bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss-of-Function Ferrochelatase and Gain-of-Function Erythroid-Specific 5-Aminolevulinate Synthase Mutations Causing Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and X-Linked Protoporphyria in North American Patients Reveal Novel Mutations and a High Prevalence of X-Linked Protoporphyria
Authors: Balwani Manisha , Doheny Dana , Bishop David F. , Nazarenko Irina , Yasuda Makiko , Dailey Harry A. , Anderson Karl E. , Bissell D. Montgomery , Bloomer Joseph , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , Phillips John D. , Liu Lawrence , Desnick Robert J. ,   The Porphyrias Consortium of the National Institutes of Health Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
Published: July 2013

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are inborn errors of heme biosynthesis with the same phenotype but resulting from autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in the ferrochelatase (FECH) gene and gain-of-function mutations in the X-linked erythroid-specific 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS2) gene, respectively. The EPP phenotype is characterized by acute, painful, cutaneous photosensitivity and elevated erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. We report the FECH and ALAS2 mutations in 155 unrelated North American patients with the EPP phenotype. FECH sequencing and dosage analyses identified 140 patients with EPP: 134 with one loss-of-function allele and the common IVS3-48T>C low expression allele, three with two loss-of-function mutations and three with one loss-of-function mutation and two low expression alleles. There were 48 previously reported and 23 novel FECH mutations. The remaining 15 probands had ALAS2 gain-of-function mutations causing XLP: 13 with the previously reported deletion, c.1706_1709delAGTG, and two with novel mutations, c.1734delG and c.1642C>T(p.Q548X). Notably, XLP represented ~10% of EPP phenotype patients in North America, two to five times more than in Western Europe. XLP males had twofold higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels than EPP patients, predisposing to more severe photosensitivity and liver disease. Identification of XLP patients permits accurate diagnosis and counseling of at-risk relatives and asymptomatic heterozygotes.
XBP-1s Is Linked to Suppressed Gluconeogenesis in the Ebb Phase of Burn Injury
Authors: Brooks Natasha C. , Marshall Alexandra H. , Qa’aty Nour , Hiyama Yaeko , Boehning Darren , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: July 2013

The first 24 h following burn injury is known as the ebb phase and is characterized by a depressed metabolic rate. While the postburn ebb phase has been well described, the molecular mechanisms underlying this response are poorly understood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulates metabolic rate by maintaining glucose homeostasis through the hepatic ER stress response. We have shown that burn injury leads to ER stress in the liver during the first 24 h following thermal injury. However, whether ER stress is linked to the metabolic responses during the ebb phase of burn injury is poorly understood. Here, we show in an animal model that burn induces activation of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and inositol requiring enzyme-1 (IRE-1) and this leads to increased expression of spliced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1s) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) during the ebb phase. This is associated with increased expression of XBP-1target genes and downregulation of the key gluconeogenic enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). We conclude that upregulation of the ER stress response after burn injury is linked to attenuated gluconeogenesis and sustained glucose tolerance in the postburn ebb phase.
Anti-CD38 Antibody Therapy: Windows of Opportunity Yielded by the Functional Characteristics of the Target Molecule
Authors: Chillemi Antonella , Zaccarello Gianluca , Quarona Valeria , Ferracin Manuela , Ghimenti Chiara , Massaia Massimo , Horenstein Alberto L. , Malavasi Fabio
Published: July 2013

In vivo use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has become a mainstay of routine clinical practice in the treatment of various human diseases. A number of molecules can serve as targets, according to the condition being treated. Now entering human clinical trials, CD38 molecule is a particularly attractive target because of its peculiar pattern of expression and its twin role as receptor and ectoenzyme. This review provides a range of analytical perspectives on the current progress in and challenges to anti-CD38 mAb therapy. We present a synopsis of the evidence available on CD38, particularly in myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Our aim is to make the data from basic science helpful and accessible to a diverse clinical audience and, at the same time, to improve its potential for in vivo use. The topics covered include tissue distribution and signal implementation by mAb ligation and the possibility of increasing cell density on target cells by exploiting information about the molecule’s regulation in combination with drugs approved for in vivo use. Also analyzed is the behavior of CD38 as an enzyme: CD38 is a component of a pathway leading to the production of adenosine in the tumor microenvironment, thus inducing local anergy. Consequently, not only might CD38 be a prime target for mAb-mediated therapy, but its functional block may contribute to general improvement in cancer immunotherapy and outcomes.
Preclinical Studies in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Givinostat
Authors: Consalvi Silvia , Mozzetta Chiara , Bettica Paolo , Germani Massimiliano , Fiorentini Francesco , Del Bene Francesca , Rocchetti Maurizio , Leoni Flavio , Monzani Valmen , Mascagni Paolo , Puri Pier Lorenzo , Saccone Valentina
Published: July 2013

