bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Instrumented Airport Runway Pavement Responses
Authors: Wang Hao , Al-Qadi Imad L. , Portas Silvia , Coni Mauro
Published: December 2013

A three-dimensional finite element model was used to analyze runway pavement responses under moving aircraft tire loading. The analysis modeled an instrumented runway at Cagliari Elmas airport in Sardinia, Italy, with a 350-mm asphalt layer, a 400-mm granular base layer, and subgrade. The finite element model characterized the asphalt layer as a linear viscoelastic material, and two interface bonding conditions between asphalt layers (full bonding and partial debonding) were used in the analysis. The aircraft tire loading was simulated with a nontraditional loading assumption that represented the nonuniform distribution of tire contact stresses along contact length and width under five ribs of an aircraft tire. Analysis results showed that a traditional loading assumption that assumed uniform contact stresses at the tire–pavement interface underestimated the critical tensile and shear strains in the asphalt layer. In particular, the relatively high contact stresses at tire edge ribs under heavy aircraft loading caused significant shear stresses at the pavement near-surface. The pavement responses under various loading conditions (aircraft type, wheel load, and speed) were calculated, and the critical responses were identified. Good agreements were achieved when the calculated pavement responses (vertical pressure and horizontal strain) at various locations were compared with the measured responses from field instrumentation. The model results showed that partial debonding between asphalt layers caused much greater tensile strains at the bottom of the whole asphalt layer.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement Mechanistic–Empirical Performance Predictions
Authors: Ceylan Halil , Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan , Kim Sunghwan , Schwartz Charles W. , Li Rui
Published: December 2013

The new AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) provides pavement analysis and performance predictions for various what-if scenarios. MEPDG performance predictions for anticipated climatic and traffic conditions will depend on the values of the input parameters that characterize pavement materials, layers, design features, and condition. A comprehensive global sensitivity analysis methodology is proposed for evaluating performance predictions for jointed plain concrete pavement to MEPDG inputs for five climatic conditions and three traffic levels. MEPDG inputs evaluated in the analysis include traffic volume, layer thicknesses, material properties, groundwater depth, and geometric parameters. Correlations between MEPDG inputs were considered as appropriate. The global sensitivity analysis varied all inputs simultaneously across the problem domain for each of the 15 base cases (five climates x three traffic levels). Two response surface modeling approaches, multivariate linear regressions and artificial neural networks, were developed for evaluation of MEPDG input sensitivities across the problem domain. The response surface modeling approaches based on artificial neural networks not only provided robust and accurate representations of the complex relationships between MEPDG inputs and distress outputs but also captured the variation in sensitivity across the problem domain. The normalized sensitivity index for the design limit proposed in the study provides practical interpretation of sensitivity by relating a given percentage change in an MEPDG design input to the corresponding percentage change in predicted distress relative to its design limit value.
Modeling of Slab–Foundation Friction in Jointed Concrete Pavements under Nonlinear Thermal Gradient or Traffic Loads
Authors: Zokaei-Ashtiani Mohammad-Ali , Tirado Cesar , Carrasco Cesar , Nazarian Soheil , Bendaña Julian
Published: December 2013

The accurate modeling of the thermomechanical response of jointed concrete pavements is of primary importance in the design of pavement sections. From the initial development of pavement analysis software in the early 1970s, it was recognized that the finite element method was the most appropriate modeling tool because of its potential ability to capture all pavement response features. A series of software development efforts have culminated in the production of NYSLAB, an analysis tool for jointed pavement that can predict the complete thermomechanical response, including pavement curling and interactions between slab and foundation. A series of studies were developed in NYSLAB specifically to look into slab–foundation friction generated by nonlinear thermal gradients and traffic loads. Nonlinear temperature gradients can produce slab expansion and contraction that lead to frictional traction between slabs and foundation. The prediction of these friction tractions is complicated by the curling of the slabs that cause some portions of the slabs to lose contact with the foundation. The results of the studies highlight the importance of considering these frictional tractions in the analysis of jointed concrete pavements because they have a significant impact on the bending stresses of portland cement concrete slabs.
Enhancements to Punchout Prediction Model in Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide Procedure
Authors: Rao Chetana , Darter Michael I.
Published: December 2013

The punchout prediction model for continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) from the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide, along with improvements to the procedure made since the software program was released in 2004 as a product of NCHRP Project 1-37A, is presented. The punchout prediction procedure is based on mechanistic principles for estimating top-down fatigue damage in the CRCP and on an empirical punchout prediction model calibrated to field data. The mechanistic structural evaluation includes models for estimating crack width, crack spacing, load transfer efficiency across transverse cracks, and fatigue damage accumulation based on Miner's hypothesis. The punchout prediction model was calibrated to data on field distress development obtained from CRCP sections nationwide. Most of the field sections were part of the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) experiment, and most of the materials, traffic, climate, and construction data were obtained from the LTPP database. Since 2004, NCHRP has made two main technical enhancements to the design software. The first addressed comments from an independent panel that performed a formal review under Project 1-40A. Second, a systematic error was discovered in the coefficient of thermal expansion test procedure for portland cement concrete, and appropriate corrections were made in the LTPP database. The punchout model was recalibrated to account for this error. The developed models show that the procedure makes reasonable crack spacing, crack width, and punchout predictions that match field observations. The models resulted in similar CRCP thickness designs before and after the coefficient of thermal expansion corrections were made, if the corresponding model calibration coefficients were used.
Practical Synthesis of Neoponkoranol and its Related Sulfonium Salt, an Optimised Protocol using Isopropylidene as an Effective Protecting Group
Authors: Liu Dan , Xie Weijia , Liu Long , Xu Jinyi , Yao Hequan , Tanabe Genzoh , Muraoka Osamu , Wu Xiaoming
Published: December 2013

