bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Anaerobic/Anoxic/Oxic (A2/O) and Reverse A2/O Processes in Biological Nutrient Removal
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Bernards Matthew , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2014

A performance comparison between the conventional anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2/O) process and the anoxic/anaerobic/oxic (reverse A2/O) process was conducted in lab‐scale at the hydraulic retention time of 0.75 d and solids retention time of 10 d for more than 200 days. Both processes demonstrated excellent removal efficiency for organic matter (> 96%) and total nitrogen (> 85%), with no significant difference in microbial activities, sludge phosphorus (P) content, sludge settling property, and nitrifying community (dominated by Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira). However, there was significant difference in P removal, with the total P removal efficiencies in the reverse A2/O and A2/O systems of 76 ± 6% and 70 ± 6%, respectively. Placing an anoxic stage before the anaerobic stage in the reverse A2/O process resulted in a lower oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP = −268 ± 45 mV) of the anaerobic zone, which contributed to higher P uptake by bacteria under subsequent aerobic respiration.
A Highly Effective Photochemical System for Complex Treatment of Heavily Contaminated Wastewaters
Authors: Krystynik Pavel , Kluson Petr , Hejda Stanislav , Masin Pavel , Tito Duarte Novaes
Published: October 2014

Significant efforts have been committed to the research and development of many advanced oxidation processes, including photocatalytic oxidations with titanium dioxide or the hydrogen peroxide and ferrous/ferric ion (H2O2/Fe2+(Fe3+)/UV (photo‐assisted Fenton) process. This study reports the development of a novel photochemical system for complex treatment of heavily contaminated wastewaters based on the use of UV‐C light and H2O2. Special attention was focused on the technology employed, including the reactor design, process controls, and performance optimization. The effects of process parameters were studied using 4‐chlorophenol (4CP) as model compound, and verification of this treatment technology was assessed using actual contaminated water. Among the most influential parameters were the 4CP concentration, reaction mixture volume, H2O2 concentration, and irradiation intensity. In contrast, for H2O2 dosing (proportional continuous or cumulative one‐time), the flow rate did not significantly affect process efficacy.
Building Infrastructure for Preservation and Publication of Earthquake Engineering Research Data
Authors: PejÅ¡a Stanislav , Dyke Shirley J. , Hacker Thomas J.
Published: October 2014

The objective of this paper is to showcase the progress of the earthquake engineering community during a decade-long effort supported by the National Science Foundation in the George E. Brown Jr., Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES). During the four years that NEES network operations have been headquartered at Purdue University, the NEEScomm management team has facilitated an unprecedented cultural change in the ways research is performed in earthquake engineering. NEES has not only played a major role in advancing the cyberinfrastructure required for transformative engineering research, but NEES research outcomes are making an impact by contributing to safer structures throughout the USA and abroad. This paper reflects on some of the developments and initiatives that helped instil change in the ways that the earthquake engineering and tsunami community share and reuse data and collaborate in general.
Convergence in capacity of rational approximants of meromorphic functions
Authors: Blatt Hans-Peter
Published: October 2014

Let f be meromorphic on the compact set E ? C with maximal Green domain of
meromorphy Ep(f), p(f) < ?. We investigate rational approximants with
numerator degree ? n and denominator degree ? mn for f. We show that the
geometric convergence rate on E implies convergence in capacity outside E if
mn = o(n) as n ? 1. Further, we show that the condition is sharp and that
the convergence in capacity is uniform for a subsequence ? ? N.
Lagrange-type operators associated with Uan
Authors: Gonska Heiner , Raşa Ioan , Stănilă Elena-Dorina
Published: October 2014

We consider a class of positive linear operators which, among others,
constitute a link between the classical Bernstein operators and the genuine
Bernstein-Durrmeyer mappings. The focus is on their relation to certain
Lagrange-type interpolators associated to them, a well known feature in the
theory of Bernstein operators. Considerations concerning iterated Boolean
sums and the derivatives of the operator images are included. Our main tool
is the eigenstructure of the members of the class.
Does SOX 404 Have Teeth? Consequences of the Failure to Report Existing Internal Control Weaknesses
Authors: Rice Sarah C. , Weber David P. , Wu Biyu
Published: October 2014

We examine various penalties that could serve as enforcement mechanisms for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404. We focus on firms with restatements, some of which had previously reported their control weaknesses as required and some of which acknowledged them only after announcing their restatement. We find no evidence that penalties are more likely for firms, managers, or auditors that fail to report existing control weaknesses. Instead, class action lawsuits, management turnover, and auditor turnover are all more likely in the wake of a restatement when control weaknesses had previously been reported. We find similar, although weaker, evidence for Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sanctions. These results are consistent with disclosure of control weaknesses making it difficult for management to plausibly claim later that they were unaware of the underlying conditions that led to restatements. The results also suggest that the public and private enforcement mechanisms surrounding SOX 404 are unlikely to provide strong incentives for compliance and offer a potential explanation for why most restatements are issued by firms that previously claimed to have effective internal controls.
Evaluation of outcome and prognostic factors for dogs living greater than one year after diagnosis of osteosarcoma: 90 cases (1997–2008)
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Olea-Popelka Francisco , Sefton Jennifer , Aldridge Charles F. , Withrow Stephen J. , Lafferty Mary H. , Rebhun Robert B. , Kent Michael S. , Ehrhart Nicole
Published: October 2014

