bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interacting Vegetative and Thermal Contributions to Water Movement in Desert Soil
Authors: Garcia C.A. , Andraski B.J. , Stonestrom D.A. , Cooper C.A. , Šimůnek J. , Wheatcraft S.W.
Published: September 2012

Thermally driven water‐vapor flow can be an important component of total water movement in bare soil and in deep unsaturated zones, but this process is often neglected when considering the effects of soil–plant–atmosphere interactions on shallow water movement. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the coupled and separate effects of vegetative and thermal‐gradient contributions to soil water movement in desert environments. The evaluation was done by comparing a series of simulations with and without vegetation and thermal forcing during a 4.7‐yr period (May 2001–December 2005). For vegetated soil, evapotranspiration alone reduced root‐zone (upper 1 m) moisture to a minimum value (25 mm) each year under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. Variations in the leaf area index altered the minimum storage values by up to 10 mm. For unvegetated isothermal and nonisothermal simulations, root‐zone water storage nearly doubled during the simulation period and created a persistent driving force for downward liquid fluxes below the root zone (total net flux ∼1 mm). Total soil water movement during the study period was dominated by thermally driven vapor fluxes. Thermally driven vapor flow and condensation supplemented moisture supplies to plant roots during the driest times of each year. The results show how nonisothermal flow is coupled with plant water uptake, potentially influencing ecohydrologic relations in desert environments.
Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity to Wilting Point Using Polymer Tensiometers in an Evaporation Experiment
Authors: Durigon Angelica , Gooren Hermanus P.A. , van Lier Quirijn de Jong , Metselaar Klaas
Published: September 2012

The polymer tensiometer is a novel instrument to measure soil water pressure heads from saturation to permanent wilting conditions. We used tensiometers of this type in an experiment to determine the hydraulic properties of evaporating soil samples in the laboratory. Relative errors in the hydraulic conductivity function in the wet part were high due to the relatively low accuracy of the pressure transducers, resulting in a large uncertainty in the hydraulic gradient and therefore in the calculated hydraulic conductivity. In the dry part, the error related to this accuracy was on the same order of magnitude as the error related to balance accuracy. Therefore, the method can be assumed adequate for measuring soil hydraulic properties except under very wet conditions. In our experiments, relative error and bias increased significantly at pressure heads less negative than −1 m.
Determination of Water Saturation in Relatively Dry Porous Media Using Gas‐Phase Tracer Tests
Authors: Oostrom M. , Tartakovsky G. D. , Wietsma T. W. , Truex M. J. , Dane J. H.
Published: September 2012

Soil desiccation (drying), induced by dry air injection and moist air extraction, is a potentially robust remediation process to slow migration of inorganic or radionuclide contaminants through the vadose zone. The application of gas‐phase partitioning tracer tests has been proposed as a means to estimate initial water volumes and to monitor the progress of the desiccation process at pilot tests and field sites. In this study, tracer tests were conducted in porous medium columns with various water saturations using SF6 as the conservative tracer and trichlorofluoromethane and difluoromethane as the water‐partitioning tracers. For porous media with minimal silt or organic matter fractions, tracer tests provided reasonable saturation estimates for saturations close to zero. For sediments with significant silt or organic matter fractions, however, tracer tests only provided satisfactory results when the water saturation was greater than 0.1 to 0.2. For drier conditions, the apparent tracer retardation increased due to air–soil sorption, which is not included in traditional retardation coefficients derived from advection–dispersion equations accounting only for air–water partitioning and water–soil sorption. Based on these results, gas‐phase partitioning tracer tests may be used to determine initial water volumes in sediments, provided that the initial water saturations are sufficiently large. Tracer tests are not suitable for quantifying moisture content in relatively dry sediments, however, especially if significant amounts of organic matter or silt are present.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Semen Quality of Korean Men in Their Fourth Decade
Authors: Byun Jae Sang , Yoon Tae Ki , Rhee Hong Woo , Kim Jin Hong , Shin Jun Shik , Kim Hong Seok , Bak Chong Won
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition that adversely affects men across a wide range of ages. A number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for CP/CPPS have been investigated. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CPPS in Korean men in their thirties and to investigate the effect of CPPS and medical treatment on semen quality. Of 314 men with prostatitis, 74 patients with CPPS class IIIA (23.6%) were eligible for the study; these patients underwent combined α‐blocker and cyclo‐oxygenase 2 inhibitor therapy. These 74 men were prospectively studied at a medical center in Seoul, Korea. A number of parameters, including ejaculations per month, semen variables, and the levels of hormones (such as follicle‐stimulating hormone, estradiol [E2], luteinizing hormone [LH], testosterone, and prolactin) were evaluated. The mean number of ejaculations per month, the mean number of daily hours spent sitting at work, smoking, body mass index, LH and E2 levels, and semen parameters all showed significant differences (P < .0001) between the study patients and the controls. The combined regimen was effective in improving all aspects of semen quality except morphology (P < .05). CPPS class IIIA, which is notably prevalent among Korean men in the fourth decade of life, affects semen quality and poses a challenge to fertility. Proper treatment of CPPS class IIIA results in improved semen quality. Men with CPPS therefore require proper evaluation and treatment by andrologists/urologists before planning a natural conception.
Outcomes of Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocelectomy for Painful Varicoceles
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ouck , Jung Hosuck , Park Kwangsung
Published: September 2012

