bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Views from the Frontline: A critical assessment of local risk governance in South Africa
Authors: Botha Doret , Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: February 2013

In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action’ (HFA) aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Subsequently, the ‘Global Network for Disaster Reduction’ (GNDR) was formed to support the implementation of the HFA. The GNDR initiated a country-based, international research project called ‘Views from the Frontline’ (VFL) in order to measure progress at local level in terms of compliance with the HFA. The VFL 2011 project focused on local risk governance, which is critical for effective implementation of policy and provision of resources at grassroots level. This article provides insight into the findings for South Africa. The project made use of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was gathered by means of a survey and/or questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on ‘indicators’ which assessed progress toward the goals of the HFA. The surveys also provided for qualitative commentary. The target population for this research consisted of local government officials and community representatives. Based on the quantitative scores for all the different indicators, the research showed that South Africa could still improve significantly in terms of compliance with the HFA. More attention must be given to operationalise the HFA at local level, a culture of safety must be fostered, local actors and communities must be involved directly and consulted, indigenous knowledge must be recognised, and significant capacity development for disaster risk reduction is necessary.
Ethical Dilemmas in Protecting Individual Rights versus Public Protection in the Case of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Phua Kai-Lit
Published: February 2013

Infectious diseases—including emerging and re-emerging diseases such as Ebola and tuberculosis—continue to be important causes of morbidity and mortality in the globalizing, contemporary world. This article discusses the ethical issues associated with protecting the rights of individuals versus the protection of the health of populations in the case of infectious diseases. The discussion uses the traditional medical ethics approach together with the public health approach presented by Faden and Shebaya. 3 Infectious diseases such as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Nipah virus and HIV/AIDS (together with tuberculosis) will be used to illustrate particular points in the discussion.
Effect of Object Orientation Angle on T2* Image and Reconstructed Magnetic Susceptibility: Numerical Simulations
Authors: Chen Zikuan , Calhoun Vince
Published: February 2013

