bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Temperate Vegetation Climate Adaptation Variability Using Normalized Land Surface Phenology
Authors: Liang Liang , Schwartz Mark , Zhang Xiaoyang
Published: April 2016

Climate influences geographic differences of vegetation phenology through both contemporary and historical variability. The latter effect is embodied in vegetation heterogeneity underlain by spatially varied genotype and species compositions tied to climatic adaptation. Such long-term climatic effects are difficult to map and therefore often neglected in evaluating spatially explicit phenological responses to climate change. In this study we demonstrate a way to indirectly infer the portion of land surface phenology variation that is potentially contributed by underlying genotypic differences across space. The method undertaken normalized remotely sensed vegetation start-of-season (or greenup onset) with a cloned plants-based phenological model. As the geography of phenological model prediction (first leaf) represents the instantaneous effect of contemporary climate, the normalized land surface phenology potentially reveals vegetation heterogeneity that is related to climatic adaptation. The study was done at the continental scale for the conterminous U.S., with a focus on the eastern humid temperate domain. Our findings suggest that, in an analogous scenario, if a uniform contemporary climate existed everywhere, spring vegetation greenup would occur earlier in the north than in the south. This is in accordance with known species-level clinal variations—for many temperate plant species, populations adapted to colder climates require less thermal forcing to initiate growth than those in warmer climates. This study, for the first time, shows that such geographic adaption relationships are supported at the ecosystem level. Mapping large-scale vegetation climate adaptation patterns contributes to our ability to better track geographically varied phenological responses to climate change.
Decomposition Analysis in Decoupling Transport Output from Carbon Emissions in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zhao Yalan , Kuang Yaoqiu , Huang Ningsheng
Published: April 2016

With a continuously growing share of the world’s overall energy consumption, the transport sector has been acknowledged as one of the most important contributors to global carbon emissions. This paper applies a complete decomposition and decoupling analysis to investigate and quantitatively analyze the main factors influencing the energy-related carbon emissions of the transport (TCE) sector during 1995–2012 in Guangdong, the richest and most populated province in China. Results showed that decoupling level between transport output and TCE was relatively low, especially when compared with year 1995, in which case it remained as expansive coupling. Optimization of tertiary industry structure was the main factor inhibiting TCE increase. However the rapid growth of GDP per capita and population was more powerful at boosting TCE, resulting in elasticity index rising directly. 2005 was a turning point when environmental friendly policies took action, after which decoupling state improved significantly, achieving weak decoupling when comparing adjacent years. By studying TCE and its components, we found that the National 5-Year Plan policy impacts TCE tremendously, which leads to a 5-year periodic pattern of fluctuations. This highlights policy as potentially the most important factor behind Guangdong’s decoupling effort, dwarfing the impact from energy and other inner-drivers.
Watson’s Human Caring Theory: Pertinent Transpersonal and Humanities Concepts for Educators
Authors: Clark Carey
Published: April 2016

Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and the caring moment are based in part in the concepts of transpersonal psychology. This paper will provide a historical background around transpersonal psychology and how it relates to Watson’s human caring moment. The purpose of explicating these humanities-based concepts is to support nurses and nurse educators in creating a deeper understanding of Watson’s caring-healing moment as a time-space continuum, where the nurse’s caring supports a mutually created environment for healing. The article provides useful background information, as well as outlining simple steps to revising nursing curricula so that they become supportive of nursing students’ growth as transpersonal-caring beings.
Comparison of Anthropometric and Atherogenic Indices as Screening Tools of Metabolic Syndrome in the Kazakh Adult Population in Xinjiang
Authors: Zhang Xiang-Hui , Zhang Mei , He Jia , Yan Yi-Zhong , Ma Jiao-Long , Wang Kui , Ma Ru-Lin , Guo Heng , Mu La-Ti , Ding Yu-Song , Zhang Jing-Yu , Liu Jia-Ming , Li Shu-Gang , Niu Qiang , Rui Dong-Sheng , Guo Shu-Xia
Published: April 2016

Objective: To compare the screening ability of various anthropometric and atherogenic indices for Metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three common criteria and to evaluate the validity of suitable parameters in combination for the screening of MetS among a Kazakh population in Xinjiang. Methods: A total of 3752 individuals were selected using the stratified cluster random sampling method from nomadic Kazakhs (≥18 years old) in Xinyuan county, Xinjiang, China, which is approximately 4407 km away from the capital Beijing. MetS was defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each index. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index and cut-offs of each index for the screening of MetS were calculated. Results: According to the IDF, ATP III and JIS criteria, 18.61%, 10.51%, and 24.83% of males and 23.25%, 14.88%, and 25.33% of females had MetS. According to the IDF criteria, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was the index that most accurately identified individuals with and without MetS both in males (AUC = 0.872) and females (AUC = 0.804), with the optimal cut-offs of 0.53 and 0.52, respectively. According to both the ATP III and JIS criteria, the lipid accumulation product (LAP) was the best index to discriminate between individuals with and without MetS in males (AUC = 0.856 and 0.816, respectively) and females (AUC = 0.832 and 0.788, respectively), with optimal cut-offs of 41.21 and 34.76 in males and 28.16 and 26.49 in females, respectively. On the basis of the IDF standard, Youden’s indices of WHtR and LAP serial tests for the screening of MetS were 0.590 and 0.455 in males and females, respectively, and those of WHtR and LAP parallel tests were 0.608 and 0.479, accordingly. Conclusion: According to the IDF, ATP III and JIS criteria, both the WHtR and LAP were better indices for the screening of MetS. The WHtR and LAP parallel test was the most accurate.
A Toxicological Framework for the Prioritization of Children’s Safe Product Act Data
Authors: Smith Marissa , Grice Joshua , Cullen Alison , Faustman Elaine
Published: April 2016

