bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Expression of YKL-40 in Mild and Moderate/Severe Persistent Allergic Rhinitis and its Possible Contribution to Remodeling of Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Park Se Jin , Jun Young Joon , Kim Tae Hoon , Jung Jong Yoon , Hwang Gyu Ho , Jung Kwang Jin , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Heung Man , Lee Sang Hag
Published: October 2013

Background

Prominent expression of YKL-40 has been associated with pathological conditions characterized by tissue remodeling. We determined the expression level and distribution pattern of YKL-40 in allergic nasal mucosa and evaluated the effect of YKL-40 on the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, the production of the mediators related to tissue remodeling, and collagen production. Additionally, the cytokine-driven regulation of YKL-40 expression was evaluated in cultured epithelial cells.

Methods

The expression of YKL-40 in normal, mild, and moderate/severe allergic nasal mucosa was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Fibroblast migration was observed using a scratch wound method, and proliferation was determined by the MTT methods. Expression of proteoglycans, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, and collagen concentration were analyzed in fibroblasts treated with YKL-40. The expression levels of YKL-40 in cultured epithelial cells were examined after stimulation with mediators including Th2 cytokines, interferon (IFN)gamma, and TNF-alpha with real-time PCR and ELISA.

Results

The expression of YKL-40 was up-regulated in allergic rhinitis and distributed in superficial epithelium, submucosal glands, and vascular endothelium, in addition to infiltrating cells. TGF-beta1, TIMP1, MMP9, and biglycan were up-regulated in fibroblasts on stimulation with YKL-40, accompanying increased proliferation and migration, and collagen production. IL-13, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha induced the increased production of YKL-40 in cultured epithelial cells.

Conclusion

YKL-40 is up-regulated in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis, and its expression can be regulated differentially by different cytokines, possibly contributing to the remodeling of nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis.
Prognosis for Sixth Nerve Palsy Arising from Paranasal Sinus Disease
Authors: Miller Craig , Suh Jeffrey D. , Henriquez Oswaldo A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Chiu Alexander G.
Published: October 2013

Background

The abducens nerve, cranial nerve VI (CNVI), is the medial-most nerve in the cavernous sinus. Its close proximity to the sphenoid sinus makes it susceptible to injury, invasion, or compression from a sphenoid pathology leading to horizontal gaze diplopia. A wide range of literature describes myriad causes for CNVI palsy, but there is a lack of references that point to paranasal sinus pathology as an etiology, as well as the prognosis and timeline for resolution. Here, we describe a series of patients that presented with CNVI palsy, their management, and prognosis for recovery. This study was designed to evaluate and understand prognostic factors predicting disease course and likelihood of resolution in patients with abducens nerve palsy.

Methods

A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with CNVI palsy between 2009 and 2012. The demographic data, radiological features, treatment regimens, and disease courses were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen patients at four institutions were identified. Seven patients had neoplasms originating from the paranasal sinuses, three suffered from allergic fungal sinusitis, three patients had invasive fungal sinusitis, one patient had fibrous skull base dysplasia, and one had chronic bacterial sinusitis. The average follow-up time from presentation was 9 months (range, 1–16 months). Thirteen patients underwent surgery, three received chemotherapy, and four had radiation therapy. CNVI palsy resolved in 50% of the cases, with an average time to resolution of 6 weeks (range, 2–12 weeks).

Conclusion

Paranasal sinus pathology is a rare cause of CNVI palsy. A number of factors may help to predict prognosis in these patients. Masses compressing, but not destroying or invading, the cavernous sinus had optimal posttreatment outcomes with full resolution occurring as early as 2 weeks. Destructive lesions that invaded CNVI and its vasculature, i.e., invasive fungus, were negative indicators for recovery. Knowledge of factors that affect recovery can help clinicians predict disease course and prognosis for resolution of the defect.
Assessing the Relationship between Serum Resistin and nasal Obstruction in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Zicari Anna Maria , Occasi Francesca , Marcelli Azzurra Cesoni , Lollobrigida Valeria , Carbone Maria Palma , Galandrini Ricciarda , Giuffrida Anna , Duse Marzia
Published: October 2013

Background

Nasal obstruction has been reported as a “key symptom” of allergic rhinitis (AR) because it is deeply associated with impaired quality of life and it reflects more directly the allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Resistin is known to be involved in inflammatory processes exerting an important role in the regulation of cytokine production even though its effective proinflammatory activity at nasal level has never been fully established. This study investigates the relationship between resistin levels and nasal obstruction assessed by an objective method such as active anterior rhinomanometry.

Methods

Fifty-three children between 4 and 10 years of age affected by persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were enrolled and subdivided in two groups. Serum resistin levels were detected in all children. The same day patients underwent rhinomanometry, which was considered negative (no nasal obstruction) when the fraction of predicted values (p.v.'s) was between 71 and 100% and it was considered positive when the fraction of p.v. was ≤70%.

