bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis, a Potential Mechanism for Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Regulation of CD8+ T Cell Function Mediated through Programmed Cell Death-1 and Programmed Cell Death-1 Ligand Interaction
Authors: Kim Young-June , Park Su-Jung , Broxmeyer Hal E.
Published: July 2011

CD8+ T cells become exhausted, inducing cell surface protein programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) as chronic virus diseases or tumors progress, but underlying mechanisms of this are unclear. We previously showed that M-CSF is important for developing tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) from human CD14+ monocytes. In this article, we identify M-CSF–derived DCs (M-DCs) after stimulation with IL-10 as myeloid-derived suppressor cells with additional tolerogenic activities to CD8+ T cells. IL-10 increased PD-1 ligand expression on M-DC, and IL-10–stimulated M-DCs (M-DC/IL-10) induced expression of PD-1 on, and apoptosis of, CD8+ T cells and phagocytosed CD8+ T cells. Enhanced phagocytic activity of M-DC/IL-10 required IFN-γ, which further increased PD-1 ligand and PD-2 ligand expression on M-DC/IL-10. IFN-γ–stimulated M-DC/IL-10 cells were phenotypically macrophage-like cells with little or no expression of CD86, a costimulatory molecule, but with high expression levels of CD14, CD200R, and CD80. No phagocytic activity was detected with GM-CSF–derived DCs. We propose that phagocytosis by IFN-γ–stimulated M-DC/IL-10 cells, which may be DCs or, alternatively, a unique subset of macrophages, may be a mechanism by which IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells are tolerized after type 1 immune responses to chronic virus or tumor, and that IFN-γ links effector CD8+ T cells to their phagocytic clearance.
The Novel Role of SERPINB9 in Cytotoxic Protection of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: El Haddad Najib , Moore Robert , Heathcote Dean , Mounayar Marwan , Azzi Jamil , Mfarrej Bechara , Batal Ibrahim , Ting Christopher , Atkinson Mark , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Ashton-Rickardt Philip G. , Abdi Reza
Published: July 2011

Clinical trials using allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ongoing for the purpose of providing therapeutic benefit for a variety of human disorders. Pertinent to their clinical use are the accessibility to sufficient quantities of these cells allowing for repetitive administration, as well as a better understanding of the specific mechanisms by which allogeneic MSCs evade host immune responses that in turn influence their life span following administration. In this report, we sought to characterize and compare human peripheral blood MSCs (hPB-MSCs) with bone marrow-derived MSCs. hPB-MSCs met the established criteria to characterize this cellular lineage, including capacity for self-renewal, differentiation into tissues of mesodermal origin, and expression of phenotypic surface markers. In addition, hPB-MSCs suppressed alloreactive proliferation as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Examination of the mechanisms by which allogeneic MSCs evade the host immune response, which is crucial for their therapeutic use, demonstrated that constitutive expression of serine protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9) on hPB-MSCs and bone marrow-derived MSCs is a major defense mechanism against granzyme B-mediated destruction by NK cells. Similarly, MSCs treated with small interfering RNA for PI-9 increased MSC cellular death, whereas expression of transgenic PI-9 following retroviral transduction protected MSCs. These data significantly advance our understanding of the immunomodulatory role for hPB-MSCs as well as the mechanisms by which they evade host immune responses. These findings contribute to the development of MSC-based therapies for diseases.
TCRs Used in Cancer Gene Therapy Cross-React with MART-1/Melan-A Tumor Antigens via Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Borbulevych Oleg Y. , Santhanagopolan Sujatha M. , Hossain Moushumi , Baker Brian M.
Published: July 2011

T cells engineered to express TCRs specific for tumor Ags can drive cancer regression. The first TCRs used in cancer gene therapy, DMF4 and DMF5, recognize two structurally distinct peptide epitopes of the melanoma-associated MART-1/Melan-A protein, both presented by the class I MHC protein HLA-A*0201. To help understand the mechanisms of TCR cross-reactivity and provide a foundation for the further development of immunotherapy, we determined the crystallographic structures of DMF4 and DMF5 in complex with both of the MART-1/Melan-A epitopes. The two TCRs use different mechanisms to accommodate the two ligands. Although DMF4 binds the two with a different orientation, altering its position over the peptide/MHC, DMF5 binds them both identically. The simpler mode of cross-reactivity by DMF5 is associated with higher affinity toward both ligands, consistent with the superior functional avidity of DMF5. More generally, the observation of two diverging mechanisms of cross-reactivity with the same Ags and the finding that TCR-binding orientation can be determined by peptide alone extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying TCR cross-reactivity.
Het kerke �n publieke rol in �n pluralistiese Suid-Afrika?
Authors: Fourie Willem
Published: July 2011

Churches� public role in a pluralistic South Africa South Africa�s diversity provides significant challenges to public involvement by churches. In some circles it is even believed that this diversity disqualifies churches from any form of public involvement. This diversity is protected by a liberal constitution and nurturing it is one of the explicit aims of the South African consolidating democracy. The German theologians Michael Welker and Wolfgang Huber typify the diversity of democratic societies as �pluralism�. In this article, both theologians� conceptualisation of �pluralism� was considered and used to set conditions for the South African churches� public involvement.
Safety and Efficacy of Argatroban in the Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Saugel Bernd , Schmid Roland M. , Huber Wolfgang
Published: July 2011

