bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triclosan Blocks MMP‐13 Expression in Hormone‐Stimulated Osteoblasts
Authors: Barnes Virginia Monsul , Xu Tao , Shimizu Emi , Nakatani Teruyo , Jefcoat Steven , Vasilov Anatoliy , Qin Ling , Partridge Nicola C.
Published: January 2013

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) is an important enzyme for the modulation of bone turnover and gingival recession. Elevated levels of MMP‐13 are associated with alveolar bone resorption, periodontal ligament breakdown, and gingival attachment loss, which are the clinical symptoms of periodontal disease. Evidence continues to suggest that periodontal disease contributes to oral tissue breakdown and is linked to numerous systemic conditions. Triclosan (TCN) is a long‐standing, proven antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory agent found in the only Food and Drug Administration–approved dentifrice for the treatment of plaque and gingivitis.

Methods: This study examines the inhibitory effects of TCN on lipopolysaccharide‐, parathyroid hormone (PTH)‐, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐induced expression of MMP‐13 in UMR 106‐01 cells, an osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line. The cells were stimulated with PTH or PGE2 to induce MMP‐13 mRNA expression, and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine gene expression levels. Western blot analysis assessed the presence or absence of protein degradation or inhibition of protein synthesis. MMP‐13 promoter reporter assay was used to explore possible direct effects of TCN on the MMP‐13 promoter.

Results: TCN significantly reduced PTH or PGE2 elevated expression of MMP‐13 in osteoblastic cells without affecting basal levels of the mRNA. Surprisingly, TCN enhanced the expression of c‐fos and amphiregulin mRNA. A promoter assay indicated that TCN directly inhibits the activation of the PTH‐responsive minimal promoter of MMP‐13.

Conclusion: The present study appears to have identified a nuclear mechanism of action of TCN that accounts for the ability of TCN to inhibit PTH‐ or PGE2‐induced MMP‐13 expression in osteoblastic cells.
Effect of type of calcium phosphate on microstructure and properties of glass reinforced biocomposites
Authors: Sych Olena , Pinchuk Nataliya
Published: January 2013

In the present study two different types of calcium phosphates (synthetic
calcium phosphates (SCP) and biogenic hydroxyapatite (BHA) ) were used to
produce porous biocomposites with addition of 35.5-41.0 wt % SiO2-Na2O-B2O3
glass. It has been shown that morphology, density, porosity, mechanical
properties and solubility in vitro of prepared composites depend on the
amount of glass and type of introduced phosphates. The obtained results
reveal that the prepared composites combine good mechanical properties (up to
141 MPa) with sufficient solubility. The porous composites based on SCP have
a significant higher dissolution in physiological solution in comparison
with composites based on BHA.
Preparation and properties of β-SiAloN/ZrN nano-composites from ZrO2-coated Si3N4 powder
Authors: Maglica Aljosa , Krnel Kristoffer , Pribosic Irena , Kosmac Tomaz
Published: January 2013

In this study we report on the preparation and properties of ?-SiAlON/ZrN
electro-conductive nano-composites from ZrO2-coated Si3N4 powder. The silicon
nitride powder was coated with nano-sized zirconia particles by the
precipitation of ZrO2 from a zirconium acetate solution using urea as the
precipitating agent. For the preparation of sintered ?-SiAlON/ZrN composites
two different approaches were used. In the first one the ZrO2-coated Si3N4
powder was mixed with the appropriate sintering additives (Al2O3, Y2O3 and
AlN) and reaction sintered, while in the second approach the coated powder
was first calcined at 1600?C to prepare ZrN coated Si3N4 powder that was
subsequently mixed with the sintering additives and sintered. For comparison,
composites with the same composition were also prepared by mixing Si3N4 and
ZrO2 powders with sintering additives and sintered. During the thermal
treatment and/or sintering of the Si3N4/ZrO2/AlN powder mixtures zirconia
reacts with silicon nitride and aluminium nitride to form zirconium nitride.
However, during sintering the agglomeration and grain growth of small,
nanometric ZrN particles occurs. Despite the fact that the samples were
sintered at atmospheric pressure they are dense, have relatively good
flexural strengths and are electrically conductive.
Alumina ceramics prepared with new pore-forming agents
Authors: Zivcová Zuzana , Gregorová Eva , Pabst Willi
Published: January 2013

