bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-weighted imaging–detected ischemic lesions associated with flow-diverting stents in intracranial aneurysms: safety, potential mechanisms, clinical outcome, and concerns
Authors: Iosif Christina , Camilleri Yann , Saleme Suzana , Caire François , Yardin Catherine , Ponomarjova Sanita , Boncoeur-Martel Marie-Paule , Mounayer Charbel
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

It was initially considered safe for flow-diverting stents to cover the ostia of branching vessels during endovascular procedures for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. As more recent evidence suggests, however, their use is not always free of ischemic concerns in terms of covered arterial ostia. The authors sought to determine the frequency of silent and clinically evident diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)–detected abnormalities related to stent placement as a means of elucidating potential clinical risks.

METHODS

This is a prospective single-center study on a series of patients with intracranial aneurysms that were treated with flow-diverting stents. All patients systematically underwent an MRI protocol that included DWI before treatment, between 24 and 48 hours postprocedure, and 3 months postembolization. Effectiveness of anticoagulation treatment was assessed for all patients. Lesions seen on DWI were correlated to the parent artery and the side-branch territories and were statistically analyzed in relation to their time of occurrence and clinical presentation. The authors compared the DWI findings in these patients to findings obtained in patients treated with a stent-assisted coiling technique during the same time period.

RESULTS

Over the course of 18 consecutive months, 38 consecutive patients (7 males and 31 females) with 49 intracranial aneurysms were treated using flow-diverting stents. Overall, 81.6% of the DWI spots found remained clinically silent during the follow-up period. Five ischemic clinical complications (13.2%) occurred in the postprocedural period. No statistically significant correlation could be established between DWI spots or aneurysm location and clinical complications or follow-up modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months. The complication rate was 7.8% (n = 3) at the 3-month follow-up, and mortality was 0%. Compared with stent-assisted coiling, use of flow-diverting stents showed a statistically significant correlation with silent DWI findings postintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions seen on DWI resulting from the procedure are far more common than anticipated, but the technique remains safe and effective, providing an interesting alternative for “difficult” aneurysms, regardless of location. Late-occurring DWI-detected lesions distal to side arterial branches imply a local pressure gradient drop, related to flow competition by collateral networks. Further research is needed to assess the extent and significance of these events.
Hormetins as Novel Components of Cosmeceuticals and Aging Interventions
Authors: Rattan Suresh
Published: January 2015

A promising strategy for maintaining a healthy and youthful phenotype during aging is that of mild stress-induced beneficial hormesis. The basis of hormesis lies in the molecular pathways of stress response, which are essential for the survival of a biological system by activation of maintenance and repair mechanisms in response to stress. Moderate physical exercise is the best example of a hormetin that brings about a wide range of health beneficial hormesis by first challenging the system. Similarly, other natural and synthetic hormetins can be incorporated in cosmeceutical formulations, and can help achieve benefits including maintenance of the skin structure and function. Several polyphenols, flavonoids and other components from spices, algae and other sources are potential hormetins that may act via hormesis. Stress response pathways that can be analyzed for screening potential hormetins for use in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals include heat shock response, autophagy, DNA damage response, sirtuin response, inflammatory response and oxidative stress response.
Assessment of Time and Frequency Domain Entropies to Detect Sleep Apnoea in Heart Rate Variability Recordings from Men and Women
Authors: Gutiérrez-Tobal Gonzalo , Álvarez Daniel , Gomez-Pilar Javier , Del Campo Félix , Hornero Roberto
Published: January 2015

Heart rate variability (HRV) provides useful information about heart dynamics both under healthy and pathological conditions. Entropy measures have shown their utility to characterize these dynamics. In this paper, we assess the ability of spectral entropy (SE) and multiscale entropy (MsE) to characterize the sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) in HRV recordings from 188 subjects. Additionally, we evaluate eventual differences in these analyses depending on the gender. We found that the SE computed from the very low frequency band and the low frequency band showed ability to characterize SAHS regardless the gender; and that MsE features may be able to distinguish gender specificities. SE and MsE showed complementarity to detect SAHS, since several features from both analyses were automatically selected by the forward-selection backward-elimination algorithm. Finally, SAHS was modelled through logistic regression (LR) by using optimum sets of selected features. Modelling SAHS by genders reached significant higher performance than doing it in a jointly way. The highest diagnostic ability was reached by modelling SAHS in women. The LR classifier achieved 85.2% accuracy (Acc) and 0.951 area under the ROC curve (AROC). LR for men reached 77.6% Acc and 0.895 AROC, whereas LR for the whole set reached 72.3% Acc and 0.885 AROC. Our results show the usefulness of the SE and MsE analyses of HRV to detect SAHS, as well as suggest that, when using HRV, SAHS may be more accurately modelled if data are separated by gender.
Altering Kinetic Energy Entrainment in Large Eddy Simulations of Large Wind Farms Using Unconventional Wind Turbine Actuator Forcing
Authors: VerHulst Claire , Meneveau Charles
Published: January 2015

