bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic nature of SecA and its associated proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Adachi Shun , Murakawa Yasuhiro , Hiraga Sota
Published: February 2015

Mechanical properties such as physical constraint and pushing of chromosomes are thought to be important for chromosome segregation in Escherichia coli and it could be mediated by a hypothetical molecular “tether.” However, the actual tether that mediates these features is not known. We previously described that SecA (Secretory A) and Secretory Y (SecY), components of the membrane protein translocation machinery, and AcpP (Acyl carrier protein P) were involved in chromosome segregation and homeostasis of DNA topology. In the present work, we performed three-dimensional deconvolution of microscopic images and time-lapse experiments of these proteins together with MukB and DNA topoisomerases, and found that these proteins embraced the structures of tortuous nucleoids with condensed regions. Notably, SecA, SecY, and AcpP dynamically localized in cells, which was interdependent on each other requiring the ATPase activity of SecA. Our findings imply that the membrane protein translocation machinery plays a role in the maintenance of proper chromosome partitioning, possibly through “tethering” of MukB [a functional homolog of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins], DNA gyrase, DNA topoisomerase IV, and SeqA (Sequestration A).
Recent Advances and Uses of Monolithic Columns for the Analysis of Residues and Contaminants in Food
Authors: Díaz-Bao Mónica , Barreiro Rocío , Miranda José , Cepeda Alberto , Regal Patricia
Published: February 2015

Monolithic columns are gaining interest as excellent substitutes to conventional particle-packed columns. These columns show higher permeability and lower flow resistance than conventional liquid chromatography columns, providing high-throughput performance, resolution and separation in short run times. Monoliths possess also great potential for the clean-up and preparation of complex mixtures. In situ polymerization inside appropriate supports allows the development of several microextraction formats, such as in-tube solid-phase and pipette tip-based extractions. These techniques using porous monoliths offer several advantages, including miniaturization and on-line coupling with analytical instruments. Additionally, monoliths are ideal support media for imprinting template-specific sites, resulting in the so-called molecularly-imprinted monoliths, with ultra-high selectivity. In this review, time-saving LC columns and preparative applications applied to the analysis of residues and contaminants in food in 2010–2014 are described, focusing on recent improvements in design and with emphasis in automated on-line systems and innovative materials and formats.
Expression of RCAS1 Correlates with Urothelial Bladder Cancer Malignancy
Authors: Jóźwicki Wojciech , Brożyna Anna , Siekiera Jerzy , Slominski Andrzej
Published: February 2015

RCAS1 is a protein that participates in regulation of the tumor microenvironment and its immune responses, all in order to evade the immune system. The aim of this study was to analyze RCAS1 expression in urothelial bladder cancer cells (and in fibroblasts and macrophages of the tumor stroma) and its relationship with the histological pattern of malignancy. Eighty-three postcystectomy patients were enrolled. We analyzed the histological maturity (grade), progress (pT stage), tissue invasion type (TIT), nonclassic differentiation number (NDN), and the ability to metastasize (pN). The expression of RCAS1 protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Indicators of histological malignancy were observed solely in association with the RCAS1 expression in cells in the border parts (BPs) of the tumor. Histological malignancy of the tumor, indicated by the pT and pN, and metastasis-free survival time, correlated significantly with RCAS1 expression in tumor neoplastic cells, whereas malignancy determined by grade, TIT, and NDN correlated with RCAS1 expression in fibroblasts and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. These findings suggest that the increased RCAS1 expression depends on its cellular source and that RCAS1 expression itself is a component of various signaling pathways. The immune escape occurs within the tumor BPs, where the increase in the RCAS1 expression occurs within tumor cells and stromal cells in its microenvironment. We conclude that the histological pattern of tumor malignancy, indicated by grade, TIT, NDN, pT, and pN is a morphological indicator of immune escape.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of O-Substituent Effect on the Fluorescence of 8-Hydroxyquinoline
Authors: Zayed Mohie , El-Shishtawy Reda , Elroby Shaaban , Obaid Abdullah , Al-amshany Zahra
Published: February 2015

The synthesis and characterization of different ether and ester derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline have been made. UV-visible and fluorescence spectra of these compounds have revealed spectral dependence on both solvent and O-substituent. The fluorescence intensity of ether derivatives revealed higher intensity for 8-octyloxyquinoline compared with 8-methoxyquinoline, whereas those of ester derivatives had less fluorescence than 8-hydroxyquinoline. Theoretical calculations based on Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) were carried out for the quinolin-8-yl benzoate (8-OateQ) compound to understand the effect of O-substituent on the electronic absorption of 8-hydroxyquinaline (8-HQ). The calculations revealed comparable results with those obtained from the experimental data. Optimized geometrical structure was calculated with DFT at B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. The results indicated that 8-OateQ is not a coplanar structure. The absorption spectra of the compound were computed in gas-phase and solvent using B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP methods with 6-311++G ** basis set. The agreement between calculated and experimental wavelengths was very good at CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory.
Diabetes Mellitus Increases Severity of Thrombocytopenia in Dengue-Infected Patients
Authors: Chen Chung-Yuan , Lee Mei-Yueh , Lin Kun-Der , Hsu Wei-Hao , Lee Yaun-Jinn , Hsiao Pi-Jung , Shin Shyi-Jang
Published: February 2015