Abstract: We assessed the effectiveness of microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy for the treatment of painful varicoceles. Patients with painful varicocele (n = 81) treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy who attended a 1‐year follow‐up were retrospectively evaluated. We documented patient age, grade and location of the varicocele, duration and quality of pain, and response to surgical therapy. Telephone interviews and chart reviews were conducted to assess resolution of pain, recurrence of the varicocele, and complications of the procedure. Of the patients, 29 (35.8%) described the soreness as a sharp pain, 35 (43.2%) as a pulling sensation, and 17 (21%) as a dull pain. The varicocele was grade III in 62 patients (76.5%) and grade II in 19 (23.5%). After microsurgical varicocelectomy, 74 patients (91.3%) experienced improvement in their symptoms: 58 patients (71.6%) experienced a complete resolution of pain postoperatively, and 16 patients (19.7%) experienced partial resolution. Seven patients (8.6%) experienced no change. Of the 7 patients with persistent pain, 2 patients had sharp pain, 4 patients had a pulling sensation, and 1 experienced dull pain postoperatively. The resolution of pain was correlated with preoperative varicocele grade (P = .026) but not with quality of pain (P = .807). Subinguinal microsurgical varicocele ligation is an effective treatment for painful varicoceles.
Use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in a Male Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) to Induce Rut and Achieve a Pregnancy in a Nulliparous Female
Authors: Muraco Holley S. , Coombs Leah D. , Procter Dianna G. , Turek Paul J. , Muraco Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Walrus in US zoos have a very low reproductive rate of 11 births in 80 years, and little is known about Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) reproductive biology. To address this, we initiated a program in which detailed biological data were recorded on captive walrus. As part of a 7‐year study, 1 male and 1 female 16‐year‐old captive Pacific walrus were carefully monitored with weekly serum hormone analysis, daily glans penis smears for spermatozoa, and abdominal ultrasound for pregnancy. The female ovulated once annually from late December through mid‐January and then exhibited 9 months of sustained elevated progesterone. This nonconceptive estrous cycle profile is consistent with reports from wild walrus females. In contrast, the male's seasonal rut routinely occurred in late February through May with a serum testosterone peak in March. This profile differed from the reported adult male cycle in wild walrus of November through March. During the period of the female's ovulation, the male had nadir testosterone levels and was consistently azoospermic. Likewise, during the male's spermatogenic rut in the spring, the female was anovulatory with elevated progesterone. On this basis, the male was treated for 14 weeks with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in an attempt to increase testosterone levels in synchrony with the female's annual ovulation. The treatment successfully induced rut characterized by sustained elevated serum testosterone levels and production of spermatozoa. The male and female successfully bred, and the female became pregnant. Upon discontinuation of hCG treatment, the male resumed baseline testosterone levels. We theorize that the lack of synchronization of rut and ovulatory cycles is a primary reason for reproductive failure in these captive walrus.
Protective Effect of Gangliosides on DNA in Human Spermatozoa Exposed to Cryopreservation
Authors: Gavella Mirjana , Lipovac Vaskresenija , Garaj‐Vrhovac Verica , Gajski Goran
Published: September 2012

Abstract: Gangliosides, the sialic acid—containing glycosphyngolipids, are amphiphilic compounds which in micellar form affect the properties and functions of a cellular membrane. The aim of this study was to test whether exogenous gangliosides supplied to cryopreservation media before freezing could protect sperm cells from cryopreservation‐induced DNA damage assessed by Comet assay. Additionally, to investigate whether gangliosides were also able to reduce membrane integrity damage, malonaldialdehyde as a measure of lipid peroxidation and sperm‐specific lactate dehydrogenase‐C4 activity as an enzyme marker of sperm membrane leakage were determined. The monosialogangliosides (GM1) and trisialogangliosides (GT1b) were examined at a concentration of 100 μM, which was above their respective critical micellar concentrations. Exogenous gangliosides were not found to protect sperm membrane from lipid peroxidation. However, a freezing‐/thawing‐induced increase in Comet parameters was equally significantly prevented by the presence of both GM1 and GT1b (P < .05), indicating that the ceramide moiety, rather than the polar groups, is involved in the protective ability of gangliosides. The observed phenomena suggest that ganglioside micelles could modulate hydrophobic properties of the sperm membrane responsible for better tolerance to DNA fragmentation, thus protecting DNA integrity from cryopreservation‐induced damage.
High‐Fat Diet Obesity Associated With Insulin Resistance Increases Cell Proliferation, Estrogen Receptor, and PI3K Proteins in Rat Ventral Prostate
Authors: Ribeiro Daniele Lisboa , Pinto Maria Etelvina , Rafacho Alex , Bosqueiro José Roberto , Maeda Samantha Yuri , Anselmo‐Franci Janete Aparecida , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: September 2012