In this study, horizontally periodic large eddy simulations (LES) are utilized to study turbulent atmospheric boundary-layer flow over wind turbines in the far-downstream portion of a large wind farm where the wakes have merged and the flow is fully developed. In an attempt to increase power generation by enhancing the mean kinetic energy (MKE) entrainment to the wind turbines, hypothetical synthetic forcing is applied to the flow at the turbine rotor locations. The synthetic forcing is not meant to represent any existing devices or control schemes, but rather acts as a proof of concept to inform future designs. The turbines are modeled using traditional actuator disks, and the unconventional synthetic forcing is applied in the vertical direction with the magnitude and direction dependent on the instantaneous velocity fluctuation at the rotor disk; in one set of LES meant to enhance the vertical entrainment of MKE, a downward force is prescribed in conjunction with a positive axial velocity fluctuation, whereas a negative axial velocity fluctuation results in an upward force. The magnitude of the forcing is proportional to the instantaneous thrust force with prefactors ranging from 0.1 to 1. The synthetic vertical forcing is found to have a significant effect on the power generated by the wind farm. Consistent with previous findings, the MKE flux to the level of the turbines is found to vary along with the total power produced by the wind turbine array. The reverse strategy of downward forcing of slow axial velocity flow is found to have almost no effect on the power output or entrainment. Several of the scenarios tested, e.g., where the vertical force is of similar magnitude to the horizontal thrust, would be very difficult to implement in practice, but the simulations serve the purpose of identifying trends and bounds on possible power increases from flow modifications through action at the turbine rotor.
Topography- and Species-Dependent Climatic Responses in Radial Growth of Picea meyeri and Larix principis-rupprechtii in the Luyashan Mountains of North-Central China
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Jiang Yuan , Wang Mingchang , Zhang Lingnan , Dong Manyu
Published: January 2015

Dendroecological techniques were used to examine the relationships between topographic aspects, climate factors and radial growth of Picea meyeri and Larix principis-rupprechtii in Luyashan Mountains, North-Central China. Four sites were selected at timberline and totally 67 trees and 134 cores were collected. Pearson correlation and regression surface analysis were conducted to reveal the growth-climate relationships. The results indicated that the two species both showed significant negative correlations with temperature during preceding November on the two topographic aspects. On both slope aspects, growth of P. meyeri exhibited significant negative correlations with precipitation in current June, whereas growth of L. principis-rupprechtii showed significant negative correlations with precipitation in preceding September. On north-facing slope, tree growth was limited by low temperature in early growing season, which not shown on south-facing slope. If climate warming continues, L. principis-rupprechtii may be more favored and a reverse between relationships with temperature and precipitation maybe occur in growth of trees. Treeline position on the north-facing slope may possess a greater potential for elevation shifting than the south-facing slope. Our results supply useful information for discussing the potential effect of future climate on the forest growth in North-Central China.
Case Study Report: Community-Based Monitoring Systems for REDD+ in Guyana
Authors: Bellfield Helen , Sabogal David , Goodman Lucy , Leggett Matt
Published: January 2015

A fundamental component of initiatives to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+); will be the development of robust and cost-effective measuring, reporting, and verification (MRV) instruments for national forest monitoring and safeguard information systems. It is increasingly recognized that community-based monitoring (CBM) offers a positive model for greater participation and engagement of indigenous and forest-dependent communities within a REDD+ framework. Yet plans for CBM within REDD+ MRV systems remain limited, and there are currently relatively few concrete examples of CBM informing national forest monitoring systems. This paper outlines findings from a community MRV project with Amerindian communities in the North Rupununi, Guyana; and demonstrates that a CBM approach can enable key REDD+ requirements: in understanding local deforestation drivers and measuring carbon stocks; and for providing information on safeguards through social and environmental assessments. In addition, the authors discuss community capacity-building on smartphone technology for monitoring as a challenging yet viable pathway for scaling the use and adoption of indigenous knowledge and local skills for REDD+ programs.
Brand Cigarillos — A Cheap and Less Harmful Alternative to Cigarettes? Particulate Matter Emissions Suggest Otherwise
Authors: Gerber Alexander , Bigelow Alexander , Schulze Michaela , Groneberg David
Published: January 2015

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)-associated particulate matter (PM) constitutes a considerable health risk for passive smokers. It ought to be assessed separately from the other known toxic compounds of tobacco smoke. Brand-specific differences between cigarettes and particularly between cigarettes and favorably taxed cigarillos, are of public interest and therefore worth being investigated. Methods: An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter (AETSE) was developed to generate cigarette and cigarillo smoke in a reliable and reproducible way. John Player Special (JPS) Red cigarettes, JPS filter cigarillos and 3R4F standard research cigarettes were smoked automatically in a 2.88 m3 glass chamber according to a standardized protocol until 5 cm from the top were burned down. Results: Mean concentrations (Cmean) and area of the curve (AUC) of PM2.5 were measured and compared. Cmean PM2.5 were found to be 804 µg/m3 for 3R4F reference cigarettes, 1633 µg/m3 for JPS cigarettes, and 1059 µg/m3 for JPS filter cigarillos. AUC PM2.5-values are 433,873 µg/m3×s for 3R4F reference cigarettes, 534,267 µg/m3×s for JPS Red cigarettes and 782,850 µg/m3×s for JPS filter cigarillos. Conclusion: Potential brand-specific differences of ETS-associated PM emissions among brands of cigarettes, and between cigarettes and cigarillos of the same brand and size should be investigated and published. Information about relative PM-emissions should be printed on the package.
Analgesic, Anxiolytic and Anaesthetic Effects of Melatonin: New Potential Uses in Pediatrics
Authors: Marseglia Lucia , D'Angelo Gabriella , Manti Sara , Aversa Salvatore , Arrigo Teresa , Reiter Russel , Gitto Eloisa
Published: January 2015