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening adverse reaction to heparin therapy that is characterized by thrombocytopenia and an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. According to guidelines, in patients with strongly suspected or confirmed HIT all sources of heparin have to be discontinued and an alternative, nonheparin anticoagulant for HIT treatment must immediately be started. For both the prophylaxis of thrombembolic events in HIT and the treatment of HIT with thrombosis the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban is approved in the United States. The objective of this review is to describe the mechanism of action and the pharmacokinetic profile of argatroban, to characterize argatroban regarding its safety and therapeutic efficacy and to discuss its place in therapy in HIT.
Uma proposta de sistema de gerenciamento de informações estratégicas para indústrias em evolução
Authors: Bento Nélio , Antunes Adelaide Maria de Souza
Published: July 2011

O acesso ao ambiente externo das organizações é um importante componente para obtenção do sucesso e, conseqüentemente, da sobrevivência das mesmas. Contudo, a tarefa de busca, coleta e análise das informações do ambiente torna-se um exercício de difícil realização, devido à complexidade de uma representação exata do ambiente competitivo. Além disso, a formatação e arquitetura de relatórios estratégicos que retratem as evoluções do ambiente são impossibilitadas pela falta de organização das informações dispersas ou capturadas do ambiente. Este trabalho sugere uma proposta conceitual de sistema de informações estratégicas e descreve os benefícios que podem ser obtidos através da sua implementação.
Prontuário eletrônico do paciente: documento técnico de informação e comunicação do domínio da saúde
Authors: Pinto Virgínia Bentes
Published: July 2011

O texto apresenta os resultados da pesquisa sobre o Prontuário Eletrônico da Paciente (PEP), contextualizando-o não apenas como documento procedimental, porém como documento de referência no processo de comunicação intra e entre a equipe de saúde e o paciente. Ele permite a seus criadores e usuários intervir para resolver problemas de ordem clínica, administrativa e de gestão em organizações de saúde permitindo a todos agir coerentemente sobre as decisões a serem tomadas em relação ao paciente ao qual ele se refere.
Fundamentos teóricos da classificação
Authors: Araújo Carlos Alberto Ávila
Published: July 2011

Pretende-se analisar alguns aspectos da teoria da classificação. Inicialmente, busca-se verificar o que é classificação e os tipos de classificação existentes. A seguir, analisa-se a evolução das teorias e sistemas de classificação, identificando a importância da teoria da classificação facetada. Os elementos que compõem essa teoria são revisados e, depois, particularizados para uma situação específica: o mapeamento quantitativo temático de disciplinas científicas.
Um contexto de leitura: a biblioteca municipal Emilio Carlos Jourdan – entre patronos e discursos
Authors: Steindel Gisela Eggert
Published: July 2011

O estudo analisa a fundação da Biblioteca Municipal Emilio Carlos Jourdan, um dos contextos de leitura antecedentes à constituição da biblioteca municipal da cidade de Jaraguá do Sul (SC). Neste texto discute-se um modo de criação de uma biblioteca municipal na década de 40 do século XX. Os dados resultaram dos estudos de doutoramento que investigou a biblioteca pública municipal Rui Barbosa neste município. Esta investigação se pautou em alguns pressupostos da História Cultural, mais especificamente, buscou na vertente da Micro-História compreender como em um lugar e um tempo uma dada comunidade constituiu o seu espaço público de leitura. O estudo mostra que essa a biblioteca municipal Emilio Carlos Jourdan, foi fundada em um discurso político-retórico e sem legislação e como conseqüência não resistira às injunções políticas do seu tempo e lugar.
Los catalogos en linea de acceso publico en las bibliotecas argentinas con colecciones juridicas
Authors: Barber Elsa , Pisano Silvia , Romagnoli Sandra , Parsiale Verónica , Pedro Gabriela de , Gregui Carolina
Published: July 2011

Se analizan las interfaces de usuario de los catálogos en línea de acceso público (OPACs) en entorno web de las bibliotecas argentinas con colecciones jurídicas, a fin de elaborar un diagnóstico de situación sobre la descripción bibliográfica, el análisis temático, los mensajes de ayuda al usuario y la visualización de los datos bibliográficos. Se adopta una metodología cuali-cuantitativa, se utiliza como instrumento de recolección de datos la lista de funcionalidades del sistema que proporciona Hildreth (1982), se actualiza en función de los nuevos desarrollos y se obtiene un formulario que permite, mediante 38 preguntas cerradas, observar la frecuencia de aparición de las funcionalidades básicas propias de cuatro áreas: Área I - control de operaciones; Área II, subdividida en control de formulación de la búsqueda y punto de acceso; Área III - control de salida y Área IV - asistencia al usuario: información e instrucción. Se trabaja con la información correspondiente a 43 unidades. Los resultados demuestran que la mayoría de los OPACs relevados brindan prestaciones mínimas, por lo que se encuentran en una fase inicial de implementación y no responden, por lo tanto, a las necesidades de los usuarios.
O retrato da ciência da informação: uma análise de seus fundamentos sociais
Authors: Renault Leonardo Vasconcelos , Martins Ronaldo
Published: July 2011

