bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Adaptive Immune System of Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Maier Lisa-Katharina , Dyall-Smith Mike , Marchfelder Anita
Published: February 2015

To fight off invading genetic elements, prokaryotes have developed an elaborate defence system that is both adaptable and heritable—the CRISPR-Cas system (CRISPR is short for: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and Cas: CRISPR associated). Comprised of proteins and multiple small RNAs, this prokaryotic defence system is present in 90% of archaeal and 40% of bacterial species, and enables foreign intruders to be eliminated in a sequence-specific manner. There are three major types (I–III) and at least 14 subtypes of this system, with only some of the subtypes having been analysed in detail, and many aspects of the defence reaction remaining to be elucidated. Few archaeal examples have so far been analysed. Here we summarize the characteristics of the CRISPR-Cas system of Haloferax volcanii, an extremely halophilic archaeon originally isolated from the Dead Sea. It carries a single CRISPR-Cas system of type I-B, with a Cascade like complex composed of Cas proteins Cas5, Cas6b and Cas7. Cas6b is essential for CRISPR RNA (crRNA) maturation but is otherwise not required for the defence reaction. A systematic search revealed that six protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences are recognised by the Haloferax defence system. For successful invader recognition, a non-contiguous seed sequence of 10 base-pairs between the crRNA and the invader is required.
A Prokaryotic Twist on Argonaute Function
Authors: Willkomm Sarah , Zander Adrian , Gust Alexander , Grohmann Dina
Published: February 2015

Argonaute proteins can be found in all three domains of life. In eukaryotic organisms, Argonaute is, as the functional core of the RNA-silencing machinery, critically involved in the regulation of gene expression. Despite the mechanistic and structural similarities between archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic Argonaute proteins, the biological function of bacterial and archaeal Argonautes has remained elusive. This review discusses new findings in the field that shed light on the structure and function of Argonaute. We especially focus on archaeal Argonautes when discussing the details of the structural and dynamic features in Argonaute that promote substrate recognition and cleavage, thereby revealing differences and similarities in Argonaute biology.
Recent Advances in Nanocomposite Materials of Graphene Derivatives with Polysaccharides
Authors: Terzopoulou Zoi , Kyzas George , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: February 2015

This review article presents the recent advances in syntheses and applications of nanocomposites consisting of graphene derivatives with various polysaccharides. Graphene has recently attracted much interest in the materials field due to its unique 2D structure and outstanding properties. To follow, the physical and mechanical properties of graphene are then introduced. However it was observed that the synthesis of graphene-based nanocomposites had become one of the most important research frontiers in the application of graphene. Therefore, this review also summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis of graphene nanocomposites with polysaccharides, which are abundant in nature and are easily synthesized bio-based polymers. Polysaccharides can be classified in various ways such as cellulose, chitosan, starch, and alginates, each group with unique and different properties. Alginates are considered to be ideal for the preparation of nanocomposites with graphene derivatives due to their environmental-friendly potential. The characteristics of such nanocomposites are discussed here and are compared with regard to their mechanical properties and their various applications.
Advances in Nanotechnology for Restorative Dentistry
Authors: Khurshid Zohaib , Zafar Muhammad , Qasim Saad , Shahab Sana , Naseem Mustafa , AbuReqaiba Ammar
Published: February 2015

Rationalizing has become a new trend in the world of science and technology. Nanotechnology has ascended to become one of the most favorable technologies, and one which will change the application of materials in different fields. The quality of dental biomaterials has been improved by the emergence of nanotechnology. This technology manufactures materials with much better properties or by improving the properties of existing materials. The science of nanotechnology has become the most popular area of research, currently covering a broad range of applications in dentistry. This review describes the basic concept of nanomaterials, recent innovations in nanomaterials and their applications in restorative dentistry. Advances in nanotechnologies are paving the future of dentistry, and there are a plenty of hopes placed on nanomaterials in terms of improving the health care of dental patients.
Recent Progress on PEDOT-Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Wei Qingshuo , Mukaida Masakazu , Kirihara Kazuhiro , Naitoh Yasuhisa , Ishida Takao
Published: February 2015

The thermoelectric properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based materials have attracted attention recently because of their remarkable electrical conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit. In this review, we summarize recent efforts toward improving the thermoelectric properties of PEDOT-based materials. We also discuss thermoelectric measurement techniques and several unsolved problems with the PEDOT system such as the effect of water absorption from the air and the anisotropic thermoelectric properties. In the last part, we describe our work on improving the power output of thermoelectric modules by using PEDOT, and we outline the potential applications of polymer thermoelectric generators.
Alginate-Collagen Fibril Composite Hydrogel
Authors: Baniasadi Mahmoud , Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: February 2015

We report on the synthesis and the mechanical characterization of an alginate-collagen fibril composite hydrogel. Native type I collagen fibrils were used to synthesize the fibrous composite hydrogel. We characterized the mechanical properties of the fabricated fibrous hydrogel using tensile testing; rheometry and atomic force microscope (AFM)-based nanoindentation experiments. The results show that addition of type I collagen fibrils improves the rheological and indentation properties of the hydrogel.
Marine Drugs Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Mayer Alejandro
Published: February 2015