Objective—To evaluate clinical characteristics, outcome, and prognostic variables in a cohort of dogs surviving > 1 year after an initial diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—90 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Medical records for an 11-year period from 1997 through 2008 were reviewed, and patients with appendicular osteosarcoma that lived > 1 year after initial histopathologic diagnosis were studied. Variables including signalment, weight, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, tumor location, surgery, and adjuvant therapies were recorded. Median survival times were calculated by means of a Kaplan-Meier survival function. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare the survival function for categorical variables, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the likelihood of death > 1 year after diagnosis on the basis of the selected risk factors.

Results—90 dogs met the inclusion criteria; clinical laboratory information was not available in all cases. Median age was 8.2 years (range, 2.7 to 13.3 years), and median weight was 38 kg (83.6 lb; range, 21 to 80 kg [46.2 to 176 lb]). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was high in 29 of 60 (48%) dogs. The most common tumor location was the distal portion of the radius (54/90 [60%]). Eighty-nine of 90 (99%) dogs underwent surgery, and 78 (87%) received chemotherapy. Overall, 49 of 90 (54%) dogs developed metastatic disease. The median survival time beyond 1 year was 243 days (range, 1 to 1,899 days). Dogs that developed a surgical-site infection after limb-sparing surgery had a significantly improved prognosis > 1 year after osteosarcoma diagnosis, compared with dogs that did not develop infections.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study indicated that dogs with an initial diagnosis of osteosarcoma that lived > 1 year had a median survival time beyond the initial year of approximately 8 months. As reported previously, the development of a surgical-site infection in dogs undergoing a limb-sparing surgery significantly affected prognosis and warrants further study.
Outbreak of hepatitis A infection associated with the consumption of frozen berries, Ireland, 2013 - linked to an international outbreak
Authors: Fitzgerald M , Thornton L , O'Gorman J , O’Connor L , Garvey P , Boland M , Part A M , Rogalska J , Coughlan H , MacDiarmada J , Heslin J , Canny M , Finnegan P , Moran J , O’Flanagan D , on behalf of the Hepatitis A Outbreak Control Team Collective
Published: October 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Natural supersaturation conditions needed for nucleation of air-clathrate hydrates in deep ice sheets
Authors: Uchida Tsutomu , Yasuda Keita , Oto Yuya , Shen Renkai , Ohmura Ryo
Published: October 2014

We apply new phase-equilibrium data of air-clathrate hydrates to the distribution of air hydrates in deep ice sheets to better understand their nucleation conditions. By comparing the depths at which the hydrates first appear to the phase-equilibrium condition, we estimated the critical size of an air-hydrate nucleus in an ice sheet to be ~50 nm. The estimated energy barrier for nucleation, based on the temperature dependence of supersaturation, is much smaller than that estimated previously for the pure ice system. Thus, the bubble surface may either act as a type of heterogeneous nucleus, or contain heterogeneous nuclei, for hydrate formation. Competition between nucleation-promotion and nucleation-inhibition factors may increase variation in nucleation rates, resulting in variation of the depth range of the bubble–hydrate transition zones.
High variability of climate and surface mass balance induced by Antarctic ice rises
Authors: Lenaerts Jan T.M. , Brown Joel , Van Den Broeke Michiel R. , Matsuoka Kenichi , Drews Reinhard , Callens Denis , Philippe Morgane , Gorodetskaya Irina V. , Van Meijgaard Erik , Reijmer Carleen H. , Pattyn Frank , Van Lipzig Nicole P.M.
Published: October 2014

Ice rises play key roles in buttressing the neighbouring ice shelves and potentially provide palaeoclimate proxies from ice cores drilled near their divides. Little is known, however, about their influence on local climate and surface mass balance (SMB). Here we combine 12 years (2001–12) of regional atmospheric climate model (RACMO2) output at high horizontal resolution (5.5 km) with recent observations from weather stations, ground-penetrating radar and firn cores in coastal Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica, to describe climate and SMB variations around ice rises. We demonstrate strong spatial variability of climate and SMB in the vicinity of ice rises, in contrast to flat ice shelves, where they are relatively homogeneous. Despite their higher elevation, ice rises are characterized by higher winter temperatures compared with the flat ice shelf. Ice rises strongly influence SMB patterns, mainly through orographic uplift of moist air on the upwind slopes. Besides precipitation, drifting snow contributes significantly to the ice-rise SMB. The findings reported here may aid in selecting a representative location for ice coring on ice rises, and allow better constraint of local ice-rise as well as regional ice-shelf mass balance.
ESI(+)-MS and GC-MS Study of the Hydrolysis of N-Azobenzyl Derivatives of Chitosan
Authors: Pereira Fernanda , Nascimento Heliara , Magalhães Alviclér , Peter Martin , Bataglion Giovana , Eberlin Marcos , González Eduardo
Published: October 2014