Apresenta a fundamentação social da ciência da informação através de três autores da área:Capurro, Shera e Wersig. Em cada um dos autores procurou-se identificar traços que contribuiriam para a fundamentação da Ciência da Informação como uma ciência com características sociais. Segue-se uma argumentação de cunho epistemológico acerca da possibilidade da Ciência da Informação, como ciência social, avançando na definição de seu objeto mediante comparação com a área de Comunicação Social. Por fim, uma última imagem, da ordem da metáfora tenta posicionar a Ciência da Informação, como ciência social com características hermenêuticas.
Patrimônio digital e informação: política, cultura e diversidade
Authors: Cavalcante Lídia Eugenia
Published: July 2011

Este texto, que é parte da pesquisa de pós-doutorado em Ciências da Informação, realizada na École de Bibliothéconomie et des Sciences de l'Information (EBSI), da Université de Montréal – Canadá, versa sobre Informação, Memória Social, Cultura e Patrimônio Digital. Tem o objetivo de apresentar algumas reflexões sobre os desafios de salvaguarda e acesso ao patrimônio, em meio eletrônico, com ênfase nas questões culturais, econômicas e políticas que envolvem a temática. Toma como elemento inicial de reflexão o documento: “Carta da UNESCO sobre a Preservação do Patrimônio Digital” e sobre a “Memória do Mundo”, amplamente divulgado na Internet, e que tem estimulado os diferentes países membros e instituições ao estabelecimento de políticas, estratégias, ações, programas, padrões, diretrizes e metodologias que assegurem a preservação e o acesso à memória e ao patrimônio mundial em ambiente virtual.
Comunicações em eventos da área da ciência da informação: contribuição dos docentes dos programas de pós-graduação
Authors: Noronha Daisy Pires , Silva José Fernando Modesto da , Funaro Vânia Martins Bueno de Oliveira , Igami Mery Piedad Zamudio , Toledo Sandra Regina Ponte da Costa Salles
Published: July 2011

Analisa as características das comunicações de autoria dos docentes dos Programas de Pósgraduação em Ciência da Informação, apresentadas nos eventos: Congresso Brasileiro de Biblioteconomia e Documentação (CBBD); Seminário Nacional de Bibliotecas Universitárias (SNBU) e Encontro da Associação Nacional de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação (ENANCIB). As informações foram extraídas da Base de Dados em Literatura Cinzenta-Eventos-Ciência da Informação, mantida pelo Núcleo de Produção Científica (NPC/ECA/USP). Foram analisadas as comunicações apresentadas segundo tipos de autoria (única e múltipla) e categorias temáticas (classificadas segundo as linhas de pesquisa dos Programas de Pós-graduação em Ciência da Informação). Identificou-se 114 docentes vinculados aos nove programas, totalizando 226 comunicações publicadas nos anais das últimas três ocorrências dos eventos, no período de 2000 a 2005. O evento com maior número de comunicação foi o ENANCIB (107 comunicações), seguido do CBBD (72 comunicações) e SNBU (47 comunicações). A maioria das comunicações (71,7%) foi apresentada em colaboração. O maior número de comunicações está centrada na linha de pesquisa “Fluxo da Informação” e na temática “informação e sociedade”. Constatou-se uma dispersão de assuntos nas comunicações quando considerados os limites temáticos das linhas de pesquisa nas quais se enquadram os docentes dos programas de pós-graduação estudados.
O contador de histórias: uma nova profissão?
Authors: Fleck Felícia de Oliveira
Published: July 2011

O presente artigo discorre sobre o reaparecimento do contador de histórias, em sua configuração contemporânea, a partir das últimas décadas do séc. XX. Mostra o que vem acontecendo, principalmente em Florianópolis, em relação a esse movimento. Apresenta as características básicas do seu trabalho e se propõe a analisar se este novo fazer se enquadra nas definições de “profissão” expostas por alguns teóricos da sociologia das profissões.
Tecnologia da informação e serviços de referência eletrônicos: uma proposta de aplicação baseada em chatterbots e ontologias
Authors: Dias Guilherme Ataíde , Henn Gustavo , Silva José Wendell de Morais
Published: July 2011

Discute os principais conceitos relacionados ao desenvolvimento de um sistema de referência eletrônico em unidades de informação através do uso da tecnologia de informação. Introduz o conceito de chatterbots, apresenta seus principais usos, gerações evolutivas e linguagens utilizadas na sua implementação. Conceitua ontologia de maneira geral e contextualiza seu significado na área da Ciência da Informação. Descreve a arquitetura do sistema DELPHOS, explicitando as etapas da construção da interface do usuário, processador AIML e bases de conhecimentos. Conclui sugerindo estudos futuros com o objetivo de avaliar as dinâmicas emergentes da interação dos usuários com o chatterbot e a possibilidade de construção de um perfil de usuário a partir das interações com o mesmo.
Biblioteca universal: um sonho antigo da humanidade
Authors: Garcia Joana Coeli Ribeiro
Published: July 2011

