bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Magical Legalism of Marcel Aymé : Charming Rogues and the Suspension of Physical, Natural, and Positive Law
Authors: Miller Jeffrey
Published: September 2012

Some of Marcel Aymé’s most delightful work concerns charming rogues, protagonists who lack the heroism of moral outlaws such as Robin Hood or the golem of Jewish literature but act outside the rule of law in a way that is psychologically if not always morally coherent. On other “law and literature” occasions, Aymé employs what is sometimes called fantasy, but has the sardonic bite of magical realism — what this analysis considers “magical legalism”, where individuals circumvent physical, natural, and positive law in attempts to achieve pure self-expression or egocentric notions of justice.
Muslim Children of Divorce Families: Exploring Their Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Orcullo Daisy Jane C.
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to describe and explore the experiences and perceptions of children of divorce families. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to provide depth understanding on 1.) Children experiences on parental divorce, 2.) The impact and effects of divorce, 3.) Their perceptions on marriage and divorce, 4.) Whether Islamic practices have helped them cope with the experience. In-depth interview with semi-structured questionnaire were tools in the study. The interviews were analyzed using inductive analysis. Data were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes generated from the interview. From the analysis effects of divorce were identified as internalizing effects, externalizing effects, and mediating effects. As the exploration and understanding of each frame go deeper and become more personal, various concepts emerge. The internalizing effects employ the direct approach of lived experiences, which were categorized into inciting negative reactions and continuing impact of divorce. The second frame on externalizing effects uses the indirect approach that results in providing risks and eliciting some positive effects. The last frame on mediating effects combined the direct and indirect approaches and revealed the coping and healing strategies and perceptions on family and divorce. The Islamic perspective on coping was a comfort to some of the participants.   Keywords - divorce, marriage, perceptions, experiences, islam, muslim
Teaching Efficacy, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal Skills and Teaching Performance in the Tertiary School
Authors: Angeles Marie Paz H.
Published: September 2012

This study investigates the relationship between teachers’ interpersonal skills, teachers’ teaching efficacy, and teaching performance as perceived by the teacher, peers and students. The data on teaching efficacy, teachers’ interpersonal-intrapersonal skills were generated through the different scales which were developed and validated by the researcher. The self-report of teachers on their efficacy was utilized to know more the samples’ perception on teaching and their attitude in the teaching- learning process. The data on teaching performance were generated from the peer and student sample through the teaching performance instrument. Descriptive statistics, item analysis procedure, Pearson correlation coefficient, using the SPSSPC-DOS program were basic tools for data evaluation. T h e following results was derived from the data generated: Teachers’ interpersonal skill is directly related to the teaching efficacy scores. Teachers’ intrapersonal skill is significantly related to the teaching efficacy scores. Keywords - Teaching efficacy, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, teaching performance
High School Teenagers’ Linguistic Styles Used in Their Communication
Authors: Arong Cecilia D.
Published: September 2012

Most teenagers nowadays value styles in speaking because they hero worship actors and actresses. Their languages were adopted from cellphones, internets, televisions, radios and face-to-face conversations with other influential teenagers using linguistics styles. This study determines the linguistic styles used by high school teenagers in their on-campus and off-campus oral and written communication in morphological transformation and in code switching utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods using simple stratified random sampling. Oral linguistic styles for morphological transformation in oncampus are phonological substitution and off-campus: orthographic reversal; for code switching in on- and off-campus was intrasentential; other linguistic styles were gay lingo and repeated words. Written linguistic styles for morphological transformation in on-campus and off-campus were: letters and numbers representing words; for code switching on-campus was intersentential while off-campus was letter and autograph activity. Other linguistic styles were gay lingo and repeated words in on-campus while letter and autograph activity for off-campus. Linguistic styles in on-campus and off-campus oral and written communication in morphological transformation and code switching do not differ significantly. Teachers should be aware of teenagers’ linguistic styles to avoid cheating during examination or to avoid cruelty to teachers they do not like. Similar research should be undertaken.   Keywords - Linguistic styles, morphological transformation, code switching, phonological transformation, orthographic reversal, intrasentential, intersentential, eccentric spelling
Preferences for arthritis interventions: Identifying similarities and differences among African Americans and whites with osteoarthritis
Authors: Mingo Chivon A. , McIlvane Jessica M. , Jefferson Malcolm , Edwards Lloyd J. , Haley William E.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To determine if there are differences or similarities in arthritis intervention preferences and barriers to participation between African Americans and whites with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Using a needs assessment survey, intervention preferences and barriers to participation in arthritis interventions among African American (n = 60) and white (n = 55) adults with self‐reported doctor‐diagnosed OA were examined. T‐tests, chi‐square tests, and multiple regression analyses adjusting for covariates were examined to determine race effects.