New N-p-chloro-, N-p-bromo-, and N-p-nitrophenylazobenzylchitosan derivatives, as well as the corresponding azophenyl and azophenyl-p-sulfonic acids, were synthesized by coupling N-benzylvchitosan with aryl diazonium salts. The synthesized molecules were analyzed by UV-Vis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 15N-NMR spectroscopy. The capacity of copper chelation by these materials was studied by AAS. Chitosan and the derivatives were subjected to hydrolysis and the products were analyzed by ESI(+)-MS and GC-MS, confirming the formation of N-benzyl chitosan. Furthermore, the MS results indicate that a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SnAr) reaction occurs under hydrolysis conditions, yielding chloroaniline from N-p-bromo-, and N-p-nitrophenylazo-benzylchitosan as well as bromoaniline from N-p-chloro-, and N-p-nitrophenylazobenzyl-chitosan.
New Approach to a Practical Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor Utilizing an Inkjet Printing System
Authors: Fuchiwaki Yusuke , Tanaka Masato , Makita Yoji , Ooie Toshihiko
Published: October 2014

The present work demonstrates a valuable approach to developing quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor units inexpensively for reliable determination of analytes. This QCM sensor unit is constructed by inkjet printing equipment utilizing background noise removal techniques. Inkjet printing equipment was chosen as an alternative to an injection pump in conventional flow-mode systems to facilitate the commercial applicability of these practical devices. The results demonstrate minimization of fluctuations from external influences, determination of antigen-antibody interactions in an inkjet deposition, and quantification of C-reactive protein in the range of 50–1000 ng∙mL−1. We thus demonstrate a marketable application of an inexpensive and easily available QCM sensor system.
3,5,11 Needles: Looking For The Perfect Number of Needles--A Randomized And Controlled Study
Authors: Ceccherelli Francesco , Marino Elena , Caliendo Antonio , Dezzoni Rossana , Roveri Antonella , Gagliardi Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

Acupuncture has been successfully used in myofascial pain syndromes. However, the number of needles used, i.e. the “dose” of acupuncture stimulation, to obtain the best antinociceptive efficacy, is still a matter of debate. The question was addressed comparing the clinical
efficacy of 3 different therapeutic schemes, mainly characterized by different numbers of needles used on 90 patients affected by a painful cervical myofascial syndrome. Patients were divided into 3 groups; the first group of 30 patients was treated with 11 needles, the second group of 30
patients was treated with 5 needles and the third group of 30 patients was treated with 3 needles. Each group underwent eight cycles of somatic acupuncture. In each session and in each group, all needles were stimulated until the pain tolerance threshold was reached;"pain tolerance is
the amount of pain a person can handle without breaking down, either physically or emotionally". Pain intensity was evaluated before therapy, immediately after, and at 1 and 3 months follow-up by means of both the Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain and
the repercussion of pain on the patient's quality of life (DOPE- Descriptors Of Pain Effects) were also measured using a test we developed, administered at each session. In all groups, needles were inserted superficially, except for the two most painful trigger points that were deeply inserted.
All groups, independently from the number of needles used, obtained a good and significant therapeutic effect without clinically relevant differences among groups. For this pathology and patients of this kind, the number of needles, 3 or 5 or 11, seems not to be an important variable in determining
the therapeutic effect.
Arabinogalactan proteins mark stigmatic receptivity in the protogynous flowers of Magnolia virginiana (Magnoliaceae)
Authors: Losada Juan M. , Herrero Maria , Hormaza Jose I. , Friedman William E.
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Factors affecting floral receptivity in angiosperms remain opaque, but recent studies suggest that the acquisition of stigmatic receptivity associated with cell‐wall‐related arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) may be a widespread feature of flowering plants. Here, the time during which a stigma is receptive is evaluated and related to the secretion of AGPs in Magnolia virginiana, a protogynous member of an early‐divergent angiosperm clade (magnoliids) with a clearly discernible female receptive phase.

• Methods: Magnolia virginiana flower phenology was documented, and histochemical changes in the stigma before and after pollination were examined. Stigmatic receptivity was evaluated in relation to the secretion of AGPs detected in whole mounts and immunolocalized in sectioned stigmas.

• Key results: Protogynous Magnolia flowers had a precise window of stigmatic receptivity, which is concomitant with the secretion of two AGPs labeled for different epitopes. After pollen germination and tube growth, these two AGPs could no longer be detected in the stigmas, suggesting that these AGPs interact with the growing male gametophytes and could be markers of stigmatic receptivity.

• Conclusions: These results show that the period of stigmatic receptivity is finely coordinated with the secretion of two arabinogalactan proteins on stigmas of flowers of M. virginiana. This first report of AGP presence in stigmatic tissues in a member of the magnoliids, together with recently described similar patterns in eudicots, monocots, and members of early‐divergent lineages of flowering plants, suggests an ancient and widespread role for AGPs on stigmatic receptivity in angiosperms.
Superoxide chemistry revisited: synthesis of tetrachloro-substituted methylenenortricyclenes
Authors: Budanur Basavaraj M , Khan Faiz Ahmed
Published: October 2014