Background: Diabetes mellitus is known to exacerbate bacterial infection, but its effect on the severity of viral infection has not been well studied. The severity of thrombocytopenia is an indicator of the severity of dengue virus infection. We investigated whether diabetes is associated with thrombocytopenia in dengue-infected patients. Methods: We studied clinical characteristics of 644 patients with dengue infection at a university hospital during the epidemic on 1 June 2002 to 31 December 2002 in Taiwan. Platelet counts and biochemical data were compared between patients with and without diabetes. Potential risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia were explored using regression analyses. Results: Dengue-infected patients with diabetes had lower platelet counts than patients without diabetes during the first three days (54.54 ± 51.69 vs. 86.58 ± 63.4 (p ≤ 0.001), 43.98 ± 44.09 vs. 64.52 ± 45.06 (p = 0.002), 43.86 ± 35.75 vs. 62.72 ± 51.2 (p = 0.012)). Diabetes mellitus, death, dengue shock syndrome (DSS) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and increased glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were significantly associated with lower platelet counts during the first day of hospitalization for dengue fever with regression β of −13.981 (95% confidence interval (CI) −27.587, −0.374), −26.847 (95% CI −37.562, −16.132), and 0.054 (95% CI 0.015, 0.094) respectively. Older age, hypoalbuminemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were independently correlated with thrombocytopenia in dengue patients with or without diabetes with regression β of −2.947 (p = 0.004), 2.801 (p = 0.005), and −3.568 (p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Diabetic patients with dengue had a higher rate of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome (DSS) than non-diabetic patients. They also had lower blood albumin, were older, and higher triglyceride levels. Older age, hypoalbuminemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were independently correlated with thrombocytopenia in dengue patients. Conclusions: Dengue patients with diabetes tended to have more severe thrombocytopenia and were more likely to have DHF/DSS. Older age, hypoalbuminemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were independently associated with more severe thrombocytopenia in dengue patients.
Fatty Acid Signaling: The New Function of Intracellular Lipases
Authors: Papackova Zuzana , Cahova Monika
Published: February 2015

Until recently, intracellular triacylglycerols (TAG) stored in the form of cytoplasmic lipid droplets have been considered to be only passive “energy conserves”. Nevertheless, degradation of TAG gives rise to a pleiotropic spectrum of bioactive intermediates, which may function as potent co-factors of transcription factors or enzymes and contribute to the regulation of numerous cellular processes. From this point of view, the process of lipolysis not only provides energy-rich equivalents but also acquires a new regulatory function. In this review, we will concentrate on the role that fatty acids liberated from intracellular TAG stores play as signaling molecules. The first part provides an overview of the transcription factors, which are regulated by fatty acids derived from intracellular stores. The second part is devoted to the role of fatty acid signaling in different organs/tissues. The specific contribution of free fatty acids released by particular lipases, hormone-sensitive lipase, adipose triacylglycerol lipase and lysosomal lipase will also be discussed.
Concentrations and Fractionation of Carbon, Iron, Sulfur, Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Mangrove Sediments Along an Intertidal Gradient (Semi-Arid Climate, New Caledonia)
Authors: Deborde Jonathan , Marchand Cyril , Molnar Nathalie , Patrona Luc , Meziane Tarik
Published: February 2015

In mangrove ecosystems, strong reciprocal interactions exist between plant and substrate. Under semi-arid climate, Rhizophora spp. are usually predominant, colonizing the seashore, and Avicennia marina develops at the edge of salt-flats, which is the highest zone in the intertidal range. Along this zonation, distribution and speciation of C, Fe, S, N, and P in sediments and pore-waters were investigated. From the land-side to the sea-side of the mangrove, sediments were characterized by I/ increase in: (i) water content; (ii) TOC; (iii) mangrove-derived OM; II/ and decrease in: (i) salinity; (ii) redox; (iii) pH; (iv) solid Fe and solid P. Beneath Avicennia and Rhizophora, TS accumulated at depth, probably as a result of reduction of iron oxides and sulfate. The loss of total Fe observed towards the sea-side may be related to sulfur oxidation and to more intense tidal flushing of dissolved components. Except the organic forms, dissolved N and P concentrations were very low beneath Avicennia and Rhizophora stands, probably as a result of their uptake by the root systems. However, in the unvegetated salt-flat, NH4+ can accumulate in organic rich and anoxic layers. This study shows: (i) the evolution of mangrove sediment biogeochemistry along the intertidal zone as a result of the different duration of tidal inundation and organic enrichment; and (ii) the strong links between the distribution and speciation of the different elements.
New Cork-Based Materials and Applications
Authors: Gil Luís
Published: February 2015