Analisa, sob uma perspectiva histórica, as funções básicas da biblioteca, tais como armazenagem, disseminação e representação de informações, evoluindo e acompanhando as inovações das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TICs) que se configuram como elemento facilitador das atividades da biblioteca. Tais tecnologias, que caracterizam a sociedade da informação, oferecem condições para que um único suporte contenha todo o acervo da humanidade; possibilitam a disseminação de informações sem intermediários, vez que o próprio autor disponibiliza seus textos em portais, sites, bases de dados e bibliotecas digitais. Além disso, anuncia-se a web semântica como solução para o problema da representação, reunindo e cruzando textos diversos com temáticas comuns a serem utilizados pelas bases de dados, serviços de busca e de navegadores. Por tudo isso, há que se supor que o sonho de uma biblioteca universal está se tornando realidade.
Novas tecnologias, novas mídias, velhas dificuldades: aprimorando a interface com o usuário para a escolha de base de dados ou periódicos
Authors: Griebler Ana Cristina de Freitas , Mattos Ana Maria
Published: July 2011

As tecnologias da informação e comunicação determinaram profundas transformações no modo pelo qual transitam, no meio acadêmico, as publicações e outras modalidades de informações científicas. Com o desenvolvimento destas tecnologias, os veículos utilizados pelos pesquisadores para a realização de suas investigações passaram a ser bastante diversificados. O periódico publicado na forma impressa passou a compartilhar seu espaço com o periódico disponibilizado por via eletrônica. A grande quantidade de informações disponíveis trouxe dificuldades em sua recuperação, tanto para os pesquisadores quanto para os bibliotecários, suscitando dúvidas: Como aprimorar a interface disponibilizada ao usuário para a escolha da base de dados a ser consultada? Em qual base de dados pode ser encontrado o título do periódico desejado? Este título periódico é indexado em mais de uma base? Este periódico está disponível em texto completo ou somente através de seu resumo? Qual base de dados deve ser consultada sobre um tema específico? Bibliotecários de universidades norte-americanas propuseram soluções para estes problemas, visando facilitar e otimizar a busca destas informações e sua vinculação com a coleção descrita nos catálogos das bibliotecas. O presente trabalho propõe a aplicação da proposta norte-americana, em uma versão adaptada à realidade brasileira para os usuários das bibliotecas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Mais especificamente, se oferece uma interface que pode integrar automática e simultaneamente a pesquisa do usuário para o sistema de bibliotecas da UFRGS, o conjunto de bases de dados e de periódicos do Portal Capes, e para as bases gratuitas disponíveis na Internet.
The federal government’s potential power to coordinate or take state assets during emergencies
Authors: Shin, JD, MPP Raymond K.
Published: July 2011

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) allows the federal government to intervene in emergency response efforts without the consent of state governments when there is an emergency that involves a responsibility or authority that is exclusively or pre-eminently granted to the United States. This statute may allow the federal government to coordinate the use of state assets when a state is unable to protect its citizens. Furthermore, the federal government could be able to take state-owned assets and resources under the Takings Clause of the US Constitution to serve the public purpose of responding to a wide-scale emergency as long as there is just compensation for such use. The federal government has yet to employ the Stafford Act or the Takings Clause to coordinate or take state emergency response assets, and although it is unlikely that the federal government would do so in the future, such scenarios may occur under the current legal framework.
Sprawl and fire department response times across the United States
Authors: Katirai, PhD Matin
Published: July 2011

Fire emergencies demand an immediate response from fire departments so that precious lives may be saved. How those services are distributed in a city will have a tremendous impact on how timely residents will receive a response.Urban sprawl, the pervasive development pattern of the United States, may also have a considerable impact on how agencies respond to everyday emergencies. Urban sprawl creates inefficiencies in service provision and has negative externalities, such as congestion, which also impact public safety. This study investigated and analyzed fire protection as an urban service and the impacts of urban sprawl on fire response. The goal for this study was to examine the impact of the landscape and the characteristics that are associated with sprawl on response times. Data from eight major US cities were collected, including Louisville, KY, Houston, TX, San Francisco, CA, Miami, FL, Seattle,WA, Portland, OR, Charlotte, NC, and St. Paul, MN. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used in the examination of cities and their fire districts. Linear regression was used as the main quantitative technique to regress response times (as the main dependent variable) along with the other variables that were associated with sprawl.Three fire chiefs from Louisville, KY, were also interviewed from an urban, urban/suburban, suburban fire districts to assess the impact of sprawl on their respective fire districts. Results indicate that there is variation of how characteristics of urban sprawl affect response times and that the results vary within cities and between cities. Some of the sprawl variables were found to hinder response times in some cities, whereas the opposite was true for other cities.When designing new urban/suburban communities, some of the general recommendations are that steps should be taken to reduce congestion, commuting, and vehicle ownership allowing for better access. Other authors have suggested that both developers and consumers should face higher costs associated with the risk of living in sprawled areas than people may reconsider their choices on where to live, reducing the demand for sprawled types of developments.
Judgments About Others’ Trustworthiness: An fMRI Study
Authors: Watabe Motoki , Ban Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hiroki
Published: July 2011

