bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As Melastomataceae do município de Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Kinoshita Luiza Sumiko , Martins Angela Borges , Bernardo Karina Fidanza Rodrigues
Published: June 2013

Este trabalho trata das espécies de Melastomataceae coletadas na região de Poços de Caldas durante o projeto de pesquisa firmado entre a Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FUNCAMP), através dos docentes do Departamento de Botânica, e a ALCOA Alumínios. Diversas famílias foram estudadas durante este projeto e, dentre estas, destacam-se as Melastomataceae, que apresentam um elevado número de espécies na flora local. Foram registradas 58 espécies distribuídas em 12 gêneros e três tribos. Melastomeae e Miconieae foram as que apresentaram o maior número de espécies. Para complementar a listagem final dos táxons foram também consultados espécimes anteriormente coletados na região. São apresentadas chaves analíticas, descrições, ilustrações e atualização da distribuição geográfica das espécies estudadas.
Flora Polínica da Reserva do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (São Paulo, Brasil): Família: 90-Melastomataceae
Authors: Cruz-Barros Maria Amélia Vitorino da , Corrêa Angela Maria da Silva , Gasparino Eduardo Custódio , Paes Viviana Barbosa
Published: June 2013

Foram estudados os grãos de pólen de sete gêneros e 45 espécies de Melastomataceae (Huberia semisserrata DC., Leandra amplexicaulis DC., L. aurea Cogn., L. australis Cogn., L. cardiophylla Cogn., L. hirta Raddi, L. hirtella Cogn., L. mosenii Cogn., L. purpurascens Cogn., L. refracta Cogn., L. scabra DC., L. sericea DC., Miconia cabussu Hoehne, M. candolleana Triana, M. castanaeflora Naud., M. conferta Cogn., M. cubatanensis Hoehne, M. depauperata Gardn., M. hyemalis A. St.-Hil. et Naud., M. inaequidens Naud., M. latecrenata Naud., M. oblongifolia Cogn., M. petropolitana Cogn., M. pyrifolia Naud., M. sellowiana Naud., M. theaezans Cogn., M. urophylla DC., M. valtherii Naud., Mouriri chamissoana Cogn., Ossaea brachystachya Triana, Pleiochiton ebracteatum Triana, Tibouchina adenostemon Cogn., T. cerastifolia Cogn., T. chamissoana Cogn., T. clinopodifolia Cogn., T. frigidula Cogn., T. gracilis Cogn., T. granulosa Cogn., T. martialis Cogn., T. mutabilis Cogn., T. pulchra Cogn., T. raddiana Cogn., T. sellowiana Cogn., T. trichopoda Bail., T. velutina Cogn.) ocorrentes na Reserva do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga. São apresentadas descrições e observações para todas as espécies estudadas, bem como chave polínica para a identificação das espécies. Ilustrações são apresentadas somente para alguns táxons.
Variabilidade fenotípica de Rumohra adiantiformis (G. Forst) Ching (Dryopteridaceae)
Authors: Boeger Maria Regina Torres , Cavichiolo Leticia Estela , Pil Maria Whilhelmina , Labiak Paulo Henrique
Published: June 2013

Rumohra adiantiformis é uma pteridófita amplamente distribuída em regiões tropicais, conhecida como samambaia-preta e utilizada em arranjos florais. Suas frondes possuem formas e tamanhos variados, de acordo com o ambiente onde ocorrem. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a variabilidade fenotípica dos indivíduos desta espécie com hábitos e ambientes de ocorrência distintos, utilizando características morfológicas como indicadores de plasticidade. Frondes, de três diferentes formações vegetacionais, foram coletadas para a medição dos parâmetros morfológicos. Os valores médios de comprimento total da fronde, área foliar, densidade estomática e espessuras do mesofilo foram significativamente diferentes entre os três ambientes. Os dados sugerem que R. adiantiformis apresentou variabilidade fenotípica para a maioria das características analisadas, sendo que os indivíduos de hábito terrícola de sol foram os que mais diferiram morfologicamente em função das condições ambientais mais estressantes como maior deficit hídrico e a maior intensidade luminosa que estas plantas estão expostas.
Cloning of TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 and Likely Exclusion as Loci of Origin in a Rabbit Craniosynostotic Model
Authors: Gallo Phillip H. , Cray James J. , Durham Emily L. , Losee Joseph E. , Mooney Mark P. , Cooper Gregory M. , Kathju Sandeep
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine whether TgfβR1 or TgfβR2 cause the craniosynostotic phenotype in a rabbit model of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Design

Full-length TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 cDNAs were sequenced and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 transcripts in suturai tissue from wild type (WT) and craniosynostotic (CS) rabbits. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified within TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 and were assayed for segregation with disease phenotype in 22 craniosynostotic animals.

Results

No structural mutations in TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 were identified in the craniosynostotic rabbits. Real-time RT-PCR quantification of TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 mRNA showed no significant difference in TgfβR1 expression between CS and WT animals, while TgfβR2 showed 50% elevation in the CS animals compared to WT ( P < .05). SNP analysis within the TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 genes suggested that neither locus is linked to the craniosynostotic phenotype because no allelic combination showed any specific correlation with disease phenotype for either TgfβR1 or TgfβR2.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the craniosynostotic phenotype in this rabbit model does not arise from any structural mutation in TgfβR1 or TgfβR2, and SNP analysis also likely excludes these genes more broadly as the site of causative mutation.
Longitudinal Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among a National Sample of Adolescent Males
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , McRee Annie-Laurie , Pepper Jessica K. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Galbraith Kayoll V. , Brewer Noel T.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We conducted a longitudinal study to examine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among male adolescents and to identify vaccination predictors.