Porous ceramics have a wide range of applications at all length scales,
ranging from filtration membranes and catalyst supports to biomaterials
(scaffolds for bone ingrowths) and thermally or acoustically insulating bulk
materials or coating layers. Organic pore-forming agents (PFAs) of biological
origin can be used to control porosity, pore size and pore shape. This work
concerns the characterization and testing of several less common pore-forming
agents (lycopodium, coffee, fl our and semolina, poppy seed), which are of
potential interest from the viewpoint of size, shape or availability. The
performance of these new PFAs is compared to that of starch, which has become
a rather popular PFA for ceramics during the last decade. The PFAs
investigated in this work are in the size range from 5 ?m (rice starch) to
approximately 1 mm (poppy seed), all with more or less isometric shape. The
burnout behavior of PFAs is studied by thermal analysis, i.e.
thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. For the preparation of
porous alumina ceramics from alumina suspensions containing PFAs traditional
slip casting (into plaster molds) and starch consolidation casting (using
metal molds) are used in this work. The resulting microstructures are
investigated using optical microscopy, combined with image analysis, as well
as other methods (Archimedes method of double-weighing in water, mercury
intrusion porosimetry).
A novel ceramic material with medical application
Authors: Podporska Joanna , Błażewicz Marta , Trybalska Barbara , Zych Łukasz
Published: January 2013

Until now the basic methods used in manufacturing of wollastonite have been
chemical (melting together with glass crystallization process, chemical
coprecipitation) and sol - gel methods. A new and promising way of
wollastonite fabrication is controlled pyrolysis of polysiloxane precursors
with inorganic fillers. Heat treatment of such mixtures leads to the
formation of wollastonite-containing ceramics already at about 1000?C. This
is a relatively inexpensive and efficient method which enables to obtain
complex shapes of the samples. The aim of this work was to obtain sintered,
wollastonite-containing bioceramics and determine its bioactive features.
Samples were sintered at three different temperatures: 1000, 1100 and 1200?C.
Then the bioactivity of the wollastonite-containing ceramics was investigated
by the ?in vitro? test in simulated body fluid. On the basis of the achieved
results, it can be assumed that the obtained material possesses bioactive
features.
Effect of powder synthesis method on BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Vijatovic Mirjana , Vasic Milos , Bobic Jelena , Zivkovic Ljiljana , Stojanovic Biljana
Published: January 2013

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) has been of practical interest for more than 60
years because of its attractive properties. BaTiO3 can be prepared using
different methods, which can have significant influence on the structure and
properties of barium titanate ceramics. In this paper powder of BaTiO3
powders were prepared by two methods. The first was synthesis from polymeric
precursors through Pechini process which was carried out as a three-stage
process from an oganometallic complex, producing cubic BaTiO3 powders with
40-80 nm primary particles. The second was a mechanochemical synthesis from
powder mixture of BaO and TiO2, producing cubic BaTiO3 but with primary
particles 200-250 nm. In both cases BaTiO3 ceramics were produced by
sintering for 2h at 1300?C without a pre-calcination step. The phases formed
and the crystal structure of BaTiO3 prepared by both methods was carried out
by XRD analysis. The morphology and microstructure of obtained powders and
sintered samples were examined by SEM.
Auditor Business Process Analysis and Linkages among Auditor Risk Judgments
Authors: Kochetova-Kozloski Natalia , Kozloski Thomas M. , Messier William F.
Published: January 2013

This research note examines whether auditors “link” their entity-level risk assessments to their core business process risk assessments. For auditors who performed a business process analysis of the core business process, there is a positive association between the identification of significant process-level business risks and the identification of significant business risks at the entity level. We also find that performing a business process analysis leads to higher assessments of the risk of material misstatement at the process level. With respect to the linkages between risk-related judgments, we find that auditors link their assessments of misstatement risk at the process level to similar assessments at the entity level, while taking into account significant process-level risks.

Data Availability: The data are available from the first author upon request.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Plays a Key Role in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Lupachyk Sergey , Watcho Pierre , Stavniichuk Roman , Shevalye Hanna , Obrosova Irina G.
Published: January 2013

Endoplasmic reticulum stress resulting from abnormal folding of newly synthesized proteins impairs metabolism, transcriptional regulation, and gene expression, and it is a key mechanism of cell injury. Endoplasmic reticulum stress plays an important role in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes. We evaluated the role for this phenomenon in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Endoplasmic reticulum stress manifest in upregulation of multiple components of unfolded protein response was identified in neural tissues (sciatic nerve, spinal cord) of streptozotocin diabetic rats and mice. A chemical chaperone, trimethylamine oxide, administered for 12 weeks after induction of diabetes (110 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1, a prevention paradigm) attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress, peripheral nerve dysfunction, intraepidermal nerve fiber loss, and sciatic nerve and spinal cord oxidative-nitrative stress in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Similar effects on diabetes-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and peripheral nerve dysfunction were observed with a structurally unrelated chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyric acid (100 mg⋅kg−1⋅d−1, intraperitoneal). CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)−/− mice made diabetic with streptozotocin displayed less severe sciatic nerve oxidative-nitrative stress and peripheral neuropathy than the wild-type (C57Bl6/J) mice. Neither chemical chaperones nor CHOP gene deficiency reduced diabetic hyperglycemia. Our findings reveal an important role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and identify a potential new therapeutic target.
Jackson Heights Neighborhood Transportation Study, New York City: New Approach in Community-Based Planning
Authors: Ernhofer Oliver , Ng Willa , Mosseri Gill , Stein David , Varley Don , Maguire Thomas
Published: January 2013