The magnetic field resulting from material magnetization in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an object orientation effect, which produces an orientation dependence for acquired T2* images. On one hand, the orientation effect can be exploited for object anisotropy investigation (via multi-angle imaging); on the other hand, it is desirable to remove the orientation dependence using magnetic susceptibility reconstruction. In this report, we design a stick-star digital phantom to simulate multiple orientations of a sticklike object and use it to conduct various numerical simulations. Our simulations show that the object orientation effect is not propagated to the reconstructed magnetic susceptibility distribution. This suggests that accurate susceptibility reconstruction methods should be largely orientation independent.
Estimating global carbon uptake by lichens and bryophytes with a process-based model
Authors: Porada P. , Weber B. , Elbert W. , Pöschl U. , Kleidon A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Lichens and bryophytes are abundant globally and they may even form the dominant autotrophs in (sub)polar ecosystems, in deserts and at high altitudes. Moreover, they can be found in large amounts as epiphytes in old-growth forests. Here, we present the first process-based model which estimates the net carbon uptake by these organisms at the global scale, thus assessing their significance for biogeochemical cycles. The model uses gridded climate data and key properties of the habitat (e.g. disturbance intervals) to predict processes which control net carbon uptake, namely photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake and evaporation. It relies on equations used in many dynamical vegetation models, which are combined with concepts specific to lichens and bryophytes, such as poikilohydry or the effect of water content on CO2 diffusivity. To incorporate the great functional variation of lichens and bryophytes at the global scale, the model parameters are characterised by broad ranges of possible values instead of a single, globally uniform value. The predicted terrestrial net carbon uptake of 0.34 to 3.3 (Gt C) yr−1 and global patterns of productivity are in accordance with empirically-derived estimates. Considering that the assimilated carbon can be invested in processes such as weathering or nitrogen fixation, lichens and bryophytes may play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles.
Late Holocene variations in Pacific surface circulation and biogeochemistry inferred from proteinaceous deep-sea corals
Authors: Guilderson T. P. , McCarthy M. D. , Dunbar R. B. , Englebrecht A. , Roark E. B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. δ15N and δ13C data obtained from samples of proteinaceous deep-sea corals collected from the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (Hawai'ian archipelago) and the central equatorial Pacific (Line Islands) document multi-decadal to century scale variability in the isotopic composition of surface-produced particulate organic matter exported to the deep sea. Comparison of the δ13C data, where Line Island samples are 0.6‰ more positive than the Hawai'ian samples, support the contention that the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is more efficient than the tropical upwelling system at trapping and/or recycling nutrients within the mixed layer. δ15N values from the Line Island samples are also more positive than those from the central gyre, and within the Hawai'ian samples there is a gradient with more positive δ15N values in samples from the main Hawai'ian Islands versus French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern Hawai'ian Islands. The gradient in the Hawai'ian samples likely reflects the relative importance of algal acquisition of metabolic N via dissolved seawater nitrate uptake versus nitrogen fixation. The Hawai'ian sample set also exhibits a strong decrease in δ15N values from the mid-Holocene to present. We hypothesize that this decrease is most likely the result of decreasing tradewinds, and possibly a commensurate decrease in entrainment of more positive δ15N-NO3 subthermocline water masses.
A Late Glacial to Holocene record of environmental change from Lake Dojran (Macedonia, Greece)
Authors: Francke A. , Wagner B. , Leng M. J. , Rethemeyer J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A Late Glacial to Holocene sediment sequence (Co1260, 717 cm) from Lake Dojran, located at the boarder of the F.Y.R. of Macedonia and Greece, has been investigated to provide information on climate variability in the Balkan region. A robust age-model was established from 13 radiocarbon ages, and indicates that the base of the sequence was deposited at ca. 12 500 cal yr BP, when the lake-level was low. Variations in sedimentological (H2O, TOC, CaCO3, TS, TOC/TN, TOC/TS, grain-size, XRF, δ18Ocarb, δ13Ccarb, δ13Corg) data were linked to hydro-acoustic data and indicate that warmer and more humid climate conditions characterised the remaining period of the Younger Dryas until the beginning of the Holocene. The Holocene exhibits significant environmental variations, including the 8.2 and 4.2 ka cooling events, the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age. Human induced erosion processes in the catchment of Lake Dojran intensified after 2800 cal yr BP.
How extreme is extreme? An assessment of daily rainfall distribution tails
Authors: Papalexiou S. M. , Koutsoyiannis D. , Makropoulos C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The upper part of a probability distribution, usually known as the tail, governs both the magnitude and the frequency of extreme events. The tail behaviour of all probability distributions may be, loosely speaking, categorized into two families: heavy-tailed and light-tailed distributions, with the latter generating "milder" and less frequent extremes compared to the former. This emphasizes how important for hydrological design it is to assess the tail behaviour correctly. Traditionally, the wet-day daily rainfall has been described by light-tailed distributions like the Gamma distribution, although heavier-tailed distributions have also been proposed and used, e.g., the Lognormal, the Pareto, the Kappa, and other distributions. Here we investigate the distribution tails for daily rainfall by comparing the upper part of empirical distributions of thousands of records with four common theoretical tails: those of the Pareto, Lognormal, Weibull and Gamma distributions. Specifically, we use 15 029 daily rainfall records from around the world with record lengths from 50 to 172 yr. The analysis shows that heavier-tailed distributions are in better agreement with the observed rainfall extremes than the more often used lighter tailed distributions. This result has clear implications on extreme event modelling and engineering design.
A new top boundary condition for modeling surface diffusive exchange of a generic volatile tracer: theoretical analysis and application to soil evaporation
Authors: Tang J. Y. , Riley W. J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We describe a new top boundary condition (TBC) for representing the air–soil diffusive exchange of a generic volatile tracer. This new TBC (1) accounts for the multi-phase flow of a generic tracer; (2) accounts for effects of soil temperature, pH, solubility, sorption, and desorption processes; (3) enables a smooth transition between wet and dry soil conditions; (4) is compatible with the conductance formulation for modeling air–water volatile tracer exchange; and (5) is applicable to site, regional, and global land models. Based on the new TBC, we developed new formulations for bare-soil resistance and corresponding soil evaporation efficiency. The new soil resistance is predicted as the reciprocal of the harmonic sum of two resistances: (1) gaseous and aqueous molecular diffusion and (2) liquid mass flow resulting from the hydraulic pressure gradient between the soil surface and center of the topsoil control volume. We compared the predicted soil evaporation efficiency with those from several field and laboratory soil evaporation measurements and found good agreement with the typically observed two-stage soil evaporation curves. Comparison with the soil evaporation efficiency equation of Lee and Pielke (1992; hereafter LP92) indicates that their equation can overestimate soil evaporation when the atmospheric resistance is low and underestimate soil evaporation when the soil is dry. Using a synthetic inversion experiment, we demonstrated that using inverted soil resistance data from field measurements to derive empirical soil resistance formulations resulted in large uncertainty because (1) the inverted soil resistance data are always severely impacted by measurement error and (2) the derived empirical equation is very sensitive to the number of data points and the assumed functional form of the resistance. We expect the application of our new TBC in land models will provide a consistent representation for the diffusive tracer exchange at the soil–air interface.
Precipitation accumulation analysis – assimilation of radar-gauge measurements and validation of different methods
Authors: Gregow E. , Saltikoff E. , Albers S. , Hohti H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We investigate the appropriateness of four different methods used for combining radar data with precipitation gauge data to produce precipitation accumulation fields. These methods were validated for high-latitudes weather conditions of Finland. The reference method uses radar reflectivity only, while three assimilation methods are used to blend radar and surface observations together, namely: the linear analysis regression, the Barnes objective analysis and a new method based on a combination of the regression and Barnes techniques (RandB). The Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS) is used as platform to calculate the four different hourly accumulation products over a 6-months period covering summer 2011. The performance of each method is verified against both dependent and independent observations (i.e. observations that are or are not included, respectively, into the precipitation accumulation analysis). The new developed RandB-method performs best according to our results. Applying the regression- or Barnes assimilation analysis separately still yields better results for the accumulation products compared to precipitation accumulation derived from radar data alone.
Techniques of Extracorporeal Cytokine Removal: A Systematic Review of the Literature on Animal Experimental Studies
Authors: Atan Rafidah , Crosbie David , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: February 2013

Background and Aims

Extracorporeal cytokine removal may be desirable. We sought to assess extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) techniques for cytokine removal in experimental animal studies.