A practical synthesis of neoponkoranol and its related sulfonium salt as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors has been developed in which the key step of coupling reaction was optimised by using isopropylidene as an effective protecting group. The characteristic intramolecular cyclisation of the coupling precursor previously encountered as a side reaction has not been detected and coupling yields were dramatically improved in the present study.
Caesium Iodide as an Efficient Catalyst for Synthesis of N-Substituted Azepines via Tandem Michael Addition and Cyclisation under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Eshghi Hossein , Momen Sara , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Vakili Mohammad
Published: December 2013

A one-pot synthesis of N-substituted azepines under aqueous conditions is described. The synthesis of several azepines derivatives was carried out by reaction of 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran, aromatic amines and dimethyl/diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate in the presence of CsI in water at ambient temperature. Products were obtained in high yields and catalyst was recovered and reused without a significant decrease in catalytic activity.
Synthesis and Characterisation of New N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl[N-(pyridin-2-yl) Carbamoyl]Methylammonium Chlorides
Authors: Wang Liyan , Sun Lei , Wang Lei , Sun Zhu , Zhao Bing , Xu Qun , Yan Tie
Published: December 2013

A novel class of N-alkyl- N,N-dimethyl[ N-(pyridin-2-yl)carbamoyl]methylammonium chlorides (target products) was designed and synthesised by amidation and quaterisation. Five new compounds were obtained. The target products were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. Surface activity and antibacterial activity of the target products was investigated. The critical micelle concentration and the efficiency of surfactant ( C20) values of the target products are lower. The target products have good antibacterial activity for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
C–C Bond Cleavage of Keto-Aziridines; Synthesis of Oxazoles via Regio-Controlled Ring Expansion
Authors: Samimi Heshmat Allah , Entezami Soraya
Published: December 2013

The ring expansion of keto-aziridines to the corresponding 2,5-diaryloxazoles in the presence of iodine in refluxing dimethyl sulfoxide, is described. A plausible mechanism for the synthesis of 2,5-diaryloxazoles is proposed.
Green and Practical Synthesis of Functionalised 2H-Thiopyrans via one-pot Multicomponent Reactions of Aryl Isothiocyanates in Water
Authors: Sayyed-Alangi S. Zahra
Published: December 2013

An efficient synthesis of thiopyran derivatives via one-pot reactions between methyl propiolates, aryl isothiocyanates and acetylacetone in water is described.
Iron(III)Triflate as a Highly Efficient, Recyclable and Green Catalyst for the N-Boc Protection of Amines
Authors: Feng Chengliang , Chu Ningning , Zhang Shuguang , Cai Jin , Chen Junqing , Hu Huayou , Ji Min
Published: December 2013

Iron (III) triflate was used as an efficient catalyst for N- t-butoxycarbonylation of amines with di- t-butyl dicarbonate under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. Various aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic amines and aminols were protected as their corresponding mono-carbamates in excellent yields and short reaction times. Only two of the 23 monocarbamates were new. No competitive side reactions such as isocyanate, urea, nor N,N-di-Boc formation were observed. The reported method is mild and has the advantages of low cost, chemoselectivity and, because no solvent is used and the catalyst can be recycled, it is classifiable as a green procedure.
Ruthenium-Catalysed Efficient Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones using Cinchona Alkaloids as Chiral Ligands
Authors: Jiang Heyan
Published: December 2013

Cinchona alkaloid derivatives were applied in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of aromatic ketones in a ruthenium catalytic system using i-PrOH as the hydrogen source. A series of aromatic ketones could be transfer-hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohols with good to excellent conversion and enantioselectivity. The best results were achieved using 9-amino(9-deoxy) epiquinidine as the ligand; the enantioselectivity with acetophenone and 2′-(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone could reach 90% ee.
Synthesis of 21-(Dimethylamino)Methyl N-Confused Porphyrin Derivatives by Mannich Reaction
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Xiaofang , Wang Mengting , Zeng Rongjin
Published: December 2013

The 21-(dimethylamino)methyl N-confused porphyrin derivatives were synthesised by the Mannich reaction of dimethylmethyleneimmonium chloride and N-confused porphyrin. The reaction took place regioselectively in the inner carbon of the inverted pyrrole of N-confused porphyrins.
A New and Efficient Synthesis of 2-Aminobenzothiazoles Derivatives from O-nitroaniline
Authors: Mirza Behrooz , Mirzazadeh Roghieh , Zeeb Mohsen
Published: December 2013