Marine Drugs began a “Best Paper Award” in 2013 [1,2] to recognize outstanding papers published in our journal in the area of research, development, and production of drugs from the sea, including marine natural product chemistry. We are pleased to announce the third annual “Marine Drugs Best Paper Award” for 2015. Nominations were selected by the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors of Marine Drugs from all papers published in 2011; reviews and articles being evaluated separately. The following five papers have won a “Best Paper Award”:[...]
Application of Metabolomics in Drug Resistant Breast Cancer Research
Authors: Shajahan-Haq Ayesha , Cheema Mehar , Clarke Robert
Published: February 2015

The metabolic profiles of breast cancer cells are different from normal mammary epithelial cells. Breast cancer cells that gain resistance to therapeutic interventions can reprogram their endogenous metabolism in order to adapt and proliferate despite high oxidative stress and hypoxic conditions. Drug resistance in breast cancer, regardless of subgroups, is a major clinical setback. Although recent advances in genomics and proteomics research has given us a glimpse into the heterogeneity that exists even within subgroups, the ability to precisely predict a tumor’s response to therapy remains elusive. Metabolomics as a quantitative, high through put technology offers promise towards devising new strategies to establish predictive, diagnostic and prognostic markers of breast cancer. Along with other “omics” technologies that include genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, metabolomics fits into the puzzle of a comprehensive systems biology approach to understand drug resistance in breast cancer. In this review, we highlight the challenges facing successful therapeutic treatment of breast cancer and the innovative approaches that metabolomics offers to better understand drug resistance in cancer.
Noise Reduction of MEMS Gyroscope Based on Direct Modeling for an Angular Rate Signal
Authors: Xue Liang , Jiang Chengyu , Wang Lixin , Liu Jieyu , Yuan Weizheng
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a novel approach for processing the outputs signal of the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes was presented to reduce the bias drift and noise. The principle for the noise reduction was presented, and an optimal Kalman filter (KF) was designed by a steady-state filter gain obtained from the analysis of KF observability. In particular, the true angular rate signal was directly modeled to obtain an optimal estimate and make a self-compensation for the gyroscope without needing other sensor’s information, whether in static or dynamic condition. A linear fit equation that describes the relationship between the KF bandwidth and modeling parameter of true angular rate was derived from the analysis of KF frequency response. The test results indicated that the MEMS gyroscope having an ARW noise of 4.87°/h0.5 and a bias instability of 44.41°/h were reduced to 0.4°/h0.5 and 4.13°/h by the KF under a given bandwidth (10 Hz), respectively. The 1σ estimated error was reduced from 1.9°/s to 0.14°/s and 1.7°/s to 0.5°/s in the constant rate test and swing rate test, respectively. It also showed that the filtered angular rate signal could well reflect the dynamic characteristic of the input rate signal in dynamic conditions. The presented algorithm is proved to be effective at improving the measurement precision of the MEMS gyroscope.
Inhibitory Effect of Triterpenoids from Dillenia serrata (Dilleniaceae) on Prostaglandin E2 Production and Quantitative HPLC Analysis of Its Koetjapic Acid and Betulinic Acid Contents
Authors: Jalil Juriyati , Sabandar Carla , Ahmat Norizan , Jamal Jamia , Jantan Ibrahim , Aladdin Nor-Ashila , Muhammad Kartiniwati , Buang Fhataheya , Mohamad Hazni , Sahidin Idin
Published: February 2015

The crude methanol extracts and fractions of the root and stem barks of Dillenia serrata Thunb. showed 64% to 73% inhibition on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide-induced human whole blood using a radioimmunoassay technique. Three triterpenoids isolated from the root bark of the plant, koetjapic (1), 3-oxoolean-12-en-30-oic (2), and betulinic (3) acids, exhibited significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on PGE2 production with IC50 values of 1.05, 1.54, and 2.59 μM, respectively, as compared with the positive control, indomethacin (IC50 = 0.45 μM). Quantification of compounds 1 and 3 in the methanol extracts and fractions were carried out by using a validated reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. The ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark showed the highest content of both compound 1 (15.1%) and compound 3 (52.8%). The strong inhibition of the extracts and fractions on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity was due to the presence of their major constituents, especially koetjapic and betulinic acids.
Isolation and Characterisation of in Vitro and Cellular Free Radical Scavenging Peptides from Corn Peptide Fractions
Authors: Wang Liying , Ding Long , Wang Ying , Zhang Yan , Liu Jingbo
Published: February 2015