In response to concerns over hazardous chemicals in children’s products, Washington State passed the Children’s Safe Product Act (CSPA). CSPA requires manufacturers to report the concentration of 66 chemicals in children’s products. We describe a framework for the toxicological prioritization of the ten chemical groups most frequently reported under CSPA. The framework scores lifestage, exposure duration, primary, secondary and tertiary exposure routes, toxicokinetics and chemical properties to calculate an exposure score. Four toxicological endpoints were assessed based on curated national and international databases: reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. A total priority index was calculated from the product of the toxicity and exposure scores. The three highest priority chemicals were formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and styrene. Elements of the framework were compared to existing prioritization tools, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ExpoCast and Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi). The CSPA framework allowed us to examine toxicity and exposure pathways in a lifestage-specific manner, providing a relatively high throughput approach to prioritizing hazardous chemicals found in children’s products.
Up-Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNA AB073614 Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Glioma
Authors: Hu Lei , Lv Qiao-Li , Chen Shu-Hui , Sun Bao , Qu Qiang , Cheng Lin , Guo Ying , Zhou Hong-Hao , Fan Lan
Published: April 2016

Dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found in human diseases, especially in cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that dysregulated lncRNAs are implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. LncRNA AB073614 characterized as a new candidate lncRNA promotes the development of ovarian cancer. However, the role of lncRNA AB073614 in human gliomas remains unknown. The expression of AB073614 was detected in 65 glioma tissues and 13 normal brain tissues by qRT-PCR, showing that lncRNA AB073614 expression was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues compared with normal brain tissues (p < 0.001), and it was positively correlated with tumor grade (I–II grades vs. III–IV grades, p = 0.013) in glioma patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that increased AB073614 expression contributed to poor overall survival (HR (hazard ratio) = 1.952, 95%CI: 1.202–3.940, p = 0.0129). Further, univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that lncRNA AB073614 overexpression was an unfavorable prognostic factor in gliomas (HR = 1.997, 95%CI: 1.135–3.514, p = 0.016), regardless of the tumor grade (I–II grades vs. III–IV grades, HR = 1.902, 95%CI: 1.066–3.391, p = 0.029). Finally, after adjustment with age, sex, tumor grade and tumor location, multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that both highly expressed lncRNA AB073614 (HR = 2.606, 95%CI: 1.408–4.824, p = 0.002) and high tumor grade (III–IV grades, HR = 2.720, 95%CI: 1.401–5.282, p = 0.003) could be considered independent poor prognostic indicators for glioma patients. In conclusion, our study suggested that increased lncRNA AB073614 expression may be identified as a poor prognostic biomarker in gliomas.
In Search of New Therapeutic Targets in Obesity Treatment: Sirtuins
Authors: Kurylowicz Alina
Published: April 2016

Most of the available non-invasive medical therapies for obesity are non-efficient in a long-term evaluation; therefore there is a constant need for new methods of treatment. Research on calorie restriction has led to the discovery of sirtuins (silent information regulators, SIRTs), enzymes regulating different cellular pathways that may constitute potential targets in the treatment of obesity. This review paper presents the role of SIRTs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as in the differentiation of adipocytes. How disturbances of SIRTs’ expression and activity may lead to the development of obesity and related complications is discussed. A special emphasis is placed on polymorphisms in genes encoding SIRTs and their possible association with susceptibility to obesity and metabolic complications, as well as on data regarding altered expression of SIRTs in human obesity. Finally, the therapeutic potential of SIRTs-targeted strategies in the treatment of obesity and related disorders is discussed.
Titanium Dioxide Particle Type and Concentration Influence the Inflammatory Response in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Tada-Oikawa Saeko , Ichihara Gaku , Fukatsu Hitomi , Shimanuki Yuka , Tanaka Natsuki , Watanabe Eri , Suzuki Yuka , Murakami Masahiko , Izuoka Kiyora , Chang Jie , Wu Wenting , Yamada Yoshiji , Ichihara Sahoko
Published: April 2016