An unexpected reactivity of the superoxide ion leading to the synthesis of tetrachloroaryl/vinyl-substituted nortricyclenes through its dual mode of action has been reported. KO2 was found to be superior and the only reagent to perform this kind of reaction over other conventional bases. Addition of the antioxidant BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) improved the yields of methylenenortricyclenes. A complete deuterium incorporation was observed in the superoxide-mediated reaction in DMSO-d6. Friedel–Crafts acylation reactions of 3-methylenenorticyclenes yielded 2-propanone-substituted pentachloronorbornenes.
Design, Motivation and Performance in a Cooperative MOOC Course
Authors: Castaño-Garrido Carlos , Maiz-Olazabalaga Inmaculada , Garay-Ruiz Urtza
Published: October 2014

MOOCs are seen as the latest evolution in online learning and, since their launch in 2008, they have become an integral part of university course curricula. Despite the social success of these courses, the learning design and efficacy of their results have been questioned. Most current research has focused more on discussing their potential to offer quality, large-scale education worldwide rather than measuring learning outcomes. This paper shows the results of a research study that focused on the pedagogical design of a cooperative MOOC and its influence on motivation and academic results. A Delphi study was used to validate the design, and the motivation variable was controlled using the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). Academic performance was assessed through evidence-based learning. The paper argues that design, which is defined by the students’ intensive use of social networks and the activities they carry out in their Personal Learning Environments, has an influence on performance, and the variable that mediates in that relationship is the level of satisfaction with the perception of the design. The academic results obtained and the students’ motivation support the use of cooperative MOOCs in university education.

Los cursos MOOC se han entendido como la última evolución del aprendizaje en red, y desde su nacimiento en 2008 se han puesto en práctica en un buen número de universidades. A pesar del éxito social de estas propuestas, tanto el diseño del aprendizaje como la eficacia de sus resultados han sido puestos en duda. Actualmente la mayoría de las publicaciones se centran más en discutir su potencial para ofrecer educación de calidad en todo el mundo a gran escala que en la medición rigurosa de los resultados de aprendizaje. El presente trabajo muestra los resultados de una investigación centrada en el diseño pedagógico de un curso MOOC cooperativo y su influencia en la motivación y en los resultados académicos obtenidos. El diseño se ha validado a través de un estudio Delphi y la variable «motivación» se ha controlado a través de un instrumento estandarizado (Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, IMMS). El rendimiento académico se ha evaluado a través de evidencias de aprendizaje. Se defiende que el diseño, definido por una utilización intensiva de redes sociales y realización de actividades por parte de los estudiantes en sus Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje, influye en el rendimiento, y es la satisfacción con la percepción del diseño la variable que media en dicha relación. Los resultados académicos obtenidos y la motivación de los estudiantes avalan la utilización de cursos MOOC cooperativos en estudios universitarios.
Challenges in the Creation, Development and Implementation of MOOCs: Web Science Course at the University of Southampton
Authors: Sánchez-Vera Maria-del-Mar , León-Urrutia Manuel , Davis Hugh
Published: October 2014

Massive is one of the distinctive features of MOOCs which differentiate them from other e-learning experiences. This massiveness entails certain possibilities, but also some challenges that must be taken into consideration when designing and implementing a Massive Open Online Course, in relation to context, work progress, learning activities, assessment, and feedback. This document presents an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the massive aspect of MOOCs, and specifically it narrates the experience of creating a MOOC on Web Science, developed at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) using the new FutureLearn platform, in autumn 2013. In this document, the importance of Web Science as an emerging field is analyzed and its origins explored. The experience gained from the decisions and the work progress developed for the creation and implementation of a specific MOOC is also shared here. The final section of the paper analyses some data from the MOOC in Web Science, including the participation index, the comments and interactions of some participants, tools used, and the organization of facilitation. Challenges involved in running a MOOC related to course design, platform use and course facilitation are also discussed.

El carácter masivo es una de las peculiaridades de los MOOC, que lo diferencian de otro tipo de experiencias de aprendizaje en red. Este hecho configura una serie de posibilidades, pero también una serie de retos que hay que tener en cuenta a la hora de diseñar e implementar un curso masivo en red, en relación, por ejemplo, a los contenidos, el proceso de trabajo, las actividades, la evaluación y el feed-back. Este trabajo presenta un análisis de las ventajas y desventajas del carácter masivo de los MOOC y concretamente describe la experiencia de creación de un MOOC sobre Web Science desarrollada en la Universidad de Southampton (Reino Unido) en la plataforma FutureLearn durante el otoño de 2013. Se analiza la importancia del estudio de la rama de Web Science y cómo se originó esta experiencia. También describen las decisiones y el proceso de trabajo desarrollado para la creación e implementación del MOOC en concreto. Se termina este trabajo analizando alguno de los datos que se han obtenido, como el índice de participación (ligeramente elevado respecto a la media de los MOOC), los comentarios de los participantes, la manera de gestionar la facilitación del curso y algunos de los retos que nos encontramos a la hora de gestionar un MOOC, que se relacionan con el diseño del curso, la plataforma que se utiliza y cómo se organiza la facilitación del curso.
Evaluation of Digital Didactic Skills in Massive Open Online Courses: a Contribution to the Latin American Movement
Authors: Hernández-Carranza Erika Elvira , Romero-Corella Sandra Irene , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad
Published: October 2014