Results

While there were many similarities, African Americans were more likely to report cost (P < 0.01), lack of trust (P = 0.04), fear of being the only person of their race (P < 0.001), lack of recommendation from their doctor (P = 0.04), and lack of recommendation of a family member or friend (P = 0.02) as barriers to participating in a community‐based self‐management arthritis intervention. After adjusting for covariates, African Americans preferred interventions that provide information on arthritis‐related internet sources (P = 0.04), solving arthritis‐related problems (P = 0.04), and talking to family and friends about their condition (P = 0.02) in comparison to whites. African Americans also preferred an intervention with child care services provided (P < 0.01), with instructors and participants of the same race (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) or sex (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively), that allows a friend (P = 0.001) or family member (P = 0.02) to attend, that is offered at a local church (P = 0.01) or clinic (P < 0.01), or that is mailed (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that similar interventions are preferred across racial groups, but some practical adaptations could be made to existing arthritis interventions to minimize barriers, increase cultural sensitivity, and offer programs that would be appealing to African Americans and whites with arthritis.
Wollastonite Foams From an Extruded Preceramic Polymer Mixed with CaCO3 Microparticles Assisted by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Bernardo Enrico , Parcianello Giulio , Colombo Paolo , Matthews Siobhan
Published: September 2012

Wollastonite (CaSiO3) bioceramics have recently received great attention as hard tissue repairing material. In this paper we discuss a novel processing for open cell foams based on the mixing of a silicone resin with CaCO3 micron‐sized fillers, by means of conventional polymer extrusion assisted by supercritical carbon dioxide. The novel mixing was so effective that the wollastonite yield was comparable to that achieved employing much more reactive nanosized fillers, and led to silicone/CaCO3 extruded parts, embedding CO2. These parts can be easily converted into highly porous foams (porosity of about 80%) by a secondary low temperature treatment, before final ceramization at 900 °C. Depending on the conditions of secondary treatment, it was possible to obtain foams with similar density but different pore architecture, and consequently different strength, ranging from 0.45 to 6 MPa.
Determination of reduced folates in tumor and adjacent mucosa of colorectal cancer patients using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Odin Elisabeth , Wettergren Yvonne , Carlsson Göran , Gustavsson Bengt
Published: September 2012

A liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method has been developed for the determination of 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate (methyleneTHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF) and 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (methylTHF) in colorectal mucosa and tumor tissues. The folate extraction method includes homogenization, heat and folate conjugase treatment to hydrolyze polyglutamyl folate to monoglutamyl folate. Before analysis on LC‐MS/MS, simple and fast sample purification with ultrafiltration (molecular weight cut‐off membrane, 10 kDa) was performed. Folates were detected and quantified using positive electrospray. The method described in the present paper was successfully applied to determine the level of three folate monoglutamates in mucosa and tumor samples from 77 colorectal cancer patients, starting from a limited amount of tissue. The results showed that the LC‐MS/MS method has a great advantage over other previously used methods because of its high sensitivity and selectivity. Significantly higher levels of methyleneTHF and THF were found in tumor compared with matched mucosa tissues. Folate levels in adjacent mucosa were associated with tumor location, age and gender. The correlation between folate levels and tumor site further strengthens the fact that development of right‐ and left‐sided tumors follows different pathways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomy of female puberty: The clinical relevance of developmental changes in the reproductive system
Authors: Colvin Caroline Wingo , Abdullatif Hussein
Published: September 2012

Puberty is the period of biologic transition from childhood to adulthood. The changes that occur at this time are related to the increasing concentrations of sex steroid hormones. In females, most pubertal changes are caused by estrogen stimulation that results from the onset of central puberty. Significant development occurs in the organs of the female reproductive system and results in anatomic changes that characterize reproductive maturity. Adrenal and ovarian androgens also increase during puberty, affecting change that includes the promotion of certain secondary sex characteristics. The ability to recognize normal pubertal anatomy and distinguish between estrogen and androgen effects is important in the ability to diagnose and treat disorders of sex development, precocious puberty, pubertal delay, and menstrual irregularities in children and adolescents. An understanding of this developmental process can also help clinicians identify and treat reproductive pathology in adultsand across all female life stages. Clin. Anat. 26:115–129, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modifying Transition Matrix to Evaluate Soil Quality: A Case Study in Karst Region in the West‐Southern China
Authors: Shi Hui , Shao Hong‐Bo
Published: September 2012