The comprehensive Jackson Heights Neighborhood Transportation Study addressed the safety and mobility of pedestrians, transit, and vehicles, as well as quality of life issues in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. The study was a community-driven process that saw the implementation (1 year within the year of the study's completion) of short-term problem-solving transportation treatments such as simplifying intersection layouts, reversing travel directions, and improving pedestrian crossings. The study continually reinforced a commitment to the neighborhood by monitoring these treatments and making adjustments as necessary. This paper describes how that approach invigorated the traditional elements of a transportation study by lending gravity and immediacy to data collection, development of improvements, and public outreach. New strategies were used to keep all stakeholders, including the New York City Department of Transportation, other transportation agencies, elected officials, and the community at large informed and involved. The study demonstrated that typically controversial changes such as street closures and performance-based parking pricing for vehicles and trucks were feasible if the community understood the issues to be addressed and was involved in the development of solutions.
Identification and Assessment of Potential High-Speed Rail Routes from Megaregion Perspective
Authors: Ross Catherine L. , Woo Myungje
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the appropriateness of the megaregion concept for high-speed rail (HSR) planning. The paper identifies potential HSR routes with higher economic benefits and analyzes functional economic relationships of regions and market feasibility with the use of the origination and destination data of commodity flows and air passenger travel. The paper also analyzes the proposed HSR programs by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration and finds that most HSR routes with higher investment priority are located within megaregions and across state boundaries and that the recently released federal HSR programs are moving to take the multijurisdictional interactions into account for allocating HSR funds. The results imply that the megaregion would be an appropriate scale for developing HSR in terms of the benefits and effectiveness of implementation.
Evolving Role of Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Transportation Planning for Megaregions
Authors: Peckett Haley , Lyons William M.
Published: January 2013

Transportation policy makers and planners are increasingly recognizing that the United States, to remain globally competitive, must address the significant transportation needs of megaregions, the large networks of metropolitan centers and their surrounding areas connected through cultural, environmental, and economic characteristics as well as major infrastructure. In response to transportation challenges that extend beyond the formal boundaries covered by current transportation planning processes, local, regional, and state transportation agencies are developing collaborative processes to plan for megaregions. This process involves flexible adaptation of the roles and responsibilities identified in federal requirements for transportation planning. This paper presents the results of research funded by the Federal Highway Administration on how metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are working with partners to address transportation issues in seven megaregions. The research used case studies to identify successful technical and institutional approaches, innovations, and challenges for policy makers and peer agencies. The project team developed a framework for evaluating the MPO approach to megaregion planning and refined the framework on the basis of applications to the case studies. The case studies demonstrate a pattern of evolution, suggesting that MPOs engage in a series of activities that may eventually support a transportation system on a megaregion scale. The study considers how MPOs participate and lead in key aspects of planning for megaregions as the MPOs work within and adapt the federal planning framework to conduct technical analysis, forge partnerships, develop studies, and support new projects.
Good Practices to Encourage Bicycling and Pedestrians on Federal Lands: 11 Components
Authors: Villwock-Witte Natalie , Gleason Rebecca , Shapiro Phillip
Published: January 2013

The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center, sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, recently completed the report Good Practices to Encourage Bicycling and Pedestrians on Federal Lands. The report was developed for federal land managers interested in creating or expanding bicycle and pedestrian options in their units and looking for more information about successful models and practices. Bicycle and pedestrian transportation has many benefits of interest to federal land managers, including resource protection, reducing green house gas emissions, achieving financial sustainability, and improving visitor enjoyment and health. After reviewing bicycle and pedestrian planning documents from federal land units and selected cities and counties, the technical assistance team identified 11 components of an effective bicycle and pedestrian plan: needs assessment; partnerships; goals, objectives, and performance measures; bicycle and pedestrian network plan; design guidelines; maintenance policy and procedures; pedestrian and bicycle support facilities; cost and funding analysis; encouragement, education, and enforcement programs; evaluation and monitoring; and updates. This paper describes each component and presents illustrative examples. The full report contains additional examples and a more in-depth discussion of each component of the plan.
Microparticipation with Social Media for Community Engagement in Transportation Planning
Authors: Evans-Cowley Jennifer S. , Griffin Greg
Published: January 2013

Transportation planning processes may be enhanced and plans improved by engaging the community through social media technologies. “Microparticipation” means the engagement of the public with social media methods for the purpose of maximizing the information going into a planning process while minimizing the plan's development time and the cost to the public. Twitter, Facebook, and other microparticipation media have been used for planning but have not been extensively evaluated for that purpose. This study examined more than 49,000 posts on Twitter and other social networking sites tracked by the Social Networking and Planning Project to determine public engagement in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan. With the use of a mixed methods approach, relevant posts were examined to determine sentiment, extent of engagement, and impact on the decision-making process. The study found methods that could be used to analyze microparticipation. The report concluded that microparticipation could be effective in generating participation but faced substantial technical, analytical, and communication barriers to influencing decision making.
To Game or Not to Game: Teaching Transportation Planning with Board Games
Authors: Huang Arthur , Levinson David
Published: January 2013