Exogenous melatonin is used in a number of situations, first and foremost in the treatment of sleep disorders and jet leg. However, the hypnotic, antinociceptive, and anticonvulsant properties of melatonin endow this neurohormone with the profile of a drug that modulates effects of anesthetic agents, supporting its potential use at different stages during anesthetic procedures, in both adults and children. In light of these properties, melatonin has been administered to children undergoing diagnostic procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia, such as magnetic resonance imaging, auditory brainstem response tests and electroencephalogram. Controversial data support the use of melatonin as anxiolytic and antinociceptive agents in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The aim of this review was to evaluate available evidence relating to efficacy and safety of melatonin as an analgesic and as a sedative agent in children. Melatonin and its analogs may have a role in antinociceptive therapies and as an alternative to midazolam in premedication of adults and children, although its effectiveness is still controversial and available data are clearly incomplete.
Human Adipose Tissue Conditioned Media from Lean Subjects Is Protective against H2O2 Induced Neurotoxicity in Human SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cells
Authors: Wan Zhongxiao , Mah Dorrian , Simtchouk Svetlana , Kluftinger Andreas , Little Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Adipose tissue secretes numerous hormone-like factors, which are known as adipokines. Adipokine receptors have been identified in the central nervous system but the potential role of adipokine signaling in neuroprotection is unclear. The aim of this study is to determine (1) Whether adipokines secreted from cultured adipose tissue of lean humans is protective against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells; and (2) To explore potential signaling pathways involved in these processes. Adipose tissue conditioned media (ATCM) from healthy lean subjects completely prevented H2O2 induced neurotoxicity, while this effect is lost after heating ATCM. ATCM activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and Akt at serine 308 in SH-SY5Y cells. PD98059 (25 µM), SP600125 (5 µM) and LY29400 (20 µM) partially blocked the protective effects of ATCM against H2O2 induced neurotoxicity. Findings demonstrate that heat-sensitive factors secreted from human adipose tissue of lean subjects are protective against H2O2 induced neurotoxicity and ERK1/2, JNK, and PI3K signaling pathways are involved in these processes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates preliminary but encouraging data to further support that adipose tissue secreted factors from lean human subjects might possess neuroprotective properties and unravel the specific roles of ERK1/2, JNK and PI3K in these processes.
Mechanisms of Hyperhomocysteinemia Induced Skeletal Muscle Myopathy after Ischemia in the CBS−/+ Mouse Model
Authors: Veeranki Sudhakar , Tyagi Suresh
Published: January 2015

Although hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) elicits lower than normal body weights and skeletal muscle weakness, the mechanisms remain unclear. Despite the fact that HHcy-mediated enhancement in ROS and consequent damage to regulators of different cellular processes is relatively well established in other organs, the nature of such events is unknown in skeletal muscles. Previously, we reported that HHcy attenuation of PGC-1α and HIF-1α levels enhanced the likelihood of muscle atrophy and declined function after ischemia. In the current study, we examined muscle levels of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolizing enzymes, anti-oxidant capacity and focused on protein modifications that might compromise PGC-1α function during ischemic angiogenesis. Although skeletal muscles express the key enzyme (MTHFR) that participates in re-methylation of Hcy into methionine, lack of trans-sulfuration enzymes (CBS and CSE) make skeletal muscles more susceptible to the HHcy-induced myopathy. Our study indicates that elevated Hcy levels in the CBS−/+ mouse skeletal muscles caused diminished anti-oxidant capacity and contributed to enhanced total protein as well as PGC-1α specific nitrotyrosylation after ischemia. Furthermore, in the presence of NO donor SNP, either homocysteine (Hcy) or its cyclized version, Hcy thiolactone, not only increased PGC-1α specific protein nitrotyrosylation but also reduced its association with PPARγ in C2C12 cells. Altogether these results suggest that HHcy exerts its myopathic effects via reduction of the PGC-1/PPARγ axis after ischemia.
Lectins with Anti-HIV Activity: A Review
Authors: Akkouh Ouafae , Ng Tzi , Singh Senjam , Yin Cuiming , Dan Xiuli , Chan Yau , Pan Wenliang , Cheung Randy
Published: January 2015