Corn gluten meal, a corn processing industry by-product, is a good source for the preparation of bioactive peptides due to its special amino acid composition. In the present study, the in vitro and cellular free radical scavenging activities of corn peptide fractions (CPFs) were investigated. Results indicated that CPF1 (molecular weight less than 1 kDa) and CPF2 (molecular weight between 1 and 3 kDa) exhibited good hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion radical and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Meanwhile, the in vitro radical scavenging activity of CPF1 was slightly higher than that of CPF2. Both CPF1 and CPF2 also exhibited significant cytoprotective effects and intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in Caco-2 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The amino acid composition analysis revealed that the CPF were rich in hydrophobic amino acids, which comprised of more than 45% of total amino acids. An antioxidant peptide sequence of Tyr-Phe-Cys-Leu-Thr (YFCLT) was identified from CPF1 using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-ﬂight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF MS). The YFCLT exhibited excellent ABTS radical scavenging activity with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 37.63 µM, which was much lower than that of Trolox. In conclusion, corn gluten meal might be a good source to prepare antioxidant peptides.
Investigation of Structural Mimetics of Natural Phosphate Ion Binding Motifs
Authors: Kataev Evgeny , Shumilova Tatiana
Published: February 2015

Phosphates are ubiquitous in biology and nearly half of all proteins interact with their partners by means of recognition of phosphate residues. Therefore, a better understanding of the phosphate ion binding by peptidic structures is highly desirable. Two new receptors have been designed and synthesized and their anion binding properties in an acetonitrile solution have been determined. The structure of hosts mimics a part of the kinase active site that is responsible for the recognition of the phosphate residue. New hosts contain additional free amino groups with the aim to facilitate coordination of protonated anions, such as dihydrogen phosphate. According to spectrophotometric measurements, stepwise 1:1 and 1:2 binding modes have been observed for both receptors in the presence of acetate, hydrogen sulfate and dihydrogen phosphate. Compared with the acyclic receptor, the macrocyclic receptor has demonstrated a remarkably enhanced selectivity for dihydrogen phosphate over other anions. Fluorometric measurements have revealed different responses of the acyclic and macrocyclic receptors towards anions. However, in both cases, a 5–8 nm hypsochromic shift of fluorescence maximum has been observed upon interaction of acetate and dihydrogen phosphate with receptors.
Glycaemic Index and Load Values Tested in Normoglycemic Adults for Five Staple Foodstuffs: Pounded Yam, Pounded Cassava-Plantain, Placali, Attieke and Maize Meal Stiff Porridge
Authors: Kouamé Adam , Kouassi Kouakou , N'dri Yao , Amani N'guessan
Published: February 2015

There is currently an increased global interest in the published glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) values of foods. However, data on the GI and GL values of different varieties of foods within Côte d’Ivoire are very limited. The study therefore aimed at finding the GI and GL of the main food staples in Côte d’Ivoire. Following the International Standard Organisation’s protocol (ISO/FDI 26642:2010), a selection of five staple foodstuffs were tested for their GI and GL. Fasted healthy subjects were given 50 g of available carbohydrate servings of a glucose reference, which was tested twice, and test foods which were tested once, on separate occasions. Excepted attieke (GI 63), the majority of foods tested have a high GI (GI > 70). Attieke (agbodjama) had a high GL (GL 29) while placali (GL 17) and maize meal stiff porridge (GL 16) had medium GLs. The GLs of pounded cassava-plantain and pounded yam are 26 and 22. Consumption of attieke could minimize postprandial blood glucose spikes, in spite of high GL and potentially have benefit in the management and prevention of some chronic diseases.
Association of Polyphenols from Oranges and Apples with Specific Intestinal Microorganisms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Cuervo Adriana , Hevia Arancha , López Patricia , Suárez Ana , Sánchez Borja , Margolles Abelardo , González Sonia
Published: February 2015

Our group has recently shown the existence of a gut microbial dysbiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), supporting previous evidence involving intestinal bacteria in the initiation and amplification of autoimmune diseases. While several studies have addressed the use of dietary fibres to modify intestinal microbiota, information about other correlated components, such as polyphenols, is scarce. The aim of this work was to identify dietary components able to influence this altered microbiota in 20 SLE women and 20 age-matched controls. Food intake was recorded by means of a food frequency questionnaire. The intake of fibres was calculated from Marlett tables, and Phenol-Explorer was used for polyphenol consumption. Results showed positive associations between flavone intake and Blautia, flavanones and Lactobacillus, and dihydrochalcones and Bifidobacterium in the SLE group. Regarding the controls, dihydroflavonols were directly associated with Faecalibacterium, whereas flavonol intake was inversely associated with Bifidobacterium. From the food sources of these polyphenols related to microbiota, orange intake was directly associated with Lactobacillus and apple with Bifidobacterium in SLE, whilst red wine was the best contributor to Faecalibacterium variation. The association between common foods and particular microbial genera, reported to be decreased in SLE, could be of great importance for these patients.
Low-Normal Thyroid Function and Novel Cardiometabolic Biomarkers
Authors: Van Tienhoven-Wind Lynnda , Dullaart Robin
Published: February 2015