Abstract: In this study, we evaluated the effects of obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high‐fat diet on prostate morphophysiology, focusing on cell proliferation, expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) and proteins of the insulin signaling pathway. Adult male Wistar rats were fed a high‐fat diet (20% fat) for 15 weeks, whereas control animals received a balanced diet (4% fat). Both groups were then divided and treated for 2 weeks with 1 mg/kg body weight/day of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole or vehicle only. The ventral prostate was analyzed with immunohistochemical, histopathological, stereological, and Western blotting methods. Obese rats showed insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and reduced plasma testosterone levels. The incidence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) was 2.7 times higher in obese rats and affected 0.4% of the gland compared with 0.1% PIN areas found in control rats. Obesity doubled cell proliferation in both prostate epithelium and stroma. AR content decreased in the prostate of obese rats and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) increased in this group. Protein levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B diminished in the obese group, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) increased significantly. Most structural changes observed in the prostate of obese rats normalized after letrozole treatment, except for increased stromal cell proliferation and ERβ expression, which might be associated with insulin resistance. This experimental model of obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high‐fat diet increases cell proliferation in rat prostate. Such alterations are associated with decreased levels of AR and increased ERβ and PI3K proteins. This change can facilitate the establishment of proliferative lesions in rat prostate.
Targeted Disruption of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Protects Against Aging, S-Nitrosation, and Insulin Resistance in Muscle of Male Mice
Authors: Ropelle Eduardo R. , Pauli José R. , Cintra Dennys E. , da Silva Adelino S. , De Souza Cláudio T. , Guadagnini Dioze , Carvalho Bruno M. , Caricilli Andrea M. , Katashima Carlos K. , Carvalho-Filho Marco A. , Hirabara Sandro , Curi Rui , Velloso Lício A. , Saad Mario J.A. , Carvalheira José B.C.
Published: September 2012

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that S-nitrosation of proteins plays a critical role in several human diseases. Here, we explored the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the S-nitrosation of proteins involved in the early steps of the insulin-signaling pathway and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of aged mice. Aging increased iNOS expression and S-nitrosation of major proteins involved in insulin signaling, thereby reducing insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Conversely, aged iNOS-null mice were protected from S-nitrosation–induced insulin resistance. Moreover, pharmacological treatment with an iNOS inhibitor and acute exercise reduced iNOS-induced S-nitrosation and increased insulin sensitivity in the muscle of aged animals. These findings indicate that the insulin resistance observed in aged mice is mainly mediated through the S-nitrosation of the insulin-signaling pathway.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Comparison of Amitriptyline, Duloxetine, and Pregabalin in Patients With Chronic Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Boyle Julia , Eriksson Malin E.V. , Gribble Laura , Gouni Ravi , Johnsen Sigurd , Coppini David V. , Kerr David
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE

Chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) is difficult to treat, with treatment regimens often inadequate at controlling pain and limited by side effects and drug tolerance. Secondary parameters, such as quality of sleep and mood, may also be important for successful DPNP management. The objectives of this study were to compare the analgesic efficacy of pregabalin, amitriptyline, and duloxetine, and their effect on polysomnographic sleep, daytime functioning, and quality of life in patients with DPNP.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel group investigation of type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects with DPNP. Each treatment group had a single-blind, 8-day, placebo run-in followed by 14 days of lower-dose and 14 days of higher-dose medication. At the end of each dose titration period, subjective pain, sleep, and daytime functioning were assessed during a 2-day residential period.

RESULTS

All medications reduced pain when compared with placebo, but no one treatment was superior to any other. For sleep, pregabalin improved sleep continuity (P < 0.001), whereas duloxetine increased wake and reduced total sleep time (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). Despite negative effects on sleep, duloxetine enhanced central nervous system arousal and performance on sensory motor tasks. There were no significant safety findings; however, there was a significantly higher number of adverse events in the pregabalin treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in analgesic efficacy between amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin. However, there were significant differences in the secondary parameters, which may be of relevance when deciding the optimal treatment for DPNP.
Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of Basic Blue 9 dye sorption on agro-industrial lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Suteu Daniela , Zaharia Carmen , Malutan Teodor
Published: September 2012

The sorptive potential of some lignocellulosic agro-industrial wastes (sunflower seed shells and corn cob) for Basic Blue 9 cationic dye removal from aqueous solutions was examined using the batch technique. The Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models were used in order to determine the quantitative parameters of sorption. The Langmuir isotherm model indicated a maximum sorption capacity for these materials in the range of 40–50 mg dye per g (25°C), slightly higher for corn cob than for sunflower seed shells. The values of the thermodynamic parameters showed that the retention of cationic dye is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The application of pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order intraparticle diffusion models, and a Boyd — Reichenberg model for kinetic data interpretation suggested that sorption of Basic Blue 9 dye onto the studied materials is a process where both surface sorption and intraparticle diffusion contributed to the rate-limiting step. These lignocellulosic wastes can be used with good efficiency for dye removal from aqueous effluents.
The supply of subglacial meltwater to the grounding line of the Siple Coast, West Antarctica
Authors: Carter S.P. , Fricker H.A.
Published: September 2012

