bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Logic-Based Supervisor Control for Sun-Tracking System of 1 MW HCPV Demo Plant: Study Case
Authors: Yeh Hong-Yih , Lee Cheng-Dar
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a logic-based supervisor controller designed for trackers for a 1MW HCPV demo plant in Taiwan. A sun position sensor on the tracker is used to detect the sun position, as the sensor is sensitive to the intensity of sun light. The signal output of the sensor is partially affected by the cloud, which has a hard control position with the traditional PID control. Therefore we have used logic-based supervisor (LBS) control which permits switching the PID control to sun trajectory under sunny or cloudy conditions. To verify the stability of the proposed control, an experiment was performed and the results show that the proposed control can efficiently achieve stabilization of the trackers of the 1MW HCPV demo plant.
Disentangling Complexity from Randomness and Chaos
Authors: Zuchowski Lena C.
Published: February 2012

This study aims to disentangle complexity from randomness and chaos, and to present a definition of complexity that emphasizes its epistemically distinct qualities. I will review existing attempts at defining complexity and argue that these suffer from two major faults: a tendency to neglect the underlying dynamics and to focus exclusively on the phenomenology of complex systems; and linguistic imprecisions in describing these phenomenologies. I will argue that the tendency to discuss phenomenology removed from the underlying dynamics is the main root of the difficulties in distinguishing complex from chaotic or random systems. In my own definition, I will explicitly try to avoid these pitfalls. The theoretical contemplations in this paper will be tested on a sample of five models: the random Kac ring, the chaotic CA30, the regular CA90, the complex CA110 and the complex Bak-Sneppen model. Although these modelling studies are restricted in scope and can only be seen as preliminary, they still constitute on of the first attempts to investigate complex systems comparatively.
Employment Effects of Renewable Energy Expansion on a Regional Level—First Results of a Model-Based Approach for Germany
Authors: Ulrich Philip , Distelkamp Martin , Lehr Ulrike
Published: February 2012

National studies have shown that both gross and net effects of the expansion of energy from renewable sources on employment are positive for Germany. These modeling approaches also revealed that this holds true for both present and future perspectives under certain assumptions on the development of exports, fossil fuel prices and national politics. Yet how are employment effects distributed within Germany? What components contribute to growth impacts on a regional level? To answer these questions (new) methods of regionalization were explored and developed for the example “wind energy onshore” for Germany’s federal states. The main goal was to develop a methodology which is applicable to all renewable energy technologies in future research. For the quantification and projection, it was necessary to distinguish between jobs generated by domestic investments and exports on the one hand, and jobs for operation and maintenance of existing plants on the other hand. Further, direct and indirect employment is analyzed. The results show, that gross employment is particularly high in the northwestern regions of Germany. However, especially the indirect effects are spread out over the whole country. Regions in the south not only profit from the delivery of specific components, but also from other industry and service inputs.
A Database De-identification Framework to Enable Direct Queries on Medical Data for Secondary Use
Authors: Erdal B. S. , Liu J. , Ding J. , Chen J. , Marsh C. B. , Kamal J. , Clymer B. D.
Published: February 2012

Objective: To qualify the use of patient clinical records as non-human-subject for research purpose, electronic medical record data must be de-identified so there is minimum risk to protected health information exposure. This study demonstrated a robust framework for structured data de-identification that can be applied to any relational data source that needs to be de-identified.

Methods: Using a real world clinical data warehouse, a pilot implementation of limited subject areas were used to demonstrate and evaluate this new de-identification process. Query results and performances are compared between source and target system to validate data accuracy and usability.

Results: The combination of hashing, pseudonyms, and session dependent randomizer provides a rigorous de-identification framework to guard against 1) source identifier exposure; 2) internal data analyst manually linking to source identifiers; and 3) identifier cross-link among different researchers or multiple query sessions by the same researcher. In addition, a query rejection option is provided to refuse queries resulting in less than preset numbers of subjects and total records to prevent users from accidental subject identification due to low volume of data.

This framework does not prevent subject re-identification based on prior knowledge and sequence of events. Also, it does not deal with medical free text de-identification, although text de-identification using natural language processing can be included due its modular design.

Conclusion: We demonstrated a framework resulting in HIPAA Compliant databases that can be directly queried by researchers. This technique can be augmented to facilitate inter-institutional research data sharing through existing middleware such as caGrid.
Manipulation of the Recipient Retinal Environment by Ectopic Expression of Neurotrophic Growth Factors Can Improve Transplanted Photoreceptor Integration and Survival
Authors: West E. L. , Pearson R. A. , Duran Y. , Gonzalez-Cordero A. , Maclaren R. E. , Smith A. J. , Sowden J. C. , Ali R. R.
Published: February 2012