The concept is emerging that low-normal thyroid function, i.e., either higher thyroid-stimulating hormone or lower free thyroxine levels within the euthyroid reference range, could contribute to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It is possible that adverse effects of low-normal thyroid function on cardiovascular outcome may be particularly relevant for specific populations, such as younger people and subjects with high cardiovascular risk. Low-normal thyroid function probably relates to modest increases in plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance, but effects on high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are inconsistent. Low-normal thyroid function may enhance plasma cholesteryl ester transfer, and contribute to an impaired ability of HDL to inhibit oxidative modification of LDL, reflecting pro-atherogenic alterations in lipoprotein metabolism and HDL function, respectively. Low-normal thyroid function also confers lower levels of bilirubin, a strong natural anti-oxidant. Remarkably, all these effects of low-normal thyroid functional status appear to be more outspoken in the context of chronic hyperglycemia and/or insulin resistance. Collectively, these data support the concept that low-normal thyroid function may adversely affect several processes which conceivably contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, beyond effects on conventional lipoprotein measures.
Ag/SiO2- and Ag/Co3O4-Based Monolithic Flow Microreactors for Hydrogenation of Dyes: Their Activity and Stability
Authors: Hakat Yasemin , Kotbagi Trupti , Bakker Martin
Published: February 2015

Silver nanoparticles supported on hierarchically porous silica and cobalt oxide monoliths have previously been shown to be catalytically active for the hydrogenation of common organic dyes in batch studies. This work presents a detailed investigation of the activity and stability of these monoliths during the hydrogenation of eosin-Y in a continuous flow microreactor. The silver-containing monoliths showed excellent catalytic activity that reached a plateau after a period of approximately 6 h. From SEM particle size distribution studies of the catalysts before and after water and hexane were flowed through them, it was determined that under reaction conditions, silver was removed both by washing off of particles and by dissolution of silver.
Teaching Augustine’s Confessions in the Context of Mercer’s Great Books Program
Authors: Whitfield Bryan
Published: February 2015

Students in Mercer University’s Great Books program read Augustine’s Confessions in the third semester of a seven-semester sequence. Their previous reading of Greek and Roman epics and philosophical treatises as well as Biblical material equips them with a solid foundation for reading and discussing Augustine. This essay reflects on that preparation and models ways that instructors can use opening discussion questions related to those earlier readings to guide students into substantive reflection on the Confessions.
Use of Multispectral Imaging in Varietal Identification of Tomato
Authors: Shrestha Santosh , Deleuran Lise , Olesen Merete , Gislum René
Published: February 2015

Multispectral imaging is an emerging non-destructive technology. In this work its potential for varietal discrimination and identification of tomato cultivars of Nepal was investigated. Two sample sets were used for the study, one with two parents and their crosses and other with eleven cultivars to study parents and offspring relationship and varietal identification respectively. Normalized canonical discriminant analysis (nCDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze and compare the results for parents and offspring study. Both the results showed clear discrimination of parents and offspring. nCDA was also used for pairwise discrimination of the eleven cultivars, which correctly discriminated upto 100% and only few pairs below 85%. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was further used to classify all the cultivars. The model displayed an overall classification accuracy of 82%, which was further improved to 96% and 86% with stepwise PLS-DA models on high (seven) and poor (four) sensitivity cultivars, respectively. The stepwise PLS-DA models had satisfactory classification errors for cross-validation and prediction 7% and 7%, respectively. The results obtained provide an opportunity of using multispectral imaging technology as a primary tool in a scientific community for identification/discrimination of plant varieties in regard to genetic purity and plant variety protection/registration.
Design and Simulation of Material-Integrated Distributed Sensor Processing with a Code-Based Agent Platform and Mobile Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Bosse Stefan
Published: February 2015

Multi-agent systems (MAS) can be used for decentralized and self-organizing data processing in a distributed system, like a resource-constrained sensor network, enabling distributed information extraction, for example, based on pattern recognition and self-organization, by decomposing complex tasks in simpler cooperative agents. Reliable MAS-based data processing approaches can aid the material-integration of structural-monitoring applications, with agent processing platforms scaled to the microchip level. The agent behavior, based on a dynamic activity-transition graph (ATG) model, is implemented with program code storing the control and the data state of an agent, which is novel. The program code can be modified by the agent itself using code morphing techniques and is capable of migrating in the network between nodes. The program code is a self-contained unit (a container) and embeds the agent data, the initialization instructions and the ATG behavior implementation. The microchip agent processing platform used for the execution of the agent code is a standalone multi-core stack machine with a zero-operand instruction format, leading to a small-sized agent program code, low system complexity and high system performance. The agent processing is token-queue-based, similar to Petri-nets. The agent platform can be implemented in software, too, offering compatibility at the operational and code level, supporting agent processing in strong heterogeneous networks. In this work, the agent platform embedded in a large-scale distributed sensor network is simulated at the architectural level by using agent-based simulation techniques.
Real-Time Strap Pressure Sensor System for Powered Exoskeletons
Authors: Tamez-Duque Jesús , Cobian-Ugalde Rebeca , Kilicarslan Atilla , Venkatakrishnan Anusha , Soto Rogelio , Contreras-Vidal Jose
Published: February 2015