The soil aggregate stability is a key property of soil quality and reflects soil quality and anti‐erosion ability. The transition matrix between initial and final aggregates condition was established by modifying Niewczas and Witkowska‐Walczak's method by not considering the artificial weights and each size of aggregates fraction on the basis of three reasonable assumptions, and soil aggregate stability index (ASI) was formed through preserving each size of aggregates probability. This ASI is identical to the result by reference, and the transition matrix can be showed to evaluate the soil aggregates stability. Using the transition matrix was furthermore to analyze anti‐breaking ability of different size aggregate by reference material. We found there were different effects for each size aggregate by four methods, simulation rainfall, one cycle of wetting–drying, ten cycles of wetting–drying, and Yoder wetting–sieving. The Yoder wetting–sieving is a severe method that destructed soil aggregates. The ASI by modifying transition matrix method was used to evaluate the aggregates stability under different land utilization in Karst region in Chongqing, China. The ASI of agricultural utilization was lower than abounded cultivated land, shrub‐grass land, secondary forest land, and primeval forest land. For some selected soil properties, when SOM content was <60 g/kg, ASI increased along with the SOM increase. Once the SOM content was >60 g/kg, the ASI was almost unchanged. The sorption moisture content of air‐drying acutely affected ASI too, and the ASI increased along the sorption moisture increasing. SOM content and sorption markedly affected the preserving probability of larger aggregates such as 10–5, 5–3, 3–2, 2–1, and 1–0.5 mm size class. Although CaCO3 and clay content did not influence preserving probability of each size class of aggregates fiercely, but the influence on small aggregates was higher than that of larger aggregates. The modified transition matrix method could not only calculate soil aggregates stability index, but also analyze more parameters of aggregate experiment, and bring out the each size aggregates characteristics. Thus, the modified transition matrix method could be a better tool to understand soil quality.
Quantification of Diclofenac in Hospital Effluent and Identification of Metabolites and Degradation Products
Authors: Minetto Luciane , Mayer Francieli M. , Mallmann Carlos A. , Martins Ayrton F.
Published: September 2012

In this study the occurrence of diclofenac and sub‐products in effluent emerging from the University Hospital at the Federal University of Santa Maria was investigated. One metabolite was identified and, in aqueous solution, three degradation products. The quantification was conducted by means of HPLC‐DAD, and the determination of metabolite and degradation products by LC–ESI–MS/MS–QTrap. For the HPLC‐DAD method, a 70:30 mixture of methanol/sodium phosphate was used in isocratic mode. For the LC–ESI–MS/MS–QTrap determinations, a mobile phase, where phase A was an ammonium acetate solution 5 × 10−3 mol L−1, and phase B was methanol (5 × 10−3 mol L−1)/ammonium acetate (9:1, v/v), on gradient mode. The LDs for the HPLC and LC–MS/MS methods, respectively, were 2.5 and 0.02 µg L−1, the LQs, 8.3 and 0.05 µg L−1, and the linear range from 10 up to 2000 µg L−1 and 0.05 up to 10 µg L−1. As expected, the LC–ESI–MS/MS–QTrap method was more sensitive and less laborious. The metabolite 4′‐hydroxy‐diclofenac was identified. Photolysis was used for the degradation studies and three products of diclofenac were identified (m/z of 214, 286 and 303) in aqueous solution. These results notwithstanding, no degradation products of diclofenac were found in the hospital effluent.
Biodegradation of Herbicide Propanil and Its Subproduct 3,4‐Dichloroaniline in Water
Authors: Roehrs Rafael , Roehrs Miguel , Machado Sérgio L. de O. , Zanella Renato
Published: September 2012

The rational use of pesticides generates an impact which is normally reversed and eliminated by the environment itself. However, the indiscriminate use of pesticides makes its natural degradation rhythm difficult, prolonging their presence in the soil for a great deal of time. Aiming towards a decrease in the environmental impact of pesticides, soil microorganisms capable of degrading pesticides, such as propanil, were investigated. An Enterobacter cloacae strain, isolated from rice field soil, was exposed to the herbicide propanil alone and in a mixture containing also bentazone, clomazone, quinclorac, and 2,4‐D. This bacterium was able to eliminate 100% of the applied propanil in 28 days. Propanil degradation in the 5‐herbicide mixture was much lower than that of individual pesticide degradation. The aeration of the system helped to degrade propanil and its subproduct 3,4‐dichloroaniline much faster. LC with UV detection was used to determine the remaining concentrations of the herbicides and their subproducts.
Interval‐Based Diagnosis of Biological Systems – a Powerful Tool for Highly Uncertain Anaerobic Digestion Processes
Authors: Alcaraz‐González Víctor , López‐Bañuelos Rubén Horacio , Steyer Jean‐Philippe , Méndez‐Acosta Hugo Oscar , González‐Álvarez Víctor , Pelayo‐Ortiz Carlos
Published: September 2012