This review work is an update of a previous work reporting the new cork based materials and new applications of cork based materials. Cork is a material which has been used for multiple applications. The most known uses of cork are in stoppers (natural and agglomerated cork) for alcoholic beverages, classic floor covering with composite cork tiles (made by the binding of cork particles with different binders), and thermal/acoustic/vibration insulation with expanded corkboard in buildings and some other industrial fields. Many recent developments have been made leading to new cork based materials. Most of these newly developed cork materials are not yet on the market, but they represent new possibilities for engineers, architects, designers and other professionals which must be known and considered, potentially leading to their industrialization. This paper is a review covering the last five years of innovative cork materials and applications also mentioning previous work not reported before.
Involvement of JNK and Caspase Activation in Hoiamide A-Induced Neurotoxicity in Neocortical Neurons
Authors: Cao Zhengyu , Li Xichun , Zou Xiaohan , Greenwood Michael , Gerwick William , Murray Thomas
Published: February 2015

The frequent occurrence of Moorea producens (formerly Lyngbya majuscula) blooms has been associated with adverse effects on human health. Hoiamide A is a structurally unique cyclic depsipeptide isolated from an assemblage of the marine cyanobacteria M. producens and Phormidium gracile. We examined the influence of hoiamide A on neurite outgrowth in neocortical neurons and found that it suppressed neurite outgrowth with an IC50 value of 4.89 nM. Further study demonstrated that hoiamide A stimulated lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) efflux, nuclear condensation and caspase-3 activity with EC50 values of 3.66, 2.55 and 4.33 nM, respectively. These data indicated that hoiamide A triggered a unique neuronal death profile that involves both necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms. The similar potencies and similar time-response relationships between LDH efflux and caspase-3 activation/nuclear condensation suggested that both necrosis and apoptosis may derive from interaction with a common molecular target. The broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK completely inhibited hoiamide A-induced neurotoxicity. Additionally, hoiamide A stimulated JNK phosphorylation, and a JNK inhibitor attenuated hoiamide A-induced neurotoxicity. Collectively, these data demonstrate that hoiamide A-induced neuronal death requires both JNK and caspase signaling pathways. The potent neurotoxicity and unique neuronal cell death profile of hoiamide A represents a novel neurotoxic chemotype from marine cyanobacteria.
New Cytotoxic Sesquiterpenoids from Siegesbeckia glabrescens
Authors: Wu Qian , Li Hua , Lee So , Lee Hwa , Ryu Jae-Ha
Published: February 2015

Two new sesquiterpenoids, siegenolides A (1) and B (2), and two known sesquiterpenes 3 and 4 were isolated from Siegesbeckia glabrescens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, and they were further evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human cancer cells (MCF-7, AsPC-1, SW480, HCT 116, HepG2, HeLa). Compounds 1–4 showed differential cytotoxic effects on the target cancer cells with IC50 values in the range of 0.9–33.3 μM.
Optimum Pump Pulse Duration for X-Ray Ar-Plasma Lasing
Authors: Masoudnia Leili , Bleiner Davide
Published: February 2015

In plasma-driven X-ray lasers, it is critical to optimize the duration and time delay between pump pulses. In this study, we have done parametric simulations in order to systematically investigate the optimum time configuration of pump pulses. Here, we are mainly interested in soft X-ray lasers created using a Ar target irradiated with laser pulses, which operate at a wavelength \(\lambda=46.9\) nm in the \(2p^5 3p^1(J=0)\rightarrow 2p^5 3s^1(J=1)\) laser transition. It is shown that the optimum time scale required to achieve Ne-like ions, as well as the time required to generate a population inversion depend on the combined effect of the electron temperature and electron density. The electron density and temperature are respectively a factor of \(\approx\)\(2.1\)- and \(\approx\)\(5\)-times higher in the case of a short pulse of \(0.1\) ps in comparison to a long pulse of 1,000 ps (at a constant fluence). The most effective lasing happens with short pulses with a pulse duration comparable to the total relaxation time from the upper level, namely \(\Delta\tau_p\leq35\) ps. Power laws to predict the optimum laser intensity to achieve Ne-like \(Ar^{+8}\) are obtained.
Transverse Electromagnetic Mode Conversion for High-Harmonic Self-Probing Spectroscopy
Authors: Camper Antoine , Ferré Amélie , Lin Nan , Skantzakis Emmanouil , Staedter David , English Elizabeth , Manschwetus Bastian , Burgy Frédéric , Petit Stéphane , Descamps Dominique , Auguste Thierry , Gobert Olivier , Carré Bertrand , Salières Pascal , Mairesse Yann , Ruchon Thierry
Published: February 2015

We report on high-order harmonic (HHG) two-source interferometry (TSI) in molecular gases. We used a 0-\(\pi\) phase plate to create two bright spots at the focus of a lens by converting a Gaussian laser beam into a TEM please define \(_{01}\) Transverse Electromagnetic Mode. The two bright foci produce two synchronized HHG sources. One of them is used to probe on-going dynamics in the generating medium, while the other serves to heterodyne the signal. The interference of the emissions in the far–field gives access to the phase difference between the two sources. In self–probing HHG phase spectroscopy, one of the two sources is used as a reference while the other one probes some on goin dynamics in the generating medium. We first compute overlap integrals to investigate the mode conversion efficiency. We then establish a clear relation between the laser phase-front curvature and the far-field overlap of the two HHG beams. Both Fresnel diffraction calculations and an experimental lens position scan are used to reveal variations of the phase front inclination in each source. We show that this arrangement offers \(\frac{\lambda_{XUV}}{100}\) precision, enabling extremely sensitive phase measurements. Finally, we use this compact setup for TSI and measure phase variations across the molecular alignment revival of nitrogen and in vibrating sulfur hexafluoride. In both gases, the phase variations change sign around the ionization threshold of the investigated molecule.
All Optical Signal-Processing Techniques Utilizing Four Wave Mixing
Authors: Kibria Refat , Austin Michael
Published: February 2015