Methods. In fall 2010 and 2011, a national sample of parents with sons aged 11 to 17 years (n = 327) and their sons (n = 228) completed online surveys. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of HPV vaccination that occurred between baseline and follow-up.

Results. Only 2% of sons had received any doses of HPV vaccine at baseline, with an increase to 8% by follow-up. About 55% of parents who had ever received a doctor’s recommendation to get their sons HPV vaccine did vaccinate between baseline and follow-up, compared with only 1% of parents without a recommendation. Fathers (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.09, 0.80) and non-Hispanic White parents (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.11, 0.76) were less likely to have vaccinated sons. Willingness to get sons HPV vaccine decreased from baseline to follow-up among parents (P < .001) and sons (P = .003).

Conclusions. Vaccination against HPV remained low in our study and willingness to vaccinate may be decreasing. Physician recommendation and education about HPV vaccine for males may be key strategies for improving vaccination.
Indications for Testing Among Reported Cases of HCV Infection From Enhanced Hepatitis Surveillance Sites in the United States, 2004–2010
Authors: Mahajan Reena , Liu Stephen J. , Klevens R. Monina , Holmberg Scott D.
Published: June 2013

Objectives. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a 1-time HCV test for persons born from 1945 through 1965 to supplement current risk-based screening. We examined indications for testing by birth cohort (before 1945, 1945–1965, and after 1965) among persons with past or current HCV.

Methods. Cases had positive HCV laboratory markers reported by 4 surveillance sites (Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York) to health departments from 2004 to 2010. Health department staff abstracted demographics and indications for testing from cases’ medical records and compiled this information into a surveillance database.

Results. Of 110 223 cases of past or current HCV infection reported during 2004–2010, 74 578 (68%) were among persons born during 1945–1965. Testing indications were abstracted for 45 034 (41%) cases; of these, 29 544 (66%) identified at least 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended risk factor as a testing indication. Overall, 74% of reported cases were born from 1945 to 1965 or had an injection drug use history.

Conclusions. These data support augmenting the current HCV risk-based screening recommendations by screening adults born from 1945 to 1965.
Estimating HCV Prevalence at the State Level: A Call to Increase and Strengthen Current Surveillance Systems
Authors: Hart-Malloy Rachel , Carrascal Alvaro , DiRienzo A. Gregory , Flanigan Colleen , McClamroch Kristi , Smith Lou
Published: June 2013

The degree to which case surveillance captures persons ever infected with HCV is unknown. We determined the discrepancy between HCV seroprevalence, estimated from national survey data, among adults in New York State in 2008 (n = 286 262, or 1.95%) and the number of infected persons reported to the state’s surveillance hepatitis registries (n = 144 015). Findings suggest the need to strengthen the existing surveillance system.
The Next Chapter of the Tobacco Wars: Unpacking the Latest Round of Constitutional Challenges
Authors: Bowman Diana M. , Bennett Michael G.
Published: June 2013

We have considered the tobacco industry’s challenges to legislative attempts to provide more health-related information on retail packaging. The first issue is taking and acquiring the industry’s intellectual property in Australia. The second challenge involves the tensions between graphic images and the First Amendment in the United States. We have argued that the Obama administration should take advantage of the current window of opportunity to aggressively restrict the industry’s control of its products.
The Exclusion of Nicotine: Closing the Gap in Addiction Policy and Practice
Authors: Richter Linda , Foster Susan E.
Published: June 2013

Addiction is a complex brain disease with frequently overlapping expressions involving nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs. Yet current health care practices, public policies, and national treatment data too often exclude nicotine or address its use as completely separate from other forms of substance use and addiction, compromising patients’ health and incurring unnecessary health care costs. Effective prevention and treatment requires the inclusion of nicotine in a comprehensive approach addressing all manifestations of addiction within health care policy and practice.
Adaptation of Mycobacterium smegmatis to an Industrial Scale Medium and Isolation of the Mycobacterial PorinMspA
Authors: Wendel Sebastian O , Perera Ayomi S , Pfromm Peter H , Czermak Peter , Bossmann Stefan H
Published: June 2013

The adaptation of the organism to a simple and cost-effective growth medium is mandatory in developing a process for large scale production of the octamericporinMspA, which is isolated fromMycobacterium smegmatis. A fermentation optimization with the minimal nutrients required for growth has been performed. During the fermentation, the iron- and ammonium chloride concentrations in the medium were varied to determine their impact on the observed growth rates and cell mass yields. Common antibiotics to control contamination were eliminated in favor of copper sulfate to reduce costs. MspA has been successfully isolated from the harvestedM. smegmatisusingaqueous nOPOE (n-octyloligooxyethylene) at 65°C. Because of the extraordinary stability of MspA, it is possible to denature and precipitate virtually all other proteins and contaminants by following this approach. To further purify the product, acetone is used for precipitation. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence and purity of MspA. A maximum of 840µg (via Bradford assay) of pure MspA per liter of the optimized simple growth medium has been obtained. This is a 40% increase with respect to the previously reported culture medium for MspA.
The Natural History of Food Sensitization in Children With Atopic Dermatitis and the Prognostic Role of Specific Serum IgE
Authors: Giannetti Arianna , Ricci Giampaolo , Dondi Arianna , Piccinno Valentina , Bellini Federica , Rondelli Roberto , Patrizi Annalisa , Pession Andrea
Published: June 2013

Background:

The natural history and the prognostic factors for food tolerance in childhood atopic dermatitis(AD) are poorly
understood.