Degeneration of the neural retina is the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the developed world. Stem cell replacement therapy offers a novel strategy for retinal repair. Postmitotic photoreceptor precursors derived from the early postnatal (P) retina are able to migrate and integrate into the adult mouse retina following transplantation into the subretinal space, but it is likely that a large number of these cells would be required to restore vision. The adult recipient retina presents a very different environment to that from which photoreceptor precursor donor cells isolated from the developing postnatal retina are derived. Here we considered the possibility that modulation of the recipient environment by ectopic expression of developmentally regulated growth factors, normally present during photoreceptor development, might enhance the migration and integration of transplanted cells into the adult neural retina. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors were used to introduce three growth factors previously reported to play a role in photoreceptor development, IGF1, FGF2, and CNTF, into the adult retina, prior to transplantation of P4 cells derived from the Nrl.GFP+ ve neural retina. At 3 weeks posttransplantation the number of integrated, differentiated photoreceptor cells present in AAV-mediated neurotrophic factor-treated eyes was assessed and compared to control treated contralateral eyes. We show, firstly, that it is possible to manipulate the recipient retinal microenvironment via rAAV-mediated gene transfer with respect to these developmentally relevant growth factors. Moreover, when combined with cell transplantation, AAV-mediated expression of IGF1 led to significantly increased levels of cell integration, while overexpression of FGF2 had no significant effect on integrated cell number. Conversely, expression of CNTF led to a significant decrease in cell integration and an exacerbated glial response that led to glial scarring. Together, these findings demonstrate the importance of the extrinsic environment of the recipient retina for photoreceptor cell transplantation and show for the first time that it is possible to manipulate this environment using viral vectors to influence photoreceptor transplantation efficiency.
Überlegungen zu achteckigen Stützen in der antiken griechischen Architektur
Authors: Hellner Nils
Published: February 2012

Résumé La trouvaille récente d’une base octogonale en pierre du vii e  s. av. J.-C. à Kalapodi pousse à examiner l’origine et l’occurrence des supports octogonaux. Des modèles égyptiens sont exclus, tout comme quelques exemples minoens ou mycéniens qui, isolés, n’ont guère pu influencer l’architecture grecque. Six sites d’époque archaïque (Acropole d’Athènes, Égine [trois emplacements : Oros, sanctuaires d’Aphrodite et d’Aphaia], Argos, Hymette, Mégare, Trézène) attestent l’emploi de la forme octogonale dans des édifices publics tels que des propylées ou des constructions hydrauliques, tandis que des piliers funéraires et votifs sont des cas isolés. En outre, des exemples sur vingt sites, de l’époque classique à l’époque hellénistique (Apollonia, Assos, Bouthrotos, Brauron, Byllis, Calaurie, Calydon, Cassopé, Corinthe, Dodone, Épidaure, Kromna, Lindos, Némée, Mégara Hyblaea, Pergame, Phoiniké, Rodotopi, Sabucina, Chypre et Mégara Hyblaea), montrent une concentration de colonnes octogonales dans des cours péristyles en Illyrie et en Épire, ainsi que leur utilisation dans des constructions hydrauliques et comme pilier funéraire et votif, mais sans attestation dans l’architecture sacrée. De nombreux exemples montrent que la forme octogonale vient à l’évidence de la construction en bois, même si son emploi dans des constructions hydrauliques vient semer un doute. Tailler une colonne en pierre à pans octogonaux était plus simple, plus rapide et par conséquent économique. Peut-être que cette forme octogonale, admise seulement pour des édifices profanes, était perçue comme une « touche esthétique minimale », si l’on considère que les Grecs avaient l’habitude des colonnes cannelées.
Charu(n) et « les autres » : le cas des stèles étrusques de Bologne
Authors: Sacchetti Federica
Published: February 2012

Résumé Le corpus des stèles funéraires étrusques de Bologne/Felsina (stèles « felsiniennes ») offre une riche iconographie de plusieurs aspects de la vie et du rituel funéraire des Étrusques entre la fin du vi e et le début du iv e  s. av. J.-C. Certaines de ces stèles sont caractérisées par des représentations axées sur le thème de l’Au-delà et, notamment, de l’ultime voyage nécessaire pour l’atteindre. Par l’analyse de ce corpus, nous proposons d’identifier trente-sept figures de démons, de plusieurs types iconographiques, aux différences, dans l’aspect et les attributs, manifestes et intentionnelles. Bien que, en l’état actuel des études, ces différences restent pour nous difficilement pénétrables, on peut envisager qu’elles correspondent aux différentes fonctions que ces démons étaient appelés à exercer dans le cadre des conceptions eschatologiques étrusco-padanes. Nous proposons également une relecture des images des démons, rapprochés depuis longtemps de Charon/ Charu(n) , sur la base d’un attribut interprété comme une rame-gouvernail. L’analyse de ces images par le biais du rituel funéraire local, et notamment d’un objet plutôt caractéristique des cultures de l’Italie du Nord dès l’époque protohistorique, pourrait suggérer de nouvelles et différentes perspectives de recherche.
Deux sculpteurs athéniens du milieu du ive siècle : Praxias père et fils
Authors: Croissant Francis
Published: February 2012

