a shift towards more sustainable practices. We illustrate this through a case study on the school meal system in Pisa (Italy), where the Canteen Committee represents an institutional arena for participation and empowerment of actors that has gradually gained a central role in shaping this school meal service. Despite the challenges and obstacles, the institutionalized co-production of services allows consolidation of trust among key players and the introduction of innovations in the service, in the form of several projects oriented to sustainability which would not take place without the joint effort of actors involved, parents in the first place.
Larvicidal and Cytotoxic Potential of Squamocin on the Midgut of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Costa Marilza , Cossolin Jamile , Pereira Mônica , Sant'Ana Antônio , Lima Milena , Zanuncio José , Serrão José
Published: March 2014

Acetogenins are secondary metabolites exclusively produced by Annonaceae, which have antitumor, cytotoxic, and pesticide activities. In this study, we evaluated the larvicidal and cytotoxic effect of squamocin from Annona squamosa on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) midgut. The compound was solubilized in 2% Tween 20 at 10, 20, 50, 80 and 100 ppm. The assay was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, each with 20 third-instar larvae. Larval mortality was assessed every hour until total mortality, and the data were subjected to Probit analysis. Cellular damage was evaluated every 30 min in groups comprising five larvae subjected to squamocin at 50 and 100 ppm for 240 min. The total larval mortality occurred after 360 min following application of 50, 80, and 100 ppm squamocin, and 600 min after applying other concentrations with LC50 at 6.4 ppm. Both 50 and 100 ppm of squamocin showed cytotoxic activity in the midgut epithelium of A. aegypti after 240 min with 50 ppm resulting in midgut cells with light cytoplasm containing small vacuoles, whereas at 100 ppm were found cells with cytoplasm highly vacuolated, damaged apical surface and cell protrusion toward the gut lumen. In conclusion, squamocin has the potential to control A. aegypti.
Inhibitory Effects of Respiration Inhibitors on Aflatoxin Production
Authors: Sakuda Shohei , Prabowo Diyan , Takagi Keiko , Shiomi Kazuro , Mori Mihoko , Ōmura Satoshi , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: March 2014

Aflatoxin production inhibitors, which do not inhibit the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi, may be used to control aflatoxin without incurring a rapid spread of resistant strains. A respiration inhibitor that inhibits aflatoxin production was identified during a screening process for natural, aflatoxin-production inhibitors. This prompted us to evaluate respiration inhibitors as potential aflatoxin control agents. The inhibitory activities of four natural inhibitors, seven synthetic miticides, and nine synthetic fungicides were evaluated on aflatoxin production in Aspergillus parasiticus. All of the natural inhibitors (rotenone, siccanin, aptenin A5, and antimycin A) inhibited fungal aflatoxin production with IC50 values around 10 µM. Among the synthetic miticides, pyridaben, fluacrypyrim, and tolfenpyrad exhibited strong inhibitory activities with IC50 values less than 0.2 µM, whereas cyflumetofen did not show significant inhibitory activity. Of the synthetic fungicides, boscalid, pyribencarb, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and kresoxim-methyl demonstrated strong inhibitory activities, with IC50 values less than 0.5 µM. Fungal growth was not significantly affected by any of the inhibitors tested at concentrations used. There was no correlation observed between the targets of respiration inhibitors (complexes I, II, and III) and their IC50 values for aflatoxin-production inhibitory activity. This study suggests that respiration inhibitors, including commonly used pesticides, are useful for aflatoxin control.
Characterization of Juquitiba Virus in Oligoryzomys fornesi from Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Guterres Alexandro , De Oliveira Renata , Fernandes Jorlan , Strecht Liana , Casado Flavia , Gomes de Oliveira Flavio , D'Andrea Paulo , Bonvicino Cibele , Schrago Carlos , Sampaio de Lemos Elba
Published: March 2014

The Juquitiba virus, an agent of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome, is one of the most widely distributed hantavirus found in South America. It has been detected in Oligoryzomys nigripes, Akodon montensis, Oxymycterus judex, Akodon paranaensis in Brazil and in O. nigripes, Oryzomys sp. and Oligoryzomys fornesi rodents in Argentine, Paraguay and Uruguay. Here, we report the genomic characterization of the complete S segment from the Juquitiba strain, isolated from the lung tissues of O. fornesi, the presumed rodent reservoir of Anajatuba virus in Brazilian Amazon, captured in the Cerrado Biome, Brazil.
Exosomes provide a protective and enriched source of miRNA for biomarker profiling compared to intracellular and cell‐free blood
Authors: Cheng Lesley , Sharples Robyn A. , Scicluna Benjamin J. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

microRNA (miRNA) are small non‐coding RNA species that are transcriptionally processed in the host cell and released extracellularly into the bloodstream. Normally involved in post‐transcriptional gene silencing, the deregulation of miRNA has been shown to influence pathogenesis of a number of diseases.