We investigated how information about others’ trustworthiness affects brain region activation in a functional MRI (fMRI) study. Participants were given statements about a person’s behaviors and were asked to judge whether or not the person was trustworthy while undergoing fMRI imaging. Participants read 32 statements, half of which were relevant to making judgments about trustworthiness, and half of which were irrelevant to making judgments about trustworthiness. We found that making trustworthiness judgments when reading relevant statements was associated with differential activation in five regions: the angular gyrus (AG), anterior cingulate (AC), left frontal lobe (LF), right frontal lobe (RF), and putamen/caudate nucleus (PU/CA). Previous studies using highly abstract economic game situations have also shown activation in these regions. These regions are also related to the learning process and to theory-of-mind processing. In addition, we found that people with high or low scores on a general trust scale showed less activation than did people with middle-range scores. These results suggest that we use trial-and-error learning to decide whether to trust others, and that this learning history (represented here as general trust level) influences automatic processing of new trust judgments.
Complex refractive indices of Saharan dust samples at visible and near UV wavelengths: a laboratory study
Authors: Wagner R. , Ajtai T. , Kandler K. , Lieke K. , Linke C. , Müller T. , Schnaiter M. , Vragel M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We have retrieved the wavelength-dependent imaginary parts of the complex refractive index for five different Saharan dust aerosol particles of variable mineralogical composition at wavelengths between 305 and 955 nm. The dust particles were generated by re-dispersing soil samples into a laboratory aerosol chamber, typically yielding particle sizes with mean diameters ranging from 0.3 to 0.4 μm and maximum diameters from 2 to 4 μm. The extinction and absorption coefficients as well as the number size distribution of the dust particles were simultaneously measured by various established techniques. An inversion scheme based on a spheroidal dust model was employed to deduce the refractive indices. The retrieved imaginary parts of the complex refractive index were in the range from 0.003 to 0.005, 0.005 to 0.011, and 0.016 to 0.050 at the wavelengths 955, 505, and 305 nm. The hematite content of the dust particles was determined by electron-microscopical single particle analysis. Hematite volume fractions in the range from 1.1 to 2.7 % were found for the different dusts, a range typical for atmospheric mineral dust. We have performed a sensitivity study to assess how accurately the retrieved imaginary refractive indices could be reproduced by calculations with mixing rule approximations using the experimentally determined hematite contents as input.
Aqueous phase processing of secondary organic aerosols
Authors:   Yao Liu, Tritscher T. , Praplan A. P. , DeCarlo P. F. , Temime-Roussel B. , Quivet E. , Marchand N. , Dommen J. , Baltensperger U. , Monod A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The aging of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) by photooxidation in the aqueous phase was experimentally investigated. To simulate multiphase processes, the following experiments were sequentially performed in a smog chamber and in an aqueous phase photoreactor: (1) Gas-phase photooxidation of three different volatile organic compounds (VOC): isoprene, α-pinene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) in the presence of NOx, leading to the formation of SOA which was subjected to on-line physical and chemical analysis; (2) particle-to-liquid transfer of water soluble species of SOA using filter sampling and aqueous extraction; (3) aqueous-phase photooxidation of the obtained water extracts; and (4) nebulization of the solutions for a repetition of the on-line characterization. SOA concentrations in the chamber measured with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) were higher than 200 μg m−3, as the experiments were conducted under high initial concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and NOx. The aging of SOA through aqueous phase processing was investigated by measuring the physical and chemical properties of the particles online before and after processing using a high resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA). It was shown that, after aqueous phase processing, the particles were significantly more hygroscopic, and contained more fragmentation ions at m/z = 44 and less ions at m/z = 43, thus showing a significant impact on SOA aging for the three different precursors. Additionally, the particles were analyzed with a thermal desorption atmospheric pressure ionization aerosol mass spectrometer (TD-API-AMS). Comparing the smog chamber SOA composition and non processed nebulized aqueous extracts with this technique revealed that sampling, extraction and/or nebulization did not significantly impact the chemical composition of SOA formed from isoprene and α-pinene, whereas it affected that formed from TMB. For the two first precursors, the aqueous phase chemical composition of SOA was further investigated using offline measurements, i.e. ion chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (IC-MS) and an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer (APCI-MS) equipped with high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC-MS). These analyses showed that aqueous phase processing enhanced the formation of some compounds already present in the SOA, thus confirming the aging effect of aqueous phase processes. For isoprene experiments, additional new compounds, likely oligomers, were formed through aqueous phase photooxidation, and their possible origins are discussed.
Validation of SCIAMACHY limb NO2 profiles using solar occultation measurements
