bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of GDCH gene reveals reactive oxygen species‐induced leaf senescence in rice
Authors: ZHOU QIYING , YU QIAN , WANG ZHANQI , PAN YUFANG , LV WENTANG , ZHU LILI , CHEN RONGZHI , HE GUANGCUN
Published: February 2013

Glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC) is a multi‐protein complex, comprising P‐, H‐, T‐ and L‐protein subunits, which plays a major role in photorespiration in plants. While structural analysis has demonstrated that the H subunit of GDC (GDCH) plays a pivotal role in GDC, research on the role of GDCH in biological processes in plants is seldom reported. Here, the function of GDCH, stresses resulting from GDCH‐knockdown and the interactions of these stresses with other cellular processes were studied in rice plants. Under high CO2, the OsGDCH RNA interference (OsGDCH‐RNAi) plants grew normally, but under ambient CO2, severely suppressed OsGDCH‐RNAi plants (SSPs) were non‐viable, which displayed a photorespiration‐deficient phenotype. Under ambient CO2, chlorophyll loss, protein degradation, lipid peroxidation and photosynthesis decline occurred in SSPs. Electron microscopy studies showed that chloroplast breakdown and autophagy took place in these plants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including O2− and H2O2, accumulated and the antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the leaves of SSPs under ambient CO2. The expression of transcription factors and senescence‐associated genes (SAGs), which was up‐regulated in SSPs after transfer to ambient CO2, was enhanced in wild‐type plants treated with H2O2. Evidences demonstrate ROS induce senescence in SSPs, and transcription factors OsWRKY72 may mediate the ROS‐induced senescence.
ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAITS AND FIRM SERENDIPITY-SEEKING ON SMES' PERFORMANCE: THE EFFECT OF FIRM SIZE
Authors: ONG JEEN WEI , ISMAIL HISHAMUDDIN BIN
Published: February 2013

This study aims to uncover the impact of individual- and firm-level factors, measured by personality traits of the owner-managers and firm serendipity-seeking in explaining SMEs performance and the moderating impact of firm size. The results of the study show that firm-level factors are more important in explaining SMEs performance. Firm size is also found to moderate the effect of need for achievement and endogenous serendipity-seeking of the SMEs but the results do not conclude whether individual- or firm-level factors are more relevant to predict the performance of SMEs with different size. The findings could provide an alternative direction of study to the inconsistent results in studying effect of personality traits and SMEs' performance.
MULTIPLE COMPONENT PREDICTIVE CODING OF IMAGES
Authors: HU XIYUAN , PENG SILONG , HWANG WEN-LIANG
Published: February 2013

The conventional multiple component image compression approach separates the input image into several components, each of which is predicted and encoded independently. This approach creates redundancy because the prediction methods as well as the residual subcomponents must be transmitted. In this paper, we propose a new multiple-component predictive coding framework. First, we separate the reconstructed image into several subcomponents. Then, we use the previously encoded subcomponent to predict the current block, and then combine the prediction residuals of each subcomponent. To separate an image into multiple subcomponents, we designed a fast operator-based image separation algorithm. The numerical results demonstrate that the algorithm outperforms the H.264/AVC intra-frame prediction algorithm and the JPEG2000 algorithm on images with ample textures.
A CONTINUOUS WAVELET-BASED APPROACH TO DETECT ANISOTROPIC PROPERTIES IN SPATIAL POINT PROCESSES
Authors: D'ERCOLE ROBERTO , MATEU JORGE
Published: February 2013

A two-dimensional stochastic point process can be regarded as a random measure and thus represented as a (countable) sum of Delta Dirac measures concentrated at some points. Integration with respect to the point process itself leads to the concept of the continuous wavelet transform of a point process. Applying then suitable translation, rotation and dilation operations through a non unitary operator, we obtain a transformed point process which highlights main properties of the original point process. The choice of the mother wavelet is relevant and we thus conduct a detailed analysis proposing three two-dimensional mother wavelets. We use this approach to detect main directions present in the point process, and to test for anisotropy.
RAPID THERMAL LOAD ESTIMATION USING A SET OF SMART GRAPHS
Authors: KHAN SHAHID ALI , MENICUCCI JOSEPH ANTHONY , AL-ZUBAIDY SARIM NAJI
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this research was to develop simple thermal load smart graphs for rapid thermal load estimation. These graphs were generated in order to facilitate a quick estimation of the thermal load. This is especially important when computer-aided heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) design software is unavailable. Hundreds of calculations have been carried out using various heat transfer equations and an hourly analysis program (HAP) generated graphs displaying the external and internal sensible and latent heat gains of analyzed spaces. These smart graphs are very user friendly; non-technical individuals can easily calculate the thermal load using these graphs. The smart graphs are time-saving and give results more accurate than thumb rules. In fact, they give a total thermal load estimate that is less than few percent different from the estimate generated using commercial software programs.
A Biomechanical Study Comparing Helical Blade with Screw Design for Sliding Hip Fixations of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Luo Qiang , Yuen Grace , Lau Tak-Wing , Yeung Kelvin , Leung Frankie
Published: February 2013

