bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External quality assessment of urine particle identification: a Northern European experience
Authors: Kouri Timo T. , Makkonen Pirjo
Published: September 2015

External quality assessment (EQA) schemes for urinalysis have been provided by Labquality Ltd, the publicly owned EQA service provider in Finland, since the 1980s. In 2014, the scheme on urine particle identification had 329 participating laboratories, out of which 60% from 19 countries were outside Finland. Each of the four annual web-based rounds were distributed with four Sternheimer-stained images from a single patient sample, as viewed both by bright-field and phase-contrast optics. Participants reported classified categories either at the basic or at the advanced level. Participating laboratories received assessment of their analytical performance as compared to their peers, including reflections from clinical data and preanalytical detail of the specimen. In general, reporting of basic urine particles succeeded in the eight schemes during the years 2013–2014 as follows: red blood cells 82%–92%, white blood cells 82%–97%, squamous epithelial cells 92%–98%, casts 84%–94%, and small epithelial cells 73%–83% (minimum and maximum of expected or accepted reports). This basic level of differentiation is used in routine laboratory reports, or as verification of results produced by automated instruments. Considerable effort is needed to standardise national procedures and reporting formats, in order to improve the shown figures internationally. Future technologies may help to alleviate limitations created by single digital images. Despite improvements, degenerating cells and casts always exhibit intermediate forms creating disputable classifications. That is why assessment of performance should encompass justified acceptable categories into the assessed outcomes. Preanalytical and clinical detail provide essential added value to morphological findings.
Neonatal diabetes in Ukraine: incidence, genetics, clinical phenotype and treatment
Authors: Globa Evgenia , Zelinska Nataliya , Mackay Deborah J.G. , Temple Karen I. , Houghton Jayne A.L. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian
Published: September 2015

Neonatal diabetes has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We investigated the genetic etiology in patients with onset of diabetes during the ﬁrst 9 months of life.

We established a Pediatric Diabetes Register to identify patients diagnosed with diabetes before 9 months of age. Genetic testing was undertaken for 42 patients with permanent or transient diabetes diagnosed within the first 6 months of life (n=22) or permanent diabetes diagnosed between 6 and 9 months (n=20).

We determined the genetic etiology in 23 of 42 (55%) patients; 86% of the patients diagnosed before 6 months and 20% diagnosed between 6 and 9 months. The incidence of neonatal diabetes in Ukraine was calculated to be 1 in 126,397 live births.

Genetic testing for patients identified through the Ukrainian Pediatric Diabetes Register identified
A review of environmental lead exposure and management in Mount Isa, Queensland
Authors: Forbes Malcolm , Taylor Mark Patrick
Published: September 2015

The public health leadership and management of lead exposure in a lead mining and smelting community in Mount Isa is an ongoing issue. There exists deficiencies in public health and environmental legal frameworks that regulate lead exposure and management in Mount Isa, Queensland. Although some positive practical measures on lead containment have been implemented, evidence suggests they are currently inadequate. Greater investments in public health leadership at a local and state level are required to address the ongoing issue of lead in Mount Isa.
A comprehensive review of biomass resources and biofuel production in Nigeria: potential and prospects
Authors: Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Ana Godson R.E.E.
Published: September 2015

The quest for biofuels in Nigeria, no doubt, represents a legitimate ambition. This is so because the focus on biofuel production has assumed a global dimension, and the benefits that may accrue from such effort may turn out to be enormous if the preconditions are adequately satisfied. As a member of the global community, it has become exigent for Nigeria to explore other potential means of bettering her already impoverished economy. Biomass is the major energy source in Nigeria, contributing about 78% of Nigeria’s primary energy supply. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the potential of biomass resources and biofuel production in Nigeria is given. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures on major energy crops produced in Nigeria. A brief description of the current biofuel developmental activities in the country is also given. A variety of biomass resources exist in the country in large quantities with opportunities for expansion. Biomass resources considered include agricultural crops, agricultural crop residues, forestry resources, municipal solid waste, and animal waste. However, the prospects of achieving this giant stride appear not to be feasible in Nigeria. Although the focus on biofuel production may be a worthwhile endeavor in view of Nigeria’s development woes, the paper argues that because Nigeria is yet to adequately satisfy the preconditions for such program, the effort may be designed to fail after all. To avoid this, the government must address key areas of concern such as food insecurity, environmental crisis, and blatant corruption in all quarters. It is concluded that given the large availability of biomass resources in Nigeria, there is immense potential for biofuel production from these biomass resources. With the very high potential for biofuel production, the governments as well as private investors are therefore encouraged to take practical steps toward investing in agriculture for the production of energy crops and the establishment of biofuel-processing plants in Nigeria.
Steering or Networking: The Impact of Europe 2020 on Regional Governance Structures
Authors: Maes Frederic , Bursens Peter
Published: September 2015

