bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly of Brachypodium sylvaticum (Poaceae)
Authors: Fox Samuel E. , Preece Justin , Kimbrel Jeffrey A. , Marchini Gina L. , Sage Abigail , Youens‐Clark Ken , Cruzan Mitchell B. , Jaiswal Pankaj
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We report the de novo assembly and characterization of the transcriptomes of Brachypodium sylvaticum (slender false‐brome) accessions from native populations of Spain and Greece, and an invasive population west of Corvallis, Oregon, USA.

• Methods and Results: More than 350 million sequence reads from the mRNA libraries prepared from three B. sylvaticum genotypes were assembled into 120,091 (Corvallis), 104,950 (Spain), and 177,682 (Greece) transcript contigs. In comparison with the B. distachyon Bd21 reference genome and GenBank protein sequences, we estimate >90% exome coverage for B. sylvaticum. The transcripts were assigned Gene Ontology and InterPro annotations. Brachypodium sylvaticum sequence reads aligned against the Bd21 genome revealed 394,654 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and >20,000 simple sequence repeat (SSR) DNA sites.

• Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of transcriptome sequencing of invasive plant species with a closely related sequenced reference genome. The sequences and identified SNP variant and SSR sites will provide tools for developing novel genetic markers for use in genotyping and characterization of invasive behavior of B. sylvaticum.
Cost‐effective microsatellite markers for Banksia integrifolia (Proteaceae)
Authors: Fatemi Mohammad , Houliston Gary J. , Haddadchi Azadeh , Gross Caroline L.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to assess the level of genetic variation and population structure in Banksia integrifolia, a widespread species endemic to eastern Australia.

• Methods and Results: We used next‐generation sequencing approaches to identify and develop 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers with perfect tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeats. We tested these markers with 71 specimens from three populations. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0 to 0.875 and 0.0 to 0.763, respectively.

• Conclusions: The developed markers will be valuable for studies of the population structure, mating system, and selection of provenances for restoration projects involving B. integrifolia.
Development of 11 microsatellite loci for an endangered herb, Paraisometrum mileense (Gesneriaceae), in southwest China
Authors: Tang An‐Jun , Zhou Ren‐Chao , Ge Xue‐Jun , Wu Wei
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered species Paraisometrum mileense, as well as its evolutionary history.

• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 11 polymorphic primer sets were obtained in P. mileense. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to nine with an average 3.8, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 1 and 0 to 0.89, respectively, for the available three populations.

• Conclusions: These markers may be useful for further investigation of the conservation genetics of P. mileense.
SSR‐patchwork: An optimized protocol to obtain a rapid and inexpensive SSR library using first‐generation sequencing technology
Authors: Di Maio Antonietta , De Castro Olga
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We have optimized a version of a microsatellite loci isolation protocol for first‐generation sequencing (FGS) technologies. The protocol is optimized to reduce the cost and number of steps, and it combines some procedures from previous simple sequence repeat (SSR) protocols with several key improvements that significantly affect the final yield of the SSR library. This protocol may be accessible for laboratories with a moderate budget or for which next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is not readily available.

• Methods and Results: We drew from classic protocols for library enrichment by digestion, ligation, amplification, hybridization, cloning, and sequencing. Three different systems were chosen: two with very different genome sizes (Galdieria sulphuraria, 10 Mbp; Pancratium maritimum, 30 000 Mbp), and a third with an undetermined genome size (Kochia saxicola). Moreover, we also report the optimization of the sequencing reagents. A good frequency of the obtained microsatellite loci was achieved.

• Conclusions: The method presented here is very detailed; comparative tests with other SSR protocols are also reported. This optimized protocol is a promising tool for low‐cost genetic studies and the rapid, simple construction of homemade SSR libraries for small and large genomes.
Development of microsatellite markers in the hexaploid aquatic macrophyte, Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae)
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Gang , Yu Dan , Xu Xin‐Wei
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite primers to investigate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the cosmopolitan submerged plant Myriophyllum spicatum.

• Methods and Results: Twenty microsatellite loci were identified in M. spicatum using the microsatellite‐enriched library method. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from one to 13, and the expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 0.873 with a mean of 0.504 in two Chinese populations of M. spicatum. All of the loci were also found to be amplifiable in the related species M. verticillatum and M. sibiricum.

• Conclusions: The results indicate that these markers will be significant for studies of population genetic structure and evolutionary history of M. spicatum as well as some of its related species.
Isolation and characterization of 27 microsatellite markers for the endemic species Diplarche multiflora (Ericaceae)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Gao Lian‐Ming
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers from the genome of Diplarche multiflora were developed and characterized to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure.

• Methods and Results: Twenty‐seven microsatellite loci were isolated from the genome of D. multiflora using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Of these markers, 17 were polymorphic, and the number of alleles for the polymorphic microsatellite markers ranged from two to four, with an average of 2.2 per allele. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0000 to 1.0000 and from 0.0000 to 0.7826, respectively.