Assistive and rehabilitative powered exoskeletons for spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke subjects have recently reached the clinic. Proper tension and joint alignment are critical to ensuring safety. Challenges still exist in adjustment and fitting, with most current systems depending on personnel experience for appropriate individual fastening. Paraplegia and tetraplegia patients using these devices have impaired sensation and cannot signal if straps are uncomfortable or painful. Excessive pressure and blood-flow restriction can lead to skin ulcers, necrotic tissue and infections. Tension must be just enough to prevent slipping and maintain posture. Research in pressure dynamics is extensive for wheelchairs and mattresses, but little research has been done on exoskeleton straps. We present a system to monitor pressure exerted by physical human-machine interfaces and provide data about levels of skin/body pressure in fastening straps. The system consists of sensing arrays, signal processing hardware with wireless transmission, and an interactive GUI. For validation, a lower-body powered exoskeleton carrying the full weight of users was used. Experimental trials were conducted with one SCI and one able-bodied subject. The system can help prevent skin injuries related to excessive pressure in mobility-impaired patients using powered exoskeletons, supporting functionality, independence and better overall quality of life.
The Progression of Male 100 m Sprinting with a Lower-Limb Amputation 1976–2012
Authors: Dyer Bryce
Published: February 2015

Sprinting with a lower-limb amputation over 100 m has taken place in the Paralympic Games for over three decades. The aim of this paper is to statistically evaluate the performances and participation levels of such athletes during this period. The level of performance improvement over a 36-year period was proposed to be significantly greater than the able-bodied equivalent. Coupled with this, a major spike in amputee running performance improvement was shown to occur from 1984–1988. This supports previously recorded accounts of a major technological change being made at this time. Finally, whilst the average performance of the medallists has increased consistently over the 36-year history, the overall participation in the event fell significantly after 1988 and did not recover until 2012.
Threats to Sustainability of Soil Functions in Central and Southeast Europe
Authors: Günal Hikmet , Korucu Tayfun , Birkas Marta , Özgöz Engin , Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir Rares
Published: February 2015

A diverse topography along with deforestation, changing climatic conditions, long-term human settlement, overuse of agricultural lands without sustainable planning, cultural difficulties in accepting conservative land management practices, and wrong political decisions have increased the vulnerability of many soils to degradation and resulted in a serious decline in their functional capacity. A progressive reduction in the capacity of soils to support plant productivity is not only a threat in the African continent and its large desert zone, but also in several parts of Central and Southeastern Europe (CASEE). The loss of soil functions throughout CASEE is mainly related to the human activities that have profound influence on soil dynamic characteristics. Improper management of soils has made them more vulnerable to degradation through water and wind erosion, organic matter depletion, salinity, acidification, crusting and sealing, and compaction. Unmitigated degradation has substantial implications for long term sustainability of the soils’ capability to support human communities and resist desertification. If sustainable agricultural and land management practices are not identified, well understood and implemented, the decline in soil quality will continue and probably accelerate. The lack of uniform criteria for the assessment and evaluation of soil quality in CASEE countries prevents scientific assessments to determine if existing management practices are leading to soil quality improvement, or if not, what management practices should be recommended to mitigate and reverse the loss of soil health.
Chronic Exposure to Deoxynivalenol Has No Influence on the Oral Bioavailability of Fumonisin B1 in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Antonissen Gunther , Devreese Mathias , Van Immerseel Filip , De Baere Siegrid , Hessenberger Sabine , Martel An , Croubels Siska
Published: February 2015

Both deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are common contaminants of feed. Fumonisins (FBs) in general have a very limited oral bioavailability in healthy animals. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic exposure to DON impairs the intestinal barrier function and integrity, by affecting the intestinal surface area and function of the tight junctions. This might influence the oral bioavailability of FB1, and possibly lead to altered toxicity of this mycotoxin. A toxicokinetic study was performed with two groups of 6 broiler chickens, which were all administered an oral bolus of 2.5 mg FBs/kg BW after three-week exposure to either uncontaminated feed (group 1) or feed contaminated with 3.12 mg DON/kg feed (group 2). No significant differences in toxicokinetic parameters of FB1 could be demonstrated between the groups. Also, no increased or decreased body exposure to FB1 was observed, since the relative oral bioavailability of FB1 after chronic DON exposure was 92.2%.
Dual Effects Exerted in Vitro by Micromolar Concentrations of Deoxynivalenol on Undifferentiated Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Manda Gina , Mocanu Mihaela , Marin Daniela , Taranu Ionelia
Published: February 2015