Dynamic hip screw (DHS) is a well‐established conventional implant for treating intertrochanteric fracture. However, revision surgery sometimes still occurs due to the cutting out of implants. A helical blade instead of threaded screw (DHS blade) was designed to improve the fixation power of the osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. In this study, the biomechanical properties of DHS blade compared to the conventional DHS were evaluated using an unstable AO/OTA 31‐A2 intertrochanteric fracture model. Fifty synthetic proximal femoral bone models with such configuration were fixed with DHS and DHS blade in five different positions: centre‐centre (CC), superior‐centre (SC), inferior‐center (IC), centre‐anterior (CA), and centre‐posterior (CP). All models had undergone mechanical compression test, and the vertical and rotational displacements were recorded. The results showed that DHS blade had less vertical or rotational displacement than the conventional DHS in CC, CA, and IC positions. The greatest vertical and rotational displacements were found at CP position in both groups. Overall speaking, DHS blade was superior in resisting vertical or rotational displacement in comparison to conventional DHS, and the centre‐posterior position had the poorest performance in both groups.
Analysis of Arbitrary Reflector Antennas Applying the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction Together with the Master Points Technique
Authors: Algar María Jesús , Almagro Jose-Ramón , Moreno Javier , Lozano Lorena , Cátedra Felipe
Published: February 2013

An efficient approach for the analysis of surface conformed reflector antennas fed arbitrarily is presented. The near field in a large number of sampling points in the aperture of the reflector is obtained applying the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD). A new technique named Master Points has been developed to reduce the complexity of the ray-tracing computations. The combination of both GTD and Master Points reduces the time requirements of this kind of analysis. To validate the new approach, several reflectors and the effects on the radiation pattern caused by shifting the feed and introducing different obstacles have been considered concerning both simple and complex geometries. The results of these analyses have been compared with the Method of Moments (MoM) results.
Platelet Counts and Liver Enzymes after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Johansson Hans-Erik , Haenni Arvo , Zethelius Björn
Published: February 2013

Background. Obesity is characterized by liver steatosis, chronic inflammation, and increased liver enzymes, that is, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fat content. Increased platelet counts (PCs) are associated with inflammatory conditions and are a valuable biomarker of the degree of fibrosis in NAFLD. We investigated alterations in PC, GGT, and ALT after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP).Methods. Ten morbidly obese patients (body mass index, BMI:53.5±3.8 kg/m2) who underwent BPD-DS were evaluated preoperatively (baseline) and 1 year (1st followup) and 3 years (2nd followup) after surgery and compared with 21 morbidly obese patients (BMI:42.3±5.2 kg/m2) who underwent RYGBP.Results. Over the 3 years of followup, changes in BPD-DS and RYGBP patients (BPD-DS/RYGBP) were as follows: BMI (−44%/−24%), GGT (−63%/−52%), and ALT (−48%/−62%). PC decreased (−21%) statistically significantly only in BPD-DS patients.Conclusions. Morbidly obese patients treated by RYGBP or BPD-DS show sustained reductions in BMI, ALT, and GGT. The decrease in PC and liver enzymes after BPD-DS may reflect a more pronounced decrease of liver-fat-content-related inflammation and, as a result, a lowered secondary thrombocytosis.
Wavelet Neural Network Using Multiple Wavelet Functions in Target Threat Assessment
Authors: Wang Gaige , Guo Lihong , Duan Hong
Published: February 2013

Target threat assessment is a key issue in the collaborative attack. To improve the accuracy and usefulness of target threat assessment in the aerial combat, we propose a variant of wavelet neural networks, MWFWNN network, to solve threat assessment. How to select the appropriate wavelet function is difficult when constructing wavelet neural network. This paper proposes a wavelet mother function selection algorithm with minimum mean squared error and then constructs MWFWNN network using the above algorithm. Firstly, it needs to establish wavelet function library; secondly, wavelet neural network is constructed with each wavelet mother function in the library and wavelet function parameters and the network weights are updated according to the relevant modifying formula. The constructed wavelet neural network is detected with training set, and then optimal wavelet function with minimum mean squared error is chosen to build MWFWNN network. Experimental results show that the mean squared error is 1.23 × 10−3, which is better than WNN, BP, and PSO_SVM. Target threat assessment model based on the MWFWNN has a good predictive ability, so it can quickly and accurately complete target threat assessment.
Nanoporous Gold Electrodes and Their Applications in Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Collinson Maryanne M.
Published: February 2013

Nanoporous gold prepared by dealloying Au:Ag alloys has recently become an attractive material in the field of analytical chemistry. This conductive material has an open, 3D porous framework consisting of nanosized pores and ligaments with surface areas that are 10s to 100s of times larger than planar gold of an equivalent geometric area. The high surface area coupled with an open pore network makes nanoporous gold an ideal support for the development of chemical sensors. Important attributes include conductivity, high surface area, ease of preparation and modification, tunable pore size, and a bicontinuous open pore network. In this paper, the fabrication, characterization, and applications of nanoporous gold in chemical sensing are reviewed specifically as they relate to the development of immunosensors, enzyme-based biosensors, DNA sensors, Raman sensors, and small molecule sensors.
QRS Complex Enlargement as a Predictor of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients Affected by Surgically Treated Tetralogy of Fallot: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Historical Overview
Authors: Bassareo Pier Paolo , Mercuro Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart disease frequently treated by surgical repair to relieve symptoms and improve survival. However, despite the performing of an optimal surgical repair, TOF patients are at times characterized by a poor long-term survival rate, likely due to cardiac causes such as ventricular arrhythmias, with subsequent sudden death. In the 80s it was irrefutably demonstrated that QRS prolongation ≥180 msec at basal electrocardiogram is a strong predictor for refining risk stratification for ventricular tachycardia in these patients. The aim of this research was to undertake a review of all studies conducted to assess the impact of QRS duration on the development of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in repaired TOF subjects.
MR- and ER-Based Semiactive Engine Mounts: A Review
Authors: Elahinia Mohammad , Ciocanel Constantin , Nguyen The M. , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2013