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a highly nonlinear time‐varying process commonly used for biological wastewater treatment, which is subject to large disturbances of both influent concentrations, and flow rates that may lead the process to a breakdown. In order to compensate the effect of these disturbances, the dynamics of the main state variables – including biomass – must be closely monitored and used to improve the process performance. However, AD processes still suffer from a lack of reliable and cheap sensors of key process variables to insure the right process operation. This has led to the development of estimation schemes, which infer the information of such key variables from the available measurements. Nevertheless, reliable measurements are not always possible to get because these readings may be corrupted by noise or erroneous due to sensor failures and as a consequence, they may lead to deteriorated control efforts and the eventual crash of the AD process. In this article, we propose an integrated system for the detection, isolation, and analysis of faults in AD processes by using interval observers (IO). The proposed approach was experimentally implemented on a 1‐m3 pilot scale anaerobic digester. Based on the comparison between the measured outputs and their corresponding estimates, results show that this approach was able to detect sensor failures as well as faults in the basic hypotheses made during the design step.
Processing of superparamagnetic iron contrast agent ferucarbotran in transplanted pancreatic islets
Authors: Zacharovová Klára , Berková Zuzana , Jirák Daniel , Herynek Vít , Vancová Marie , Dovolilová Eva , Saudek František
Published: September 2012

Labeling of pancreatic islets with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles enables their post‐transplant monitoring by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the nanoparticles are incorporated into islet cells in culture, little is known about their fate in vivo. We studied the morphology of labeled islets after transplantation, aiming to identify the MRI contrast particles and their relationship to transplantation outcomes. Rat islets labeled with the ferucarbotran were transplanted into the liver or under the kidney capsule of syngeneic and allogeneic rats. After in vivo MRI, morphology was studied by light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Morphology of syngeneic islets transplanted beneath the kidney capsule vs into the liver was similar. Iron particles were almost completely eliminated from the endocrine cells and remained located in host‐derived macrophages surrounding the vital islets for the entire study period. In the allogeneic model, islets lost their function and were completely rejected within nine days following transplantation in both transplant models. However, intercellular transport of the SPIO particles and subsequent MRI findings was different in the liver and kidney. In the liver, the decreasing number of islet‐related MRI spots corresponded with clearance of iron particles in rejected islets; in contrast, with renal transplants extensive iron deposits with a high effect on MRI signal persisted in phagocytic cells beneath the capsule. We conclude that MRI detection of the iron contrast agent correlates with islet survival and function in islet transplantation into the liver, while it does not correlate in the case of transplantation beneath the renal capsule. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
cGMP‐Compatible preparative scale synthesis of near‐infrared fluorophores
Authors: Hyun Hoon , Bordo Mark W. , Nasr Khaled , Feith Dina , Lee Jeong Heon , Kim Soon Hee , Ashitate Yoshitomo , Moffitt Lorissa A. , Rosenberg Mireille , Henary Maged , Choi Hak Soo , Frangioni John V.
Published: September 2012

Image‐guided surgery using optical imaging requires the availability of large quantities of clinical‐grade fluorophores. We describe the cGMP‐compatible synthesis of the zwitterionic heptamethine indocyanine near‐infrared fluorophore ZW800‐1 at the 10 g scale (~1000 patient doses) using facile and efficient solvent purification, and without the need for column chromatography. ZW800‐1 has >90% yield at the final step and >99% purity as measured by fluorescence and evaporative light scatter detection. We describe an analytical framework for qualifying impurities, as well as a detailed analysis of counterion identities. Finally, we report the unique in vivo properties of ZW800‐1 in large animals approaching the size of humans, thus laying the foundation for rapid clinical translation of these methods. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pontine Mechanisms of Respiratory Control
Authors: Dutschmann Mathias , Dick Thomas E.
Published: September 2012

Pontine respiratory nuclei provide synaptic input to medullary rhythmogenic circuits to shape and adapt the breathing pattern. An understanding of this statement depends on appreciating breathing as a behavior, rather than a stereotypic rhythm. In this review, we focus on the pontine‐mediated inspiratory off‐switch (IOS) associated with postinspiratory glottal constriction. Further, IOS is examined in the context of pontine regulation of glottal resistance in response to multimodal sensory inputs and higher commands, which in turn rules timing, duration, and patterning of respiratory airflow. In addition, network plasticity in respiratory control emerges during the development of the pons. Synaptic plasticity is required for dynamic and efficient modulation of the expiratory breathing pattern to cope with rapid changes from eupneic to adaptive breathing linked to exploratory (foraging and sniffing) and expulsive (vocalizing, coughing, sneezing, and retching) behaviors, as well as conveyance of basic emotions. The speed and complexity of changes in the breathing pattern of behaving animals implies that “learning to breathe” is necessary to adjust to changing internal and external states to maintain homeostasis and survival. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2443‐2469, 2012.
In VivoandEx VivoAnalysis of Tubule Function
Authors: Stockand James D. , Vallon Volker , Ortiz Pablo
Published: September 2012