Contamination of crops used for food and feed production with Fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), raise important health and economic issues all along the food chain. Acute exposure to high DON concentrations can alter the intestinal barrier, while chronic exposure to lower doses may exert more subtle effects on signal transduction pathways, leading to disturbances in cellular homeostasis. Using real-time cellular impedance measurements, we studied the effects exerted in vitro by low concentrations of DON (0.37–1.50 μM), relevant for mycotoxin-contaminated food, on the proliferation of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells presenting a tumorigenic phenotype. A 1.5 μM concentration of DON maintained cell adherence of non-proliferating Caco-2 cells, whilst arresting the growth of actively proliferating cells compared with control Caco-2 cells in vitro. At 0.37 μM, DON enhanced Caco-2 cell metabolism, thereby triggering a moderate increase in cell proliferation. The results of the current study suggested that low concentrations of DON commonly detected in food may either limit or sustain the proliferation of colon cancer cells, depending on their proliferation status and on DON concentration. Soluble factors released by Lactobacillus strains can partially counteract the inhibitory action of DON on actively proliferating colon cancer cells. The study also emphasized that real-time cellular impedance measurements were a valuable tool for investigating the dynamics of cellular responses to xenobiotics.
Intranasal Administration of Maleic Anhydride-Modified Human Serum Albumin for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Sun Zhiwu , Wang Qian , Jia Ran , Xia Shuai , Li Yuan , Liu Qi , Xu Wei , Xu Jin , Du Lanying , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo
Published: February 2015

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of pediatric viral respiratory tract infections. Neither vaccine nor effective antiviral therapy is available to prevent and treat RSV infection. Palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, is the only product approved to prevent serious RSV infection, but its high cost is prohibitive in low-income countries. Here, we aimed to identify an effective, safe, and affordable antiviral agent for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of RSV infection in children at high risk. We found that maleic anhydride (ML)-modified human serum albumin (HSA), designated ML-HSA, exhibited potent antiviral activity against RSV and that the percentages of the modified lysines and arginies in ML- are correlated with such anti-RSV activity. ML-HSA inhibited RSV entry and replication by interacting with viral G protein and blocking RSV attachment to the target cells, while ML-HAS neither bound to F protein, nor inhibited F protein-mediated membrane fusion. Intranasal administration of ML-HSA before RSV infection resulted in significant decrease of the viral titers in the lungs of mice. ML-HSA shows promise for further development into an effective, safe, affordable, and easy-to-use intranasal regimen for pre-exposure prophylaxis of RSV infection in children at high risk in both low- and high-income countries.
A Physician’s View of One Health: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Natterson-Horowitz Barbara
Published: February 2015

One Health is one of the most important movements and emerging concepts in health today. The convergence of the fields of human and animal medicine has the potential to generate novel scientific hypotheses, create effective new therapies and potentially transform how physicians, veterinarians and their patients understand health and disease. Despite this potential, One Health has not yet gained significant awareness or traction in human medical communities. From its inception, One Health, sometimes also called One Medicine, has been piloted primarily by leaders from the world of veterinary medicine. Although the specific term was coined perhaps 10 years ago, comparative medicine has been quietly evident on university campuses with veterinary and medical schools for decades longer. Although a few physicians have played major leadership roles in One Health, in the United States, despite over ten years of the movement’s robust growth, many have still not heard of it. Furthermore, physicians with some awareness of One Health often believe it to be primarily and exclusively about zoonotic infections and global health. The much broader scope and potential of One Health as also including comparative physiology and medicine is not being communicated effectively. Consequently, the human medical community remains largely disengaged. This is problematic because without significant engagement from physicians, nurses and other human health care professionals, the potential of One Health cannot be realized. To advance One Health it is imperative that we first understand the roots of under-engagement of the human medical community. This, in turn, can guide the development of novel and engaging opportunities for physician which demonstrate the power relevance of One Health’s comparative, collaborative and cooperative approach.[...]
Water Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2015

To better recognize the outstanding papers in the area of water sciences and technology published in Water, we announce the institution of an annual award.[...]
Essai de définition des deux types d'accidents climatiques (Attempt to define the two sorts of climatic abrupt events)
Authors: Rognon Pierre
Published: February 2015

Résumé. - Les anomalies du climat actuel résultent d'un dérèglement dans le rythme saisonnier pendant une ou plusieurs années. Les crises, à l'échelle des temps géologiques, qui sont mises en évidence grâce à de brusques discontinuités dans l'évolution des sédiments ou des couvertures végétales, ont une durée de l'ordre de quelques siècles à un ou deux millénaires.
Quelques crises climatiques des douze derniers millénaires (Some climatic crisis during the twelwe last thousand years)
Authors: Rognon Pierre
Published: February 2015

Résumé. - Recensement des crises climatiques les plus connues : 1 ) à l'échelle du dernier millénaire (Petit Age glaciaire. Great Drought du S.W. des U.SA., Moyen- Orient) ; 2) au cours des cinq derniers millénaires (extrême fin de l'âge du Bronze en Europe occidentale ; 4000-4500 B.P. en région tropicales) ; 3) à l'Holocène inférieur et au Tardiglaciaire (7000-8000 B.P. au Sahel, Dryas récent ; 10000-1 1 000 B.P. dans la vallée du Nil). Ces crises peuvent être d'origine thermique, liées à une extrême sécheresse ou des pluies excessives. Elles ont toujours une extension géographique limitée.
Géographie du pouvoir syndical dans les zones pétrolières du golfe du Mexique(A geography of the unions power in the oil fields areas of the gulf of Mexico)
Authors: Prevot-Schapira Marie-France
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - In Mexico, the union of oil workers acts as a very strong power, and is an important factor for organizing the space in the oil fields areas. The last boom has enhanced this part, and given the leadership to Ciudad Madero over the union archipelago.
Conformal SiO2 coating of sub-100 nm diameter channels of polycarbonate etched ion-track channels by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Sobel Nicolas , Hess Christian , Lukas Manuela , Spende Anne , Stühn Bernd , Toimil-Molares M E , Trautmann Christina
Published: February 2015