Objective:

We aimed at investigating the natural course of egg and milk allergy in children affected by AD and food allergy
and identifying if the persistence of allergy is associated with high specific serum IgE(sIgE).

Methods:

The retrospective study included 58 patients affected by AD, aged 9-16 months, with a first clinical examination
between 1993 and 2002.

Results:

Patients with AD and allergy to hen’s egg(N=58) or cow’s milk(N=44) were studied. In most patients milk and egg
tolerance was reached before school age, but it was achieved later in children with severe AD and high egg sIgE.

Conclusions:

The food tolerance is normally reached before school age and, at the time of diagnosis, levels of sIgE>5kU/L for
hen’s egg are risk factors for a later tolerance achievement.
Behavioral Health Order Sets in a Hybrid Information Environment
Authors: Strauss John , Olbrycht Peggy , Woo Vincent
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is a 500 bed freestanding psychiatric hospital in Canada. We are in the process of preparing for an integrated commercial clinical information system, which will have computerized physician order entry (CPOE) functionality.

Methods:

As a preparation for CPOE, we developed inpatient order sets (OSs). Development teams from individual clinical programs created and sent their OSs to an OS Working Group for initial endorsement, and then to Pharmacy & Therapeutics and Medical Advisory committees subsequent approvals.

Results:

In twelve months we created and introduced 22 behavioral health OSs across eight clinical programs in our hybrid information system with an excellent adoption rate (>97%) by clinicians.

Discussion:

The development and implementation temporarily contributed to a multifactorial flow problem in the emergency department (ED), which was addressed by substantially simplifying the General Admission via the ED OS. Also, as the OSs were developed and sent for approval the project identified areas where local clinical practice can improve. Our electronic-paper hybrid set of clinical systems was a major factor impacting the effort.
Optimum fuzzy based approach to improve the instrument’s performance affected by environmental conditions
Authors: Verma Avnesh , Anand Tiwari
Published: June 2013

The performance of instrument has been analyzed, considering the ideal
conditions and results which have been obtained when the instrument is
subjected to diversified combination of environmental conditions. A peerless
analysis has been carried out of these environmental conditions using 'fuzzy
set theory' as a mathematical tool. The results showed how the use of fuzzy
set theory is adequate to analyze environmental conditions and is able to
suggest the optimal operating conditions for performance of the instrument.
In this analysis two independent variables temperature and relative humidity
have been used, and based on these two independent variables a third
dependent variable was defined namely temperature humidity index (THI).
Based on THI, a set of fuzzy rules were established considering the
influence of both independent variables. The results obtained without fuzzy
experimentation according to the specification of instrument and results
obtained with fuzzy analysis shown were quite comparable. The results
obtained after fuzzification explicitly show that the operating instrument?s
accuracy can be predicted by comparing with the THI zone and at the same
time this research gives an insight for selection of nearest optimal
operating condition for normal working of the instrument. It can be
summarized that the abrupt variation in independent variables can make the
instrument unstable and the fuzzy based approach is helpful in improving the
overall instrument performance.
Disordered Control of Intestinal Sweet Taste Receptor Expression and Glucose Absorption in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Young Richard L. , Chia Bridgette , Isaacs Nicole J. , Ma Jing , Khoo Joan , Wu Tongzhi , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K.
Published: June 2013