Traditional “chalk and talk” teaching in civil engineering is gradually being replaced with active learning that focuses on encouraging students to discover knowledge with innovative pedagogical methods and tools. One interesting such tool is the board game. This research examines the efficacy of adopting transportation board games as a tool in graduate-level transportation planning and transportation economics classes at the University of Minnesota from 2008 to 2011. The Department of Civil Engineering offered these courses with transportation board games on weekday nights. Students were asked to evaluate the effects of the games on their learning and to write self-reflective essays about their findings. The postgame survey revealed that the students’ understanding of the planning process, network deployment, and practical issues, and their ability to form opinions about transportation planning had improved. Student essays on the game economy and its implications on planning further validated that the learning outcomes derived from this game process met the pedagogical goals. This analysis shows that students who are oriented toward learning more on the basis of the visual, sensing, active, or sequential learning styles, with all else being equal, tend to learn more effectively through this approach than those who do not share these learning styles. Overall, this research suggests that properly incorporating board games into the curriculum can enhance students’ learning in transportation planning.
Changes in melt season characteristics on Devon Ice Cap, Canada, and their association with the Arctic atmospheric circulation
Authors: Gascon Gabrielle , Sharp Martin , Bush Andrew
Published: January 2013

Using June–August surface meteorological measurements for 2004–10 we found that the duration of the summer melt season at elevations of 1800, 1300 and 1000 m a.s.l. on Devon Ice Cap, Canada, increased at a rate of 3.4 (p< 0.1; weak significance), 6.1 (p< 0.01) and 8.8 (p< 0.05) days a−1, respectively. The calculated surface melt rate at 1300m a.s.l. increased from 74 to 133 cm w.e. a−1between 2007 and 2010. These changes are linked to two types of change in the Arctic atmospheric circulation. Strengthening of the 500 hPa ridge over the Arctic in June–July resulted in increases in both the advection of warm air into the region and the occurrence of cloud-free conditions over the ice cap, causing the available melt energy to increase by 4–24% relative to June–July 2007–10 mean conditions. More frequent southwesterly low-pressure systems in August after 2004 accounted for a 12–38% increase in available melt energy relative to the August 2007–10 daily mean due to advection of warm air into the Arctic, reduced incoming shortwave radiation and increased net longwave radiation. This delayed the timing of freeze-up by an average of 5.5 days a–1 (p< 0.05) at the three sites over 2004–10.
Chinese Climate and Vernacular Dwellings
Authors: Sun Feifei
Published: January 2013

The industrial and economic expansion of China, particularly its rapid urbanization, has resulted in dramatic increased consumption of energy resources and the resulting environmental impacts at local, regional and global levels. Although a national program aimed at the technological development of sustainable buildings with energy saving potential is ongoing, it is also appropriate to consult vernacular architectural tradition. This holds the potential to learn and adapt important cultural ideas developed over time on the art of balancing thermal comfort between climate and limited resources. This paper explores the five different climatic regions into which China is partitioned by the Chinese authorities: severe cold region, cold region, moderate region, hot summer and cold winter region, and hot summer and mild winter region. Analysis of each region covers the climate and its vernacular architecture with a special focus on how sustainability was addressed. Finally, regional climate scenario has been analyzed on the basis of data from Meteonorm V6.1 with special attention paid to passive design strategies.
Metals on Graphene: Interactions, Growth Morphology, and Thermal Stability
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Hupalo Myron , Lin Hai-Qing , Ho Kai-Ming , Tringides Michael
Published: January 2013

Graphene, a single atomic layer of graphite, has been a material of recent intensive studies due to its novel electronic and structural properties and its potential applications in the emerging area of carbon-based electronic devices. Metal on graphene growth is one of the current research interests, aiming at improving and manipulating the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene through metal atom adsorption or doping to meet various requirements in device applications. In this paper, we will give an overview of recent experimental and computational investigation of interaction, growth morphology, and thermal stability of various metals on graphene grown on 6H-SiC(0001) substrate.
Dissimilarity of Ant Communities Increases with Precipitation, but not Reduced Land-Use Intensity, in Indonesian Cacao Agroforestry
Authors: Rizali Akhmad , Clough Yann , Buchori Damayanti , Tscharntke Teja
Published: January 2013

