bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of 24 Antidepressant Drugs and Their Metabolites in Wastewater by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sheng Ling-Hui , Chen Hong-Rui , Huo Ying-Bin , Wang Jing , Zhang Yu , Yang Min , Zhang Hong-Xun
Published: January 2014

Antidepressants are a new kind of pollutants being increasingly found in wastewater. In this study, a fast and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the analysis of 24 antidepressant drugs and six of their metabolites in wastewater. This is the first time that the antidepressant residues in wastewater of Beijing (China) were systematically reported. A solid-phase extraction process was performed with 3 M cation disk, followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry measurements. The chromatographic separation and mass parameters were optimized in order to achieve suitable retention time and good resolution for analytes. All compounds were satisfactorily determined in one single injection within 20 min. The limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, and extraction recovery were validated. The LOQ for analytes were ranged from 0.02 to 0.51 ng/mL. The determination coefficients were more than 0.99 within the tested concentration range (0.1–25 ng/mL), and the recovery rate for each target compound was ranged from 81.2% to 118% at 1 ng/mL. This new developed method was successfully applied to analysis the samples collected from Beijing municipal wastewater treatment plants. At least ten target antidepressants were found in all samples and the highest mean concentration of desmethylvenlafaxin was up to 415.6 ng/L.
Synthesis of Tetrahydrohonokiol Derivates and Their Evaluation for Cytotoxic Activity against CCRF-CEM Leukemia, U251 Glioblastoma and HCT-116 Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Bernaskova Marketa , Kretschmer Nadine , Schuehly Wolfgang , Huefner Antje , Weis Robert , Bauer Rudolf
Published: January 2014

Biphenyl neolignans such as honokiol and magnolol, which are the major active constituents of the Asian medicinal plant Magnolia officinalis, are known to exert a multitude of pharmacological and biological activities. Among these, cytotoxic and tumor growth inhibitory activity against various tumour cell lines are well-documented. To further elucidate the cytotoxic effects of honokiol derivatives, derivatizations were performed using tetrahydrohonokiol as a scaffold. The derivatizations comprised the introduction of functional groups, e.g., nitro and amino groups, as well as alkylation. This way, 18 derivatives, of which 13 were previously undescribed compounds, were evaluated against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells, U251 glioblastoma and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The results revealed no significant cytotoxic effects in any of the three tested cell lines at a test concentration of 10 µM.
Two New Secondary Metabolites from Xylaria sp. cfcc 87468
Authors: Wang Fuqian , Han Shishi , Hu Song , Xue Yongbo , Wang Jianping , Xu Hongfeng , Chen Lu , Zhang Geng , Zhang Yonghui
Published: January 2014

A new isocoumarin glycoside, 3R-(+)-5-O-[6'-O-acetyl]-α-D-glucopyranosyl-5-hydroxymellein (1), and a new phenylethanol glycoside, (−)-phenylethyl-8-O-α-L-rhamno-pyranoside (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Xylaria sp. cfcc 87468, together with five known steroids, β-sitosterol (3), stigmast-4-en-3-one (4), ergosterol (5), (22E)-cholesta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (6), and 4α-methyl- ergosta-8(14),24(28)-dien-3β-ol (7). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by MS, extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and the circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
Inhibition of Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle by an Ethyl Acetate Subfraction Separated from Polygonum cuspidatum Root and Its Major Component, Emodin
Authors: Yiu Ching-Yi , Chen Shih-Ying , Yang Tsai-Hsiu , Chang Che-Jung , Yeh Dong-Bor , Chen Yi-Jie , Lin Tsuey-Pin
Published: January 2014

Polygonum cuspidatum is widely used as a medicinal herb in Asia. In this study, we examined the ethyl acetate subfraction F3 obtained from P. cuspidatum root and its major component, emodin, for their capacity to inhibit the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic cycle. The cell viability was determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] method. The expression of EBV lytic proteins was analyzed by immunoblot, indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometric assays. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to assess the EBV DNA replication and the transcription of lytic genes, including BRLF1 and BZLF1. Results showed that the F3 and its major component emodin inhibit the transcription of EBV immediate early genes, the expression of EBV lytic proteins, including Rta, Zta, and EA-D and reduces EBV DNA replication, showing that F3 and emodin are potentially useful as an anti-EBV drug.
A Multi-Scale Hybrid CFD-DEM-PBM Description of a Fluid-Bed Granulation Process
Authors: Sen Maitraye , Barrasso Dana , Singh Ravendra , Ramachandran Rohit
Published: January 2014