This article probes into how regions organize themselves to deal effectively with the Europe 2020 reform program. More specifically, it maps governance structures of regional policy-making and implementation of Europe 2020 and explains variation in these structures between policy domains and policy stages. The empirical focus is Flanders as this Belgian region possesses substantial legislative and executive autonomy and is therefore highly affected by the Europe 2020 program. The article distinguishes between policy-making (upload) and implementation stages (download) in education, energy and poverty policies. It is hypothesized that the varying impact of Europe 2020 can be attributed to the varying adaptational pressure of EU programs and a set of domestic intervening factors. Findings indicate variation between policy domains and policy stages on a continuum from lead-organization governed networks to shared participant governance networks. Overall, the extent to which Flanders is competent seems to be crucial. In addition, a substantial administrative capacity is needed to firmly steer and coordinate the governance structures that manage Europe 2020 policies. The level of integration further increases the extent to which Flemish Europe 2020 policies are steered.
Development of Polyglycolic- and Polylactic-Acid Fluid-Loss-Control Materials for Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Yoshimura Koichi , Matsui Hitoshi , Morita Nobuo
Published: September 2015

Fluid loss is significant for the standard fracturing fluids without adding solid materials. One method to reduce fluid loss is to add silica flour, although it reduces fracture conductivity. Other methods are to use wall-building polymers. However, the fluid loss is still significant, and complete removal of wall-building materials is not possible, even with breakers. We found that powder, granular, and fibrous materials made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA) are very suitable for fluid-loss agents because PGA is stronger than steel and PLA is as strong as rock, although they dissolve as liquid acids after applications.

Fluid-loss tests are conducted with the standard American Petroleum Institute slot tester and filtrate-loss tester, mixing powders, grains, and fiber, all made of PGA or PLA in fracturing polymer fluids. The ratio of grains, powder, and fiber is optimized to minimize fluid loss for porous media and fractured porous media. Then, the changes of particle size are measured under heated conditions. Fracture-simulation studies are also conducted with a 3D fracture-boundary element model to compare the fluid efficiency of the fracturing fluids with and without the PLA and PGA particles.

The results show that the capability of preventing fluid loss and plugging microcracks is maintained for the porous filters and small slots within a reasonable time period. For short-term applications less than 3 hours, both PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents are stable when the temperature is less than 212°F. Mixing these materials often provides more-efficient properties to reduce fluid loss and to bridge microcracks. No residues are left after experiments if the fracturing fluid is kept heated for 24 hours. The amount of the PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents required to reduce the fluid loss is not significant. Hence, their field applications are feasible, judging the cost and the benefit.

The advantage in using these materials is that they turn from solid to liquid after applications so that no formation damage and no proppant-conductivity damage occur. The fluid loss is also significantly reduced with the powder particles. In addition, because the PGA and PLA materials are degradable, solids with arbitrary sizes and shapes may be used as long as they control fluid loss and plug fine fractures. Their applications are not only limited to reducing fluid loss, but one may also use them for engineering fracture design to enhance the fracture conductivity.
Improving Erosion Assessment Through High-Fidelity CFD Simulation Methods
Authors: Barton Neil , Lewis Mike , Emmerson Paul
Published: September 2015

Pipework erosion is becoming an increasing issue within the oil and gas industry. New, high-rate subsea wells and associated topsides tie-ins are particularly vulnerable to erosion, and the consequences of failure are considerable.

Accurate prediction methods can be used to improve pipework design, inspection regimes and operating limits. This paper assesses the accuracy of erosion predictions made using simple equations, conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) erosion simulations and high-resolution CFD methods.

Correlation-based prediction methods, such as those in DNV RPO501, are effective for screening purposes, but they only deal with simple pipe fixtures such as single bends. CFD is often used to assess more complex layouts such as manifolds or flow lines. However, the standard CFD approach typically assumes a steady state flow and a homogeneous multiphase mixture. Recent comparison with large-scale tests has shown that CFD can effectively predict the flow-induced vibration forces caused by liquid-gas mixtures. In this work, the same liquid-gas modelling techniques have been used, with an additional sand particle phase, to assess pipework erosion.

In wet gas flow, a thin annular liquid film typically coats the pipe walls. Test work has shown that wall-films can significantly reduce erosion rates by slowing and redistributing sand impacts. The homogeneous approach used in most correlations and typical CFD studies ignores this effect and these methods tend to over-estimate erosion rates. This ultimately results in overly-conservative pipework design and production limits. It was found that high-fidelity CFD simulations that explicitly model the liquid, gas and sand correctly predict a reduction in erosion when a liquid film is present. The predicted flow regime is consistent with physical observations and the gas-liquid-sand model more closely predicts experimental test results.

