bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Dynamic Freeway Network Flexibility Model
Authors: Sofer Tal , Polus Abishai , Bekhor Shlomo
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the properties of the flexibility model in a network of freeways that conveys high volumes of traffic. A dynamic system flexibility model is defined, and its three major components are evaluated and discussed. The dynamic system flexibility model measures and estimates the options of drivers traveling between origin–destination pairs in a freeway network. The three models’ components depend on the number of possible and feasible routes between a given origin–destination pair, on the common lengths of the possible routes, and on the amount of variability between the length of each route and the length of the shortest route. The lengths of the link in the model are perceived lengths and depend on the occurrence of congestion in them. The flexibility measure provides a good estimate of the number of options available to drivers in a given network. Moreover, this measure is sensitive to the amount of congestion in the freeway system, and therefore the model that is proposed is flow dependent. Although the common lengths between the routes increase, the flexibility decreases. A pseudoparadox, similar to the Braess paradox, is shown to exist under certain network conditions.
Travel Time Distribution under Interrupted Flow and Application to Travel Time Reliability
Authors: Yang Fan , Yun Mei-Ping , Yang Xiao-Guang
Published: March 2015

The travel time distribution under interrupted flow based on radio frequency identification–detected data is analyzed. The urban road network studied is in downtown Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, in China, where video cameras and radio frequency equipment are installed at some arterial links to acquire traffic flow data including vehicle type, passing time, and spot speed. On the basis of the radio frequency identification data, the travel time distribution under interrupted flow shows a bimodal curve instead of a unimodal curve. This finding suggests that travel times under interrupted flow are not independent and identically distributed and can be divided into two components, the uninterrupted component and the interrupted component, according to whether vehicles experience intersection control delay. Six convex distribution models are presented, and an expectation–maximization algorithm is adopted to obtain the best distribution for each link unit. The results indicate that travel time under interrupted flow generally follows a bimodal distribution. The parameters of the models can distinguish travel times between those encountering delay and those without delay. This finding demonstrates that intersection control delay plays a predominant role in travel times under interrupted flow. Two main travel time reliability indexes under interrupted flow obtained by the parameters of the bimodal distribution, expected travel time and RATIO, are presented as applications. Expected travel times indicate the average levels of travel times of two independent components, and RATIO represents the ratio of the uncertain part of the travel times. The analysis indicates that these two indexes can capture the characteristics of interrupted-flow travel time reliability, which is mainly caused by link length, number of intersections, and mixed traffic flow.
Two-Step Approach for Correction of Seed Matrix in Dynamic Demand Estimation
Authors: Cantelmo Guido , Viti Francesco , Tampère Chris M. J. , Cipriani Ernesto , Nigro Marialisa
Published: March 2015

In this work, deterministic and stochastic optimization methods are tested for solving the dynamic demand estimation problem. All the adopted methods demonstrate difficulty in reproducing the correct traffic regime, especially if the seed matrix is not sufficiently close to the real one. Therefore, a new and intuitive procedure to specify an opportune starting seed matrix is proposed: it is a two-step procedure based on the concept of dividing the problem into small problems, with a focus on specific origin–destination (O-D) pairs in different steps. Specifically, the first step focuses on the optimization of a subset of O-D variables (the ones that generate the higher flows or the ones that generate bottlenecks on the network). In the second step the optimization works on all the O-D pairs, with the matrix derived from the first step as starting matrix. In this way it is possible to use a performance optimization method for every step; this technique improves the performance of the method and the quality of the result with respect to the classical one-step approach. The procedure was tested on the real-world network of Antwerp, Belgium, and demonstrated its efficacy in combination with different optimization methods.
Subnetwork Analysis for Dynamic Traffic Assignment Models
Authors: Gemar Mason D. , Bringardner Jack W. , Boyles Stephen D. , Machemehl Randy B.
Published: March 2015

Dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) can be used to model impacts of traffic control plan scenarios on travel behavior. However, using DTA for modeling construction project impacts is limited by the computational time required to simulate entire roadway networks. DTA modeling of a subarea surrounding these work zones extracted from a larger network can decrease the overall run time. A particular issue of interest is estimating dynamic demand along the boundary of the selected subnetwork. Often demand at the subnetwork boundary is based on flows extracted from a full, base network analysis. However, it is likely that impacts within the subnetwork caused by traffic control plans will extend beyond the boundary and affect this demand. The use of a logit model to reassign demand at subnetwork boundary centroids on the basis of differences in internal (subnetwork) travel times between base and impact scenarios is presented. The proposed methodology was implemented by using several software programs linked through automated scripts. The method's implementation and the results from a case study are presented. Implementing the logit formulation was found to provide better estimates of subnetwork demand, specifically along the boundary, when compared with use of a fixed demand table extracted from the vehicle trajectories of the full network model under base conditions. Ultimately, the findings were encouraging and suggest that the strategy could enhance the accuracy of subnetwork demand estimation.
Correlation between degree of subvoxel spinal cord compression measured with super-resolution tract density imaging and neurological impairment in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Salamon Noriko , Woodworth Davis C. , Holly Langston T.
Published: March 2015

OBJECT

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of super-resolution tract density images derived from probabilistic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography of the spinal cord as an imaging surrogate for microstructural integrity and functional impairment in patients with cervical spondylosis.