Recent satellite studies have shown that active subglacial lakes exist under the Antarctic ice streams and persist almost to their grounding lines. When the lowest-lying lakes flood, the water crosses the grounding line and enters the sub-ice-shelf cavity. Modeling results suggest that this additional freshwater influx may significantly enhance melting at the ice-shelf base. We examine the spatial and temporal variability in subglacial water supply to the grounding lines of the Siple Coast ice streams, by combining estimates for lake volume change derived from Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) data with a model for subglacial water transport. Our results suggest that subglacial outflow tends to concentrate towards six embayments in the Siple Coast grounding line. Although mean grounding line outflow is ~60m3 s–1 for the entire Siple Coast, maximum local grounding line outflow may temporarily exceed 300 m3 s–1 during the synchronized flooding of multiple lakes in a hydrologic basin. Variability in subglacial outflow due to subglacial lake drainage may account for a substantial portion of the observed variability in freshwater flux out of the Ross Ice Shelf cavity. The temporal variability in grounding line outflow results in a net reduction in long-term average melt rate, but temporary peak melting rates may exceed the long-term average by a factor of three.
An Improved Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Method for Economic Dispatch Problems with Multiple Fuel Options and Valve-Points Effects
Authors: Niu Qun , Zhou Zhuo , Zhang Hong-Yun , Deng Jing
Published: September 2012

Quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is an efficient and powerful population-based optimization technique, which is inspired by the conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) and quantum mechanics theories. In this paper, an improved QPSO named SQPSO is proposed, which combines QPSO with a selective probability operator to solve the economic dispatch (ED) problems with valve-point effects and multiple fuel options. To show the performance of the proposed SQPSO, it is tested on five standard benchmark functions and two ED benchmark problems, including a 40-unit ED problem with valve-point effects and a 10-unit ED problem with multiple fuel options. The results are compared with differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and basic QPSO, as well as a number of other methods reported in the literature in terms of solution quality, convergence speed and robustness. The simulation results confirm that the proposed SQPSO is effective and reliable for both function optimization and ED problems.
Resveratrol Inhibited Hydroquinone-Induced Cytotoxicity in Mouse Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Wang Da-Hong , Ootsuki Yoshie , Fujita Hirofumi , Miyazaki Masahiro , Yie Qinxia , Tsutsui Ken , Sano Kuniaki , Masuoka Noriyoshi , Ogino Keiki
Published: September 2012

Hydroquinone (1,4-benzenediol) has been widely used in clinical situations and the cosmetic industry because of its depigmenting effects. Most skin-lightening hydroquinone creams contain 4%–5% hydroquinone. We have investigated the role of resveratrol in prevention of hydroquinone induced cytotoxicity in mouse primary hepatocytes. We found that 400 µM hydroquinone exposure alone induced apoptosis of the cells and also resulted in a significant drop of cell viability compared with the control, and pretreatment of resveratrol to a final concentration of 0.5 mM 1 h before hydroquinone exposure did not show a significant improvement in the survival rate of the hepatocytes, however, relatively higher concentrations of resveratrol (≥1 mM) inhibited apoptosis of the mouse primary hepatocytes and increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and in particular the survival rate of the hepatocytes was recovered from 28% to near 100% by 5 mM resveratrol. Interestingly, pretreatment with resveratrol for longer time (24 h), even in very low concentrations (50 µM, 100 µM), blocked the damage of hydroquinone to the cells. We also observed that resveratrol pretreatment suppressed hydroquinone-induced expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 mRNA dose-dependently. The present study suggests that resveratrol protected the cells against hydroquinone-induced toxicity through its antioxidant function and possibly suppressive effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1.
Emergence and Evolution of Meaning: The General Definition of Information (GDI) Revisiting Program—Part I: The Progressive Perspective: Top-Down
Authors: Zimmermann Rainer E. , Díaz Nafría José
Published: September 2012

In this first part of the paper, the category of meaning is traced starting from the origin of the Universe itself as well as its very grounding in pre-geometry (the second part deals with an appropriate bottom-up approach). In contrast to many former approaches in the theories of information and also in biosemiotics, we will show that the forms of meaning emerge simultaneously (alongside) with information and energy. Hence, information can be visualized as being always meaningful (in a sense to be explicated) rather than visualizing meaning as a later specification of information within social systems only. This perspective taken has two immediate consequences: (1) We follow the GDI as defined by Floridi, though we modify it somehow as to the aspect of truthfulness. (2) We can conceptually solve Capurro’s trilemma. Hence, what we actually do is to follow the strict (i.e., optimistic) line of UTI in the sense of Hofkirchner’s. While doing this, we treat energy and information as two different categorial aspects of one and the same underlying primordial structure. We thus demonstrate the presently developing convergence of physics, biology, and computer science (as well as the various theories of information) in some detail and draft out a line of argument eventually leading up to the further unification of UTI and biosemiotics.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Potential of Lantadene A, a Pentacyclic Triterpenoid of Lantana Plants
Authors: Grace-Lynn Chong , Darah Ibrahim , Chen Yeng , Latha Lachimanan Yoga , Jothy Subramanion L. , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: September 2012