Results

The serum resistin levels were significantly higher in children with moderate–severe PAR than in patients with mild PAR (p < 0.03). Furthermore, serum resistin levels were significantly higher in children with positive rhinomanometry compared with negative rhinomanometry (p < 0.03). The fraction of p.v.'s of nasal flows in patients with nasal obstruction had a significant negative correlation with serum resistin levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that resistin levels are increased in children with severe nasal obstruction measured by an objective and quantitative approach.
Comparison of Ropivacaine, Bupivacaine, Prilocaine, and Lidocaine in the Management of Pain and Hemorrhage during Nasal Pack Removal
Authors: Gencer Zeliha Kapusuz , Özkiriş Mahmut , Gencer Muzaffer , Saydam Levent
Published: October 2013

Background

This study investigates the effects of local anesthetics application on pain and hemorrhage caused by nasal pack removal.

Methods

The study included 140 patients. Of these, 72 were women and 68 were men. The mean age and weight of the patients were 33.67 ± 10.2 years (range, 21–63 years) and 69.6 ± 13.6 kg. The patients were divided randomly into four groups. Three of the four groups received one of the local anesthetics studied in our trial (lidocaine + adrenaline, 0.25% bupivacaine, or 2% prilocaine) before removal of the nasal packing material and the control group received saline solution. Local anesthetics and 0.9% saline solution were applied to Merocel nasal packs 15 minutes before removal. Each patient was given a questionnaire where verbal analog score and amount of postoperative hemorrhage was noted.

Results

The mean pain score was 3.5 ± 1.2 (median, 4; range, 3–5) in the lidocaine group, 4.5 ± 1.2 (median, 4; range 3–5) in the prilocaine group, 4.7 ± 1.3 (median, 6; range, 3–5) in the bupivacaine group, and 6.35 ± 1.2 (median, 6; range, 5–7) in the saline group during nasal packing removal. The lidocaine group had significantly better pain scores versus other groups (p < 0.05). Bupivacaine and prilocaine had significantly better pain scores versus the control group, respectively. Analysis of bleeding scores after pack removal showed that all three study groups had significantly better bleeding scores versus the control saline group (p < 0.05). The lidocaine group had significantly less bleeding score than bupivacaine and prilocaine groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Topical lidocaine application before removal of nasal packs in patients who undergo nasal septal surgery can decrease discomfort and bleeding and improve patient tolerance.
Rhinology Fellowship Training and its Scholarly Impact
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Blake Danielle M. , Setzen Michael , Folbe Adam J. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: October 2013

Background

Previous examination of the impact of fellowship training on scholarly productivity among otolaryngologists found that head and neck surgeons and otologists had a higher mean h–index than fellowship-trained rhinologists. Because fellowship training in rhinology is a historically newer trend, the objectives of the present analysis were to further characterize research productivity among fellowship-trained academic rhinologists, including geographic and temporal trends, to gain insight into the future direction of scholarly pursuits within the field.

Methods

Fellowship-trained rhinologists in academic practices were identified from the American Rhinologic Society online listings and organized by academic rank, number of years in practice, location, and h-index, as calculated using the Scopus database.

Results

Mean h-index rose with increasing years in practice after fellowship. The h-index, number of publications, and the E-factor (a newly described bibliometric) increased with successive academic rank. The E-factor for rhinologists in this current analysis was not statistically different from the values calculated for other otolaryngology subspecialties (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Fellowship-training in rhinology is a relatively recent development, with half of the academic rhinologists included in this analysis having completed fellowship training within the past 5 years. Scholarly productivity among academic rhinologists increases with academic seniority. As the current cohort of fellowship-trained rhinologists progress in their academic careers, previously described deficits in scholarly productivity relative to other subspecialties are expected to diminish.
The use of Postoperative Topical Corticosteroids in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marcela Fandiño C , Macdonald Kristian I. , Lee John , Witterick Ian J.
Published: October 2013

Background

Topical intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) are used to control disease symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The evidence to recommend INCSs as part of the postoperative care is limited. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of INCSs in the postoperative care of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) during the 1st year postoperatively.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1995 to May 2012), MEDLINE (January 1948 to May 2012), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2012), and the reference lists of articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and cohort studies comparing INCSs with placebo or comparing different types of INCSs were included.

Results

Eleven studies (n = 945 patients) were RCTs and one prospective cohort study (n = 32 patients). As measured by the standardized mean difference (SMD) INCSs had a beneficial effect on symptom scores (SMD, –1.35; 95% CI, –2.05 to –0.64; p = 0.0002; 3 trials; 137 patients) and polyp score (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, –0.91 to –0.14; p = 0.007; 5 trials; 223 patients). Compared with placebo, the use of INCSs decreased the odds of polyp recurrence (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06–0.51; p = 0.002; 2 trials; 74 patients). Two RCTs (n = 105) and one cohort study (n = 32) reported normal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels postintervention.