A novel synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from a transition-metal-free reaction between aryl isothiocyanates and o-nitroaniline in the presence of K2CO3 is reported. The newly developed method is an efficient and cost-effective approach to synthesise 2-aminobenzothiazoles.
Free Radical Scavenging and Antioxidant Activities of Silymarin Components
Authors: Anthony Kevin , Saleh Mahmoud
Published: December 2013

Silymarin is an over the counter food supplement that is sold as a liver enhancement and liver protection preparation. It is a major constituent of the seeds of Silybum marianum which is composed of a mixture of seven major components and several minor compounds. The seven major components: taxifolin, silychristin, silydianin, silybin A, silybin B, iso-silybin A and iso-silybin B were isolated and purified from the crude mixture of silymarin using preparative high performance liquid chromatography to determine which were the most effective for liver protection. Free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity, oxygen radical antioxidant capacity, trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and total antioxidant capacity antioxidant activities were determined for each of the individual purified components as well as the crude silymarin mixture. Taxifolin was the most effective component for scavenging free radicals in the DPPH assay with an EC50 of 32 µM far more effective than all other components which showed EC50 ranging from 115 to 855 µM. Taxifolin was also found to be the most effective antioxidant in the oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay with a trolox equivalent of 2.43 and the second most effective in the hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC) assay with a gallic acid equivalent of 0.57. Other antioxidants assays did not show significant differences between samples.
Circulating Tumor Cell Detection and Capture by Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry in Vivo and ex Vivo
Authors: Galanzha Ekaterina , Zharov Vladimir
Published: December 2013

Despite progress in detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs), existing assays still have low sensitivity (1–10 CTC/mL) due to the small volume of blood samples (5–10 mL). Consequently, they can miss up to 103–104 CTCs, resulting in the development of barely treatable metastasis. Here we analyze a new concept of in vivo CTC detection with enhanced sensitivity (up to 102–103 times) by the examination of the entire blood volume in vivo (5 L in adults). We focus on in vivo photoacoustic (PA) flow cytometry (PAFC) of CTCs using label-free or targeted detection, photoswitchable nanoparticles with ultrasharp PA resonances, magnetic trapping with fiber-magnetic-PA probes, optical clearance, real-time spectral identification, nonlinear signal amplification, and the integration with PAFC in vitro. We demonstrate PAFC’s capability to detect rare leukemia, squamous carcinoma, melanoma, and bulk and stem breast CTCs and its clusters in preclinical animal models in blood, lymph, bone, and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as the release of CTCs from primary tumors triggered by palpation, biopsy or surgery, increasing the risk of metastasis. CTC lifetime as a balance between intravasation and extravasation rates was in the range of 0.5–4 h depending on a CTC metastatic potential. We introduced theranostics of CTCs as an integration of nanobubble-enhanced PA diagnosis, photothermal therapy, and feedback through CTC counting. In vivo data were verified with in vitro PAFC demonstrating a higher sensitivity (1 CTC/40 mL) and throughput (up to 10 mL/min) than conventional assays. Further developments include detection of circulating cancer-associated microparticles, and super-rsesolution PAFC beyond the diffraction and spectral limits.
Photodarkening of Infrared Irradiated Yb3+-Doped Alumino-Silicate Glasses: Effect on UV Absorption Bands and Fluorescence Spectra
Authors: Gebavi Hrvoje , Milanese Daniel , Taccheo Stefano , Mechin David , Monteville Achille , Freyria Francesca , Bonelli Barbara , Robin Thierry
Published: December 2013

The photodarkening phenomenon in alumino-silicate glass preforms, doped with different ytterbium concentrations, was studied. The UV band, comprised between 180 and 350 nm, was examined before and after irradiation at 976 nm. The non-linear dependence of 240 nm band with concentration after infra-red irradiation was demonstrated and ascribed predominantly to Yb3+ pair’s interaction. The emission spectrum after the excitation in UV spectral region showed increased intensity after photodarkening, probably due to Yb2+ ions creation. Phenomenological photodarkening model and the possible existence of several defect types are presented.
Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Sanitation in Informal Settlements of Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Tsinda Aime , Abbott Pamela , Pedley Steve , Charles Katrina , Adogo Jane , Okurut Kenan , Chenoweth Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Like most cities in developing countries, Kigali is experiencing rapid urbanisation leading to an increase in the urban population and rapid growth in the size and number of informal settlements. More than 60% of the city’s population resides in these settlements, where they experience inadequate and poor quality urban services including sanitation. This article discusses the issues and constraints related to the provision of sustainable sanitation in the informal settlements in Kigali. Two informal settlements (Gatsata and Kimisagara) were selected for the study, which used a mixed method approach for data collection. The research found that residents experienced multiple problems because of poor sanitation and that the main barrier to improved sanitation was cost. Findings from this study can be used by the city authorities in the planning of effective sanitation intervention strategies for communities in informal settlements.
Publication Patterns of Cancer Cost-Effectiveness Studies Presented at Major Conferences
Authors: Chan K.K. , Siu E. , Mozessohn L. , Cheung M.C.
Published: December 2013