This work demonstrates the benefits of explicitly modelling separate gas, liquid and sand phases, comparing predictions with published test data and showing the effects of higher-resolution simulations in a typical subsea pipework configuration.
Improving Situational Awareness To Prevent Conflicts in Simultaneous Offshore Operations
Authors: Lochmann M.. , Darling S.. , Pemberton G.. , Mills R.. , Altaie J..
Published: September 2015

Every year, conflicting activities in congested offshore producing fields cost operators millions of dollars in lost time—both from operational inefficiencies and incidents caused by too many parties trying to work in the same area at the same time. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to: divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) performing routine maintenance and repairs, workovers, fishing and supply vessels coming and going unpredictably, anchor-handling operations, seismic surveys, and oil tankers arriving without sufficient warning at a floating production-storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

In congested areas around active drilling rigs and producing platforms, failures of a person's understanding of a situation compared to actual conditions (known as situational awareness (SA)), and conflicts among simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) are, sadly, fairly common. In many cases, SA/SIMOPS incidents are due to human error. Because people are still in control of oil and gas operations, human error and operational risk can never be entirely eliminated, but SA/SIMOPS management systems can minimize reduction or loss of SA, which is responsible for as much as 88% of human error. This technology helps to manage risk and keep it at an acceptable level while significantly improving operational efficiencies. As a result, operators can benefit from higher margins of safety and improved performance while no longer having to accept the current level of SIMOPS-related inefficiencies or incidents as simply the cost of doing business.

Traditional manual processes, whiteboards, email, Gantt charts, and spreadsheet programs are no longer sufficient to prevent or control costly SIMOPS conflicts in increasingly chaotic offshore fields. To optimize the execution of critical activities, an SA/SIMOPS management system must provide all relevant parties with timely, near real-time updates during rapidly changing operations.

SA/SIMOPS management introduces new principles, work processes, information technology tools, and changes in behavior to accomplish its safety and efficiency goals. Initiatives with similar characteristics can be found in the digital oilfield (DOF) pilots now being implemented around the world. By applying what has been learned in these programs, the installation and use of SA/SIMOPS solutions can be accelerated. This paper presents an innovative approach that directly addresses these challenges.
Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of polyvinylidene fluoride membrane modified with TiO2-C hybrid aerogels
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Jing , Bi Dongsu , Guo Xiaopin , Wang Peng
Published: September 2015

TiO2-C hybrid aerogels containing submicrometer anatase and carbon
nanoparticles were prepared with TiCl4 and resorcinol-furfural. A modified
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane was prepared through
phase inversion after dispersing the TiO2-C hybrid aerogel into a PVDF
solution. The surface features, structure, and hydrophilicity of the membrane
were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction,
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and pure
water flux. The mechanical strength of this membrane was also determined. The
photocatalytic performance of the modified membrane was investigated using
reactive brilliant red (X-3B) as a representative contaminant.
Characterization results indicated that the TiO2-C hybrid aerogels were
distributed evenly in the PVDF membrane, showing enhanced hydrophilicity,
mechanical strength, and pure water flux. Furthermore, the photodegradation
rate of X-3B through the modified membrane was significantly high owing to
the photocatalytic action of the TiO2-C hybrid aerogels distributed in the
modified membrane.
How Small Audit Firm Membership in Associations, Networks, and Alliances Can Impact Audit Quality and Audit Fees
Authors: Bills Kenneth L. , Cunningham Lauren M.
Published: September 2015

This article summarizes “Small Audit Firm Membership in Associations, Networks, and Alliances: Implications for Audit Quality and Audit Fees” (Bills, Cunningham, Myers 2015), which examines the association between small audit firm membership in an association, network, or alliance (collectively referred to as an “association”), audit quality, and audit fees. We find that small audit firm association members provide higher-quality audits and charge higher fees than small audit firms that are not members of an association. When compared to similarly sized clients audited by the Big 4, we find that member firms provide audit quality similar to the Big 4 firms, but member firms charge lower fees than their Big 4 counterparts. We caution that these results may not be generalizable to the largest Big 4 clients for which there is not a similarly sized client audited by our sample of small audit firms. We infer audit quality from Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspections, restatement announcements, and discretionary accruals. Our findings should be of interest to audit committees in charge of auditor selection and to small audit firms interested in the benefits of association membership.
Skin Testing versus in Vitro Testing in the Evaluation of Aeroallergy: The Great Debate
Authors: Oppenheimer John
Published: September 2015

When one examines reviews regarding diagnostic allergy testing, it generally is noted that the advantage of skin testing is that it uses testing to an end organ, is less expensive, is more sensitive, and provides immediate results, which are easily visualized by the patient. In the case of in vitro testing, it is thought to be more helpful for patients with dermographia or widespread dermatitis, is not affected by H1 or H2 antagonists, and is thought to be safer than skin testing. This may not be entirely correct because studies actually demonstrated phlebotomy to be associated with more morbidity than skin-prick testing. Other concerns regarding both tests include allergen quality, the need from proficiency testing, and the fact that these tests should be used for corroborating a diagnosis as opposed to a screening test for allergy.
Secretion Rates of Human Nasal Submucosal Glands from Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis or Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Jeong Jin Hyeok , Hwang Peter H. , Cho Do-Yeon , Joo Nam Soo , Wine Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2015

Background

A majority of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and/or nasal polyps, both of which may be secondary to reduced fluid secretion from nasal submucosal glands.

Objective

To determine whether decreased fluid secretion from nasal submucosal glands also occurs in patients without CF and with CRS.

Methods

Inferior turbinates of the nasal cavity were harvested from controls, subjects with CRS, and subjects with CF (n = 5–7 per group). The secretion rates of the nasal submucosal glands of the three groups in response to carbachol and forskolin were measured by using time lapse digital imaging of mucus bubbles from single glands as they formed on the mucosal surface under oil.