Lantadenes are pentacyclic triterpenoids present in the leaves of the plant Lantana camara. In the present study, in vitro antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging capacity of lantadene A was evaluated using established in vitro models such as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•), hydroxyl radical (OH•), nitric oxide radical (NO•), superoxide anion scavenging activities and ferrous ion chelating assay. Interestingly, lantadene A showed considerable in vitro antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacity activities in a dose dependant manner when compared with the standard antioxidant in nitric oxide scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating assay. These findings show that the lantadene A possesses antioxidant activity with different mechanism of actions towards the different free radicals tested. Since lantadene A is a very popular drug in modern medicine, it is a promising candidate for use as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent.
Quantitative Evaluation of Compliance with Recommendation for Sulfonylurea Dose Co-Administered with DPP-4 Inhibitors in Japan
Authors: Kimura Tomomi , Shiosakai Kazuhito , Takeda Yasuaki , Takahashi Shinji , Kobayashi Masahiko , Sakaguchi Motonobu
Published: September 2012

After the launch of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), a new oral hypoglycemic drug (OHD), in December 2009, severe hypoglycemia cases were reported in Japan. Although the definite cause was unknown, co-administration with sulfonylureas (SU) was suspected as one of the potential risk factors. The Japan Association for Diabetes Education and Care (JADEC) released a recommendation in April 2010 to lower the dose of three major SUs (glimepiride, glibenclamide, and gliclazide) when adding a DPP-4 inhibitor. To evaluate the effectiveness of this risk minimization action along with labeling changes, dispensing records for 114,263 patients prescribed OHDs between December 2008 and December 2010 were identified in the Nihon-Chouzai pharmacy claims database. The adherence to the recommended dosing of SU co-prescribed with DPP-4 inhibitors increased from 46.3% before to 63.8% after the JADEC recommendation (p < 0.01 by time-series analysis), while no change was found in those for SU monotherapy and SU with other OHD co-prescriptions. The adherence was significantly worse for those receiving a glibenclamide prescription. The JADEC recommendation, along with labeling changes, appeared to have a favorable effect on the risk minimization action in Japan. In these instances, a pharmacy claims database can be a useful tool to evaluate risk minimization actions.
Cytopathogenesis of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Is Regulated by the PSAP Motif of M Protein in a Species-Dependent Manner
Authors: Irie Takashi , Liu Yuliang , Drolet Barbara S. , Carnero Elena , García-Sastre Adolfo , Harty Ronald N.
Published: September 2012

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an important vector-borne pathogen of bovine and equine species, causing a reportable vesicular disease. The matrix (M) protein of VSV is multifunctional and plays a key role in cytopathogenesis, apoptosis, host protein shut-off, and virion assembly/budding. Our previous findings indicated that mutations of residues flanking the 37PSAP40 motif within the M protein resulted in VSV recombinants having attenuated phenotypes in mice. In this report, we characterize the phenotype of VSV recombinant PS > A4 (which harbors four alanines (AAAA) in place of the PSAP motif without disruption of flanking residues) in both mice, and in Aedes albopictus C6/36 mosquito and Culicoides sonorensis KC cell lines. The PS > A4 recombinant displayed an attenuated phenotype in infected mice as judged by weight loss, mortality, and viral titers measured from lung and brain samples of infected animals. However, unexpectedly, the PS > A4 recombinant displayed a robust cytopathic phenotype in insect C6/36 cells compared to that observed with control viruses. Notably, titers of recombinant PS > A4 were approximately 10-fold greater than those of control viruses in infected C6/36 cells and in KC cells from Culicoides sonorensis, a known VSV vector species. In addition, recombinant PS > A4 induced a 25-fold increase in the level of C3 caspase activity in infected C6/36 cells. These findings indicate that the PSAP motif plays a direct role in regulating cytopathogenicity in a species-dependent manner, and suggest that the intact PSAP motif may be important for maintaining persistence of VSV in an insect host.
KNOWLEDGE BASED TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL MODEL FOR SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION
Authors: Pranevičius Henrikas , Kraujalis Tadas
Published: September 2012

Intelligent transportation systems have received increasing attention in academy and industry. Being able to handle uncertainties and complexity, expert systems are applied in vast areas of real life including intelligent transportation systems. This paper presents a traffic signal control method based on expert knowledge for an isolated signalized intersection. The proposed method has the adaptive signal timing ability to adjust its signal timing in response to changing traffic conditions. Based on the traffic conditions, the system determines to extend or terminate the current green signal group. Using the information from its traffic detectors of isolated intersection, the proposed controller gives optimal signals to adapt the phase lengths to the traffic conditions. A comparative analysis between proposed control algorithm, fuzzy logic (FLC) and fixed-timed (pre-timed) controllers has been made in traffic flows control, with varying traffic volume levels, by using simulation software ‘Arena’. Simulation results show that the proposed traffic signal control method (EKC) has better performance over fuzzy logic and conventional pre-time controllers under light and heavy traffic conditions.
Professor De Clercq and 25 Years of International Collaboration on Antiviral Research
Authors: Colacino Joseph M
Published: September 2012