Objective: To be useful to policymakers and stakeholders, cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAS) should be published in a timely manner and without bias. The aims of the present study were to examine the time between conference abstract presentation and subsequent publication, to determine the factors associated with time to publication, to evaluate potential publication bias, and to examine discrepancies in the results between abstract and publication. Methods: Abstracts of CEAS presented at the annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed. Time-to-event analysis was performed to assess the timeliness of publication and to examine factors associated with time to publication. Summary statistics were used to assess discrepancies in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERS) between abstract and publication. Results: Of 164 abstracts identified, 65 (39.6%) were subsequently published. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year publication rates were 12.8%, 25%, 34.2%, and 40.5% respectively. Abstracts were more likely to be published if presented at ASCO than at ISPOR (hazard ratio: 1.94; p = 0.038). There was no direct evidence of publication bias for abstracts with favourable ICERS. Comparing ICERS between abstracts and publications, the mean absolute difference was 23.8%; 50% of studies had a change in ICER exceeding 10%. Conclusions: Publication rates for CEAS were low, and publication was not timely with respect to informing the decision-making process for funding. Abstract results often differed from publication results and cannot reliably be used in the decision-making process for funding.
Irradiation after Surgery for Breast Cancer Patients with Primary Tumours and One to Three Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes: Yes or No?
Authors: Lu C. , Xu H. , Chen X. , Tong Z. , Liu X. , Jia Y.
Published: December 2013

Objective and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic features and survival in breast cancer patients who had T1 or T2 primary tumours and 1–3 histologically involved axillary lymph nodes and who were treated with modified radical mastectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). We also explored prognosis to find the high- and low-risk groups. Results: From May 2001 to April 2005, 368 patients treated at Tianjin Tumor Hospital met the study criteria. The 5- and 8-year rates were 7.2% and 10.7% for locoregional recurrence (LRR), 85.1% and 77.7% for disease-free survival (DFS), and 92.8% and 89.3% for overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, tumour size, estrogen receptor (ER) status, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were independent prognostic factors for LRR and DFS. Based on 4 patient-related factors that indicate poor prognosis (age < 40 years, tumour > 3 cm, ER negativity, and LVI), the high-risk group (patients with 3 or 4 factors, accounting for 12.5% of the cohort) had 5- and 8-year rates of 24.3% and 36.9% for LRR, 57.2% and 39.2% for DFS, and 74.8% and 43.8% for OS compared with 5.0% and 7.1% for LRR, 88.9% and 83.1% for DFS, 91.6% and 83.4% for OS in the low-risk group (patients with 0–2 factors, accounting for 87.5% of the cohort; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study identified several risk factors that correlated independently with a greater incidence of LRR and distant metastasis in patients with T1 and T2 breast cancer and 1–3 positive nodes. Patients with 0–2 risk factors may not be likely to benefit from post-mastectomy RT, but patients with 3–4 risk factors may need RT to optimize locoregional control and improve survival.
Comparison of Recurrence and Survival Rates after Breast-Conserving Therapy and Mastectomy in Young Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Cao J.Q. , Olson R.A. , Tyldesley S.K.
Published: December 2013

Multiple randomized trials have demonstrated that breast-conserving therapy with partial mastectomy and radiotherapy provides survival equivalent to that seen with mastectomy for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Breast-conserving therapy has been associated with better quality of life relative to mastectomy and has become the standard of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Young age has been identified as a risk factor for recurrence and death from breast cancer. Some studies have suggested that young women (less than 35 or 40 years of age) have inferior outcomes with breast-conserving therapy, implying that such women may be better served by mastectomy. On review of the available literature, there is no definitive evidence that mastectomy provides a consistent, unequivocal recurrence-free or overall survival benefit over breast-conserving therapy. However, available meta-analyses have not compared outcomes in young women specifically, and such analyses should be performed. In the interim, breast-conserving therapy is not contraindicated in young women (less than 40 years of age) and can be used cautiously; however, such women should be advised of the lack of unequivocal data proving that survival is equivalent to that with mastectomy in their age group.
Prognostic Factors Associated with the Response to Sunitinib in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yildiz I. , Sen F. , Kilic L. , Ekenel M. , Ordu C. , Kilicaslan I. , Darendeliler E. , Tunc H.M. , Varol U. , Bavbek S. , Basaran M.
Published: December 2013