Results

Carbachol-stimulated secretion rates were the following: controls, 1670 ± 381 pl-min−1-gland−1; CRS, 965 ± 440 pl-min−1-gland−1; and CF, 933 ± 588 pl-min−1-gland−1 (p = 0.23, Kruskal-Wallis test). Forskolin-stimulated secretion rates were the following: controls, 229 ± 14 pl-min−1-gland−1; CRS, 154 ± 48 pl-min−1-gland−1; and CF, 22 ± 15 pl-min−1-gland−1 (p = 0.008, Kruskal-Wallis test). The ratio of the average secretion rate induced by forskolin to that induced by carbachol was 13.7% in the controls, and 15.9% in CRS and 2.3% in CF groups.

Conclusion

The only significant difference in this small study was decreased forskolin-stimulated secretion in subjects with CF relative to the other subjects. However, there was a trend toward reduced carbachol-stimulated secretion rates in subjects with CRS and with and without CF relative to controls. Additional studies are needed to determine if nasal submucosal gland hyposecretion occurs in CRS either as a contributor to or as a consequence of CRS pathogenesis.
Clinical Efficacy of Nasal Steroids on Nonallergic Rhinitis and the Associated Inflammatory Cell Phenotypes
Authors: Kirtsreesakul Virat , Hararuk Kodchakorn , Leelapong Jitanong , Ruttanaphol Suwalee
Published: September 2015

Background

Although good response to nasal steroid therapy has been documented in allergic rhinitis (AR), the efficacy of this treatment in non-AR, and the associated inflammatory cell phenotypes has not been fully investigated.

Objective

To compare the response to steroids in non-AR versus AR and to assess the impact of inflammatory cell phenotypes on non-AR treatment outcomes.

Methods

A total of 149 patients with rhinitis were divided into non-AR and AR groups by using the allergy skin-prick test. Based on nasal cytology, the non-AR group was further divided into inflammatory non-AR (INAR) and noninflammatory non-AR (NINAR) groups, and the INAR groups were further subdivided into four phenotypes according to inflammatory cell type: non-AR with eosinophils (NARES), non-AR with mast cells (NARMA), non-AR with neutrophils (NARNE), and NARES and mast cells (NARESMA). All the patients were treated over 28 days with 220 μg of nasal triamcinolone acetonide once daily. Nasal symptom score, peak inspiratory flow index, and nasal mucociliary clearance time (NMCCT) were used to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Results

The initial screening found 67 patients with non-AR and 82 patients with AR. At 28 days after nasal steroid treatment, all nasal symptom score, peak inspiratory flow indexes, and NMCCTs were significantly improved within each group; however, the non-AR group recorded significantly lower levels of improvement in blocked nose, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, peak flows, and NMCCTs than the AR group. The NINAR group overall indicated lower levels of improvement than the INAR group. Among the INAR subgroups, the NARESMA, NARES, and NARMA phenotypes had similar outcome improvements, all better than the NARNE phenotype.

Conclusion

Although both patients with non-AR and those with AR had good steroid response, the patients with non-AR had less improvement than the patients with AR. Patients with NINAR had the worst treatment outcome among the non-AR phenotypes.
Cyclicities and clusters in the lacustrine sequence of Heqing basin (SW China): Its use for dating and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Authors: Goddu Srinivasa R , Hu Shouyun , Appel Erwin
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.145
Glacial geomorphology in the Lunana area in the Bhutan Himalaya: Moraine stages, glacial lakes, and rock glaciers
Authors: Iwata Shuji , Karma Karma , Ageta Yutaka , Sakai Akiko , Narama Chiyuki , Naito Nozomu
Published: September 2015

No abstract available
‘So much Gaelic to me’: Beckett and the Irish Language
Authors: Graham Alan
Published: September 2015

This essay explores the ways in which Ireland's sacralised national language figures in Beckett's work. Oblique references to Irish in the Beckett oeuvre are read against a history of Anglo-Irish investment in the language as a mode of ‘impatriation’, a means by which to circumscribe anxieties surrounding an identity fraught with socio-political anomalies. In addition, the suspicion of ‘official language’ in Beckett's work is considered in light of his awareness of the ‘language issue’ in his native country, particularly in relation to the powerful role of the Irish language in the reterritorialisation of the civic sphere in post-independence Ireland.
Cript Sexuality in Happy Days
Authors: Wood Elaine
Published: September 2015

This article examines the figure of Winnie in Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, demonstrating how Beckett's staging of her queer/disabled existence might be read as subversively disruptive to social perceptions of able-bodiedness and ‘crippling’ stereotypes about disability and desirability. At the intersection of ‘crip theory’ – related to disability and queer studies, and scholarship on ‘cryptonymy’ – an encrypted language initiated by psychic processes, ‘Cript Sexuality in Happy Days’ argues that Winnie uses pain and immobility as her inspiration for song as Beckett's drama ultimately challenges pre-‘scripted’ roles for female sexuality by bringing occluded aspects of the sexualized disabled body into visibility.
Chloroplast microsatellite markers for Artocarpus (Moraceae) developed from transcriptome sequences
Authors: Gardner Elliot M. , Laricchia Kristen M. , Murphy Matthew , Ragone Diane , Scheffler Brian E. , Simpson Sheron , Williams Evelyn W. , Zerega Nyree J. C.
Published: September 2015

Premise of the study:

Chloroplast microsatellite loci were characterized from transcriptomes of Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) and A. camansi (breadnut). They were tested in A. odoratissimus (terap) and A. altilis and evaluated in silico for two congeners.