Résumé Une signature du sculpteur athénien Praxias, fils de Praxias, découverte en 1945 sur l’agora de Thasos, avait été aussitôt rapprochée du texte de Pausanias où celui-ci attribue la réalisation des frontons du dernier temple d’Apollon à Delphes, malheureusement sans mentionner son patronyme, à un certain Praxias d’Athènes. Mais celui-ci ayant été depuis longtemps identifié avec un autre Praxias, fils de Lysimachos, bien attesté par deux signatures trouvées à Athènes et à Oropos, l’hypothèse n’avait guère convaincu. En 2005 pourtant, dans une étude qui attribuait au fils de Praxias une série de sculptures atticisantes de Thasos, elle avait été reprise, alors même que la publication des sculptures du temple dans les Fouilles de Delphes apportait depuis deux ans déjà des arguments décisifs à l’appui de la thèse traditionnelle. Et elle vient d’être réaffirmée, dans un ouvrage publié en 2010, comme une vérité acquise. Seul un réexamen systématique des documents paraît donc aujourd’hui susceptible de mettre un terme à des spéculations dont le principal résultat aura été de compliquer un problème qui, compte tenu du très probable lien de filiation entre les deux artistes, était finalement assez simple.
Trois curiosités architecturales des bains de Taposiris Magna (Égypte) : voûte à crossettes, radiateur et dalle clavée
Authors: Fournet Thibaud
Published: February 2012

Résumé La fouille des bains de Taposiris Magna (Égypte) a livré les vestiges de trois dispositifs architecturaux rares. Le premier, une voûte appareillée à voussoirs munis de décrochements (crossettes), datée d’avant le milieu du ii e  s. av. J.-C., semble être l’une des attestations les plus anciennes de cette technique. Le deuxième, une paroi chauffante composée de tuiles superposées, installée entre la fin du ii e et le milieu du i er  s. av. J.-C., fait figure de prototype original au dispositif romain qui se développa peu de temps après dans les bains d’Occident. Le troisième, enfin, permet de restituer une voûte plate appareillée, composée de claveaux à décrochements, pour laquelle nous n’avons pas trouvé, à ce stade, de parallèles antiques.
Les défis de la compétitivité pour l'agriculture française
Authors: Elisséeff Valéry
Published: February 2012

Résumé L’agriculture française souffre plus des à coups sur les prix que l’Allemagne ou les Pays-Bas. La France a un système de formation technique que le monde lui envie. Saura-t-elle dépasser ses archaïsmes pour valoriser ses atouts ?
La guérison de l'enfant épileptique ou l'analyse d'un échec !
Authors: De Martin De Viviés Pierre
Published: February 2012

Résumé La péricope dite de « l’enfant épileptique » (Mt 17, 14-20// Mc 9, 14-29// Lc 9, 37-43) présente des caractéristiques qui la rendent unique parmi les récits de miracles des Évangiles. S’agit-il d’un récit de guérison ou d’exorcisme ? Un diagnostic médical est-il effectivement porté ? Et surtout, au-delà d’un récit de guérison, n’est-ce pas d’abord une réflexion autour d’une mise en échec du pouvoir de guérir des disciples et une analyse des raisons de cet échec ? Une étude synoptique de cette péricope montre comment les Évangélistes répondent de manière très différente à toutes ces questions en abordant le problème complexe des rapports entre foi (du malade ou du thérapeute) et guérison.
Civilité, légalité, publicité. Considérations sur l'identité politique de « l'homme européen »
Authors: Ferry Jean-Marc
Published: February 2012

Résumé Civilité, Légalité, Publicité sont trois notions clés qui méritent d’être présentées pour comprendre quelque chose à l’identité européenne. Leur apparition historique explique les relations fonctionnelles entre elles. Civilité et légalité sont reliées par l’autolimitation, tandis que légalité et publicité sont reliées par l’universalisation. Malheureusement, ces trois notions sont sujettes à dégradation. Actuellement, le droit peine à encadrer les questions éthiques les plus difficiles, qu’elles soient liées à la biologie ou aux identités. La question du « naturel » en régime libéral est spécialement délicate. Kant, Rawls et Schmitt sont les figures qui aident à repérer nos pratiques actuelles et à préciser nos questions, de sorte que plusieurs formules émergent pour décrire les contours de la communauté politique moderne. La souveraineté est le quatrième principe autour duquel s’organise l’éthique de l’État, en lui donnant un contenu politique. La synthèse politique proposée par Hegel est trop absolue. L’idée même de synthèse politique s’effondre aujourd’hui (montée en puissance des groupes économiques, pouvoirs non étatiques, etc.). Il n’est pas sûr que la démocratie délibérative soit la panacée. Retrouver la voie kantienne tout en assumant l’objection hégélienne est la seule issue.
Subsidiarité, proportionnalité et construction européenne
Authors: Feix Marc
Published: February 2012

Résumé Depuis les années 1990, le principe de subsidiarité est mis en avant comme élément structurant de la construction européenne. La transcription de ce principe dans le droit n’étant pas chose aisée, il y est adjoint un second principe plus facilement transposable et opérationnel en droit : la proportionnalité. Jacques Delors, comme président de la Commission européenne, a contribué à mettre en avant et en œuvre ces principes qui tirent leur origine de la réflexion éthique des philosophes et théologiens chrétiens. Si le principe de subsidiarité est introduit dans le traité de Maastricht, le principe de proportionnalité vient l’expliciter dans le traité d’Amsterdam.
La variole et la guerre de 1870
Authors: Jorland Gérard
Published: February 2012