Four Wave Mixing (FWM) based optical signal-processing techniques are reviewed. The use of FWM in arithmetical operation like subtraction, wavelength conversion and pattern recognition are three key parts discussed in this paper after a brief introduction on FWM and its comparison with other nonlinear mixings. Two different approaches to achieve correlation are discussed, as well as a novel technique to realize all optical subtraction of two optical signals.
Development of a Telemetry and Yield-Mapping System of Olive Harvester
Authors: Castillo-Ruiz Francisco , Pérez-Ruiz Manuel , Blanco-Roldán Gregorio , Gil-Ribes Jesús , Agüera Juan
Published: February 2015

Sensors, communication systems and geo-reference units are required to achieve an optimized management of agricultural inputs with respect to the economic and environmental aspects of olive groves. In this study, three commercial olive harvesters were tracked during two harvesting seasons in Spain and Chile using remote and autonomous equipment that was developed to determine their time efficiency and effective based on canopy shaking for fruit detachment. These harvesters work in intensive/high-density (HD) and super-high-density (SHD) olive orchards. A GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) device was installed to track these harvesters. The GNSS receiver did not affect the driver’s work schedule. Time elements methodology was adapted to the remote data acquisition system. The effective field capacity and field efficiency were investigated. In addition, the field shape, row length, angle between headland alley and row, and row alley width were measured to determinate the optimum orchard design parameters value. The SHD olive harvester showed significant lower effective field capacity values when alley width was less than 4 m. In addition, a yield monitor was developed and installed on a traditional olive harvester to obtain a yield map from the harvested area. The hedge straddle harvester stood out for its highly effective field capacity; nevertheless, a higher field efficiency was provided by a non-integral lateral canopy shaker. All of the measured orchard parameters have influenced machinery yields, whether effective field capacity or field efficiency. A saving of 40% in effective field capacity was achieved with a reduction from 4 m or higher to 3.5 m in alley width for SHD olive harvester. A yield map was plotted using data that were acquired by a yield monitor, reflecting the yield gradient in spite of the larger differences between tree yields.
Digitization and Visualization of Greenhouse Tomato Plants in Indoor Environments
Authors: Li Dawei , Xu Lihong , Tan Chengxiang , Goodman Erik , Fu Daichang , Xin Longjiao
Published: February 2015

This paper is concerned with the digitization and visualization of potted greenhouse tomato plants in indoor environments. For the digitization, an inexpensive and efficient commercial stereo sensor—a Microsoft Kinect—is used to separate visual information about tomato plants from background. Based on the Kinect, a 4-step approach that can automatically detect and segment stems of tomato plants is proposed, including acquisition and preprocessing of image data, detection of stem segments, removing false detections and automatic segmentation of stem segments. Correctly segmented texture samples including stems and leaves are then stored in a texture database for further usage. Two types of tomato plants—the cherry tomato variety and the ordinary variety are studied in this paper. The stem detection accuracy (under a simulated greenhouse environment) for the cherry tomato variety is 98.4% at a true positive rate of 78.0%, whereas the detection accuracy for the ordinary variety is 94.5% at a true positive of 72.5%. In visualization, we combine L-system theory and digitized tomato organ texture data to build realistic 3D virtual tomato plant models that are capable of exhibiting various structures and poses in real time. In particular, we also simulate the growth process on virtual tomato plants by exerting controls on two L-systems via parameters concerning the age and the form of lateral branches. This research may provide useful visual cues for improving intelligent greenhouse control systems and meanwhile may facilitate research on artificial organisms.
An Integrated Simulation Model for Dynamically Exploring the Optimal Solution to Mitigating Water Scarcity and Pollution
Authors: Yang Wei , Song Junnian , Higano Yoshiro , Tang Jie
Published: February 2015

An integrated optimization simulation model has been developed based on an input-output approach to mitigate water pollution and water scarcity through embedding environmental economic policies and applicable technologies into a complex environ-economic system to obtain an optimal set of policies and technologies that promotes the maximization of the regional economy under the constraints of water pollutant discharge and water availability. An empirical study is undertaken with the Source Region of Liao River as the target area to verify the performance of the model. The relationships between the water environment and socio-economic systems are presented by clarifying the trends in economic development, water pollutant discharge and water supply and demand during a time horizon from 2011 to 2020. The endogenously-formed optimal set of policies and industrial restructuring simultaneously facilitate the reduction of water pollutant discharge and water consumption and increase the water supply. The extent of the mitigation of water pollution and water scarcity via applied policies and technologies promoted by the subsidies provided by the government are specified, and the mechanism of the policy application and subsidization distribution is explained. This model has applicability for other regions in terms of giving an optimal solution via comprehensive assessment of all of the proposed sustainability-related policies with sufficient data accessibility to achieve regional sustainable development.
Sustainability and Competitiveness in Australian Cities
Authors: Hu Richard
Published: February 2015