• Conclusions: These polymorphic microsatellite markers will be useful for population genetic studies and for assessing the genetic diversity of this alpine species.
Enhancing PCR amplification of DNA from recalcitrant plant specimens using a trehalose‐based additive
Authors: Samarakoon Tharangamala , Wang Shiao Y. , Alford Mac H.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: PCR amplification of DNA extracted from plants is sometimes difficult due to the presence of inhibitory compounds. An effective method to overcome the inhibitory effect of compounds that contaminate DNA from difficult plant specimens is needed.

• Methods and Results: The effectiveness of a PCR additive reagent containing trehalose, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and polysorbate‐20 (Tween‐20) (TBT‐PAR) was tested. PCR of DNA extracted from fresh, silica‐dried, and herbarium leaf material of species of Achariaceae, Asteraceae, Lacistemataceae, and Samydaceae that failed using standard techniques were successful with the addition of TBT‐PAR.

• Conclusions: The addition of TBT‐PAR during routine PCR is an effective method to improve amplification of DNA extracted from herbarium specimens or plants that are known to contain PCR inhibitors.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the cleistogamous species Lamium amplexicaule (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Stojanova Bojana , Dubois Marie‐Pierre , Maurice Sandrine , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Lamium amplexicaule is a cleistogamous plant that produces both closed flowers (obligately self‐pollinated) and open flowers (potentially outcrossed). The conditions for the maintenance of such a mating system depend on the outcrossing rate of the open flowers, which can be estimated using neutral microsatellite markers.

• Methods and Results: Forty primer pairs corresponding to microsatellite motifs obtained by coupling multiplex microsatellite enrichment and next‐generation sequencing were tested. Thirteen primers amplified with satisfying results. The polymorphism of these markers was studied in four French populations. Allele number varied from one to eight per locus and per population. Heterozygosity levels were significantly lower than those expected under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

• Conclusions: Our results are consistent with a partial self‐fertilization pattern. These markers will be used to estimate the outcrossing rate as well as population differentiation in L. amplexicaule.
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Phellodendron amurense (Rutaceae)
Authors: Yu Jing‐Hua , Chen Chang‐Mei , Han Shi‐Jie , Guo Xiao‐Rui , Yuan Shu‐Sheng , Wang Chun‐Jing , Zu Yuan‐Gang
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for the rare species Phellodendron amurense to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of this plant.

• Methods and Results: In total, 27 microsatellite markers were developed for P. amurense by using an enriched genomic library and hybridization; all of these primers successfully amplified DNA fragments in P. amurense. These markers were screened in 74 individuals from four populations in China; 15 loci were found to be polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from one to nine.

• Conclusions: The microsatellite markers developed here represent a useful tool for studying the population genetic structure of P. amurense and to inform toward the development of effective conservation programs for this species.
A clearing protocol for whole tissues: An example using haustoria of Orobanchaceae
Authors: Morawetz Jeffery J.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Due to lack of success in clearing whole tissues using only classical clearing techniques (e.g., Herr's 4½ solution, KOH, NaOH, lactic acid saturated with chloral hydrate), and because tissue degradation is often a result of harsh clearing agents (e.g., KOH, NaOH), a novel combined treatment was sought to improve the removal of obscuring tannins from intact haustoria.

• Methods and Results: Stockwell's bleach proved to be useful in removing tannins from haustoria, usually within 3 d (up to 10 d), rendering them opaque to (rarely) translucent. After bleaching, haustoria were successfully cleared in 1–3 d in a solution of lactic acid saturated with chloral hydrate at 42°C.

• Conclusions: The two‐step clearing protocol reported here will now facilitate structural studies on haustoria, such as those examining the presence and distribution of callose, and three‐dimensional reconstruction using confocal microscopy. Tissues in this study did not suffer from the degradation in quality observed using harsher treatments. This protocol should be useful for other difficult‐to‐clear tissues that are unable to be cleared using classical protocols alone.
Development of 32 EST‐SSR markers for Abies firma (Pinaceae) and their transferability to related species
Authors: Uchiyama Kentaro , Fujii Sayaka , Ishizuka Wataru , Goto Susumu , Tsumura Yoshihiko
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for Abies firma, a conifer endemic in Japan, to facilitate evaluation of the population genetic structure in this species.

• Methods and Results: We designed primers for 153 EST‐SSRs identified from 486322 ESTs from A. sachalinensis ESTs, and tested 96 of them for PCR amplification. Thirty‐two primers provided clear amplification, and 14 of those 32 displayed clear polymorphic patterns in multiple populations of A. firma and in two closely related species. The number of alleles per locus and mean expected heterozygosity ranged from one to six and 0 to 0.476, respectively.

• Conclusions: The EST‐SSR markers developed in this study may be useful for phylogeography and population genetic studies of A. firma. Successful amplifications were obtained for two other Abies species, suggesting that these markers may also be useful for similar applications in other fir species.
A targeted enrichment strategy for massively parallel sequencing of angiosperm plastid genomes
Authors: Stull Gregory W. , Moore Michael J. , Mandala Venkata S. , Douglas Norman A. , Kates Heather‐Rose , Qi Xinshuai , Brockington Samuel F. , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Gitzendanner Matthew A.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We explored a targeted enrichment strategy to facilitate rapid and low‐cost next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of numerous complete plastid genomes from across the phylogenetic breadth of angiosperms.