Résumé Lorsqu’elle déclare la guerre à la Prusse le 19 juillet 1870, la France est en proie à une épidémie de variole particulièrement virulente, la variole hémorragique, dont le taux de mortalité est très élevé. Les vaccins de mauvaise qualité n’ont immunisé qu’une partie de l’armée, si bien que la mobilisation et la concentration de centaines de milliers d’hommes emballent l’épidémie. La France en perd plus que la confédération allemande au combat. La déportation des armées françaises dans des camps de prisonniers en Allemagne ou leur refuge en Belgique, en Suisse et en Italie contaminent les populations locales et, de là, le monde entier. La pandémie de variole dure jusqu’en 1874, atteignant l’Asie par l’Amérique, et fait au moins 500 000 morts. Les guerres ne se gagnent pas seulement dans les états-majors, mais aussi dans les conseils d’hygiène.
Foucault et la santé publique
Authors: Marzano Michela
Published: February 2012

Résumé Pour Michel Foucault, si la question de l’hygiène d’une population est ancienne, la naissance de la santé publique marque un véritable tournant, car c’est la preuve de la volonté d’emprise du pouvoir politique en place. C’est la naissance de la biopolitique. Mais qu’entend-on par biopolitique ? Y a-t-il une solution pour les conflits entre intérêts particuliers et intérêts collectifs ?
Spécificités de la médecine rurale : l'expérience australienne
Authors: Pineau Chantal
Published: February 2012

Résumé La santé en milieu rural est un enjeu pour de nombreux pays, notamment en ce qui concerne l’accès aux soins. L’Australie est exemplaire à de nombreux points de vue sur ce sujet, tout d’abord parce que le problème y est particulièrement prégnant compte tenu de l’immensité du territoire et de la répartition très inégale de la population, mais surtout parce que des solutions ont été pensées pour résoudre ces problèmes depuis le début des années 1990. Des programmes attractifs de formation ont été créés (par exemple les Rural Clinical School) afin de former les professionnels de la santé à l’exercice en zone rurale et les encourager à rester dans ces zones en leur offrant des perspectives de carrière.
Recommendations of
The Future of Nursing
Report
Authors: Kowalski Karren
Published: February 2012

This column discusses the eight recommendations of the Institute of Medicine’s
The Future of Nursing
report.
TLR4-Mediated AKT Activation Is MyD88/TRIF Dependent and Critical for Induction of Oxidative Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Bauerfeld Christian P. , Rastogi Ruchi , Pirockinaite Gaila , Lee Icksoo , Hüttemann Maik , Monks Bobby , Birnbaum Morris J. , Franchi Luigi , Nuñez Gabriel , Samavati Lobelia
Published: February 2012

Mitochondria play a critical role in cell survival and death. Mitochondrial recovery during inflammatory processes such as sepsis is associated with cell survival. Recovery of cellular respiration, mitochondrial biogenesis, and function requires coordinated expression of transcription factors encoded by nuclear and mitochondrial genes, including mitochondrial transcription factor A (T-fam) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX, complex IV). LPS elicits strong host defenses in mammals with pronounced inflammatory responses, but also triggers activation of survival pathways such as AKT pathway. AKT/PKB is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays an important role in cell survival, protein synthesis, and controlled inflammation in response to TLRs. Hence we investigated the role of LPS-mediated AKT activation in mitochondrial bioenergetics and function in cultured murine macrophages (B6-MCL) and bone marrow-derived macrophages. We show that LPS challenge led to increased expression of T-fam and COX subunits I and IV in a time-dependent manner through early phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors abrogated LPS-mediated T-fam and COX induction. Lack of induction was associated with decreased ATP production, increased proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α), NO production, and cell death. The TLR4-mediated AKT activation and mitochondrial biogenesis required activation of adaptor protein MyD88 and Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β. Importantly, using a genetic approach, we show that the AKT1 isoform is pivotal in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in response to TLR4 agonist.
Derivation and Maintenance of Virtual Memory CD8 T Cells
Authors: Akue Adovi D. , Lee June-Yong , Jameson Stephen C.
Published: February 2012

Memory CD8+ T cells are an important component of the adaptive immune response against many infections, and understanding how Ag-specific memory CD8+ T cells are generated and maintained is crucial for the development of vaccines. We recently reported the existence of memory-phenotype, Ag-specific CD8+ T cells in unimmunized mice (virtual memory or VM cells). However, it was not clear when and where these cells are generated during normal development, nor the factors required for their production and maintenance. This issue is especially pertinent given recent data showing that memory-like CD8 T cells can be generated in the thymus, in a bystander response to IL-4. In this study, we show that the size of the VM population is reduced in IL-4R–deficient animals. However, the VM population appears first in the periphery and not the thymus of normal animals, suggesting this role of IL-4 is manifest following thymic egress. We also show that the VM pool is durable, showing basal proliferation and long-term maintenance in normal animals, and also being retained during responses to unrelated infection.
TREM2 and β-Catenin Regulate Bone Homeostasis by Controlling the Rate of Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Otero Karel , Shinohara Masahiro , Zhao Haibo , Cella Marina , Gilfillan Susan , Colucci Angela , Faccio Roberta , Ross F. Patrick , Teitelbaum Steve L. , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Colonna Marco
Published: February 2012