Previous work has established the existence of dystrophin-nitric oxide (NO) signaling to histone deacetylases (HDACs) that is deregulated in dystrophic muscles. As such, pharmacological interventions that target HDACs (that is, HDAC inhibitors) are of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of muscular dystrophies. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of long-term treatment with different doses of the HDAC inhibitor givinostat in mdx mice—the mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This study identified an efficacy for recovering functional and histological parameters within a window between 5 and 10 mg/kg/d of givinostat, with evident reduction of the beneficial effects with 1 mg/kg/d dosage. The long-term (3.5 months) exposure of 1.5-month-old mdx mice to optimal concentrations of givinostat promoted the formation of muscles with increased cross-sectional area and reduced fibrotic scars and fatty infiltration, leading to an overall improvement of endurance performance in treadmill tests and increased membrane stability. Interestingly, a reduced inflammatory infiltrate was observed in muscles of mdx mice exposed to 5 and 10 mg/kg/d of givinostat. A parallel pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis confirmed the relationship between the effective doses of givinostat and the drug distribution in muscles and blood of treated mice. These findings provide the preclinical basis for an immediate translation of givinostat into clinical studies with DMD patients.
Erythropoietin Receptor (EpoR) Agonism Is Used to Treat a Wide Range of Disease
Authors: Sanchis-Gomar Fabian , Perez-Quilis Carme , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) was discovered and described in red blood cells (RBCs), stimulating its proliferation and survival. The target in humans for EpoR agonists drugs appears clear—to treat anemia. However, there is evidence of the pleitropic actions of erythropoietin (Epo). For that reason, rhEpo therapy was suggested as a reliable approach for treating a broad range of pathologies, including heart and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease), spinal cord injury, stroke, diabetic retinopathy and rare diseases (Friedreich ataxia). Unfortunately, the side effects of rhEpo are also evident. A new generation of nonhematopoietic EpoR agonists drugs (asialoEpo, Cepo and ARA 290) have been investigated and further developed. These EpoR agonists, without the erythropoietic activity of Epo, while preserving its tissue-protective properties, will provide better outcomes in ongoing clinical trials. Nonhematopoietic EpoR agonists represent safer and more effective surrogates for the treatment of several diseases such as brain and peripheral nerve injury, diabetic complications, renal ischemia, rare diseases, myocardial infarction, chronic heart disease and others.
Utilization of Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis for Salt Water Treatment
Authors: Venugopal Krishnaveni , Dharmalingam Sangeetha
Published: July 2013

Bipolar ion‐exchange membranes, using polystyrene ethylene utylenes polystyrene (PSEBS) with polyvinyl alcohol as the intermediate, were fabricated and evaluated for their potential to remove secondary salts from lab‐prepared salt solutions. Experiments were carried out in batch re‐circulation mode. The mechanical properties and microscopic images of the membranes were analyzed before, during, and after the electrodialysis process. The performance of the membranes in the stack was evaluated in terms of energy consumption and current efficiency, and found to be 1.07 Wh/mol and 0.67, respectively. Commercially‐produced membranes were used as a comparison to the PSEBS‐based membranes. In the case of the commercial membrane, polystyrene divinylbenzene, the values for the above parameters were observed to be 2.59 Wh/mol and 0.63, respectively. In addition, other parameters, such as transport number of ions and acid – alkali production, were evaluated for both PSEBS‐based and commercially‐produced membranes. Results indicated that PSEBS‐based membranes exhibited better performance than the commercial membranes.
Incretin Action in the Pancreas: Potential Promise, Possible Perils, and Pathological Pitfalls
Authors: Drucker Daniel J.
Published: July 2013

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that control the secretion of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin to facilitate glucose disposal. The actions of incretin hormones are terminated via enzymatic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and through renal clearance. GLP-1 and GIP promote β-cell proliferation and survival in rodents. DPP-4 inhibitors expand β-cell mass, reduce α-cell mass, and inhibit glucagon secretion in preclinical studies; however, whether incretin-based therapies sustain functional β-cell mass in human diabetic subjects remains unclear. GLP-1 and GIP exert their actions predominantly through unique G protein-coupled receptors expressed on β-cells and other pancreatic cell types. Accurate localization of incretin receptor expression in pancreatic ductal or acinar cells in normal or diabetic human pancreas is challenging because antisera used for detection of the GLP-1 receptor often are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific to yield reliable data. This article reviews recent advances and controversies in incretin hormone action in the pancreas and contrasts established mechanisms with areas of uncertainty. Furthermore, methodological challenges and pitfalls are highlighted and key areas requiring additional scientific investigation are outlined.
The Prediction of Type 1 Diabetes by Multiple Autoantibody Levels and Their Incorporation Into an Autoantibody Risk Score in Relatives of Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Sosenko Jay M. , Skyler Jay S. , Palmer Jerry P. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Yu Liping , Mahon Jeffrey , Beam Craig A. , Boulware David C. , Rafkin Lisa , Schatz Desmond , Eisenbarth George ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet and the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Study Groups
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE

We assessed whether a risk score that incorporates levels of multiple islet autoantibodies could enhance the prediction of type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

TrialNet Natural History Study participants (n = 784) were tested for three autoantibodies (GADA, IA-2A, and mIAA) at their initial screening. Samples from those positive for at least one autoantibody were subsequently tested for ICA and ZnT8A. An autoantibody risk score (ABRS) was developed from a proportional hazards model that combined autoantibody levels from each autoantibody along with their designations of positivity and negativity.