Lectins including flowering plant lectins, algal lectins, cyanobacterial lectins, actinomycete lectin, worm lectins, and the nonpeptidic lectin mimics pradimicins and benanomicins, exhibit anti-HIV activity. The anti-HIV plant lectins include Artocarpus heterophyllus (jacalin) lectin, concanavalin A, Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) agglutinin-related lectins, Musa acuminata (banana) lectin, Myrianthus holstii lectin, Narcissus pseudonarcissus lectin, and Urtica diocia agglutinin. The anti-HIV algal lectins comprise Boodlea coacta lectin, Griffithsin, Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin. The anti-HIV cyanobacterial lectins are cyanovirin-N, scytovirin, Microcystis viridis lectin, and microvirin. Actinohivin is an anti-HIV actinomycete lectin. The anti-HIV worm lectins include Chaetopterus variopedatus polychaete marine worm lectin, Serpula vermicularis sea worm lectin, and C-type lectin Mermaid from nematode (Laxus oneistus). The anti-HIV nonpeptidic lectin mimics comprise pradimicins and benanomicins. Their anti-HIV mechanisms are discussed.
Effects of Black Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) Extract on Proliferation and Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes
Authors: Kim Mina , Park Jeong-Eun , Song Seok-Bo , Cha Youn-Soo
Published: January 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of black adzuki bean (BAB) extract on adipocytes, and to elucidate the cellular mechanisms. In order to examine the proliferation of preadipocytes and differentiating adipocytes, cell viability and DNA content were measured over a period of time. Lipid accumulation during cell differentiation and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BAB on the transcriptional factors involved, with their anti-adipogenic effects, were also identified. We observed that BAB exhibits anti-adipogenic effects through the inhibition of proliferation, thereby lowering mRNA expression of C/EBPβ and suppressing adipogenesis during the early stage of differentiation. This, in turn, resulted in a reduction of TG accumulation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treating the cells with BAB not only suppressed the adipogenesis-associated key transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPα but also significantly decreased the mRNA expression of GLUT4, FABP4, LPL and adiponectin. The expression of lipolytic genes like ATGL and HSL were higher in the treatment group than in the control. Overall, the black adzuki bean extract demonstrated an anti-adipogenic property, which makes it a potential dietary supplement for attenuation of obesity.
Obesity Promotes Alterations in Iron Recycling
Authors: Citelli Marta , Fonte-Faria Thaís , Nascimento-Silva Vany , Renovato-Martins Mariana , Silva Raphael , Luna Aderval , Silva Simone , Barja-Fidalgo Christina
Published: January 2015

Hepcidin is a key hormone that induces the degradation of ferroportin (FPN), a protein that exports iron from reticuloendothelial macrophages and enterocytes. The aim of the present study was to experimentally evaluate if the obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) modifies the expression of FPN in macrophages and enterocytes, thus altering the iron bioavailability. In order to directly examine changes associated with iron metabolism in vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control or a HFD. Serum leptin levels were evaluated. The hepcidin, divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1), FPN and ferritin genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The amount of iron present in both the liver and spleen was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Ferroportin localization within reticuloendothelial macrophages was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Obese animals were found to exhibit increased hepcidin gene expression, while iron accumulated in the spleen and liver. They also exhibited changes in the sublocation of splenic cellular FPN and a reduction in the FPN expression in the liver and the spleen, while no changes were observed in enterocytes. Possible explanations for the increased hepcidin expression observed in HFD animals may include: increased leptin levels, the liver iron accumulation or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Together, the results indicated that obesity promotes changes in iron bioavailability, since it altered the iron recycling function.
Offshore Wind Resources Assessment from Multiple Satellite Data and WRF Modeling over South China Sea
Authors: Chang Rui , Zhu Rong , Badger Merete , Hasager Charlotte , Xing Xuhuang , Jiang Yirong
Published: January 2015

Using accurate inputs of wind speed is crucial in wind resource assessment, as predicted power is proportional to the wind speed cubed. This study outlines a methodology for combining multiple ocean satellite winds and winds from WRF simulations in order to acquire the accurate reconstructed offshore winds which can be used for offshore wind resource assessment. First, wind speeds retrieved from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Scatterometer ASCAT images were validated against in situ measurements from seven coastal meteorological stations in South China Sea (SCS). The wind roses from the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) and ASCAT agree well with these observations from the corresponding in situ measurements. The statistical results comparing in situ wind speed and SAR-based (ASCAT-based) wind speed for the whole co-located samples show a standard deviation (SD) of 2.09 m/s (1.83 m/s) and correlation coefficient of R 0.75 (0.80). When the offshore winds (i.e., winds directed from land to sea) are excluded, the comparison results for wind speeds show an improvement of SD and R, indicating that the satellite data are more credible over the open ocean. Meanwhile, the validation of satellite winds against the same co-located mast observations shows a satisfactory level of accuracy which was similar for SAR and ASCAT winds. These satellite winds are then assimilated into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model by WRF Data Assimilation (WRFDA) system. Finally, the wind resource statistics at 100 m height based on the reconstructed winds have been achieved over the study area, which fully combines the offshore wind information from multiple satellite data and numerical model. The findings presented here may be useful in future wind resource assessment based on satellite data.
Soil Salinity Retrieval from Advanced Multi-Spectral Sensor with Partial Least Square Regression
Authors: Fan Xingwang , Liu Yuanbo , Tao Jinmei , Weng Yongling
Published: January 2015