TREM2 is an immunoreceptor expressed on osteoclasts (OC) and microglia that transmits intracellular signals through the adaptor DAP12. Individuals with genetic mutations inactivating TREM2 or DAP12 develop the Nasu–Hakola disease (NHD) with cystic-like lesions of the bone and brain demyelination that lead to fractures and presenile dementia. The mechanisms of this disease are poorly understood. In this study, we report that TREM2-deficient mice have an osteopenic phenotype reminiscent of NHD. In vitro, lack of TREM2 impairs proliferation and β-catenin activation in osteoclast precursors (OcP) in response to M-CSF. This defect results in accelerated differentiation of OcP into mature OC. Corroborating the importance of a balanced proliferation and differentiation of OcP for bone homeostasis, we show that conditional deletion of β-catenin in OcP also results in reduced OcP proliferation and accelerated osteoclastogenesis in vitro as well as osteopenia in vivo. These results reveal that TREM2 regulates the rate of osteoclastogenesis and provide a mechanism for the bone pathology in NHD.
Factor VII-Activating Protease Is Activated in Multiple Trauma Patients and Generates Anaphylatoxin C5a
Authors: Kanse Sandip M. , Gallenmueller Andrea , Zeerleder Sacha , Stephan Femke , Rannou Olivier , Denk Stephanie , Etscheid Michael , Lochnit Guenter , Krueger Marcus , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: February 2012

Severe tissue injury results in early activation of serine protease systems including the coagulation and complement cascade. In this context, little is known about factor VII-activating protease (FSAP), which is activated by substances released from damaged cells such as histones and nucleosomes. Therefore, we have measured FSAP activation in trauma patients and have identified novel FSAP substrates in human plasma. Mass spectrometry-based methods were used to identify FSAP binding proteins in plasma. Anaphylatoxin generation was measured by ELISA, Western blotting, protein sequencing, and chemotaxis assays. Plasma samples from trauma patients were analyzed for FSAP Ag and activity, nucleosomes, C5a, and C3a. Among others, we found complement components C3 and C5 in FSAP coimmunoprecipitates. C3 and C5 were cleaved by FSAP in a dose- and time-dependent manner generating functional C3a and C5a anaphylatoxins. Activation of endogenous FSAP in plasma led to increased C5a generation, but this was not the case in plasma of a homozygous carrier of Marburg I single nucleotide polymorphism with lower FSAP activity. In multiple trauma patients there was a large increase in circulating FSAP activity and nucleosomes immediately after the injury. A high correlation between FSAP activity and C5a was found. These data suggest that activation of FSAP by tissue injury triggers anaphylatoxin generation and thereby modulates the posttraumatic inflammatory response in vivo. A strong link between C5a, nucleosomes, and FSAP activity indicates that this new principle might be important in the regulation of inflammation.
Ameliorating effect of cobalt chloride on renal failure and glucose lowering effect in diabetic nephropathy induced in uninephrectomized diabetic rat
Authors: Deshmukh Aaishwarya , Patel Jayvadan , Prajapati Ashish
Published: February 2012

Diabetic nephropathy, a progressive development of renal insufficiency in the setting of hyperglycemia, is the major single cause of chronic renal failure (CRF) in which hypoxia plays a critical role. This study evaluated the efficacy of cobalt chloride, a Prolyl 4-hydroxylase (PHD) inhibtor, in amelioration of renal injury, as well as its effect on hyperglycemia in uninephrectomized diabetic rat. The effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl2,10 mg/kg, i.p. OD) treatment on plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, as well as blood glucose levels were checked along with measurement of the dry weight of contralateral kidney in different groups. A significant rise in plasma urea, creatinine and uric acid levels was observed in uninephrectomized diabetic rat. Cobalt chloride (10 mg/kg, i.p. OD) treatment for seven continuous days, followed by intermittent dosing for 30 days, showed improvement in renal injury by a significant fall in the plasma urea, creatinine and uric acid levels with restoration to partially normal values as compared to an uninephrectomized uninephrectomized diabetic group. A significant change in plasma electrolyte levels was observed which was partially normalized in the cobalt chloride group along with a reduction in the dry weight of kidney. A significant decrease in the blood glucose level was observed in the CoCl2 treated group as compared to the uninephrectomized diabetic group. Our study shows the effect of CoCl2 in amelioration of renal failure and antihyperglycemic effect.
Molecular identification of Cordylobia anthropophaga Blanchard (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae collected from dogs (Canis familiaris) in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogo Ndudim I. , Onovoh Emmanuel , Okubanjo Oluyinka O. , Galindo Ruth C. , De la Lastra Jose-Manuel P. , De la Fuente Jose
Published: February 2012

Myiasis-causing larvae were extracted from dogs attending veterinary clinics in Plateau State, Nigeria and subjected to molecular analysis involving polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 28S rRNA gene of blowflies, cloning and sequencing techniques. All larvae were confirmed as Cordylobia anthropophaga Blanchard (Diptera: Calliphoridae) after the initial morphological identification. This is the first molecular identification of any myiasis-causing fly species in Nigeria and may serve as a reliable alternative to morphological identification where samples are not well preserved or difficult to identify to species level.
Hereditarily Hurewicz spaces and Arhangel'skiĭ sheaf amalgamations
Authors: Tsaban Boaz , Zdomskyy Lyubomyr
Published: February 2012

A classical theorem of Hurewicz characterizes spaces with the Hurewicz covering property as those having bounded continuous images in the Baire space. We give a similar characterization for spaces

X

which have the Hurewicz property hereditarily.