Hybrid propulsion technologies, including hybrid electric and hydraulic hybrid, equip vehicles with nonconventional power sources (in addition to the internal combustion engine) to provide higher fuel efficiency. However, these technologies tend to lead to higher levels of noise, vibration, and harshness in the vehicles, mainly due to the switching between the multiple power sources involved. In addition, the shocks and vibrations associated with the power sources switching may occur over a wide range of frequencies. It has been proven that passive vibration isolators (e.g., elastomeric and hydraulic mounts) are unable to mitigate or totally isolate such shocks and vibrations. Active mounts, while effective, are more complex, require significant power to operate, and can lead to system instabilities. Semiactive vibration isolators have been shown to be as effective as active mounts while being less complex and requiring less power to operate. This paper presents a review of novel semiactive shock and vibration isolators developed using magnetorheological and electrorheological fluids. These fluids change their yield stress in response to an externally applied magnetic and electric field, respectively. As a result, these fluids allow one to transform a passive hydraulic vibration isolator into a semiactive device.
Measurement of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability with T1-Weighted Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Brain Tumors: A Comparative Study with Two Different Algorithms
Authors: Bergamino Maurizio , Saitta Laura , Barletta Laura , Bonzano Laura , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Castellan Lucio , Ravetti Jean Louis , Roccatagliata Luca
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of measuring different permeability parameters with T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to investigate the blood brain-barrier permeability associated with different brain tumors. The Patlak algorithm and the extended Tofts-Kety model were used to this aim. Twenty-five adult patients with tumors of different histological grades were enrolled in this study. MRI examinations were performed at 1.5 T. Multiflip angle, fast low-angle shot, and axial 3D T1-weighted images were acquired to calculate T1 maps, followed by a DCE acquisition. A region of interest was placed within the tumor of each patient to calculate the mean value of different permeability parameters. Differences in permeability measurements were found between different tumor grades, with higher histological grades characterized by higher permeability values. A significant difference in transfer constant (Ktrans) values was found between the two methods on high-grade tumors; however, both techniques revealed a significant correlation between the histological grade of tumors and their Ktrans values. Our results suggest that DCE acquisition is feasible in patients with brain tumors and that Ktrans maps can be easily obtained by these two algorithms, even if the theoretical model adopted could affect the final results.
Serum IL-12 Is Increased in Mexican Obese Subjects and Associated with Low-Grade Inflammation and Obesity-Related Parameters
Authors: Suárez-Álvarez K. , Solís-Lozano L. , Leon-Cabrera S. , González-Chávez A. , Gómez-Hernández G. , Quiñones-Álvarez M. S. , Serralde-Zúñiga A. E. , Hernández-Ruiz J. , Ramírez-Velásquez J. , Galindo-González F. J. , Zavala-Castillo J. C. , De León-Nava M. A. , Robles-Díaz G. , Escobedo G.
Published: February 2013

Interleukin-(IL-) 12 has been recently suggested to participate during development of insulin resistance in obese mice. Nevertheless, serum IL-12 levels have not been accurately determined in overweight and obese humans. We thus studied serum concentrations of IL-12 in Mexican adult individuals, examining their relationship with low-grade inflammation and obesity-related parameters. A total of 147 healthy individuals, 43 normal weight, 61 overweight, and 43 obese subjects participated in the study. Circulating levels of IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured after overnight fasting in all of the study subjects. Waist circumference and body fat percentage were recorded for all the participants. Serum IL-12 was significantly higher in overweight and obese individuals than in normal weight controls. Besides being strongly related with body mass index (r=0.5154), serum IL-12 exhibited a significant relationship with abdominal obesity (r=0.4481), body fat percentage (r=0.5625), serum glucose (r=0.3158), triglyceride (r=0.3714), and TNF-α(r=0.4717). Thus, serum levels of IL-12 are increased in overweight and obese individuals and show a strong relationship with markers of low-grade inflammation and obesity in the Mexican adult population. Further research is needed to understand the role of IL-12 in developing obesity-associated alterations in humans.
“Shall We Go to Rome?”—The Last Days of Henry Adams
Authors: Hanssen Susan
Published: February 2013

Henry Adams had a stroke upon hearing the news of the sinking of the Titanic and the Republican Party in 1912, but this was not the decline of the house of Adams from Puritanism to pessimism. Rather, Adams became America's first and most famous prickly Thomist–“Porcupinus Angelicus.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Multifaceted Response to the Nineteenth-Century Woman Question
Authors: Easton-Flake Amy
Published: February 2013