This study injects sustainability into competitiveness to inform policy making and planning for contemporary urban development. This is built upon the recent advancement in the scholarship on urban competitiveness that demonstrates a clear deviation from an economic-centric approach to incorporate multiple dimensions of a city’s progress. This study has an explicit concern for environmental sustainability and its relationship with urban competitiveness and their conceptual and methodological articulations. Empirically, this study measures the sustainability and competitiveness in Australian cities and reveals that Australia’s urban progress is clearly associated with an environmental cost. The findings are useful to inform policy making and planning for building sustainable and competitive cities. Apart from the conventional solutions that focus on urban form change and transport infrastructure improvement, this study suggests a need to explore the opportunities deriving from the emerging smart city planning and practice.
The Pore-Forming α-Toxin from Clostridium septicum Activates the MAPK Pathway in a Ras-c-Raf-Dependent and Independent Manner
Authors: Chakravorty Anjana , Awad Milena , Cheung Jackie , Hiscox Thomas , Lyras Dena , Rood Julian
Published: February 2015

Clostridium septicum is the causative agent of atraumatic gas gangrene, with α-toxin, an extracellular pore-forming toxin, essential for disease. How C. septicum modulates the host’s innate immune response is poorly defined, although α-toxin-intoxicated muscle cells undergo cellular oncosis, characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction and release of reactive oxygen species. Nonetheless, the signalling events that occur prior to the initiation of oncosis are poorly characterised. Our aims were to characterise the ability of α-toxin to activate the host mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of Vero cells with purified α-toxin activated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 arms of the MAPK pathway and stimulated the release of TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Studies using inhibitors of all three MAPK components suggested that activation of ERK occurred in a Ras-c-Raf dependent manner, whereas activation of JNK and p38 occurred by a Ras-independent mechanism. Toxin-mediated activation was dependent on efficient receptor binding and pore formation and on an influx of extracellular calcium ions. In the mouse myonecrosis model we showed that the MAPK pathway was activated in tissues of infected mice, implying that it has an important role in the disease process.
Elevated Cytokines, Thrombin and PAI-1 in Severe HCPS Patients Due to Sin Nombre Virus
Authors: Bondu Virginie , Schrader Ron , Gawinowicz Mary , McGuire Paul , Lawrence Daniel , Hjelle Brian , Buranda Tione
Published: February 2015

Sin Nombre Hantavirus (SNV, Bunyaviridae Hantavirus) is a Category A pathogen that causes Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) with case fatality ratios generally ranging from 30% to 50%. HCPS is characterized by vascular leakage due to dysregulation of the endothelial barrier function. The loss of vascular integrity results in non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, shock, multi-organ failure and death. Using Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) measurements, we found that plasma samples drawn from University of New Mexico Hospital patients with serologically-confirmed HCPS, induce loss of cell-cell adhesion in confluent epithelial and endothelial cell monolayers grown in ECIS cultureware. We show that the loss of cell-cell adhesion is sensitive to both thrombin and plasmin inhibitors in mild cases, and to thrombin only inhibition in severe cases, suggesting an increasing prothrombotic state with disease severity. A proteomic profile (2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) of HCPS plasma samples in our cohort revealed robust antifibrinolytic activity among terminal case patients. The prothrombotic activity is highlighted by acute ≥30 to >100 fold increases in active plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) which, preceded death of the subjects within 48 h. Taken together, this suggests that PAI-1 might be a response to the severe pathology as it is expected to reduce plasmin activity and possibly thrombin activity in the terminal patients.
Mutations in the Reverse Transcriptase and Protease Genes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 from Antiretroviral Naïve and Treated Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bure Dinesh , Makhdoomi Muzamil , Lodha Rakesh , Prakash Somi , Kumar Rajesh , Parray Hilal , Singh Ravinder , Kabra Sushil , Luthra Kalpana
Published: February 2015

The success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is challenged by the emergence of resistance-associated mutations in human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). In this study, resistance associated mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR) genes in antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve and treated HIV-1 infected pediatric patients from North India were evaluated. Genotyping was successfully performed in 46 patients (30 ART naive and 16 treated) for the RT gene and in 53 patients (27 ART naive and 26 treated) for PR gene and mutations were identified using Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. A major drug resistant mutation in RT gene, L74I (NRTI), and two such mutations, K101E and G190A (NNRTI), were observed in two ART naïve patients, while M184V was detected in two ART treated patients. Overall, major resistance associated mutations in RT gene were observed in nine (30%) and seven (36%) of ART naïve and treated children respectively. Minor mutations were identified in PR gene in five children. Few non-clade C viral strains (≈30%) were detected, although subtype C was most predominant. The screening of ART naïve children for mutations in HIV-1 RT and protease genes, before and after initiation of ART is desirable for drug efficacy and good prognosis.
Water Markets in Spain: Performance and Challenges
Authors: Palomo-Hierro Sara , Gómez-Limón José , Riesgo Laura
Published: February 2015