The aim of this article is to present an evaluation of digital teaching skills in a project funded by the National Distance Education System (SINED) in Mexico conducted on a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which was designed to develop competences in teachers in the distance learning or classroom setting for the integration of open educational resources (OER). The course was conducted by the Regional Open Latin American Community for Social and Educational Research (Clarise), and posed the question: how are distance learning didactic competences using OER developed? The aim was to identify and evaluate how OER were used and the form they took throughout the stages of the open education movement. The study deployed a mixed methodology with instruments such as emailed questionnaires for the MOOC participants, viewing screens in the discussion forums and anecdotal evidence. The results show that MOOC participants were able to develop digital teaching skills, identify how to use OER and how the training process occurs in the open education movement. Constraints to the development of these skills were also seen in the acculturation in the open education movement, as well as limitations on the design of distance learning models that promote these skills and the recognition of informal learning.

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la evaluación de competencias digitales didácticas en el entorno de un proyecto financiado por el Sistema Nacional de Educación a Distancia (SINED) de México, donde se llevó a cabo un curso masivo abierto (Massive Open Online Course: MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés), dirigido a desarrollar competencias en profesores de educación a distancia o presencial para integrar recursos educativos abiertos (REA). El curso se impartió a través de la Comunidad Latinoamericana Abierta Regional de Investigación Social y Educativa (Clarise). Se partió de la interrogante ¿cómo se desarrollan las competencias didácticas en ambientes de aprendizaje a distancia que utilizan REA?, con el fin de identificar y evaluar cómo se usan los REA y cómo se está formando a través de las etapas del movimiento educativo abierto. La metodología empleada fue mixta, con instrumentos de cuestionarios electrónicos para los participantes, rejillas de observación en foros de discusión y registros anecdóticos. Los resultados muestran que los participantes en un MOOC, logran desarrollar competencias digitales didácticas, lográndose identificar claramente cómo se usan los REA y cómo se está dando el proceso de formación en el movimiento educativo abierto; sin embargo, también se denotan limitaciones para el desarrollo de estas competencias, tales como la culturización en el movimiento educativo abierto, el diseño de modelos de aprendizaje a distancia que promuevan las competencias y el reconocimiento del aprendizaje informal.
Academic Plagiarism among Secondary and High School Students: Differences in Gender and Procrastination
Authors: Sureda-Negre Jaume , Comas-Forgas Ruben , Oliver-Trobat Miquel Francesc
Published: October 2014

This paper analyses the phenomenon of academic plagiarism among students enrolled in Secondary Education and High School. It is a subject poorly studied at pre-university level and very scantily discussed in the Spanish-speaking context. It investigates the frequency of committing plagiarism and the relationship between gender and procrastination and such practices. A questionnaire was administered to a representative sample (n=2,794). The results show that plagiarism is certainly present and widespread in the secondary classrooms. Furthermore, it shows that men have significantly higher levels of perpetration than women and than students who tend to leave the tasks until the last moment are more likely to plagiarize. The fruits of this research suggest the need to take into serious consideration the magnitude and severity of the problem identified; secondary schools should urgently plan and undertake measures in order to reduce and prevent the commission of this type of academic fraud. Secondly, results are useful to give clear guidance to teachers about the need for them to follow up and apply an effective control of the writing process of academic essays and tasks by students. Improving IT and library competences of the students has been identified as one of the main strategies needed to effectively address the problem.

En este trabajo se analiza el fenómeno del plagio académico entre el alumnado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato. Se trata de un tema poco estudiado en los niveles preuniversitarios y muy escasamente tratado en el contexto hispanohablante. Se investiga la prevalencia de este fenómeno así como su relación con el género y la procrastinación. Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante la administración de un cuestionario a una muestra representativa (n=2.794). Los resultados del estudio muestran que las prácticas constitutivas de plagio están ampliamente extendidas en las aulas de los ciclos educativos medios. Además, se demuestra que los varones presentan niveles de perpetración significativamente superiores a los de las mujeres y que el alumnado que tiende a dejar los trabajos hasta el último momento tiene mayor propensión a cometer plagio. Los frutos de esta investigación sugieren la necesidad de tomar en seria consideración la magnitud y severidad del problema detectado. Los centros de educación secundaria deben proyectar y acometer de manera perentoria medidas en aras de reducir y prevenir la comisión de este tipo de fraudes académicos. Los resultados también hacen recomendable que los docentes hagan un seguimiento y un control efectivo del proceso de elaboración de los trabajos académicos. La mejora de las competencias informacionales del alumnado es señalada como una de las estrategias necesarias para encarar eficazmente el problema.
Leaders and Followers in Social Networking Environments
Authors: Livermore Celia Romm , Rippa Pierluigi
Published: October 2014