We proceed to consider the class of Arhangel'skiĭ

\alpha_1

spaces, for which every sheaf at a point can be amalgamated in a natural way. Let

C_p(X)

denote the space of continuous real-valued functions on

X

with the topology of pointwise convergence. Our main result is that

C_p(X)

is an

\alpha_1

space if, and only if, each Borel image of

X

in the Baire space is bounded. Using this characterization, we solve a variety of problems posed in the literature concerning spaces of continuous functions.
A variation norm Carleson theorem
Authors: Oberlin Richard , Seeger Andreas , Tao Terence , Thiele Christoph , Wright James
Published: February 2012

We strengthen the Carleson-Hunt theorem by proving

L^p

estimates for the

r

-variation of the partial sum operators for Fourier series and integrals, for

r>\max\{p',2\}

. Four appendices are concerned with transference, a variation norm Menshov-Paley-Zygmund theorem, and applications to nonlinear Fourier transforms and ergodic theory.
Differential graded Lie algebras controlling infinitesimal deformations of coherent sheaves
Authors: Fiorenza Domenico , Iacono Donatella , Martinengo Elena
Published: February 2012

We use the Thom–Whitney construction to show that infinitesimal deformations of a coherent sheaf

{\mathcal F}

are controlled by the differential graded Lie algebra of global sections of an acyclic resolution of the sheaf

\mathcal E nd^*(\mathcal E^\cdot)

, where

\mathcal E^\cdot

is any locally free resolution of

{\mathcal F}

. In particular, one recovers the well known fact that the tangent space to

\mathrm{Def}_{\mathcal F}

is

\mathrm{Ext}^1({\mathcal F},{\mathcal F})

, and obstructions are contained in

\mathrm{Ext}^2({\mathcal F},{\mathcal F})

. The main tool is the identification of the deformation functor associated with the Thom–Whitney DGLA of a semicosimplicial DGLA

{\mathfrak g}^\Delta

, whose cohomology is concentrated in nonnegative degrees, with a noncommutative \v{C}ech cohomology-type functor

H^1_{\mathrm{sc}}(\exp {\mathfrak g}^\Delta)

.
Varieties with generically nef tangent bundles
Authors: Peternell Thomas
Published: February 2012

We study various “generic'' nefness and ampleness notions for holomorphic vector bundles on a projective manifold. We apply this in particular to the tangent bundle and investigate the relation to the geometry of the manifold.
AERONET and ESR sun direct products comparison performed on Cimel CE318 and Prede POM01 solar radiometers
Authors: Estellés V. , Campanelli M. , Smyth T. J. , Utrillas M. P. , Martínez-Lozano J. A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The European Skynet Radiometers network (EuroSkyRad or ESR) has been recently established as a research network of European Prede POM sun – sky radiometers. Moreover, ESR is federated with SKYNET (SKYrad NETwork), an international network mostly present in East Asia. In contrast to SKYNET, the European network also integrates users of the Cimel CE318 sunphotometer. Keeping instrumental duality in mind, a set of open source algorithms has been developed consisting of two modules for: (1) the retrieval of direct sun products from the sun extinction measurements; and (2) the inversion of the sky radiance to derive aerosol optical properties. In this study we evaluate the ESR direct sun products (spectral aerosol optical depth, Angström wavelength exponent and columnar content of water vapour) in comparison with the AERosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) products. Specifically, we have applied the ESR algorithm to a Cimel CE318 and Prede POM01L simultaneously for a 4 yr database measured at the Burjassot site (Valencia, Spain), and compared the resultant products with the AERONET direct sun retrievals obtained with the same Cimel CE318 instrument. The comparison show that aerosol optical depth differences are mostly within the nominal uncertainty of 0.003 for a standard calibration instrument, and fall within the nominal AERONET uncertainty of 0.01–0.02 for a field instrument. Therefore, we present an open source code that can be used for both radiometers and whose results are comparable to those of AERONET and SKYNET.
Factors related to the conservation of vaccines in the basic health units
Authors: Andrade Maria Sandra , Brandão Raíssa Mayara , Castro Igor Oliveira , Lins Joara Mara , Campos Maria Elda , Guimarães Marta Maria
Published: February 2012

Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento técnico dos vacinadores e os aspectos relacionados ao processo de conservação dos imunobiológicos nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS). Método: pesquisa descritiva do tipo quantitativa, realizada com todos os vacinadores das 28 UBS da zona urbana do município de Petrolina-PE. Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de questionários estruturados e a observação das atividades diárias dos vacinadores. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade de Pernambuco sob CAAE nº 0156.0.097.000-10, conforme protocolo nº 157/10. Resultados: observou-se que 83,8% dos vacinadores não receberam capacitação em sala de vacina, 46,2% das caixas térmicas não se encontravam na temperatura adequada. A realização das trocas das bobinas não era realizada em 77% das UBS e 42,3% não realizavam ambientação das bobinas de gelo. Foram observadas falhas na organização interna e limpeza do refrigerador. Conclusão: o estudo aponta deficiências na capacitação dos profissionais. O bom aporte teórico evidenciado pelos pesquisados não está sendo integralmente efetivado nas atividades prática dos serviços. Foram observadas falhas importantes na prática diária dos vacinadores que podem comprometer a conservação e a efetividade dos imunobiológicos e a credibilidade que a vacinação vem adquirindo ao longo desses anos. Descritores: vacinas; programas de imunização; refrigeração; atenção à saúde.
A High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) Qualitative Detection Method Developed for In Vivo Analyses of Toxin Orellanine from the Cortinarius orellanus Fr.—Part II
Authors: Brondz Ilia , Brondz Anton
Published: February 2012