RESULTS

The ABRS was strongly predictive of T1D (hazard ratio [with 95% CI] 2.72 [2.23–3.31], P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve areas (with 95% CI) for the ABRS revealed good predictability (0.84 [0.78–0.90] at 2 years, 0.81 [0.74–0.89] at 3 years, P < 0.001 for both). The composite of levels from the five autoantibodies was predictive of T1D before and after an adjustment for the positivity or negativity of autoantibodies (P < 0.001). The findings were almost identical when ICA was excluded from the risk score model. The combination of the ABRS and the previously validated Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Risk Score (DPTRS) predicted T1D more accurately (0.93 [0.88–0.98] at 2 years, 0.91 [0.83–0.99] at 3 years) than either the DPTRS or the ABRS alone (P ≤ 0.01 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show the importance of considering autoantibody levels in assessing the risk of T1D. Moreover, levels of multiple autoantibodies can be incorporated into an ABRS that accurately predicts T1D.
High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Infection in Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization / Okužbe Z Visokorizičnimi Genotipi Humanih Papilomskih Virusov (Hpv) Pri Ženskah, Vključenih V Postopke Zunajtelesne Oploditve
Authors: Jančar Nina , Vrtačnik Bokal Eda , Poljak Mario , Oštrbenk Anja
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection in a population of women included in an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) program and to correlate the outcome of IVF cycles with HPV status.

Methods: A total of 195 women undergoing the IVF program were included in the study. A cervical smear for cytological analysis and hr-HPV determination was collected from every woman. RealTime High Risk HPV test (Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL) has been used for the detection of hr-HPV infection. All participants were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire that included questions regarding medical and sexual history as well as risk factors for HPV infection. HPV 16 and HPV 18 positive women were invited for follow-up gynaecological examinations, including colposcopy 4 to 6 months after the inclusion.

Results: Mean age of included infertile women was 33.7 ± 4.36 years. A total of 16/195 women (8.2%) were hr-HPV positive. Hr-HPV infection was not associated with the percentage of mature oocytes, the percentage of fertilised oocytes, with embryo quality or with pregnancy rate in our study.

Conclusions: The prevalence of hr-HPV genotypes in Slovenian infertile women undergoing IVF is lower than the hr-HPV prevalence in the general population. We were unable to find an association between hr-HPV cervical infection and the outcome of IVF cycles.
Burden of Type 2 Diabetes from the Healthcare Payer Perspective in Slovenia / Breme Sladkorne Bolezni Tipa 2 S Stališča Plačnika Zdravstvenega Varstva V Sloveniji
Authors: Nerat Tomaž , Kos Mitja
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Diabetes prevalence and costs are rising on aglobal scale. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically conduct cost studies for assessing the healthcare burden impact. In Slovenia, the last type 2 diabetes cost assessment was conducted in 2006, not including all diabetes complication costs. The aim of this study was to revise, update and compare to previously published datadirect healthcare costs of type 2 diabetes in Slovenia with additional complications costs consideration.

Methods: The study was performed from the healthcare payer perspective using the bottom-up approach, was prevalence based and estimated direct medical costs.

Results: We estimated total yearly direct medical costs of type 2 diabetes in Slovenia to 99,120,419 euro with annual per capita costs of 834.70 euro. The highest cost shares were attributed to cardiovascular complication costs (21,683,919 euro), diabetes co-medication (20,977,269 euro) and diabetes treatment medication (18,505,015 euro). Highest yearly costs per complication (all cases, all occurrences) were estimated for dialysis I and III (9,162,635 euro), stroke first year costs (4,951,306 euro) and congestive heart failure first year costs (4,879,533 euro). Yearly per one patient, the complication costs were highest for kidney transplantation, followed by dialysis I and III (78,621.25 euro and 36,797.73 euro)

Conclusions: In comparison to the costs published in the literature before, our estimated total yearly direct medical costs were comparable, although annual per capita costs were assessed lower than elsewhere. Further, regarding the complication costs estimations, our assessed expenses were comparable to those published in other countries.
Attitudes Towards Genetically Modified Organisms in Slovenia: Between Knowledge and Myths / Stališča Do Genetsko Modificiranih Organizmov V Sloveniji: Poznavanje In Miti
Authors: Erjavec Karmen , Zajc Jožica , Poler Kovačič Melita , Šuštar Vozlič Jelka , Uhan Samo , Juvančič Luka
Published: July 2013

Objective: Because existing studies examining the impact of knowledge on people’s attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have had contradictory results, the goal of this study was to explore the attitudes that the population of Slovenia has towards GMOs and how knowledge affects their attitudes.

Methods: In January 2012, a telephone survey was conducted researching attitudes towards GMOs and knowledge about them on a representative sample of the population of Slovenia (N=446).

Results: The results revealed a predominantly negative attitude towards GMOs, regardless of their type, application and geographical distance; perceptions of the negative impact of GMOs on an individual’s health were particularly strong. The majority of respondents (59.5%) had moderate knowledge about GMOs, while a largeshare (30.4%) had poor knowledge of the topic. They had better objective knowledge about topics linked to formal education or legislation and a weaker understanding of mass media myths. Correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance showed a statistically significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards GMOs. The respondents with better objective knowledge (who gave the correct answers to test questions) had a less firm and a more positive attitude towards GMOs and vice versa. The respondents who lacked objective knowledge but expressed subjective knowledge (they were convinced that their answers were correct) on average had a more negative attitude towards GMOs compared to those who lacked subjective knowledge.