Background

Next‐generation deep sequencing (NGS) has provided the ability to profile miRNA in biological fluids making this approach a viable screening tool to detect miRNA biomarkers. However, collection and handling procedures of blood needs to be greatly improved for miRNA analysis in order to reliably detect differences between healthy and disease patients. Furthermore, ribonucleases present in blood can degrade RNA upon collection rendering extracellular miRNA at risk of degradation. These factors have consequently decreased sensitivity and specificity of miRNA biomarker assays.

Methods

Here, we use NGS to profile miRNA in various blood components and identify differences in profiles within peripheral blood compared to cell‐free plasma or serum and extracellular vesicles known as exosomes. We also analyse and compare the miRNA content in exosomes prepared by ultracentrifugation methods and commercial exosome isolation kits including treating samples with RNaseA.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that exosomal RNA is protected by RNaseA treatment and that exosomes provide a consistent source of miRNA for disease biomarker detection.
Vers une typologie des régimes monétaires
Authors: Boyer-Xambeu Marie-Thérèse , Deleplace Ghislain , Gillard Lucien
Published: March 2014

In a monetary economy, where the unit of account is unique, a monetary regime may be defined as a set of coordinated official rules of account and payment, which private agents must observe in their relations. When applied to a metallic monetary regime, this definition allows to recognize the influence of foreign exchange on domestic monetary relations. As early as the XVIth century in Europe, metallic and bank mintages are articulated through specific institutional arrangements ; including public rules, banking behaviors and organized market procedures, they determine the stability or instability of domestic and international relations. This fact invites to a comparison with our modern European Monetary System.
Contribution à la théorie du monnayage : Money and trade de John Law
Authors: Lotti Laurence
Published: March 2014

En 1705, John Law adresse « Money and Trade » au Parlement écossais. Selon lui, seule une transformation structurelle du système monétaire peut sortir l'Ecosse de la crise. Il commence par demander la démonétisation des espèces métalliques. Il propose ensuite que l'émission de la monnaie — de papier — prenne la forme d'un prêt sur hypothèque. D'emblée, la terre-capital fonctionne comme instrument d'une sélection. Law souhaite par ailleurs que la diffusion de la monnaie par les propriétaires fonciers prenne la forme d'avances en salaires. Le rapport salarial est ainsi reconnu nécessaire. La monnaie connaît un parcours circulaire avec annulation dès son retour à l'émetteur. La crise consiste donc en une interruption du circuit de la monnaie. Elle est résolue par le « financement ».
A propos de Montesquieu et de Turgot : peut-on encore parler de la monnaie comme d'un signe ?
Authors: Lagueux Maurice
Published: March 2014

The interpretation of the sign theory of money which Michel Foucault based on a theory of representation is contested in favor of an interpretation which instead emphasizes both the notion of universal exchange and the notion of convention. This sign theory of money is illustrated by Montesquieu's thesis about money, a thesis which can be usefully contrasted with Turgot's commodity theory of money. It will be suggested that the attraction exerted by these two theories in the XVIIIth century anticipated, to some extent at least, the respective preferences for impersonal mechanisms and for discretionary power which, since that time, have become central in the debates about monetary policy. However, these theories are now almost forgotten, having been replaced by theories which put more emphasis on the social aspects of the theory of money.
Les marchandises et le signe : Turgot versus Montesquieu
Authors: Rosier Michel
Published: March 2014

Today economists, by qualifying a kind of money as sign, would only mean to suggest that it is not so real as goods. But, as M. Foucault underlined it in Les mots et les choses, something more important was at stake for some authors of the 18 th century. Montesquieu and Turgot had different theories of sign, which conveyed opposite conceptions of money, and which led to alternative approaches of the object of political economy.
Characterization of Liver-Specific Functions of Human Fetal Hepatocytes in Culture
Authors: Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Timoneri Francesca , Amico Giandomenico , Pietrosi Giada , Vizzini Giovanni , Spada Marco , Pagano Duilio , Gridelli Bruno , Conaldi Pier Giulio
Published: March 2014