Objective: We investigated the prognostic clinicopathologic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the once-daily continuous administration of first-line sunitinib in a consecutive cohort of Turkish patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: The study enrolled 77 Turkish patients with metastatic RCC who received sunitinib in a continuous once-daily dosing regimen between April 2006 and April 2011. Univariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test. Results: Median follow-up was 18.5 months. In univariate analyses, poor PFS and OS were associated with 4 of the 5 factors in the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) score: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, low hemoglobin, high corrected serum calcium, and high lactate dehydrogenase. In addition to those factors, hypoalbuminemia, more than 2 metastatic sites, liver metastasis, non–clear cell histology, and the presence of sarcomatoid features on pathology were also associated with poor PFS; and male sex, hypoalbuminemia, prior radiotherapy, more than 2 metastatic sites, lung metastasis, nuclear grade of 3 or 4 for the primary tumour, and the presence of sarcomatoid features were also associated with poorer OS. The application of the MSKCC model distinctly separated the PFS and OS curves (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study identified prognostic factors for PFS and OS with the use sunitinib as first-line metastatic RCC therapy and confirmed that the MSKCC model still appears to be valid for predicting survival in metastatic RCC in the era of molecular targeted therapy.
A Prospective Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Nutrition–Rehabilitation Program for Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Gagnon B. , Murphy J. , Eades M. , Lemoignan J. , Jelowicki M. , Carney S. , Amdouni S. , Di Dio P. , Chasen M. , MacDonald N.
Published: December 2013

Background: Cancer can affect many dimensions of a patient’s life, and in turn, it should be targeted using a multimodal approach. We tested the extent to which an interdisciplinary nutrition–rehabilitation program can improve the well-being of patients with advanced cancer. Methods: Between January 10, 2007, and September 29, 2010, 188 patients with advanced cancer enrolled in the 10–12-week program. Body weight, physical function, symptom severity, fatigue dimensions, distress level, coping ability, and overall quality of life were assessed at the start and end of the program. Results: Of the enrolled patients, 70% completed the program. Patients experienced strong improvements in the physical and activity dimensions of fatigue (effect sizes: 0.8–1.1). They also experienced moderate reductions in the severity of weakness, depression, nervousness, shortness of breath, and distress (effect sizes: 0.5–0.7), and moderate improvements in Six Minute Walk Test distance, maximal gait speed, coping ability, and quality of life (effect sizes: 0.5–0.7) Furthermore, 77% of patients either maintained or increased their body weight. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary nutrition–rehabilitation can be advantageous for patients with advanced cancer and should be considered an integrated part of standard palliative care.
Immune modulation property of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 (ST11) strain and impact on skin defences
Authors: Benyacoub J. , Bosco N. , Blanchard C. , Demont A. , Philippe D. , Castiel-Higounenc I. , Guéniche A.
Published: December 2013

The gut intestinal tract harbours a complex microbiota. Disturbances in the microbiota composition have been associated with several immune dysfunctions such as inflammatory diseases. Specific strains of probiotics have shown to beneficially influence the composition and/or metabolic activity of the endogenous microbiota. Taking advantage of the plasticity of the immune system, the probiotic strain NCC2461 (i.e. ST11 or CNCM I-2116) supports and/or restores homeostasis in reaction to different physiopathological conditions. The potential of NCC2461 to modulate both mucosal and systemic immune functions led us to test its impact on skin physiology. Even though clear mechanisms explaining gut-skin interaction are still lacking, a set of experimental and clinical data reviewed herein have shown that NCC2461 exerts its effects beyond the gut and confers benefits at the skin level. It contributes to the reinforcement of skin barrier function, decreases skin sensitivity and modulates the skin immune system leading to the preservation of skin homeostasis.
Preparation of 13C-labelled cis-zearalenone and its application as internal standard in stable isotope dilution analysis
Authors: Drzymala S. , Riedel J. , Köppen R. , Garbe L.-A. , Koch M.
Published: December 2013

Pure U-[13C18]-labelled cis-zearalenone (cis-ZEA) has been prepared and characterised as internal standard (ISTD) for a reliable quantification of cis-ZEA in contaminated food and feed products. The cis-isomer of the naturally trans-configurated Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone is often neglected. However, isomerisation easily occurs by exposure of ZEA to (UV-)light. Thus, the applicability of the new cis-ZEA ISTD was demonstrated in a long-term isomerisation study comparing naturally trans-ZEA-contaminated edible oil with spiked edible oil. To estimate the benefits of the newly prepared cis-ZEA ISTD, various approaches to quantify cis-ZEA by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) were compared. As a result, a significant bias was revealed if no appropriate cis-ZEA standards are used. Furthermore, the new ISTD was applied to the analysis of 15 edible oils by stable isotope dilution analysis in combination with HPLC-electrospray ionisation-MS/MS. One of the maize germ oils showed the presence of cis-ZEA above LOD (≯0.3 μg/kg), whereas two out of 15 maize germ oils were found to be contaminated with trans-ZEA (range 17.0-31.0 μg/kg).
Mycotoxins that affect the North American agri-food sector: state of the art and directions for the future
Authors: Miller J.D. , Schaafsma A.W. , Bhatnagar D. , Bondy G. , Carbone I. , Harris L.J. , Harrison G. , Munkvold G.P. , Oswald I.P. , Pestka J.J. , Sharpe L. , Sumarah M.W. , Tittlemier S.A. , Zhou T.
Published: December 2013