The high-performance liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) qualitative analysis method in negative mode of detection was used to record the presence of orellanine in the stomach contents of rats after ingestion of Cortinarius orellanus. Intoxication with orellanine causes acute renal failure (ARF), which is characterized by sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes. The detection method presented here can be used as a platform for future development of analytical procedures for detecting orellanine in cases of human intoxication by toadstools. The presence of orellanine in animal stomach contents was analytically recorded and compared with standard orellanine, which was donated by the R&D Department of Jupiter Ltd, Norway. The MS fragmentation described in the literature and the MS fragmentation of standard samples of isolated orellanine verified the presence of orellanine in the stomach contents of laboratory animals. The presence of a diglucoside of orellanine, which was described as part of the toxic orellanine complex by Spiteller et al., in the stomach contents of animals, was also verified using HPLC-MS.
Management of Infections with Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria after Unexpected Complications of Skin and Subcutaneous Surgical Procedures
Authors: Lim Jong Min , Kim Jong Hwan , Yang Ho Jik
Published: February 2012

Background Infection caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) is not uncommon, and the prevalence of RGM infection has been increasing. Clinical diagnosis is difficult because there are no characteristic clinical features. There is also no standard antibiotic regimen for treating RGM infection. A small series of patients with RGM infections was studied to examine their treatments and outcomes.

Methods A total of 5 patients who had developed postoperative infections from January 2009 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were initially screened using a mycobacteria rapid screening test (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-reverse blot hybridization assay). To confirm mycobacterial infection, specimens were cultured for nontuberculous mycobacteria and analyzed by 16 S ribosomal RNA and rpoB gene PCR.

Results The patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics during hospitalization, and oral antibiotics were administered after discharge. The mean duration of follow-up was 9 months, and all patients were completely cured of infection with a regimen of a combination of antibiotics plus surgical treatment. Although none of the patients developed recurrence, there were complications at the site of infection, including hypertrophic scarring, pigmentation, and disfigurement.

Conclusions Combination antibiotic therapy plus drainage of surgical abscesses appeared to be effective for the RGM infections seen in our patients. Although neither the exact dosage nor a standardized regimen has been firmly established, we propose that our treatment can provide an option for the management of rapidly growing mycobacterial infection.
Single‐Cell Phospho‐Protein Analysis by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Schulz Kenneth R. , Danna Erika A. , Krutzik Peter O. , Nolan Garry P.
Published: February 2012

This protocol describes methods for monitoring intracellular phosphorylation‐dependent signaling events on a single‐cell basis. This approach measures cell signaling by treating cells with exogenous stimuli, fixing cells with formaldehyde, permeabilizing with methanol, and then staining with phospho‐specific antibodies. Thus, cell signaling states can be determined as a measure of how cells interact with their environment. This method has applications in clinical research as well as mechanistic studies of basic biology. In clinical research, diagnostic or drug efficacy information can be retrieved by discovering how a disease affects the ability of cells to respond to growth factors. Basic scientists can use this technique to analyze signaling events in cell lines and human or murine primary cells, including rare populations, like B1 cells or stem cells. This technique has broad applications bringing standard biochemical analysis into primary cells in order to garner valuable information about signaling events in physiologic settings. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 96:8.17.1‐8.17.20. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Animal Models for Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Subauste Carlos
Published: February 2012

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan of worldwide distribution. This unit describes murine models of acute T. gondii infection, toxoplasmic encephalitis, and Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. T. gondii infection in SCID mice allows the study of T cell–independent mechanisms of defense. The uracil auxotroph strain cps1‐1 and temperature‐sensitive mutant strains of T. gondii allow studies of immunization and adoptive transfer. In vivo study of parasite host‐interaction is possible with the use of parasites that express fluorescent proteins and model antigens, plus the use of transgenic mice that express the appropriate T cell receptor and fluorescently labeled leukocytes. Parasites that express bioluminescent markers make it possible to study the dynamics of infection in real time using bioluminescence imaging. Support protocols present methodology for evaluation of progression of infection and immune response to the parasite, the maintenance of T. gondii tissue cysts and tachyzoites, as well as preparation of T. gondii lysate antigens. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 96:19.3.1‐19.3.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mercury levels in feed and muscle of farmed tilapia
Authors: Botaro Daniele , Torres João Paulo Machado , Schramm Karl‐Werner , Malm Olaf
Published: February 2012

Background

Fish consumption is considered the most important source of contaminant exposure for humans beings, and farmed fish can be exposed to contaminants via feed supply.

Methods

Total mercury concentrations (THg) were determined in the muscle, liver, and feed of farmed Nile tilapia (juveniles and adults) from four different fish farms in Brazil (net cages and intensive tanks systems), by a flow injection mercury system.

Results

Mercury concentrations observed in fish muscle were markedly lower (13.5–30.5 µg kg−1) than the values recommended by ANVISA/MAPA for edible part of fish (500 µg kg−1), and in the liver the concentrations found were higher than in the muscle.