METHODS

Structural MRI and DTI images were collected for 27 patients with cervical spondylosis with (n= 21) and without (n= 6) functional impairment as defined by the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA). DTI was performed axially through the site of compression in a total of 20 directions with 10 averages. Probabilistic tractography was performed at 0.5-mm isotropic spatial resolution using the streamline technique combined with constrained spherical deconvolution. The following measurements were calculated for each patient: maximum tract density at the site of compression, average tract density in rostral normal-appearing spinal cord, and the ratio of maximum density to normal density.

RESULTS

Compared with normal tissue, the site of compression exhibited elevated fiber tract density in all patients, and a higher fiber tract density was also noted in focal areas at the site of compression in patients with functional impairment. There was a strong negative correlation between maximum tract density and mJOA score (R2= 0.6324, p < 0.0001) and the ratio of maximum tract density to normal tract density (R2= 0.6647, p < 0.0001). When grouped according to severity of neurological impairment (asymptomatic, mJOA score of 18; mild, mJOA score of 15–17; moderate, mJOA score of 11–14; and severe, mJOA score < 11), the results showed a significant difference in the ratio between severe and both no impairment (p= 0.0009) and any impairment (p= 0.036). A ratio of maximum fiber tract density at the site of compression to fiber tract density at C-2 greater than 1.45 had 82% sensitivity and 70% specificity for identifying patients with moderate to severe impairment (ROC AUC= 0.8882, p= 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the use of DTI as a surrogate for determining spinal cord integrity in patients with cervical spondylosis. Probabilistic tractography provides spinal cord microstructural information that can help discern clinical status in cervical spondylosis patients with varying degrees of neurological impairment.
Predictors of intramedullary lesion expansion rate on MR images of patients with subaxial spinal cord injury
Authors: Le Elizabeth , Aarabi Bizhan , Hersh David S. , Shanmuganathan Kathirkamanthan , Diaz Cara , Massetti Jennifer , Akhtar-Danesh Noori
Published: March 2015

OBJECT

Studies of preclinical spinal cord injury (SCI) in rodents indicate that expansion of intramedullary lesions (IMLs) seen on MR images may be amenable to neuroprotection. In patients with subaxial SCI and motor-complete American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) Grade A or B, IML expansion has been shown to be approximately 900 μm/hour. In this study, the authors investigated IML expansion in a cohort of patients with subaxial SCI and AIS Grade A, B, C, or D.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients who had at least 2 MRI scans within 6 days of SCI were enrolled. Data were analyzed by regression analysis.

RESULTS

In this cohort, the mean age was 45.3 years (SD 18.3 years), 73 patients were injured in a motor vehicle crash, from a fall, or in sport activities, and 77% of them were men. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 26.7 (SD 16.7), and the AIS grade was A in 23 patients, B in 7, C in 7, and D in 41. The mechanism of injury was distraction in 26 patients, compression in 22, disc/osteophyte complex in 29, and Chance fracture in 1. The mean time between injury onset and the first MRI scan (Interval 1) was 10 hours (SD 8.7 hours), and the mean time to the second MRI scan (Interval 2) was 60 hours (SD 29.6 hours). The mean IML lengths of the first and second MR images were 38.8 mm (SD 20.4 mm) and 51 mm (SD 36.5 mm), respectively. The mean time from the first to the second MRI scan (Interval 3) was 49.9 hours (SD 28.4 hours), and the difference in IML lengths was 12.6 mm (SD 20.7 mm), reflecting an expansion rate of 366 μm/ hour (SD 710 μm/hour). IML expansion in patients with AIS Grades A and B was 918 μm/hour (SD 828 μm/hour), and for those with AIS Grades C and D, it was 21 μm/hour (SD 304 μm/hour). Univariate analysis indicated that AIS Grade A or B versus Grades C or D (p < 0.0001), traction (p= 0.0005), injury morphology (p < 0.005), the surgical approach (p= 0.009), vertebral artery injury (p= 0.02), age (p < 0.05), ISS (p < 0.05), ASIA motor score (p < 0.05), and time to decompression (p < 0.05) were all predictors of lesion expansion. In multiple regression analysis, however, the sole determinant of IML expansion was AIS grade (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

After traumatic subaxial cervical spine or spinal cord injury, patients with motor-complete injury (AIS Grade A or B) had a significantly higher rate of IML expansion than those with motor-incomplete injury (AIS Grade C or D).
Rapid ventricular pacing for a basilar artery pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric patient: case report
Authors: Nimjee Shahid M. , Smith Tony P. , Kanter Ronald J. , Ames Warwick , Machovec Kelly A. , Grant Gerald A. , Zomorodi Ali R.
Published: March 2015