Conclusion

INCS use is a safe therapy in postoperative management of CRSwNP patients. INCS showed significant improvement in polyp score, patients’ symptoms and significant decrease in polyp recurrence in the first year postoperatively.
The Effect of Maxillary Sinus Irrigation on Early Prognostic Factors after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Seon Tae , Sung Um Hee , Jung Joo Hyun , Paik Ju Young , Woo Joo Hyun , Cha Heung Eog , Kang Il Gyu
Published: October 2013

Background

Sinus irrigation has been used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical and surgical treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maxillary sinus saline irrigation on the prevention of purulent rhinorrhea, extensive granulation formation, and polyp recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

This prospective, controlled study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Gachon University Gil Medical Center. Between August 1, 2011, and May 31, 2012, we recruited a total of 30 patients who underwent bilateral ESS. Group A was composed of 15 patients that were treated with bilateral maxillary sinus saline irrigation for 2 months after ESS. Group B was composed of 15 patients who were followed up during the same period after ESS. We checked for persistent purulent discharge, extensive granulation, and recurrent polyps in both groups to evaluate the effects of maxillary sinus irrigation on their prevention.

Results

Age, gender, and preoperative Lund-Mackay scores were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). In group A, one patient showed polyp recurrence. In group B, one patient showed extensive granulation tissue, two patients showed uncontrolled purulent discharge, three patients showed extensive granulation tissues and uncontrolled purulent discharge, and one patient showed recurrent polyps (p = 0.03). In addition, total endoscopic scores in the 3rd month were significantly different between groups A and B (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Maxillary sinus saline irrigation may be effective in the prevention of poor prognostic factors, such as persistent purulent discharge, at the early stages after ESS.
Symbol/Meaning Paired-Associate Recall: An “Archetypal Memory” Advantage?
Authors: Sotirova-Kohli Milena , Opwis Klaus , Roesler Christian , Smith Steven , Rosen David , Vaid Jyotsna , Djonov Valentin
Published: October 2013

The theory of the archetypes and the hypothesis of the collective unconscious are two of the central characteristics of analytical psychology. These provoke, however, varying reactions among academic psychologists. Empirical studies which test these hypotheses are rare. Rosen, Smith, Huston and Gonzales proposed a cognitive psychological experimental paradigm to investigate the nature of archetypes and the collective unconscious as archetypal (evolutionary) memory. In this article we report the results of a cross-cultural replication of Rosen et al. conducted in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. In short, this experiment corroborated previous findings by Rosen et al., based on English speakers, and demonstrated a recall advantage for archetypal symbol meaning pairs vs. other symbol/meaning pairings. The fact that the same pattern of results was observed across two different cultures and languages makes it less likely that they are attributable to a specific cultural or linguistic context.
Conditioning, Correlation and Entropy Generation in Maxwell’s Demon
Authors: Anderson Neal
Published: October 2013

Maxwell’s Demon conspires to use information about the state of a confined molecule in a Szilard engine (randomly frozen into a state subspace by his own actions) to derive work from a single-temperature heat bath. It is widely accepted that, if the Demon can achieve this at all, he can do so without violating the Second Law only because of a counterbalancing price that must be paid to erase information when the Demon’s memory is reset at the end of his operating cycle. In this paper, Maxwell’s Demon is analyzed within a “referential” approach to physical information that defines and quantifies the Demon’s information via correlations between the joint physical state of the confined molecule and that of the Demon’s memory. On this view, which received early emphasis in Fahn’s 1996 classical analysis of Maxwell’s Demon, information is erased not during the memory reset step of the Demon’s cycle, but rather during the expansion step, when these correlations are destroyed. Dissipation and work extraction are analyzed here for a Demon that operates a generalized quantum mechanical Szilard engine embedded in a globally closed composite, which also includes a work reservoir, a heat bath and the remainder of the Demon’s environment. Memory-engine correlations lost during the expansion step, which enable extraction of work from the Demon via operations conditioned on the memory contents, are shown to be dissipative when this decorrelation is achieved unconditionally so no work can be extracted. Fahn’s essential conclusions are upheld in generalized form, and his quantitative results supported via appropriate specialization to the Demon of his classical analysis, all without external appeal to classical thermodynamics, the Second Law, phase space conservation arguments or Landauer’s Principle.
Dissemination of Solar Water Heaters in Taiwan: The Case of Remote Islands
Authors: Lin Wei-Min , Fan Kai-Chun , Chang Keh-Chin , Chung Kung-Ming
Published: October 2013