Law 46/1999 incorporated formal water markets into the Spanish legal and regulatory framework, allowing spot water markets and the creation of water banks. The implementation of water markets in Spain aimed at improving the efficiency of water use by reallocating water towards uses with higher added value. However, the performance of water markets in Spain has been rather disappointing, since they have been operative only during drought periods, and even under these extreme scarcity situations, trading activity counted for less than 5.0% of total water use. The narrowness of the market suggests that there are some barriers hampering their effective functioning. This paper examines the evolution and performance of water markets in Spain, relying on a transaction costs analysis framework. This analysis allows the identification of the main factors impeding water markets from operating effectively as a water reallocation tool. This analysis also provides some guidelines on how to overcome these obstacles and, thus, how to improve the efficiency of water use.
Hydrodynamic Performances of Air-Water Flows in Gullies with and without Swirl Generation Vanes for Drainage Systems of Buildings
Authors: Lo Der-Chang , Liou Jin-Shuen , Chang Shyy
Published: February 2015

As an attempt to improve the performances of multi-entry gullies with applications to drainage system of a building, the hydrodynamic characteristics of air-water flows through the gullies with and without swirl generation vanes (SGV) are experimentally and numerically examined. With the aid of present Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image and optical systems for experimental study, the mechanism of air entrainment by vortex, the temporal variations of airflow pressure, the trajectories of drifting air bubbles and the self-depuration process for the gullies with and without SGV are disclosed. The numerical simulations adopt Flow-3D commercial code to attack the unsteady two-phase bubbly flows for resolving the transient fields of fluid velocity, vorticity and pressure in the gullies with and without SGV. In the twin-entry gully without SGV, air bubbles entrained by the entry vortex interact chaotically in the agitating bubbly flow region. With SGV to trip near-wall flows that stratify the drifting trajectories of the air bubbles, the air-bubble interactions are stabilized with the discharge rate increasing more than 7%. The reduction of the self-depuration period by increasing discharge rate is observed for the test gullies without and with SGV. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the characteristic hydrodynamic properties of the air-water flows through the test gullies with and without SGV are disclosed to assist the design applications of a modern drainage system in a building.
Development and characterization of 47 novel microsatellite markers for Vellozia squamata (Velloziaceae)
Authors: Duarte‐Barbosa Marcia , Bajay Miklos M. , Zucchi Maria I. , Pivello Vânia R.
Published: February 2015

• Premise of the study: We developed and validated microsatellite primers for Vellozia squamata (Velloziaceae), an endemic species of the cerrado (Brazilian savannas), to investigate the influence of different fire regimes on its genetic diversity and population structure.

• Methods and Results: Using a selective hybridization method, we tested 51 SSR loci using a natural population of V. squamata and obtained 47 amplifiable loci. Among these, 26 loci were polymorphic and the average values of genetic diversity were: average number of alleles per locus () = 6.54, average number of alleles per polymorphic locus () = 7.13, average observed heterozygosity = 0.22, average expected heterozygosity = 0.49, and average fixation index = 0.55.

• Conclusions: These 26 loci allowed us to assess the effects of distinct fire regimes on the genetic structure of V. squamata populations with the aim of establishing strategies for the conservation of this endemic species. The markers can also be useful for future pharmaceutical studies, as the species has great potential for medicinal and cosmetic applications.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Piptadenia gonoacantha (Fabaceae)
Authors: Grando Carolina , Bajay Miklos M. , Bajay Stephanie K. , Schwarcz Kaiser D. , Campos Jaqueline B. , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Pinheiro José B. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Souza Anete P. , Zucchi Maria I.
Published: February 2015

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were designed for Piptadenia gonoacantha (Fabaceae) and characterized to estimate genetic diversity parameters. The species is a native tree from the Atlantic Forest biome commonly used in forest restoration; it has medicinal potential and the wood is economically useful.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐eight microsatellite loci were identified from an enriched genomic library. Fifteen loci resulted in successful amplifications and were characterized in a natural population of 94 individuals. Twelve loci were polymorphic, with allele numbers ranging from three to 15 per locus, and expected and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.2142 to 0.8325 and 0.190 to 0.769, respectively.

• Conclusions: The developed markers will be used in further studies of population genetics of P. gonoacantha, aimed at conservation and management of the species in natural populations and in forest restoration projects.
Transcriptome sequencing and marker development for four underutilized legumes
Authors: Chapman Mark A.
Published: February 2015

• Premise of the study: Combating threats to food and nutrition security in the context of climate change and global population increase is one of the highest priorities of major international organizations. Hundreds of species are grown on a small scale in some of the most drought/flood‐prone regions of the world and as such may harbor some of the most environmentally tolerant crops (and alleles).

• Methods and Results: In this study, transcriptomes were sequenced, assembled, and annotated for four underutilized legume crops. Microsatellite markers were identified in each species, as well as a conserved orthologous set of markers for cross‐family phylogenetics and comparative mapping, which were ground‐truthed on a panel of diverse legume germplasm.