• Methods and Results: A custom RNA probe set including the complete sequences of 22 previously sequenced eudicot plastomes was designed to facilitate hybridization‐based targeted enrichment of eudicot plastid genomes. Using this probe set and an Agilent SureSelect targeted enrichment kit, we conducted an enrichment experiment including 24 angiosperms (22 eudicots, two monocots), which were subsequently sequenced on a single lane of the Illumina GAIIx with single‐end, 100‐bp reads. This approach yielded nearly complete to complete plastid genomes with exceptionally high coverage (mean coverage: 717×), even for the two monocots.

• Conclusions: Our enrichment experiment was highly successful even though many aspects of the capture process employed were suboptimal. Hence, significant improvements to this methodology are feasible. With this general approach and probe set, it should be possible to sequence more than 300 essentially complete plastid genomes in a single Illumina GAIIx lane (achieving ∼50× mean coverage). However, given the complications of pooling numerous samples for multiplex sequencing and the limited number of barcodes (e.g., 96) available in commercial kits, we recommend 96 samples as a current practical maximum for multiplex plastome sequencing. This high‐throughput approach should facilitate large‐scale plastid genome sequencing at any level of phylogenetic diversity in angiosperms.
Engineered DNA polymerase improves PCR results for plastid DNA
Authors: Schori Melanie , Appel Maryke , Kitko AlexaRae , Showalter Allan M.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Secondary metabolites often inhibit PCR and sequencing reactions in extractions from plant material, especially from silica‐dried and herbarium material. A DNA polymerase that is tolerant to inhibitors improves PCR results.

• Methods and Results: A novel DNA amplification system, including a DNA polymerase engineered via directed evolution for improved tolerance to common plant‐derived PCR inhibitors, was evaluated and PCR parameters optimized for three species. An additional 31 species were then tested with the engineered enzyme and optimized protocol, as well as with regular Taq polymerase.

• Conclusions: PCR products and high‐quality sequence data were obtained for 96% of samples for rbcL and 79% for matK, compared to 29% and 21% with regular Taq polymerase.
Easy and direct conversion of tosylates and mesylates into nitroalkanes
Authors: Palmieri Alessandro , Gabrielli Serena , Ballini Roberto
Published: March 2013

Tosylates and mesylates were directly converted into the corresponding nitroalkanes, by their treatment with tetrabutylammonium nitrite (TBAN) under mild conditions.
Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni, and haematocrit values among schoolchildren in Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Bayeh , Alem Genetu , Yimer Mulat , Herrador Zaida
Published: March 2013

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths, risk factors and haematocrit values among primary schoolchildren. Methodology: Across-sectional study was conducted in 12 primary schools in March 2011. Stool samples were randomly selected from 778 children and were microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formal-ether concentration methods. Haematocrit values were measured using heparinized capillary tubes. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 51.5% (rural = 68.3%, urban = 36.2%). Hookworm spp., Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma stercoralis were more prevalent in rural schools, whereas Hymenolepis nana was higher in urban schools (p = 0.0001). With regard to haematocrit, 34% of rural and 21.7% of urban schoolchildren had haematocrit values below the median (40.5%) (p=0.001). Hookworm spp. and S. mansoni infected children had lower haematocrit values than non-infected children (p = 0.001). Lack of footwear was positively associated with intestinal helminths infection in rural schools [OR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.5-4.1)], and having dirty fingernails and untrimmed fingernails were positively associated with the prevalence of intestinal helminths in urban samples [OR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.03-2.5)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and S. mansoni differs by geographical area of the schools and social determinants. Primary school de-worming and health education on proper hygiene are recommended.
Tuberculosis in dialysis patients: a nine-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Unsal Abdulkadir , Ahbap Elbis , Basturk Taner , Koc Yener , Sakaci Tamer , Sinangil Arar Ayse , Kayabasi Hasan , Sevinc Mustafa
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) among dialysis patients may be difficult because of increased frequency of extra-pulmonary presentations, atypical clinical manifestations, and non-specific symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of clinical presentations and outcome in dialysis patients during a nine-year period. Methodology: A total of 651 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) for at least three months in our unit between 2001 and 2010 were studied. Dialysis and follow-up were performed in our tertiary care center located in the eastern region of Turkey. Diagnosis of TB was established by combining clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histological findings. Choice of anti-TB drug used, the results of therapy, and patient outcome were noted. Results: Out of 651 dialysis patients studied, 322 (49.4%) were on PD and the remainder on HD (50.6%). Twenty-six (4%) of the 651 dialysis patients were diagnosed with TB (15 PD, 11 HD), 5 of whom were diagnosed by microbiological assessment, 9 by pathological assessment, and 12 by clinical and radiological findings. Mean age at diagnosis was 41.5 ± 16.5 years and the female/male ratio was 1.18. Three patients had a history of pulmonary TB. Extra-pulmonary involvement was observed in 17 (65.4%) patients. All patients were treated with rifampicin isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide and pyridoxine. Four patients died during the study. Conclusion: TB occurred in dialysis patients and extra-pulmonary TB was more commonly identified than pulmonary TB. Tuberculous lymphadenitis was the most frequent form of extra-pulmonary TB in our cohort.
Global evidence directing regional preventive strategies in Southeast Asia for fighting TB/HIV
Authors: Aung Myo Nyein , Moolphate Saiyud , Paudel Damodar , Jayathunge PH Mangalasiri , Duangrithi Duangjai , Wangdi Kinley , Aung Thin Nyein Nyein , Lorga Thaworn , Higuchi Kazue
Published: March 2013