Land-use degradation and climate change are well-known drivers of biodiversity loss, but little information is available about their potential interaction. Here, we focus on the effects of land-use and precipitation on ant diversity in cacao agroforestry. In Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, we selected 16 cacao agroforestry plots with a shaded vs. unshaded plot in each of eight villages differing in precipitation (1032–2051 mm annual rainfall). On each plot, 10 cacao trees with similar size and age (7–10 years) were selected for hand collection of ants on each cacao tree and the soil surface. In total, we found 80 ant species belonging to five subfamilies. Land-use intensification (removal of shade trees) and precipitation had no effect on species richness of ants per cacao tree (alpha diversity) and, in an additive partitioning approach, within-plot beta diversity. However, higher precipitation (but not shade) significantly increased ant species dissimilarity across cacao trees within a plot, with ant species showing contrasting responses to precipitation. Reduced precipitation causing drought stress appeared to contribute to convergence of ant community structure, presumably via reduced heterogeneity in cacao tree growth. In conclusion, reduced precipitation greatly influenced ant community dissimilarity and appeared to be more important for ant community structure than land-use intensification.
Automated Pulmonary Nodule Detection System in Computed Tomography Images: A Hierarchical Block Classification Approach
Authors: Choi Wook-Jin , Choi Tae-Sun
Published: January 2013

A computer-aided detection (CAD) system is helpful for radiologists to detect pulmonary nodules at an early stage. In this paper, we propose a novel pulmonary nodule detection method based on hierarchical block classification. The proposed CAD system consists of three steps. In the first step, input computed tomography images are split into three-dimensional block images, and we apply entropy analysis on the block images to select informative blocks. In the second step, the selected block images are segmented and adjusted for detecting nodule candidates. In the last step, we classify the nodule candidate images into nodules and non-nodules. We extract feature vectors of the objects in the selected blocks. Lastly, the support vector machine is applied to classify the extracted feature vectors. Performance of the proposed system is evaluated on the Lung Image Database Consortium database. The proposed method has reduced the false positives in the nodule candidates significantly. It achieved 95.28% sensitivity with only 2.27 false positives per scan.
2-(2-Hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-1,3-indanedione versus Fluorescein Isothiocyanate in Interaction with Anti-hFABP Immunoglobulin G1: Fluorescence Quenching, Secondary Structure Alteration and Binding Sites Localization
Authors: Stan Dana , Mihailescu Carmen-Marinela , Savin Mihaela , Matei Iulia
Published: January 2013

The first step in determining whether a fluorescent dye can be used for antibody labeling consists in collecting data on its physical interaction with the latter. In the present study, the interaction between the 2-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-1,3-indanedione (HNBID) dye and the IgG1 monoclonal mouse antibody anti-human heart fatty acid binding protein (anti-hFABP) has been investigated by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopies and complementary structural results were obtained by molecular modeling. We have determined the parameters characterizing this interaction, namely the quenching and binding constants, classes of binding sites, and excited state lifetimes, and we have predicted the localization of HNBID within the Fc region of anti-hFABP. The key glycosidic and amino acid residues in anti-hFABP interacting with HNBID have also been identified. A similar systematic study was undertaken for the well-known fluorescein isothiocyanate fluorophore, for comparison purposes. Our results recommend HNBID as a valuable alternative to fluorescein isothiocyanate for use as a fluorescent probe for IgG1 antibodies.
Material Analysis of Coated Siliconized Silicon Carbide (SiSiC) Honeycomb Structures for Thermochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Neises-von Puttkamer Martina , Simon Heike , Schmücker Martin , Roeb Martin , Sattler Christian , Pitz-Paal Robert
Published: January 2013

In the present work, thermochemical water splitting with siliconized silicon carbide (SiSiC) honeycombs coated with a zinc ferrite redox material was investigated. The small scale coated monoliths were tested in a laboratory test-rig and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with corresponding micro analysis after testing in order to characterize the changes in morphology and composition. Comparison of several treated monoliths revealed the formation of various reaction products such as SiO2, zircon (ZrSiO4), iron silicide (FeSi) and hercynite (FeAl2O4) indicating the occurrence of various side reactions between the different phases of the coating as well as between the coating and the SiSiC substrate. The investigations showed that the ferrite is mainly reduced through reaction with silicon (Si), which is present in the SiSiC matrix, and silicon carbide (SiC). These results led to the formulation of a new redox mechanism for this system in which Zn-ferrite is reduced through Si forming silicon dioxide (SiO2) and through SiC forming SiO2 and carbon monoxide. A decline of hydrogen production within the first 20 cycles is suggested to be due to the growth of a silicon dioxide and zircon layer which acts as a diffusion barrier for the reacting specie.
Mechanical Properties of Metallic Glasses
Authors: Egami Takeshi , Iwashita Takuya , Dmowski Wojciech
Published: January 2013

Metallic glasses are known for their outstanding mechanical strength. However, the microscopic mechanism of failure in metallic glasses is not well-understood. In this article we discuss elastic, anelastic and plastic behaviors of metallic glasses from the atomistic point of view, based upon recent results by simulations and experiments. Strong structural disorder affects all properties of metallic glasses, but the effects are more profound and intricate for the mechanical properties. In particular we suggest that mechanical failure is an intrinsic behavior of metallic glasses, a consequence of stress-induced glass transition, unlike crystalline solids which fail through the motion of extrinsic lattice defects such as dislocations.
Selenistasis: Epistatic Effects of Selenium on Cardiovascular Phenotype
Authors: Joseph Jacob , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: January 2013