Professor Erik De Clercq, recent recipient of the International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR) ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Society Award’, recounts 25 years of antiviral research collaborating with his colleagues and friends in Japan.
Federalism and the Concept of Political Territoriality
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: September 2012

Résumé Les questions fondamentales abordées par la politique territoriale comparée étudient pourquoi et comment le territoire est utilisé pour délimiter, maintenir et créer du pouvoir politique ; et quelles en sont les conséquences pour l’efficacité (output) et la légitimité (input). L’objet de cet article est d’intégrer différentes formes de recherche dans l’étude comparée de la politique territoriale, en considérant en son cœur les études fédérales. La « territorialité politique », conçue comme une résolution conceptuelle, renvoie l’observateur aux trois dimensions de l’utilisation stratégique des frontières terrestres dans la recherche de pouvoir politique. En se concentrant sur le territoire comme variable clé des systèmes politiques, les acteurs, processus et institutions sont tout d’abord distingués analytiquement et mesurés continuellement, pour accroître leur validité interne, et ensuite intégrés dans la théorie. Ceci permet une meilleure validation des variables externes qu’avec une approche classique, fondée sur les études fédérales légales-institutionnelles. Après avoir considéré les frontières et la substance de la politique fédérale comparée comme discipline fédérale, on développe la territorialité politique comme cadre analytique applicable à l’étude de la politique à quelque niveau gouvernemental que ce soit. Les propositions en sont modestes : la territorialité politique ne doit pas tant être utilisée comme concept explicatif des études fédérales que comme un outil visant à attirer l’attention du chercheur sur ces problématiques.
The “F” Factor in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Palermo Francesco
Published: September 2012

Résumé Virtuellement rien n’a changé durant la dernière décennie en ce qui concerne les accords territoriaux, en particulier en Europe centrale, en Europe de l’Est et en Europe du Sud-Est, où le rôle de la communauté internationale a été très important dans l’assistance constitutionnelle aux transitions démocratiques. Cet article étudie les raisons qui en sont à l’origine et considère que la question du fédéralisme (et du régionalisme) a été gérée avec une prudence excessive à la fois par les acteurs nationaux et internationaux. L’article suggère une approche non émotionnelle, dépolitisée, du fédéralisme, une approche qui prendrait en compte la bonne gouvernance et pas seulement l’auto-gouvernance, séparant ainsi la question territoriale des problèmes de minorités. Mieux le fédéralisme prend en compte la participation des minorités, plutôt qu’en isolant les groupes minoritaires, plus il est utilisé comme l’instrument d’intégration d’un territoire comme un tout.
Identity-Diversity and the Territorial Dimension in the Western Balkans
Authors: Woelk Jens
Published: September 2012

Résumé La création des États-nations dans les Balkans occidentaux après le démantèlement de la Yougoslavie a donné lieu à une plus grande demande de prise en compte de la diversité. Ce paradoxe s’explique par divers facteurs : malgré la tragédie de la violence ethnique et les tentatives de « nettoyage ethnique » durant les années quatre-vingt-dix, il n’y a pas eu d’homogénéisation de la population et la diversité est toujours la caractéristique de la plupart des (nouveaux) États dans la région. La nécessité de garantir la stabilité régionale pour les États, mais également l’importance d’assurer un vivre-ensemble pacifique dans la diversité comme indicateur d’un système démocratique vraiment pluraliste, ont conduit à différentes formes d’intervention de la part de la communauté internationale, poursuivies par la conditionnalité européenne. La principale variable que l’on peut identifier dans une étude comparée est l’utilisation du territoire pour accommoder la diversité (ethnique). En suivant le modèle d’État-nation d’Europe centrale et orientale, l’identification des groupes avec un territoire spécifique a souvent conduit à des aspirations nationalistes exclusives et à la violence ethnique ; le défi d’aujourd’hui est d’assurer la diversité, par exemple les droits de l’homme et les revendications des groupes, à l’intérieur d’un cadre territorial stable.
Reforming Fiscal Federalism in Europe: Where Does the Pendulum Swing?
Authors: Alber Elisabeth , Valdescalici Alice
Published: September 2012