Harriet Beecher Stowe drew upon both suffrage and antisuffrage ideals to create an optimistic and multidimensional vision of progressive womanhood. In My Wife and I, her opus on the woman question, Stowe reinforces the home as America's essential space, illustrates how women exert control, and endorses women pursuing careers.
Zaire for Jesus: Ford Philpot’s Evangelical Crusades in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1966-1978
Authors: Rich Jeremy
Published: February 2013

Abstract

This essay explores how Congolese Protestants developed a partnership with Kentucky-born Methodist evangelist Ford Philpot from 1966 to 1978. Philpot’s revival tours allowed Congolese clergy to negotiate as equals with U.S. Protestants, marking a major change from the dominant role of missionaries prior to independence in 1960. During and after Philpot’s crusades Congolese Protestants wrote Philpot about their spiritual views and their troubles in Mobutu’s Zaire. Instead of being merely passive followers of Philpot’s evangelical and charismatic preaching, Congolese sought to use him as a source of financial patronage as well as spiritual support. This essay questions common assumptions regarding U.S.-Congolese ties under Mobutu, and investigates how the rise of evangelical Christianity in postcolonial Africa was clearly shaped by cold war concerns as well as anxieties over national identity and the rise of African dictatorships.
Overexpression of miR-155 causes expansion, arrest in terminal differentiation and functional activation of mouse natural killer cells
Authors: Trotta Rossana , Chen Li , Costinean Stefan , Josyula Srirama , Mundy-Bosse Bethany L. , Ciarlariello David , Mao Charlene , Briercheck Edward L. , McConnell Kathleen K. , Mishra Anjali , Yu Lianbo , Croce Carlo M. , Caligiuri Michael A.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

miR-155 tg mice have increased NK-cell number, enhanced NK-cell survival, excess immature CD11blowCD27high NK cells, and an activated phenotype. miR-155 tg NK cells exhibit enhanced expansion, interferon-γ production, AKT and ERK activation, and killing of lymphoma in vivo.
Access to essential technologies for safe childbirth: a survey of health workers in Africa and Asia
Authors: Spector Jonathan M , Reisman Jonathan , Lipsitz Stuart , Desai Priya , Gawande Atul A
Published: February 2013

Background

The reliable availability of health technologies, defined as equipment, medicines, and consumable supplies, is essential to ensure successful childbirth practices proven to prevent avoidable maternal and newborn mortality. The majority of global maternal and newborn deaths take place in Africa and Asia, yet few data exist that describe the availability of childbirth-related health technologies in these regions. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of health workers in Africa and Asia in order to profile the availability of health technologies considered to be essential to providing safe childbirth care.

Methods

Health workers in Africa and Asia were surveyed using a web-based questionnaire. A list of essential childbirth-related health technologies was drawn from World Health Organization guidelines for preventing and managing complications associated with the major causes of maternal and newborn mortality globally. Demographic data describing each birth center were obtained and health workers reported on the availability of essential childbirth-related health technologies at their centers. Comparison analyses were conducted using Rao-Scott chi-square test statistics.

Results

Health workers from 124 birth centers in 26 African and 15 Asian countries participated. All facilities exhibited gaps in the availability of essential childbirth-related health technologies. Availability was significantly reduced in birth centers that had lower birth volumes and those from lower income countries. On average across all centers, health workers reported the availability of 18 of 23 essential childbirth-related health technologies (79%; 95% CI, 74%, 84%). Low-volume facilities suffered severe shortages; on average, these centers reported reliable availability of 13 of 23 technologies (55%; 95% CI, 39%, 71%).

Conclusions

Substantial gaps exist in the availability of essential childbirth-related health technologies across health sector levels in Africa and Asia. Strategies that facilitate reliable access to vital health technologies in these regions are an urgent priority.
Post-Transplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorder After Kidney Transplantation: Report of a Nationwide French Registry and the Development of a New Prognostic Score
Authors: Caillard Sophie , Porcher Raphael , Provot François , Dantal Jacques , Choquet Sylvain , Durrbach Antoine , Morelon Emmanuel , Moal Valérie , Janbon Benedicte , Alamartine Eric , Pouteil Noble Claire , Morel Delphine , Kamar Nassim , Buchler Matthias , Mamzer Marie France , Peraldi Marie Noelle , Hiesse Christian , Renoult Edith , Toupance Olivier , Rerolle Jean Philippe , Delmas Sylvie , Lang Philippe , Lebranchu Yvon , Heng Anne Elisabeth , Rebibou Jean Michel , Mousson Christiane , Glotz Denis , Rivalan Joseph , Thierry Antoine , Etienne Isabelle , Moal Marie Christine , Albano Laetitia , Subra Jean François , Ouali Nacera , Westeel Pierre François , Delahousse Michel , Genin Robert , Hurault de Ligny Bruno , Moulin Bruno
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is associated with significant mortality in kidney transplant recipients. We conducted a prospective survey of the occurrence of PTLD in a French nationwide population of adult kidney recipients over 10 years.

Patients and Methods

A French registry was established to cover a nationwide population of transplant recipients and prospectively enroll all adult kidney recipients who developed PTLD between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2007. Five hundred patient cases of PTLD were referred to the French registry. The prognostic factors for PTLD were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses.