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-epidemics form a huge burden of disease in the Southeast Asia region. Five out of eleven nations in this region are high TB/HIV burden countries: Myanmar, Thailand, India, Indonesia and Nepal. The trends of TB incidence in these countries have been rising in recent years, in contrast to a falling global trend. Experts in the field of TB control and health service providers have been perplexed by the association of TB and HIV infections which causes a mosaic clinical presentation, a unique course with poor treatment outcomes including death. We conducted a review of contemporary evidence relating to TB/HIV control with the aims of assisting integrated health system responses in Southeast Asia and demystifying current evidence to facilitate translating it into practice.
Chest tuberculosis with mediastinal asymptomatic lymphadenitis without lung involvement in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Pirina Pietro , Spada Valentina , Santoru Luigi , Polo Maria Francesca , Molicotti Paola , Marras Vincenzo , Cossu Rocca Paolo , Canu Sara , Zanetti Stefania , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe
Published: March 2013

Tuberculosis remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality by a single infectious agent, particularly in developing countries. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of uncommon radiographic patterns of chest tuberculosis. Lymphadenitis is the most common extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) manifestation which, in developed countries, occurs more frequently in childhood, but also among adult immigrants from endemic countries and in HIV-infected people. Isolated and asymptomatic mediastinal lymphadenitis is uncommon in immunocompetent adults. We report a case of a young adult man from Senegal affected by sovraclavear and mediastinal TB lymphadenitis, which contains some uncommon elements: no compromised immunity, especially no HIV-infection, no lung lesions, no symptoms of infection or of mediastinum involvement, and rapid response to therapy in terms of mass size reduction. Examination of extra-thoracic lymph nodes and the patient’s characteristics guided our diagnostic process to suspect TB. Surgical biopsy and subsequent histopathological and microbiological examinations of lymph material, first by Lowestein-Jensen and BACTEC cultures that remain the gold standard of diagnosis, confirmed the diagnosis. Chest X-ray was inconclusive; however, CT played an important role in the diagnostic course and in the management of the patient, particularly in determining disease activity, offering mediastinum and parenchymal details, as well as in identifying typical features of tuberculous lymph nodes and also of active/non active disease. Six months of antimycobacterial regimen is the recommended treatment in TB lymphadenitis of HIV-negative adults.
Extremely low vaccine effectiveness against influenza H3N2 in the elderly during the 2012/2013 flu season
Authors: Kelvin David J , Farooqui Amber
Published: March 2013

This item has no abstract. Follow the link below to access the full text.
Le droit de vieillir au travail ?
Authors: Canazza Christine
Published: March 2013

Le droit international et le droit européen reconnaissent de nombreux droits aux personnes âgées. Depuis peu, le droit européen tente de combattre la discrimination sur base de l’âge en matière d’emploi. Toutefois, il s’agit d’une mesure de protection peu efficace au vu des nombreuses exceptions à ce principe et face à une pratique systématique d’exclusion des travailleurs âgés. Afin de permettre aux personnes âgées de continuer à rester membre à part entière de la société à travers une activité (rémunérée ou non), il serait opportun de créer en leur faveur des dispositifs d’action positive.
Euthanasie : vrai pouvoir sur soi donné aux vieux ou simple angoisse des jeunes devant la douleur ?
Authors: Quentin Bertrand
Published: March 2013

Le débat actuel en France autour de la question de l’euthanasie est révélateur de deux obsessions de la société occidentale contemporaine : une tendance à vouloir fuir toute douleur – ce que nous appelons l’« algophobie » ; et une tendance à magnifier la volonté individuelle au service de laquelle la société devrait en toute circonstance se plier. Nous verrons en quoi, dans ces questions, les jeunes s’écoutent souvent plus qu’ils n’écoutent réellement leurs vieux.
Comment devenir un géronte modèle à Canton
Authors: Selim Monique
Published: March 2013

Cet article donne à voir les dynamiques internes à un centre pour personnes âgées installé dans le vieux quartier de Canton, capitale du sud de la Chine. Il est fondé sur une investigation anthropologique mêlant observation quotidienne, immersion relative et longs entretiens en face-à-face. L’auteure s’attache à restituer les logiques très diverses des personnes âgées qui le fréquentent autant que les politiques de l’État et de l’organisation non gouvernementale hongkongaise qui le finance en partie. Le lecteur appreciera cette plongée chaleureuse dans la vie de Chinois qui ont connu des boulersements politiques multiples et violents et manifestent des capacités d’action remarquables.
Le paradoxe du continu
Authors: Chevalier Jean-Yves
Published: March 2013