Large cerebral aneurysms of the basilar apex are difficult to treat. Recently, endovascular treatment has mitigated much of the morbidity associated with treating these lesions. However, the morphology of aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar system can preclude endovascular treatment. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) facilitates open surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. It can assist in reducing the pressure of the neck of the aneurysm, allowing safe application of a clip. The authors present a case of a pediatric patient who developed a basilar artery pseudoaneurysm that required surgery. Given the large size of the aneurysm, RVP was performed, allowing the surgeons to dissect the dome of the aneurysm from the surrounding tissue and pontine perforating branches away from the lesion to safely clip the lesion. The patient had an uneventful recovery. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first known case of RVP to aid in basilar artery clip occlusion in a pediatric patient.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy detection of high lipid levels in intraaxial tumors without central necrosis: a characteristic of malignant lymphoma
Authors: Yamasaki Fumiyuki , Takayasu Takeshi , Nosaka Ryo , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Doskaliyev Aidos , Akiyama Yuji , Tominaga Atsushi , Takeshima Yukio , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Kurisu Kaoru
Published: March 2015

OBJECT

The differentiation of malignant lymphomas from gliomas or malignant gliomas by conventional MRI can be difficult. The authors studied Gd-enhanced MR images to obtain a differential diagnosis between malignant lymphomas and gliomas without central necrosis or cystic changes and investigated the diagnostic value of single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) using different parameters, including lipid levels.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with primary malignant CNS lymphoma (n = 17) and glioma (n = 122 [Grades I, II, III, and IV in 10, 30, 33, and 49 patients, respectively]) who were treated between 2007 and 2013. The authors focused on 15 patients with homogeneously enhanced primary malignant CNS lymphomas and 7 homogeneously enhanced gliomas. Images of all the included tumors were acquired with 1H-MRS at 3 T, and the diagnoses were histologically confirmed.

RESULTS

Using a short echo time 1H-MRS, large lipid peaks were observed in all 17 patients with a malignant lymphoma, in 39 patients (79.6%) with a Grade IV glioma, and in 10 patients (30.3%) with a Grade III glioma. A focus on homogeneously enhanced tumors revealed large lipid peaks in 15 malignant lymphomas that were free of central necrosis on Gd-enhanced T1-weighted images. Conversely, in the 7 homogeneously enhanced gliomas (glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, n = 2 each; anaplastic oligodendroglioma, diffuse astrocytoma, and pilomyxoid astrocytoma, n = 1 each), lipid peaks were small or absent.

CONCLUSIONS

Large lipid peaks on 1H-MRS images of tumors without central necrosis were characteristic of malignant lymphomas. Conversely, small or absent lipid peaks in intraaxial tumors without central necrosis were strongly suggestive of glioma.
Nahrungsangebot für Auerhuhnküken – der Einfluss forstlicher Aufwertungen
Authors: Grämiger Michael , Bitterlin Lisa , Graf Roland F.
Published: March 2015

Chick food availability after forestry activities in favour of capercaillie

Conservation measures to further the remaining capercaillie populations in Switzerland focus mainly on improving habitat quality of the forests. So far, programs to survey the effect of these forestry measures have been restricted to changes in forest structure and capercaillie presence on the treated areas. Potential changes in arthropod food availability, a key factor for the habitat quality for chicks in their first weeks of life, however, have not been assessed systematically in Central European habitats. We measured the biomass of arthropods in four habitat types: dense, semiopen and open stands and inner forest edges. In our study area in the Swiss Prealps, these habitat types resulted from logging activities in twelve cable-way lines between 2008 and 2011 that were carried out with the aim to improve habitat quality for capercaillie. Arthropod availability varied strongly between plots and high numbers of individuals could be observed in all four habitat types. Coleoptera accounted for more than half of the total dry weight of the catch. Summing up the three most important arthropod groups for the chick diet as reported in literature (spiders, ants and lepidoptera larvae), open stands, forest edges and semiopen stands yielded higher arthropod biomasses than the dense stands that had not been treated in the logging campaigns. In this case study, habitat improvement measures increased the arthropod food supply, and thus probably improved the conditions for capercaillie chicks in the first weeks of their development.
Immunopathogenesis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Recent Developments
Authors: Giasuddin ASM , Jhuma KA , Haq AMM , Haque MM
Published: March 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease occurring three times more in females throughout the world affecting 1-2% of the adult population in all ethnic groups, usually in the age group of 25-60 years. Although the role of CD4 + T helper lymphocytes in the aetiopathogenesis has been studied for more than three decades, the focus on CD4 + T helper type 17 (Th17) lymphocytes and its associated cytokines is much more recent. The cytokines such as IL-17 and IFN-g induce secondary cytokines such as IL-1, TNF-a , etc which possibly cause inflammation in joints. This cytokine cascade, therefore, offers a number of points and opportunities for immunointervention in RA. The present review article highlights some of the major aspects of the immunopathogenesis that involve Th17 cells and their association relevant to recent developments in the treatment of RA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i2.22415 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(2): 62-67
Recent Advances in the Analysis of Macromolecular Interactions Using the Matrix-Free Method of Sedimentation in the Analytical Ultracentrifuge
Authors: Harding Stephen , Gillis Richard , Almutairi Fahad , Erten Tayyibe , Kök M. , Adams Gary
Published: March 2015

Sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge is a matrix free solution technique with no immobilisation, columns, or membranes required and can be used to study self-association and complex or “hetero”-interactions, stoichiometry, reversibility and interaction strength of a wide variety of macromolecular types and across a very large dynamic range (dissociation constants from 10−12 M to 10−1 M). We extend an earlier review specifically highlighting advances in sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium in the analytical ultracentrifuge applied to protein interactions and mucoadhesion and to review recent applications in protein self-association (tetanus toxoid, agrin), protein-like carbohydrate association (aminocelluloses), carbohydrate-protein interactions (polysaccharide-gliadin), nucleic-acid protein (G-duplexes), nucleic acid-carbohydrate (DNA-chitosan) and finally carbohydrate-carbohydrate (xanthan-chitosan and a ternary polysaccharide complex) interactions.
The Impact of Nesting Socotra Cormorants on Soil Chemistry and Vegetation in a Large Colony in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ksiksi Taoufik , Muzaffar Sabir , Gubiani Robert , Alshihi Rashid
Published: March 2015

Socotra Cormorants (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) are regionally endemic seabirds with restricted distribution. To better understand their nest selection, we assessed vegetation and soil elements in their nesting areas at Siniya Island of United Arab Emirates. Field sampling was done from three areas (2011 nesting area, 2012 nesting area and control area) in February and March in 2013. Sampling consisted of vegetation assessment in the field and close-range photography. Ground cover within quadrats was classified into the percent of (1) living cover, (2) dead cover, (3) droppings, (4) bare ground and (5) other. Soil samples were analyzed for thirteen elements. Multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis was performed to determine the importance of the attributes on nest sites. The contribution of Function 1 to the discriminant model was estimated to be 77.4%, whereas Function 2 contributed 22.6% to the discriminant model (P ≤ 0:05). Sites could not be classified adequately using ground cover alone; however, discriminant analysis using soil attributes could better distinguish sites. We noted that Fe and Mn had high discriminant ability in Function 1, whereas Al and Cr showed high discriminant roles for Function 2. The contribution of Function 1 to the model, using soil attributes, was estimated to be 90.7% (P ≤ 0:05). The combination of ground cover and soil attributes did not improve discrimination of nest sites. Furthermore, some soil variables (Ca, Na, Cd and Cr) were much higher than normal levels in soil, indicating high transport of marine nutrients to nesting sites, which could detrimentally affect surrounding vegetation.
Speed Gradient and MaxEnt Principles for Shannon and Tsallis Entropies
Authors: Fradkov Alexander , Shalymov Dmitry
Published: March 2015

In this paper we consider dynamics of non-stationary processes that follow the MaxEnt principle. We derive a set of equations describing dynamics of a system for Shannon and Tsallis entropies. Systems with discrete probability distribution are considered under mass conservation and energy conservation constraints. The existence and uniqueness of solution are established and asymptotic stability of the equilibrium is proved. Equations are derived based on the speed-gradient principle originated in control theory.
Spectrofluorometric and Molecular Docking Studies on the Binding of Curcumenol and Curcumenone to Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Hamdi Omer , Feroz Shevin , Shilpi Jamil , Anouar El , Mukarram Abdul , Mohamad Saharuddin , Tayyab Saad , Awang Khalijah
Published: March 2015

Curcumenol and curcumenone are two major constituents of the plants of medicinally important genus of Curcuma, and often govern the pharmacological effect of these plant extracts. These two compounds, isolated from C. zedoaria rhizomes were studied for their binding to human serum albumin (HSA) using the fluorescence quench titration method. Molecular docking was also performed to get a more detailed insight into their interaction with HSA at the binding site. Additions of these sesquiterpenes to HSA produced significant fluorescence quenching and blue shifts in the emission spectra of HSA. Analysis of the fluorescence data pointed toward moderate binding affinity between the ligands and HSA, with curcumenone showing a relatively higher binding constant (2.46 × 105 M−1) in comparison to curcumenol (1.97 × 104 M−1). Cluster analyses revealed that site I is the preferred binding site for both molecules with a minimum binding energy of −6.77 kcal·mol−1. However, binding of these two molecules to site II cannot be ruled out as the binding energies were found to be −5.72 and −5.74 kcal·mol−1 for curcumenol and curcumenone, respectively. The interactions of both ligands with HSA involved hydrophobic interactions as well as hydrogen bonding.
An Overview of the Prediction of Protein DNA-Binding Sites
Authors: Si Jingna , Zhao Rui , Wu Rongling
Published: March 2015

Interactions between proteins and DNA play an important role in many essential biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription, splicing, and repair. The identification of amino acid residues involved in DNA-binding sites is critical for understanding the mechanism of these biological activities. In the last decade, numerous computational approaches have been developed to predict protein DNA-binding sites based on protein sequence and/or structural information, which play an important role in complementing experimental strategies. At this time, approaches can be divided into three categories: sequence-based DNA-binding site prediction, structure-based DNA-binding site prediction, and homology modeling and threading. In this article, we review existing research on computational methods to predict protein DNA-binding sites, which includes data sets, various residue sequence/structural features, machine learning methods for comparison and selection, evaluation methods, performance comparison of different tools, and future directions in protein DNA-binding site prediction. In particular, we detail the meta-analysis of protein DNA-binding sites. We also propose specific implications that are likely to result in novel prediction methods, increased performance, or practical applications.
Development of Small RNA Delivery Systems for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fujita Yu , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2015