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used in cosmetics, sunscreens, biomedicine, and food products. When used as a food additive, TiO2 nanoparticles are used in significant amounts as white food-coloring agents. However, the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on the gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. The present study was designed to determine the effects of five TiO2 particles of different crystal structures and sizes in human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. Twenty-four-hour exposure to anatase (primary particle size: 50 and 100 nm) and rutile (50 nm) TiO2 particles reduced cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner in THP-1 macrophages, but in not Caco-2 cells. However, 72-h exposure of Caco-2 cells to anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles reduced cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose (50 µg/mL) of anatase (100 nm), rutile (50 nm), and P25 TiO2 particles also reduced cellular viability in Caco-2 cells. The production of reactive oxygen species tended to increase in both types of cells, irrespective of the type of TiO2 particle. Exposure of THP-1 macrophages to 50 µg/mL of anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles increased interleukin (IL)-1β expression level, and exposure of Caco-2 cells to 50 µg/mL of anatase (50 nm) TiO2 particles also increased IL-8 expression. The results indicated that anatase TiO2 nanoparticles induced inflammatory responses compared with other TiO2 particles. Further studies are required to determine the in vivo relevance of these findings to avoid the hazards of ingested particles.
Up-Regulation of PAI-1 and Down-Regulation of uPA Are Involved in Suppression of Invasiveness and Motility of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by a Natural Compound Berberine
Authors: Wang Xuanbin , Wang Ning , Li Hongliang , Liu Ming , Cao Fengjun , Yu Xianjun , Zhang Jingxuan , Tan Yan , Xiang Longchao , Feng Yibin
Published: April 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and its prognosis remains poor due to the high risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Berberine (BBR) is a natural compound derived from some medicinal plants, and accumulating evidence has shown its potent anti-tumor activity with diverse action on tumor cells, including inducing cancer cell death and blocking cell cycle and migration. Molecular targets of berberine involved in its inhibitory effect on the invasiveness remains not yet clear. In this study, we identified that berberine exhibits a potent inhibition on the invasion and migration of HCC cells. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent down-regulation of expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in berberine-treated HCC cells. Furthermore, berberine inactivated p38 and Erk1/2 signaling pathway in HCC cells. Primarily, this may be attributed to the up-regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a tumor suppressor that can antagonize uPA receptor and down-regulation of uPA. Blockade of uPA receptor-associated pathways leads to reduced invasiveness and motility of berberine-treated HCC cells. In conclusion, our findings identified for the first time that inactivation of uPA receptor by up-regulation of PAI-1 and down-regulation of uPA is involved in the inhibitory effect of berberine on HCC cell invasion and migration.
In Vitro Model for Hepatotoxicity Studies Based on Primary Human Hepatocyte Cultivation in a Perfused 3D Bioreactor System
Authors: Knöspel Fanny , Jacobs Frank , Freyer Nora , Damm Georg , De Bondt An , Van den Wyngaert Ilse , Snoeys Jan , Monshouwer Mario , Richter Marco , Strahl Nadja , Seehofer Daniel , Zeilinger Katrin
Published: April 2016

Accurate prediction of the potential hepatotoxic nature of new pharmaceuticals remains highly challenging. Therefore, novel in vitro models with improved external validity are needed to investigate hepatic metabolism and timely identify any toxicity of drugs in humans. In this study, we examined the effects of diclofenac, as a model substance with a known risk of hepatotoxicity in vivo, in a dynamic multi-compartment bioreactor using primary human liver cells. Biotransformation pathways of the drug and possible effects on metabolic activities, morphology and cell transcriptome were evaluated. Formation rates of diclofenac metabolites were relatively stable over the application period of seven days in bioreactors exposed to 300 µM diclofenac (300 µM bioreactors (300 µM BR)), while in bioreactors exposed to 1000 µM diclofenac (1000 µM BR) metabolite concentrations declined drastically. The biochemical data showed a significant decrease in lactate production and for the higher dose a significant increase in ammonia secretion, indicating a dose-dependent effect of diclofenac application. The microarray analyses performed revealed a stable hepatic phenotype of the cells over time and the observed transcriptional changes were in line with functional readouts of the system. In conclusion, the data highlight the suitability of the bioreactor technology for studying the hepatotoxicity of drugs in vitro.
Colony-PCR Is a Rapid Method for DNA Amplification of Hyphomycetes
Authors: Walch Georg , Knapp Maria , Rainer Georg , Peintner Ursula
Published: April 2016

Fungal pure cultures identified with both classical morphological methods and through barcoding sequences are a basic requirement for reliable reference sequences in public databases. Improved techniques for an accelerated DNA barcode reference library construction will result in considerably improved sequence databases covering a wider taxonomic range. Fast, cheap, and reliable methods for obtaining DNA sequences from fungal isolates are, therefore, a valuable tool for the scientific community. Direct colony PCR was already successfully established for yeasts, but has not been evaluated for a wide range of anamorphic soil fungi up to now, and a direct amplification protocol for hyphomycetes without tissue pre-treatment has not been published so far. Here, we present a colony PCR technique directly from fungal hyphae without previous DNA extraction or other prior manipulation. Seven hundred eighty-eight fungal strains from 48 genera were tested with a success rate of 86%. PCR success varied considerably: DNA of fungi belonging to the genera Cladosporium, Geomyces, Fusarium, and Mortierella could be amplified with high success. DNA of soil-borne yeasts was always successfully amplified. Absidia, Mucor, Trichoderma, and Penicillium isolates had noticeably lower PCR success.
Potential of the Endophytic Fungus Phialocephala fortinii Rac56 Found in Rhodiola Plants to Produce Salidroside and p-Tyrosol
Authors: Cui Jinlong , Guo Tingting , Chao Jianbin , Wang Mengliang , Wang Junhong
Published: April 2016