In this study, a hybrid multi-scale model has been developed for a continuous fluid bed wet granulation process by dynamically coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with a discrete element model (DEM) and population balance model (PBM). In this process, the granules are formed by spraying the liquid binder on the fluidized powder bed. The fluid flow field has been solved implementing CFD principles and the behavior of the solid particles has been modeled using DEM techniques whereas the change in particle size has been quantified with the help of PBM. The liquid binder droplets have been modeled implicitly in DEM. A detailed understanding of the process aids in the development of better design, optimization and control strategies. The model predicts the evolution of important process variables (i.e., average particle diameter, particle size distribution (PSD) and particle liquid content) over time, which have qualitative similarity with experimentally observed trends. The advantage of incorporating the multi-scale approach is that the model can be used to study the distributions of collision frequencies, particle velocity and particle liquid content in different sections of the fluid bed granulator (FBG), in a more mechanistic manner.
What Gives You a Social Licence? An Exploration of the Social Licence to Operate in the Australian Mining Industry
Authors: Bice Sara
Published: January 2014

This article analyses the ways in which major, multinational mining companies operating within Australia understand sustainable development and articulate their “social licence to operate”. The article contributes a novel perspective to ongoing discussions about the social licence by exploring the ways in which leading Australian mining companies define and assert their social licences through sustainable development discourse. A content and discourse analysis of 18 sustainability reports across a four year period, supplemented by qualitative interview data, draws out these issues. While most companies use these reports to confirm beliefs in the necessity of a social licence, the ways in which the licence is specifically defined and maintained are not generally made explicit. Additionally, key theoretical criteria required for a social licence, such as free, prior and informed consent, appear to be overlooked. In conclusion, the article suggests ways in which criteria for a social licence within the mining industry could be defined more clearly and raises consequent questions to shape future research.
The Control of Tendon-Driven Dexterous Hands with Joint Simulation
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Han Dong
Published: January 2014

An adaptive impedance control algorithm for tendon-driven dexterous hands is presented. The main idea of this algorithm is to compensate the output of the classical impedance control by an offset that is a proportion-integration-differentiation (PID) expression of force error. The adaptive impedance control can adjust the impedance parameters indirectly when the environment position and stiffness are uncertain. In addition, the position controller and inverse kinematics solver are specially designed for the tendon-driven hand. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is validated by using MATLAB and ADAMS software for joint simulation. ADAMS is a great software for virtual prototype analysis. A tendon-driven hand model is built and a control module is generated in ADAMS. Then the control system is built in MATLAB using the control module. The joint simulation results demonstrate fast response and robustness of the algorithm when the environment is not exactly known, so the algorithm is suitable for the control of tendon-driven dexterous hands.
Modeling and Characterization of the Implant Intra-Body Communication Based on Capacitive Coupling Using a Transfer Function Method
Authors: Zhang Kai , Hao Qun , Song Yong , Wang Jingwen , Huang Ruobing , Liu Yue
Published: January 2014

Implantable devices have important applications in biomedical sensor networks used for biomedical monitoring, diagnosis and treatment, etc. In this paper, an implant intra-body communication (IBC) method based on capacitive coupling has been proposed, and the modeling and characterization of this kind of IBC has been investigated. Firstly, the transfer function of the implant IBC based on capacitive coupling was derived. Secondly, the corresponding parameters of the transfer function are discussed. Finally, both measurements and simulations based on the proposed transfer function were carried out, while some important conclusions have been achieved, which indicate that the achieved transfer function and conclusions are able to help to achieve an implant communication method with the highly desirable characteristics of low power consumption, high data rate, high transmission quality, etc.
Control Framework for Dexterous Manipulation Using Dynamic Visual Servoing and Tactile Sensors’ Feedback
Authors: Jara Carlos , Pomares Jorge , Candelas Francisco , Torres Fernando
Published: January 2014

Tactile sensors play an important role in robotics manipulation to perform dexterous and complex tasks. This paper presents a novel control framework to perform dexterous manipulation with multi-fingered robotic hands using feedback data from tactile and visual sensors. This control framework permits the definition of new visual controllers which allow the path tracking of the object motion taking into account both the dynamics model of the robot hand and the grasping force of the fingertips under a hybrid control scheme. In addition, the proposed general method employs optimal control to obtain the desired behaviour in the joint space of the fingers based on an indicated cost function which determines how the control effort is distributed over the joints of the robotic hand. Finally, authors show experimental verifications on a real robotic manipulation system for some of the controllers derived from the control framework.
Thermal Balance Analysis of a Micro-Thermoelectric Gas Sensor Using Catalytic Combustion of Hydrogen
Authors: Nagai Daisuke , Akamatsu Takafumi , Itoh Toshio , Izu Noriya , Shin Woosuck
Published: January 2014

A thermoelectric gas sensor (TGS) with a combustion catalyst is a calorimetric sensor that changes the small heat of catalytic combustion into a signal voltage. We analyzed the thermal balance of a TGS to quantitatively estimate the sensor parameters. The voltage signal of a TGS was simulated, and the heat balance was calculated at two sections across the thermoelectric film of a TGS. The thermal resistances in the two sections were estimated from the thermal time constants of the experimental signal curves of the TGS. The catalytic combustion heat Qcatalyst required for 1 mV of ∆Vgas was calculated to be 46.1 μW. Using these parameters, we find from simulations for the device performance that the expected Qcatalyst for 200 and 1,000 ppm H2 was 3.69 μW and 11.7 μW, respectively.
A Dynamic Model for Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management in Spain: Driving Policies Based on Economic Incentives and Tax Penalties
Authors: Calvo Nuria , Varela-Candamio Laura , Novo-Corti Isabel
Published: January 2014