We previously established that the intestinal sweet taste receptors (STRs), T1R2 and T1R3, were expressed in distinct epithelial cells in the human proximal intestine and that their transcript levels varied with glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here we determined whether STR expression was 1) acutely regulated by changes in luminal and systemic glucose levels, 2) disordered in type 2 diabetes, and 3) linked to glucose absorption. Fourteen healthy subjects and 13 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied twice, at euglycemia (5.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L) or hyperglycemia (12.3 ± 0.2 mmol/L). Endoscopic biopsy specimens were collected from the duodenum at baseline and after a 30-min intraduodenal glucose infusion of 30 g/150 mL water plus 3 g 3-O-methylglucose (3-OMG). STR transcripts were quantified by RT-PCR, and plasma was assayed for 3-OMG concentration. Intestinal STR transcript levels at baseline were unaffected by acute variations in glycemia in healthy subjects and in type 2 diabetic patients. T1R2 transcript levels increased after luminal glucose infusion in both groups during euglycemia (+5.8 × 104 and +5.8 × 104 copies, respectively) but decreased in healthy subjects during hyperglycemia (−1.4 × 104 copies). T1R2 levels increased significantly in type 2 diabetic patients under the same conditions (+6.9 × 105 copies). Plasma 3-OMG concentrations were significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients than in healthy control subjects during acute hyperglycemia. Intestinal T1R2 expression is reciprocally regulated by luminal glucose in health according to glycemic status but is disordered in type 2 diabetes during acute hyperglycemia. This defect may enhance glucose absorption in type 2 diabetic patients and exacerbate postprandial hyperglycemia.
Three 15-min Bouts of Moderate Postmeal Walking Significantly Improves 24-h Glycemic Control in Older People at Risk for Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: DiPietro Loretta , Gribok Andrei , Stevens Michelle S. , Hamm Larry F. , Rumpler William
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three 15-min bouts of postmeal walking with 45 min of sustained walking on 24-h glycemic control in older persons at risk for glucose intolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Inactive older (≥60 years of age) participants (N = 10) were recruited from the community and were nonsmoking, with a BMI <35 kg/m2 and a fasting blood glucose concentration between 105 and 125 mg dL−1. Participants completed three randomly ordered exercise protocols spaced 4 weeks apart. Each protocol comprised a 48-h stay in a whole-room calorimeter, with the first day serving as the control day. On the second day, participants engaged in either 1) postmeal walking for 15 min or 45 min of sustained walking performed at 2) 10:30 a.m. or 3) 4:30 p.m. All walking was on a treadmill at an absolute intensity of 3 METs. Interstitial glucose concentrations were determined over 48 h with a continuous glucose monitor. Substrate utilization was measured continuously by respiratory exchange (VCO2/VO2).

RESULTS

Both sustained morning walking (127 ± 23 vs. 118 ± 14 mg dL−1) and postmeal walking (129 ± 24 vs. 116 ± 13 mg dL−1) significantly improved 24-h glycemic control relative to the control day (P < 0.05). Moreover, postmeal walking was significantly (P < 0.01) more effective than 45 min of sustained morning or afternoon walking in lowering 3-h postdinner glucose between the control and experimental day.

CONCLUSIONS

Short, intermittent bouts of postmeal walking appear to be an effective way to control postprandial hyperglycemia in older people.
The Effect of Sonophoresis on Topical Anesthesia: A Pilot Project
Authors: Packer Joseph L. , Krall Barry , Makki Ali , Torabinejad Mahmoud
Published: June 2013

The dental anesthesia sonophoresis device (DASD) is a novel device that is intended to reduce the discomfort associated with intraoral mucosa needle puncture. The DASD produces ultrasonic energy that provides a sonophoretic effect on the oral mucosa, generating microchannels through the lipids between the keratinized cells that make up the stratum corneum. Once the topical anesthetic has permeated the stratum corneum, it quickly diffuses through the soft tissue, desensitizing the nerve endings and reducing the perception of pain caused by needle penetration. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether topical anesthesia applied using the DASD will reduce the discomfort of the needle puncture when compared to the control device. A split-mouth model, using 50 healthy subjects with puncture site at the maxillary canine vestibule, was used for this study. Subjects received a needle puncture on both sides of the mouth. Prior to the needle puncture, there was randomized application of 5% lidocaine with the DASD and a control device. Subjects rated their discomfort after needle punctures utilizing the visual analog scale pain scoring system. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain perception using the DASD versus the control device.
Environmental agents in Lake Łuknajno (Poland) affecting the genome of Chironomus melanotus Keyl, 1961 (Diptera, Chironomidae) — a new species of Polish fauna
Authors: Jabłońska-Barna Izabela , Szarek-Gwiazda Ewa , Michailova Paraskeva
Published: June 2013

Chironomus melanotus Keyl, a new species of Polish fauna, is described on the basis of cytogenetic characteristics. It belongs to the cytocomplex thummi with the chromosome set 2n = 8, chromosome arm combinations AB CD EF G and species-specific karyotype markers.

Two types (somatic and inherited) of structural chromosome rearrangements in salivary gland chromosomes were identified in the species and somatic rearrangements (heterozygous inversions, deficiencies, deletions — Somatic index — 0.54) were observed for the first time in this species. In addition to those in the mosaic state, some genome alterations — trisomy and “B” chromosome, as well as larval malformations (10.27%) were detected for a first time. The malformations and somatic structural and genome aberrations may have been caused by different stress agents in the environment. Thus, we suggest that the high spectrum of somatic rearrangements observed in C. melanotus may indicate the existence of pollution (elevated Cd and Pb concentrations) in Lake Łuknajno (the study area) and perhaps trace metals and different chemicals produced by the Chara species.
Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera (Chlorophyta, Ulvophyceae) from the Wielkopolska region (West Poland): a new observation on the ultrastructure of vegetative cells
Authors: Messyasz Beata , Czerwik-Marcinkowska Joanna , Uher Bohuslav , Rybak Andrzej , Szendzina Lidia , Pikosz Marta
Published: June 2013

Ulva flexuosa subsp. pilifera previously known from northern Poland, from the channel near Szczecin and ponds near Łódź, has recently been found in the Malta Reservoir in the Wielkopolska (West Poland) region. Specimens collected in the Wielkopolska region were examined in detail, also under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The morphometric analysis of Ulva thalli (both young and mature specimens) was performed in order to study the differences in the ultrastructure of vegetative cells. Rectangular cells in young thalli measured from 32.21–55.81 μm to 20.24–35.12 μm, and they formed clear longitudinal rows, while cells in the mature specimens ranged from 25.09–47.66 μm to 18.90–31.56 μm. This study indicates that vegetative cells of the mature thalli show tendency towards distortions of both the longitudinal and transverse cells arrangement. This distortion is determined by the development of possible carbonate calcium crystals on the thalli surface. The ultrastructural analysis (TEM) confirmed that the structure and placement of thylakoids is genus/species specific.
A technique for continuous detection of drill liquid in ice cores
Authors: Warming E. , Svensson A. , Vallelonga P. , Bigler M.
Published: June 2013