2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ehyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (salidroside) and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenol (p-tyrosol) are famous food and medicine additives originally derived from alpine Rhodiola plants. Salidroside or p-tyrosol production by the endophytic fungus Rac56 (Phialocephala fortinii) was confirmed by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and 1H-NMR. The fermentation conditions were optimized by orthogonal design using data processing system software. The broth fermentation results showed that salidroside and p-tyrosol extraction yields from Rac56 were stable and reached 1.729 ± 0.06 mg and 1.990 ± 0.05 mg per mL of culture medium, respectively. The optimal conditions for salidroside and p-tyrosol production in fermentation culture of Rac56 were determined to be 25 °C, pH values of 7 and 5, Czapek-Dox culture medium volumes of 150 mL and 50 mL in 250 mL flasks, rotation speeds of 100× g and 200× g, and fermentation durations of 7 and 15 days, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, stable yields of 2.339 ± 0.1093 mg and 2.002 ± 0.0009 mg per mL of culture medium of salidroside and p-tyrosol, respectively, were obtained, indicating that the P. fortinii Rac56 strain is a promising source of these compounds.
Contact and Repellent Activities of the Essential Oil from Juniperus formosana against Two Stored Product Insects
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Zhang Wenjuan , Liang Junyu , You Chunxue , Geng Zhufeng , Wang Chengfang , Du Shushan
Published: April 2016

The chemical composition of the essential oil from Juniperus formosana leaves and its contact and repellent activities against Tribolium castaneum and Liposcelis bostrychophila adults were investigated. The essential oil of J. formosana leaves was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 28 components were identified and the main compounds in the essential oil were α-pinene (21.66%), 4-terpineol (11.25%), limonene (11.00%) and β-phellandrene (6.63%). The constituents α-pinene, 4-terpineol and d-limonene were isolated from the essential oil. It was found that the essential oil exhibited contact activity against T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila adults (LD50 = 29.14 μg/adult and 81.50 µg/cm2, respectively). The compound 4-terpineol exhibited the strongest contact activity (LD50 = 7.65 μg/adult). In addition, data showed that at 78.63 nL/cm2, the essential oil and the three isolated compounds strongly repelled T. castaneum adults. The compounds α-pinene and d-limonene reached the same level (Class V) of repellency as DEET (p = 0.396 and 0.664) against L. bostrychophila at 63.17 nL/cm2 after 2 h treatment. The results indicate that the essential oil and the isolated compounds have potential to be developed into natural insecticides and repellents to control insects in stored products.
Nitrogen Balance and Protein Requirements for Critically Ill Older Patients
Authors: Dickerson Roland
Published: April 2016

Critically ill older patients with sarcopenia experience greater morbidity and mortality than younger patients. It is anticipated that unabated protein catabolism would be detrimental for the critically ill older patient. Healthy older subjects experience a diminished response to protein supplementation when compared to their younger counterparts, but this anabolic resistance can be overcome by increasing protein intake. Preliminary evidence suggests that older patients may respond differently to protein intake than younger patients during critical illness as well. If sufficient protein intake is given, older patients can achieve a similar nitrogen accretion response as younger patients even during critical illness. However, there is concern among some clinicians that increasing protein intake in older patients during critical illness may lead to azotemia due to decreased renal functional reserve which may augment the propensity towards worsened renal function and worsened clinical outcomes. Current evidence regarding protein requirements, nitrogen balance, ureagenesis, and clinical outcomes during nutritional therapy for critically ill older patients is reviewed.
On the Added Value of Quad-Pol Data in a Multi-Temporal Crop Classification Framework Based on RADARSAT-2 Imagery
Authors: Larrañaga Arantzazu , Álvarez-Mozos Jesús
Published: April 2016

Polarimetric SAR images are a rich data source for crop mapping. However, quad-pol sensors have some limitations due to their complexity, increased data rate, and reduced coverage and revisit time. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the added value of quad-pol data in a multi-temporal crop classification framework based on SAR imagery. With this aim, three RADARSAT-2 scenes were acquired between May and June 2010. Once we analyzed the separability and the descriptive analysis of the features, an object-based supervised classification was performed using the Random Forests classification algorithm. Classification results obtained with dual-pol (VV-VH) data as input were compared to those using quad-pol data in different polarization bases (linear H-V, circular, and linear 45°), and also to configurations where several polarimetric features (Pauli and Cloude–Pottier decomposition features and co-pol coherence and phase difference) were added. Dual-pol data obtained satisfactory results, equal to those obtained with quad-pol data (in H-V basis) in terms of overall accuracy (0.79) and Kappa values (0.69). Quad-pol data in circular and linear 45° bases resulted in lower accuracies. The inclusion of polarimetric features, particularly co-pol coherence and phase difference, resulted in enhanced classification accuracies with an overall accuracy of 0.86 and Kappa of 0.79 in the best case, when all the polarimetric features were added. Improvements were also observed in the identification of some particular crops, but major crops like cereals, rapeseed, and sunflower already achieved a satisfactory accuracy with the VV-VH dual-pol configuration and obtained only minor improvements. Therefore, it can be concluded that C-band VV-VH dual-pol data is almost ready to be used operationally for crop mapping as long as at least three acquisitions in dates reflecting key growth stages representing typical phenology differences of the present crops are available. In the near future, issues regarding the classification of crops with small field sizes and heterogeneous cover (i.e., fallow and grasslands) need to be tackled to make this application fully operational.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Multiple Cropping Indices in the North China Plain Using a Long Remote Sensing Data Time Series
Authors: Zhao Yan , Bai Linyan , Feng Jianzhong , Lin Xiaosong , Wang Li , Xu Lijun , Ran Qiyun , Wang Kui
Published: April 2016