Authors: Bauer R. , Rozanov A. , McLinden C. A. , Gordley L. L. , Lotz W. , Russell III J. M. , Walker K. A. , Zawodny J. M. , Ladstätter-Weißenmayer A. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The increasing amounts of reactive nitrogen in the stratosphere necessitates accurate global measurements of stratospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Over the past decade, the SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) instrument on ENVISAT (European Environmental Satellite) has been providing global coverage of stratospheric NO2 every 6 days, which is otherwise difficult to achieve with other systems (e.g. balloon measurements, solar occultation). In this study, the vertical distributions of NO2 retrieved from limb measurements of the scattered solar light from the SCIAMACHY instrument are validated using NO2 products from three different satellite instruments (SAGE II, HALOE and ACE-FTS). The retrieval approach, as well as the sensitivity of the SCIAMACHY NO2 limb data product are discussed, and the photochemical corrections needed to make this validation feasible, as well as the chosen collocation criteria are described. For each instrument, a time period of two years is analyzed with several hundreds of collocation pairs for each year and instrument. The agreement between SCIAMACHY and each instrument is found to be better than 10 % between 22–24 km and 40 km. Additionally, NO2 amounts in three different latitude regions are validated individually, with considerably better agreements in high and middle latitudes compared to tropics. Differences with SAGE II and ACE-FTS below 20 km are consistent with those expected from the diurnal effect.
Organohalogen emission from saline environments – spatial extrapolation using remote sensing as most promising tool
Authors: Kotte K. , Löw F. , Huber S. G. , Mulder I. , Schöler H. F.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Due to their negative water budget most recent semi-/arid regions are characterized by vast evaporates (salt lakes and salty soils). We recently identified those hyper-saline environments as additional sources for a multitude of volatile halogenated organohalogens (VOX). These compounds affect the ozone layer of the stratosphere and play a key role in the production of aerosols. A remote sensing based analysis was performed in the southern Aral Sea basin, providing information of main soil types as well as their extent and spatial and temporal evolution. VOX production has determined in dry and moist soil samples for 24 h. Several C1- and C2 organohalogens, including chloromethane and bromomethane, have been found in hyper-saline topsoil profiles. The range of naturally produced organohalogens includes dichloroethene. For the 15 000 km2 ranging research area in the southern Aralkum desert a daily production of up to 23 t dichloroethene has been calculated using MODIS time series and supervised image classification. The applied setup reproduces a short-term change in climatic conditions starting from dried-out saline soil, instantly humidified during rain events or flooding. VOX emission from dry fallen Aral Sea sediments will further increase since the area of salt affected soils is expected to increase in future. Opportunities, limits and requirements of satellite based rapid change detection and salt classification are discussed.
Holocene evolution of summer winds and marine productivity in the tropical Indian Ocean in response to insolation forcing: data-model comparison
Authors: Bassinot F. C. , Marzin C. , Braconnot P. , Marti O. , Mathien-Blard E. , Lombard F. , Bopp L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The relative abundance of Globigerinoides bulloides was used to infer Holocene paleo-productivity changes on the Oman margin and at the southern tip of India. Today, the primary productivity at both sites reaches its maximum during the summer season, when monsoon winds result in local Eckman pumping, which brings more nutrients to the surface. On a millennium time-scale, however, the % G. bulloides records indicate an opposite evolution of paleo-productivity at these sites through the Holocene. The Oman Margin productivity was maximal at ~9 ka (boreal summer insolation maximum) and has decreased since then, suggesting a direct response to insolation forcing. On the contrary, the productivity at the southern tip of India was minimum at ~9 ka, and strengthened towards the present. Paleo-reconstructions of wind patterns, marine productivity and foraminifera assemblages were obtained using the IPSL-CM4 climate model coupled to the PISCES marine biogeochemical model and the FORAMCLIM ecophysiological model. These reconstructions are fully coherent with the marine core data. They confirm that the evolution of particulate export production and foraminifera assemblages at our two sites were directly linked with the strength of the upwelling. Model simulations at 9 ka and 6 ka BP show that the relative evolution between the two sites since the early Holocene can be explained by the weakening but also the southward shift of monsoon winds over the Arabian Sea during boreal summer.
An entropy approach for evaluating the maximum information content achievable by an urban rainfall network
Authors: Ridolfi E. , Montesarchio V. , Russo F. , Napolitano F.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Hydrological models are the basis of operational flood-forecasting systems. The accuracy of these models is strongly dependent on the quality and quantity of the input information represented by rainfall height. Finer space-time rainfall resolution results in more accurate hazard forecasting. In this framework, an optimum raingauge network is essential in predicting flood events. This paper develops an entropy-based approach to evaluate the maximum information content achievable by a rainfall network for different sampling time intervals. The procedure is based on the determination of the coefficients of transferred and nontransferred information and on the relative isoinformation contours. The nontransferred information value achieved by the whole network is strictly dependent on the sampling time intervals considered. An empirical curve is defined, to assess the objective of the research: the nontransferred information value is plotted versus the associated sampling time on a semi-log scale. The curve has a linear trend. In this paper, the methodology is applied to the high-density raingauge network of the urban area of Rome.
Involvement of the XRCC1 Arg399Gln Gene Polymorphism in the Development of Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Roszak Andrzej , Lianeri Margarita , Jagodzinski Pawel P.
Published: July 2011