When drilling ice cores deeper than ∼100 m, drill liquid is required to maintain ice-core quality and to limit borehole closure. Due to high-pressure air bubbles in the ice, the ice core can crack during drilling and core retrieval, typically at 600–1200 m depth in Greenland. Ice from this ‘brittle zone’ can be contaminated by drill liquid as it seeps through cracks into the core. Continuous flow analysis (CFA) systems are routinely used to analyse ice for chemical impurities, so the detection of drill liquid is important for validating accurate measurements and avoiding potential instrument damage. An optical detector was constructed to identify drill liquid in CFA tubing by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength of 290 nm. The set-up was successfully field-tested in the frame of the NEEM ice-core drilling project in Greenland. A total of 27 cases of drill liquid contamination were identified during the analysis of 175 m of brittle zone ice. The analyses most strongly affected by drill liquid contamination include insoluble dust particles, electrolytic conductivity, ammonium, hydrogen peroxide and sulphate. This method may also be applied to other types of drill liquid used at other drill sites.
Characteristics of Antibiotic Resistance of Airborne Staphylococcus Isolated from Metro Stations
Authors: Zhou Feng , Wang Yuyan
Published: June 2013

This study focused on the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a metro system as an example of a public transportation system. The molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus were investigated to discern which strains were isolated from metro stations in Shanghai. These were compared with strains isolated from hospital treatment rooms and parks. Airborne Staphylococcus samples in the metro were resistant to an average of 2.64 antibiotic types, and 58.0% of the strain samples were resistant to at least three antibiotics; this was a significantly higher rate than strains from the park, but was lower than those from hospitals. The presence of two antibiotic resistance genes of Staphylococcus strains, mecA (28.0%) and qac (40.0%), were also found at significantly higher levels in metro samples than park samples, but did not differ significantly from hospital samples. Furthermore, 22.0% of the metro Staphylococcus samples were found to be biofilm-positive. The high rate of antibiotic resistance found in Staphylococcus samples collected from metro stations, and the discovery of antibiotic-resistant genes, indicate that the closed indoor environment and crowded passengers may accelerate the spread of antibiotic resistant strains. More attention should be paid to the inspection and control of antibiotic resistant strains in public transportation systems.
Protein Folding and Aggregation into Amyloid: The Interference by Natural Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Stefani Massimo , Rigacci Stefania
Published: June 2013

Amyloid aggregation is a hallmark of several degenerative diseases affecting the brain or peripheral tissues, whose intermediates (oligomers, protofibrils) and final mature fibrils display different toxicity. Consequently, compounds counteracting amyloid aggregation have been investigated for their ability (i) to stabilize toxic amyloid precursors; (ii) to prevent the growth of toxic oligomers or speed that of fibrils; (iii) to inhibit fibril growth and deposition; (iv) to disassemble preformed fibrils; and (v) to favor amyloid clearance. Natural phenols, a wide panel of plant molecules, are one of the most actively investigated categories of potential amyloid inhibitors. They are considered responsible for the beneficial effects of several traditional diets being present in green tea, extra virgin olive oil, red wine, spices, berries and aromatic herbs. Accordingly, it has been proposed that some natural phenols could be exploited to prevent and to treat amyloid diseases, and recent studies have provided significant information on their ability to inhibit peptide/protein aggregation in various ways and to stimulate cell defenses, leading to identify shared or specific mechanisms. In the first part of this review, we will overview the significance and mechanisms of amyloid aggregation and aggregate toxicity; then, we will summarize the recent achievements on protection against amyloid diseases by many natural phenols.
Facile Synthesis of 5-Arylidene Thiohydantoin by Sequential Sulfonylation/Desulfination Reaction
Authors: Han Jintao , Dong Hongbo , Xu Zhihong , Lei Jianping , Wang Mingan
Published: June 2013

The sequential sulfonylation/desulfination reactions of 5-benzylthiohydantoin with excess arylsulfonyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine have been developed to afford a wide range of 5-arylidene thiohydantoin derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. A plausible sulfonylation/desulfination mechanism was proposed. The bioassay showed that these compounds exhibit certain fungicidal activities with the 71.9% inhibition rate of 2K against B. cinerea, and 57.6% inhibition rate of 2m against A. solani, respectively.
Re-Thinking the Role of Compensation in Urban Land Acquisition: Empirical Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Johnson Craig , Chakravarty Arpana
Published: June 2013