Improper use of land resources may result in severe soil salinization. Timely monitoring and early warning of soil salinity is in urgent need for sustainable development. This paper addresses the possibility and potential of Advanced Land Imager (ALI) for mapping soil salinity. In situ field spectra and soil salinity data were collected in the Yellow River Delta, China. Statistical analysis demonstrated the importance of ALI blue and near infrared (NIR) bands for soil salinity. A partial least square regression (PLSR) model was established between soil salinity and ALI-convolved field spectra. The model estimated soil salinity with a R2 (coefficient of determination), RPD (ratio of prediction to deviation), bias, standard deviation (SD) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.749, 3.584, 0.036 g∙kg−1, 0.778 g∙kg−1 and 0.779 g∙kg−1. The model was then applied to atmospherically corrected ALI data. Soil salinity was underestimated for moderately (soil salinity within 2–4 g∙kg−1) and highly saline (soil salinity >4 g∙kg−1) soils. The underestimates increased with the degree of soil salinization, with a maximum value of ~4 g∙kg−1. The major contribution for the underestimation (>80%) may result from data inaccuracy other than model ineffectiveness. Uncertainty analysis confirmed that improper atmospheric correction contributed to a very conservative uncertainty of 1.3 g∙kg−1. Field sampling within remote sensing pixels was probably the major source responsible for the underestimation. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of PLSR model in retrieving soil salinity from new-generation multi-spectral sensors. This is very valuable for achieving worldwide soil salinity mapping with low cost and considerable accuracy.
A Multi-Channel, Flex-Rigid ECoG Microelectrode Array for Visual Cortical Interfacing
Authors: Tolstosheeva Elena , Gordillo-González Víctor , Biefeld Volker , Kempen Ludger , Mandon Sunita , Kreiter Andreas , Lang Walter
Published: January 2015

High-density electrocortical (ECoG) microelectrode arrays are promising signal-acquisition platforms for brain-computer interfaces envisioned, e.g., as high-performance communication solutions for paralyzed persons. We propose a multi-channel microelectrode array capable of recording ECoG field potentials with high spatial resolution. The proposed array is of a 150 mm2 total recording area; it has 124 circular electrodes (100, 300 and 500 µm in diameter) situated on the edges of concentric hexagons (min. 0.8 mm interdistance) and a skull-facing reference electrode (2.5 mm2 surface area). The array is processed as a free-standing device to enable monolithic integration of a rigid interposer, designed for soldering of fine-pitch SMD-connectors on a minimal assembly area. Electrochemical characterization revealed distinct impedance spectral bands for the 100, 300 and 500 µm-type electrodes, and for the array’s own reference. Epidural recordings from the primary visual cortex (V1) of an awake Rhesus macaque showed natural electrophysiological signals and clear responses to standard visual stimulation. The ECoG electrodes of larger surface area recorded signals with greater spectral power in the gamma band, while the skull-facing reference electrode provided higher average gamma power spectral density (γPSD) than the common average referencing technique.
Hyper, a Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor, Indicates the Sensitivity of the Arabidopsis Root Elongation Zone to Aluminum Treatment
Authors: Hernández-Barrera Alejandra , Velarde-Buendía Ana , Zepeda Isaac , Sanchez Federico , Quinto Carmen , Sánchez-Lopez Rosana , Cheung Alice , Wu Hen-Ming , Cardenas Luis
Published: January 2015

Emerging evidence indicates that some reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as the superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are central regulators of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, the cellular levels of ROS are thought to be tightly regulated by an efficient and elaborate pro- and antioxidant system that modulates the production and scavenging of ROS. Until recently, studies of ROS in plant cells have been limited to biochemical assays and the use of fluorescent probes; however, the irreversible oxidation of these fluorescent probes makes it impossible to visualize dynamic changes in ROS levels. In this work, we describe the use of Hyper, a recently developed live cell probe for H2O2 measurements in living cells, to monitor oxidative stress in Arabidopsis roots subjected to aluminum treatment. Hyper consists of a circularly permuted YFP (cpYFP) inserted into the regulatory domain of the Escherichia coli hydrogen peroxide-binding protein (OxyR), and is a H2O2-specific ratiometric, and therefore quantitative, probe that can be expressed in plant and animal cells. Now we demonstrate that H2O2 levels drop sharply in the elongation zone of roots treated with aluminum. This response could contribute to root growth arrest and provides evidence that H2O2 is involved in early Al sensing.
Fast Image Restoration for Spatially Varying Defocus Blur of Imaging Sensor
Authors: Cheong Hejin , Chae Eunjung , Lee Eunsung , Jo Gwanghyun , Paik Joonki
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a fast adaptive image restoration method for removing spatially varying out-of-focus blur of a general imaging sensor. After estimating the parameters of space-variant point-spread-function (PSF) using the derivative in each uniformly blurred region, the proposed method performs spatially adaptive image restoration by selecting the optimal restoration filter according to the estimated blur parameters. Each restoration filter is implemented in the form of a combination of multiple FIR filters, which guarantees the fast image restoration without the need of iterative or recursive processing. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms existing space-invariant restoration methods in the sense of both objective and subjective performance measures. The proposed algorithm can be employed to a wide area of image restoration applications, such as mobile imaging devices, robot vision, and satellite image processing.
An Integrated Biomass Production and Conversion Process for Sustainable Bioenergy
Authors: Huang Weidong
Published: January 2015