Polycarbonate etched ion-track membranes with about 30 µm long and 50 nm wide cylindrical channels were conformally coated with SiO2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The process was performed at 50 °C to avoid thermal damage to the polymer membrane. Analysis of the coated membranes by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveals a homogeneous, conformal layer of SiO2 in the channels at a deposition rate of 1.7–1.8 Å per ALD cycle. Characterization by infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the stoichiometric composition of the SiO2 films. Detailed XPS analysis reveals that the mechanism of SiO2 formation is based on subsurface crystal growth. By dissolving the polymer, the silica nanotubes are released from the ion-track membrane. The thickness of the tube wall is well controlled by the ALD process. Because the track-etched channels exhibited diameters in the range of nanometres and lengths in the range of micrometres, cylindrical tubes with an aspect ratio as large as 3000 have been produced.
2014 Update of the Canadian Rheumatology Association/Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Treatment Recommendations for the Management of Spondyloarthritis. Part II: Specific Management Recommendations
Authors: Rohekar Sherry , Chan Jon , Tse Shirley M.L. , Haroon Nigil , Chandran Vinod , Bessette Louis , Mosher Dianne , Flanagan Cathy , Keen Kevin J. , Adams Karen , Mallinson Michael , Thorne Carter , Rahman Proton , Gladman Dafna D. , Inman Robert D.
Published: February 2015

Objective.

The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) have collaborated to update the recommendations for the management of spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Methods.

A working group was assembled and consisted of the SPARCC executive committee, rheumatologist leaders from SPARCC collaborating sites, Canadian rheumatologists from across the country with an interest in SpA (both academic and community), a rheumatology trainee with an interest in SpA, an epidemiologist/health services researcher, a member of the CRA executive, a member of the CRA therapeutics committee, and a patient representative from the Canadian Spondylitis Association. An extensive review was conducted of literature published from 2007 to 2014 involving the management of SpA. The working group created draft recommendations using multiple rounds of Web-based surveys and an in-person conference.

Results.

Recommendations for the management of SpA were created. Part II: Specific Management Recommendations addresses management with nonpharmacologic methods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and analgesics, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, antibiotics, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, other biologic agents, and surgery. Also included are 10 modifications for application to juvenile SpA.

Conclusion.

These recommendations were developed based on current literature and applied to a Canadian healthcare context. It is hoped that implementation of these recommendations will promote best practices in the treatment of SpA.
The Cost of Research: A Survey of Participating Sites in a Nationwide Registry
Authors: Tress Jenna L. , Sherry David D.
Published: February 2015

Objective.

Much attention has been placed upon decreasing costs of clinical research. However, little has been studied about the effects on research completion.

Methods.

A survey was sent to all registry investigators and coordinators to determine the cost of enrollment in a national registry, whether sites had to supplement using their own funds, and whether the cost affected enrollment.

Results.

Results indicate that a majority of sites supplemented enrollment with their own funding (88%) and diagnoses requiring a lot of time to enroll were avoided.

Conclusion.

This survey showed that reimbursement rates were well below the costs of enrollment.
La ponctuation : problématiques linguistiques
Authors: Rault Julien
Published: February 2015

L’évolution des modes d’appréhension de la ponctuation, au fil des siècles, avec l’intégration progressive de considérations syntaxiques et sémantiques, peut être inscrite dans un mouvement global de grammaticalisation. Ce processus d’encodage a très certainement permis l’émergence d’un questionnement contemporain sur le statut sémiotique des signes de ponctuation : Marques ? Signes ? Signes linguistiques ? Signifié et signifiant ? Si l’on admet, comme le suggère J. Authier-Revuz, qu’il existe une valeur en langue pour chaque signe de ponctuation, celui-ci, considéré dès lors comme une unité du système sémiotique, pourrait véritablement s’inscrire dans la langue écrite (sémiotisation). La proposition portant sur la valeur ou le signifié en langue impose de repenser clairement l’extension de la ponctuation (du mot au texte) et la question des niveaux linguistiques (du graphème à la phrase) ; une telle formulation permettrait sans conteste de clarifier les enjeux, de dépasser le clivage norme/usages pour mieux décrire et interpréter, à partir d’une valeur minimale commune, les signes de ponctuation et la pluralité de leurs interprétations discursives.
Le savoir des élèves en ponctuation
Authors: Colognesi Stéphane , Deschepper Catherine
Published: February 2015