Planned efforts to relocate human populations often entail protracted struggles over the terms on which local populations may be compensated for the loss of land, assets and livelihoods. In many instances, compensation has been established on the basis of historical market value, which in effect excludes stakeholders (e.g., encroachers, landless laborers, sharecroppers, etc.) whose livelihoods are adversely affected by land acquisition. Establishing ways of recognizing and compensating the loss of informal land and livelihood is therefore a pressing policy priority. This paper explores the challenge of compensating losses incurred as a result of rapid urban land acquisition in the Indian State of West Bengal. Drawing upon 6 months of empirical field research, it explores (1) the ways in which national and local development authorities have structured processes of land acquisition in areas surrounding Kolkata; (2) the rights and entitlements that have been used in compensating losses incurred as a result of land acquisition; (3) the degree to which local populations have been incorporated into this process; and (4) the extent to which public policy may be used in strengthening the rights of vulnerable populations to basic forms of entitlement, such as housing, employment, and social assistance.
Removal of Optically Thick Clouds from Multi-Spectral Satellite Images Using Multi-Frequency SAR Data
Authors: Eckardt Robert , Berger Christian , Thiel Christian , Schmullius Christiane
Published: June 2013

This study presents a method for the reconstruction of pixels contaminated by optical thick clouds in multi-spectral Landsat images using multi-frequency SAR data. A number of reconstruction techniques have already been proposed in the scientific literature. However, all of the existing techniques have certain limitations. In order to overcome these limitations, we expose the Closest Spectral Fit (CSF) method proposed by Meng et al. to a new, synergistic approach using optical and SAR data. Therefore, the term Closest Feature Vector (CFV) is introduced. The technique facilitates an elegant way to avoid radiometric distortions in the course of image reconstruction. Furthermore the cloud cover removal is independent from underlying land cover types and assumptions on seasonality, etc. The methodology is applied to mono-temporal, multi-frequency SAR data from TerraSAR-X (X-Band), ERS (C-Band) and ALOS Palsar (L-Band). This represents a way of thinking about Radar data not as foreign, but as additional data source in multi-spectral remote sensing. For the assessment of the image restoration performance, an experimental framework is established and a statistical evaluation protocol is designed. The results show the potential of a synergistic usage of multi-spectral and SAR data to overcome the loss of data due to cloud cover.
Staphylococcus aureus α-Toxin: Nearly a Century of Intrigue
Authors: Berube Bryan , Wardenburg Juliane
Published: June 2013

Staphylococcus aureus secretes a number of host-injurious toxins, among the most prominent of which is the small β-barrel pore-forming toxin α-hemolysin. Initially named based on its properties as a red blood cell lytic toxin, early studies suggested a far greater complexity of α-hemolysin action as nucleated cells also exhibited distinct responses to intoxication. The hemolysin, most aptly referred to as α-toxin based on its broad range of cellular specificity, has long been recognized as an important cause of injury in the context of both skin necrosis and lethal infection. The recent identification of ADAM10 as a cellular receptor for α-toxin has provided keen insight on the biology of toxin action during disease pathogenesis, demonstrating the molecular mechanisms by which the toxin causes tissue barrier disruption at host interfaces lined by epithelial or endothelial cells. This review highlights both the historical studies that laid the groundwork for nearly a century of research on α-toxin and key findings on the structural and functional biology of the toxin, in addition to discussing emerging observations that have significantly expanded our understanding of this toxin in S. aureus disease. The identification of ADAM10 as a proteinaceous receptor for the toxin not only provides a greater appreciation of truths uncovered by many historic studies, but now affords the opportunity to more extensively probe and understand the role of α-toxin in modulation of the complex interaction of S. aureus with its human host.
Gestion de l’épidémie et usages de la médecine chinoise
Authors: Micollier Evelyne
Published: June 2013

Dans le contexte d’une réponse sociale et médicale des autorités chinoises face au SIDA, la politique d’extension du traitement à tous les patients qui en ont besoin à terme, révèle des «caractéristiques chinoises » qui rejoignent des préoccupations internationales en matière d’usage des médecines alternatives et complémentaires. L’une d’entre elles concerne l’utilisation de la médecine chinoise traditionnelle (MCT) principalement en traitement combiné (biomédecine et médecine chinoise) dans un système de santé publique où elle tient une place relativement importante comparée aux autres modèles de systèmes de santé qui existent dans le monde. Mon article porte sur l’intégration de la MCT dans les thérapies et les recherches sur le VIH/ SIDA.
Broch : la condition du somnambule
Authors: Dumas Robert
Published: June 2013

Pourquoi lire Broch, cet écrivain sans postérité, né à Vienne en 1886 et mort en 1951, exilé aux États-Unis d’Amérique ? D’abord parce qu’il sut mettre en lumière l’homme comme être symbolique. Ensuite parce qu’il a abandonné le confort d’un milieu industriel pour se vouer à une littérature exigeante, capable d’explorer l’expérience métaphysique des hommes.
Saint Augustin sur scène
Authors: Ratti Stéphane
Published: June 2013

Il faut rapporter les sermons de saint Augustin à leurs conditions pratiques d’énonciation, restituer cette parole en acte dans l’espace ecclésial, à voix haute et face à un public parfois réticent : cette précarité fait sa force.
Des vessies et des lanternes
Authors: Soriano Paul
Published: June 2013

Les idées, c’est entendu, ne voyagent pas toutes seules. Mais comme le suggère l’étymologie du mot métaphore, il existe au sein même de la langue des moyens de transport du sens dont la rhétorique assure la logistique afin de mieux informer, convaincre, émouvoir ou amuser.
Une introduction au renouveau de la taxonomie
Authors: Faugère Elsa , Arpin Isabelle
Published: June 2013