Methods and Results:

Fifteen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in chloroplast sequences from four Artocarpus transcriptome assemblies. The markers were evaluated using capillary electrophoresis in A. odoratissimus (105 accessions) and A. altilis (73). They were also evaluated in silico in A. altilis (10), A. camansi (6), and A. altilis × A. mariannensis (7) transcriptomes. All loci were polymorphic in at least one species, with all 15 polymorphic in A. camansi. Per species, average alleles per locus ranged between 2.2 and 2.5. Three loci had evidence of fragment‐length homoplasy.

Conclusions:

These markers will complement existing nuclear markers by enabling confident identification of maternal and clone lines, which are often important in vegetatively propagated crops such as breadfruit.
Digitization workflows for flat sheets and packets of plants, algae, and fungi
Authors: Nelson Gil , Sweeney Patrick , Wallace Lisa E. , Rabeler Richard K. , Allard Dorothy , Brown Herrick , Carter J. Richard , Denslow Michael W. , Ellwood Elizabeth R. , Germain‐Aubrey Charlotte C. , Gilbert Ed , Gillespie Emily , Goertzen Leslie R. , Legler Ben , Marchant D. Blaine , Marsico Travis D. , Morris Ashley B. , Murrell Zack , Nazaire Mare , Neefus Chris , Oberreiter Shanna , Paul Deborah , Ruhfel Brad R. , Sasek Thomas , Shaw Joey , Soltis Pamela S. , Watson Kimberly , Weeks Andrea , Mast Austin R.
Published: September 2015

Effective workflows are essential components in the digitization of biodiversity specimen collections. To date, no comprehensive, community‐vetted workflows have been published for digitizing flat sheets and packets of plants, algae, and fungi, even though latest estimates suggest that only 33% of herbarium specimens have been digitally transcribed, 54% of herbaria use a specimen database, and 24% are imaging specimens. In 2012, iDigBio, the U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) coordinating center and national resource for the digitization of public, nonfederal U.S. collections, launched several working groups to address this deficiency. Here, we report the development of 14 workflow modules with 7–36 tasks each. These workflows represent the combined work of approximately 35 curators, directors, and collections managers representing more than 30 herbaria, including 15 NSF‐supported plant‐related Thematic Collections Networks and collaboratives. The workflows are provided for download as Portable Document Format (PDF) and Microsoft Word files. Customization of these workflows for specific institutional implementation is encouraged.
T-Cell Phenotype and Function following a First cART Regimen Containing Either a Protease Inhibitor or a Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor in HIV-Infected Late Presenters: Results from a Retrospective, ex vivo Study
Authors: Tincati Camilla , Savoldi Alessia , Cannizzo E Stefania , Bellistrì Giusi M , Termini Roberta , Garau Marzia , Mancusi Daniela , Monforte Antonella d'Arminio , Marchetti Giulia
Published: September 2015

Background

We aimed to comparatively assess darunavir/ ritonavir (DRV/r) and efavirenz (EFV)-based first-line cART regimens in the reconstitution of T-cell phenotype and function in HIV-infected, late presenter subjects.

Methods

Retrospective, ex vivo study on stored peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples of cART-naive, HIV-infected individuals with CD4+ T-cell counts <50>250/μl upon cART initiation with either DRV/r or EFV as third drugs of standard antiretroviral regimens. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell maturation (CCR7/CD45RA) and proliferation (Ki67), CD8+ T-cell activation (CD38/HLA-DR) as well as HIV- and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific responses (CD4/CD8/IL-2/IFN-γ) were studied by flow cytometry at baseline (T0), T3, T6 and T12 months. Soluble inflammatory markers (IL-6 and sCD14) were measured in plasma at T0 and T12. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistics.

Results

A total of 19 patients started DRV/r and 15 EFV. Both regimens accounted for suppression of the HIV RNA load (<40 copies/ml), reconstitution of absolute CD4+ T-cells and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio. All study participants displayed a significant decrease of activated HLA-DR+CD38+ CD8+ T-cells at all study time points, yet no differences were found between study groups in T-cell activation and maturation phenotype. From a functional standpoint, only individuals receiving DRV/r displayed transitory recovery of HIV-specific IL-2+IFN-γ- CD4+ T-cells (T3: P=0.006) and IL-2-IFN-γ+ CD8+ T-cells (T3: P=0.032).