Conclusions: This finding leads to the conclusion that knowledge, particularly relating to media myths about GMOs, has an important role in forming attitudes towards the impact of GMOs on an individual’s health.
Integracija Kvantitativne In Kvalitativne Metodologije V Raziskavah V Zdravstvu: Sistematična Pregledna Študija / Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology in Health Science Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zurc Joca
Published: July 2013

Izvleček

Izhodišča: Priljubljenost integracije kvantitativne in kvalitativne metodologije v isti raziskavi je neverjetno narasla v zadnjih letih. Nimamo pa veliko podatkov o uspešnosti njihove uporabe v raziskovalni praksi na področju zdravstva. Namen te raziskave je bil analizirati področja, osrednje raziskovalne tematike, vrste raziskovalnih načrtov, uspešnost uporabe in nadaljnja odprta vprašanja integracije metod v raziskavah v zdravstvu.

Metode: Raziskava temelji na sistematični pregledni študiji 25 znanstvenih člankov s področja zdravstva, ki so pri svojem raziskovanju uporabili integracijo metod. Vključitvena merila: izvirni znanstveni članek z uporabo in evalvacijo integracije metod, objavljen v obdobju julij 2006-julij 2011 v reviji z recenzijo, ki je vključena v mednarodne baze podatkov: WebSurvey Methodology, CINAHL, MEDLINE in PubMed.

Rezultati: Vseh 25 analiziranih raziskav je potrdilo uspešnost uporabe integracije metod v raziskavah v zdravstvu. Uporaba integracije metod je najpogostejša na področju zdravstvene nege (32%) in promocije zdravja (28%). Prevladuje zaporedni način izvedbe kvantitativne in kvalitativne faze raziskave (64,3%), pri čemer je prva faza v večini primerov dominantna (71,4%). Razmerje med kvantitativnim (57,2%) in kvalitativnim (42,8%) prioritetnim pristopom je uravnoteženo. Najpogosteje uporabljeni nameni integracije metod v raziskavah v zdravstvu so komplementarnost (57,1%), triangulacija (28,6%) in ekspanzija (14,3%).

Zaključki: Dobljene ugotovitve potrjujejo uporabnost integracije metod pri raziskovanju kompleksnih in manj raziskanih problematik v zdravstvu ter izkazujejo potrebe po nadaljnjih raziskovanjih, kot so: konceptualizacija integracije metod v posameznih disciplinah zdravstvenih ved, razvoj meril in standardov ocenjevanja kakovosti raziskav z integracijo metod ter razširitev uvedbe integracije metod v klinično prakso kot podpore pri razvoju na dokazih podprte prakse.
Review of Experimental Research on Academic Learning by Students with Moderate and Severe Intellectual Disability in General Education
Authors: Hudson Melissa E. , Browder Diane M. , Wood Leah A.
Published: July 2013

A review of the literature on academic learning in general education settings for students with moderate and severe intellectual disability was conducted. A total of 17 experimental studies was identified and evaluated using quality indicators for single-case design research. Studies that met or met with reservation the criteria established for quality research were used to determine the evidence base of the instructional strategies described in the literature. The review found embedded instruction trials using constant time delay to be an evidence-based practice for teaching academic content to students with moderate and severe intellectual disability in general education. In addition, strategies that were not yet evidence-based but showed promise in the literature for teaching academic content to students with moderate and severe intellectual disability in general education were described. Last, implications for practice and directions for future research were discussed.
Teaching Principles of Heredity to High School Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities
Authors: Riggs Leah , Collins Belva C. , Kleinert Harold , Knight Victoria F.
Published: July 2013

This investigation focused on the systematic instruction of a science skill from the core content standards in accordance with the Kentucky Alternate Assessment for students with moderate and severe disabilities (MSD). Specifically, this study examined the effectiveness of using a constant time delay procedure with multiple exemplars in teaching the principles of heredity (i.e., transmission of genetic information) to high school students with MSD. In addition, the study assessed whether or not students with MSD could draw conclusions based on meaningful related nontargeted information presented in the consequence of instructional trials during the science lesson and generalize both the target and nontargeted information to novel exemplars. The results of the multiple probe design replicated across five students with MSD show that the procedures were effective.
“You Can't Vote—You're Mentally Incompetent”: Denying Democracy to People with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Agran Martin , Hughes Carolyn
Published: July 2013