Le numérique favorise étrangement une dissolution des discontinuités. Dans tous les domaines : aménagement de l’espace, représentation des rapports sociaux, place assignée à l’humanité dans la vision du monde. Mais ne s’agit-il pas d’une illusion de continuité ?
Musique, l'élargissement des possibles
Authors: Tabachnik Michel
Published: March 2013

Tant dans l’édition que dans la composition et l’exécution de la musique classique ou savante, l’informatique a apporté de considérables facilités et améliorations. Mais, outre que la technologie n’est pas responsable d’une certaine désertion du public, on ne peut y voir qu’un moyen de plus offert à l’imagination créatrice.
Viscosités pragmatiques
Authors: Bougnoux Daniel
Published: March 2013

Le flot des innovations ou des marchandises nous pousse en avant pour trouver du nouveau ; cette course impitoyable a pourtant sa butée dans nos relations pragmatiques, qui valorisent un temps lent et long, et changent l’obstacle de l’archaïsme en gage de succès. L’effet jogging des médiologues demande à être explicité.
Cubierta del parque de carbones «Puentes de García Rodríguez» la Coruña/España
Authors: De Electricidad Empresa Nacional
Published: March 2013

Esta cubierta, capaz de resguardar de la lluvia 400.000 t de lignito, se extiende sobre una superficie de 96.000 m2, con una planta de 160 m de luz y 592 m de largo.
Está formada por arcos poligonales de sección circular pretensados y con un peso de 240 t de las cuales se suspende la cubierta. El cerramiento se realiza a dos niveles, lo que permite una correcta ejecución.
Estos arcos se armaron apoyándolos en castilletes metálicos con la ayuda de potentes grúas móviles y se izaron mediante pórticos dotados de un sistema oleo-hidráulico.
El control de calidad en las construcciones de la Dirección General de Correos y Telecomunicación
Authors: Morilla Abad Ignacio
Published: March 2013

El presente artículo es una ampliación y actualización de la comunicación presentada por el autor al Congreso de Control de Calidad en Construcción de Turín celebrado en abril de 1982, que contenía datos hasta 1981 Es una aportación de informaciones para cuantificar la rentabilidad de los procesos de control de calidad y contribuir así a la mayor aplicación de estos métodos. El autor, Ignacio Morilla, Subdirector General de Obras e Instalaciones de la Dirección General de Correos y Telecomunicación, hasta enero de 1983, describe aquí las acciones llevadas a cabo en los Edificios de Comunicaciones en 1980, 81 y 82 y los beneficios económicos y de servicio que ha producido el Control de Calidad.
ICT Policy for Agriculture Based on a Transaction Cost Approach
Authors: de Silva Harsha , Ratnadiwakara Dimuthu
Published: March 2013

In Sri Lanka, the majority of farmers are generally poor,and rely on subsistence agriculture. If these farmers can even partially be made responsive to market needs, as opposed to current household needs, they could cultivate at least some income generating crops, which if sustained, can reduce their poverty. However, high transaction costs associated with obtaining market information have continued to keep poor farmers entrenched in subsistence farming. The current ICT revolution is making previously costly market information much more affordable to these farmers. Therefore, if used appropriately, ICT can help reduce the high transaction costs associated with market information thereby helping farmers move toward some level of commercialization. The question is how a country can achieve this objective. This paper considers the case of Sri Lanka and provides lessons, both positive and negative, for African policymakers.
iNeighbour TV
Authors: Abreu Jorge Ferraz , Almeida Pedro , Silva Telmo
Published: March 2013

In this chapter, the authors present the on-going work of the iNeighbour TV research project that aims to promote health care and social interaction among senior citizens, their relatives, and caregivers. The TV set was the device chosen to mediate all the action, since it is a friendly device and one with which the elderly are used to interacting. A study, conducted among the project’s target audience, using a participatory design approach is addressed in the chapter. Its purpose was to better characterize this type of users, identify relevant features, and evaluate usability and user interface requirements targeted to television (in an IPTV infrastructure). The analysis of the study results, which ensured the revision of the project’s features, is also presented along with a comprehensive description of the validated features. Some of these include automatic user recognition system, medication reminder, monitoring system (of deviations from daily patterns), caregiver support, events planning, audio calls, and a set of tools to promote community service. The chapter also focuses on the challenges to define the evaluation of the iNeighbour TV through an analysis of related projects and their lab or in situ approaches, concluding that, although the in situ methodology is more complex, it is more suitable for the iNeighbour TV project. The process of implementing a field trial with this specific target audience is revealing important challenges, but the diversity of data that it potentially provides reinforces the relevance of such an evaluation.
Localizing a Weight Loss Mobile Application
Authors: Mansar Selma Limam , Jariwala Shashank , Shahzad Maahd , Anggraini Aysha , Behih Nawal
Published: March 2013