• Conclusions: An understanding of these underutilized legumes will inform crop selection and breeding by allowing the investigation of genetic variation and the genetic basis of adaptive traits to be established.
Influence of spurious resonances on the interaction force in dynamic AFM
Authors: Costa Luca , Rodrigues Mario S
Published: February 2015

The quantification of the tip–sample interaction in amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy is challenging, especially when measuring in liquid media. Here, we derive formulas for the tip–sample interactions and investigate the effect of spurious resonances on the measured interaction. Highlighting the differences between measuring directly the tip position or the cantilever deflection, and considering both direct and acoustic excitation, we show that the cantilever behavior is insensitive to spurious resonances as long as the measured signal corresponds to the tip position, or if the excitation force is correctly considered. Since the effective excitation force may depend on the presence of such spurious resonances, only the case in which the frequency is kept constant during the measurement is considered. Finally, we show the advantages that result from the use of a calibration method based on the acquisition of approach–retract curves.
Clinical Experience with Intravenous Zanamivir under an Emergency IND Program in the United States (2011–2014)
Authors: Chan-Tack Kirk M , Kim Christine , Moruf Alicia , Birnkrant Debra B
Published: February 2015

Background

Since the emergence of 2009 H1N1 virus, intravenous (IV) zanamivir has been authorized as an investigational treatment for patients with serious and life-threatening influenza through an Emergency Investigational New Drug application (EIND). This review encompasses the FDA's EIND database from May 2011 to June 2014.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive review of patient clinical data in the FDA's IV zanamivir EIND database from May 2011 to June 2014.

Results

Of 364 IV zanamivir EIND requests, most (83%) patients were aged 18–64 years, 8 (2%) were pregnant, and 29 (8%) were children. 234 (64%) patients had ≥1 comorbidity reported. The majority (87%) were receiving oseltamivir when IV zanamivir was requested, and 33% had suspected ( n=120; no improvement or worsening on oseltamivir) H275Y oseltamivir resistance. Influenza A was reported for 300 patients: confirmed 2009 H1N1 ( n=163), suspected 2009 H1N1 ( n=8), confirmed H3N2 ( n=4) and not subtyped ( n=125). Influenza B was reported for 25 patients. Many patients (87%) required invasive mechanical ventilation, 23 (6%) received high frequency oscillatory ventilation, and 74 (20%) received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). 289 (79%) patients had ≥1 complication such as renal failure ( n=124; 77/124 required dialysis), bacteraemia ( n=18), shock ( n=95) or pneumonia ( n=159). Of 134 (37%) patients with available outcome data, 83 died and 51 survived.

Conclusions

IV zanamivir EIND authorizations were for treatment of critically ill adult patients with 2009 H1N1, including a substantial number with suspected oseltamivir resistance. Data from prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed and are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of IV zanamivir for treatment of hospitalized patients with severe influenza.
La Communication RSE des entreprises chinoises : essai de comparaison Chine - France
Authors: An Yu Fei , Peretti Jean-Marie
Published: February 2015

La communication des entreprises sur leurs politiques et pratiques de RSE (Responsabilité Sociétale de l’Entreprise) vise à fonder des représentations de l’entreprise et de ses responsabilités et asseoir la légitimité de leurs dirigeants. L’analyse comparative des rapports RSE publiés par des entreprises chinoises et françaises fait ressortir la diversité des thèmes abordés et les spécificités nationales des enjeux respectifs en termes de communication RSE. Cet article, en s’appuyant sur l’analyse de quatre rapports RSE 2013 d’entreprises chinoises cotées et sur les premiers bilans de l’application en 2013 en France de l’article 225 de la loi « Grenelle 2 » qui a redéfini les informations sociales, environnementales, sociétales et sociétale à publier par les entreprises cotées, a pour objectif de dégager des similitudes et des différences dans la façon de rendre compte du social, du sociétal et de l’environnemental par les entreprises cotées en France et en Chine.
Laïcité et rites funéraires
Authors: Michaud Nérard François
Published: February 2015

Au moment de la mort d’une personne aimée, chacun a besoin d’accomplir des rites pour les obsèques. Et cela que l’on soit croyant ou pas. Les établissements funéraires ne doivent pas appliquer une version étriquée de la laïcité qui nierait toute spiritualité. Au contraire, il leur faut faciliter les gestes religieux qui peuvent aider les croyants. Il leur faut également accompagner les non-croyants avec des cérémonies civiles pleines de sens. Mais pour cela, il faut des maîtres de cérémonie légitimes et professionnels et des lieux pour officier.
Taoist funeral rites
Authors: Chapouthier Wan Hua
Published: February 2015

Avoir grandi dans la société multi-culturelle malaysienne enrichit considérablement la vie. Cela signifie avoir des amis musulmans, bouddhistes, chrétiens, hindous ou Sikhs et pourtant conserver les croyances et les pratiques indigènes des peuples de la jungle. Dans ce monde syncrétique, comment les malaysiens font-ils face à la mort et au deuil tout en accordant leur place à la foi et à la tradition ?
Le bouddhisme et la mort
Authors: Puntso Lama , Aguilar Michel
Published: February 2015