This conceptual paper focuses on understanding the characteristics and behaviors of leaders and followers in social networking communities. The study differentiates between four groups of actors: “Established Leaders”, “Emergent Leaders”, “Newbies”, and “Supporters”. Based on a review of the literature on leaders and followers in virtual groups, the Leader/Follower Behavior in Social Networking Environments model is presented. The model assumes that the characteristics of actors determine the type of leader or follower they are likely to become. Building on this assumption, the model considers leader/follower characteristics and behaviors as independent variables that lead to a range of outcomes for actors. The outcomes can range from the leader/follower increasing his/her power, maintaining the same level of power, decreasing his/her power, or leaving the community altogether. The discussion and conclusions section develops the theoretical implications from the model and offers suggestions on how the model can be tested and expanded.
Assessment of Technology Acceptance in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Portela Filipe , Aguiar Jorge , Santos Manuel Filipe , Abelha António , Machado José , Silva Álvaro , Rua Fernando
Published: October 2014

The process of deploy a technology in critical services need to be very careful planned and processed. As an example it is the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In the ICU the patients are in critically ill conditions and there are not available time to make experiences or to develop incomplete systems. With the objective to improve the implementation process, the same should be accompanied in order to understand the environment and user behaviour. In this case and with the goal to evaluate the implementation process, an assessment model was applied to a real system called INTCare. INTCare is a Pervasive Intelligent Decision Support System (PIDSS). It was deployed in the ICU of Centro Hospitalar do Porto and was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM). This assessment was made using the four constructs proposed by the TAM and a questionnaire-based approach guided by the Delphi Methodology. The results obtained so far show that although the users are satisfied with the offered information recognizing this importance, they demand for a faster system. This work present the main results achieved and suggest one way to follow when some technology is deployed in an environment like is ICU.
FcRγ-Chain ITAM Signaling Is Critically Required for Cross-Presentation of Soluble Antibody–Antigen Complexes by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Boross Peter , van Montfoort Nadine , Stapels Daphne A. C. , van der Poel Cees E. , Bertens Christian , Meeldijk Jan , Jansen J. H. Marco , Verbeek J. Sjef , Ossendorp Ferry , Wubbolts Richard , Leusen Jeanette H. W.
Published: October 2014

The uptake of Ag–Ab immune complexes (IC) after the ligation of activating FcγR on dendritic cells (DC) leads to 100 times more efficient Ag presentation than the uptake of free Ags. FcγRs were reported to facilitate IC uptake and simultaneously induce cellular activation that drives DC maturation and mediates efficient T cell activation. Activating FcγRs elicit intracellular signaling via the ITAM domain of the associated FcRγ-chain. Studies with FcRγ-chain knockout (FcRγ−/−) mice reported FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling to be responsible for enhancing both IC uptake and DC maturation. However, FcRγ-chain is also required for surface expression of activating FcγRs, hampering the dissection of ITAM-dependent and independent FcγR functions in FcRγ−/− DCs. In this work, we studied the role of FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling using DCs from NOTAM mice that express normal surface levels of activating FcγR, but lack functional ITAM signaling. IC uptake by bone marrow–derived NOTAM DCs was reduced compared with wild-type DCs, but was not completely absent as in FcRγ−/− DCs. In NOTAM DCs, despite the uptake of ICs, both MHC class I and MHC class II Ag presentation was completely abrogated similar to FcRγ−/− DCs. Secretion of cytokines, upregulation of costimulatory molecules, and Ag degradation were abrogated in NOTAM DCs in response to FcγR ligation. Cross-presentation using splenic NOTAM DCs and prolonged incubation with OVA-IC was also abrogated. Interestingly, in this setup, proliferation of CD4+ OT-II cells was induced by NOTAM DCs. We conclude that FcRγ-chain ITAM signaling facilitates IC uptake and is essentially required for cross-presentation, but not for MHC class II Ag presentation.
The Absence or Overexpression of IL-15 Drastically Alters Breast Cancer Metastasis via Effects on NK Cells, CD4 T Cells, and Macrophages
Authors: Gillgrass Amy , Gill Navkiran , Babian Artem , Ashkar Ali A.
Published: October 2014

IL-15 is a cytokine that can affect many immune cells, including NK cells and CD8 T cells. In several tumor models, IL-15 delays primary tumor formation and can prevent or reduce metastasis. In this study, we have employed a model of breast cancer metastasis to examine the mechanism by which IL-15 affects metastasis. When breast tumor cells were injected i.v. into IL-15−/−, C57BL/6, IL-15 transgenic (TG) and IL-15/IL-15Rα–treated C57BL/6 mice, there were high levels of metastasis in IL-15−/− mice and virtually no metastasis in IL-15 TG or IL-15–treated mice. In fact, IL-15−/− mice were 10 times more susceptible to metastasis, whereas IL-15 TG mice were at least 10 times more resistant to metastasis when compared with control C57BL/6 mice. Depletion of NK cells from IL-15 TG mice revealed that these cells were important for protection from metastasis. When NK cells were depleted from control C57BL/6 mice, these mice did not form as many metastatic foci as IL-15−/− mice, suggesting that other cell types may be contributing to metastasis in the absence of IL-15. We then examined the role of CD4 T cells and macrophages. In IL-15−/− mice, in vivo depletion of CD4 T cells decreased metastasis. The lack of IL-15 in IL-15−/− mice, and possibly the Th2-polarized CD4 T cells, was found to promote the formation of M2 macrophages that are thought to contribute to metastasis formation. This study reveals that whereas IL-15 effects on NK cells are important, it also has effects on other immune cells that contribute to metastasis.
Distinct Roles of the Anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in Dendritic Cell–Mediated Allergic Asthma
Authors: Engelke Carsten , Wiese Anna V. , Schmudde Inken , Ender Fanny , Ströver Heike A. , Vollbrandt Tillmann , König Peter , Laumonnier Yves , Köhl Jörg
Published: October 2014

Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are necessary and sufficient to drive mixed maladaptive Th2/Th17 immune responses toward aeroallergens in experimental allergy models. Previous studies suggest that the anaphylatoxin C3a promotes, whereas C5a protects from the development of maladaptive immunity during allergen sensitization. However, only limited evidence exists that such effects are directly mediated through anaphylatoxin-receptor signaling in cDCs. In this study, we assessed the impact of C3a and C5a on cDC-mediated induction pulmonary allergy by adoptively transferring house dust mite (HDM)–pulsed bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDC) from wild-type (WT) C3aR−/−, C5aR1−/−, or C3aR−/−/C5aR1−/− into WT mice. Transfer of HDM-pulsed WT BMDCs promoted a strong asthmatic phenotype characterized by marked airway resistance, strong Th2 cytokine, and mucus production, as well as mixed eosinophilic and neurophilic airway inflammation. Surprisingly, C3aR−/− cDCs induced a strong allergic phenotype, but no IL-17A production, whereas HDM-pulsed C5aR1−/− cDCs failed to drive pulmonary allergy. Transfer of C3aR−/−/C5aR1−/− cDCs resulted in a slightly reduced allergic phenotype associated with increased IFN-γ production. Mechanistically, C3aR and C5aR1 signaling is required for IL-23 production from HDM-pulsed BMDCs in vitro. Furthermore, C3aR−/− BMDCs produced less IL-1β. The mechanisms underlying the failure of C5aR1−/− BMDCs to induce experimental allergy include a reduced capability to migrate into the lung tissue and a decreased potency to direct pulmonary homing of effector T cells. Thus, we uncovered a crucial role for C5a, but only a minor role for C3a in BMDC-mediated pulmonary allergy, suggesting that BMDCs inappropriately reflect the impact of complement on lung cDC-mediated allergic asthma development.
Proprotein Convertase FURIN Constrains Th2 Differentiation and Is Critical for Host Resistance against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Oksanen Anna , Aittomäki Saara , Jankovic Dragana , Ortutay Zsuzsanna , Pulkkinen Kati , Hämäläinen Sanna , Rokka Anne , Corthals Garry L. , Watford Wendy T. , Junttila Ilkka , O’Shea John J. , Pesu Marko
Published: October 2014

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin enzymes proteolytically convert immature proproteins into bioactive molecules, and thereby they serve as key regulators of cellular homeostasis. The archetype proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin, FURIN, is a direct target gene of the IL-12/STAT4 pathway and it is upregulated in Th1 cells. We have previously demonstrated that FURIN expression in T cells critically regulates the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance and the functional maturation of pro–TGF-β1 in vivo, but FURIN’s role in cell-mediated immunity and Th polarization has remained elusive. In this article, we show that T cell–expressed FURIN is essential for host resistance against a prototypic Th1 pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii, and for the generation of pathogen-specific Th1 lymphocytes, including Th1–IL-10 cells. FURIN-deficient Th cells instead show elevated expression of IL-4R subunit α on cell surface, sensitized IL-4/STAT6 signaling, and a propensity to polarize toward the Th2 phenotype. By exploring FURIN-interacting proteins in Jurkat T cells with Strep-Tag purification and mass spectrometry, we further identify an association with a cytoskeleton modifying Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate/dedicator of cytokinesis 2 protein complex and unravel that FURIN promotes F-actin polymerization, which has previously been shown to downregulate IL-4R subunit α cell surface expression and promote Th1 responses. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that in addition to peripheral immune tolerance, T cell–expressed FURIN is also a central regulator of cell-mediated immunity and Th1/2 cell balance.
Single Sea Urchin Phagocytes Express Messages of a Single Sequence from the DiverseSp185/333Gene Family in Response to Bacterial Challenge
Authors: Majeske Audrey J. , Oren Matan , Sacchi Sandro , Smith L. Courtney
Published: October 2014

Immune systems in animals rely on fast and efficient responses to a wide variety of pathogens. The Sp185/333 gene family in the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, consists of an estimated 50 (±10) members per genome that share a basic gene structure but show high sequence diversity, primarily due to the mosaic appearance of short blocks of sequence called elements. The genes show significantly elevated expression in three subpopulations of phagocytes responding to marine bacteria. The encoded Sp185/333 proteins are highly diverse and have central effector functions in the immune system. In this study we report the Sp185/333 gene expression in single sea urchin phagocytes. Sea urchins challenged with heat-killed marine bacteria resulted in a typical increase in coelomocyte concentration within 24 h, which included an increased proportion of phagocytes expressing Sp185/333 proteins. Phagocyte fractions enriched from coelomocytes were used in limiting dilutions to obtain samples of single cells that were evaluated for Sp185/333 gene expression by nested RT-PCR. Amplicon sequences showed identical or nearly identical Sp185/333 amplicon sequences in single phagocytes with matches to six known Sp185/333 element patterns, including both common and rare element patterns. This suggested that single phagocytes show restricted expression from the Sp185/333 gene family and infers a diverse, flexible, and efficient response to pathogens. This type of expression pattern from a family of immune response genes in single cells has not been identified previously in other invertebrates.
Le lupus discoïde canin : comparaison avec le lupus discoïde chez l'homme
Authors: Bensignor Emmanuel
Published: October 2014