Le texte montre comment la taxonomie, aussi appelée systématique, à travers les différentes approches et techniques utilisées (dont le barcoding) pour l'exploration et la documentation de nouvelles espèces, s'engage dans une lutte pour survivre dans un contexte moins influencé par les mêmes limites de la biodiversité à étudier que par l'organisation même de la discipline, comme l'absence de spécialistes pour certains taxons et les restrictions géopolitiques et de propriété intellectuelle (comme c'est le cas dans les expéditions dans les pays du Sud). Les autrices montrent la nécessité d'inclure des chercheurs de disciplines telles que les sciences sociales dans les études sur la biodiversité afin de transformer et d'ouvrir des champs de recherche, grâce aux résultats obtenus dans les différentes expéditions naturalistes. Le texte détaille les problèmes venant des difficultés à établir des relations de confiance entre les systématiciens et les chercheurs en sciences sociales. Ces difficultés de l’échange d'informations et de techniques menacent la tentative de sortir la taxonomie du contexte universitaire et de donner à la discipline le renouveau tant attendu.
De l’observation à la protection des oiseaux
Authors: Podjed Dan
Published: June 2013

Les ornithologues amateurs sont connus, ou au moins stéréotypés, pour leur tendance à « collectionner » les observations d’oiseaux, et à les classer dans des catégories bien organisées – les groupes taxonomiques. Mais en est-il toujours vraiment ainsi ? Les membres de la plus grande association d’ornithologie slovène fournissent un exemple contraire. Ils ont commencé à regarder les oiseaux du point de vue de la conservation de la nature. Au niveau de l’association, cette transformation du collectionneur en protecteur des oiseaux commence par le fait de se distinguer du père fondateur de l’organisation qui était la principale force qui portait le catalogage initial des oiseaux slovènes dans les années 1970 et 1980. Une transformation de l’association s’est produite après son départ ; elle a conduit les ornithologues à percevoir autrement le monde naturel. Ils continuent à observer les oiseaux, mais leur principal objectif concerne désormais la protection des oiseaux ainsi que d’autres espèces animales et végétales ainsi que leurs habitats.
Platon et le développement durable
Authors: Lane Melissa
Published: June 2013

Le souci de ce que Platon appelait la stabilité de la relation entre la cité et l’âme devrait faire partie intégrante de ce que nous appelons « durabilité ». Non que Platon ait pensé la durabilité en termes écologiques mais sa République étudie la manière dont on peut rendre une société socialement et psychologiquement stable – non par la répression mais par l’interaction stable des motivations et des valeurs de la population de manière à produire et reproduire une forme souhaitable de relation sociale. Les moyens de parvenir à une telle stabilité – les vertus qui visent le bien de la totalité – sont déjà mis en œuvre par l’encadrement de certaines entreprises et par les militants écologistes ; leurs opposés, les vices, ont entre-temps contribué aux crises tant écologiques que financières.
Reconstruction of Slice Image from Solid Rocket Motor Skiagrams Based on Compressed Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Xu Zhi Gao , Ning Chao , Ma Jing , Li Xiang Bin
Published: June 2013

A reconstruction program of slice image based on SolidRocket Motor (SRM) skiagrams is put forward to overcome the deficiency of artificial radiographic interpretation. The algebraic reconstruction algorithmbased on compressed sensing technology is designed. The influence of radiographic interval angle and skiagram sizes on reconstructed slice image is studied. Radiographic interval angle has a great impact on the quality of the reconstructed image. Slender defects are not sensitive to changes in the length of the skiagram, but circular defects are sensitive to changes in the length of the skiagram. The reconstruction tests of model SRM skiagrams show that the sizes and locations of the debonded defects can be easily ascertained and the efficiency of radiographic interpretation can be greatly improved.
CSF Cell Images Segmentation Using a Hybrid Model Based on Watershed and Snake
Authors: Li Yin Wei , Huang Wen Ming , Cai Wen Zheng
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a new image segmentation approach is proposed based on the morphological watershed transform and an improved balloon snake algorithm for reducing the incorrect segmenting rate that caused by uneven dyeing of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) cells. Firstly, a marker-controlled watershed pre-segmentation was applied to resolve the over-segmentation problem of the watershed and eliminate the approximate contour of CSF cells. Secondly, due to the weak boundary of some cytoplasm, we performed a coarse segmentation by using an improved balloon snake to dilate the watershed result. Finally, a fine segmentation was performed to obtain the ultimate cytoplasm contours. The results show that the new method is more accurate and robust to weak boundary.
Cylindrical Image for 3D Mesh Model: Generation and Acceleration
Authors: Huang Jian Min , Huang Jing Yu , Qi Xian
Published: June 2013

In order to render 3D virtual environment more realistically, one often needs to generate cylindrical image model real-timely. In this article, schemes to accelerate the process are proposed, in which two aspects of efforts, visibility detection and multi-resolution technique, are involved. Experimental results are also included to validate the algorithm, which exhibits that using visibility detection in conjunction with multi-resolution technique can significantly reduce the amount of computation and hence accelerate the generation process.
Use of a (MSPCA) and (SVM) Method for Diagnosis of Motor Faults
Authors: Chen Wen Ying , Wang Ya Nan , Wu Xue Fei , Qu Yu Xiang
Published: June 2013