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool for studying target identification and holds promise for the development of therapeutic gene silencing. Recent advances in RNAi delivery and target selection provide remarkable opportunities for translational medical research. The induction of RNAi relies on small silencing RNAs, which affect specific messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation. Two types of small RNA molecules, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), have a central function in RNAi technology. The success of RNAi-based therapeutic delivery may be dependent upon uncovering a delivery route, sophisticated delivery carriers, and nucleic acid modifications. Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, for which novel therapeutic strategies are critically needed. Recently, we have reported a novel platform (PnkRNA™ and nkRNA®) to promote naked RNAi approaches through inhalation without delivery vehicles in lung cancer xenograft models. We suggest that a new class of RNAi therapeutic agent and local drug delivery system could also offer a promising RNAi-based strategy for clinical applications in cancer therapy. In this article, we show recent strategies for an RNAi delivery system and suggest the possible clinical usefulness of RNAi-based therapeutics for lung cancer treatment.
Fibrin Hydrogel Based Bone Substitute Tethered with BMP-2 and BMP-2/7 Heterodimers
Authors: Karfeld-Sulzer Lindsay , Siegenthaler Barbara , Ghayor Chafik , Weber Franz
Published: March 2015

Current clinically used delivery methods for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are collagen based and require large concentrations that can lead to dangerous side effects. Fibrin hydrogels can serve as osteoinductive bone substitute materials in non-load bearing bone defects in combination with BMPs. Two strategies to even further optimize such a fibrin based system include employing more potent BMP heterodimers and engineering growth factors that can be covalently tethered to and slowly released from a fibrin matrix. Here we present an engineered BMP-2/BMP-7 heterodimer where an N-terminal transglutaminase substrate domain in the BMP-2 portion provides covalent attachment to fibrin together with a central plasmin substrate domain, a cleavage site for local release of the attached BMP-2/BMP-7 heterodimer under the influence of cell-activated plasmin. In vitro and in vivo results revealed that the engineered BMP-2/BMP-7 heterodimer induces significantly more alkaline phosphatase activity in pluripotent cells and bone formation in a rat calvarial model than the engineered BMP-2 homodimer. Therefore, the engineered BMP-2/BMP-7 heterodimer could be used to reduce the amount of BMP needed for clinical effect.
Discrepancies in Composition and Biological Effects of Different Formulations of Chondroitin Sulfate
Authors: Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Farran Aina , Montell Eulàlia , Vergés Josep , Pelletier Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2015

Osteoarthritis is a common, progressive joint disease, and treatments generally aim for symptomatic improvement. However, SYmptomatic Slow-Acting Drugs in Osteoarthritis (SYSADOAs) not only reduce joint pain, but slow structural disease progression. One such agent is chondroitin sulfate—a complex, heterogeneous polysaccharide. It is extracted from various animal cartilages, thus has a wide range of molecular weights and different amounts and patterns of sulfation. Chondroitin sulfate has an excellent safety profile, and although various meta-analyses have concluded that it has a beneficial effect on symptoms and structure, others have concluded little or no benefit. This may be due, at least partly, to variations in the quality of the chondroitin sulfate used for a particular study. Chondroitin sulfate is available as pharmaceutical- and nutraceutical-grade products, and the latter have great variations in preparation, composition, purity and effects. Moreover, some products contain a negligible amount of chondroitin sulfate and among samples with reasonable amounts, in vitro testing showed widely varying effects. Of importance, although some showed anti-inflammatory effects, others demonstrated weak effects, and some instances were even pro-inflammatory. This could be related to contaminants, which depend on the origin, production and purification process. It is therefore vitally important that only pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate be used for treating osteoarthritis patients.
Structures of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids with Potential Anti-Cancer Activity in Bran of Black Non-Glutinous Rice
Authors: Suttiarporn Panawan , Chumpolsri Watcharapong , Mahatheeranont Sugunya , Luangkamin Suwaporn , Teepsawang Somsuda , Leardkamolkarn Vijittra
Published: March 2015

Structures of some bioactive phytochemicals in bran extract of the black rice cv. Riceberry that had demonstrated anti-cancer activity in leukemic cell line were investigated. After saponification with potassium hydroxide, separation of the unsaponified fraction by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resulted in four sub-fractions that had a certain degree of anti-proliferation against a mouse leukemic cell line (WEHI-3 cell), this being IC50 at 24 h ranging between 2.80–467.11 μg/mL. Further purification of the bioactive substances contained in these four sub-fractions was performed by normal-phase HPLC. Structural characterization by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) resulted in, overall, the structures of seven phytosterols and four triterpenoids. Four phytosterols, 24-methylene-ergosta-5-en-3β-ol, 24-methylene-ergosta-7-en-3β-ol, fucosterol, and gramisterol, along with three triterpenoids, cycloeucalenol, lupenone, and lupeol, were found in the two sub-fractions that showed strong anti-leukemic cell proliferation (IC50 = 2.80 and 32.89 μg/mL). The other sterols and triterpenoids were campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and 24-methylenecycloartanol. Together with the data from in vitro biological analysis, we suggest that gramisterol is a significant anti-cancer lead compound in Riceberry bran extract.
Hermeneutic Neurophenomenology in the Science-Religion Dialogue: Analysis of States of Consciousness in the Zohar
Authors: Lancaster Brian
Published: March 2015