This study was designed to assess liver-specific functions of human fetal liver cells proposed as a potential source for hepatocyte transplantation. Fetal liver cells were isolated from livers of different gestational ages (16-22 weeks), and the functions of cell preparations were evaluated by establishing primary cultures. We observed that 20- to 22-week-gestation fetal liver cell cultures contained a predominance of cells with hepatocytic traits that did not divide in vitro but were functionally competent. Fetal hepatocytes performed liver-specific functions at levels comparable to those of their adult counterpart. Moreover, exposure to dexamethasone in combination with oncostatin M promptly induced further maturation of the cells through the acquisition of additional functions (i.e., ability to store glycogen and uptake of indocyanine green). In some cases, particularly in cultures obtained from fetuses of earlier gestational ages (16-18 weeks gestation), cells with mature hepatocytic traits proved to be sporadic, and the primary cultures were mainly populated by clusters of proliferating cells. Consequently, the values of liver-specific functions detected in these cultures were low. We observed that a low cell density culture system rapidly prompted loss of the mature hepatocytic phenotype with downregulations of all the liver-specific functions. We found that human fetal liver cells can be cryopreserved without significant loss of viability and function and evaluated up to 1 year in storage in liquid nitrogen. They might, therefore, be suitable for cell banking and allow for the transplantation of large numbers of cells, thus improving clinical outcomes. Overall, our results indicate that fetal hepatocytes could be used as a cell source for hepatocyte transplantation. Fetal liver cells have been used so far to treat end-stage liver disease. Additional studies are needed to include these cells in cell-based therapies aimed to treat liver failure and inborn errors of metabolism.
Intramuscular Transplantation of Pig Amniotic Fluid-Derived Progenitor Cells Has Therapeutic Potential in a Mouse Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Peng Shao-Yu , Chou Chih-Jen , Cheng Po-Jen , Tseng Tse-Yang , Cheng Winston Teng-Kui , Shaw S. W. Steven , Wu Shinn-Chih
Published: March 2014

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a fatal event that causes a large number of deaths worldwide. MI results in pathological remodeling and decreased cardiac function, which could lead to heart failure and fatal arrhythmia. Cell therapy is a potential strategy to repair the damage through enhanced angiogenesis or by modulation of the inflammatory process via paracrine signaling. Amniotic fluid-derived progenitor cells (AFPCs) have been reported to differentiate into several lineages and can be used without ethical concerns or risk of teratoma formation. Since pigs are anatomically, physiologically, and genetically similar to humans, and pregnant pigs can be an abundant source of AFPCs, we used porcine AFPCs (pAFPCs) as our target cells. Intramyocardial injection of AFPCs has been shown to cure MI in animal models. However, intramuscular transplantation of cells has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of intramuscular injection of pAFPCs on acute MI. MI mice were divided into 1) PBS control, 2) medium cell dose (1 × 106 cells per leg; cell-M), and 3) high cell dose (4 × 106 cells per leg; cell-H) groups. Cells or PBS were directly injected into the hamstring muscle 20 min after MI surgery. Four weeks after MI surgery, the cell-M and cell-H groups exhibited significantly better ejection fraction, significantly greater wall thickness, smaller infarct scar sizes, and lower LV expansion index compared to the PBS group. Using in vivo imaging, we showed that the hamstring muscles from animals in the cell-M and cell-H groups had RFP-positive signals. In summary, intramuscular injection of porcine AFPCs reduced scar size, reduced pathological remodeling, and preserved heart function after MI.
GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSIONS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH – EVIDENCE SUBSTANTIATING THE PRESENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNETS CURVE IN THE EU
Authors: Lapinskienė Giedrė , Tvaronavičienė Manuela , Vaitkus Pranas
Published: March 2014

The paper considers the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as the main variable of climate change and gross domestic product (GDP), using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) technique. At early stages of economic growth, EKC indicates the increase of pollution related to the growing use of resources. However, when a certain level of income per capita is reached, the trend reverses and at a higher stage of development, further economic growth leads to improvement of the environment. According to the researchers, this implies that the environmental impact indicator is an inverted U-shaped function of income per capita. In this paper, the cubic equation is used to empirically check the validity of the EKC relationship for European countries. The analysis is based on the survey of EU-27, Norway and Switzerland in the period of 1995–2010. The data is taken from the Eurostat database. To gain some insights into the environmental trends in each country, the article highlights the specific relationship in the country based on the level of its development. The similarities between individual countries are analysed in order to identify their basic common features.
HOW USEFUL IS THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE LAW IN ECONOMICS?
Authors: Škare Marinko
Published: March 2014

We explore the long term relationship between unemployment, inflation and output in the United Kingdom during 1851–2011 in search for a possible “golden triangle” connecting “natural” unemployment, price stability and strong (fast) rates of output growth. Exploring the possibility of existence of such internal macroeconomic equilibrium is important in setting and attaining these most acclaimed macroeconomic objectives. Not only could the results be applied in setting policy objectives but also unveil if low unemployment, stable prices and fast growth are supportive objectives. Preliminary results are encouraging and open the path for further research on the subject. Not a single economic policy designed on just a vague notion on the relationship between inflation, unemployment and output should be used since it will bring disaster to the economy.
DSS IN NUMBERS
Authors: Filip Florin Gheorghe , Suduc Ana-Maria , Bîzoi Mihai
Published: March 2014