Results

Patients with PTLD had a 5-year survival rate of 53% and 10-year survival rate of 45%. Multivariable analyses revealed that age > 55 years, serum creatinine level > 133 μmol/L, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, disseminated lymphoma, brain localization, invasion of serous membranes, monomorphic PTLD, and T-cell PTLD were independent prognostic indicators of poor survival. Considering five variables at diagnosis (age, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, PTLD localization, and histology), we constructed a prognostic score that classified patients with PTLD as being at low, moderate, high, or very high risk for death. The 10-year survival rate was 85% for low-, 80% for moderate-, 56% for high-, and 0% for very high–risk recipients.

Conclusion

This nationwide study highlights the prognostic factors for PTLD and enables the development of a new prognostic score. After validation in an independent cohort, the use of this score should allow treatment strategies to be better tailored to individual patients in the future.
T-Cell–Replete HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies Using Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide Results in Outcomes Equivalent to Those of Contemporaneous HLA-Matched Related and Unrelated Donor Transplantation
Authors: Bashey Asad , Zhang Xu , Sizemore Connie A. , Manion Karen , Brown Stacey , Holland H. Kent , Morris Lawrence E. , Solomon Scott R.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

T-cell–replete grafts from haploidentical donors using post-transplantation cyclophosphamide may represent a solution for patients who require allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) but lack a conventional donor. We compared outcomes of alloHCT using haploidentical donors with those of transplantation using conventional HLA-matched sibling donors (MRDs) and HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUDs).

Patients and Methods

Outcomes of 271 consecutive patients undergoing T-cell–replete first alloHCT for hematologic malignancies performed contemporaneously at a single center (53 using haploidentical donors; 117, MRDs; 101, MUDs) were compared. Overall and disease-free survival (DFS) were adjusted for effects of significant patient-, disease-, and transplantation-related covariates using a stratified Cox model.

Results

Patient characteristics were similar between the three donor groups. For patients undergoing MRD, MUD, and haploidentical transplantation, 24-month cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality were 13%, 16%, and 7% and of relapse were 34%, 34%, and 33%, respectively (P not significant [NS]). Cumulative incidences of grades 3 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) at 6 months were 8%, 11%, and 11%, respectively (P NS); extensive chronic GVHD occurred in 54%, 54%, and 38% of patients, respectively (P < .05 for those undergoing haploidentical donor v MRD or MUD transplantation). Adjusted 24-month probabilities of survival were 76%, 67%, and 64% and of DFS were 53%, 52%, and 60%, respectively; these were not significantly different among the three donor groups.

Conclusion

Haploidentical transplantation performed using T-cell–replete grafts and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide achieves outcomes equivalent to those of contemporaneous transplantation performed using MRDs and MUDs. Such transplantation represents a valid alternative for patients who lack a conventional donor.
Fundamental geometric model of 3D knitted spacer fabric
Authors: Onal Levent , Yildirim Mustafa
Published: February 2013

3D knitted spacer fabric is a three dimensional textile structure composing of two surface fabric layers combined by pile yarns whose thickness changed depending on the final application area. The pile yarns are alternatively bound to the cylinder and dial needles with tuck stitches during the knitting cycle. In this study, a fundamental geometric modeling is proposed to predict the yarn consumption of 3D knitted spacer fabric for home textile application. The model was proposed with very fundamental assumptions. The initial step was to follow up the yarn path in order to characterize the fabric structure. The theoretical yarn consumption was compared with the experimental value for two different fabric tightness but having the same fabric design and knit. The samples were manufactured on double-jersey circular knitting machine equipped with spacer attachment. It was found that there was only small deviation between the theory and experiment.
Commutators of elements of coprime orders in finite groups
Authors: Shumyatsky Pavel
Published: February 2013

This paper is an attempt to find out which properties of a finite group G can be expressed in terms of commutators of elements of coprime orders. A criterion of solubility of G in terms of such commutators is obtained. We also conjecture that every element of a nonabelian simple group is a commutator of elements of coprime orders and we confirm this conjecture for the alternating groups.
Influence of the moisture content on the fracture characteristics of welded wood joint. Part 2: Mode II fracture
Authors: Rhême Martin , Botsis John , Cugnoni Joël , Navi Parviz
Published: February 2013

As a second part of this series, the present study also addresses the water resistance of joints obtained by friction welding. Here, the mode II fracture is in focus, that is, 4-points end-notched flexure specimens (4-ENF) were investigated with various moisture contents (MCs). The critical energy release rate was decreasing at higher MCs. The maximal shear strength of the joining material, as determined by torsion tests, was also affected by high MCs. The experimental data were implemented in a finite element model (FEM) based on the cohesive law to simulate the behavior of welded connection in 4-ENF tests. The FEM results describe well the experimental load-displacement curves.
Storage and Uptake of d-Serine into Astrocytic Synaptic-Like Vesicles Specify Gliotransmission
Authors: Martineau Magalie , Shi Ting , Puyal Julien , Knolhoff Ann M. , Dulong Jérôme , Gasnier Bruno , Klingauf Jürgen , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Jahn Reinhard , Mothet Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2013