Multiple cropping provides China with a very important system of intensive cultivation, and can effectively enhance the efficiency of farmland use while improving regional food production and security. A multiple cropping index (MCI), which represents the intensity of multiple cropping and reflects the effects of climate change on agricultural production and cropping systems, often serves as a useful parameter. Therefore, monitoring the dynamic changes in the MCI of farmland over a large area using remote sensing data is essential. For this purpose, nearly 30 years of MCIs related to dry land in the North China Plain (NCP) were efficiently extracted from remotely sensed leaf area index (LAI) data from the Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS). Next, the characteristics of the spatial-temporal change in MCI were analyzed. First, 2162 typical arable sample sites were selected based on a gridded spatial sampling strategy, and then the LAI information was extracted from the samples. Second, the Savizky-Golay filter was used to smooth the LAI time-series data of the samples, and then the MCIs of the samples were obtained using a second-order difference algorithm. Finally, the geo-statistical Kriging method was employed to map the spatial distribution of the MCIs and to obtain a time-series dataset of the MCIs of dry land over the NCP. The results showed that all of the MCIs in the NCP showed an increasing trend over the entire study period and increased most rapidly from 1982 to 2002. Spatially, MCIs decreased from south to north; also, high MCIs were mainly concentrated in the relatively flat areas. In addition, the partial spatial changes of MCIs had clear geographical characteristics, with the largest change in Henan Province.
Shutoff of Host Gene Expression in Influenza A Virus and Herpesviruses: Similar Mechanisms and Common Themes
Authors: Rivas Hembly , Schmaling Summer , Gaglia Marta
Published: April 2016

The ability to shut off host gene expression is a shared feature of many viral infections, and it is thought to promote viral replication by freeing host cell machinery and blocking immune responses. Despite the molecular differences between viruses, an emerging theme in the study of host shutoff is that divergent viruses use similar mechanisms to enact host shutoff. Moreover, even viruses that encode few proteins often have multiple mechanisms to affect host gene expression, and we are only starting to understand how these mechanisms are integrated. In this review we discuss the multiplicity of host shutoff mechanisms used by the orthomyxovirus influenza A virus and members of the alpha- and gamma-herpesvirus subfamilies. We highlight the surprising similarities in their mechanisms of host shutoff and discuss how the different mechanisms they use may play a coordinated role in gene regulation.
Recent Advances in Subunit Vaccine Carriers
Authors: Vartak Abhishek , Sucheck Steven
Published: April 2016

The lower immunogenicity of synthetic subunit antigens, compared to live attenuated vaccines, is being addressed with improved vaccine carriers. Recent reports indicate that the physio-chemical properties of these carriers can be altered to achieve optimal antigen presentation, endosomal escape, particle bio-distribution, and cellular trafficking. The carriers can be modified with various antigens and ligands for dendritic cells targeting. They can also be modified with adjuvants, either covalently or entrapped in the matrix, to improve cellular and humoral immune responses against the antigen. As a result, these multi-functional carrier systems are being explored for use in active immunotherapy against cancer and infectious diseases. Advancing technology, improved analytical methods, and use of computational methodology have also contributed to the development of subunit vaccine carriers. This review details recent breakthroughs in the design of nano-particulate vaccine carriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles.
Remarques sur le Quaternaire de la plaine côtière du Néguev septentrional (Israël)
Authors: Nir Dov
Published: April 2016

Le rivage anté-quaternaire dans la plaine côtière du Néguev est bien remarquable pat le contact entre les dépôts fluviatites et tes dépôts côtiers (Nahal Patiche, N. Guerar, N. Shikma). Les dépôts de la transgression sicilienne ancienne affleurent près de Tell Sherouhan à 78-80 mètres ; les grès de plage, près de En Besor, dans une altitude de 56-58 mètres, sont attribués à la transgression néo-sicilienne . Les sables à l'ouest de N. Besor, d'un âge quaternaire inférieur, n'étant pas altérés dans les «sables rouges» de la région méditerranéenne, indiquent la persistance des conditions arides . Par opposition, la plaine de Besor, n'étant pas disséquée, permet de supposer l'existence d'une couverture végétale protectrice jusqu'à l'Holocène. L'avancement du loess a déversé le talweg anté-quaternaire de N. Beer Chéva vers sa position actuelle. La limite d'aridité quaternaire devait passer entre la plaine de Besor et les sables anciens .
Approches et gestion participatives, affichage et réalités. Réflexions autour des espaces protégés du Canada, d'Australie et de Nouvelle-Zélande (Participative approaches and management, publicizing and realities. Reflexions about protected spaces in Canada, Australia and New Zealand)
Authors: Héritier Stéphane
Published: April 2016