Although selenium metabolism is intricately linked to cardiovascular biology and function, and deficiency of selenium is associated with cardiac pathology, utilization of selenium in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease remains an elusive goal. From a reductionist standpoint, the major function of selenium in vivo is antioxidant defense via its incorporation as selenocysteine into enzyme families such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. In addition, selenium compounds are heterogeneous and have complex metabolic fates resulting in effects that are not entirely dependent on selenoprotein expression. This complex biology of selenium in vivo may underlie the fact that beneficial effects of selenium supplementation demonstrated in preclinical studies using models of oxidant stress-induced cardiovascular dysfunction, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial infarction, have not been consistently observed in clinical trials. In fact, recent studies have yielded data that suggest that unselective supplementation of selenium may, indeed, be harmful. Interesting biologic actions of selenium are its simultaneous effects on redox balance and methylation status, a combination that may influence gene expression. These combined actions may explain some of the biphasic effects seen with low and high doses of selenium, the potentially harmful effects seen in normal individuals, and the beneficial effects noted in preclinical studies of disease. Given the complexity of selenium biology, systems biology approaches may be necessary to reach the goal of optimization of selenium status to promote health and prevent disease.
Combining Wireless Sensor Networks and Semantic Middleware for an Internet of Things-Based Sportsman/Woman Monitoring Application
Authors: Rodríguez-Molina Jesús , Martínez José-Fernán , Castillejo Pedro , López Lourdes
Published: January 2013

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are spearheading the efforts taken to build and deploy systems aiming to accomplish the ultimate objectives of the Internet of Things. Due to the sensors WSNs nodes are provided with, and to their ubiquity and pervasive capabilities, these networks become extremely suitable for many applications that so-called conventional cabled or wireless networks are unable to handle. One of these still underdeveloped applications is monitoring physical parameters on a person. This is an especially interesting application regarding their age or activity, for any detected hazardous parameter can be notified not only to the monitored person as a warning, but also to any third party that may be helpful under critical circumstances, such as relatives or healthcare centers. We propose a system built to monitor a sportsman/woman during a workout session or performing a sport-related indoor activity. Sensors have been deployed by means of several nodes acting as the nodes of a WSN, along with a semantic middleware development used for hardware complexity abstraction purposes. The data extracted from the environment, combined with the information obtained from the user, will compose the basis of the services that can be obtained.
Distributed Temperature and Strain Discrimination with Stimulated Brillouin Scattering and Rayleigh Backscatter in an Optical Fiber
Authors: Zhou Da-Peng , Li Wenhai , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: January 2013

A distributed optical fiber sensor with the capability of simultaneously measuring temperature and strain is proposed using a large effective area non-zero dispersion shifted fiber (LEAF) with sub-meter spatial resolution. The Brillouin frequency shift is measured using Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA) with differential pulse-width pair technique, while the spectrum shift of the Rayleigh backscatter is measured using optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR). These shifts are the functions of both temperature and strain, and can be used as two independent parameters for the discrimination of temperature and strain. A 92 m measurable range with the spatial resolution of 50 cm is demonstrated experimentally, and accuracies of ±1.2 °C in temperature and ±15 με in strain could be achieved.
A New Mirroring Circuit for Power MOS Current Sensing Highly Immune to EMI
Authors: Aiello Orazio , Fiori Franco
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the monitoring of power transistor current subjected to radio-frequency interference. In particular, a new current sensor with no connection to the power transistor drain and with improved performance with respect to the existing current-sensing schemes is presented. The operation of the above mentioned current sensor is discussed referring to time-domain computer simulations. The susceptibility of the proposed circuit to radio-frequency interference is evaluated through time-domain computer simulations and the results are compared with those obtained for a conventional integrated current sensor.
Building Damage and Business Continuity Management in the Event of Natural Hazards: Case Study of the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka
Authors: Parape Chandana , Premachandra Chinthaka , Tamura Masayuki , Bari Abdul , Disanayake Ranjith , Welikanna Duminda , Jin Shengye , Sugiura Masami
Published: January 2013

The Sumatra Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami event on the 26 December 2004 has provided a unique and valuable opportunity to evaluate the performance of various structures, facilities and lifeline systems during the tsunami wave attacks. There are especially meaningful observations concerning the structural changes due to the tsunami forces, which open up a wide area of research to develop the mitigation procedure. The business restoration process of business companies in terms of buildings, facilities and lifelines have shown greater research interest. In this study, we investigated the restoration process of business sectors in East and South coastal region in Sri Lanka after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. A field survey was conducted in East and South coast of Sri Lanka, in order to study the affecting parameters to damage assessment in the restoration process of the business companies. The results of the questionnaire-based field survey are then compared with the statistical analysis results. Finally, the factors affecting the restoration process after the tsunami are identified. As a main conclusion, financial support could be the most important reason for delays in restoration. Moreover, it has been observed that the tsunami inundation level of higher than one meter may have had more effect concerning the damage to the structures and requires additional time for restoration than other areas.
Perlman and Wellner’s Circular and Transformed Circular Copulas are Particular Beta and t Copulas
Authors: Jones M. C.
Published: January 2013