Analysis of tubule function within vivoandex vivoapproaches has been instrumental in revealing renal physiology. This work allows assignment of functional significance to known gene products expressed along the nephron, primary of which are proteins involved in electrolyte transport and regulation of these transporters. Not only we have learned much about the key roles played by these transport proteins and their proper regulation in normal physiology but also the combination of contemporary molecular biology and molecular genetics within vivoandex vivoanalysis opened a new era of discovery informative about the root causes of many renal diseases. The power ofin vivoandex vivoanalysis of tubule function is that it preserves the native setting and control of the tubule and proteins within tubule cells enabling them to be investigated in a “real‐life” environment with a high degree of precision.In vivoandex vivoanalysis of tubule function continues to provide a powerful experimental outlet for testing, evaluating, and understanding physiology in the context of the novel information provided by sequencing of the human genome and contemporary genetic screening. These tools will continue to be a mainstay in renal laboratories as this discovery process continues and as we continue to identify new gene products functionally compromised in renal disease. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2495‐2525, 2012.
A single‐stage high power‐factor bridgeless AC‐LED driver for lighting applications
Authors: Wu Kuan‐Hung , Chiu Huang‐Jen , Lo Yu‐Kang
Published: September 2012

An alternating‐current light‐emitting diode (AC‐LED) driver is implemented between the grid and lamp to eliminate the disadvantages of a directly grid‐tied AC‐LED lamp. In order to highlight the benefits of AC‐LED technology, a single‐stage converter with few components is adopted. A high power‐factor single‐stage bridgeless AC/AC converter is proposed with higher efficiency, greater power factor, less harmonics to pass IEC 61000‐3‐2 class C, and better regulation of output current. The brightness and flicker frequency issues caused by a low‐frequency sinusoidal input are surpassed by the implementation of a high‐frequency square‐wave output current. In addition, the characteristics of the proposed circuit are discussed and analyzed in order to design the AC‐LED driver. Finally, some simulation and experimental results are shown to verify this proposed scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and security of arbiter‐based physical unclonable function circuits
Authors: Tariguliyev Zaur , Ors Berna
Published: September 2012

Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are considered as a promising technology that would be used for secure key generation and storage, integrated circuit (IC) authentication, and chip‐unique signature generation. On the basis of the delay variation of logic gates across ICs, PUF circuits could be used to generate secret keys attached to some challenge–response schemes. In this study, an arbiter‐based PUF circuit is implemented on Xilinx Virtex 2 Pro field‐programmable gate array (Xilinx, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA), and its identification capability, reliability, and security are investigated. For this purpose, we define and measure the parameters such as interchip variation and environmental noise, which are important in the identification process of different ICs. In order to test the resistance of PUF circuit against software attacks, we applied two approaches. In the first one, we use a support vector machine classifier, and attacks are considered as a classification problem. In the second one, linear programming technique is applied to find the delay variables corresponding to the linear model of the PUF circuit.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on hydrogen isotope ratios of endogenous urinary steroids: reference‐population‐based thresholds and proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Piper Thomas , Thomas Andreas , Thevis Mario , Saugy Martial
Published: September 2012

Carbon isotope ratio (CIR) analysis has been routinely and successfully used in sports drug testing for many years to uncover the misuse of endogenous steroids. One limitation of the method is the availability of steroid preparations exhibiting CIRs equal to endogenous steroids. To overcome this problem, hydrogen isotope ratios (HIR) of endogenous urinary steroids were investigated as a potential complement; results obtained from a reference population of 67 individuals are presented herein. An established sample preparation method was modified and improved to enable separate measurements of each analyte of interest where possible. From the fraction of glucuronidated steroids; pregnanediol, 16‐androstenol, 11‐ketoetiocholanolone, androsterone (A), etiocholanolone (E), dehydroepiandrosterone (D), 5α‐ and 5β‐androstanediol, testosterone and epitestosterone were included. In addition, sulfate conjugates of A, E, D, epiandrosterone and 17α‐ and 17β‐androstenediol were considered and analyzed after acidic solvolysis. The obtained results enabled the calculation of the first reference‐population‐based thresholds for HIR of urinary steroids that can readily be applied to routine doping control samples. Proof‐of‐concept was accomplished by investigating urine specimens collected after a single oral application of testosterone‐undecanoate. The HIR of most testosterone metabolites were found to be significantly influenced by the exogenous steroid beyond the established threshold values. Additionally, one regular doping control sample with an extraordinary testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 100 without suspicious CIR was subjected to the complementary methodology of HIR analysis. The HIR data eventually provided evidence for the exogenous origin of urinary testosterone metabolites. Despite further investigations on HIR being advisable to corroborate the presented reference‐population‐based thresholds, the developed method proved to be a new tool supporting modern sports drug testing procedures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IL‐18 associates to microvesicles shed from human macrophages by a LPS/TLR‐4 independent mechanism in response to P2X receptor stimulation
Authors: Gulinelli Sara , Salaro Erica , Vuerich Marta , Bozzato Dania , Pizzirani Cinzia , Bolognesi Giorgio , Idzko Marco , Virgilio Francesco Di , Ferrari Davide
Published: September 2012