Methods

We conducted a targeted, systematic search and identified 17 articles. We analyzed cytokine clearance, sieving coefficient (SC), ultrafiltrate (UF) concentration, and percentage removal. As this review concerns technical appraisal of EBP techniques, we made no attempts to appraise the methodology of the studies included. Results are in descriptive terms only.

Results

Applying predicted clearance for 80 kg human, high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) techniques and plasmafiltration (PF) showed the highest rates of cytokine removal. High cutoff (HCO)/HF and PF techniques showed modest ability to clear cytokines using low to medium flows. Standard hemofiltration had little efficacy. At higher flows, HCO/HF achieved clearances between 30 and 70 ml/min for IL-6 and IL-10. There was essentially no removal of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha outside of PF.

Conclusions

Experimental animal studies indicate that HVHF (especially with HCO filters) and plasmafiltration have the potential to achieve appreciable IL-6 and IL-10 clearances. However, only PF can remove TNF-alpha reliably.
Anemia among Apparently Healthy Senegalese Children Aged 9-15 Months
Authors: Diouf Saliou , Sylla Assane , Diop Fallou , Diallo Abdallah , Sarr Mamadou
Published: February 2013

In Senegal, despite its high frequency, there is no real program to fight against anemia among infants. This work was carried out in the Dakar suburb from 1st September, 2009 to 27th January, 2010 among apparently healthy children aged 9-15 months at the time of their immunization against yellow fever and measles. They showed no known chronic condition or acute infection at the time of the survey. The objectives were to study the diet, prevalence, type and risk factors of anemia. The questionnaire was about whether the father and the mother were working and about the children’s diet during the first six months of their life. All the children underwent anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and a complete blood count. We considered children as anemic if the hemoglobin rate was below 11g/dl. Of the 245 children, 212 were anemic, which was a prevalence of 86.5%. This anemia, frequently of the microcytic hypochromic type (68. 86%) was significantly (p < 0.0003) observed among the children of housewives compared with those whose mothers were employed. Among anemic children, 60.8% were only taking breast milk with or without cereal porridge as a food supplement. The absence of consumption of protein, vegetables, fruits and dairy products was a risk factor for the occurrence of anemia (p <0.0001). In total, at the time immunization is stopped, almost all Senegalese children, while apparently healthy, still face nutritional anemia. The adverse consequences of anemia on child health require the implementation in developing countries of a specific program of struggle against anemia. The activity of vaccination might be the best opportunity to provide the nutritional education these mothers need.
Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of Mothers and their Under-Five Children in a Rural Community of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fabunmi T. M. , Onabanjo O. O. , Oguntona E. B. , Keshinro O. O. , Onabanjo J. A. , Obanla O. O. , Oyawoye O. O.
Published: February 2013

Malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa contributes to high rates of childhood morbidity and mortality which make it a public health concern in Africa. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in a rural community of Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 500 households with a mother and child pair were sampled using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Information on household socio-economic status, hygiene practices, breastfeeding practices and clinical observation for signs of malnutrition were collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires by trained interviewers. Weight for age (WAZ), weight for height (WHZ), and height for age (HAZ) for underweight, wasting and stunting, respectively were calculated and assessed by Epi Info software using the NCHS/WHO international reference values. BMI (weight/height2) of mothers were also constructed from the measurements of mothers’ weights and heights. The waist/hip ratio of mothers was also determined. An interactive 24 h recall repeated for three days was used to obtain data on food and nutrient intakes of the women. Information on foods consumed was converted into quantitative data of nutrients using Food Composition Table. The result showed a high proportion (81%) of mothers ate three times daily while 14% ate twice and 5% ate more than thrice daily. The mean daily intakes of calcium, vitamins A, B6, B12, niacin, and folate were found to be inadequate compared with the Recommended Intakes. The WHR of the mothers indicated that majority had low risk. Most of the mothers (69.2%) were normal, underweight 9.6%, overweight 15.8% and obese 5.4%. About 37% of the children were stunted, 18% were underweight and 14.3% were wasted. BMI correlated negatively with age (r = -0.41; p <0.05), and positively with education (r = 0.22; p<0.05) and income (r = 0.45; p <0.05). Clinical observation revealed PEM prevalence in 12% children while eyes pallor and palm pallor were present in 15% and 20% respectively. The nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children is poor with respect to the overall food consumption and micronutrient intake. Consequently, nutrition programmes in this area should include effective measures to promote nutritional status of mothers and children.
Ionic Selectivity Inside Solid-State Nanoscale Channels: Physics and Applications
Authors: Gong Xiaojing , Li Jichen , Xu Ke
Published: February 2013