Le texte interroge les modalités de la participation des populations locales à la gestion d'espaces protégés en Australie, au Canada et en Nouvelle-Zélande. Le texte postule que la participation s 'inscrit essentiellement dans une relation de pouvoir, conduisant à une recomposition des relations et des processus d'échanges entre les acteurs et aboutissant à l 'acceptation du pouvoir ou à un repositionnement des acteurs au sein du «champ du pouvoir ». Cette approche, s 'appuyant sur des exemples concrets d'espaces protégés, permet de hiérarchiser des niveaux de participation et d'identifier un champ de la participation au sein duquel les tensions servent la réorganisation et la recomposition des rapports entre les parties prenantes, offrant une possibilité de dépasser les appréciations et critiques binaires souvent apportées aux questions de participation.
Influence de la structure du paysage forestier sur l'exposition des populations humaines aux tiques. Le cas de la borréliose de Lyme en forêt de Sénart (Île-de-France) (Influence of forest landscape structures on human populations ' exposure to ticks. The case of Lyme borreliosis in Sénart forest)
Authors: Meha Christelle
Published: April 2016

The contact between humans and vectors poses a major public health at local, regional and global scales. If Lyme borreliosis transmitted by tick populations mainly affects forest professionals, it concerns also those who have leisure and recreation activities in the forest. Therefore, the analysis of contacts between the routes used by people in forests where ticks live, and the spaces and environments considered to be of risk (the most suitable habitat for ticks) constitutes a privileged avenue of study. We examine these spatial dynamics, and present ways to minimize risk via the landscape and design.
Migrinter. Quand les migrations internationales croisent les questions de santé. (Migrinter. When international migrations cross health issues)
Authors: Hoyez Anne-Cécile
Published: April 2016

This contribution aims at presenting the collective work undertaken in Migrinter, at the crossroads between international migrations and health. Collectively, we analyse the link between these two broad domains from the point of view of migrant populations, health and social workers (and their institutions) and the voluntary sector, as well as in the light of public policies (migratory and health policies), local contexts, global knowledge of healthcare system and other systems of health representation.
La croissance des nuisances routières : une source d'inégalités non reconnues
Authors: Viard Claudine
Published: April 2016

La croissance constante de la circulation routière s'accompagne d'inégalités que la puissance publique se refuse à admettre et à corriger. Malgré des études réalisées par des organismes publics montrant que la pollution chronique de l'air tue, que la valeur des immeubles des riverains baisse, le choix de la route continue à prévaloir. Il génère mécaniquement une demande d'infrastructures accrue, toujours satisfaite, sans compensation des riverains, car le droit refuse de les reconnaître comme victimes et d'admettre concrètement qu'il y a un intérêt général à améliorer la qualité de l'air et à protéger la population contre le bruit. Pourtant des Etats européens montrent une alternative. Ils prennent des mesures effectives pour développer les modes de circulation douce dans les centres urbains et transférer au rail une part croissante du transport de marchandises longue distance. C'est notamment le cas de la Suisse.

L'audit commandé par le Gouvernement Raffarin à des ingénieurs des Ponts et Chaussées montre que le changement de cap n'est probablement pas pour demain.
Décentralisation constitutionnelle et environnement
Authors: Lambert Marie-Laure
Published: April 2016

La décentralisation, renforcée par la loi du 28 mars 2003, marque déjà la gestion de l'eau, des déchets et des réserves naturelles, et pourrait faire progresser d'autres domaines du droit de l'environnement, par le biais d'expérimentations nationales ou locales.

Ainsi, pourrait se développer une gestion plus cohérente du patrimoine naturel, selon des indicateurs de qualité, des objectifs de « naturalité », dans le cadre de régions biogéographiques. De même la prévention de la pollution atmosphérique ou agricole, le développement des énergies renouvelables, la prise en compte localement du principe de précaution ou de protection (dans des dossiers comme la téléphonie mobile ou les OGM) pourraient être des domaines d'initiatives locales enrichissantes.