Le but du bouddhisme est de se sortir de la souffrance inhérente à la vie, mettre en liberté l’esprit de l’illusion de l’ego en utilisant des ressources disponibles en nous et ne cherchant pas une entité externe. La pratique régulière de méditation montre que la conscience est une succession très rapide des moments de la capacité cognitive. En outre, les intentions sont des graines mentales créant le réflexe automatique d’action et le départ d’une empreinte dans ce continuum de moments cognitifs que la tradition Bouddhiste appelle « des marques karmiques ». Quand meurent la vie physiologique, les composants physiques accumulés et le sentiment de l’ego, la conscience, ce continuum de moments cognitifs, s’étend du corps physique et continue. Perturbé par l’émotionnel déborde et se colore par des marques karmiques, il prend le refuge dans un nouvel utérus. L’union de ce continuum et les ensembles qui constituent le corps physique donne naissance à une nouvelle personnalité. Les avis diffèrent parmi les écoles Bouddhistes diverses : le continuum d’une vie qui fini entre immédiatement dans une vie qui commence d’où des étapes intermédiaires : le « bardos ». Si la conscience n’est pas perturbée par un émotionnel débordant, en se sortant du corps physique, il peut faire la différence entre l’illusion et la vérité et sortir du cycle de la renaissance. C’est pourquoi la mort doit être paisible. Le support essentiel de la sortie de la souffrance est la vie. Le moment de la mort, qui est la fin de l’incarnation et pas la fin de la vie, est un moment d’une importance extrême dans le sens qu’il donne une chance de se libérer soi-même.
Des industries agroalimentaires françaises face à des enjeux majeurs
Authors: Margetic Christine
Published: February 2015

Parmi les systèmes productifs en France, le monde agroalimentaire se particularise au regard de son poids économique, de sa structuration spatiale, mais aussi de sa finalité stratégique : nourrir les hommes. Dans un contexte d’enjeux renouvelés cette dernière décennie, peut-on parler de mutations pour ces activités ? La réponse est sans conteste oui, sous l’égide des firmes agroalimentaires, maillon central qui « pilote » un amont agricole lui-même en mouvement. Le passage du fordisme au post-fordisme alimentaire induit de nouvelles trajectoires spatiales, non sans réelles fragilités pour de nombreuses PME dans un contexte de volatilité croissante des prix des produits agricoles et de concurrences exacerbées.
Valère Novarina : une théologie de la brèche
Authors: Vega Amador
Published: February 2015

Les textes théoriques de Valère Novarina non seulement nous offrent un point de vue synthétique sur les multiples aspects d’une dramaturgie de l’âme humaine aujourd’hui, mais visent aussi à établir un dialogue avec la tradition théologique biblique. Dans ces textes, l’image de la « brèche » nous aide à entamer un dialogue avec certains auteurs de la tradition mystique médiévale européenne, comme Maître Eckhart.
Terreur et théologie : Paulhan, Scarry, Novarina
Authors: Ireland John
Published: February 2015

Valère Novarina occupe par rapport à Jean Paulhan et sa notion de « terreur » dans les lettres une position très particulière : d’un côté des ambitions iconoclastes, son désir de brûler les idoles de la tradition ; de l’autre, une conscience rhétorique et une vénération pour les œuvres de siècles passés où rhétorique et théologie sont inextricablement mêlées. De cette conjoncture naît une fascination pour l’engendrement, l’auto-propagation linguistique qui trouve son corollaire dans une théologie originaire où le premier livre biblique occupe une position primordiale. Adaptant la démonstration d’Elaine Scarry sur la problématique du corps et de la croyance dans la Genèse, cet article montre comment ses analyses illuminent l’esthétique dramatique de Novarina.
Minimization of Mutual Coupling Using Neutralization Line Technique for 2.4 GHz Wireless Applications
Authors: Marzudi Wan Noor Najwa Wan , Abidin Zuhairiah Zainal , Muji Siti Zarina Mohd , Ma Yue , Abd-Alhameed Raed A.
Published: February 2015

This paper presented a planar printed multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with a dimension of 100 x 45 mm2. It composed of two crescent shaped radiators placed symmetrically with respect to the ground plane. Neutralization line applied to suppress mutual coupling. The proposed antenna examined both theoretically and experimentally, which achieves an impedance bandwidth of 18.67% (over 2.04-2.46 GHz) with a reflection coefficient < -10 dB and mutual coupling minimization of < -20 dB. An evaluation of MIMO antennas is presented, with analysis of correlation coefficient, total active reflection coefficient (TARC), capacity loss and channel capacity. These characteristics indicate that the proposed antenna suitable for some wireless applications.
An Investigation of Consumers' Acceptance of Mobile Banking in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Majedul , Hossain Md. Enayet
Published: February 2015

This study attempts to explore the effects of different key factors influencing the consumer acceptance of mobile banking, particularly those that affect the consumer's attitudes towards, and intention to use, this self-service banking technology in Bangladesh. The demographic, attitudinal, and behavioural characteristics of mobile bank users were examined. Consumer survey on 292 mobile bank users of different mobile network operators was undertaken where respondents completed questionnaire about their perceptions of mobile banking's ease of use, Infrastructural facility, self-control, social influence, perceived risk, perceived usefulness, and customer service with their lifestyle, and need for interaction with personnel. Correlation and One Sample t-test were used to determine whether these factors influence consumers' attitude and intention to use mobile banking. By addressing the concerns of and benefits sought by the consumers, marketers can create positive attractions and policy makers can set regulations for the expansion of mobile banking services in Bangladesh. This study offers an insight into mobile banking in Bangladesh focusing influencing factors, which has not previously been investigated.