Résumé Sur toile de fond de crise économique et financière, les États fédéraux et régionaux se sont engagés dans diverses réformes. Le modèle constitutionnel financier et le cadre institutionnel fiscal et financier sont en train de se modifier afin de mieux s’adapter aux défis du temps, qui relèvent à la fois de la sphère supranationale de la gouvernance économique, et de la sphère nationale. Les raisons qui motivent ces processus de réforme tiennent à la contradiction entre les apparentes nécessités de recentraliser tout en s’accommodant des revendications de décentralisation. Cet article s’intéresse aux États européens fédéraux et hautement régionalisés en adoptant une perspective comparative nationale, et étudie les processus de réforme dans le domaine des matières fiscales et des relations financières intergouvernementales. Il étudie les éléments les plus significativement présents dans les différents ordres juridiques, en cherchant à identifier les diverses tendances du transfert de pouvoir en faveur de la (re)centralisation ou de la décentralisation. C’est dans ce contexte que seront analysées l’autonomie du point de vue des recettes, et la conjonction l’autonomie et de la solidarité dans les nouveaux systèmes fiscaux. En outre, la coopération intergouvernementale dans les matières fiscales et financières sera étudiée afin d’en déterminer les caractéristiques fondamentales de l’analyse comparée. Enfin, une attention particulière sera portée aux récentes innovations en terme de d’organismes et de procédures dans le domaine des finances publiques et fiscales, ainsi qu’à leur rôle dans la gouvernance économique interne.
La mise en place des observatoires des fragilités dans le cadre d'un partenariat CNAMTS-CNAV
Authors: Blanckaert Antonin
Published: September 2012

L’amélioration du dépistage des premiers signes de fragilité en amont de la perte d’autonomie et l’organisation d’un ciblage des actions de prévention vers les populations les plus vulnérables constituent les enjeux autour desquels la caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse (Cnav) et les caisses d’assurance retraite et de la santé au travail (Carsat) optimisent leur politique de prévention de la perte d’autonomie, en concertation avec la caisse nationale de l’assurance maladie des travailleurs salariés (Cnamts) dans le cadre du plan de préservation de l’autonomie des personnes âgées (plan Papa), les autres régimes de sécurité sociale (ex. : mutualité sociale agricole (MSA), régime social indépendant (RSI)) et les fédérations Agirc (Association générale des institutions de retraite des cadres) - Arrco (Association pour le régime de retraite complémentaire des salariés). Ce plan Papa permet notamment d’offrir des services à des publics fragilisés et de mettre en place un comité d’experts scientifiques chargé de labelliser les actions de prévention les plus efficaces.
Prévention et vieillissement en bonne santé : un regard économique
Authors: Barnay Thomas
Published: September 2012

En France, les mauvais résultats en termes de performance sanitaire et l’aggravation des inégalités sociales de santé, et ce en dépit d’un investissement public élevé, justifient de s’interroger sur la promotion d’actions de prévention. Cette réflexion questionne la rationalité des politiques collectives de prévention et l’adoption de comportements individuels de prévention. Au final, cet article vise à expliciter les conditions permettant de promouvoir le vieillissement en bonne santé par une prévention ciblée, coordonnée et précoce dès l’âge de 50 ans.
La politique de prévention en ARS : l'exemple du nord-pas-de-calais
Authors: Defebvre Marguerite-Marie
Published: September 2012

La région Nord-Pas-de-Calais aux indicateurs socio-économiques défavorables à la santé fait preuve d’un dynamisme renouvelé par l’ensemble de ses acteurs de santé. La nouvelle politique de santé régionale, voulue par la loi Hôpital patients santé territoires (HPST) de 2009, qui a créé les agences régionales de santé (Ars), s’organise autour de parcours de santé reliant le champ préventif, sanitaire et l’accompagnement médico-social. Parallèlement se construit le schéma régional de prévention intégré au projet régional de santé. Il nous incite à de nouvelles réflexions au plan économique, dans un contexte contraint, mais aussi sur les pratiques, les formations et l’organisation du système de santé pour mieux répondre aux besoins des personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques et des personnes âgées.
L’objet livre
Authors: Hugh-Jones Stephen , Diemberger Hildegard
Published: September 2012

En concentrant leur attention sur le message, ou le contenu en général, des textes sacrés, les anthropologues ont souvent négligé le fait que les livres sont aussi des objets concrets. Les études de cas présentées ici, portant sur des sociétés dites tribales, invitent à s’intéresser aux matériaux dont sont façonnés les livres et à la façon dont les livres sont mis en relation avec d’autres objets, notamment rituels. Dans le même temps, la comparaison esquissée entre différents univers religieux permet d’observer une vaste gamme d’attitudes envers le l’objet livre, depuis un extrême respect jusqu’à un rejet de fait. L’objet livre est un thème de réflexion grâce auquel les anthropologues sont susceptibles de nouer un dialogue fécond avec les représentants d’autres disciplines.
Le Coran et ses multiples formes (Casablanca, Maroc)*
Authors: Cohen Anouk
Published: September 2012

Le Coran se décline en une pluralité de formes. À Casablanca, dans le quartier des librairies arabes, on en trouve de différentes tailles – le grand, les moyens, le petit et le miniature –, reliés ou non, avec ou sans étui, étui en velours ou en cuir, incluant dans certains cas une fermeture éclair. Quels usages sont attachés à ces différents modèles du Coran ? Quels rôles leur font jouer les acteurs (aussi bien usagers, éditeurs que gouvernants) ? Deux interrogations au cœur de la réflexion axée sur la forme prise par le Coran – celle du livre – et sur l’analyse des matériaux à partir desquels il est confectionné, dans le but d’étudier les effets que l’apparence physique du Coran produit sur les appropriations de la parole divine.
Le synthétique sacré
Authors: Stolow Jeremy
Published: September 2012