Glial cells are increasingly recognized as active players that profoundly influence neuronal synaptic transmission by specialized signaling pathways. In particular, astrocytes have been shown recently to release small molecules, such as the amino acidsl-glutamate andd-serine as “gliotransmitters,” which directly control the efficacy of adjacent synapses. However, it is still controversial whether gliotransmitters are released from a cytosolic pool or by Ca2+-dependent exocytosis from secretory vesicles, i.e., by a mechanism similar to the release of synaptic vesicles in synapses. Here we report that rat cortical astrocytes contain storage vesicles that display morphological and biochemical features similar to neuronal synaptic vesicles. These vesicles share some, but not all, membrane proteins with synaptic vesicles, including the SNARE (solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) synaptobrevin 2, and contain bothl-glutamate andd-serine. Furthermore, they show uptake ofl-glutamate andd-serine that is driven by a proton electrochemical gradient.d-Serine uptake is associated with vesicle acidification and is dependent on chloride. Whereasl-serine is not transported, serine racemase, the synthesizing enzyme ford-serine, is anchored to the membrane of the vesicles, allowing local generation ofd-serine. Finally, we reveal a previously unexpected mutual vesicular synergy betweend-serine andl-glutamate filling in glia vesicles. We conclude that astrocytes contain vesicles capable of storing and releasingd-serine,l-glutamate, and most likely other neuromodulators in an activity-dependent manner.
Stable Respiratory Activity Requires Both P/Q-Type and N-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
Authors: Koch Henner , Zanella Sebastien , Elsen Gina E. , Smith Lincoln , Doi Atsushi , Garcia Alfredo J. , Wei Aguan D. , Xun Randy , Kirsch Sarah , Gomez Christopher M. , Hevner Robert F. , Ramirez Jan-Marino
Published: February 2013

P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav2.1) play critical presynaptic and postsynaptic roles throughout the nervous system and have been implicated in a variety of neurological disorders. Here we report that mice with a genetic ablation of the Cav2.1 pore-forming α1Asubunit (α1A−/−) encoded by CACNA1a (Jun et al., 1999) suffer during postnatal development from increasing breathing disturbances that lead ultimately to death. Breathing abnormalities include decreased minute ventilation and a specific loss of sighs, which was associated with lung atelectasis. Similar respiratory alterations were preserved in the isolatedin vitrobrainstem slice preparation containing the pre-Bötzinger complex. The loss of Cav2.1 was associated with an alteration in the functional dependency on N-type calcium channels (Cav2.2). Blocking N-type calcium channels with conotoxin GVIA had only minor effects on respiratory activity in slices from control (CT) littermates, but abolished respiratory activity in all slices from α1A−/−mice. The amplitude of evoked EPSPs was smaller in inspiratory neurons from α1A−/−mice compared with CTs. Conotoxin GVIA abolished all EPSPs in inspiratory neurons from α1A−/−mice, while the EPSP amplitude was reduced by only 30% in CT mice. Moreover, neuromodulation was significantly altered as muscarine abolished respiratory network activity in α1A−/−mice but not in CT mice. We conclude that excitatory synaptic transmission dependent on N-type and P/Q-type calcium channels is required for stable breathing and sighing. In the absence of P/Q-type calcium channels, breathing, sighing, and neuromodulation are severely compromised, leading to early mortality.
NV-Diamond Magnetometer Using Electron Irradiation
Authors: Kim Edwin , Acosta Victor M. , Bauch Erik , Budker Dmitry , Hemmer Philip R.
Published: February 2013

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is an emerging system for quantum-logic device and sensor applications. The key feature of the NV center is the ability of spin manipulation at room temperature. We apply a wide range of electron irradiation to generate the NV centers in nitrogen-rich diamond for creating best sensitivity. The NV0 and NV─ concentrations in electron irradiated diamond are determined from optical spectra. Additionally, electron spin resonance (ESR) has also proven to be an effective method for probing the electron spin transition between |ms=±1> and |ms=0> states of the NV centers. A study of ESR frequency shift and signal broadening and magnetometer sensitivity as a function of electron irradiation dose has been conducted. The research presented herein is a demonstration of minimum detectable magnetic field tailoring required for future-generation high-sensitivity diamond magnetometry.
Radioelement Solubilities in SR-Site, the Influence of Variability and Uncertainty
Authors: Dahlberg Christina Greis , Sellin Patrik , Grivé Mireia , Duro Lara , Spahiu Kastriot
Published: February 2013

If groundwater enters a damaged canister and comes in contact with the spent fuel, radionuclides are released into the water in the void inside the canister when fuel dissolves. Solubility limits restrict the amount of radioelements that may migrate with the water flowing from the canister. In this study the impact of variability in groundwater chemistry compositions and the impact of uncertainties in thermodynamic data on solubility limits for Np, Pb, Pu, Ra, Se, Th, U and Zr were looked into. The solubility limits for all the studied radioelements seemed to be more sensitive to uncertainties in thermodynamic data than to differences in groundwater chemistry. The sole exception was radium, where variability in water composition has a somewhat larger impact. Radium is also the most safety critical element in the safety assessment SR-Site and groundwater compositions are expected to vary during the assessment period of one million years.
Diffusion of Boron in Germanium and Si1-xGex (x>50%) alloys Suresh Uppal
Authors: Willoughby A.F.W. , Bonar J.M. , Cowern N.E.B. , Morris R.J.H. , Bollani M.
Published: February 2013