Solar water heaters represent the success story in the development of renewable energy in Taiwan. With increasing public awareness, there are over 0.3 million residential systems in operation. To disseminate solar water heaters in remote islands, economic feasibility and water quality are taken into account in this study. The payback period in Kinmen and Penghu Counties are evaluated, according to effective annual solar energy gain, hot water consumption pattern and cost. Assessment of the scaling and corrosion tendencies for solar water heaters using tap and underground water are also presented. For flat-plate solar collectors with metal components, favorable corrosion resistance and protective anti-corrosion coatings are required.
An Upscaling Method for Cover-Management Factor and Its Application in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhao Wenwu , Fu Bojie , Qiu Yang
Published: October 2013

The cover-management factor (C-factor) is important for studying soil erosion. In addition, it is important to use sampling plot data to estimate the regional C-factor when assessing erosion and soil conservation. Here, the loess hill and gully region in Ansai County, China, was studied to determine a method for computing the C-factor. This C-factor is used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) at a regional scale. After upscaling the slope-scale computational equation, the C-factor for Ansai County was calculated by using the soil loss ratio, precipitation and land use/cover type. The multi-year mean C-factor for Ansai County was 0.36. The C-factor values were greater in the eastern region of the county than in the western region. In addition, the lowest C-factor values were found in the southern region of the county near its southern border. These spatial differences were consistent with the spatial distribution of the soil loess ratios across areas with different land uses. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of seasonal vegetation growth changes on the C-factor, and the C-factor upscaling uncertainties at a regional scale.
Genetic Correction of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Inherited Diseases and Focus on Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Authors: Rouanet Sophie , Warrick Emilie , Gache Yannick , Scarzello Sabine , Avril Marie-Françoise , Bernerd Françoise , Magnaldo Thierry
Published: October 2013

Somatic stem cells ensure tissue renewal along life and healing of injuries. Their safe isolation, genetic manipulation ex vivo and reinfusion in patients suffering from life threatening immune deficiencies (for example, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)) have demonstrated the efficacy of ex vivo gene therapy. Similarly, adult epidermal stem cells have the capacity to renew epidermis, the fully differentiated, protective envelope of our body. Stable skin replacement of severely burned patients have proven life saving. Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a devastating disease due to severe defects in the repair of mutagenic DNA lesions introduced upon exposure to solar radiations. Most patients die from the consequences of budding hundreds of skin cancers in the absence of photoprotection. We have developed a safe procedure of genetic correction of epidermal stem cells isolated from XP patients. Preclinical and safety assessments indicate successful correction of XP epidermal stem cells in the long term and their capacity to regenerate a normal skin with full capacities of DNA repair.
Disease Animal Models of TDP-43 Proteinopathy and Their Pre-Clinical Applications
Authors: Liu Yu-Chih , Chiang Po-Min , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: October 2013

Frontotemperal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two common neurodegenerative diseases. TDP-43 is considered to be a major disease protein in FTLD/ALS, but it’s exact role in the pathogenesis and the effective treatments remains unknown. To address this question and to determine a potential treatment for FTLD/ALS, the disease animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy have been established. TDP-43 proteinopathy is the histologic feature of FTLD/ALS and is associated with disease progression. Studies on the disease animal models with TDP-43 proteinopathy and their pre-clinical applications are reviewed and summarized. Through these disease animal models, parts of TDP-43 functions in physiological and pathological conditions will be better understood and possible treatments for FTLD/ALS with TDP-43 proteinopathy may be identified for possible clinical applications in the future.
Determination of Homoarginine, Arginine, NMMA, ADMA, and SDMA in Biological Samples by HPLC-ESI-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Servillo Luigi , Giovane Alfonso , D'Onofrio Nunzia , Casale Rosario , Cautela Domenico , Castaldo Domenico , Balestrieri Maria
Published: October 2013

NG,NG-dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA) and NG-methyl-L-arginine (NMMA) are endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In contrast, NG,N'G-dimethyl-L-arginine (SDMA) possesses only a weak inhibitory potency towards neuronal NOS and it is known to limit nitric oxide (NO) production by competing with L-arginine for cellular uptake. The inhibition of NOS is associated with endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases as well in chronic renal failure. L-Homoarginine (HArg), a structural analog of L-arginine (Arg), is an alternative but less efficient substrate for NOS. Besides, it inhibits arginase, leading to an increased availability of L-arginine for NOS to produce NO. However, its relation with cardiovascular disease remains unclear. To date, several analytical methods for the quantitative determination of Arg, HArg, NMMA, AMDA, and SDMA in biological samples have been described. Here, we present a simple, fast, and accurate HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method which allows both the simultaneous determination and quantification of these compounds without needing derivatization, and the possibility to easily modulate the chromatographic separation between HArg and NMMA (or between SDMA and ADMA). Data on biological samples revealed the feasibility of the method, the minimal sample preparation, and the fast run time which make this method very suitable and accurate for analysis in the basic and clinical settings.
Twinning Phenomena along and beyond the Bain Path
Authors: Kauffmann-Weiss Sandra , Kauffmann Alexander , Niemann Robert , Freudenberger Jens , Schultz Ludwig , Fähler Sebastian
Published: October 2013