Conclusions

These low levels of THg in farmed tilapia may be due to the low THg concentrations found in the analyzed fish feed, that ranged from 5.2 to 33.2 µg kg−1, below the limit of 100 µg kg−1established by the European Commission. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1159–1165, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The omega‐6 fatty acid linoleic acid is associated with risk of gastroschisis: A novel dietary risk factor
Authors: Weiss Lauren A. , Chambers Christina D. , Gonzalez Vanessa , Hagey Lee R. , Jones Kenneth Lyons
Published: February 2012

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect, thought by many to represent a disruption in intrauterine blood flow, where there is herniation of abdominal organs. Dietary intake is an important environmental factor that has been implicated in the development of many diseases. Omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are nutrients that are substrates for eicosanoid and cytokine synthesis and prone to oxidation, and play a role in modulating inflammation, immune function, and vascular system development. This pilot case‐control study explored the association of dietary intake of the omega‐6 PUFA linoleic acid with risk of gastroschisis. Between 2008 and 2011, we recruited 13 pregnant women in mid‐gestation who were referred to the UCSD Prenatal Center for evaluation of an abnormal alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) test and subsequently identified as carrying a baby with gastroschisis. Nine controls were selected from a false positive AFP or from the UCSD prenatal clinic. Maternal dietary intake was collected via repeated food record during the last 20 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression was used to test the association between dietary intake of linoleic acid and odds of gastroschisis. Dietary intake of linoleic acid was associated with increased odds of gastroschisis (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.74; P = 0.02). A higher maternal intake of omega‐6 PUFAs may increase the risk of having a baby with gastroschisis. The mechanism by which this occurs may be via inflammatory processes and oxidative stress leading to a vascular disruption. More research is needed including studies investigating integrated markers of PUFA status or inflammatory markers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption of mercury (II) ion from aqueous solution using low‐cost activated carbon prepared from mango kernel
Authors: Somayajula Anusha , Aziz Azrina Abd , Saravanan Pichiah , Matheswaran Manickam
Published: February 2012

A low‐cost activated carbon (AC) was prepared from mango kernel through chemical activation with ZnCl2. The adsorption capacity of AC was investigated for the removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solution as batch experiments using varying initial adsorbent dosage, pH, equilibrium time and temperature. The prepared AC had a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of 920 m2 g−1 and total pore volume of 0.341 cm3 g−1, respectively. A maximum removal of 92% was achieved with an initial Hg(II) concentration of 10 mg L−1, pH 6.5 and adsorbent dose of 3 g L−1. The obtained kinetic experimental data were fitted to pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion models, respectively. Among the models, the pseudo‐second‐order adsorption model was found to fit better, with a coefficient of regression (R2) > 0.95. The equilibrium data were also fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich equilibrium isotherm models. Both the models were found to provide a better fitting with coefficient of regression (R2) > 0.98. The enthalpy of adsorption was found to be 7.2 kJ mol−1. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of halloysite@polypyrrole composite particles and polypyrrole nanotubes on halloysite templates
Authors: Liu Yushan , Nan Haiming , Cai Qiang , Li Hengde
Published: February 2012

Halloysites (HNTs) core‐polypyrrole(PPy) shell composite particles were fabricated by in situ oxidative polymerization of the pyrrole monomer absorbed HNTs nanotubes, obtained by the dispersion of HNTs in acid aqueous solution of pyrrole with ultrasonic irradiation and magnetic stirring, by using ammonium persulfate as oxidant. Further more, the PPy nanotubes were obtained after the removal of HNTs template by hydrochloric acid/hydrofluoric acid mixture. Both the nanocomposite particles and the PPy nanotubes were characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM and the TEM images showed that the PPy is covered over the HNT surface forming the HNT@PPy hybrids, and all of the nanotubes have a uniformly inner diameter of 40 nm. The outer diameter and the tubular thickness were determined by the weight ratio of (HNTs template)/(pyrrole monomer). When the amount of pyrrole added is <0.75 mL, no tubular PPy formed any more. The electrical conductivities of the HNT@PPy composite particles and the PPy nanotubes/particles were also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of nano TiO2 on the light reflectivity, morphology, and rheological behavior of LLDPE‐glass bead composites
Authors: Liu Qing , Meng Bing , Zhang Qing‐Song , Yang Wei , Wu Zhi‐Hua
Published: February 2012

Heat‐shield composites based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) filled with micro‐hollow glass beads (HGB) and TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared through melt compounding. Two kinds of LLDPE were used as the matrix of these composites with a fixed weight ratio of 60 : 40. HGB loadings were fixed at 28 wt % of LLDPE matrix while TiO2 content varied between 8 and 28 wt % of LLDPE matrix. Interestingly, the results show with addition of TiO2 to LLDPE‐HGB composites, both the light reflectivity and the flow ability of composites show great enhancement. Especially when the TiO2 loading is 14 wt % of LLDPE, UV, and infrared reflectivity of the composites are more than 90%, showing a optimal heat‐shielding performance, and the rheological responses including the storage modulus, G′ and the complex viscosities, |η*| of this composite are the lowest among all LLDPE/HGB composites. When TiO2 content is more than 14 wt %; however, ultraviolet radiation resistance is almost unchanged while that two dynamic rheological parameters increase gradually. It is proposed that the TiO2 loading of 14 wt % should be taken as the optimal value of a light reflectivity in LLDPE matrix, which is helpful in improving the processing ability by reduction in melt viscosity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012