Background

Although infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is crucial to the development of cervical cancer, it is not considered a sufficient isolated factor to cause this malignancy. The association of the XRCC1 Arg399Gln (rs25487) polymorphism with cervical cancer has been demonstrated in some populations.

Methods

The XRCC1 Arg399Gln genetic variants were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in patients with advanced cervical cancer (n=189) and controls (n=308).

Results

We observed that patients with advanced cervical cancer having the Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg vs Arg/Arg genotype displayed a 1.726-fold increased risk of cervical cancer (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.158-2.572, p=0.007). The odds ratio (OR) for Gln/Gln vs Gln/Arg or Arg/Arg was 1.742 (95% CI=1.073-2.827; p=0.0236). We also found a significantly higher frequency of the XRCC1 399Gln allele in patients with cancer than in controls, with OR=1.489 (95% CI=1.148-1.930, p=0.0026). The p value of the chi-square test for the trend observed for the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was also statistically significant (ptrend=0.002). The statistical power of this study amounted to 78% for the Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg genotypes and 61% for the Gln/Gln genotype.

Conclusion

Although the statistical power of our study did not reach 80%, we found a statistically significant association between the XRCC1 399Gln variant and the incidence of cervical cancer.
Formulation and Evaluation of Floating Oral In Situ Gelling System of Amoxicillin
Authors: Patel Dasharath M. , Patel Divyesh K. , Patel Chhagan N.
Published: July 2011

Purpose. Effective Helicobacter pylori eradication requires delivery of the antibiotic locally in the stomach. High dose of amoxicillin (750 to 1000 mg) is difficult to incorporate in floating tablets but can easily be given in liquid dosage form. Keeping the above facts in mind, we made an attempt to develop a new floating in situ gelling system of amoxicillin with increased residence time using sodium alginate as gelling polymer to eradicate H. pylori. Methods. Floating in situ gelling formulations were prepared using sodium alginate, calcium chloride, sodium citrate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K100, and sodium bicarbonate. The prepared formulations were evaluated for solution viscosity, floating lag time, total floating time, and in vitro drug release. The formulation was optimized using a 32 full factorial design. Dissolution data were fitted to various models to ascertain kinetic of drug release. Regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed for dependent variables. Results. All formulations (F1–F9) showed floating within 30 s and had total floating time of more than 24 h. All the formulations showed good pourability. It was observed that concentration of sodium alginate and HPMC K100 had significant influence on floating lag time, cumulative percentage drug release in 6 h and 10 h. The batch F8 was considered optimum since it showed more similarity in drug release () to the theoretical release profile. Conclusion. Floating in situ gelling system of amoxicillin can be formulated using sodium alginate as a gelling polymer to sustain the drug release for 10 to 12 h with zero-order release kinetics.
Radially Symmetric Steady State Thermal and Mechanical Stresses of a Poro FGM Hollow Sphere
Authors: Jabbari M. , Karampour S. , Eslami M. R.
Published: July 2011

A general solution for the one-dimensional steady-state thermal and mechanical stresses in a hollow thick sphere made of porous functionally graded material (FGPM) is presented. The temperature distribution is assumed to be a function of radius, with general thermal and mechanical boundary conditions on the inside and outside surfaces of the sphere. The material properties, except Poisson's ratio, are assumed to vary along the radius r according to a power law function. The analytical solution of the heat conduction equation and the Navier equation lead to the temperature profile, radial displacement, radial stress, and hoop stress as a function of radial direction.
Triple Negative Breast Carcinoma: A Comparative Study between Breast Lesion and Lymph Node Metastases: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Parada David , Peña Karla , Riu Francesc , Hernandez Pilar
Published: July 2011

Aims and Background. Triple negative breast carcinoma is a genetic and molecular subtype of breast carcinoma with poor prognosis. Some immunohistochemistry studies have been proposed to identify BLBC. Most studies consider primary breast carcinoma but not metastases.Methods. Immunohistochemical characteristics in 11 triple negative breast carcinomas were studied in both primary lesions and lymph node metastases. All cases were reevaluated to estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2-Neu. An FISH probe for HER2/neu was also performed. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with cytokeratin 5/6, 17, Cam 5.2, p63, EGFR, and Ki-67 in breast carcinoma and lymph node metastases.Results. The age of the patients ranged between 42 and 73 years (mean 53), and the mean followup was 68.25 months. A total of 54.55% of the patients were disease-free, and 45.45% died of carcinoma. Axillary lymph nodes maintained triple negative phenotype (11/11). Metastatic tumors showed CAM 5.2 (81.83%) and EGFR (72.73%) expression. Basal marker expression was variable in primary carcinoma and lymph node metastases (63.64%).Conclusions. Triple negative breast carcinomas maintained this immunoprofile at lymph node metastases. Triple negative carcinomas showed variable expression of basal cell markers.
Thermomechanical Behaviour of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Copoly(ether-ester) Blends
Authors: Poomalai P. , Varghese T. O.
Published: July 2011