This paper uses the combination between support vector machine and multi-scale principal component analysis. For motor fault detection, the principal component model can be established in various scales. Through T2 and Q statistic judgment whether motor can run normally. The experimental results show that the method of combination vector machine and multi-scale principal component analysis is supported to diagnose motor fault. This offers a new method and idea to diagnose motor. This method improves the accuracy of motor fault detection and practical significance.
Track Surface Image Collecting System Base on Area-Array Camera
Authors: Lü Kun Lin , Zhang Jun , Dai Guang Yu , Sun Liang , Guo Long , Xie Meng Yuan , Chen Zhe , Yu Jian Hui , Tang Jie Yuan
Published: June 2013

The first step of track surface detection based on contactless optical detection is to obtain the surface image. This paper introduces a vehicle-mounted image collecting system base on area-array camera. This system avoids image morphing and edge deformation of system base on linear-array camera.Camera could works in both frequently flash and persistent bright without influence image collecting and will not miss information of the rail track surface when vehicle keeps the speed of 342Km/h. The exposure time should be chosen according to railcar speed and maximum speed.
Copyright Protection in Audio File Using Watermarking Approach Based on Wavelet-SVD
Authors: Adiwijaya A. , Novraditya E. , Baihaqi F.N. , Wisesty U.N.
Published: June 2013

The encryption is not be able to protect intellectual properties of audio file completely. Therefore, a technique of audio watermarking is launched to improve the previous technique of the protection. In this paper, we analysis and implements a system that be able to protect a copyright of an audio file by using wavelet-SVD based on watermarking Approach. IWT-SVD produces the best rate of inaudibility compared with DCT-SVD and DWT-SVD, but total processing time of watermarking using DWT-SVD is faster than others.
A Web Replay Method for Highlights in Soccer Videos
Authors: Wang Chong , Ding Yi Xin , Ding Zheng Yang
Published: June 2013

A web replay method is proposed in this paper for highlights in soccer videos. Firstly, automatically detection and fine-grained semantic annotation are introduced for soccer highlights. Secondly, an adaptive grass color model and several heuristic rules are used to improve the performance of the method. Finally, a database for highlights is established for web service. Experimental results show that the proposed method has excellent analyzing speed, accuracy and practicability.
Fast Fractal Image Retrieval Algorithm Based on HV Segmentation
Authors: Liu Yu , Liang Sen , Zhang Si Si , Zhang Jing Shi
Published: June 2013

In HV segmentationthe IFS records the compression transform parameters which reflect thecross-scale redundancy features between different regions of a natural imageand have better adaptability. This paper proposed a new image fast fractalencoding method based on HV Segmentation, and brings forward the Similarityjudgment formula. This method significantly improved the retrieval effect withdecoding quality assurance. The experimentation shows the accurate-completeretrieval rating of this method is obviously superior to the color histogrammethod.
GPU-Based High Performance Terrain Compression
Authors: Mu Xiao Dong , Niu Xiao Lin , Shi Shao Wang , Song Wei
Published: June 2013

It has been well accepted that compression is essential to the real-time visualization of large-terrain elevation data. To achieve efficient performance, a terrain compression method featuring high decoding speed is proposed in this paper. A combined prediction scheme is applied in the prediction stage. Golomb-Rice coding is then used to encode the residuals after the prediction stage. The style of the codeword is tailored to make the decoding process amenable to a GPU implementation. Then batching is used to further improve the decoding speed. The proposed method is easy to implement and simple to integrate into existing systems. Experiments show that the compression rate is better than PNG. In terms of decompression efficiency, this method archives a decoding speed of over 5.8 Gpix/s, which is much faster than most existing systems.
Neurofuzzy Control to Actuated-Coordinated System at Closely-Spaced Intersections
Authors: Sun Xiao Li , Urbanik Tom , Han Lee D.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a neurofuzzy signal control system to improve the efficiency at closely-spaced signalized intersections. Building on the conventional actuated-coordinated control system, the neurofuzzy controller establishes a “secondary coordination” between the upstream coordinated phase and the downstream non-coordinated phase based on real-time traffic demand. Under the neurofuzzy signal control, the traffic from the upstream intersection can arrive and join the queue at the downstream left turn lane and be served, and therefore reduce the possibility of being delayed at the downstream intersection. The membership functions in the fuzzy controller are calibrated to further the performance. The simulation results indicate that the neurofuzzy signal control consistently outperformed to the conventional actuated-coordinated controller, in terms of reduction in system-wide average delay and average number of stops per vehicle, under a wide range of traffic volumes, especially under higher demand conditions.
Research on Data Acquisition Technology to 1553B Based on Physical Sampling Data and Software Decoding
Authors: Liu Jun Hui , Qi Chun , Qu Jin Biao , Liu Yu Jun
Published: June 2013

The performance of 1553B bus network is very important to running safety of new generation armored vehicle. Because the current 1553B bus test equipment can only complete the translation performance test to DLL and cannot test the bus’ physical electrical performance, this paper brings forward a data acquisition technology to 1553B based on Physical Sampling Data and Decoding Software, fulfills the data acquisition experiment to 1553B with its bus nodes, and validates the feasibility of this technology.