Abstract: Ionic selectivity across nanochannels is of great importance to biological activities as well as for designing novel molecular devices/sensors which has wide potential applications in nanotechnology. With the development of experimental and computational facilities and technologies, it becomes possible to study the ionic selectivity inside and across the nanoscale channels by both experiments and simulations. Because of the confinement effect, there are new physical phenomena in such nanotube that are not observed at macrofluidic or microfluidic size scales, including the anomalous hydration shell order, ionic selectivity based on the surface charge. These novel properties lay the foundation for the selectivity of the various types of ions. Several controlling methods for selecting ions are designed and developed, such as a controllable ion-selective nanopore (for selecting K+ and Na+) based on a single-walled carbon nanotube with specially arranged carbonyl oxygen atoms modified inside the nanopore, which was inspired by the structure of biological ionic channels; Nanopores in graphene sheets with different functional units have been applied to sieve cations of alkali metals or anions of group 17 element, respectively; The pore radius can also be determinant factor for choosing ions. Recently, the separation of the positive and negative ions has appealed more concerns. Inside of nanofluidic nanopores, negative and positive ions are manipulated analogously to semiconductor devices such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors, where negative and positive charged carriers are manipulated. In this review, we examine some of the recent advances in the dynamics of the ionic selectivity inside solid state nanoscale channels.
Rapid Detecting Total Acid Content and Classifying Different Types of Vinegar based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Ant Colony Optimization Partial Least-Squares Analysis
Authors: Yao-Di Zhu , Xiao-Bo Zou , Xiao-Wei Huang , Ji-Yong Shi , Jie-Wen Zhao , Yanxiao Li , Limin Hao , Jianchun Zhang
Published: February 2013

Abstract: More than 3.2 million litres of vinegar is consumed every day in China. Traditional Chinese vinegars are prepared through solid-state fermentation (SFF) and made from different sorts of cereals. Chinese vinegars have specific local features. Every region has its own manufacturers, who produce vinegar in specific processes, using particular raw materials. How to control the quality of vinegar is problem. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) transmission technique was applied to achieve this purpose. 46 traditional vinegar samples were collected. They were classified into Sanxi vinegar, Zhenjiang vinegar, Micu vinegar, and Baonin vinegar according to their origin. Micu vinegar and Baonin vinegar were separated from the other categories in the two-dimension principal component space of NIR after principle component analysis (PCA). Ant colony optimization partial least-squares analysis (ACO-PLS) was firstly applied to identify the four categories vinegar. The accuracies of identification were more than 85%. As total acid content (TAC) is highly connecting with the quality of vinegar, NIR was used to predicate the TAC of samples. ACO-PLS was applied to building the TAC prediction model based on spectral transmission rate. Compared with full spectral partial least-square (PLS) model, ACO-PLS model gave better precision and accuracy in predicting TAC. The determination coefficient for prediction (Rp) of the ACO-PLS model was 0.921 and root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) was 0.3031. This work demonstrated that near infrared spectroscopy technique coupled with ACO-PLS could be used as a quality control method for vinegar.
Wind Energy Technologies for Distributed Power
Authors: Chaar L. El , Lamont L.A.
Published: February 2013

This paper is an industrial update on the development of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). It highlights the two major types of wind turbines: horizontal axis and vertical axis. To enhance the integration and deployment of wind technologies, advancements in their operation have been developed specifically with regard to enhanced efficiency, making them more robust and less susceptible to wind variations. This paper encapsulates the various power ratings available in the range of 10 kW to 1 MW while providing manufacturer and technical details of such topologies. The paper also considers the future requirement potential of wind energy technology.
Viability Evaluation of Domestic Solar Hot Water Systems using two Multi Criteria Evaluation Techniques: Case Study of an Urban Area in India
Authors: Srinivas Morapakala
Published: February 2013

Despite the proven favourable techno-economic feasibilities along with the organised promotional measures, solar hot water systems are not diffused to the extent they should be, even in the domestic front of urban India where the potential for such dissemination is high. The reasons for such a low dissemination of domestic solar hot water systems (DSHWS) could be due to multi-criteria covering various dimensions of viability of domestic water heating options. This paper presents the work taken up to study the viability of DSHWS vis-à-vis other competing water heating options, on multi-criteria covering technical, economic, commercial, social and behavioural dimension in the urban India context, with a special reference to Bangalore. The strengths and weaknesses, significant dimensions and criteria for better dissemination of DSHWS vis-à-vis other competing water heating options, as obtained from the analysis using two multi criteria evaluation techniques viz. PROMETHEE and AHP are presented.
A Review of Renewable Energy Development in PJM
Authors: Fan Zhenyu
Published: February 2013