Binary blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/copoly(ether-ester) (COPE) elastomer were prepared under four different compositions by melt mixing technique using twin-screw extruder. The effects of COPE content on thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated using various techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for all PMMA/COPE blends. The properties of all the blends were evaluated in comparison with neat PMMA and COPE. All the blends show higher thermal stability than individual component. DSC analysis results reveal that all the blends show two glass transition temperature (Tg) values and the Tg value of PMMA has been shifted to lower side due to the presence of COPE content. The two step reduction in storage modulus corresponding to their Tg value reveal that the blends are immiscible in nature.
Direct UV Patterning of Electronically Active Fullerene Films
Authors: Wang Jia , Larsen Christian , Wågberg Thomas , Edman Ludvig
Published: July 2011

We utilize UV light for the attainment of high‐resolution, electronically active patterns in [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) films. The patterns are created by directly exposing selected parts of a solution‐cast PCBM film to UV light, and thereafter developing the film by immersing it in a tuned developer solution. We demonstrate that it is possible to attain complex, large‐area PCBM structures with a smallest demonstrated‐feature size of 1 μm by this method, and that the patterned PCBM material exhibits a high average electron mobility (1.2 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1) in transistor experiments. The employment of UV light for direct patterning of PCBM for electronic applications is attractive, because PCBM exhibits high absorption in the UV range, and no sacrificial photoresist is needed. The patterning is achieved through the transformation by UV light of the soluble PCBM monomers into insoluble dimers with retained attractive electronic properties.
Effects of an intercalating agent on the morphology and thermal and flame‐retardant properties of low‐density polyethylene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation
Authors: Ye Lei , Wu Qianghua
Published: July 2011

The effects of an intercalating agent on the morphology and thermal and flame‐retardant properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property measurements. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after intercalation with stearate anion (SA) or dodecyl sulfate anion (DS), organo‐LDH could be nanodispersed in an LDPE matrix with exfoliated structures or intercalated structures simultaneously with partially exfoliated structures, respectively, via melt intercalation. However, the unmodified LDH composites yielded only microcomposites. Microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the following order for the flame‐retardant and thermal properties: LDPE/SA‐modified LDH > LDPE/DS‐modified LDH > LDPE/NO3‐modified LDH > LDPE. The higher performance of the LDPE/LDH nanocomposites with respect to flame retardance and thermal stability could be attributed to the better dispersion state of the LDH layers in the LDPE matrix and the greater hindrance effect of LDH layers on the diffusion of oxygen and volatile products throughout the composite materials when they were exposed to burning or thermal degradation. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the LDPE/LDH nanocomposites decreased to some extent because of the decrease in the crystallinity of the LDPE matrix. A transmittance test showed that the transparency of the exfoliated LDPE/SA‐modified LDH nanocomposite was very close to that of neat LDPE. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) blended membranes
Authors: Choi Hyoungwoo , Kwon Youngnam , Jung Yongdoo , Hong Sungpyo , Tak Taemoon
Published: July 2011

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes have been widely used in microfiltration and ultrafiltration because of their excellent chemical resistance and thermal properties. However, PVDF membranes have exhibited severe membrane fouling because of their hydrophobic properties. In this study, we investigated the antifouling properties of PVDF blended membranes. Antifouling PVDF blended membranes were prepared with a PVDF‐g‐poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (POEM) graft copolymer. The PVDF‐g‐POEM graft copolymer was synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The chemical structure and properties of the synthesized PVDF‐g‐POEM graft copolymer were determined by NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. To investigate the antifouling properties of the membranes, we prepared microfiltration membranes by using the phase‐inversion method, which uses various PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM concentrations in dope solutions. The pure water permeabilities were obtained at various pressures. The PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM blended membranes exhibited no irreversible fouling in the dead‐end filtration of foulants, including bovine serum albumin, sodium alginate, and Escherichia coli broth. However, the hydrophobic PVDF membrane exhibited severe fouling in comparison with the PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM blended membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene/CaCO3 hybrid hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Huang Qinglin , Xiao Changfa , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2011

A novel method of preparing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber membrane was presented by utilizing poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can form a gel of two dimensional complex compounds with Boric acid (H3BO3). Effects of H3BO3 on PTFE nascent hollow fiber were investigated, and the results showed that the introduction of H3BO3 effectively reduced the addition of PVA. The configuration named “fibril” formed between PVA and H3BO3 could be observed in nascent hollow fiber by SEM (Scanning electronic microscopy). Furthermore, Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles (60 nm∼ 90 nm) were introduced into PTFE matrix. The interfacial microvoids (IFMs) which were different from the PTFE sintering or node‐fibril network structure were obtained. The assumption of the IFMs formation was proposed in this study. Effects of CaCO3 amount and draw ratios on structure and properties of hybrid hollow fiber membranes were analyzed, and the SEM results showed that the IFMs quantity and diameter improved with draw ratio increasing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011