Conclusions

DRV/r- and EFV-based regimens have an equal effect on T-cell phenotype and function in HIV late presenters. A temporary restoration of HIV-specific T-cell immunity early in the course of therapy with DRV/r possibly implies a more effective control over HIV in the first months following a PI/r-based regimen, even at late stage of disease.
Restauración del paisaje de la montaña española con ganadería: Un ensayo en la Cordillera Cantábrica combinando pastoreo de caprino y poda de matorrales
Authors: Álvarez Martínez J. , Errea Abad M. P. , Gómez-Villar A. , Lasanta T.
Published: September 2015

Se analiza qué papel puede desempeñar el pastoreo con cabras domésticas, en combinación con la poda de Cytisus scoparius, en el control de la expansión de los matorrales y, especialmente, en la configuración y fragmentación del paisaje. Se trabaja con dos cargas ganaderas: simple (4,5 cabras/ha/año) y doble (9 cabras/ha/año). Los resultados ponen de relieve que la poda por sí sola tiene escasa capacidad para limitar la expansión de los mato-rrales. La combinación de poda y carga de ganado simple retrasa el avance de los matorrales. Más eficaz resulta la carga doble junto a la poda, ya que permite controlar la expansión en superficie de Cytisus scoparius y también su altura. Se comprueba, también, que la carga doble mantiene un paisaje más fragmentado que la carga simple, dando lugar a una estructura de pequeñas manchas, lo que resulta muy interesante tanto desde una perspectiva ganadera como ambiental.
Estado ecológico de los ríos incluidos dentro del parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido (Cuenca del Ebro, Aragón), mediante indicadores de macroinvertebrados
Authors: Valladolid María , Arauzo Mercedes , Jiménez Luis
Published: September 2015

Se presenta información sobre el estado ecológico de los ríos Arazas, Bellós y Yaga (Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido), obtenida a partir de muestras recolectadas en la primavera-verano de 2013 por voluntarios, dentro del programa “Actividades de voluntariado en la Red de Parques” (MAGRAMA). En cada río se seleccionaron tres puntos de muestreo, todos pertenecientes al Tipo 27: Ríos de alta montaña, excepto uno, del Tipo 26: Ríos de montaña húmeda calcárea. Para cada punto se ha calculado una serie de índices de macroinvertebrados (IBMWP, IASPT, NFAM, NFPLE y EPT) y sus ratios de estado ecológico (EQR).
En total, el 72% de las medidas del IBMWP dan una calidad Muy buena o Buena, un 22% Moderada y un 6% Deficiente. El río Yaga presentó todas las medidas de calidad Muy Buena-Buena, mientras que en el río Arazas encontramos las tres clases de calidad citadas. En líneas generales, para cada río el valor de los distintos índices va disminuyendo de desembocadura a cabecera, mientras que en cada punto concreto se observa un incremento a nivel temporal (de primavera a finales de verano) de la mayoría de los valores, excepto en dos puntos, Arazas-3 y Bellós-2, que presentan la tendencia contraria.
Cooperative Robots
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Pablo , Arteaga-Pérez Marco A.
Published: September 2015

The interest in developing cooperative systems has increased due to the advantages they offer. Such systems can perform tasks that a single robot would be impossible to achieve. In this chapter, a summary of the cooperative robots's study, a classification of the type of grips, and path planning is presented. In addition, the properties and characteristics of the dynamic model, and the effects of torque and friction in contact tasks are shown. General considerations that should be made to analyze a cooperative system are introduced, and finally, the principle of orthogonalization, which separates the position and the force using a projection matrix which allows us to develop a control-observer scheme, is presented.
Navigating the Terrain of Diversity
Authors: Rumano Moses , Sommers Rhoda
Published: September 2015

In this chapter the authors suggest that religious institutions are strategically and morally positioned to advocate for the inclusion of faculty from diverse backgrounds who will become the voice of the voiceless and the ambassadors for many historically oppressed and underrepresented groups in higher education. The successful integration of faculty from diverse backgrounds at predominantly European American religious institutions of higher education brings the much needed transformation into the social, spiritual, and academic lives of students. Through the lived experiences of six faculty members from diverse backgrounds serving at a variety of religious institutions, the authors discuss ways religious institutions of higher education can advocate for faculty from diverse backgrounds by adopting distinctive policies and beliefs, creating a strong support base through mentorship, and providing opportunities for professional growth to create a welcoming work environment.
EBI3 Downregulation Contributes to Type I Collagen Overexpression in Scleroderma Skin
Authors: Kudo Hideo , Wang Zhongzhi , Jinnin Masatoshi , Nakayama Wakana , Inoue Kuniko , Honda Noritoshi , Nakashima Taiji , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Katsunari , Makino Takamitsu , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu
Published: September 2015