According to the recent Spanish legislation, the amount of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) by weight must be reduced by at least 70% by 2020. However, the current behavior of the stakeholders involved in the waste management process make this goal difficult to achieve. In order to boost changes in their strategies, we firstly describe an Environmental Management System (EMS) based on regulation measures and economic incentives which incorporate universities as a key new actor in order to create a 3Rs model (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in the C&D waste management with costs savings. The target areas are focused mainly on producer responsibility, promotion of low-waste building technologies and creation of green jobs to fulfill three main objectives: valorization of inert wastes, elimination of illegal landfills and stimulation of demand for recycled C&D wastes. To achieve this latter goal, we have also designed a simulation model—using the Systems Dynamic methodology—to assess the potential impact of two policies (incentives and tax penalties) in order to evaluate how the government can influence the behavior of the firms in the recycling system of C&D waste aggregates. This paper finds a broader understanding of the socioeconomic implications of waste management over time and the positive effects of these policies in the recycled aggregates market in order to achieve the goal of 30% C&D waste aggregates in 12 years or less.
A Review of the Evidence that Ochratoxin A Is an Nrf2 Inhibitor: Implications for Nephrotoxicity and Renal Carcinogenicity
Authors: Limonciel Alice , Jennings Paul
Published: January 2014

Several studies have demonstrated that ochratoxin A (OTA) inhibits the nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) oxidative stress response pathway. At the cellular level this would attenuate (i) glutathione synthesis; (ii) recycling of oxidised glutathione; (iii) activity of oxidoreductases; and (iv) phase II metabolism inducibility. The effects combined would render the cell and tissue more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Indeed, Nrf2 knock out animals exhibit increased susceptibility to various types of chemical-induced injury. Several studies have shown that OTA exposure can inhibit Nrf2 responses. Such an action would initially lead to increased susceptibility to both physiological and chemical-induced cell stress. However, chronic exposure to OTA may also act as a selective pressure for somatic mutations in Nrf2 or its inhibitor Keap-1, leading to constitutive Nrf2 activation. Nrf2 overexpression confers a survival advantage and is often associated with cancer cell survival. Here we review the evidence for OTA’s role as an Nrf2 inhibitor and discuss the implications of this mechanism in nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity.
The Image of the Enemy: the Evolution of the “Other” in Bolshevik Political Posters from the October Revolution and the Civil War
Authors: Dobrenko Vladimir
Published: January 2014

En utilisant des affiches politiques, cette contribution étudie la façon dont les bolchéviks ont dépeint leurs ennemis pendant la révolution d’octobre et la guerre civile. En analysant ces affiches dans leur contexte historique, trois questions sont abordées : comment l’ennemi était-il classifié ? Quel était l’esprit idéologique du système de classification ? Quel style était utilisé pour dépeindre l’ennemi ? Cette contribution suggère que la classification de l’ennemi était extrêmement difficile. Une fois la guerre civile commencée, les bolchéviks se réalisaient assez vite que d’autres groupes ne rentraient pas aisément dans les concepts de classes marxistes. Ainsi, ils se voyaient obligés de modifier, voire même écarter les étiquettes marxistes qui désignaient les classes afin de les accommoder à la société russe. Deuxièmement, l’analyse des affiches démontre que la classification et la représentation de l’ennemi s’opéraient dans deux systèmes qui s’embrochaient et se contredisaient concurremment. Pour désigner leurs opposants, les bolchéviks étaient forcés d’utiliser un langage qui était révolutionnaire mais, en même temps, qui référait aux traditions tsaristes. Ceci ne s’alignait guère aux perspectives internationalistes des révolutionnaires. Troisièmement, le style et la forme des affiches étaient très divers, allant du lubok ancien à la satire extrêmement avant-gardiste. Et finalement, cet article argumente que dès la guerre civile, les bolchéviks amollissaient leur idéologie marxiste en faveur de traditions russes.
New hydrogen-bonding organocatalysts: Chiral cyclophosphazanes and phosphorus amides as catalysts for asymmetric Michael additions
Authors: Klare Helge , Neudörfl Jörg M , Goldfuss Bernd
Published: January 2014

Ten novel hydrogen-bonding catalysts based on open-chain PV-amides of BINOL and chinchona alkaloids as well as three catalysts based on rigid cis-PV-cyclodiphosphazane amides of N1,N1-dimethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine have been developed. Employed in the asymmetric Michael addition of 2-hydroxynaphthoquinone to β-nitrostyrene, the open-chain 9-epi-aminochinchona-based phosphorus amides show a high catalytic activity with almost quantitative yields of up to 98% and enantiomeric excesses of up to 51%. The cyclodiphosphazane catalysts show the same high activity and give improved enantiomeric excesses of up to 75%, thus representing the first successful application of a cyclodiphosphazane in enantioselective organocatalysis. DFT computations reveal high hydrogen-bonding strengths of cyclodiphosphazane PV-amides compared to urea-based catalysts. Experimental results and computations on the enantiodetermining step with cis-cyclodiphosphazane 14a suggest a strong bidentate H-bond activation of the nitrostyrene substrate by the catalyst.
Postia alni Niemelä & Vampola (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) – member of the problematic Postia caesia complex – has been found for the first time in Hungary
Authors: Papp Viktor
Published: January 2014