As one of the world’s largest grid operators, PJM interconnection in the United State leads and promotes renewable energy and greener grid. The growth of solar, wind and other types are significant in recent years, as well as the continuing emergence of energy storage and energy efficiency technologies. All of this new growth is supported by adaptive market rules, stakeholder process, partnerships with industry groups and collaboration with members, state and federal agencies and commissions. With the emerging Smart Grid technologies, the U.S. electrical grid will evolve into a highly advanced, automated and interconnected network. Taking full advantage of renewable sources while dealing with the reliability challenges of the new resources will require a significant change in many aspects in power industry.
The overview of the efforts to promote renovation and the ongoing and future renewable energy in PJM footprint is presented in this paper. The current state of art renewable energy development in operation and planning will also be discussed. Some renewable related projects such as on-going renewable integration studies, energy storage batteries and demand response will shed the light of the future trend.
Contribution of Volatile Interactions During Co-Gasification of Biomass with Coal
Authors: Kihedu Joseph H. , Yoshiie Ryo , Nunome Yoko , Ueki Yasuaki , Naruse Ichiro
Published: February 2013

Thermo-gravimetric behavior during steam co-gasification of Japanese cedar and coal was investigated. The difference between co-gasification behavior and the average gasification behavior of cedar and coal indicates two synergetic peaks. The first peak occurred between 300 °C and 550 °C while the second peak was observed above 800 °C. The first peak coincides with volatile release and therefore associated with volatile interactions while the second peak is linked with catalytic effect of alkali and alkaline earth metal (AAEM). Acid washed cellulose and Na rich lignin chemicals were used as artificial biomass components. In reference to Japanese cedar, mixture of cellulose and lignin i.e. simulated biomass, was also investigated. Co-gasification of cellulose with coal and co-gasification of lignin with coal, demonstrates contribution of volatile interactions and AAEM catalysis respectively. Morphology of partially gasified blends, shows hastened pore development and physical cracking on coal particles. Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) surface area of the charred blend was lower than the average surface area for charred biomass and coal.
Les enfants autochtones en protection de la jeunesse au Québec : leur réalité comparée à celle des autres enfants
Authors: Breton Alexandra , Dufour Sarah , Lavergne Chantal
Published: February 2013

Les recherches canadiennes et internationales s’entendent sur la surreprésentation des enfants autochtones en protection de l’enfance. La présente étude ajoute aux connaissances sur les mauvais traitements et la réponse des services de protection de la jeunesse aux enfants autochtones québécois. Elle poursuit d’abord l’objectif d’analyser la surreprésentation des enfants autochtones à trois étapes de prise de décision en protection de la jeunesse. Les deux groupes d’enfants, autochtones et non autochtones, seront comparés en fonction d’un ensemble de caractéristiques, tant sur le plan personnel que sur celui de leur famille et de leurs parents. Il sera aussi question des signalements dont ils font l’objet et des services qui leur sont rendus. Les prédicteurs du placement des enfants desservis par la protection de la jeunesse sont enfin vérifiés, en portant une attention particulière à l’importance du statut autochtone dans cette prédiction. Les résultats révèlent une augmentation de la surreprésentation des enfants autochtones d’une étape à l’autre des services de protection. Ces enfants ont plus souvent des conditions de vie difficiles et sont exposés à davantage de facteurs de risque que les autres enfants. Le statut autochtone est important dans la prédiction du placement, même après l’ajout d’un ensemble de caractéristiques pouvant contribuer à la prédiction. Les implications pour la recherche et la pratique sont discutées.
Intimidation en milieu carcéral : effet sur les pratiques professionnelles des agents correctionnels du Québec
Authors: Gomez del Prado Grégory
Published: February 2013

Les études portant sur la victimisation des surveillants de prison ont souligné la relative rareté des agressions sévères commises par les détenus. L’univers carcéral est plutôt ponctué de violences physiques mineures et d’attaques psychologiques contre les gardiens. Si plusieurs recherches ont mis en évidence les facteurs d’influence des pratiques professionnelles des gardiens de prison, peu d’études se sont penchées sur l’impact de la violence sur leur travail. Un questionnaire structuré a été soumis à 132 agents correctionnels travaillant dans des établissements de juridiction provinciale dans la région de Montréal afin d’établir les niveaux et les formes d’intimidation vécue par ces agents et afin d’évaluer les effets de cette victimisation sur leur travail. D’une part, nos analyses confirment les tendances générales de victimisation des gardiens de prison. D’autre part, cette victimisation semble modifier certaines pratiques professionnelles. D’autres études sont toutefois nécessaires afin de valider le concept de pratiques professionnelles en milieu carcéral.
Isolation and Identification of Renal Cell Carcinoma-Derived Peptides Associated with GP96
Authors: Li H.-Z. , Li C.-W. , Li C.-Y. , Zhang B.-F. , Li L.-T. , Li J.-M. , Zheng J.-N. , Chang J.-W.
Published: February 2013