There is not enough land for the current bioenergy production process because of its low annual yield per unit land. In the present paper, an integrated biomass production and conversion process for sustainable bioenergy is proposed and analyzed. The wastes from the biomass conversion process, including waste water, gas and solid are treated or utilized by the biomass production process in the integrated process. Analysis of the integrated process including the production of water hyacinth and digestion for methane in a tropical area demonstrates several major advantages of the integrated process. (1) The net annual yield of methane per unit land can reach 29.0 and 55.6 km3/h for the present and future (2040) respectively, which are mainly due to the high yield of water hyacinth, high biomethane yield and low energy input. The land demand for the proposed process accounts for about 1% of the world’s land to meet the current global automobile fuels or electricity consumption; (2) A closed cycle of nutrients provides the fertilizer for biomass production and waste treatment, and thus reduces the energy input; (3) The proposed process can be applied in agriculturally marginal land, which will not compete with food production. Therefore, it may be a good alternative energy technology for the future.
Designing and Validating a Model for Measuring Sustainability of Overall Innovation Capability of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Rahman Mohd , Doroodian Mahmood , Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Muhamad Norhamidi
Published: January 2015

The business environment is currently characterized by intensified competition at both the national and firm levels. Many studies have shown that innovation positively affect firms in enhancing their competitiveness. Innovation is a dynamic process that requires a continuous, evolving, and mastered management. Evaluating the sustainability of overall innovation capability of a business is a major means of determining how well this firm effectively and efficiently manages its innovation process. A psychometrically valid scale of evaluating the sustainability of overall innovation capability of a firm is still insufficient in the current innovation literature. Thus, this study developed a reliable and valid scale of measuring the sustainability of overall innovation capability construct. The unidimensionality, reliability, and several validity components of the developed scale were tested using the data collected from 175 small and medium-sized enterprises in Iran. A series of systematic statistical analyses were performed. Results of the reliability measures, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and several components of validity tests strongly supported an eight-dimensional (8D) scale of measuring the sustainability of overall innovation capability construct. The dimensions of the scale were strategic management, supportive culture and structure, resource allocation, communication and networking, knowledge and technology management, idea management, project development, and commercialization capabilities.
Risk Assessment, Partition and Economic Loss Estimation of Rice Production in China
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Zhang Junbiao , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2015

Agricultural risk, especially the risk assessment, partition and economic loss estimation of specific and main crops, maize, wheat and rice, is widely touted in China as a means of improving the effective productivity. The main objective of this article is to perform a detailed analysis of the stability and comparative advantage of rice production in 30 provinces on the basis of relative rice production data from 2000 to 2012 in China. The non-parametric information diffusion model based on entropy theory was used to assess rice production risk. Accordingly, we divided the risk level with hierarchical cluster analysis. Then, we calculated the economic loss of rice production by the scenario analysis. The results show that, firstly, the national disaster risk of rice production is at a lower level. Secondly, there are significant differences in the stability, comparative advantage and risk probability of rice production among the 30 provinces. Thirdly, Shanxi province belongs to the high risk zone, 12 provinces belong to the middle risk zone and 17 provinces to the low risk zone. Finally, there is a proportional rate between the economic loss (yield loss) and disaster area (yield loss rate) of rice production. Therefore, we could obtain some significant policy suggestions.
Immune Memory to Sudan Virus: Comparison between Two Separate Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Sobarzo Ariel , Eskira Yael , Herbert Andrew , Kuehne Ana , Stonier Spencer , Ochayon David , Fedida-Metula Shlomit , Balinandi Steven , Kislev Yaara , Tali Neta , Lewis Eli , Lutwama Julius , Dye John , Yavelsky Victoria , Lobel Leslie
Published: January 2015

Recovery from ebolavirus infection in humans is associated with the development of both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. According to recent studies, individuals that did not survive infection with ebolaviruses appear to have lacked a robust adaptive immune response and the expression of several early innate response markers. However, a comprehensive protective immune profile has yet to be described. Here, we examine cellular memory immune responses among survivors of two separate Ebolavirus outbreaks (EVDs) due to Sudan virus (SUDV) infection in Uganda—Gulu 2000–2001 and Kibaale 2012. Freshly collected blood samples were stimulated with inactivated SUDV, as well as with recombinant SUDV or Ebola virus (EBOV) GP (GP1–649). In addition, ELISA and plaque reduction neutralization assays were performed to determine anti-SUDV IgG titers and neutralization capacity. Cytokine expression was measured in whole blood cultures in response to SUDV and SUDV GP stimulation in both survivor pools, demonstrating recall responses that indicate immune memory. Cytokine responses between groups were similar but had distinct differences. Neutralizing, SUDV-specific IgG activity against irradiated SUDV and SUDV recombinant proteins were detected in both survivor cohorts. Furthermore, humoral and cell-mediated crossreactivity to EBOV and EBOV recombinant GP1–649 was observed in both cohorts. In conclusion, immune responses in both groups of survivors demonstrate persistent recognition of relevant antigens, albeit larger cohorts are required in order to reach greater statistical significance. The differing cytokine responses between Gulu and Kibaale outbreak survivors suggests that each outbreak may not yield identical memory responses and promotes the merits of studying the immune responses among outbreaks of the same virus. Finally, our demonstration of cross-reactive immune recognition suggests that there is potential for developing cross-protective vaccines for ebolaviruses.
Remarques sur les ergs du Sahara
Authors: Capot-Rey Robert
Published: January 2015