ArtScroll, une maison d’édition juive orthodoxe de premier plan située à New York, est un cas d’école pour étudier la dimension matérielle des pratiques éditoriales concernant les textes religieux. Cet essai explore l’« agentivité matérielle» des publications phares d’ArtScroll que sont les livres de prières, les bibles et les livres de cuisine, en montrant de quelle manière ces artéfacts jouent un rôle actif dans les différents cercles de la vie sociale juive, de la prière publique à l’exposition domestique du travail dans la cuisine. En s’intéressant au rôle des couvertures de livres, des matériaux de reliure et des icônes graphiques dans la constitution de l’agentivité matérielle d’ArtScroll, cet essai explore la façon dont ces éléments contribuent à définir des schémas de performance rituelle et de styles de vie des utilisateurs, ainsi que leur rôle dans les affrontements portant sur l’identité institutionnelle et les enjeux politiques liés à la question de l’authenticité juive. En examinant la réalité de la répartition des actions entre personnes et livres, l’analyse proposée nuance l’image stéréotypée des juifs comme « peuple du Livre » et remet en cause les affirmations péremptoires sur le textocentrisme juif.
Instrumentaliser la nostalgie
Authors: Angé Olivia
Published: September 2012

Ce texte étudie les interactions qui accompagnent les échanges entre les cultivateurs et les bergers qui se réunissent lors des foires de troc dans les Andes argentines. Au fil de leurs transactions, les partenaires regrettent régulièrement l’effritement contemporain de la complémentarité idéale qui aurait autrefois uni les paysans des hautes et des basses terres de la cordillère. L’analyse de ces dialogues montre que la morale économique des ancêtres peut être habilement évoquée lors des négociations sur les pondérations du troc. Elle révèle d’autre part la figure relationnelle instaurée par cette rhétorique nostalgique et souligne finalement l’interconnexion entre la performativité sociale et l’efficacité économique de ces lamentations. Ce faisant, l’article éclaire la manière dont la nostalgie prend place dans la structure dualiste qui se manifeste sur cette scène d’échange andine.
The Bus Dispatching Optimal Control System Based on Real-Time Data Acquisition
Authors: Li Jian
Published: September 2012

In this paper, main software module in the subject The Bus Dispatching Optimal Control System Based on Real-time Data Acquisition has been designed. By gradually changing the departure time interval, the system uses SCM to simulate the system running status in various time periods so as to determine the optimal departure time interval, and has established the integrated and optimal scheduling model through the research and development of four functions i.e. data acquisition, remote network monitoring, C/S/S architecture, network access. This article will focus on the design of the main module of software part in the system.
The Control of Hexapod Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Pan Chun Ping , Guan Hsin
Published: September 2012

In order to enhance the innervations fidelity of simulators, an adaptive nonlinear controller is developed, which guarantees parallel mechanisms closed loop system global asymptotical stability and the convergence of posture tracking error in Cartesian space. The problem of rapid tracking under the condition of the wide range, nonlinear and variable load is solved. After the adaptive nonlinear controller is actually applied to the hexapod parallel mechanisms of simulator, the dynamic-static capabilities of motion system is tested by amplitude-frequency response and posture precision. The experimental results show that the static precision improves ten times and system output amplitude increase and the phase lag reduce with respect to the same input signal in Cartesian space in comparison with the traditional proportional and derivative controlling method in joint space. Therefore the adaptive nonlinear controller can effectively improve the dynamic-static response performance of the hexapod parallel mechanisms of simulators in Cartesian space.
Development of Automatic Bio-Monitoring System for the Life History of Insect
Authors: Houng Huaang Youh , Chou Jui Ming
Published: September 2012

An automatic bio-monitoring system was developed for exploring the life history of insect (Callosobruchus maculates) inhabiting in beans. Callosobruchus maculatus only feeds before exclusion and the demand for food is different in every life stage. The feeding process cracks bean texture fibers and produces feeble ultrasound. Hence the life history of an inhabitant can be explored through spying the feeding cracks. The developed ultrasonic monitoring system consists of a delicate electronic signal-conditioning module, which amplifies, filters, and transforms a biting crack into a square pulse. A computer equipped with software developed in house acquires biting pulses and displays the life history on line. Acquired data are stored for subsequently off-line analysis. The system has been successfully applied to exploration of the life histories of Callosobruchus maculatus inhabiting in Azuki beans and mung beans.
Direction of Arrival Estimation for Coherent Signals in GPS Receiver
Authors: Cui Yue , Liu Kai Hua , Wang Jun Feng
Published: September 2012

A new direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method is proposed for coherent GPS signals, which applies to the GPS receiver with rich multipath, strong interference and low SNR. In this method, the interference is first suppressed by projecting the received signal onto the interference orthogonal subspace. Afterwards, the noise is eliminated by the spatial difference matrix. Then, the coherent GPS signals are decorrelated by the reconstructed Toeplitz matrix, and the DOA estimation is improved by a new constructed matrix. The proposed method can obtain more accurate DOA estimation for coherent GPS signals with strong interference and low SNR in the GPS receiver. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.