All but one of the copulas in a recent paper in Symmetry by Perlman and Wellner can be identified as particular members of either the beta or t families of elliptical copulas.
Learning from the Messengers: Innate Sensing of Viruses and Cytokine Regulation of Immunity — Clues for Treatments and Vaccines
Authors: Melchjorsen Jesper
Published: January 2013

Virus infections are a major global public health concern, and only via substantial knowledge of virus pathogenesis and antiviral immune responses can we develop and improve medical treatments, and preventive and therapeutic vaccines. Innate immunity and the shaping of efficient early immune responses are essential for control of viral infections. In order to trigger an efficient antiviral defense, the host senses the invading microbe via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), recognizing distinct conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The innate sensing of the invading virus results in intracellular signal transduction and subsequent production of interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. Cytokines, including IFNs and chemokines, are vital molecules of antiviral defense regulating cell activation, differentiation of cells, and, not least, exerting direct antiviral effects. Cytokines shape and modulate the immune response and IFNs are principle antiviral mediators initiating antiviral response through induction of antiviral proteins. In the present review, I describe and discuss the current knowledge on early virus–host interactions, focusing on early recognition of virus infection and the resulting expression of type I and type III IFNs, proinflammatory cytokines, and intracellular antiviral mediators. In addition, the review elucidates how targeted stimulation of innate sensors, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs) and intracellular RNA and DNA sensors, may be used therapeutically. Moreover, I present and discuss data showing how current antimicrobial therapies, including antibiotics and antiviral medication, may interfere with, or improve, immune response.
Identifying the Viral Genes Encoding Envelope Glycoproteins for Differentiation of Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 Isolates
Authors: Han Jee , Kim Ji , Renault Tristan , Jr. Casiano , Shin Sang , Jun Jin , Park Se
Published: January 2013

Cyprinid herpes virus 3 (CyHV-3) diseases have been reported around the world and are associated with high mortalities of koi (Cyprinus carpio). Although little work has been conducted on the molecular analysis of this virus, glycoprotein genes identified in the present study seem to be valuable targets for genetic comparison of this virus. Three envelope glycoprotein genes (ORF25, 65 and 116) of the CyHV-3 isolates from the USA, Israel, Japan and Korea were compared, and interestingly, sequence insertions or deletions were observed in these target regions. In addition, polymorphisms were presented in microsatellite zones from two glycoprotein genes (ORF65 and 116). In phylogenetic tree analysis, the Korean isolate was remarkably distinguished from USA, Israel, Japan isolates. These findings may be suitable for many applications including isolates differentiation and phylogeny studies.
Controlled deposition and combing of DNA across lithographically defined patterns on silicon
Authors: Esmail Nazari Zeinab , Gurevich Leonid
Published: January 2013

We have developed a new procedure for efficient combing of DNA on a silicon substrate, which allows reproducible deposition and alignment of DNA molecules across lithographically defined patterns. The technique involves surface modification of Si/SiO2 substrates with a hydrophobic silane by using gas-phase deposition. Thereafter, DNA molecules are aligned by dragging the droplet on the hydrophobic substrate with a pipette tip. Using this procedure, DNA molecules were stretched to an average value of 122% of their contour length. Furthermore, we demonstrated combing of ca. 900 nm long stretches of genomic DNA across nanofabricated electrodes, which was not possible by using other available combing methods. Similar results were also obtained for DNA–peptide conjugates. We suggest this method as a simple yet reliable technique for depositing and aligning DNA and DNA derivatives across nanofabricated patterns.
La torture dans Muriel d'Alain Resnais, une réflexion cinématographique sur l'indicible et l'inmontrable
Authors: Branche Raphaëlle
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le cinéma de fiction peut être le lieu d’élaboration d’une réflexion sur la représentation et la transmission des expériences traumatiques. C’est le cas du film d’Alain Resnais Muriel ou le temps d’un retour (1963) dont le centre est occupé par le récit d’une scène de torture par un des soldats acteurs de la violence. Le travail du cinéaste permet de percevoir très finement les difficultés des personnes éprouvées à communiquer leur expérience mais aussi les ambiguïtés des représentations que chacun peut en donner ou s’en faire.
Soigner l'ennemi
Authors: Ouss Lisa
Published: January 2013