Boron diffusion in germanium and relaxed Si1-xGex alloys with Ge content x>50% is reported. Relaxed SiGe layers were grown by LEPECVD and boron was introduced using ion implantation. Samples were given equal thermal budgets using furnace annealing. Diffusivity values of boron have been extracted. The results confirm that diffusion of boron in germanium is indeed slower than that reported in literature. The diffusivity of boron was found to increase gradually for x>50% at 900°C but the increase is not substantial. We found that pairing model is not sufficient to explain boron diffusivity behavior in SiGe alloys over the entire range of germanium content. The results suggest that an interstitial mediation of boron diffusion in germanium should be considered.
Montaigne, leitor de sexto empírico: a crítica da filosofia moral
Authors: Eva Luiz
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é examinar como Montaigne retoma, na sua crítica das filosofias morais e, especialmente, da existência de leis naturais, a proposta por Sexto Empírico acerca do mesmo tema ao final das Hipotiposes Pirronianas. Pretendo mostrar que, para além das consideráveis similaridades, o modo como Montaigne relaciona razão, natureza e costume, confere um perfil próprio à sua reconstrução do pirronismo, particularmente visível na sua compreensão da oposição entre critério de verdade e critério de ação. Igualmente, sustento que essa distinção, proveniente do pirronismo, ocupará um lugar central na sua reflexão moral.
O problema do ethos da escrita de si em Montaigne e em Petrarca: do ensaio à epístola
Authors: Araujo Sergio Xavier Gomes de
Published: February 2013

Montaigne insiste ao longo dos Ensaios em seu desprezo pela retórica. Mas como procuraremos mostrar aqui, sua "forma natural" inscreve-se em grande medida dentro dos termos da própria retórica, sob uma mobilização particular dos preceitos e convenções tradicionalmente apropriados à escrita em primeira pessoa, especialmente aqueles que regulavam o sermo familiaris, gênero recuperado pela primeira vez na Renascença por Petrarca. Retomamos assim, para desenvolvê-la, a fecunda intuição de Hugo Friedrich que, em sua clássica obra sobre os Ensaios de Montaigne, aponta o seu parentesco com a forma epistolar de Petrarca, sem, porém, acompanhá-lo quando distancia o ensaio da epístola familiar, por entendê-lo como marco de ruptura com os procedimentos da retórica e, assim, com toda a prosa artisticamente trabalhada do humanismo.
A propósito da "ordem" como atributo da "maneira" em Montaigne
Authors: Querubini Edson
Published: February 2013

Montaigne, no "De l'art de conferer", discute critérios que permitem distinguir os homens segundo suas capacidades (suffisances). A "maneira" de discursar ocupa o centro desta questão e entre suas qualidades se destaca a "ordem", que nos é apresentada, sobretudo, a partir dos desvios da "tolice" (sottise) e "obstinação" (opiniastreté), símbolos do dogmatismo e de uma errônea lide com os saberes que se apoiam na memória. Procura-se mostrar que a ordem se funda na assimilação e penetração do julgamento nas matérias que garantem o nexo necessário para o desenvolvimento adequado da conversação (conference).
Resultados maternos e neonatais da assistência em casa de parto no município do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Pereira Adriana Lenho de Figueiredo , Lima Tamara Rubia Lino de , Schroeter Mariana Santana , Gouveia Monique da Silva Ferreira , Nascimento Sabrina Damazio do
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os resultados maternos e neonatais da assistência na Casa de Parto David Capistrano Filho. Pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, que analisou 458 prontuários dos partos normais e nascimentos no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2009. As parturientes eram mulheres jovens, de 15 a 25 anos de idade (66,6%), e nulíparas (55%). Durante o trabalho de parto, elas permaneceram com o acompanhante (94,1%) e receberam cuidados para o relaxamento e o conforto. A taxa de episiotomia foi de 2,4%. Não houve óbitos maternos e neonatais. Os casos de asfixia neonatal representaram 0,2% dos nascidos vivos. As transferências para o hospital corresponderam a 2,8% das mulheres no pós-parto e 8,5% entre os neonatos. A maioria dos resultados encontrados foi semelhante aos descritos nas pesquisas brasileiras e internacionais acerca da assistência em centros de parto.
A sexualidade na formação acadêmica do enfermeiro
Authors: Sehnem Graciela Dutra , Ressel Lúcia Beatriz , Junges Carolina Frescura , Silva Fernanda Machado da , Barreto Camila Nunes
Published: February 2013

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar como se dá a construção da sexualidade na formação acadêmica de estudantes de Enfermagem. Foi realizado com 14 estudantes de um curso de graduação em Enfermagem do Rio Grande do Sul. O método caracterizou-se por pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados pela técnica do grupo focal no período de maio a junho de 2009. Para a sua interpretação foi aplicada a análise temática. No que tange à formação acadêmica do enfermeiro em relação à sexualidade, esse assunto tem sido tratado a partir de um caráter de eventualidade e informalidade e abordado sob um enfoque de neutralidade, proibições e assexualização. Recomenda-se que a sexualidade seja tratada como assunto de estudo na Enfermagem e como fenômeno inerente a todo o ser humano.
Rituales patrióticos y religiosos: contribución a la identidad de las enfermeras brasileña y española (1937-1945)
Authors: Santos Tânia Cristina Franco , Oliveira Alexandre Barbosa de , Gomes Maria da Luz Barbosa , Peres Maria Angélica de Almeida , Almeida Filho Antonio José de , Abrão Fátima Maria da Silva
Published: February 2013