IL-12 family cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, but their role in the regulation of extracellular matrix expression and its contribution to the phenotype of systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain to be elucidated. Among the IL-12 family members, IL-35 decreases type I collagen expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts. IL-35 consists of p35 and EBI3 subunits, and EBI3 alone could downregulate the protein and mRNA expression of type I or type III collagen in the presence or absence of TGF-β costimulation. We found that collagen mRNA stability was reduced by EBI3 via the induction of miR-4500. The IL-35 levels in the sera or on the surface of T cells were not altered in SSc patients, while EBI3 expression was decreased in the keratinocytes of the epidermis and regulatory T cells of the dermis in SSc skin compared with normal skin, which may induce collagen synthesis in SSc dermal fibroblasts. We also found that gp130, the EBI3 receptor, was expressed in both normal and SSc fibroblasts. Moreover, we revealed that EBI3 supplementation by injection into the skin improves mice skin fibrosis. Decreased EBI3 in SSc skin may contribute to an increase in collagen accumulation and skin fibrosis. Clarifying the mechanism regulating the extracellular matrix expression by EBI3 in SSc skin may lead to better understanding of this disease and new therapeutic strategies using ointment or microinjection of the subunit.
A Reassessment of IgM Memory Subsets in Humans
Authors: Bagnara Davide , Squillario Margherita , Kipling David , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Da Silva Lucie , Weller Sandra , Dunn-Walters Deborah K. , Weill Jean-Claude , Reynaud Claude-Agnès
Published: September 2015

From paired blood and spleen samples from three adult donors, we performed high-throughput VH sequencing of human B cell subsets defined by IgD and CD27 expression: IgD+CD27+ (“marginal zone [MZ]”), IgD−CD27+ (“memory,” including IgM [“IgM-only”], IgG and IgA) and IgD−CD27− cells (“double-negative,” including IgM, IgG, and IgA). A total of 91,294 unique sequences clustered in 42,670 clones, revealing major clonal expansions in each of these subsets. Among these clones, we further analyzed those shared sequences from different subsets or tissues for VH gene mutation, H-CDR3-length, and VH/JH usage, comparing these different characteristics with all sequences from their subset of origin for which these parameters constitute a distinct signature. The IgM-only repertoire profile differed notably from that of MZ B cells by a higher mutation frequency and lower VH4 and higher JH6 gene usage. Strikingly, IgM sequences from clones shared between the MZ and the memory IgG/IgA compartments showed a mutation and repertoire profile of IgM-only and not of MZ B cells. Similarly, all IgM clonal relationships (among MZ, IgM-only, and double-negative compartments) involved sequences with the characteristics of IgM-only B cells. Finally, clonal relationships between tissues suggested distinct recirculation characteristics between MZ and switched B cells. The “IgM-only” subset (including cells with its repertoire signature but higher IgD or lower CD27 expression levels) thus appear as the only subset showing precursor–product relationships with CD27+ switched memory B cells, indicating that they represent germinal center–derived IgM memory B cells and that IgM memory and MZ B cells constitute two distinct entities.
Multi-Inhibitory Effects of A2A Adenosine Receptor Signaling on Neutrophil Adhesion Under Flow
Authors: Yago Tadayuki , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Liu Zhenghui , Wang Ying , Thompson Linda F. , McEver Rodger P.
Published: September 2015

A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) signaling negatively regulates inflammatory responses in many disease models, but the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We used the selective A2AAR agonist, ATL313, to examine how A2AAR signaling affects human and murine neutrophil adhesion under flow. Treating neutrophils with ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced, β2 integrin–dependent slow rolling and chemokine-induced, β2 integrin–dependent arrest on ICAM-1. ATL313 inhibited selectin-induced β2 integrin extension, which supports slow rolling, and chemokine-induced hybrid domain “swing-out,” which supports arrest. Furthermore, ATL313 inhibited integrin outside-in signaling as revealed by reduced neutrophil superoxide production and spreading on immobilized anti–β2 integrin Ab. ATL313 suppressed selectin-triggered activation of Src family kinases (SFKs) and p38 MAPK, chemokine-triggered activation of Ras-related protein 1, and β2 integrin–triggered activation of SFKs and Vav cytoskeletal regulatory proteins. ATL313 activated protein kinase A and its substrate C-terminal Src kinase, an inhibitor of SFKs. Treating neutrophils with a protein kinase A inhibitor blocked the actions of ATL313. In vivo, ATL313-treated neutrophils rolled faster and arrested much less frequently in postcapillary venules of the murine cremaster muscle after TNF-α challenge. Furthermore, ATL313 markedly suppressed neutrophil migration into the peritoneum challenged with thioglycollate. ATL313 did not affect A2AAR-deficient neutrophils, confirming its specificity. Our findings provide new insights into the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A2AAR signaling and the potential utility of A2AAR agonists in inflammatory diseases.
Fstl1 Promotes Asthmatic Airway Remodeling by Inducing Oncostatin M
Authors: Miller Marina , Beppu Andrew , Rosenthal Peter , Pham Alexa , Das Sudipta , Karta Maya , Song Dae Jin , Vuong Christine , Doherty Taylor , Croft Michael , Zuraw Bruce , Zhang Xu , Gao Xiang , Aceves Seema , Chouiali Fazila , Hamid Qutayba , Broide David H.
Published: September 2015