Voting represents, arguably, the most important right and responsibility of a citizen in a democracy. Nevertheless, few adults are with an intellectual or developmental disability vote, and few are provided systematic instruction on voting or how to participate in the political process. Regrettably, 44 states have disenfranchisement provisions that prohibit many people with an intellectual disability from voting. These state provisions are in conflict with federal laws, which mandate that citizens with disabilities are guaranteed the same rights as citizens without disabilities. This study is a preliminary investigation of the perspective of a sample of support personnel regarding the value of voting for people with an intellectual or developmental disability and the extent to which they have provided voting instruction to their clients. The findings revealed that very few clients vote, are registered to vote, or are provided any instruction on how to vote or be informed about voting positions. The implications of the findings are discussed, and futures areas of research are suggested.
Assessing the utility of acoustic communication for wireless sensors deployed beneath ice sheets
Authors: Lishman Ben , Wadham Jemma , Drinkwater Bruce , Kendall J.-Michael , Burrow Steve , Hilton Geoff , Craddock Ian
Published: July 2013

The environments underneath ice sheets are of high scientific interest. Wireless sensors offer the prospect of sustained, distributed remote sensing in the subglacial environment. Typically, wireless sensor networks use radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic communications, but these are highly attenuated in wet environments. In such environments, acoustic communications may be more power-efficient. Here we review the literature on acoustic and RF attenuation through ice and other relevant media, and present the results of new experiments on acoustic attenuation in glacial ice. Link budgets for communications from a range of subglacial environments show that acoustic communications are a viable strategy for transmission through water and ice where RF is too highly attenuated to be detected. Acoustic communication at 30 kHz is predicted to be possible through 1 km of glacial ice, using a 1 W transmitter. Such a strategy may be appropriate for shallow ice-stream environments around the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet margins.
Seismic evidence of mechanically weak sediments underlying Russell Glacier, West Greenland
Authors: Dow C.F. , Hubbard A. , Booth A.D. , Doyle S.H. , Gusmeroli A. , Kulessa B.
Published: July 2013

Amplitude-versus-angle (AVA) analysis of a seismic reflection line, imaged 13 km from Russell Glacier terminus, near the western margin of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS), suggests the presence of sediment at the bed. The analysis was complicated by the lack of identifiable multiples in the data due to a highly irregular and crevassed ice surface, rendering deeper seismic returns noisy. A modified technique for AVA processing of glacial seismic data using forward modelling with primary reflection amplitudes and simulated multiple amplitudes is presented here. Our analysis demonstrates that AVA analysis can be applied to areas with noisy seismic returns and indicates that sediment underlies the seismic study site. Our data are inconsistent with the common assumption that the GrIS is underlain only by hard bedrock, but consistent with the presence of subglacial sediment with porosity between 30% and 40%. As analysis and modelling of ice-sheet dynamics requires a sound knowledge of the underlying basal materials, subglacial sediment should be taken into account when considering ice dynamics in this region of the GrIS.
‘Georods’: the development of a four-element geophone for improved seismic imaging of glaciers and ice sheets
Authors: Voigt Donald E. , Peters Leo E. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar
Published: July 2013

Active seismic imaging of glaciers and ice sheets is important for constraining inputs to climate models, such as englacial ice fabric and the nature of the basal interface. However, acquiring high-quality seismic data is time-consuming and resource-intensive. Using traditional single-element geophones requires ideal weather conditions (e.g. light winds) and excellent source coupling. In addition, deploying and retrieving these geophones is slow and cumbersome. We have developed a four-element ‘georod’ that enhances signal levels by 20–30dB in a variety of conditions, including blowing snow and poorly coupled source detonations. The long, slender design of these georods makes them easy to deploy and retrieve, allowing researchers to acquire greater line-kilometers of seismic data during field campaigns that are commonly time-constrained.
Antarctica, Greenland and Gulf of Alaska land-ice evolution from an iterated GRACE global mascon solution
Authors: Luthcke Scott B. , Sabaka T.J. , Loomis B.D. , Arendt A.A. , McCarthy J.J. , Camp J.
Published: July 2013

We have determined the ice mass evolution of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets (AIS and GIS) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA) glaciers from a new GRACE global solution of equal-area surface mass concentration parcels (mascons) in equivalent height of water. The mascons were estimated directly from the reduction of the inter-satellite K-band range-rate (KBRR) observations, taking into account the full noise covariance, and formally iterating the solution. The new solution increases signal recovery while reducing the GRACE KBRR observation residuals. The mascons were estimated with 10 day and 1 arcdeg equal-area sampling, applying anisotropic constraints. An ensemble empirical mode decomposition adaptive filter was applied to the mascon time series to compute annual mass balances. The details and causes of the spatial and temporal variability of the land-ice regions studied are discussed. The estimated mass trend over the total GIS, AIS and GOA glaciers for the time period 1 December 2003 to 1 December 2010 is −380 ± 31 Gt a−1, equivalent to −1.05 ± 0.09 mm a−1 sea-level rise. Over the same time period we estimate the mass acceleration to be −41 ± 27 Gt a−2 , equivalent to a −0.11 ± 0.08 mm a−2 sea-level acceleration. The trends and accelerations are dependent on significant seasonal and annual balance anomalies.
Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus as Cutting Edge between Tumor and Host
Authors: Fournier Philippe , Schirrmacher Volker
Published: July 2013