This paper summarises workshop discussions at the 5th international MYCORED meeting in Ottawa, Canada (June 2012) with over 200 participants representing academics, government and industry scientists, government officials and farming organisations (present in roughly equal proportions) from 27 countries. Workshops centred on how mycotoxins in food and feed affect value chains and trade in the region covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Crops are contaminated by one or more of five important mycotoxins in parts of Canada and the United States every year, and when contaminated food and feed are consumed in amounts above tolerable limits, human and animal health are at risk. Economic loss from such contamination includes reduced crop yield, grain quality, animal productivity and loss of domestic and export markets. A systematic effort by grain producers, primary, transfer, and terminal elevators, millers and food and feed processers is required to manage these contaminants along the value chain. Workshops discussed lessons learned from investments in plant genetics, fungal genomics, toxicology, analytical and sampling science, management strategies along the food and feed value chains and methods to ameliorate the effects of toxins in grain on animal production and on reducing the impact of mycotoxins on population health in developing countries. These discussions were used to develop a set of priorities and recommendations.
“Comunismo”, dijo él
Authors: Pardo José Luis
Published: December 2013

¿Cuál es el sentido del aparente renacimiento del comunismo en la filosofía continental? ¿Hemos de tomarlo en serio, o se trata de una simple moda en el terreno del pensamiento? Esta breve nota señala las viejas y poderosas raíces de esta nueva fascinación y propone una comparación irónica entre los “nuevos filósofos franceses” de la década de 1980 y estos “viejos filósofos franceses” que hoy convergen en el neocomunismo.
NON-INVASIVE APPROACH TO PREDICT THE CHOLESTEROL LEVEL IN BLOOD USING BIOIMPEDANCE AND NEURAL NETWORK TECHNIQUES
Authors: Mohktar M. S. , Ibrahim F. , Ismail N. A.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a new non-invasive approach to predict the status of high total cholesterol (TC) level in blood using bioimpedance and the artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. The input parameters for the ANN model are acquired from a non-invasive bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurement technique. The measurement data were obtained from 260 volunteered participants. A total of 190 subject's data were used for the ANN training purpose and the remaining 70 subject's data were used for model testing. Six parameters from the BIA parameters were found to be significant predictors for TC level in blood using logistic regression analysis. The six input predictors for the ANN modeling are age, body mass index (BMI), body capacitance, basal metabolic rate, extracellular mass and lean body mass. Four ANN techniques such as the gradient descent with momentum, the resilient, the scaled conjugate gradient and the Levenberg–Marquardt were used and compared for predicting the high TC level in the blood. The finding showed that the resilient method was the best model with prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve value obtained from the test data were 82.9%, 85.4%, 79.3% and 0.83%, respectively.
NANOSTRUCTUREDPt–IrNON-ENZYMATIC GLUCOSE SENSORS
Authors: Fang Yueh-Yuan , Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Lin Cii-Wann
Published: December 2013

Over the past decade, the development of non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensors had thriven at a considerable rate. Compared with the traditional enzymatic electrochemical biosensors, the non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensors have the advantages of higher sensitivity and stability. Recently, plenty of researches have devoted to synthesizing new materials, such as bimetallic nanoparticles, and also develop specific nanostructures on the sensor surface to solve the problem of poisoning and increase the selectivity. This work develops two non-enzymatic glucose sensors that are based on nanostructured Pt – Ir films which were deposited by electrodeposition. Because of the relatively high deposition current density, bubbles produced vigorously on the working electrode surface. This phenomenon results in leaf-like nanostructure formed naturally on the surface of the working electrode and further increased the catalytic reaction area. Besides, as determined by the sampling analysis method that is developed herein, the presented Pt – Ir sensors mitigate the current drifting problem which is easily observed when a constant potential is applied in an amperometric glucose detection. Furthermore, the presented Pt – Ir sensors show high sensitivity and stability in 1X PBS (0.15 M NaCl ) at 37°C in the glucose concentration range of 1–12 mM. Therefore, the presented non-enzymatic glucose sensors not only provide great potential in biomedical applications, such as homecare products, but can also be adapted for the biological application, such as continuous cell culture monitoring.
USING ATLAS OF HEART SHAPES FOR SIMULATION OF BLOOD FLOW IN LEFT VENTRICLE
Authors: Moosavi Mir-Hossein , Fatouraee Nasser , Katoozian Hamid , Pashaei Ali , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: December 2013