Chronic asthma is associated with airway remodeling and decline in lung function. In this article, we show that follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1), a mediator not previously associated with asthma, is highly expressed by macrophages in the lungs of humans with severe asthma. Chronic allergen-challenged Lys-Cretg /Fstl1Δ/Δ mice in whom Fstl1 is inactivated in macrophages/myeloid cells had significantly reduced airway remodeling and reduced levels of oncostatin M (OSM), a cytokine previously not known to be regulated by Fstl1. The importance of the Fstl1 induction of OSM to airway remodeling was demonstrated in murine studies in which administration of Fstl1 induced airway remodeling and increased OSM, whereas administration of an anti-OSM Ab blocked the effect of Fstl1 on inducing airway remodeling, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness, all cardinal features of asthma. Overall, these studies demonstrate that the Fstl1/OSM pathway may be a novel pathway to inhibit airway remodeling in severe human asthma.
Electroencephalography-based monitors
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Singh Gyaninder
Published: September 2015

An electroencephalogram (EEG), detects changes and abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain and thus provides a way to dynamically assess brain function. EEG may be used to diagnose and manage a number of clinical conditions such as epilepsy, convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus, encephalitis, barbiturate coma, brain death, etc., EEG provides a large amount of information to the anaesthesiologist for routine clinical practice as depth of anaesthesia monitors and detection of sub-clinical seizures; and also for understanding the complex mechanisms of anaesthesia-induced alteration of consciousness. In the initial years, the routine clinical applicability of EEG was hindered by the complexity of the raw EEG signal. However, with technological advancement, several EEG-derived dimensionless indices have been developed that correlate with the depth of the hypnotic component of anaesthesia and are easy to interpret. Similarly, with the development of quantitative EEG tools, the routine use of continuous EEG is ever expanding in the Intensive Care Units. This review, describe various commonly used EEG-based monitors and their clinical applicability in the field of anaesthesia and critical care.
tRNA-Derived Short Non-coding RNA as Interacting Partners of Argonaute Proteins
Authors: Shigematsu Megumi , Kirino Yohei
Published: September 2015

The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has not only accelerated findings on various novel non-coding RNA (ncRNA) species but also led to the revision of the biological significance and versatility of fundamental RNA species with canonical function, such as transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Although tRNAs are best known as adapter components of translational machinery, recent studies suggest that tRNAs are not always end products but can further serve as a source for short ncRNAs. In many organisms, various tRNA-derived ncRNA species are produced from mature tRNAs or their precursor transcripts as functional molecules involved in various biological processes beyond translation. In this review, we focus on the tRNA-derived ncRNAs associated with Argonaute proteins and summarize recent studies on their conceivable biogenesis factors and on their emerging roles in gene expression regulation as regulatory RNAs.
Спектр мезонов в феноменологическом AдC/КХД-подходе
Authors: Afonin Sergei Sergeevich
Published: September 2015

Дан краткий обзор технических аспектов вычисления спектра мезонов в феномологическом АдС/КХД-подходе на примере модели с мягкой стенкой и некоторых ее обобщений. При этом особый акцент сделан на связи результатов с экспериментальными данными по легким мезонам.
Why does surface ozone peak before a typhoon landing in southeast China?
Authors: Jiang Y. C. , Zhao T. L. , Liu J. , Xu X. D. , Tan C. H. , Cheng X. H. , Bi X. Y. , Gan J. B. , You J. F. , Zhao S. Z.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A high O3 episode with the large increases in surface ozone by 21–42 ppbv and the nocturnal surface O3 levels exceeding 70 ppbv was observed in the region between Xiamen and Quanzhou over the southeastern coast of China during 12–14 June 2014, before Typhoon Hagibis landing. Variations in the surface O3, NO2, CO and meteorology during Typhoon Hagibis event clearly suggest a substantial impact of the peripheral downdrafts in the large scale typhoon circulation on such an O3 episode with excluding the contributions of photochemical production and the horizontal transport. The influence of vertical O3 transport from the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) region on high surface O3 levels is further confirmed by a negative correlation between surface O3 and CO concentrations as well as dry surface air observed during the O3 episode. This study provides observational evidence of typhoon-driven intrusion of O3 from the UTLS region to surface air, revealing a significant effect of such a process of stratosphere–troposphere exchange (STE) of O3 on tropospheric O3 and ambient air quality.
Measurement of wind profiles by motion-stabilised ship-borne Doppler lidar
Authors: Achtert P. , Brooks I. M. , Brooks B. J. , Moat B. I. , Prytherch J. , Persson P. O. G. , Tjernström M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Three months of Doppler lidar wind measurements were obtained during the Arctic Cloud Summer Experiment on the icebreaker Oden during the summer of 2014. Such ship-borne measurements require active stabilisation to remove the effects of ship motion. We demonstrate that the combination of a commercial Doppler lidar with a custom-made motion-stabilisation platform enables the retrieval of wind profiles in the Arctic boundary layer during both cruising and ice-breaking with statistical uncertainties comparable to land-based measurements. This holds particularly within the planetary boundary layer even though the overall aerosol load was very low. Motion stabilisation was successful for high wind speeds in open water and the resulting wave conditions. It allows for the retrieval of winds with a random error below 0.2 m s−1, comparable to the measurement error of standard radiosondes. The combination of a motion-stabilised platform with a low-maintenance autonomous Doppler lidar has the potential to enable continuous long-term high-resolution ship-based wind profile measurements over the oceans.