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) replicate selectively in tumor cells and exert anti-tumor cytotoxic activity. Among them, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), a bird RNA virus of the paramyxovirus family, appears outstanding. Its anti-tumor effect is based on: (i) oncolytic activity and (ii) immunostimulation. Together these activities facilitate the induction of post-oncolytic adaptive immunity. We will present milestones during the last 60 years of clinical evaluation of this virus. Two main strategies of clinical application were followed using the virus (i) as a virotherapeutic agent, which is applied systemically or (ii) as an immunostimulatory agent combined with tumor cells for vaccination of cancer patients. More recently, a third strategy evolved. It combines the strategies (i) and (ii) and includes also dendritic cells (DCs). The first step involves systemic application of NDV to condition the patient. The second step involves intradermal application of a special DC vaccine pulsed with viral oncolysate. This strategy, called NDV/DC, combines anti-cancer activity (oncolytic virotherapy) and immune-stimulatory properties (oncolytic immunotherapy) with the high potential of DCs (DC therapy) to prime naive T cells. The aim of such treatment is to first prepare the cancer-bearing host for immunocompetence and then to instruct the patient’s immune system with information about tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) of its own tumor together with danger signals derived from virus infection. This multimodal concept should optimize the generation of strong polyclonal T cell reactivity targeted against the patient’s TAAs and lead to the establishment of a long-lasting memory T cell repertoire.
Biosynthetic Pathway and Health Benefits of Fucoxanthin, an Algae-Specific Xanthophyll in Brown Seaweeds
Authors: Mikami Koji , Hosokawa Masashi
Published: July 2013

Fucoxanthin is the main carotenoid produced in brown algae as a component of the light-harvesting complex for photosynthesis and photoprotection. In contrast to the complete elucidation of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathways in red and green algae, the biosynthetic pathway of fucoxanthin in brown algae is not fully understood. Recently, two models for the fucoxanthin biosynthetic pathway have been proposed in unicellular diatoms; however, there is no such information for the pathway in brown seaweeds to date. Here, we propose a biosynthetic pathway for fucoxanthin in the brown seaweed, Ectocarpus siliculosus, derived from comparison of carotenogenic genes in its sequenced genome with those in the genomes of two diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Currently, fucoxanthin is receiving attention, due to its potential benefits for human health. Therefore, new knowledge regarding the medical and nutraceutical properties of fucoxanthin from brown seaweeds is also summarized here.
Virology, Epidemiology and Pathology of Glossina Hytrosavirus, and Its Control Prospects in Laboratory Colonies of the Tsetse Fly, Glossina pallidipes (Diptera; Glossinidae)
Authors: Kariithi Henry , Van Oers Monique , Vlak Just , Vreysen Marc , Parker Andrew , Abd-Alla Adly
Published: July 2013

The Glossina hytrosavirus (family Hytrosaviridae) is a double-stranded DNA virus with rod-shaped, enveloped virions. Its 190 kbp genome encodes 160 putative open reading frames. The virus replicates in the nucleus, and acquires a fragile envelope in the cell cytoplasm. Glossina hytrosavirus was first isolated from hypertrophied salivary glands of the tsetse fly, Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera; Glossinidae) collected in Kenya in 1986. A certain proportion of laboratory G. pallidipes flies infected by Glossina hytrosavirus develop hypertrophied salivary glands and midgut epithelial cells, gonadal anomalies and distorted sex-ratios associated with reduced insemination rates, fecundity and lifespan. These symptoms are rare in wild tsetse populations. In East Africa, G. pallidipes is one of the most important vectors of African trypanosomosis, a debilitating zoonotic disease that afflicts 37 sub-Saharan African countries. There is a large arsenal of control tactics available to manage tsetse flies and the disease they transmit. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a robust control tactic that has shown to be effective in eradicating tsetse populations when integrated with other control tactics in an area-wide integrated approach. The SIT requires production of sterile male flies in large production facilities. To supply sufficient numbers of sterile males for the SIT component against G. pallidipes, strategies have to be developed that enable the management of the Glossina hytrosavirus in the colonies. This review provides a historic chronology of the emergence and biogeography of Glossina hytrosavirus, and includes researches on the infectomics (defined here as the functional and structural genomics and proteomics) and pathobiology of the virus. Standard operation procedures for viral management in tsetse mass-rearing facilities are proposed and a future outlook is sketched.
Extensional Flow Properties of Externally Plasticized Cellulose Acetate: Influence of Plasticizer Content
Authors: Zepnik Stefan , Kabasci Stephan , Kopitzky Rodion , Radusch Hans-Joachim , Wodke Thomas
Published: July 2013

Elongational flow properties of polymer melts are very important for numerous polymer processing technologies such as blown film extrusion or foam extrusion. Rheotens tests were conducted to investigate the influence of plasticizer content on elongational flow properties of cellulose acetate (CA). Triethyl citrate (TEC) was used as plasticizer. Melt strength decreases whereas melt extensibility increases with increasing plasticizer content. Melt strength was further studied as a function of zero shear viscosity. The typical draw resonance of the Rheotens curve shifts to higher drawdown velocity and the amplitude of the draw resonance decreases with increasing TEC content. With respect to foam extrusion, not only are melt strength and melt extensibility important but the elongational behavior at low strain rates and the area under the Rheotens curve are also significant. Therefore, elongational viscosity as well as specific energy input were calculated and investigated with respect to plasticizer content. Preliminary foam extrusion tests of externally plasticized CA using chemical blowing agents confirm the results from rheological characterization.
Novel RF Interrogation of a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Using Bidirectional Modulation of a Mach-Zehnder Electro-Optical Modulator
Authors: Choi Sang-Jin , Mao Wankai , Pan Jae-Kyung
Published: July 2013