Due to their bluish basidiocarps the Postia caesia (syn. Oligoporus caesius) complex forms a distinctive morphological group within the polypore genus Postia Fr., 1874. Five species of this group occur in Europe: P. alni Niemelä & Vampola, P. caesia (Schrad.) P. Karst., P. luteocaesia (A. David) Jülich, P. mediterraneocaesia M. Pierre & B. Rivoire and P. subcaesia (A. David) Jülich. In this study P. alni is reported for the first time from Hungary. The dichotomous key of the species of the European Postia caesia complex was prepared as well.
Ley divina y ley terrena: antijudaísmo y estrategias de conversión en la campaña castellana de San Vicente Ferrer (1411-1412)
Authors: Losada Carolina M.
Published: January 2014

Los estudios sobre el antijudaísmo medieval castellano tienden a concentrarse en los acontecimientos cataclísmicos de la historia de las relaciones cristianojudías. Así, el acontecimiento histórico que implica la coincidencia de la campaña de predicación del valenciano San Vicente Ferrer y la emergencia de un dispositivo legal —Las leyes de Ayllón, 1412— que buscan constreñir la reproducción social y económica de los judíos, con el objetivo de compelerlos a la conversión, ha sido citada pero no estudiada. La convergencia de ambos acontecimientos responde tanto a la voluntad de los actores sociales involucrados, como a una situación histórico-política determinada, ligada al desarrollo del antijudaísmo castellano durante el siglo xv. Entonces, 1412 se nos presenta como un hito en la historia del discurso y la praxis antijudíos castellanos. Esto nos permite dilucidar la forma en que la construcción del otro —un otro judío— supone un diálogo entre discurso religioso y el gesto político de marginalización y exclusión.
La transmisión textual de la traducción de la Divina Comedia (1515): ¿del impreso al manuscrito?
Authors: Hamlin Cinthia M.
Published: January 2014

El texto de la primera traducción impresa de la Divina Comedia (Burgos, 1515) se conserva sólo en un manuscrito (HSA, B2183), considerado hasta ahora el texto de base que se usó en la imprenta. Este tema ha sido poco discutido, tal vez por la falta de un estudio minucioso que aborde el manuscrito y los problemas de su transmisión textual. En el presente trabajo, intentaremos problematizar la relación de filiación que se ha dado por sentada entre el testimonio manuscrito y el impreso, a través de un cotejo que se enfocará especialmente en los versos enmendados y en las variantes tanto léxicas como sintagmáticas.
Dos glosas de romances castellanos en el ms. 4495 de la Bibliothèque Mazarine de París
Authors: Mahiques Climent Joan
Published: January 2014

El ms. 4495 de la Bibliothèque Mazarine reúne la mayor parte de las obras, en catalán y en castellano, de Joan Pujol (floruit 1573-1603). Si las primeras han sido estudiadas y publicadas, la mayoría de las poesías en castellano no solo son inéditas sino que pueden considerarse desconocidas debido a la falta de una descripción que transcriba sus primeros versos. Además de ofrecer los inicios de todas las obras castellanas, estudiamos y editamos las dos únicas piezas que hasta el momento podemos suponer que no compuso Joan Pujol, eso son “Oh batalla carnicera” y “Con muy duro y triste hado”, que glosan respectivamente los romances “Oh Belerma, oh Belerma” y “Muerto queda Durandarte”.
Los Fueros de Aragón. Una versión romance de mediados del siglo XIII
Authors: Carabias Orgaz Miguel
Published: January 2014

Presentamos una versión hasta ahora inédita de los Fueros de Aragón, aprobados en las Cortes de Huesca de 1247, que nos ha llegado en un documento de mediados del siglo XIII. Se trata, por tanto, del testimonio más antiguo conocido de la llamada Compilatio Minor. El manuscrito, conservado fragmentariamente, contiene diez fueros pertenecientes al segundo libro, están escritos en romance aragonés y coinciden casi literalmente con la versión latina del texto foral.
Information Organising Behaviours in Everyday Life
Authors: Narayan Bhuva
Published: January 2014

This chapter discusses people’s everyday encounters with information and the difficulties they face in finding information within both personal and professional contexts, with a specific focus on information-organisation-related behaviours in everyday-life, and based on a diary study where participants maintained an information journal. The discussion is based on the literature along with selected findings from a larger empirical study of human information behaviours, which found that information-organisation-related behaviours (including the lack of it) in everyday life is a problematic area due to various factors. The factors include problems with knowledge representation and inter-subjectivity, along with spatiotemporal dimensions that give rise to intra-subjectivity in our minds. These factors have implications on the findability of information and also on personal information management.
Information Architecture
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Xiumei
Published: January 2014