Integrative modeling of cardiac system is important for understanding the complex biophysical function of the heart]. To this end, multimodal cardiovascular imaging plays an important role in providing the computational domain, the boundary/initial conditions, and tissue function and properties. In particular, the incorporation of blood flow in the physiological models can help to simulate the hemodynamic properties and their effects on cardiac function. In this paper, we present a multimodal framework for quantitative and subject-specific analysis of blood flow in the cardiac chambers, including the left ventricle (LV). The 3D geometries of the LV at different time steps are extracted from medical images using an atlas of LV shape. The motion of the myocardium wall is used to extract the moving boundary data of the computational geometry. The data is used as a constraint for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD). An arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) finite element method (FEM) formulation is used to derive a numerical solution of the transient dynamic equation of the fluid domain. With this method, simulation results describe detailed flow characteristics (such as velocity, pressure and wall shear stress) in the computational domain. The personalized hemodynamic characteristics obtained with the proposed approach can provide clinical value for diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities related to disturbed blood flow such as in myocardial remodeling and aortic sinus lesion formation.
A New Generation of ADS Capabilities
Authors: Clark James F.
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a case study describing submerged work at Shaft 19 of the Delaware Aqueduct, which evolved to become the most complex atmospheric diving suit (ADS) project ever undertaken. The limitations imposed by existing atmospheric systems are considered
along with very significant improvements in ADS capability now being developed for both commercial and scientific diving.For more than a century, ADS has offered the enticing potential of allowing men to work effectively at great depths without suffering the effects of increased pressure.
Unfortunately, early suits did not function well at depth, and pilots could be more accurately described as observers peering through the small viewports of “diving bells” outfitted with crippled appendages. The modern rotary joint was patented in 1985 offering great promise, but
even during the past 25 years, atmospheric diving has remained specialized, underutilized, and largely left in the wake of remarkable advances in saturation diving and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology.Underwater work performed at Shaft 19 contributed to development of Exosuit™,
the next generation in atmospheric diving. Substantial improvements in mechanical suit design have been integrated with an optical fiber umbilical, computerized control systems, and modern electronics to dramatically improve ADS capabilities.The Exosuit itself can power multiple tools,
a variety of hand pod end-effectors are presently maturing, and atmospheric diving may now be poised to assume far greater significance in deep diving operations.
Munc18-2 and Syntaxin 3 Control Distinct Essential Steps in Mast Cell Degranulation
Authors: Brochetta Cristiana , Suzuki Ryo , Vita Francesca , Soranzo Maria Rosa , Claver Julien , Madjene Lydia Celia , Attout Tarik , Vitte Joana , Varin-Blank Nadine , Zabucchi Giuliano , Rivera Juan , Blank Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Mast cell degranulation requires N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) and mammalian uncoordinated18 (Munc18) fusion accessory proteins for membrane fusion. However, it is still unknown how their interaction supports fusion. In this study, we found that small interfering RNA–mediated silencing of the isoform Munc18-2 in mast cells inhibits cytoplasmic secretory granule (SG) release but not CCL2 chemokine secretion. Silencing of its SNARE-binding partner syntaxin 3 (STX3) also markedly inhibited degranulation, whereas combined knockdown produced an additive inhibitory effect. Strikingly, while Munc18-2 silencing impaired SG translocation, silencing of STX3 inhibited fusion, demonstrating unique roles of each protein. Immunogold studies showed that both Munc18-2 and STX3 are located on the granule surface, but also within the granule matrix and in small nocodazole-sensitive clusters of the cytoskeletal meshwork surrounding SG. After stimulation, clusters containing both effectors were detected at fusion sites. In resting cells, Munc18-2, but not STX3, interacted with tubulin. This interaction was sensitive to nocodazole treatment and decreased after stimulation. Our results indicate that Munc18-2 dynamically couples the membrane fusion machinery to the microtubule cytoskeleton and demonstrate that Munc18-2 and STX3 perform distinct, but complementary, functions to support, respectively, SG translocation and membrane fusion in mast cells.
Opportunistic Diseases in HIV-Infected Patients in Gabon following the Administration of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Okome-Nkoumou Madeleine , Guiyedi Vincent , Ondounda Magloire , Efire Nora , Clevenbergh Philippe , Dibo Mireille , Dzeing-Ella Arnaud
Published: December 2013