Many mystical texts convey insights into the nature of mind that have the potential to assist in the framing of scientific models in psychology and neuroscience. In many cases, however, the insights are concealed within complex, codified symbolic systems, meaning that the reader must engage with the hermeneutic employed by the texts’ authors in order to access the insights. Combining such a hermeneutic approach with that of neurophenomenology can enrich the input from mysticism to science. I exemplify this hermeneutic neurophenomenology through an analysis of states of mystical consciousness as portrayed in the classic of Jewish mysticism, the Zohar. Three distinct mystical states are identified, each of which is understood as being dominated by a specific dimension of consciousness. The normal state of consciousness is dominated by the narrative construction of self. The first mystical state arises as this narrative is attenuated, allowing the intentionality of perception and emotion to become the dominating dimension. The second mystical state comes to the fore as the mystic increasingly identifies with an associational propensity at the core of memory processing. The final mystical state conveys the essential feature of consciousness—phenomenality—with little, if any, intentional content. I explore how the Zohar’s insights into these states can combine with neurocognitive data and thereby enrich our understanding of consciousness.
A Model of Successful School Leadership from the International Successful School Principalship Project
Authors: Gurr David
Published: March 2015

The International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) has been actively conducting research about the work of successful principals since 2001. Findings from four project books and eight models derived from this project are synthesised into a model of successful school leadership. Building on Gurr, Drysdale and Mulford’s earlier model, the work of school leaders is described as engaging within the school context to influence student and school outcomes through interventions in teaching and learning, school capacity building, and the wider context. The qualities a leader brings to their role, a portfolio approach to using leadership ideas, constructing networks, collaborations and partnerships, and utilising accountability and evaluation for evidence-informed improvement, are important additional elements. The model is applicable to all in leadership roles in schools.
Feasibility Study on an Evidence-Based Decision-Support System for Hospital Site Selection for an Aging Population
Authors: Kim Jung , Senaratna Devini , Ruza Jacobo , Kam Calvin , Ng Sandy
Published: March 2015

An aging population has significant, dynamic and complex healthcare needs. Meeting such needs in a sustainable manner requires the capability to prioritize and project multiple relevant criteria (e.g., dynamic population health, treatment preferences, resources, technological changes and location of facilities). Most current decision-making processes for urban hospital site selection rely on a combination of experience and statistical data, yet they lack robustness and trending capabilities. This leads to tremendous efficiency implications, as it is not uncommon for hospitals to have a lifespan of more than 100 years after they are built. Our research team has developed an evidence-based decision-support system, enhanced with a Geographic Information System (GIS), that has the potential to overcome these limitations. This paper presents a feasibility demonstration of our framework through a retrospective case study of hospital site selection in Dallas, Texas, demonstrating its positive value in providing a foundation for informed healthcare resource allocation in the context of an aging population.
Zero Emission Buildings in Korea—History, Status Quo, and Future Prospects
Authors: Schuetze Thorsten
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the history, status quo, and future prospects of Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs) in the Republic of Korea. The advantages of, and requirements for ZEBs are described, concerning the factors of energy, water, nutrients, and biomass. ZEBs are characterized by net zero energy consumption through the minimization of the energy demand, as well as the onsite production and use of renewable energy. The direct water footprint is reduced by up to 100% through on-site water supply and wastewater management according to the principles of Sustainable Sanitation. The fresh water demand is reduced by using water saving technologies and by recycling of wastewater. Rainwater harvesting, utilization, and infiltration facilitates for onsite drinking water production. Nutrients and biomass from sanitation systems are recycled for local soil application. While traditional Korean buildings can be generally regarded as ZEBs, traditional know-how has been overlooked in the process of modernization and implementation of centralized infrastructure systems in the 20th century. However, the growing interest in sustainability issues in Korea since the beginning of the 21st century is reflected in a growing number of research and development activities, including the design, construction, and operation of ZEBs. The widespread implementation of ZEBs would significantly contribute to sustainable development in the Republic of Korea.
La population de Castres et du Tarn de 1665 à 1968
Authors: Frêche Georges
Published: March 2015

The main periods of growing population were : between 1665 and 1695, the second half of the 18th Century (+50% between 1744 and 1790), the Monarchy of July (+ 42 % between 1821 and 1851), and the aftermaths of the Second World War (between 1946 and 1954). The trend was most negative between 1870 and 1939. To-day, Castres ranks fifth among the towns of the Midi-Pyrenees region; compared with the too rapid growth of Toulouse, its development was modest.
Une loge maçonnique toulousaine à la veille de la Révolution : les « Cœurs réunis » (1774-1789)
Authors: Taillefer Michel
Published: March 2015