This chapter analyzes the definition, origins, and evolution of Information Architecture (IA), discusses IA principles, the need to understand IA, the problems that can be solved by IA, and IA in practice. It also discusses the characteristic patterns of IA to comprehensively understand IA from five aspects, such as core concepts, research objects, disciplinary viewpoint, effects, and the human’s role in IA. In terms of implementing IA, the chapter analyzes two guiding theoretic principles and the common process of IA and summarizes and concludes with tools, methods, and measures of IA.
Health Information Literacy and the Experience of 65 to 79 Year Old Australians
Authors: Stoodley Ian , Bruce Christine , Partridge Helen , Edwards Sylvia Lauretta , Cooper Helen
Published: January 2014

Information Literacy (IL) is presented here from a relational perspective, as people’s experience of using information to learn in a particular context. A detailed practical example of such a context is provided, in the Health Information Literacy (HIL) experience of 65 to 79 year old Australians. A phenomenographic investigation found five qualitatively distinct ways of experiencing HIL: Absorbing (intuitive reception), Targeting (a planned process), Journeying (a personal quest), Liberating (equipping for independence), and Collaborating (interacting in community). These five ways of experiencing indicated expanding awareness of context (degree of orientation towards their environment), source (breadth of esteemed information), beneficiary (the scope of people who gain), and agency (amount of activity) across HIL core aspects of information, learning, and health. These results illustrate the potential contribution of relational IL to information science.
Trends in LIS Education and Research in Pakistan
Authors: Ameen Kanwal , Warraich Nosheen Fatima
Published: January 2014

This chapter provides an overview of the development of formal Library and Information Science (LIS) education and research programs in Pakistan. It analyzes the trends in scholarly literature publishing while identifying the areas of LIS research addressed by Pakistani authors. It also discusses the challenges faced in LIS education and highlights the milestones of LIS education and research history in the country.
The Public Library in an Aging Society
Authors: Donkai Saori , Mizoue Chieko
Published: January 2014

This chapter describes the present conditions of our aging society, with a particular focus on Japan as a typical example of such a society. In Japan, one in every four individuals is over 65 years of age, and one in eight is over 75 years of age. Further, based on this demographic change to an older population, this chapter discusses a new library service designed to enhance the lives of elderly citizens. The authors explore this new service from the viewpoint of lifelong learning, utilizing the results of recent government surveys and some case studies, such as those done at the Izumo City Hikawa Library and the Akita Prefectural Library in Japan. Although the elderly have been placed within the category of “disabled library patrons,” in recent years, it has become more common to consider the elderly, as a whole, as an individual service category. We should, in the near future, pay more attention to supporting elderly citizens at public libraries to engage them in the development and maintenance of their own communities.
IL-17A Promotes the Exacerbation of IL-33–Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness by Enhancing Neutrophilic Inflammation via CXCR2 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Mizutani Nobuaki , Nabe Takeshi , Yoshino Shin
Published: January 2014

Neutrophilic airway inflammation is a hallmark of patients with severe asthma. Although we have reported that both IL-33 and IL-17A contributed to IgE-mediated neutrophilic inflammation in mice, the relationship remains unclear. In this article, we examined how IL-17A modifies IL-33–induced neutrophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). IL-33 was intratracheally administered to BALB/c mice on days 0–2; furthermore, on day 7, the effect of the combination of IL-33 and IL-17A was evaluated. Compared with IL-33 or IL-17A alone, the combination exacerbated neutrophilic inflammation and AHR, associated with more increased levels of lung glutamic acid-leucine-arginine+ CXC chemokines, including CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5, and infiltration by alveolar macrophages expressing CXCR2. Treatment with anti-CXCR2 mAb or depletion of alveolar macrophages repressed neutrophilic inflammation and AHR; in addition, depletion of neutrophils suppressed AHR. These findings prompted us to examine the role of CXCR2 in IgE-sensitized mice; a single treatment with anti-CXCR2 mAb in the seventh Ag challenge inhibited late-phase airway obstruction, AHR, and neutrophilic inflammation. In addition to inhibition, multiple treatments during the fourth to seventh challenge attenuated early-phase airway obstruction, eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia associated with the reduction of Th2 cytokine production, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Collectively, IL-33 cooperated with IL-17A to exacerbate AHR by enhancing neutrophilic inflammation via CXCR2 signaling; furthermore, CXCR2 signaling derived Th2 responses. We thus suggest the underlying mechanisms of IL-33 and IL-17A in allergic asthma and CXCR2 as potential therapeutic targets for the disease.
Radiological review of pleural tumors
Authors: Sureka Binit , Thukral Brij Bhushan , Mittal Mahesh Kumar , Mittal Aliza , Sinha Mukul
Published: January 2014