Les grosses agglomérations de dunes vives appelées ergs sont caractéristiques du Sahara. Leur localisation s'explique par l'hydrographie des périodes humides et l'accumulation de sables fluviatiles dans des bassins fermés. Leur dispositif topographique est lié au régime des vents au cours d'une période aride — direction, fréquence et surtout force —, mais les effets de ceux-ci sont différents suivant l'épaisseur de la couverture sableuse. À la bordure méridionale du désert, des ergs « vêtus », c'est-à-dire recouverts de végétation, conservent des traces plus ou moins nettes du dispositif originel.
Les modes d'aménagement des terroirs et le dynamisme de la civilisation de l'oasis
Authors: Bensidoun Sylvain
Published: January 2015

Sous la pression de causes économiques et politiques la civilisation de l'oasis subit de nos jours de larges transformations. Les terroirs se modifient, obéissant à un dynamisme que l'auteur se propose d'apprécier par l'étude des rapports entre les cultures et la pression démographique, la polyculture, l'association plus étroite entre les cultures et l'élevage.

Dans les limites géographiques de l'Islam les caractères originaux de la civilisation de l'oasis sont appréciés. C'est une civilisation agraire, fragile, sans cesse menacée par l'agressivité de certaines conditions physiques et économiques. Et sous la poussée de conditions politiques les oasis évoluent rapidement, en particulier dans l'Asie Moyenne soviétique.

Ainsi, la civilisation de l'oasis est entrée dans la phase de transformations inégales dans leur ampleur et leur durée. L'étude des terroirs, limitée aux oasis algériennes, permet d'apprécier le dynamisme selon des critères externes et internes qui, se combinant, pourraient se présenter sous forme de rapports numériques entre les antagonismes naturels et les forces favorables.
Multiscale stress–strain characterization of onion outer epidermal tissue in wet and dry states
Authors: Kim Keekyoung , Yi Hojae , Zamil M. Shafayet , Haque M. Amanul , Puri Virendra M.
Published: January 2015

•Premise of the study:Quantitative measurements of water's effects on the tension response of plant tissue will assist in understanding the regulatory mechanism underlying expansive growth. Such measurements should be multiscale in nature to account for plants’ hierarchical structure.

•Methods:Outer onion epidermal tissues were cut and bonded to uniaxial displacement‐controlled mechanical loading devices to apply and measure the force on the sample. Fluorescent polystyrene beads (500 nm in diameter) were dispersed on the sample surface under various levels of tensile load conditions to obtain displacement maps with a confocal fluorescent microscope. The resulting strain was measured using a digital image correlation technique by tracking individual bead displacements. The applied forces were obtained by measuring the displacement of the calibrated force‐sensing device. Tissue‐ and cell‐scale mechanical properties were quantified by calculating the applied stress and the corresponding global and local strains.

•Key results:The Young's modulus values of individual cell walls of dehydrated and rehydrated samples were 3.0 ± 1.0 GPa and 0.4 ± 0.2 GPa, respectively, and are different from the Young's modulus values of the global tissue‐scale dehydrated and rehydrated samples, which were 1.9 ± 0.3 GPa and 0.08 ± 0.02 GPa, respectively. Poisson's ratio increased more than 3‐fold due to hydration.

•Conclusion:The results on global, cell‐to‐cell, and point‐to‐point mechanical property variations suggest the importance of the mechanical contribution of extracellular features including the middle lamella, cell shape, and dimension. This study shows that a multiscale investigation is essential for fundamental insights into the hierarchical deformation of biological systems.
Three-component synthesis of C2F5-substituted pyrazoles from C2F5CH2NH2·HCl, NaNO2 and electron-deficient alkynes
Authors: Mykhailiuk Pavel K
Published: January 2015

A one-pot reaction between C2F5CH2NH2·HCl, NaNO2 and electron-deficient alkynes gives C2F5-substituted pyrazoles in excellent yields. The transformation smoothly proceeds in dichloromethane/water, tolerates the presence of air, and requires no purification of products by column chromatography. Mechanistically, C2F5CH2NH2·HCl and NaNO2 react first in water to generate C2F5CHN2, that participates in a [3 + 2] cycloaddition with electron-deficient alkynes in dichloromethane.
Prévenir l'exclusion scolaire et sociale des jeunes
Authors: Zay Danielle
Published: January 2015

Les orientations théoriques de la recherche s’inscrivent, d’une part, dans un fort consensus des deux équipes, française et anglaise, sur le paradigme de la solidarité et le modèle scolaire propre aux zones défavorisées, celui d’une école partenaire des autres instances d’un quartier pour lutter contre l’exclusion scolaire et sociale et, d’autre part, dans une collaboration soutenue pour les enquêtes menées par chaque équipe sur le terrain de l’autre. Les divergences de conduite de la recherche et de résultats peuvent s’expliquer par d’autres choix propres à chacune des équipes, par exemple, la perspective beaucoup plus marquée d’éducation comparée des Anglais, mais aussi par des facteurs objectifs : différence de composition interne des deux équipes et influence des contraintes imposées par les politiques nationales dont dépendent les stratégies des acteurs régionaux, chercheurs inclus.
Prévenir l'exclusion scolaire et sociale des jeunes
Authors: Dolignon Carole
Published: January 2015