Twinning is a phenomenon that occurs, e.g., during deformation, martensitic transformation and film growth. The present study shows that the crystallography of twinning can be described by two twinning modes along the complete Bain transformation path and beyond connecting body-centered and face-centered cubic structures. To probe this concept, we used strained epitaxial films of the Fe-Pd magnetic shape memory system. As the substrate acts as an absolute reference frame, we could show by pole figure measurements that all observed twinning can be a body-centered and face-centered cubic twinning mode. This continuously transforms towards identity when approaching the complementary structure.
Arsenic-Microbe-Mineral Interactions in Mining-Affected Environments
Authors: Hudson-Edwards Karen , Santini Joanne
Published: October 2013

The toxic element arsenic (As) occurs widely in solid and liquid mine wastes. Aqueous forms of arsenic are taken up in As-bearing sulfides, arsenides, sulfosalts, oxides, oxyhydroxides, Fe-oxides, -hydroxides, -oxyhydroxides and -sulfates, and Fe-, Ca-Fe- and other arsenates. Although a considerable body of research has demonstrated that microbes play a significant role in the precipitation and dissolution of these As-bearing minerals, and in the alteration of the redox state of As, in natural and simulated mining environments, the molecular-scale mechanisms of these interactions are still not well understood. Further research is required using traditional and novel mineralogical, spectroscopic and microbiological techniques to further advance this field, and to help design remediation schemes.
Estimation of Tree Cover in an Agricultural Parkland of Senegal Using Rule-Based Regression Tree Modeling
Authors: Herrmann Stefanie , Wickhorst Andrew , Marsh Stuart
Published: October 2013

Field trees are an integral part of the farmed parkland landscape in West Africa and provide multiple benefits to the local environment and livelihoods. While field trees have received increasing interest in the context of strengthening resilience to climate variability and change, the actual extent of farmed parkland and spatial patterns of tree cover are largely unknown. We used the rule-based predictive modeling tool Cubist® to estimate field tree cover in the west-central agricultural region of Senegal. A collection of rules and associated multiple linear regression models was constructed from (1) a reference dataset of percent tree cover derived from very high spatial resolution data (2 m Orbview) as the dependent variable, and (2) ten years of 10-day 250 m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) composites and derived phenological metrics as independent variables. Correlation coefficients between modeled and reference percent tree cover of 0.88 and 0.77 were achieved for training and validation data respectively, with absolute mean errors of 1.07 and 1.03 percent tree cover. The resulting map shows a west-east gradient from high tree cover in the peri-urban areas of horticulture and arboriculture to low tree cover in the more sparsely populated eastern part of the study area. A comparison of current (2000s) tree cover along this gradient with historic cover as seen on Corona images reveals dynamics of change but also areas of remarkable stability of field tree cover since 1968. The proposed modeling approach can help to identify locations of high and low tree cover in dryland environments and guide ground studies and management interventions aimed at promoting the integration of field trees in agricultural systems.
Thermal Tracking in Mobile Robots for Leak Inspection Activities
Authors: Ibarguren Aitor , Molina Jorge , Susperregi Loreto , Maurtua Iñaki
Published: October 2013

Maintenance tasks are crucial for all kind of industries, especially in extensive industrial plants, like solar thermal power plants. The incorporation of robots is a key issue for automating inspection activities, as it will allow a constant and regular control over the whole plant. This paper presents an autonomous robotic system to perform pipeline inspection for early detection and prevention of leakages in thermal power plants, based on the work developed within the MAINBOT (http://www.mainbot.eu) European project. Based on the information provided by a thermographic camera, the system is able to detect leakages in the collectors and pipelines. Beside the leakage detection algorithms, the system includes a particle filter-based tracking algorithm to keep the target in the field of view of the camera and to avoid the irregularities of the terrain while the robot patrols the plant. The information provided by the particle filter is further used to command a robot arm, which handles the camera and ensures that the target is always within the image. The obtained results show the suitability of the proposed approach, adding a tracking algorithm to improve the performance of the leakage detection system.
In planta Protein Interactions of Three Alphacryptoviruses and Three Betacryptoviruses from White Clover, Red Clover and Dill by Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation Analysis
Authors: Lesker Till , Maiss Edgar
Published: October 2013