Mais inversement, la décentralisation est porteuse de risques : si le contrôle de l'Etat ou le contrôle citoyen s'affaiblit, la tentation de déroger aux règles protectrices (comme celles du littoral ou de la montagne) pourrait l'emporter, et la mise en concurrence de régions inégalement riches pourrait conduire à des situations très déséquilibrées et à une gestion non solidaire de l'environnement en France.
Consommation et environnement
Authors: Doussan Isabelle
Published: April 2016

Cette chronique rend compte de l'évolution du droit de la consommation lorsqu'il rencontre des préoccupations environnementales, l'accent est mis sur les produits agroalimentaires et des thèmes au cœur de la synergie droit de la consommation/protection de l'environnement sont notamment développés tels que l'utilisation des OGM, les dénominations des produits agricoles en rapport avec la protection de l'environnement (label agriculture biologique et autres appellations).
Formal Evaluation of PYNK: Breast Cancer Program for Young Women—The Patient Perspective
Authors: Cohen L. , Hamer J. , Helwig C. , Fergus K. , Kiss A. , Mandel R. , Dawson B. , Landsberg A. , Shein K. , Kay N. , Warner E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess patient satisfaction with PYNK: Breast Cancer Program for Young Women so as to determine how the program might be improved and to provide feedback to donors. Methods: All PYNK patients who had consented to have their information entered in our database and who supplied us with their e-mail address were invited to complete a 58-item online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Domains included demographics, provision of written and spoken information, support, infertility risk, research awareness, attitudes toward discharge, and general feedback. Results: Of 120 PYNK patients approached, 61 (51%) participated. More than 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with the timing, usefulness, and clarity of spoken and written information given, and 69% found the service and support provided by the nurse navigator to be the most helpful component of the program. Of those who had received systemic therapy, 93% recalled a health care provider initiating a discussion of the risk of treatment-related infertility, and 67% were referred to a fertility clinic. On the negative side, 11%–27% were unaware of various services provided by pynk, and 11% were unaware of PYNK’s ongoing research. One third of patients were unhappy or ambivalent about the prospect of discharge from the program. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with this novel program for young women with breast cancer is high. This study highlights the critical role that the nurse navigator plays in patient support and dissemination of information. In contrast to other reported surveys of young cancer patients, PYNK patients are routinely given the opportunity to undergo fertility preservation.
Immunotherapy with Imiquimod and Interferon Alfa for Metastasized Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wahl R.U. , Braunschweig T. , Ghassemi A. , Rübben A.
Published: April 2016

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumour of the skin. Remission rates are high with chemotherapy in patients with metastasis, but without any improvement in overall survival. We present the case of a 90-year-old woman with facial MCC. After radiation and surgery, the MCC recurred with widespread cutaneous and regional lymph node metastases. The metastases were treated with weekly intralesional injections of 1–2×106 IU interferon alfa-2a, accompanied by topical imiquimod 5% cream 3 times weekly. After partial regression, subcutaneous pegylated interferon alfa-2b was added at a dose of 30 μg weekly, which was then increased to 50 μg weekly. At 4 months after the start of immunotherapy, all cutaneous metastases and the intralesionally treated lymph node metastases receded. Interruption or reduction of systemic interferon application resulted in locoregional relapses that were successfully treated with surgery or intralesional interferon injections. The patient remains alive 30 months after initiation of immunotherapy, suggesting that locally metastasized MCC might be able to be controlled with local and systemic immunotherapy.
Training the Trainer: Five Practical Considerations for Your First Five Years in Practice
Authors: Jacobs C. , Joy A.A. , Clemons M. , Mazzarello S. , Fralick M.
Published: April 2016

Congratulations, you’ve made it! After years of studying, subspecialist training, and rounds of interviews, you have a staff position [...]
In situ observation of deformation processes in nanocrystalline face-centered cubic metals
Authors: Kobler Aaron , Brandl Christian , Hahn Horst , Kübel Christian
Published: April 2016

The atomistic mechanisms active during plastic deformation of nanocrystalline metals are still a subject of controversy. The recently developed approach of combining automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM) and in situ straining inside a transmission electron microscope was applied to study the deformation of nanocrystalline PdxAu1−x thin films. This combination enables direct imaging of simultaneously occurring plastic deformation processes in one experiment, such as grain boundary motion, twin activity and grain rotation. Large-angle grain rotations with ≈39° and ≈60° occur and can be related to twin formation, twin migration and twin–twin interaction as a result of partial dislocation activity. Furthermore, plastic deformation in nanocrystalline thin films was found to be partially reversible upon rupture of the film. In conclusion, conventional deformation mechanisms are still active in nanocrystalline metals but with different weighting as compared with conventional materials with coarser grains.
RESEARCH OF EFFECTIVENESS OF DISK SHAPED ELEMENTS FOR OIL REMOVAL / DISKINIŲ NAFTOS SURINKIMO ELEMENTŲ EFEKTYVUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Andrulionis Robertas , Švagždytė Ieva
Published: April 2016

Influence of grooved disc rotation speed and inclination angle of fluid from surface on amount of removed liquid, was studied in this article. Stand with possibility to change disc, rotation speed of disc and angle was designed and assembled. U and V shaped groove discs were used. Edible and industrial oil SAE 80W90 were removed from water surface and collected into the flash. Optimal disc rotation speed, which is 15 rpm and disc inclination angle 00 were determined after analysis of results.
Straipsnyje išnagrinėta skirtingais griovėtais diskais nuo vandens paviršiaus surenkamo skysčio ir jame esančio vandens kiekio priklausomybė nuo griovėto disko sukimosi greičio ir polinkio kampo. Buvo suprojektuotas stendas su galimybėmis pakeisti diską, disko sukimosi greičius bei polinkio kampą. Naudotų diskų griovelių geometrija V ir U formos. Nuo vandens paviršiaus disku buvo renkamas maistinis aliejus ir tepalai 80W90 į sugraduotą kolbą. Atlikus gautų rezultatų analizę, nustatytas optimalus disko sukimosi greitis, kuris lygus 15 aps/min, o polinkio kampas lygus 0°.
FEM MODELLING OF OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRA L1 DUE TO BENDING LOAD / OSTEOPOROTINIO SLANKSTELIO L1 ĮTEMPTOJO BŪVIO SKAITINIS TYRIMAS BEM ESANT LENKIMO APKROVAI
Authors: Ardatov Oleg , Maknickas Algirdas , Kačianauskas Rimantas
Published: April 2016