We propose and experimentally demonstrate the novel radio-frequency (RF) interrogation of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor using bidirectional modulation of a Mach-Zehnder electro-optical modulator (MZ-EOM). Based on the microwave photonic technique and active detection, the transfer function of the proposed system was obtained, and the time delay was calculated from the change in the free spectral range (FSR) at different wavelengths over the optimal measuring range. The results show that the time delay and the wavelength variation have a good linear relationship, with a gradient of 9.31 ps/nm. An actual measurement taken with a sensing FBG for temperature variation shows the relationship with a gradient of 0.93 ps/10 °C. The developed system could be used for FBG temperature or strain sensing and other multiplexed sensor applications.
Measurement of the Robot Motor Capability of a Robot Motor System: A Fitts’s-Law-Inspired Approach
Authors: Lin Hsien-I , Lee C.
Published: July 2013

Robot motor capability is a crucial factor for a robot, because it affects how accurately and rapidly a robot can perform a motion to accomplish a task constrained by spatial and temporal conditions. In this paper, we propose and derive a pseudo-index of motor performance (pIp) to characterize robot motor capability with robot kinematics, dynamics and control taken into consideration. The proposed pIp provides a quantitative measure for a robot with revolute joints, which is inspired from an index of performance in Fitts’s law of human skills. Computer simulations and experiments on a PUMA 560 industrial robot were conducted to validate the proposed pIp for performing a motion accurately and rapidly.
Norovirus Contamination Levels in Ground Water Treatment Systems Used for Food-Catering Facilities in South Korea
Authors: Lee Bo-Ram , Lee Sung-Geun , Park Jong-Hyun , Kim Kwang-Yup , Ryu Sang-Ryeol , Rhee Ok-Jae , Park Jeong-Woong , Lee Jeong-Su , Paik Soon-Young
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to inspect norovirus contamination of groundwater treatment systems used in food-catering facilities located in South Korea. A nationwide study was performed in 2010. Water samples were collected and, for the analysis of water quality, the temperature, pH, turbidity, and residual chlorine content were assessed. To detect norovirus genotypes GI and GII, RT-PCR and semi-nested PCR were performed with specific NV-GI and NV-GII primer sets, respectively. The PCR products amplified from the detected strains were then subjected to sequence analyses. Of 1,090 samples collected in 2010, seven (0.64%) were found to be norovirus-positive. Specifically, one norovirus strain was identified to have the GI-6 genotype, and six GII strains had the GII, GII-3, GII-4, and GII-17 genotypes. The very low detection rate of norovirus most likely reflects the preventative measures used. However, this virus can spread rapidly from person to person in crowded, enclosed places such as the schools investigated in this study. To promote better public health and sanitary conditions, it is necessary to periodically monitor noroviruses that frequently cause epidemic food poisoning in South Korea.
Assessing Watershed-Wildfire Risks on National Forest System Lands in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Scott Joe , Langowski Paul , Gilbertson-Day Julie , Haas Jessica , Bowne Elise
Published: July 2013

Wildfires can cause significant negative impacts to water quality with resultant consequences for the environment and human health and safety, as well as incurring substantial rehabilitation and water treatment costs. In this paper we will illustrate how state-of-the-art wildfire simulation modeling and geospatial risk assessment methods can be brought to bear to identify and prioritize at-risk watersheds for risk mitigation treatments, in both pre-fire and post-fire planning contexts. Risk assessment results can be particularly useful for prioritizing management of hazardous fuels to lessen the severity and likely impacts of future wildfires, where budgetary and other constraints limit the amount of area that can be treated. Specifically we generate spatially resolved estimates of wildfire likelihood and intensity, and couple that information with spatial data on watershed location and watershed erosion potential to quantify watershed exposure and risk. For a case study location we focus on National Forest System lands in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States. The Region houses numerous watersheds that are critically important to drinking water supplies and that have been impacted or threatened by large wildfires in recent years. Assessment results are the culmination of a broader multi-year science-management partnership intended to have direct bearing on wildfire management decision processes in the Region. Our results suggest substantial variation in the exposure of and likely effects to highly valued watersheds throughout the Region, which carry significant implications for prioritization. In particular we identified the San Juan National Forest as having the highest concentration of at-risk highly valued watersheds, as well as the greatest amount of risk that can be mitigated via hazardous fuel reduction treatments. To conclude we describe future opportunities and challenges for management of wildfire-watershed interactions.
Les dépenses engagées par les démiurges de Cyrène pour les cultes
Authors: Dobias-Lalou Catherine
Published: July 2013