Ce chapitre vise à dégager les profils de 20 adolescents décrocheurs français et anglais, scolarisés sur des régions où l’histoire houillère et manufacturière a favorisé une grande concentration de familles ouvrières. Il s’agit, à travers l’étude de leurs entretiens, de mieux comprendre les émotions et les représentations de ces élèves par rapport à l’école et, plus généralement, de saisir l’articulation entre les mécanismes psychologiques et sociologiques dans la compréhension des interactions entre l’élève anglais ou français en difficulté et les milieux qu’ils fréquentent.
Prévenir l'exclusion scolaire et sociale des jeunes
Authors: Malet Régis , Lawes Shirley , Masson Philippe
Published: January 2015

La France et l’Angleterre traduisent, chacune à sa façon, d’importants changements dans les programmes de formation des enseignants en Europe : la valorisation de l’expertise professionnelle et de la formation en situation, le développement de collaborations entre universitaires et praticiens et de prérogatives confiées aux seconds dans la formation et l’évaluation des enseignants. Ces orientations débouchent sur des pratiques nouvelles : stages, mémoire professionnel, tutorat, faisant apparaître de nouveaux acteurs à l’interface de la formation et de la profession : tuteurs, « mentors », supposés créer des ponts entre l’Université et le terrain professionnel. Dans une première partie, la construction de ces territoires de formation sera interrogée dans une perspective institutionnelle et socio-pédagogique comparée. Dans une seconde partie, nous chercherons à éclairer de façon comparative les modalités et les vertus singulières de l’accompagnement des enseignants-stagiaires par un tuteur ou un mentor au cours de leur stage en établissement scolaire, et de mesurer comment s’articulent sur le terrain les éléments prescriptifs propres à la définition de l’exercice tutoral et les relations concrètes qui se tissent dans les établissements entre tuteurs et stagiaires. L’ensemble de cette partie empirique est mené dans des établissements difficiles – dans le contexte, donc, de la prise en charge de publics dits « sensibles ».
Prévenir l'exclusion scolaire et sociale des jeunes
Authors: Dufour Didier
Published: January 2015

Cette recherche se fonde sur la compréhension du sens que les praticiens-enseignants attribuent à leurs actions professionnelles. Quels sont les moyens qu’ils mobilisent pour résoudre leurs difficultés et notamment celles liées à l’échec scolaire ? Nous adoptons une démarche qualitative qui se fonde sur un relevé des pratiques concrètes et sur ce que les enseignants vivent au quotidien pour dégager les solutions utiles à une contribution sur les modalités de leur formation. Nous rendons compte ici de l’analyse thématique d’une enquête par entretiens non directifs de professeurs exerçant dans des établissements difficiles des deux régions éligibles au programme Interreg II Nord - Pas-de-Calais / Kent Transmanche.
Le roman familial contemporain et l'enfant-symptôme : de qui sont les enfants d'aujourd'hui ?
Authors: de Lajonquière Leandro , Pereira Marcelo Ricardo
Published: January 2015

Résumé : Les “nouvelles” familles rencontrent un grand succès et leurs désignations ne cessent d’augmenter : monoparentale, homoparentale, etc. Pour contribuer à ce débat, cet article présente quatre modalités de configuration familiale de peuples non occidentaux, leurs arrangements des filiations symboliques pour analyser à contrejour nos propres “romans familiaux”, nos propres fantasmes de “famille” afin de répondre à la question : de qui sont les enfants d’aujourd’hui ? Où “l’aujourd’hui” n’est pas simplement un marquage temporel mais surtout une catégorie d’analyse qui vise la transformation de notre notion traditionnelle de la configuration familiale et le déclin de l’image sociale du pater familias . Cependant, recomposée ou remaniée, nous voulons toujours, aujourd’hui, “de la famille”. Pourquoi ? Peut-être parce que nous n’avons pas encore su inventer une autre institution garante de l’irréductibilité de la transmission psychique. Les auteurs présentent alors pour conclure trois conséquences liées aux incertitudes de la filiation : le désir généralisé de “famille”, les enjeux pour les enfants des familles recomposées et l’émergence d’un phénomène proprement actuel : l’enfant-symptôme.
Les relations entre les enfants et les adultes au sein des familles médiévales
Authors: Lett Didier
Published: January 2015

Résumé : Au Moyen Âge déjà, la famille est majoritairement une petite unité, réunissant le plus souvent sous un même toit un couple et des enfants. Il arrive cependant qu’en fonction des aléas démographiques cette structure familiale fasse preuve d’élasticité, s’ouvre à d’autres membres adultes ou à des orphelins. Les enfants sont aimés et éduqués avec soin par leur père et par leur mère et parfois par d’autres adultes au sein de la famille (nourrice, grand frère ou grande sœur, etc.) ou à l’extérieur de celle-ci. Il arrive aussi parfois que les relations parents-enfants soient conflictuelles à divers moments du « roman familial ».