This chapter introduces a context-appropriate mobile application for sustainable weight loss. Overweight and obesity are acknowledged to have become a worldwide health matter. Addressing weight loss and sustaining efforts remains in many ways a fragile undertaking. Strategies will vary by age group, gender, and social context. Moreover, the cultural, traditional ecosystem will impact weight loss strategies. In this chapter, the authors discuss contributions in the literature for technology-based weight loss support. They design a mobile application that leverages three strategies from proven behaviour change theories (increasing awareness of the aims of dieting, fostering motivation and self-efficacy, and impacting dieters’ attitudes). They adapt the application to the local context of a Middle Easterner’s society by conducting a usability testing experiment with potential users of the application. The authors also apply principles of localization to derive an appropriate application. Beyond the applied usage of the application, the chapter contributes to the currently scarce body of literature on Arabic-based mobile development.
A Survey on Fuzzy Association Rule Mining
Authors: Kalia Harihar , Dehuri Satchidananda , Ghosh Ashish
Published: March 2013

Association rule mining is one of the fundamental tasks of data mining. The conventional association rule mining algorithms, using crisp set, are meant for handling Boolean data. However, in real life quantitative data are voluminous and need careful attention for discovering knowledge. Therefore, to extract association rules from quantitative data, the dataset at hand must be partitioned into intervals, and then converted into Boolean type. In the sequel, it may suffer with the problem of sharp boundary. Hence, fuzzy association rules are developed as a sharp knife to solve the aforesaid problem by handling quantitative data using fuzzy set. In this paper, the authors present an updated survey of fuzzy association rule mining procedures along with a discussion and relevant pointers for further research.
Semi-Automatic Design of Spatial Data Cubes from Simulation Model Results
Authors: Mahboubi Hadj , Bimonte Sandro , Deffuant Guillaume , Chanet Jean-Pierre , Pinet François
Published: March 2013

In this paper the authors present a semi-automatic method for designing and generating spatial data cubes in order to visualize and analyze the results of simulation models. In the authors approach users choose their fact of analysis, then the system derives automatically a set of possible measures, dimensions of analysis, and generates the corresponding spatial data cubes. The analysis and visualization of the spatial data cubes are carried out using appropriate SOLAP tools. They also present the SimOLAP system, developed to validate their approach.
Functional Genetic Variation inNFKBIAand Susceptibility to Childhood Asthma, Bronchiolitis, and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Ali Salman , Hirschfeld Aaron F. , Mayer Matthew L. , Fortuno Edgardo S. , Corbett Nathan , Kaplan Maia , Wang Shirley , Schneiderman Julia , Fjell Christopher D. , Yan Jin , Akhabir Loubna , Aminuddin Farzian , Marr Nico , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Hegele Richard G. , Becker Allan , Chan-Yeung Moira , Hancock Robert E. W. , Kollmann Tobias R. , Daley Denise , Sandford Andrew J. , Lavoie Pascal M. , Turvey Stuart E.
Published: March 2013

Respiratory diseases are the most frequent chronic illnesses in babies and children. Although a vigorous innate immune system is critical for maintaining lung health, a balanced response is essential to minimize damaging inflammation. We investigated the functional and clinical impact of human genetic variants in the promoter of NFKBIA, which encodes IκBα, the major negative regulator of NF-κB. In this study, we quantified the functional impact of NFKBIA promoter polymorphisms (rs3138053, rs2233406, and rs2233409) on promoter-driven protein expression, allele-specific and total NFKBIA mRNA expression, IκBα protein expression, and TLR responsiveness; mapped innate immune regulatory networks active during respiratory syncytial virus infection, asthma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia; and genotyped and analyzed independent cohorts of children with respiratory syncytial virus infection, asthma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Genetic variants in the promoter of NFKBIA influenced NFKBIA gene expression, IκBα protein expression, and TLR-mediated inflammatory responses. Using a systems biology approach, we demonstrated that NFKBIA/IκBα is a central hub in transcriptional responses of prevalent childhood lung diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus infection, asthma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Finally, by examining independent pediatric lung disease cohorts, we established that this immunologically relevant genetic variation in the promoter of NFKBIA is associated with differential susceptibility to severe bronchiolitis following infection with respiratory syncytial virus, airway hyperresponsiveness, and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. These data highlight the importance of negative innate immune regulators, such as NFKBIA, in pediatric lung disease and begin to unravel common aspects in the genetic predisposition to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchiolitis, and childhood asthma.
Profibrotic Activities for Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 during Bleomycin-Mediated Lung Injury
Authors: Craig Vanessa J. , Quintero Pablo A. , Fyfe Susanne E. , Patel Avignat S. , Knolle Martin D. , Kobzik Lester , Owen Caroline A.
Published: March 2013