Dans le dossier épigraphique des comptes des démiurges à Cyrène, une relecture des 1. 10 à 21 de SEG 9, 13 permet, à la lumière d'autres inscriptions de la région, de faire progresser l'interprétation sur quelques points. L'hapax περιάκτρια est compris, en rapport avec περιάγειν, «maîtresse de cérémonie». On abandonne la restitution d'ἐπίσκοποι sans parallèle au profit d'ἐπισκευά «préparation, apprêts» des cuisses des victimes lors des hécatombes. Dans le datif ΙΑΤΡΩΙ on reconnaît non l'appellatif mais le nom d'une figure divine désormais mieux connue en Cyrénaïque. Certains frais de son culte, comme de celui d'Artémis, d'Athéna et de Dionysos sont pris en charge au ive s. par la caisse des démiurges ; plus tard, ces magistrats s'occuperont aussi du culte des souverains lagides.
La légende et le culte de Messènè ou comment forger l'identité d'une cité
Authors: Deshours Nadine
Published: July 2013

Dans sa pseudo-histoire de la Messénie, Pausanias accorde une grande importance au personnage de Messènè, présentée à la fois comme l'héroïne éponyme du pays, la fondatrice de l'État messénien et l'initiatrice des mystères d'Andania. S'il n'a pas paru possible de démontrer que le culte de l'héroïne a précédé l'époque hellénistique où l'atteste l'archéologie, de fortes présomptions rendent envisageable l'existence d'un culte contemporain de la fondation de Messènè — voire antérieur. Avec le fameux Zeus de l'Ithôme, Asklépios, revendiqué comme indigète, et l'héroïne Messènè constituent ainsi les principales figures du panthéon qui fixe l'identité de la nouvelle cité.
Architecture métrique et mouvements du chœur dans la lyrique chorale grecque
Authors: Irigoin Jean
Published: July 2013

Le poète qui compose une ode chorale est aussi l'auteur de la mélodie sur laquelle seront chantées les paroles et de l'orchestique qui réglera les pas du chœur et ses évolutions. L'analyse comparative des vers et l'étude de l'architecture strophique appliquées à quatre odes triomphales, deux de Pindare (Ol. III, Pyth. IX) et deux de Bacchylide (Ép. 1 et 11), font apparaître des phénomènes communs qui intéressent à la fois la métrique, la rythmique et l'orchestique.
Grec σκυζᾶν, σκύζεσθαι et les grognements d'Héra
Authors: de Lamberterie Charles
Published: July 2013

Le verbe σκυζᾶν «être en rut», attesté dans l'Histoire des animaux d'Aristote et chez les Comiques, s'applique en propre au rut de la chienne. On doit le considérer comme un doublet spécialisé du «verbe de bruit» σκύζεσθαι «grogner», qui dans un épisode de l'Iliade fait lui aussi référence aux grognements de la chienne en chaleur.
Le marasme dans les textes médicaux grecs. Sens et histoire du mot
Authors: Skoda Françoise
Published: July 2013

Μαρασμός, dérivé nominal du verbe déjà homérique μαραίνω, n'apparaît dans la littérature médicale qu'à partir du IIe siècle de notre ère pour désigner la consomption, la déshydratation incurables. Ce mal qui s'achève inéluctablement par la mort est désigné par un représentant de la racine indo-européenne *mer- « mourir». Μαρασμός semble être venu relayer une autre dénomination de la consomption, φθίσις, qui tendait alors à se spécialiser au sens de «phtisie pulmonaire ».
Médecine et biographie : l'exemple de Plutarque
Authors: Corvisier Jean-Nicolas
Published: July 2013

Avec près de six cents références médicales, les Fies constituent une source encore inexploitée sur l'histoire culturelle des maladies. Sont ici examinées la nature et la fréquence des maladies, la nature et la gravité des blessures citées ; elles sont mises en relation avec la médecine ou l'art de la guerre de l'époque correspondante. La comparaison avec les sources techniques médicales prouve leur véracité. Mais le but de Plutarque n'est pas uniquement historique. Son traitement de certain types de personnages, comme les médecins, montre bien sa préoccupation de moraliste.
Nutrition Changes in Conservatively Treated Patients with Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: El-Sherbini Nevine , Duncan Neill , Hickson Mary , Johansson Lina , Brown Edwina A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), a rare but serious complication of long-term PD, is characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, weight loss, anorexia, and constipation. It can cause a significant deterioration in a patient's nutrition status. In the present study we examined changes in nutrition status and outcomes for patients with EPS treated conservatively without the use of surgical intervention.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with EPS at our institution between December 2006 and December 2010 were identified, and data on demographics, nutrition, and symptoms were collected every 2 months for 12 months and then at 18 and 24 months.

Results

Of the 15 patients identified, 12 were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition according to their subjective global assessment score, with 11 of the 15 presenting with more than 10% weight loss in the 6 months before diagnosis. Furthermore, symptom burden was high, with 11 of 15 patients reporting 2 or more gastrointestinal symptoms. Of the 15 patients, 12 required parenteral nutrition for a median of 4.5 months, and 5 died within the first 12 months after diagnosis. In the 10 survivors, albumin and C-reactive protein significantly improved over the 24 months after diagnosis. Improving trends in weight and symptoms were also observed in those patients.

Conclusions

In some patients with EPS, a conservative approach without surgical intervention, and with regular dietetic input and aggressive nutrition support, can lead to improved nutrition status and symptoms.