Тулузская масонская ложа накануне революции: "Соединенные Сердца" 1774-1789

Эта ложа, буржуазного состава, основанная в 1774 г., занималась, главным образом, взаимопомощью и благотворительностью. Ее нельзя рассматривать как очаг мысли, еще меньше как очаг политической агитации. Поддерживая связи с многими французскими и иностранными ложами и предоставляя своим членам возможности для встреч и обменов, она тем не менее благоприятствовала распространению в Тулузе идей Просвещения.
La question scolaire au XIXe siècle : le conflit pour le contrôle de l'école dans l'Hérault (1866-1890)
Authors: Cholvy Gérard
Published: March 2015

From the 1860s on, the struggle for the school becomes a major theme of combat between the right and the left : two conceptions of society confront each other. Usually studied only from the sources of the public archives, the question is here illuminated by the archives of the teacher congregations. In the department of the Hérault the struggle was particularly virulent. Towards 1890 it was still difficult to know which way the scale would tilt.
Garde nationale et recrutement de l'armée à Grasse (1789-1871)
Authors: Carrot Georges
Published: March 2015

As a whole, between 1789 and 1871, the odd 10.000 inhabitants of Grasse supplied a total of 4.000 soldiers, of which circa 1000 came from the Garde Nationale. Actually, since the Revolution, the citizens who were members of the communal militias were encouraged to take part in the military service. From the example of Grasse, one would assume that these endeavours did not come to much. The Garde Nationale never became a well instructed reserve, that could be compared with the Landwehr.
Une bastide avortée : La Bourgade
Authors: Clémens Jacques , Higounet Charles
Published: March 2015

Es ist den Bauarbeiten für die Autobahn A 61 (Bordeaux-Narbonne) zu verdanken, daß eine Erdbefestigung freigelegt und untersucht werden konnte, die aus einer rechteckigen Plattform mit einem Vorsprung besteht. Dabei stellte sich heraus, daß diese Anlage, « La Bourgade » genannt (Gemeinde Samazan, Lot-et-Garonne), ein Gelände ist, das für die Errichtung einer Fluchtburg vorbereitet worden war, die 1285 gegründet, dann aber nicht weitergebaut wurde.
Le Languedoc et la France (1905-1914)
Authors: Andréani Roland
Published: March 2015

The contemporary Occitan movement researches for its ancestors in regional history. The wine-growers' movements of 1907 can appear, at first glance, as the precursors of present-day autonomist claims. The study of mentalities such as are revealed in administrative reports and newspapers does not allow one to establish in Languedoc before 1914, a real desire to call into question the French state. The rare demonstrations of regionalism come from and are not found on the political scene.
Les testaments de la reine Marie de Montpellier
Authors: Lacarra José-Maria , Gonzalez Anton Luis
Published: March 2015

Marie von Montpellier, als Gattin König Peters des Katholischen Köning von Aragonien, unterschrieb nacheinander drei Testamente : 1209, 1211 und 1213 ; nur die beiden letzteren waren bisher bekannt. Die Verfasser dieses Artikels veröffentlichen das erste, das vor kurzem in der Bibliothek der spanischen Akademie für Geschichte entdeckt wurde und unterstreichen seine Bedeutung für die Seigneurie Montpellier und für den occitanischen Süden im allgemeinen in einem für ihre weitere Zukunft entscheidenden Zeitpunkt.
Vins et marchands de vins gascons au début du XIVe siècle
Authors: Cassard Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2015

Гасконскии вина и виноторговцы в начале 14-ого века.

1306 - 1309 гг. являются вероятно апогеей средневековой торговли винами в Бордо. Осенью и главным образом весной сотни судов увозят на север Европы десятки тывяч бочек вина ( больше 100.000 между 1308 и 1309 гг.) из района Бордо и всего бассейна Гаронны. Бордо стоит во главе целой сети морского и речного транспорта и около тысячи человек Аквитании непосредственно заинтересованы в этой международной торговле. Графическое исследование городяв поддерживающих торговые сношения с Бордо выявляет четыри типа социальных структур»
Origines et formation de la ville du Puy-Saint-Front de Périgueux
Authors: Higounet Charles , Higounet-Nadal Arlette
Published: March 2015

Cette étude propose une topographie de Périgueux chrétien du VIe au Xe siècle et démontre la formation du bourg du Puy-Saint-Front aux XIe et XIIe siècles comme ville polynucléaire, avec un peuplement provenant de sa propre région.
Cinquante et une mercuriales du Massif Central (XVIe-XIXe siècles)
Authors: Frêche Georges
Published: March 2015

51 прейскурант Центрального Массива (ХУ1 -Х1Х вв)

Анализ 51 прейскуранта Центрального Массива с середины ХУ1 до начала Х1Х в. входит в состав общего исследования прейскурантвв во всей Франции для установления цен на хлеб и кризисы с 1 500 до 1789 г. Статья дает главные источники 51 рынка в 9 департаментах и вкратце исследует отражение кризисов трех веков в области Центрального Массива.
Classes d'âge ou classes sociales ? La jeunesse à Avignon et dans le Comtat Venaissin à l'époque moderne
Authors: Peyrard Christine
Published: March 2015

Can the. Youth Abbey, which is found in all of the Comtat Venaissin in the Early Modern period, and which propagates an image of the festival as codified in identical rituals, be defined as a specific and unanimistic age group ? Is it not in fact the apanage of certain social groups and the locus of social contradiction ? The diversity of youth groups, as well as the challenging of their function, reveals rather an exploded festival.
Remarques sur l'enseignement des arts dans les universités du Midi à la fin du Moyen âge
Authors: Verger Jacques
Published: March 2015