Le lupus discoïde du chien est une entité rapportée dans la littérature vétérinaire depuis plusieurs années, mais les similitudes avec la maladie décrite sous ce nom chez l’homme restent sujettes à caution. Cet article passe en revue les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques, histopathologiques et immunologiques du lupus «discoïde» chez le chien en comparaison avec la maladie humaine. A cause de différences importantes entre les deux dermatoses, il est suggéré de ne plus utiliser le terme lupus discoïde chez le chien pour décrire les atteintes inflammatoires supposées d’origine auto-immune de la truffe.
Uvéites équines et leptospirose
Authors: Desbrosse-Guyon Anne-Marie , Miere Mélanie , Pronost Stéphane , Valon François Xavier
Published: October 2014

Equine uveitis and leptospirosis

The connection between equine uveitis and leptospirosis can be established using various techniques : isolation of the organism ; detection of agglutinative antibodies (micro-agglutination test or MAT) provided antibody levels are very high or rising very fast ; detection of antibodies directed against leptospiral proteins other than lipopolysaccharides (Dot-Blot) ; and finally by genic amplification (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The results obtained with these various methods are discussed here.
Exposition alimentaire aux dioxines et polychloro biphényles (PCB) et mise en place de valeurs réglementaires
Authors: Verger Philippe , Leblanc Jean-Claude
Published: October 2014

Le but de cet article est de faire le point sur les dernières évaluations du risque disponibles traitant de la contamination des aliments par les dioxines. À partir de celles-ci, il apparaît clairement d’une part qu’une fraction importante de la population européenne est exposée au-delà de la dose tolérable et d’autre part qu’il serait irréaliste de retirer du marché les aliments contaminés responsables de cette exposition. En conséquence, des mesures réglementaires ont été prises afin d’exclure de la chaîne alimentaire les aliments hautement contaminés et de viser à une réduction à long terme des sources d’émission.
Le polyéthylène glycol, un puissant suppresseur du cancer colorectal chimio-induit, découvert en étudiant l'effet promoteur des viandes
Authors: Corpet Denis E. , Parnaud Géraldine , Taché Sylviane , Pierre Fabrice
Published: October 2014

L’épidémiologie suggère que ceux qui consomment beaucoup de viande rouge ou de charcuteries ont un risque élevé de développer un cancer colorectal. Nous avons étudié l’effet promoteur de régimes riches en viande de boeuf ou en bacon chez le rat. La promotion a été estimée par la taille des foyers de cryptes aberrantes (FCA) induits dans le colon par un cancérigène, l’azoxyméthane. Ces FCA seraient des lésions pré-néoplasiques. Contrairement à nos hypothèses, la viande rouge n’a pas eu d’effet promoteur, mais le bacon a inhibé la cancérogenèse dans 3 études indépendantes. Nos études récentes montrent que l''hème de la viande rouge est un puissant promoteur des FCA, mais uniquement quand le régime contient très peu de calcium et pas d''antioxydants. En étudiant le mécanisme de la protection paradoxale par le bacon, probablement due à la consommation d’eau par les rats, nous avons découvert un nouvel agent de chimioprévention des cancers digestifs, le polyéthylène glycol (PEG). Le PEG 8000 est l’agent le plus puissant pour supprimer les FCA chez le rat, et seul le célécoxib est plus efficace que le PEG en prévention des cancers intestinaux. Le PEG n’est ni toxique, ni absorbé. Il devrait donc être étudié dans un essai clinique chez l’Homme.
Les coronaviroses des animaux, aspects cliniques et épidémiologiques
Authors: Vannier Philippe
Published: October 2014

The author reviews the current clinical and epidemiological data on human and animal coronaviruses. The clinical expression of coronavirus infections is associated to their tissue tropism which varies from one virus to another (digestive and respiratory epithelia, nervous tissue, liver, peritoneum, pleura…). The tissue specificity is generally well defined and interspecies transmission appears to be very limited.

Two porcine coronaviruses provide a particularly interesting illustration of one of the hypotheses on the origin of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) : porcine Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV) and Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus (PRCV), responsible for acute digestive disorders and pneumonia-like respiratory disorders, respectively. TGEV, first described in 1946, causes severe enteritis, especially in young piglets where the mortality rate is 100% ; its tissue tropism is mainly enteric and only mildly respiratory. PRCV, which appeared in 1986, causes extremely contagious but much less pathogenic respiratory disorders than TGEV. Molecular biology studies showed that this virus is a TGEV mutant, with a deletion on 2 RNA sites which changed its tropism radically to being predominantly respiratory and only mildly enteric, along with reduced virulence and enhanced contagiosity (mainly airborne transmission).

The PRCV epizoonosis coincided with the disappearance of TGEV, which suggests a cross-vaccination phenomenon, supported by the close antigenic relationship between the 2 viruses.