Résumé A partir de notre expérience en psychiatrie humanitaire, nous poserons la question de la possibilité de « soigner l’ennemi ». Après un bref rappel de la notion d’ennemi, nous questionnerons la pertinence de ce concept en pratique humanitaire à travers les questions de neutralité, exil, altérité. La revue de la littérature en matière de soin psychique des auteurs de barbarie est très pauvre, attestant à la fois de la nécessité et la difficulté à penser cette question. Nous tenterons enfin de donner quelques pistes de réflexion aux questions : pourquoi soigner les responsables d’actes barbares, qui le peut et comment ?
Pourquoi parlons-nous ?
Authors: Papart Jean-Pierre , Heggerickx Isabelle
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’article passe en revue les principaux résultats des recherches éthologiques concernant les déterminants de l’agressivité d’une part et du lien social d’autre part, pour les confronter aux inférences théoriques en relation avec la mécanique victimaire explorée à travers l’œuvre philosophique de René Girard. Les humains, à l’instar des autres espèces animales, ont recours aux mécanismes d’agressivité et de tiers/victimisation pour assurer leur survie. Pareillement, le geste agressif est à l’origine du rituel de communication ; l’acte sacrificiel est un signe où la victime est le signifiant qui renvoie, par métaphore et métonymie, à un ensemble de signifiés.
Le temps du passage : exister pour vivre. L'entre-deux chez les Ticuna d'Amazonie
Authors: Goulard Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les rites de passage marquent le franchissement des classes d’âge. Cependant, peu d’intérêt a été porté jusqu’à présent aux périodes qui leur succèdent. L’auteur s’intéresse ici plus spécialement au temps qui suit les rites de puberté. La mise en parallèle d’observations réalisées dans le cadre de la maison plurifamiliale traditionnelle indigène et dans celui du village, qui est aujourd’hui en contact permanent avec le monde extérieur, le conduit à dégager des schèmes de la pratique similaires concernant l’initiation dans ces deux espaces. Il montre comment une société amazonienne « doit prendre en compte le fait de l’efficacité symbolique des rites d’institution » (Bourdieu 1986 : 208) pour perdurer.
La difficulté de canaliser la rage en dialogue
Authors: Biran Hannah
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le propos de cet article est de comprendre les processus inconscients qui se déroulent dans le cadre d’une société et d’un peuple. Il semble que les deux peuples, juif et palestinien, soient pris dans un piège mutuel de suspicion et de méfiance. La violence reprend le dessus à chaque fois et la route du dialogue est bloquée. Essai d’analyse de la situation, d’un point de vue psychanalytique, en se rapportant aux processus qui engendrent un niveau d’angoisse élevé et empêchent un vrai dialogue, il tente de proposer une compréhension de la situation actuelle et de montrer qu’un processus de développement et de maturation émotionnelle est nécessaire pour que des ennemis puissent se parler.
Week-end à Sidi-Moussa
Authors: Diatkine Gilbert
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le Centre de consultation et de psychothérapie de Sidi Moussa, dans la Mitidja, à 60 km d’Alger, a été ouvert pour les survivants des massacres terribles qui se sont produits dans cette région, qui a été une place forte des terroristes pendant plusieurs années. Grâce à une préparation soigneuse, et à l’expérience acquise par une Organisation Non Gouvernementale qui a financé des expériences semblables dans d’autres pays, le Centre a tout de suite su gagner la confiance des survivants. Ce sont d’abord les enfants qui ont été amenés par les mères, puis les mères ont consulté elles-mêmes, et plus récemment les pères ou les fils ont commencé à venir. Malgré la gravité des traumatismes subis, l’équipe du Centre a réussi à créer les conditions d’un véritable travail psychothérapique, individuel et de groupe.
Alma Sister, les pèlerins de Diana ou la superficielle profondeur d'un culte populaire
Authors: Lesœurs Guy
Published: January 2013

Résumé De 1999 à 2001, nous avons observé les comportements et analysé les témoignages de nombreux pèlerins venus du monde entier pour se recueillir sur le lieu de l’accident mortel de Diana, Princesse de Galles, Place de l’Alma. Sa disparition a donné lieu à un véritable culte populaire au mémorial de la Flamme de la Liberté, monument détourné pour Diana. Diana y est célébrée pour sa bonté, son charisme. Madone moderne, elle est symbole de protection et de compassion pour tous les pèlerins comme le montrent les fleurs, les ex-voto, les prières et autres rituels Dans toutes les représentations, on retrouve la figure humanitaire et chaleureuse, déjà présente dans les discours d’avant sa mort, qui en fait la sœur du monde et la sœur de notre âme (Alma Sister).
À propos de Henri Collomb (1913-1979) : de la psychiatrie coloniale à une psychiatrie sans frontières
Authors: Boussat Stéphane , Boussat Michel
Published: January 2013

Résumé Henri Collomb fut le fondateur à l’hôpital de Fann à Dakar d’une école de psychiatrie qui parmi les premières tenta de mettre en pratique les fondements d’une approche anthropologique de la folie. S’appuyant sur l’enseignement reçu des guérisseurs africains dont il se fit l’élève, l’œuvre de Collomb visait à la réhabilitation sociale du malade mental et au développement de structures de soins originales en lieu et place de l’asile, dans la reconnaissance et le respect de la culture de ses patients. C’est cette « psychiatrie sans frontières », aux antipodes de la « psychiatrie coloniale », qui est présentée ici.