Extracellular ATP, released upon microbial infection, cell damage, or inflammation, acts as an alert signal toward immune cells by activating P2 receptors. The nucleotide causes microvesicle (MV) shedding from immune and nonimmune cells. Here, we show that IL‐18 associates with MVs shed by human ex vivo macrophages upon P2X receptor stimulation. MV shedding was potently induced by ATP and by the P2X7 agonist 3′‐benzoylbenzoyl adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, while it was greatly reduced by P2X irreversible inhibitor‐oxidized ATP and by the specific P2X7 inhibitors KN‐62, A‐740003, and A‐438079. Peculiarly, the P2X7 subtype was highly present in the MVs, while on the contrary the P2X3 and P2X4 subtypes were almost absent. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 mimicked the effect of 3′‐benzoylbenzoyl adenosine 5′‐triphosphate suggesting that an intracellular Ca2+ increase was sufficient to evoke MV shedding. Caspase inhibitors Ac‐YVAD‐CMK or Z‐YVAD‐CMK did not block the cleavage of MV‐associated pro‐IL‐18. Pro‐IL‐18 formation in macrophages did not require pretreatment of cells with LPS, as the procytokine was already present in unprimed macrophages and did not decrease by incubating cells with the LPS‐binding antibiotic polymyxin B nor with the TLR‐4 intracellular inhibitor CLI‐095. These data reveal a nucleotide‐based mechanism responsible for the shedding of MV to which IL‐18 is associated.
EBV stimulates TLR‐ and autophagy‐dependent pathways and impairs maturation in plasmacytoid dendritic cells: Implications for viral immune escape
Authors: Severa Martina , Giacomini Elena , Gafa Valerie , Anastasiadou Eleni , Rizzo Fabiana , Corazzari Marco , Romagnoli Alessandra , Trivedi Pankaj , Fimia Gian Maria , Coccia Eliana Marina
Published: September 2012

Plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are crucial mediators in the establishment of immunity against most viruses, given their extraordinary capacity to produce a massive quantity of type I IFN. In this study we investigate the response of pDCs to infection with EBV, a γ‐herpes virus that persists with an asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent hosts, although in certain conditions it can promote development of cancers or autoimmune diseases. We show that high amounts of type I IFNs were released from isolated pDCs after exposure to EBV by a mechanism requiring TLRs and a functional autophagic machinery. We next demonstrate that EBV can infect pDCs via viral binding to MHC class II molecule HLA‐DR and that pDCs express EBV‐induced latency genes. Furthermore, we observe that EBV is able to induce activation but not maturation of pDCs, which correlates with an impaired TNF‐α release. Accordingly, EBV‐infected pDCs are unable to mount a full T‐cell response, suggesting that impaired pDC maturation, combined with a concomitant EBV‐mediated upregulation of the T‐cell inhibitory molecules B7‐H1 and ICOS‐L, could represent an immune‐evasion strategy promoted by the virus. These mechanisms might lead to persistence in immunocompetent hosts or to dysregulated immune responses linked to EBV‐associated diseases.
New Insights into the Evolution of an Intervalley Prehistoric Irrigation Canal System, North Coastal Peru
Authors: Huckleberry Gary , Hayashida Frances , Johnson Jack
Published: September 2012

We present the results of combined AMS‐14C and single‐grain luminescence dating of pre‐Columbian irrigation canals that are part of the Racarumi Intervalley Canal System (RICS) in northern Peru. Archaeological and archival evidence suggest that the RICS was constructed during Middle Sicán (A.D. 900–1100) rule and continued to operate during Chimú and Inka conquests in the A.D. 1300s and 1400s, respectively, until finally succumbing to Spanish control of the area in the early A.D. 1500s. Detrital charcoal (AMS‐14C) and sand grains (OSL and IRSL) were collected from active, post‐abandonment, and clean out deposits in six earthen canals located within three separate alignments of the RICS. Resulting ages confirm operation during Middle Sicán, Late Sicán, Chimú, and Inka control, and possibly into the early part of the Spanish period. Placed within their hydroclimatological context, RICS canal deposits document recurrent El Niño flooding ∼A.D. 1300–1600 but indicate that damage to the system was repaired and the canals continued to operate despite periodic disruptions. This study demonstrates that single‐grain luminescence analysis conducted within a framework of geomorphology and formation processes has significant potential for detailed and accurate dating of ancient water‐control systems.
Functional mapping of human sound and carious enamel and dentin with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Salehi Hamideh , Terrer Elodie , Panayotov Ivan , Levallois Bernard , Jacquot Bruno , Tassery Hervé , Cuisinier Frédéric
Published: September 2012