Tumors of the pleura are not uncommon and diagnosis is clinched by combined imaging and clinical correlation. Malignant tumors are more common than benign tumors. Initial imaging modalities are chest radiography and Computed Tomography (CT). Further characterization may be required using Ultrasoundgraphy (USG), Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and PET-CT. Biopsy remains gold standard. This article highlights various common and uncommon tumors of pleura and characteristic imaging findings.
The inguinal and femoral canals: A practical step-by-step approach to accurate sonographic assessment
Authors: Yoong Philip , Duffy Stephen , Marshall Thomas J
Published: January 2014

Ultrasonography (USG) is an accepted and reliable tool for the assessment of groin hernias.However, USG of the groin is operator dependent and challenging. The anatomy of this region is complex and the normal sonographic findings can be difficult to interpret. We describe the relevant normal anatomy of the groin relating to inguinal and femoral hernias, and describe a straightforward, reliable technique for identifying and assessing the integrity of the inguinal and femoral canals. The inferior epigastric vessels are a critical landmark for assessment of the inguinal canal and deep inguinal ring.
Unconventional abdominal uses of FIESTA (CISS) sequence
Authors: Sen Anitha
Published: January 2014

The ability to provide cross-sectional imaging, combined with a lack of ionizing radiation has made magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abdomen popular. We report four interesting cases: Midgut malrotation with volvulus, sigmoid volvulus, biliary rupture of hydatid cyst, and small bowel lipomatosis, where fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition [FIESTA]/constructive interference into steady state [CISS] sequence helped in clinching the diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging of placenta accreta
Authors: Varghese Binoj , Singh Navdeep , George Regi A.N , Gilvaz Sareena
Published: January 2014

Placenta accreta (PA) is a severe pregnancy complication which occurs when the chorionic villi (CV) invade the myometrium abnormally. Optimal management requires accurate prenatal diagnosis. Ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities for prenatal diagnosis of PA, although USG remains the primary investigation of choice. MRI is a complementary technique and reserved for further characterization when USG is inconclusive or incomplete. Breath-hold T2-weighted half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) and balanced steady-state free precession imaging in the three orthogonal planes is the key MRI technique. Markedly heterogeneous placenta, thick intraplacental dark bands on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE), and disorganized abnormal intraplacental vascularity are the cardinal MRI features of PA. MRI is less reliable in differentiating between different degrees of placental invasion, especially between accreta vera and increta.
Cone-beam computed tomography in the management of dentigerous cyst of the jaws: A report of two cases
Authors: Vidya Lakshminarayanan , Ranganathan Kannan , Praveen B , Gunaseelan Rajan , Shanmugasundaram S
Published: January 2014

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an emerging technology finding application in all branches of dentistry. The current series highlights the application of CBCT in the preoperative assessment of dentigerous cyst of the jaws.
Prognostic features of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in an ER(+) breast cancer model system
Authors: Liu Li-Yu D. , Chang Li-Yun , Kuo Wen-Hung , Hwa Hsiao-Lin , Lin Yi-Shing , Jeng Meei-Huey , roth Don A. , Chang King-Jen , Hsieh Fon-Jou
Published: January 2014

The aberrantly expressed signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) predicts poor prognosis, primarily in estrogen receptor positive (ER(+)) breast cancers. Activated STAT3 is overexpressed in luminal A subtype cells. The mechanisms contributing to the prognosis and/or subtype relevant features of STAT3 in ER(+) breast cancers are through multiple interacting regulatory pathways, including STAT3-MYC, STAT3-ERα, and STAT3-MYC-ERα interactions, as well as the direct action of activated STAT3. These data predict malignant events, treatment responses and a novel enhancer of tamoxifen resistance. The inferred crosstalk between ERα and STAT3 in regulating their shared target gene-METAP2 is partially validated in the luminal B breast cancer cell line-MCF7. Taken together, we identify a poor prognosis relevant gene set within the STAT3 network and a robust one in a subset of patients. VEGFA, ABL1, LYN, IGF2R and STAT3 are suggested therapeutic targets for further study based upon the degree of differential expression in our model.
The Management of Unstable Cervical Spine Injuries
Authors: Nemani Venu M. , Kim Han Jo
Published: January 2014

Injuries to the cervical spine can cause potentially devastating morbidity and even mortality. In this review we discuss the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine. The evaluation and treatment of cervical spine injuries begins with the prompt immobilization of suspected injuries in the field. Once an assessment of the patient's neurological status is made, imaging studies are obtained, which can include X-rays, CT, and MRI. Careful scrutiny of the imaging studies for bony and/or ligamentous injury allows the physician to determine the mechanism of injury, which guides treatment. The ultimate treatment plan can consist of non-operative or operative management, and depends on patient specific factors (medical condition and neurological status), the mechanism of injury, and the resultant degree of instability. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, the morbidity of these injuries can be minimized.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Kato–Katz, FLOTAC, Baermann, and PCR Methods for the Detection of Light-Intensity Hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in Tanzania
Authors: Knopp Stefanie , Salim Nahya , Schindler Tobias , Karagiannis Voules Dimitrios A. , Rothen Julian , Lweno Omar , Mohammed Alisa S. , Singo Raymond , Benninghoff Myrna , Nsojo Anthony A. , Genton Blaise , Daubenberger Claudia
Published: January 2014