We determined the possible associated determinants and analyzed whether gp96-associated antigenic peptides can be found in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The gp96-peptide complexes were chromatographically purified from resected tumor tissue of RCC patients. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis confirmed gp96 using the gp96 monoclonal antibody, and its concentration was measured using BCA. Approximately 20 to 50 μg gp96-peptide complexes was obtained from 1 g RCC tissue. The mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the eluted peptides included the initial profiling using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS. Quadrupole time-of-flight MS combined with the Mascot search engine was used to identify the peptides and find proteins from primary sequence databases. MS analysis results demonstrated that the mass range of peptide associated with gp96 was from 1046.48 to 3501.56 Da. Further research confirmed the sequences of two gp96-associated peptides, namely, LVPLEGWGGNVM and PPVYYVPYVVL. However, the original protein of the two peptides could not be found. The results demonstrated that the gp96-associated peptides are small molecular peptides, and the two peptides are deduced to be RCC-associated peptides. The identified peptides were confirmed to be associated with gp96 using the protocols described above. However, the specificity and relevance of the association to the immunogenicity of gp96 remains to be examined. Further analysis must be accomplished before the findings can be applied in peptide vaccine.
Recent Advances and Prospects in the Isolation by Size of Epithelial Tumor Cells (ISET) Methodology
Authors: Ma Yu-Chao , Wang Li , Yu Feng-Lei
Published: February 2013

Current technologies to identify and characterize circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor microemboli (CTMs) among hundreds of millions of leukocytes in the bloodstream can be classified into tumor-marker-dependent and -independent technology. Isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells (ISET) is a tumor-marker-independent technology, in which CTCs are isolated by filtration without use of tumor-associated markers, as a result of their large size relative to circulating blood leukocytes. ISET allows cytomorphological, immunocytological, and genetic characterization of CTCs and CTMs. It offers a number of advantages, including retention of cell morphology; non-antigen dependence; amenability of cells to further interrogation by immunolabeling, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and RNA/DNA analysis; ability to isolate CTMs; reliability. Therefore, morphological-analysis-based and antigen-independent ISET methodology can yield more accurate and objective characterization of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We can evaluate efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and other cancer-targeting therapies by using xenografts that are suitable models for mechanistic studies of ISET-isolated CTC/CTM biology. In addition, a new ISET-based device could be designed to increase sensitivity to CTCs/CTMs greatly and reduce the number of CTCs/CTMs directly during the blood flow, thus decreasing the possibility of tumor recurrence and metastasis while retaining normal blood cells. This article reviews recent advances and prospects in ISET methodology and provides new insights into ISET methodology, with important implications for the clinical management of cancer patients.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy with Helical Tomotherapy for Pain Palliation in Spine Metastasis
Authors: Kim M. S. , Keum K. C. , Cha J. H. , Kim J. H. , Seong J. S. , Lee C. G. , Nam K. C. , Koom W. S.
Published: February 2013

To evaluate the pain response, local tumor control and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with helical tomotherapy (HT) in the patients with spine metastasis. From May 2009 to June 2010, 22 patients with 31 lesions were treated by SBRT. Dose scheme were 24 Gy in 3 fractions (87.1%), 30 Gy in 5 fractions (9.7%), and 16 Gy in a single fraction (3.2%). Pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Analgesic consumption was recalculated into the daily oral morphine-equivalent dose (OMED). The response criteria of International Bone Metastases Consensus Group (IBMCG) was used. The median follow-up duration was 10 months (range 3–23 months). After SBRT the mean pain score decreased significantly (4.32 before SBRT, 0.71 at 3 months). However, median OMED didn't decrease until 3 months after SBRT (Median OMED; 34.5 mg before SBRT, 45 mg at 3 months). Pain response rate and pain progression-free survival rate at 3 month was 96.8 and 93.5%, respectively. Local progression-free survival rate at 3 month was 93.5%. There was no severe acute toxicity. SBRT with HT is a safe and effective treatment modality for local tumor control and pain palliation associated with spine metastasis.
Tapping AI’s Strengths—From Operating Room Safety to Wearable Device Interpretation
Authors: Abbasi Jennifer , Hswen Yulin
Published: July 2024

In this Medical News interview, Sachin Kheterpal, the University of Michigan Medical School’s associate dean for research information technology, joins JAMA Editor in Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo to discuss AI’s number-crunching potential for improving patient care.
SEEG‐RFTC in patients with refractory focal epilepsy: real‐world outcomes from 121 cases
Authors: Liu Qiangqiang , Cai Yanqing , Mao Ziyu , Chen Wenze , Chen Bin , Chen Wenzhen , Zhang Chencheng , Lu Yong , Xu Jiwen , He Dake
Published: July 2024

Objective

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) has emerged as an effective and safe treatment method for patients with refractory focal epilepsy, when stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) is implanted. Although real‐world research results are still limited, a considerable number of patients have shown favorable outcomes with this less invasive method. This study aims to describe the outcomes and predictive factors of SEEG‐RFTC in real‐world research.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients in the authors' epilepsy center. In total, 121 patients who underwent RFTC were included in the study. Post‐RFTC outcomes were evaluated using the seizure‐free rate and response rate (seizure frequency reduction more than 50%). Predictive factors influencing post‐RFTC outcome were considered by comparing different variables.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 18.3 months. Eighty‐two patients (67.8%) were responders and 54 (44.6%) were seizure free. In 36 patients with malformation of cortical development, the seizure‐free rate and the response rate were 69.44% and 83.33%, respectively. In 20 patients with hippocampal sclerosis, 19 patients were responders and 14 (70%) patients were seizure free at the last follow‐up. The MRI feature and etiology of epilepsy are correlated with the outcome. MR‐positive is a predictive factor for seizure freedom (p < 0.01) and responders (p < 0.01). Other factors have no predictive value for post‐RFTC outcome.