The goals of this trial were, first, to produce a Raman mapping of decay and sound dentin samples, through accurate analysis of the Raman band spectra variations of mineral and organic components. The second goal was to confirm the correlation between the Raman signal and the signal of a fluorescent camera, by assaying the concentration of pentosidine and natural collagen fluorescent crosslink using reverse phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The first correlation assumed a possible relationship between the signal observed with the camera and Raman spectroscopy. The second correlation assumed an association with the Maillard reaction. Absence of a correlation for this trial was that no association could be found between Raman spectra characteristics, fluorescence variation and the HPLC assay. Our results void this absence (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantification of DNA in simple eukaryotic cells using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Whelan Donna R. , Bambery Keith R. , Puskar Ljiljana , McNaughton Don , Wood Bayden R.
Published: September 2012

A technique capable of detecting and monitoring nucleic acid concentration offers potential in diagnosing cancer and further developing an understanding of the biochemistry of disease. The application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has previously been hindered by the supposed non‐Beer‐Lambert absorption behavior of DNA in intact cells making elucidation of the DNA bands difficult. We use known composition DNA/hemoglobin standards to successfully estimate the DNA content in avian erythrocyte nuclei (44.2%) and intact erythrocytes (12.8%). Furthermore we demonstrate that the absorption of cellular DNA does follow the Beer‐Lambert Law and highlights the role of conformation and hydration in FTIR spectroscopy of biological samples (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Can hantavirus infections be predicted on admission to hospital?
Authors: Kaya Selçuk , Çağlayık Dilek Yağcı , Uyar Yavuz , Yılmaz Hava , Engin Aynur , Öngürü Pınar , Yılmaz Gurdal , Köksal Iftihar
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors which contribute to diagnosis of hantavirus infection. One hundred patients from rural areas hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of hantavirus infection from different hospitals in Turkey were investigated. Hantavirus infection was confirmed in 20 patients (Group 1) using immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays at the Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency. Hantaviruses were not detected in the serum of the remaining 80 patients, other infectious and non‐infectious diseases being diagnosed in this group (Group 2). Patients' demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory data on admission were examined and compared between the two groups. Fever, proteinuria, hematuria, lethargy‐weakness, and nausea‐vomiting were the most frequent symptoms and findings in Group 1, seen in almost all patients. Proteinuria, hematuria, muscle pain, diarrhea/abdominal pain, hypotension, shock, and sweating were observed at significantly higher levels in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher, but serum platelet counts were lower in Group 1 patients. Area beneath the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate the discriminative ability of various laboratory values to identify patients with hantavirus infection. This analysis revealed that, serum CRP had a 100% negative predictive value, whilst, platelet, and creatinine had 75% and 70% positive predictive values for the diagnosis of hantavirus infection. In summary, laboratory markers used in clinical practice are of great importance predicting hantavirus infections. J. Med. Virol. 84:1790–1796, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity of human astrovirus genotypes circulating in children with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand during 2000–2011
Authors: Malasao Rungnapa , Khamrin Pattara , Chaimongkol Natthawan , Ushijima Hiroshi , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: September 2012

Human astrovirus (HAstV) is one of the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. The objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and genotypic diversity of HAstV circulating in pediatric patients admitted to hospital with diarrhea in Thailand during the year 2000–2011, except for 2004, 2006, and 2009. A total of 1,022 fecal specimens were tested for HAstV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). HAstV was detected at 1.4% (14 of 1,022). All HAstV strains detected in this study were characterized further by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Analysis of 348 bp partial capsid nucleotide sequences revealed that HAstV strains detected were HAstV‐1 (1a, 1b, and 1d) (8 strains), HAstV‐2 (2c) (3 strains), HAstV‐3 (1 strain), and HAstV‐5 (2 strains). HAstV‐1, the most predominant genotype was detected initially in 2002 and circulated continuously up to 2011. HAstV‐2 was detected in year 2001, and 2007 and grouped into a 2c lineage. HAstV‐3 was found only in 2000 and HAstV‐5 was found in the year 2001. The findings indicate that a wide variety of HAstV strains continue to circulate in children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand over a decade. The data provide an epidemiological overview of HAstV infection and HAstV genotype distribution in Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 84:1751–1756, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of IgM ELISA, TaqMan real‐time PCR, reverse transcription PCR, and RT‐LAMP assay for the diagnosis of Chikungunya fever
Authors: Reddy Vijayalakshmi , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Desai Anita , Parida Manmohan , Powers Ann M. , Johnson Barbara W.
Published: September 2012