Sensitive diagnostic tools are crucial for an accurate assessment of helminth infections in low-endemicity areas. We examined stool samples from Tanzanian individuals and compared the diagnostic accuracy of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the FLOTAC technique and the Kato–Katz method for hookworm and the Baermann method for Strongyloides stercoralis detection. Only FLOTAC had a higher sensitivity than the Kato–Katz method for hookworm diagnosis; the sensitivities of PCR and the Kato–Katz method were equal. PCR had a very low sensitivity for S. stercoralis detection. The cycle threshold values of the PCR were negatively correlated with the logarithm of hookworm egg and S. stercoralis larvae counts. The median larvae count was significantly lower in PCR false negatives than true positives. All methods failed to detect very low-intensity infections. New diagnostic approaches are needed for monitoring of progressing helminth control programs, confirmation of elimination, or surveillance of disease recrudescence.
Effect of Dengue-2 Virus Infection on Protein Expression in the Salivary Glands of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Chisenhall Daniel M. , Londono Berlin L. , Christofferson Rebecca C. , McCracken Michael K. , Mores Christopher N.
Published: January 2014

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most important mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that is transmitted throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The primary mosquito vector of DENV in urban locations is Aedes aegypti. Key to understanding the transmission of DENV is the relationship between pathogen and vector. Accordingly, we report our preliminary characterization of the differentially expressed proteins from Ae. aegypti mosquitoes after DENV infection. We investigated the virus–vector interaction through changes in the proteome of the salivary glands of mosquitoes with disseminated DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) infections using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identification by mass spectrometry. Our findings indicate that DENV-2 infection in the Ae. aegypti salivary gland alters the expression of structural, secreted, and metabolic proteins. These changes in the salivary gland proteome highlight the virally influenced environment caused by a DENV-2 infection and warrant additional investigation to determine if these differences extend to the expectorated saliva.
Physicochemical Factors Affecting the Growth of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Soil Microcosm
Authors: Wang-ngarm Supunnipa , Chareonsudjai Sorujsiri , Chareonsudjai Pisit
Published: January 2014

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, the third most common cause of death from infectious diseases in northeast Thailand. Four physicochemical factors were set so that their values covered the range of the northeast, which is an endemic area. The soil pH was set at pH 4–10, soil salinity was 0.0–5.0% NaCl, total iron was 50–150 mg/kg soil, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) was 10:1 to 40:1. The experiments were carried out at 37°C, and soil moisture was maintained for 7 days. The number of viable bacterial cells was counted daily. Soil pH, salinity, Fe, and C/N ratio affected the bacterial growth. The bacterial colony was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced at soil pH > 8, soil salinity > 1% NaCl, and C/N ratio > 40:1. However, the growth of B. pseudomallei was enhanced by increasing the concentrations of iron significantly (P < 0.05). We propose using these findings to control B. pseudomallei in situ.
Improving Global Health Education: Development of a Global Health Competency Model
Authors: Ablah Elizabeth , Biberman Dorothy A. , Weist Elizabeth M. , Buekens Pierre , Bentley Margaret E. , Burke Donald , Finnegan John R. , Flahault Antoine , Frenk Julio , Gotsch Audrey R. , Klag Michael J. , Rodriguez Lopez Mario Henry , Nasca Philip , Shortell Stephen , Spencer Harrison C.
Published: January 2014

Although global health is a recommended content area for the future of education in public health, no standardized global health competency model existed for master-level public health students. Without such a competency model, academic institutions are challenged to ensure that students are able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) needed for successful performance in today's global health workforce. The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) sought to address this need by facilitating the development of a global health competency model through a multistage modified-Delphi process. Practitioners and academic global health experts provided leadership and guidance throughout the competency development process. The resulting product, the Global Health Competency Model 1.1, includes seven domains and 36 competencies. The Global Health Competency Model 1.1 provides a platform for engaging educators, students, and global health employers in discussion of the KSAs needed to improve human health on a global scale.
Anticomplementary Activity of Horse IgG and F(ab')2 Antivenoms
Authors: Squaiella-Baptistão Carla Cristina , Marcelino José Roberto , Ribeiro da Cunha Luiz Eduardo , Gutiérrez José María , Tambourgi Denise V.
Published: January 2014