OBJETO: implicaciones de los rituales patrióticos y religiosos para la consagración de la identidad de las enfermeras en el contexto de las dictaduras brasileña y española. OBJETIVOS: describir las implicaciones de las dictaduras de Francisco Franco y de Getulio Vargas en las relaciones de género; analizar la eficacia simbólica de los rituales patrióticos y religiosos para el reconocimiento social de las enfermeras en el contexto de esas dictaduras. METODOLOGÍA: las fuentes históricas fueron localizadas en archivos brasileños y españoles. Los hallazgos fueron organizados, clasificados y analizados de acuerdo con el método histórico y con el apoyo teórico de los estudios de Pierre Bourdieu. RESULTADOS: la necesidad de enfermeras, tanto en Brasil como en España, posibilitó el ejercicio en público de actividades femeninas, principalmente en situaciones de calamidades y de guerras, contribuyendo para la visibilidad de un modelo de enfermera respaldado en aspectos patrióticos y religiosos.
O modelo bioecológico: desvendando contribuições para a práxis da enfermagem diante da violência doméstica
Authors: Batista Janete Maria da Silva , Trigueiro Tatiane Herreira , Lenardt Maria Helena , Mazza Verônica de Azevedo , Labronici Liliana Maria
Published: February 2013

Trata-se de um artigo de reflexão que teve o objetivo de discutir sobre os elementos do Modelo Bioecológico do Desenvolvimento Humano de Bronfenbrenner com a expectativa de encontrar contribuições para o conhecimento de enfermagem e sua práxis na interface com a violência doméstica. Compreender a complexidade do ser humano na perspectiva bioecológica possibilita o desenvolvimento de uma práxis transformadora no contexto da atuação da enfermeira diante da demanda de cuidados à pessoa que vivencia este tipo de violência. Considera-se que esta teoria sobre o desenvolvimento humano traz em sua estrutura elementos constituintes das inter-relações da pessoa e o ambiente ao seu entorno, como fatores determinantes na formação do indivíduo. Assim, ao se apropriar deste modelo, a enfermagem amplia o seu olhar sobre a multidimensionalidade humana, o que pode refletir no cuidado perante as situações de violência doméstica.
Enemy at the gates: introduction potential of non-indigenous freshwater crayfish in Greece via the aquarium trade
Authors: Papavlasopoulou Irene , Perdikaris Costas , Vardakas Leonidas , Paschos Ioannis
Published: February 2013

Indigenous freshwater crayfish species (ICS) are important biodiversity components and desirable fishery targets. However, ICS populations are increasingly threatened by various anthropogenic stressors. Moreover, established populations of non-indigenous freshwater crayfish species (NICS) and new ‘waves’ of NICS introductions exert significant pressure on ICS populations at a pan-European level. These effects include direct competition for space and resources as well as crayfish ‘plague’ transmission from introduced North American species. Given low public knowledge of this problematic, considerable risk of future introductions exist as a result of conventional and internet-based aquarium trade, which often lead to deliberate and/or accidental releases of NICS into the wild. In 2011, we conducted a survey of freshwater crayfish species in eleven large-size pet shops located in three major cities and in three large internet-based aquarium companies in Greece. Overall, eight species belonging to three genera (Procambarus, Cherax and Cambarellus) were recorded, originating from the USA, Australia, New Guinea and Mexico. The invasion potential of the three most popular species was assessed using the Freshwater Invertebrate Invasiveness Scoring Kit (FI-ISK). Two species were determined to constitute a ‘very high risk’ of invasion. As such, regulatory measures need to be implemented to monitor the ornamental trade of NICS in Greece and a national framework developed for protecting ICS.
Human mesenchymal stem cells express neuronal markers after osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
Authors: Foudah Dana , Redondo Juliana , Caldara Cristina , Carini Fabrizio , Tredici Giovanni , Miloso Mariarosaria
Published: February 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that are able to differentiate into mesodermal lineages (osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic), but also towards non-mesodermal derivatives (e.g. neural cells). Recent in vitro studies revealed that, in the absence of any kind of differentiation stimuli, undifferentiated MSCs express neural differentiation markers, but the literature data do not all concur. Considering their promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases, it is very important to expand our knowledge about this particular biological property of MSCs. In this study, we confirmed the spontaneous expression of neural markers (neuronal, glial and progenitor markers) by undifferentiated human MSCs (hMSCs) and in particular, we demonstrated that the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and NeuN are expressed by a very high percentage of hMSCs, regardless of the number of culture passages and the culture conditions. Moreover, the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and NeuN are still expressed by hMSCs after in vitro osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. On the other hand, chondrogenically differentiated hMSCs are negative for these markers. Our findings suggest that the expression of neuronal markers could be common to a wide range of cellular types and not exclusive for neuronal lineages. Therefore, the expression of neuronal markers alone is not sufficient to demonstrate the differentiation of MSCs towards the neuronal phenotype. Functional properties analysis is also required.