Die südfranzösischen Universitäten (Avignon, Cahors, Montpellier, Toulouse) umfaßten alle am Ende des Mittelalters Schulen, in denen Grammatik, Logik und Philosophie unterrichtet wurden. Diese Schulen haben sich jedoch nur sehr maßig entwickelt. Der allzu große Druck, den die Juristischen Fakultäten ausübten, sowie die relativ geringe Anpassung der Programme an die wirklichen Bedürfnisse der südfranzösischen Studenten machen ohne Zweifel diesen halben Mißerfolg verständlich.
Les gens de mer à Agde au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Gaussent Jean-Claude
Published: March 2015

Les registres de la capitation, impôt personnel de l'Ancien Régime, servent de base au décompte des gens de mer : l'auteur essaie de les situer dans la société agathoise, mais aussi sur le plan régional. Le port et la flotte d'Agde sont ainsi mieux connus que ceux de Sète, voisin et concurrent plus heureux.
Usure et crédit dans les campagnes du Var au XIXe siècle
Authors: Rinaudo Yves
Published: March 2015

Ростовщичество и кредит в деревнях Вара в ХIХ в.

В середине ХIХ в. вследствие недостатка денежных средств ростовщичество становится насущной реальностью в деревнях Вара. Посредством долговых обязательств имущие слои контролируют распределение кредита в деревнях и создают сеть зависимости. Однако, к концу века растущая специализация и кризис виноделия ускоряют развитие сельскохозяйственного взаимокредита, общественного и недорогостоющего. В межвоенный период он становится главным банком сельскохозяйственных капиталовложений.
La banque à Montpellier au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Dermigny Louis
Published: March 2015

Банк в Монпелье в 18-ом веке.

Банкиры Монпелье набираются главным образом среди купечества торгующего шерстью и сукном и ответственных финансовых работников. Банковские операции характеризуются тесной срязью с ярмарками, в частности ярмаркой Лиона , главным образом до 1709 г. , Бокера, Монтаниака и Пезенаса. Постоянные сношения существуют также с Парижем и Женевой. Банк Монпелье меньше интересуется чисто коммерческими предприятиями чем делами связанными с Государ - ством, следуя тем самым традициям фискального и •пара-фискального капитализма.
La classe politique aixoise de la fin de l'Ancien Régime à l'an VIII : esquisse sociologique
Authors: Derobert-Ratel Christiane
Published: March 2015

Политический класс г. Зкс к концу Cтарого режима до 8-го года республиканского календаря. Социологический очерк

Это исследование, основанное на многочисленных данных, позволяет выявить социологические черты и позиции муниципальных представителей столицы Прованса к концу старого режима и до 8-го г. Кроме наблюдений над этими "лидерами" вырисовываются коллективные позиции руководящих политических классов, представителями которых они являются в этот смутный период.
La criminalité dans les Hautes-Pyrénées de 1830 à 1852
Authors: Tribut Micheline
Published: March 2015

Преступность в Верхних Пиринеях с 1830 по 1852 г.

Преступность в Верхних Пиринеях с 1830 по 1852 г. типична для населения с преобладанием мужского населения; она отражает нищету (42,80% правонарушителей - воры), жестокость (34,77% из них совершили убийства, избиения и насилия) и неграмотность; обвиняемые, имеющие образование (подделка документов, злостное банкротство) в меньшинстве (3,11%), и караются они обычно очень строго.
Les délits forestiers en Pays de Sault au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Fruhauf Christian
Published: March 2015

The present study is based on 18th-century police reports by foresters of offences in the Pays de Sault in the Pyrenees. With these documents one can describe the work of foresters, the diversity of offences, their distribution in space and time as well as the background and behavior of the offenders. Comparisons with the behavior of populations in other forested regions underline the originality of the Pays de Sault.
Les granges de l'abbaye cistercienne de Grandselves (XIIe-XIVe siècles.)
Authors: Mousnier Mireille
Published: March 2015

Хутора систерсианского аббатства Грандсельв (ХII - ХIV в. в.)

Большое систерсианское аббатство южной Аквитании, Грандсельв, являлось крупным земельным владением, включающим около 25 хуторов. Самостоятельное ведение хозяйства преобладало долго (до середины ХIV в.) но , с начало XIII в. аббатство стало сдавать землю в аренду, а позднее разделило ее на участки и под конец основало 9 укрепленных населенных пунктов - доказательство успеха расселения и экономики.
Les débuts de la laïcité scolaire et l'affaire des manuels dans les Pyrénées-Orientales (1882-1883)
Authors: Rosset Philippe
Published: March 2015

The establishment of secularity in public primary education in March 1882 aroused very sharp reactions. The condemnation by the Church at the end of the same year of four school books, notably those by Paul Bert and by Gabriel Compayré, stirred up passions even more. In the Pyrénées-Orientales, as in other departments, incidents occurred, and fifteen priests, conspicuous by the intransigence of their positions, were sanctionned by the ministry.