Plant-infecting viruses of the genera Alpha- and Betacryptovirus within the family Partitiviridae cause no visible effects on their hosts and are only transmitted by cell division and through gametes. The bipartite dsRNA genome is encoding a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a coat protein (CP). Aside from sequence and structural analysis, the investigation of protein interactions is another step towards virus characterization. Therefore, ORFs of two type members White Clover Cryptic Virus 1 and 2 (WCCV-1 and WCCV-2), as well as the related viruses from Red Clover and Dill were introduced into a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. We showed CP-CP dimerization for all tested viruses with localization for alphacryptoviruses at the nuclear membrane and for betacryptoviruses close to cell walls within the cytoplasm. For CPs of WCCV-1 and WCCV-2, deletion mutants were created to determine internal interaction sites. Moreover, RdRp self-interaction was found for all viruses, whereas CP-RdRp interactions were only detectable for the alphacryptoviruses. An intra-genus test of CPs was successful in various virus combinations, whereas an inter-genus interaction of WCCV-1CP and WCCV-2CP was absent. This is the first report of in vivo protein interactions of members in the family Partitiviridae, indicating distinct features of the alpha- and betacryptoviruses.
λῦμα et λΰμη (« saleté » et « mauvais traitement ») : quel lien sémantique ?
Authors: Blanc Alain
Published: October 2013

On admet traditionnellement que λῦμα, -ατός, qui désigne toutes les saletés que Ton enlève en lavant, en nettoyant (Ho., inscr.), et λῦμη, -ης, qui s'emploie généralement au pluriel pour désigner des mauvais traitements (ion.-att.), sont étymologiquement liés. La notion centrale serait celle de souillure et les deux mots reposeraient sur la racine *lu- qui apparaît dans les termes latins pollua « souiller » et lutum « boue », dans le substantif vieil irlandais loth « ordure », etc. Un examen approfondi des passages dans lesquels apparaissent λυμαίνομαι ou λύμη amène toutefois à constater que dans la majorité des attestations la notion de souillure n'est pas perceptible et que lorsqu'elle l'est, elle est due au contexte et non à l'emploi de ces termes. Nous proposons donc de séparer λύμη et λυμαίνομαι de λῦμα et d'ἀπoλυμαίvoμαι et de les rattacher soit à la racine *leu- / *leuH- I *lū- « disloquer, dissoudre » de λύω, lat. luō, soluō, etc., soit à la racine de ὄλλῡμι, en admettant une métathèse de laryngale, *Hlu-meh₂ étant passé à *luH-meh₂, puis à *lûmeh₂ et λύμη.
Moschion Ὁ κόσμιος et l'interprétation de la Samienne de Ménandre
Authors: Blanchard Alain
Published: October 2013

To be κόσμιος is not necessarily a good quality. It appeared so in a difficult text from Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics II 8, and with a new interpretation of the Samia of Menander.
Le poète de Pan. Les raisons de la victoire de Comatas dans l'Idylle V de Théocrite
Authors: Kossaifi Christine
Published: October 2013

The reason why Comatas defeats Lacon in the agon of Theocritus' Idyll V has not been clearly understood, but can be found out. In front of the shepherd favourite of Apollo stands the goatherd beloved by Pan. Now, it is exactly this primitive he-goat god whom Theocritus placed in the heart of his bucolic universe. Comatas is thus associated with his mythical homonym of Idyll VII, but for a more prosaic level, and becomes at the same moment the goatherd and the poet of Pan. So Theocritus gave him the victory over Lacon even before the fight begins.
« Avec son diaphragme visionnaire : Ἰδυίῃσι πραπίδεσσι », Iliade XVIII, 481. À propos du bouclier d'Achille
Authors: Frontisi-Ducroux Françoise
Published: October 2013

Le bouclier fabuleux que forge Héphaïstos pour Achille au chant XVIII de l'Iliade est présenté comme le produit des prapides du dieu, organe généralement identifié au diaphragme. En donnant un sens actif à l'épithète iduia qui le qualifie, on peut traduire l'expression par « diaphragme visionnaire » et voir dès lors dans cette conception de la production artistique une représentation liée à la pratique du chant poétique et de l'inspiration. Cette lecture vient appuyer les interprétations de la longue ekphrasis du chant XVIII comme une figure de la création poétique.
Le livre XVI de Diodore de Sicile : observations sur la composition et le traitement des grands personnages
Authors: Lefèvre François
Published: October 2013

The analysis of the composition of Book XVI and the study of the treatment of his great figures (Philip, Dion, Timoleon...) make evident the care of Diodorus in both matters and allow to reconsider this part of his work with a more favourable eye.
La question de l'État messénien
Authors: Grandjean Catherine
Published: October 2013

La Messénie libérée de la domination Spartiate après la bataille de Leuctres paraît avoir été fortement centralisée autour de Messène. La question de l'organisation régionale, très débattue au XIXe siècle par l'école allemande, reste discutée. La documentation (littéraire, épigraphique et numismatique) doit être maniée avec prudence car elle pose des problèmes de datation et d'interprétation particulièrement ardus. Une organisation fédérale a pu exister entre 338 et le début du me s., mais la domination de Messène sur les autres communautés de Messénie paraît s'être affirmée au IIIe s. ; les liens se rompirent lorsque les petites villes devinrent membres du koinon achaien à partir de la fin du IIIe s.
La fonction du Grand Autel de Pergame
Authors: Queyrel François
Published: October 2013