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is a potent interstitial collagenase thought to be expressed mainly by polymorphonuclear neutrophils. To determine whether MMP-8 regulates lung inflammatory or fibrotic responses to bleomycin, we delivered bleomycin by the intratracheal route to wild-type (WT) versus Mmp-8−/− mice and quantified MMP-8 expression, and inflammation and fibrosis in the lung samples. Mmp-8 steady state mRNA and protein levels increase in whole lung and bronchoalveolar lavage samples when WT mice are treated with bleomycin. Activated murine lung fibroblasts express Mmp-8 in vitro. MMP-8 expression is increased in leukocytes in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis compared with control lung samples. Compared with bleomycin-treated WT mice, bleomycin-treated Mmp-8−/− mice have greater lung inflammation, but reduced lung fibrosis. Whereas bleomycin-treated Mmp-8−/− and WT mice have similar lung levels of several pro- and antifibrotic mediators (TGF-β, IL-13, JE, and IFN-γ), Mmp-8−/− mice have higher lung levels of IFN-γ–inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and MIP-1α. Genetically deleting either Ip-10 or Mip-1α in Mmp-8−/− mice abrogates their lung inflammatory response to bleomycin, but reconstitutes their lung fibrotic response to bleomycin. Studies of bleomycin-treated Mmp-8 bone marrow chimeric mice show that both leukocytes and lung parenchymal cells are sources of profibrotic MMP-8 during bleomycin-mediated lung fibrosis. Thus, during bleomycin-mediated lung injury, MMP-8 dampens the lung acute inflammatory response, but promotes lung fibrosis by reducing lung levels of IP-10 and MIP-1α. These data indicate therapeutic strategies to reduce lung levels of MMP-8 may limit fibroproliferative responses to injury in the human lung.
Bcl6 Expressing Follicular Helper CD4 T Cells Are Fate Committed Early and Have the Capacity To Form Memory
Authors: Choi Youn Soo , Yang Jessica A. , Yusuf Isharat , Johnston Robert J. , Greenbaum Jason , Peters Bjoern , Crotty Shane
Published: March 2013

Follicular helper CD4 T (Tfh) cells are a distinct type of differentiated CD4 T cells uniquely specialized for B cell help. In this study, we examined Tfh cell fate commitment, including distinguishing features of Tfh versus Th1 proliferation and survival. Using cell transfer approaches at early time points after an acute viral infection, we demonstrate that early Tfh cells and Th1 cells are already strongly cell fate committed by day 3. Nevertheless, Tfh cell proliferation was tightly regulated in a TCR-dependent manner. The Tfh cells still depend on extrinsic cell fate cues from B cells in their physiological in vivo environment. Unexpectedly, we found that Tfh cells share a number of phenotypic parallels with memory precursor CD8 T cells, including selective upregulation of IL-7Rα and a collection of coregulated genes. As a consequence, the early Tfh cells can progress to robustly form memory cells. These data support the hypothesis that CD4 and CD8 T cells share core aspects of a memory cell precursor gene expression program involving Bcl6, and a strong relationship exists between Tfh cells and memory CD4 T cell development.
Divergent Effects of T Cell Costimulation and Inflammatory Cytokine Production on Autoimmune Peripheral Neuropathy Provoked by Aire Deficiency
Authors: Zeng Xiaopei L. , Nagavalli Anil , Smith Colin-Jamal , Howard James F. , Su Maureen A.
Published: March 2013

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy results from autoimmune destruction of the peripheral nervous system and is a component of the multiorgan autoimmunity syndrome that results from Aire gene mutations in humans. In parallel, peripheral nervous system autoimmunity resembling chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy develops spontaneously in NOD mice with a partial loss of Aire function (NOD.AireGW/+ mice) and is a T cell–mediated disease. In this study, we analyze how key aspects of T cell activation and function modulate disease development in Aire-deficient mice. We show that genetic ablation of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ completely prevents clinical and electrophysiological evidence of neuropathy in NOD.AireGW/+ mice. IFN-γ deficiency is associated with absence of immune infiltration and decreased expression of the T cell chemoattractant IP-10 in sciatic nerves. Thus, IFN-γ is absolutely required for the development of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy in NOD.AireGW/+ mice. Because IFN-γ secretion is enhanced by B7-CD28 costimulation of T cells, we sought to determine the effects of these costimulatory molecules on neuropathy development. Surprisingly, B7-2 deficiency accelerated neuropathy development in NOD.AireGW/+ mice, and Ab blockade of both B7-1 and B7-2 resulted in fulminant, early-onset neuropathy. Thus, in contrast to IFN-γ, B7-2 alone and B7-1/B7-2 in combination function to ameliorate neuropathy development in NOD.AireGW/+ mice. Together, these findings reveal distinct and opposing effects of the T cell costimulatory pathway and IFN-γ production on the pathogenesis of autoimmune peripheral neuropathy.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Lectin Inhibits CTL-Dependent Virus Clearance in Mouse Models of Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Liu Biao , Wang Min , Wang Xiaowen , Zhao Dianyuan , Liu Di , Liu Jing , Chen Pei-Jer , Yang Dongliang , He Fuchu , Tang Li
Published: March 2013