Interpretation

SEEG‐RFTC is a safe procedure and yields favorable outcomes in numerous cases of focal DRE. The MRI feature and etiology of epilepsy are correlated with the seizure‐free rate and response rate. And MRI positivity is the predictor for good RFTC outcome.
Low‐Volume Cores for Fabrication of Compact, Versatile, and Intelligent Soft Systems
Authors: Yu Qifan , Cao Nina , Folinus Charlotte , Becker Kaitlyn P.
Published: July 2024

This study introduces the low‐volume core (LVC) fabrication method, which enables the monolithic molding of compact, complex, versatile, and intelligent soft robotic systems. This method uses thin and flexible thermoplastic sheets to mold internal chambers in soft fluidic actuators, valves, and circuits. The LVC fabrication method creates low‐volume networks in soft actuators (LV‐net actuators) that can be made with compact and complex geometries, enabling both low actuation volume input and multi‐degree‐of‐freedom actuators. LVC fabrication can also be used for compact, completely soft, and monolithic logic components (valves with low‐volume core, also called as LV valves) to provide directional resistance as well as a switching mechanism that enables fluidic logic in soft systems. The compatibility of the fabrication methods for both soft actuators and valves facilitates the creation of compact, integrated, and versatile soft robotic systems with embodied intelligence. This study introduces two examples of such intelligent soft robotic systems that integrate both LV‐net actuators and LV valves to demonstrate capability for complex system fabrication.
Regulating the Multiscale Stability of Li‐Rich Cathode through Lewis Acid Gas Treatment
Authors: Liu Yuyao , Tang Xiaoyu , Wang Helin , Zhang Min , Wang Zhiqiao , Shao Ahu , Yao Ning , Xue Rongrong , Ma Yue
Published: July 2024

Lattice oxygen redox reactions dedicate the extra retrievable capacities from the lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) cathodes, however, the widespread adoption of which in the energy‐dense batteries faces a series of obstacles, such as oxygen loss during the initial activation, cycling‐induced structural degradation as well as the retard Li+ diffusivity impeded by the interfacial impurities. Here, a Lewis acid gas treatment of LLOs is proposed, namely the PF5 etching to enhance the cycling endurance and high‐temperature tolerance of the electrode. The multiscale modifications involve the F− doping in the bulk lattice, the phosphate coating to kinetically suppress the O2 release as well as the removal of surface impurities in a single step. The gas‐phase treatment constructs a continuous pathway across the densely‐packed LLO electrode, enhancing Li+ diffusivity by fivefold compared to the untreated electrode. Notably, the transmission‐mode operando X‐ray diffraction of the modified LLOs cathode confirms a 71.4% reduction of self‐discharge rate during the idle charged state at 55 °C, as well as the 16% mitigation of lattice contraction (Δc/a) during the dynamic galvanostatic cycling. By pairing the lithium foil (50 µm) with the modified LLO cathode (12.75 mg cm−2) in a pouch‐format cell model, the 0.2 Ah prototype achieves the gravimetric energy/power densities  as well as cycling endurance across a wide temperature range. This scalable, Lewis‐acid gas modification strategy presents a practical approach for deploying LLOs in energy‐dense cell prototyping.
Proteolysis and Contractility Regulate Tissue Opening and Wound Healing by Lung Fibroblasts in 3D Microenvironments
Authors: Xiao Hugh , Sylla Kadidia , Gong Xiangyu , Wilkowski Brendan , Rossello‐Martinez Alejandro , Jordan Seyma Nayir , Mintah Emmanuel Y. , Zheng Allen , Sun Huanxing , Herzog Erica L. , Mak Michael
Published: July 2024

Damage and repair are recurring processes in tissues, with fibroblasts playing key roles by remodeling extracellular matrices (ECM) through protein synthesis, proteolysis, and cell contractility. Dysregulation of fibroblasts can lead to fibrosis and tissue damage, as seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In advanced IPF, tissue damage manifests as honeycombing, or voids in the lungs. This study explores how transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), a crucial factor in IPF, induces lung fibroblast spheroids to create voids in reconstituted collagen through proteolysis and cell contractility, a process we termed as hole formation. These voids reduce when proteases are blocked. Spheroids mimic fibroblast foci observed in IPF. Results indicate that cell contractility mediates tissue opening by stretching fractures in the collagen meshwork. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP1 and MT1‐MMP, are essential for hole formation, with invadopodia playing a significant role. Blocking MMPs reduces hole size and promotes wound healing. This study shows how TGF‐β induces excessive tissue destruction and how blocking proteolysis can reverse damage, offering insights into IPF pathology and potential therapeutic interventions.
730 nm Light‐Induced Cleavage of BODIPY Photocages via Entropy‐Driven Triplet Sensitization
Authors: Isokuortti Jussi , Long Kaiqi , Gounani Zahra , Zhang Yichi , Alsaedy Omar , Wang Weiping , Laaksonen Timo , Durandin Nikita A.
Published: July 2024