Chikungunya fever a re‐emerging infection with expanding geographical boundaries, can mimic symptoms of other infections like dengue, malaria which makes the definitive diagnosis of the infection important. The present study compares the utility of four laboratory diagnostic methods viz. IgM capture ELISA, an in house reverse transcription PCR for the diagnosis of Chikungunya fever, TaqMan real‐time PCR, and a one step reverse transcription‐loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT‐LAMP). Out of the 70 serum samples tested, 29 (41%) were positive for Chikungunya IgM antibody by ELISA and 50 (71%) samples were positive by one of the three molecular assays. CHIKV specific nucleic acid was detected in 33/70 (47%) by reverse transcription PCR, 46/70 (66%) by TaqMan real‐time PCR, and 43/70 (62%) by RT‐LAMP assay. A majority of the samples (62/70; 89%) were positive by at least one of the four assays used in the study. The molecular assays were more sensitive for diagnosis in the early stages of illness (2–5 days post onset) when antibodies were not detectable. In the later stages of illness, the IgM ELISA is a more sensitive diagnostic test. In conclusion we recommend that the IgM ELISA be used as an initial screening test followed one of the molecular assays in samples that are collected in the early phase of illness and negative for CHIKV IgM antibodies. Such as approach would enable rapid confirmation of the diagnosis and implementation of public health measures especially during outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 84:1771–1778, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman investigation of artificial patinas on recent bronze – Part I: climatic chamber exposure
Authors: Ropret Polonca , Kosec Tadeja
Published: September 2012

In humid air, copper and its high copper alloys (bronze) tend to form an oxide layer (patina). Natural patinas protect copper and its alloys from further corrosion processes. On the other hand, artists have frequently deliberately patinated bronze for visual effects. Thus, it is of great importance to study the patina changing mechanism to follow its chemical changes and to predict in advance the likely corrosion processes. Green chloride and green nitrate patinas, applied over the brown artist's patina, were tested, and also brown patina and the patina that develops on bare bronze. The Raman spectra were studied after chemical patination, and after exposing the patina samples in a climatic chamber, which can produce an environment that resembles an industrial atmosphere, for 12 weeks. The structures of the patinas and of the corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Cuprite and cuprous sulfite were found on the brown patina, atacamite on the green chloride patina, and a mixture of gerhardite and rouaite on the blue to green nitrate type patina. After 12 weeks of exposure to humidity, a controlled concentration of SO2, and salt spray mist, the corrosion products changed. In general, clinoatacamite and paratacamite are the end corrosion products, after an intermediate brochantite stage on the green chloride and green nitrate type patinas. The end products of each patina type are given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic investigations of anthocyanin–metal interactions by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Buchweitz Maria , Gudi Gennadi , Carle Reinhold , Kammerer Dietmar R. , Schulz Hartwig
Published: September 2012

The FT‐Raman spectra of the chloride salts of pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, their structures at pH 5.0 and their interaction with aluminium and ferric ions are presented for the first time and discussed with regard to their spectroscopic response. Two marker bands at approximately 1510 and 1330/1350 cm−1 and one band at approximately 1330/1350 cm−1 were identified being characteristic for the formation of ferric and aluminium chelates, respectively, of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and delphinidin‐3‐glucoside. In contrast, pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside, exhibiting one single hydroxyl group in the B‐ring, did not form metal chelates, which could be clearly demonstrated by missing marker bands. The formation of anthocyanin–metal chelates was also verified in model systems containing commercial sugar beet pectin and a pectic polysaccharide fraction isolated thereof, respectively. In addition, the absence of anthocyanin–metal chelates in systems prepared with citrate buffer was confirmed, and the effects of low and high methoxylated citrus pectins on chelate formation were studied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of English portrait miniatures using Raman microscopy and other techniques
Authors: Burgio Lucia , Cesaratto Anna , Derbyshire Alan
Published: September 2012

Eighteen English portrait miniatures from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection were analysed using Raman microscopy and optical microscopy. Most had been attributed to well‐known artists such as Levina Teerlinc, Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver, but there were some of uncertain attribution. Each miniature was examined in detail in order to characterise the palette used by the artists, paying attention not only to the identity of the materials but also to the shape, size and distribution of the pigment particles. The different mixtures used in various areas, such as the carnation, used for the skin tones, lips and dark physiognomic detail helped the authors to distinguish between different miniaturists. This approach, associated with conservation, curatorial and art historical expertise, was used to suggest an attribution for three miniatures where previously the artist was uncertain or disputed. This type of analysis should be extended to a larger number of miniatures from the same period and geographical provenance in order to build up a stronger database and reach a statistically significant sample size. © 2012 Victoria and Albert Museum Journal of Raman Spectroscopy © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance Evaluation of Biofibers and Their Hybrids as Reinforcements in Bioplastic Composites
Authors: Nanda Malaya R. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: September 2012

Biofibers such as soy hull, switchgrass, miscanthus, and their hybrids are used as reinforcements to engineer green composites in poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) and polylactide blends through melt mixing. The physico‐mechanical performance of the composites is evaluated by means of mechanical testing, DSC and SEM. The combination of agricultural residues as hybrids is shown to reduce supply chain concerns for injection‐molded green composites. The use of inexpensive biofibers and their hybrids proves an alternate way of getting cheap sustainable materials with better performance.

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