L’article a pour double visée de poser un constat sur les compétences des élèves à mobiliser leurs connaissances sur la ponctuation pour commenter les textes d’autrui, et de proposer puis d’analyser finement une séquence didactique destinée à faire évoluer lesdites compétences. À l’issue de cette analyse, les auteurs déploient les lignes de force et les balises semblant émerger afin de faire évoluer la situation diagnostiquée et permettent aux élèves écrivants d’envisager la ponctuation comme le lieu d’un choix à poser ou à constater, dans une dimension philologique consciente et volontaire.
Enseigner le système de la ponctuation
Authors: Dufour Marie-Pierre , Chartrand Suzanne-Geneviève
Published: February 2015

La ponctuation est, pour la linguiste N. Catach (1996), une acquisition fondamentale de la communication humaine. Force est pourtant d’admettre que le domaine, relativement récent dans l’histoire de l’écrit, est difficile à appréhender pour les scripteurs (et lecteurs) non expérimentés que sont des élèves, voire pour les enseignants. Le traitement de la ponctuation dans les outils didactiques pose problème ; ce problème semble prendre racine dans la transposition didactique-même. Or le système de la ponctuation ne peut être compris par les élèves que s’il leur est correctement enseigné, et cet article propose une description de la ponctuation en tant que système. Il ouvre sur des pistes didactiques que nous espérons « salvatrices » pour empêcher la ponctuation, domaine complexe, mais riche, évolutif, offrant au scripteur de multiples possibilités stylistiques, syntaxiques, énonciatives, prosodiques, textuelles... d’être relayée une fois pour toutes au rang de caprice.
Un dispositif d'enseignement de la ponctuation pour apprendre à mieux écrire
Authors: Jarno-El Hilali Guénola
Published: February 2015

La recherche a été réalisée auprès d’élèves du cours élémentaire première année. L’objectif consiste à vérifier si une démarche de découverte sur l’usage de la ponctuation permet un meilleur apprentissage de celle-ci en comparaison avec l’enseignement effectué ordinairement dans les classes. Pour ce faire, nous avons adopté un cadre expérimental avec un prétest, une situation intermédiaire mettant ou non en jeu la variable de cette étude (démarche de découverte sur l’usage de la ponctuation) et un postest. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les marques de ponctuation employées dans les productions des élèves soumis à la démarche de découverte sont plus nombreuses, plus variées, plus normées que celles employées dans les productions des autres élèves n’ayant pas bénéficié d’une telle démarche. Elles se composent pour l’essentiel de points majuscules et de virgules.
Dire l'origine scientifique des astres. L'engouement pour la cosmogonie en France dans la seconde moitié du XIX e siècle
Authors: Fages Volny
Published: February 2015

Durant la seconde moitié du XIX e siècle, la question de l’origine des astres revêt une importance culturelle croissante, aussi bien dans les milieux artistiques que scientifiques. Cet article, en se concentrant sur les auteurs de cosmogonies scientifiques, montre le statut particulier de cette thématique dans un contexte d’institutionnalisation rapide des sciences, et en particulier de l’astronomie. Durant les dernières décennies du siècle, les frontières entre centres et marges savantes, entre amateurs et professionnels, se font de plus en plus hermétiques, la distribution de l’autorité épistémique de plus en plus difficilement contestable. Il s’agit ici de montrer que les spéculations sur les origines cosmiques s’accompagnent, pour une large variété d’acteurs situés aux marges des institutions astronomiques, d’un espoir réel de reconnaissance scientifique et proposent une forme de résistance à la mise en place des structures hautement hiérarchisées et élitistes de l’astronomie en France.
Une oralité pas si instinctive ? Les bébés qui ne savent pas téter
Authors: Prieur Régine
Published: February 2015

Le bébé qui « refuse » le sein est une difficulté dont personne au fond ne comprend l’existence dans un comportement censé être instinctif. Ce « refus » met les mères, bien sûr, mais aussi les équipes soignantes, en difficulté. C’est pourtant une situation clinique que l’auteur expérimente régulièrement. Elle tente ici d’en partager sa compréhension.
La diversification alimentaire de l'enfant : à la recherche du bon sens oublié
Authors: Baudin Marie-Ange
Published: February 2015

La diversification alimentaire est un moment important dans la vie de l’enfant et de ses parents. Pour s’y retrouver parmi tous les conseils contradictoires reçus, il faut peut-être commencer par se poser les bonnes questions : pourquoi diversifier ? Que veut-on transmettre à son enfant au travers de l’alimentation ? Et aller voir ce qui se fait ailleurs pour relativiser un peu les recommandations françaises. C’est en cela que la pédiatre hongroise Emmi Pikler, et la diversification menée par l’enfant selon Gill Rapley, exportée du Royaume-Uni aux Pays-Bas, nous ouvrent des horizons nouveaux sur la façon d’appréhender l’introduction de la nourriture solide dans l’alimentation des nourrissons. Et s’il suffisait de faire confiance à nos enfants ?
Data Protection in EU Law after Lisbon
Authors: Tzanou Maria
Published: February 2015

This chapter provides an analysis of the data protection rules in EU law, focusing on the constitutional and legal developments after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. It examines the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU on data protection issues, including the recent decisions of the Court on metadata retention and the new right to be forgotten. It concludes with a critical comment on the possibilities and limitations of the EU to provide for effective and comprehensive data protection.