Light‐activated drug delivery systems allow precise spatiotemporal control of a drug release process. However, safe and efficient drug release activation needs a low‐power nonpulsed red/near‐infrared light with high tissue penetration depth. Nevertheless, such systems remain a challenge. Herein, a self‐assembled nanovehicle made of 2,6‐diiodo‐B‐dimethyl‐boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐based photocleavable trigonal molecules bearing Pt(II) meso‐tetraphenyltetranaphthoporhyrin photosensitizer and a fluorescent release marker Nile Red in hydrophobic core is introduced. The system employs endothermic triplet–triplet energy transfer between the photosensitizer and the trigonal molecule, leading to the cleavage of the trigonal molecule followed by cargo release. This allows to engage 730 nm light to cleave BODIPY photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) instead of 530 nm light that would be needed for direct photocage excitation. Therefore, the approach unleashes the desired activation of drug release via photocleavage with longer wavelengths (within the phototherapeutic window) without any chemical modification of the PPGs. Cell studies demonstrate fast intracellular uptake of the nanovehices by PC3 human prostate cancer cells with accumulation in lysosomes in 2 h. Light irradiation at 730 nm on nanovehicles dispersed in cell media leads to payload release. Remarkably, the system exhibits higher release efficiency at low oxygen concentration than at ambient thus allowing to tackle aggressive hypoxic solid tumors.
A High‐Speed Image Sensor Based on Large‐Area MoTe2/Si Photodiode Arrays
Authors: Wang Die , Wang Xinyu , Pan Yu , Bian Jihong , Liu Kang , Guo Jing , Lin Jiamu , Sun Zibo , Gou Saifei , Sheng Chuming , Dong Xiangqi , Su Hesheng , Zhu Yuxuan , Sun Qicheng , Xu Zihan , Guo Aiying , Shao Lei , Chen Honglei , Bao Wenzhong
Published: July 2024

The market demand for optoelectronic devices is increasing, leading to a need for low‐cost, high‐performance image sensors that can operate effectively in challenging environments such as darkness and fog. The emerging 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have garnered significant interest due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties and compatibility with silicon (Si) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, the large‐scale synthesis of TMD films and uniform preparation of photodiode arrays remain challenging. This paper reports a synthesis method for heteroepitaxial growth of 2H‐ molybdeum diyelluride (MoTe2) semiconducting films on 3D wafer‐level Si substrates. Using this method, arrays of 2H‐MoTe2/Si heterojunction photodiodes are prepared that demonstrate excellent uniformity and 100% device yield. The photodiodes exhibit satisfactory optoelectronic properties, including a small dark current maintained within a range of 1–3 nA and a maximum responsivity of 521.1 mAW−1 under near‐infrared light at 800 nm, with rise and fall times of less than 4 ms. To demonstrate the image‐sensing capabilities of the photodiode array under visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light illumination, a complete imaging system is designed.The MoTe2/Si photodiode arrays examined in this study offer a practical solution for integrating Si‐based readout circuits and photodetector arrays on a single chip.
Design of Light‐Induced Solid‐State Plasmonic Rulers via Tethering Photoswitchable Molecular Machines to Gold Nanostructures Displaying Angstrom Length Resolution
Authors: Langlais Sarah R. , Hati Sumon , Simas M. Vitoria , Pu Jingzhi , Muhoberac Barry B. , Sardar Rajesh
Published: July 2024

Plasmonic rulers (PRs) linking nanoscale distance dependence spectral shifts are important for studying cellular microenvironments and biomarker detection. The traditional PR design employs tethering metal nanoparticle pairs using synthetic and biopolymers that severely suffer from reproducibility issues, as well as lack reversibility. Here, the fabrication of novel PRs is reported through the formation of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of photoswitchable molecular machines chemically tethered onto sharp‐tip gold nanostructures (Au NSs). This unique and highly sensitive PR utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of Au NSs to spectroscopically evaluate dipole–dipole coupling between NSs and photoisomerizable spiropyran (SP)‐merocyanine (MC) conjugates in the solid‐state. It is observed that the SAM‐modified NSs are extremely sensitive to the photoisomerization of SP‐to‐MC, resulting in LSPR shifts as large as 5.6 nm for every 1.0 Å change in distance. The highly dipolar MC changes the NS‐SAM interfacial polarizability and alters the dipole–dipole coupling leading to the ultrasensitive PR is hypothesized. The hypothesis is supported theoretically by calculating dipole polarizability of an inorganic‐organic heterodimer model and experimentally by determining work function and interfacial dipole values. Taken together, this work represents the fabrication of next‐generation PRs, which hold great promise for advanced, plasmonic‐based sensors and optoelectronic device fabrication.