Envenomation by poisonous animals is a neglected condition according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Antivenoms are included in the WHO Essential Medicines List. It has been assumed that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antivenoms could activate the complement system through Fc and induce early adverse reactions (EARs). However, data in the literature indicate that F(ab')2 fragments can also activate the complement system. Herein, we show that several batches of IgG and F(ab')2 antivenoms from the Butantan, Vital Brazil, and Clodomiro Picado Institutes activated the complement classical pathway and induced the production of C3a; however, only those antivenoms from Clodomiro Picado generated C5a. Different protein profiles (IgG heavy chain, protein contaminants, and aggregates) were observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analyses. Our results show that various antivenoms from different producers are able to activate the classical pathway of the complement system and generate anaphylatoxins, and these findings suggest that factors, such as composition, contaminant proteins, and aggregates, may influence the anticomplementary activity of antivenoms in vitro. Therefore, there is a need to further improve antivenom production methods to reduce their anticomplementary activity and potential to cause EARs.
Comparing ECMWF AOD with AERONET observations at visible and UV wavelengths
Authors: Cesnulyte V. , Lindfors A. V. , Pitkänen M. R. A. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Morcrette J.-J. , Arola A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. This paper presents validation results of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System MACC (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) re-analysis aerosol optical depth (AOD) for the period 2003–2006. We evaluate the MACC AOD at a UV wavelength (340 nm) and at mid-visible (500 and 550 nm) by comparing against ground-based AERONET measurements at 12 sites. The AERONET sites cover various parts of the globe and are categorized in three groups: urban/anthropogenic, biomass burning and dust, depending on the typically dominating aerosol type. This is the first time a global model such as the ECMWF has been evaluated for the performance of AOD at a UV wavelength. The results show that the MACC system generally provides a good representation of the AOD on a monthly basis, showing a realistic seasonal cycle. The model is mostly able to capture major dust load events and also the peak months of biomass burning correctly. For Kanpur and Solar Village, however, the model overestimates the AOD during the monsoon period when the aerosol load is generally low. When comparing hourly AOD values, the model–measurement agreement is better for biomass burning and dust sites than for urban sites, with an average correlation coefficient around 0.90 for biomass burning sites, around 0.77 for dust sites, and below 0.70 for urban sites. The AOD at 500 nm averaged over all sites shows only a small systematic difference between modeled and measured values, with a relative mean bias of 0.02. However, for the AOD at 340 nm the relative mean bias is −0.2. All sites included in the study show a relative mean bias at 340 nm smaller (or more negative) than that at 500 nm, indicating a strong wavelength dependence in the performance of the AOD in the MACC system. A comparison against fine and coarse mode AOD of the AERONET indicates that this has to do with the size distribution of the model: generally, the ECMWF model overestimates the contribution by coarse mode particles.
The effect of climate change and emission scenarios on ozone concentrations over Belgium: a high resolution model study for policy support
Authors: Lauwaet D. , Viaene P. , Brisson E. , van Noije T. , Strunk A. , Van Looy S. , Veldeman N. , Blyth L. , De Ridder K. , Janssen S.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Belgium is one of the areas within Europe experiencing the highest levels of air pollution. To provide insight to policy makers about expected changes in the air quality towards the near future (2026–2035), a high resolution (3 km) modelling experiment is set up. The regional air quality model AURORA (Air quality modelling in Urban Regions using an Optimal Resolution Approach), driven by output from a regional climate model, is used to simulate several 10-yr time slices to investigate the impact of climatic changes and different emission scenarios on near-surface O3 concentrations, one of the key indices for air quality. Model evaluation against measurements from 34 observation stations shows that the AURORA model is capable of reproducing 10-yr mean concentrations, daily cycles and spatial patterns. The results for the RCP4.5 emission scenario indicate that the mean surface O3 concentrations are expected to increase significantly in the near future due to less O3 titration by reduced NOx emissions. Applying an alternative emission scenario for Europe is found to have only a minor impact on the overall concentrations, which are dominated by the background changes. Climate change alone has a much smaller effect on the near-surface O3 concentrations over Belgium than the projected emission changes. The very high horizontal resolution that is used in this study results in much improved spatial correlations and simulated peak concentrations compared to a standard 25 km simulation. This allows to investigate the number of peak episodes during summer, which are found to be reduced with 25% by the emission reductions in RCP4.5.
Comparison of surface and column measurements of aerosol scattering properties over the western North Atlantic Ocean at Bermuda
Authors: Aryal R. P. , Voss K. J. , Terman P. A. , Keene W. C. , Moody J. L. , Welton E. J. , Holben B. N.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Light scattering and spectral absorption by size-resolved aerosols in near-surface air at Tudor Hill, Bermuda were measured continuously between January and June 2009. Vertical distributions of aerosol backscattering and column-averaged aerosol optical properties were characterized in parallel with a Micro-pulse lidar (MPL) and an automated sun-sky radiometer. Aerosol optical properties measured near the surface were often significantly correlated with those averaged over the column. These include scattering by near-surface bulk aerosol at 530 nm vs. column aerosol optical depth (AOD), near-surface sub-μm scattering fraction vs. column averaged sub-μm scattering fraction, the column averaged Angstrom exponent derived using a column integrated size distribution and complex refractive index. The relative contribution of submicron aerosol light scattering to total aerosol light scattering shows a slight enhancement of the column contribution of submicron particles over the surface measurements. Physical factors such as surface level wind speed have a more important affect on bulk aerosol light scattering at the surface.