Opportunistic diseases cause substantial morbidity and mortality to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) leading to immune reconstitution is the most effective treatment of preventing opportunistic diseases. This retrospective study established an epidemiologic profile of opportunistic diseases 10 years after the introduction of HAART. The HIV antiretroviral therapy-naive patients matching inclusion criteria were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of opportunistic diseases. From January 1, 2002 to September 30, 2010, 654 opportunistic diseases were identified in 458 patients. Pulmonary tuberculosis, herpes zoster, cerebral toxoplasmosis, oral candidiasis, and severe pneumonia accounted for 22.05%, 15.94%, 14.19%, 14.19%, and 9.39%, respectively. Cryptococcal meningitis and pneumocystosis accounted for 0.44% and 0.21%, respectively. The prevalence of opportunistic diseases in Gabon remains high. New guidelines emphasize the importance of initiating antiretroviral therapy early to reconstitute the immune system, and reduce disease risk, and treat the primary opportunistic infection of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Local impact of solar variation on NO2 in the lower mesosphere and upper stratosphere from 2007–2011
Authors: Friederich F. , Sinnhuber M. , Funke B. , von Clarmann T. , Orphal J.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. MIPAS/ENVISAT data of nighttime NO2 volume mixing ratios (VMR) from 2007 until 2011 between 40 km and 62 km altitude are compared with the geomagnetic Ap index and solar Lyman α radiation. The local impact of variations in geomagnetic activity and solar radiation on the VMR of NO2 in the lower mesosphere and upper stratosphere in the Northern Hemisphere is investigated by means of superposed epoch analysis. Observations show a clear 27 day period of the NO2 VMR. This is positively correlated to the geomagnetic Ap index at 60–70° N geomagnetic latitude but also partially correlated to the solar Lyman α radiation. However, the dependency of NO2 VMR on geomagnetic activity can be distinguished from the impact of solar radiation. This indicates a direct response of NOx (NO + NO2) to geomagnetic activity, probably due to precipitating particles. The response is detected in the range between 46 km and 52 km altitude. The NO2 VMR epoch maxima due to geomagnetic activity is altitude-dependent and can reach up to 0.4 ppb, leading to mean production rates of 0.029 ppb (Ap d)−1. This is the first study showing the local impact of electron precipitation on trace gases at that altitudes in the spring/summer/autumn hemisphere.
Measured and modelled Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) concentration in São Paulo, Brazil: the importance of aerosol size-resolved chemical composition on CCN concentration prediction
Authors: Almeida G. P. , Brito J. , Morales C. A. , Andrade M. F. , Artaxo P.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), aerosol size distribution and non-refractory chemical composition were performed from 16 to 31 October 2012 in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area (SPMA), Brazil. CCN measurements were performed at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% water supersaturation and were subsequently compared with Köhler theory, considering the chemical composition. Real-time chemical composition has been obtained deploying for the first time in SPMA an Aerosol Chemical Ionization Monitor (ACSM). CCN closure analyses were performed considering internal mixture. Average aerosol composition during the studied period yielded 4.81 ± 3.05, 3.26 ± 2.10, 0.30 ± 0.27, 0.52 ± 0.32, 0.37 ± 0.21 and 0.04 ± 0.04 μg m−3 for organics, BC, NH4, SO4, NO3 and Cl, respectively. Particle number concentration was 12 813 ± 5350 cm−3, being a large fraction in the nucleation mode. CCN concentrations were on average 1090 ± 328 cm−3 and 3570 ± 1695 cm−3 at SS = 0.2% and SS = 1.0%, respectively. Results show an increase in aerosol hygroscopicity in the afternoon as a result of aerosol photochemical processing, leading to an enhancement of both organic and inorganic secondary aerosols in the atmosphere, as well as an increase in aerosol average diameter. Considering the bulk composition alone, CCN concentrations were substantially overpredicted (29.6 ± 45.1% at 0.2% supersaturation and 57.3 ± 30.0% at 1.0% supersaturation). Overall, the impact of composition on the calculated NCCN decreases with decreasing supersaturation, partially because using bulk composition introduces less bias for large diameters and lower critical supersaturations. Results suggest that the consideration of only inorganic fraction improves the calculated NCCN. Introducing a size-dependent chemical composition based on filter measurements from previous campaigns has considerably improved simulated values for NCCN (average overprediction error 3.0 ± 33.4% at 0.20% supersaturation and average under prediction error 2.4 ± 20.5% at 1.0% supersaturation). This study provides the first insight on aerosol real-time composition and hygroscopicity on a~site strongly impacted by emissions of a unique vehicular fleet due to the extensive biofuel usage.
Size-resolved and integral measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) at the high-alpine site Jungfraujoch
Authors: Rose D. , Gunthe S. S. , Jurányi Z. , Gysel M. , Frank G. P. , Schneider J. , Curtius J. , Pöschl U.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. As part of the CLACE-6 campaign we performed size-resolved CCN measurements for a~supersaturation range of S = 0.079 % to 0.66% at the high-alpine research station Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, in March~2007. The derived effective hygroscopicity parameter κ describing the influence of particle composition on CCN activity was on average 0.23–0.30 for Aitken (50–100 nm) and 0.32–0.43 for accumulation mode particles (100–200 nm). The campaign average value of κ = 0.3 is similar to the average value of κ for other continental locations. When air masses came from southeasterly directions crossing the Po Valley in Italy, particles were much more hygroscopic (κ ≈ 0.42) due to large sulfate mass fractions. The κ values obtained at S = 0.079 % exhibited a good negative correlation with the organic mass fractions derived from PM1 aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements. Applying a simple mixing rule the organic and inorganic mass fractions observed by the AMS could be used to reproduce the temporal fluctuations of the hygroscopicity of accumulation mode particles quite well. We show how during a cloud event the aerosol particles were activated as cloud droplets and then removed from the air by precipitation leaving behind only a small amount of accumulation mode particles consisting mainly of weakly CCN-active particles, most likely externally mixed unprocessed soot particles. During the campaign we had the opportunity to directly compare two DMT CCN counters for a certain time. The total CCN concentration (NCCN,tot) obtained by the two instruments at equal supersaturations agreed well for both possible operating modes: detecting NCCN,tot directly by sampling the polydisperse aerosol with the CCNC, or indirectly by combining size-resolved measurements of the activated fraction with parallel measurements of the particle size distribution (e.g., by SMPS). However, some supersaturation setpoints differed between the two CCNCs by as much as 20% after applying the instrument calibrations, which resulted in differences of the corresponding NCCN,tot of up to 50%. This emphasizes that it is extremely important to carefully calibrate the supersaturation of the instrument, especially at low S.