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell lectin (LSECtin) was recently reported to suppress intrahepatic T cell immunity and to limit immune-mediated liver injury. However, its role in the outcome and pathogenesis of viral infection has not yet been elucidated. Using a mouse model infected with a hepatotropic adenovirus, we found that the absence of LSECtin led to a higher frequency of intrahepatic effector CTLs. These cells produced higher levels of antiviral cytokines and cytotoxic factors and exhibited an increased expression of the transcription factors T-bet and Runx3. This phenotype observed in the LSECtin-knockout cells mediated a more efficient virus-specific cytotoxity compared with that of wild-type cells. As a consequence, LSECtin deficiency significantly accelerated liver adenovirus clearance. In contrast, LSECtin upregulation in the liver delayed viral clearance; this delayed clearance was accompanied by the downregulation of the antiviral activity of CTLs. We further constructed an immunocompetent mouse model of acute hepatitis B viral infection to demonstrate that LSECtin significantly delayed the clearance of hepatitis B virus from blood and infected hepatocytes by limiting the frequency of hepatitis B virus–specific IFN-γ–producing cells. Consistent with this function, LSECtin was upregulated in the liver of mouse models of viral hepatitis. Taken together, our results suggest that LSECtin may facilitate the reduction of liver inflammation at the cost of delaying virus clearance and that this effect might be hijacked by the virus as an escape mechanism.
Fibrin Facilitates Both Innate and T Cell–Mediated Defense againstYersinia pestis
Authors: Luo Deyan , Lin Jr-Shiuan , Parent Michelle A. , Mullarky-Kanevsky Isis , Szaba Frank M. , Kummer Lawrence W. , Duso Debra K. , Tighe Michael , Hill Jim , Gruber Andras , Mackman Nigel , Gailani David , Smiley Stephen T.
Published: March 2013

The Gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pestis causes plague, a rapidly progressing and often fatal disease. The formation of fibrin at sites of Y. pestis infection supports innate host defense against plague, perhaps by providing a nondiffusible spatial cue that promotes the accumulation of inflammatory cells expressing fibrin-binding integrins. This report demonstrates that fibrin is an essential component of T cell–mediated defense against plague but can be dispensable for Ab-mediated defense. Genetic or pharmacologic depletion of fibrin abrogated innate and T cell–mediated defense in mice challenged intranasally with Y. pestis. The fibrin-deficient mice displayed reduced survival, increased bacterial burden, and exacerbated hemorrhagic pathology. They also showed fewer neutrophils within infected lung tissue and reduced neutrophil viability at sites of liver infection. Depletion of neutrophils from wild-type mice weakened T cell–mediated defense against plague. The data suggest that T cells combat plague in conjunction with neutrophils, which require help from fibrin to withstand Y. pestis encounters and effectively clear bacteria.
Grassland communities of urban open spaces in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Authors: Dingaan Mamokete N.V. , Du Preez Pieter J.
Published: March 2013

Natural vegetation in urban environments is greatly impacted by human activities and it is in constant threat of degradation and destruction as a result of urbanisation. This vegetation, although fragmented, serves an important ecological function and needs to be properly managed and conserved. Studies on urban vegetation are lacking in South Africa, with only a handful having been carried out since the end of the last century. This study was initiated to identify, classify and describe the grassland communities of the urban open spaces in Bloemfontein. Relevés were compiled in 61 sample plots, where species present and habitat information were recorded. Care was taken to restrict sample plots to vegetation in pristine condition, wherever possible, and severely degraded stands were avoided. A two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed two distinct major communities, seven communities and four sub-communities. Both detrended and canonical correspondence analyses indicated the vegetation units to be associated with soil texture and pH, although biotic factors such as overgrazing, burning and mowing also influence the composition of the vegetation. The proper management and conservation of urban open spaces requires in-depth knowledge of the spatial distribution, floristic, structural and functional compositions within the major vegetation types in this environment. The present study further contributed towards formulating ways for the proper management, utilisation and functioning of the open spaces within the Bloemfontein area.Conservation implications: The Grassland Biome of South Africa is poorly conserved, mainly because of its status as an agricultural hub of the country. The preservation of natural and semi-natural forms of urban vegetation is important because such vegetation, although often disturbed and degraded, could form dispersal corridors between peri-urban and rural vegetation.
A Comparison of Buprenorphine + Naloxone to Buprenorphine and Methadone in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence during Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Lund Ingunn O. , Fischer Gabriele , Welle-Strand Gabrielle K. , O'grady Kevin E. , Debelak Kimber , Morrone William R. , Jones Hendrέe E.
Published: March 2013

Given that buprenorphine + naloxone is prescribed for opioid-dependent pregnant women, it is important to examine the extent to which it differs from buprenorphine alone, methadone, or methadone-assisted withdrawal on neonatal and maternal outcomes. Summary statistics on maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected from 7 previously published studies examining treatment for opioid-dependent pregnant women that represented a range of research methodologies. Outcomes from these studies were compared to the same outcomes for 10 women treated with the combined buprenorphine + naloxone product. There were no significant differences in maternal outcomes for buprenorphine + naloxone compared to buprenorphine, methadone, or methadone-assisted withdrawal. Preliminary findings suggest no significant adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes related to the use of buprenorphine + naloxone for the treatment of opioid dependence during pregnancy. However, further research should examine possible differences between buprenorphine + naloxone and buprenorphine alone or methadone in fetal physical development.