Decision Support Systems (DSS) have evolved in time, influenced by technological and organizational developments. The scientists’ interest for DSS has increased over the years and the use of this type of systems has spread in all domains of activity. The paper presents the results of a literature search, made in September 2013, regarding the Decision Support Systems evolution as it is reflected in three scientific databases (ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore Digital Library and ACM Digital Library). The aim of this research is to present the evolution in time of the published DSS research materials and to test the usefulness and relevance, for the topic searched, of the information provided by the above mentioned databases.
The Supertree Toolkit 2: a new and improved software package with a Graphical User Interface for supertree construction
Authors: Hill Jon , Davis Katie
Published: March 2014

Building large supertrees involves the collection, storage, and processing of thousands of individual phylogenies to create large phylogenies with thousands to tens of thousands of taxa. Such large phylogenies are useful for macroevolutionary studies, comparative biology and in conservation and biodiversity. No easy to use and fully integrated software package currently exists to carry out this task. Here, we present a new Python-based software package that uses well defined XML schema to manage both data and metadata. It builds on previous versions by 1) including new processing steps, such as Safe Taxonomic Reduction, 2) using a user-friendly GUI that guides the user to complete at least the minimum information required and includes context-sensitive documentation, and 3) a revised storage format that integrates both tree- and meta-data into a single file. These data can then be manipulated according to a well-defined, but flexible, processing pipeline using either the GUI or a command-line based tool. Processing steps include standardising names, deleting or replacing taxa, ensuring adequate taxonomic overlap, ensuring data independence, and safe taxonomic reduction. This software has been successfully used to store and process data consisting of over 1000 trees ready for analyses using standard supertree methods. This software makes large supertree creation a much easier task and provides far greater flexibility for further work.
Dispatch from the field: ecology of ground-web-building spiders with description of a new species (Araneae, Symphytognathidae)
Authors: Miller Jeremy , Schilthuizen Menno , Burmester Jennie , van der Graaf Lot , Merckx Vincent , Jocqué Merlijn , Kessler Paul , Fayle Tom , Breeschoten Thijmen , Broeren Regi , Bouman Roderick , Chua Wan-Ji , Feijen Frida , Fermont Tanita , Groen Kevin , Groen Marvin , Kil Nicolaas , de Laat Henrica , Moerland Michelangelo , Moncoquet Carole , Panjang Elisa , Philip Amelia , Roca-Eriksen Rebecca , Rooduijn Bastiaan , van Santen Marit , Swakman Violet , Evans Meaghan , Evans Luke , Love Kieran , Joscelyne Sarah , Tober Anya , Wilson Hannah , Ambu Laurentius , Goossens Benoit
Published: March 2014

Crassignatha danaugirangensis sp. n. (Araneae: Symphytognathidae) was discovered during a tropical ecology field course held at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Sabah, Malaysia. A taxonomic description and accompanying ecological study were completed as course activities. To assess the ecology of this species, which belongs to the ground-web-building spider community, three habitat types were surveyed: riparian forest, recently inundated riverine forest, and oil palm plantation. Crassignatha danaugirangensis sp. n. is the most abundant ground-web-building spider species in riparian forest; it is rare or absent from the recently inundated forest and was not found in a nearby oil palm plantation. The availability of this taxonomic description may help facilitate the accumulation of data about this species and the role of inundated riverine forest in shaping invertebrate communities.
Features, Trends and Characteristics of Remote Access Laboratory Management Systems
Authors: Maiti Ananda , Maxwell Andrew D , Kist Alexander A
Published: March 2014

Remote Access Laboratories are being used around the globe to enable engineering students to practice practical skills and enhance their knowledge through hands-on experimentation. These facilities also increase access by allowing users to undertake experiments anywhere anytime thus offering more flexibility and mobility. Several RAL systems have successfully met these goals. However, the role of experiment designers has rarely being explored or expanded since the conception of RAL systems. Experiments are designed and put on internet by a small group of experts in their respective fields. While these systems have been successful for universities where experts and suitable environment are available, they have rarely been used in the schools; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. As the pedagogical design is now seen as a critical development in the instigation of new experiments, any RAL for STEM education initiative must address pedagogical considerations from the onset. In this paper, the common attributes of the leading RAL systems are discussed and the basic denominators are identified to establish common feature that are widely implemented in RAL systems. Limitations for their use in STEM education are analysed. The paper concludes that RAL architectures need to incorporate new aspects such as the peer-to-peer access paradigm in order to become viable STEM-based education tools.