The texts on the Great Altar of Pergamon are here revisited and reelevaluted to discern the function of this monument. An inscription from Pergamon gives a neglected indication : it mentions the existence of a cult of the Twelve Gods and the God Eumenes II. We can also modify a suggestion of Louis Robert : the Great Altar was devoted to the cult of the Twelve Gods and the God Eumenes II.
Total synthesis of (−)-epimyrtine by a gold-catalyzed hydroamination approach
Authors: Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen , Nguyen Khanh Hung , de Aguiar Amaral Patricia , Gouault Nicolas
Published: October 2013

A new approach to the total synthesis of (−)-epimyrtine has been developed from D-alanine. The key step to access the enantiopure pyridone intermediate was achieved by a gold-mediated cyclization. Finally, various transformations afforded the natural product in a few steps and good overall yield.
Transforming K-12 Classrooms with Digital Technology
Authors: Leneway Robert J.
Published: October 2013

Powerful emerging technologies, data systems, and communications have converged to change how we play, work, communicate, learn, and even what we think. It is fundamentally changing our institutions and support systems, especially our schools and their classrooms. Thus, the teachers that use these classrooms need to also change. If schools and classroom designed for a 20th century industrial age are to survive, then how do they need to be transformed to respond to the rapidly changing needs of today’s 21st century students? There is currently much “hype” on what technology can do for students and their classrooms. This chapter explores what the research says works regarding the integration of digital technologies for schools, teachers, and most importantly the 21st century students that today’s classrooms are intended to serve. However, with most emerging technologies, the research has not kept pace with the ever increasing advance, so this chapter also highlights some of the promising new technology devices, programs, and educational practices in need of quality evaluative research. By exploring how today's students and their learning needs are being changed by current and emerging promising digital technologies, a personal vision for the reader should begin to emerge on how schools might transform their 20th century teachers and classrooms into spaces, including virtual spaces, that better serve today's 21st century students.
Blended and Online Learning in Virtual K-12 Schools
Authors: Kumi-Yeboah Alex
Published: October 2013

Since 2000, there has been an increasing rate of online learning directed toward K-12 schools in the United States. The need for online courses has become evident as schools are searching for ways to meet student’s learning needs. Online and blended courses provide options for schools with limited curricular offerings, scheduling conflicts, or find it difficult to provide highly qualified teachers. In the 2010/2011 school year, it was estimated that approximately 1.5 million students in K-12 schools across the United States were enrolled in an online course (Wicks, 2010). However, a literature search indicates that not much is known about K-12 blended and online learning instruction in virtual K-12 schools. Various issues such as types of instructional delivery, optional management skills, current trend of blended learning, the academic impact on K-12 education are critical areas for teachers and administrators to consider (iNACOL, 2011). This chapter seeks to demonstrate the growing trend of blended and online learning in the United States, analyze instructional implications of blended and online learning to students, discuss major obstacles to blended and online learning in K-12 schools, address possible solutions, and provide recommendations for further studies.
Fostering Collaboration and Digital Literacy with Mobile Technology
Authors: Mills Michael S.
Published: October 2013

Multimodal literacies are an essential construct of the 21st century classroom, and mobile technology will serve to facilitate the collaborative creation of multimodal digital content. The mission of this chapter is to highlight the potential of mobile technology as a means for enabling collaborative activities and fostering effective communication. Over the past several decades, there has been a tremendous shift in how educators and students communicate, learn, and share ideas. The proliferation of mobile computing devices to a near-ubiquitous level has amplified this shift and compels educators to seek ways to harness the power of these devices to break down the barriers of the traditional classroom in an effort to make way for a more collaborative, reflective learning experience. Drawing on recent research on the cognitive benefits of multimodal literacy instruction and its potential for increasing opportunities for student engagement, this chapter provides a rationale for and subsequently sketches a practical approach for fostering collaborative, multimodal literacy practices through mobile technology.
GBL as PBL
Authors: Hoge Brad
Published: October 2013

GBL is proving to be a promising and engaging tool for STEM learning. How GBL affects content and mastery is unknown, however. For GBL to be more than an engaging tool for delivery of basic knowledge, it must be designed to achieve the goals of PBL. PBL achieves mastery by using principles of inquiry to promote constructive learning. The challenge is to keep GBL engaging while incorporating inquiry strategies into gameplay. This can be achieved through immersive micromanagement games that incorporate content mastery objectives into player strategies for advancement in the game's plot. Complexity introduced through evolving game scenarios should push players towards decisions based on content lessons. Players should be allowed to personalize their experience through the use of avatars and should play a role in the execution of strategies within the game. Team play and competition can also enhance the PBL elements and increase cognitive outcomes.
STEM in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Kumtepe Alper Tolga , Genc-Kumtepe Evrim
Published: October 2013

The chapter reviews previously published articles and summarizes trends in STEM research in early childhood education over the last twelve years (2000-2012) by employing a content analytic procedure. The specific purposes of the study are to determine the general characteristics of the STEM research in early childhood education, to identify the research designs being applied in articles, and to reveal the common research topics/issues on STEM education in the field of early childhood education. A total of 41 articles are extracted from a wide range of publications. Thematic analysis reveals two main themes and nine subthemes on research topics/issues, including policy, management, equity issues, STEM schools, theories, models, professional development, teacher support, program development and evaluation, learner and teacher attributes, and pre-service teacher education.
Integrating Computing Across the Curriculum
Authors: Carter Alia , Shelia R. Cotton  , Gibson Philip , O’Neal LaToya J. , Simoni Zachary , Stringer Kristi , Watkins Leticia S.
Published: October 2013

The need for technology-enriched learning environments is driven by advancements in 21st century technology and an increase in STEM-related careers. Although women and racial/ethnic minorities make up a significant portion of the American workforce, they remain underrepresented in STEM-related careers. Integrating Computing Across the Curriculum (ICAC) is a five-year research intervention project whose aim is to reduce STEM career-related inequality by providing teachers with the resources they need to integrate computing across the curriculum. The ICAC integration model involves administrators, teachers, students, and their parents. This chapter provides support for the ICAC model as a means of promoting student interest in STEM and as a means of developing technology-enriched curricula designed to improve 21st century teaching and learning.
Digital Play
Authors: Howell Jennifer , McDonald Susan
Published: October 2013

This chapter showcases a new framework (Technology and Play Framework) for teachers to consider when planning the use of digital technologies in the Early Years of formal schooling. It also presents the findings from a pilot study conducted with an F-1 (Foundation year and year 1) class in an Australian primary school that demonstrated how this framework could direct the effective use of a specific digital technology in terms of student learning outcomes with particular focus on literacy and numeracy. While play is recognised as an essential component of good practice in early childhood settings, it needs to be reconsidered and aligned to incorporate emerging digital technologies and complementary pedagogical practices in order to support authentic learning.
Integrating the Arts into Early Childhood Teacher Education Through Technology
Authors: Hsieh Kevin , Davenport Melanie
Published: October 2013

Integrating the arts into the early childhood classroom is considered one of the effective pedagogies for children to learn different disciplines. However, most students in early childhood teacher education programs do not have experience in art, nor do they generally create art themselves. However, these future teachers and their students alike are surrounded with visual culture, immersed in technology, and grew up with television and other devices as indispensable parts of their lives, so these can provide portals for teaching them about the arts and interdisciplinary content integration. Teaching future Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers creative pedagogies for integrating the arts into their classrooms through the use of technology is essential. The purpose is not just to help them understand the connections between the visual arts and what they see around them on television, tablet, and computer, but also, perhaps optimistically, to encourage them to be advocates for the arts in the lives of their students. In this chapter, the authors contemplate some of the challenges in building those connections for ECE students. They consider the questions: How can we build their confidence with this subject matter and guide them to integrate art forms through technology into their curricula? How can we foster in these future teachers a creative sensibility that recognizes the arts as a fundamental shared human means of expressing identity, understandings, beliefs, and ideas? How can we utilize very accessible community resources to encourage this transformation? This chapter describes a hands-on approach developed for guiding ECE majors who have little or no arts experience to understand, appreciate, and engage in the arts through technology and the interdisciplinary possibilities of Puppetry Arts. They describe the philosophy, process, resources, and outcomes of the course and offer recommendations for integrating the arts into early childhood education coursework through technology.
Young People in a Gallery with a Digital Camera
Authors: Lemon Narelle
Published: October 2013

Digital technologies that serve to develop new ways of engaging with each other and promote learning are challenging how collaborations are formed and enacted in the educational setting. This chapter discusses a project set in Melbourne, Australia, that involved learning about what young people think about visiting a gallery as part of an education program. The twist to this project was placing a digital camera in each of the hands of Grade 3 to 6 primary school students. The investigation centered around seeing if it was possible to integrate digital cameras in a specifically designed gallery program that required students to generate digital still photographs to share their experiences. One of the aims for this approach was for the student voice to inform the gallery educators of what they were engaging with in the gallery space and to influence future program development. The digital camera itself challenged ways of working in the gallery space, as too did listening to young people’s voice to inform learning and teaching as a part of the gallery education programs. Paramount to this project was seeing the transformation of K-12 education in the gallery setting particularly with the digital camera seen as a renewed or revisioned technology, that is, a technology that would not normally be utilized in the gallery space for educational programs. In building on the digital camera’s familiar use in the primary school context, this project highlights the integration of this device as a hand-held mobile technology that supports the crossing of boundaries between school and gallery learning environments and that supports young people to be trusted, honored, and allowed to explore their own voice and choice.