The article presents modeling of human lumbar vertebra L1 and it‘s stress analysis using finite elements method. The problem of tissue degradation is raised. Using the computer aided modeling with SolidWorks software the numerical model of lumbar vertebra and intervertebral disks were created. The article contains statistics of spreading of osteoporosis, description of modeling meth-ods and the results of bending test for various types of tissue degradation.
Straipsnyje yra atliekamas stuburo juosmeninės dalies slankstelio (L1) modeliavimas ir tyrimas baigtinių elementų metodu (BEM). Yra sukuriamas erdvinis skaitinis modelis programinės įrangos SolidWorks aplinkoje. Sudaroma slankstelio skaičiuojamoji schema, modeliui suteikiama lenkimo apkrova sagitalinėje ir frontalinėje plokštumoje. Nagrinėjamas modelio įtemptasis būvis kartu simuliuojant senėjimo procesų ir osteoporozės poveikį, kuris pasireiškia audinio silpnėjimu. Audinio degradacija yra modeliuojama taikant empiriniu būdu nustatytas išraiškas, kurios nurodo priklausomybes tarp mechaninių savybių ir akytojo kaulo tankio.
RESEARCH OF DYNAMICS OF MECHATRONICAL ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM / MECHATRONINIO KAMPO MATAVIMO KOMPARATORIAUS DINAMIKOS TYRIMAI
Authors: Prokopovič Valdemar , Makarskas Vytautas , Kilikevičius Artūras
Published: April 2016

The article describes the dynamics researches of mechanical system of angle comparator. The goal of research is to determine the stability of mechanical system of angle comparator. Perfor-med the dynamic model of carriage of angle comparator which was conducted the theoretical research in Matlab environment.
Straipsnyje aprašyti precizinės kampo komparatoriaus mechaninės sistemos dinamikos tyrimai. Tyrimo tikslas nustatyti precizinės kampo komparatoriaus mechaninės sistemos stabilumą. Sudarytas precizinės kampo komparatoriaus karietėlės dinaminis modelis, kuriuo pasitelkus buvo atliktas teorinis tyrimas „Matlab“ aplinkoje. Atlikti tyrimai leidžia nustatyti sistemos dinamines charakteristikas, kurios parodo sistemos trūkumus.
OVERVIEW OF CRANE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THE RELATED PROBLEMS: ANALYSIS OF CONTAINER OSCILLATION USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARGOES / KONTEINERINIO KRANO VALDYMO SISTEMŲ IR PROBLEMŲ APŽVALGA: KONTEINERIO SU SKIRTINGAIS KROVINIAIS SVYRAVIMŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Eglynas Tomas , Bogdevičius Marijonas , Andziulis Arūnas , Lenkauskas Tomas
Published: April 2016

Growing international trading increased cargo transportation in containers, therefore the port cranes have higher loads. Increased cargo flows can influence transportation safety. It is therefore necessary to review the crane systems and determine what factors might influence the volatility of the container and its cargo during transportation. The paper includes consideration and analysis of crane control systems and related problems. The authors consider the reasons of problems, probable damage and solution methods. The paper also provides the analysis of the relationship between different container cargoes and container oscillations occurring during handling operations using a container crane prototype. The analysis of the effect of different cargoes in containers on loading process and the results of occurring oscillations are presented.
Didėjant tarpžemyninei prekybai, išaugo krovinių gabenimas jūriniais konteineriais, todėl uoste esantiems kranams tenka didesnis transportavimo krūvis. Padidėję krovinių srautai daro įtaką transportavimo saugumui, todėl reikia apžvelgti krano sistemas ir nustatyti, kokie veiksniai gali daryti įtaką konteinerio svyravimams transportavimo metu. Šiame darbe yra nagrinėjamos ir analizuojamos konteinerinių kranų valdymo sistemos ir su jomis susijusios problemos. Autoriai nagrinėja problemų priežastis, galimą žalą ir sprendimui taikomus metodus. Straipsnyje pateikiama ryšio tarp skirtingų konteinerio krovinių ir svyravimų, atsirandančių krovos darbų metu, analizė, naudojant konteinerinio krano prototipą. Darbe taip pat pateikiami svyravimų analizės rezultatai, įvertinant skirtingų konteineryje esančių krovinių įtaką krovos procesui.
QUALITY CULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE / PRAMONĖS ĮMONIŲ KOKYBĖS KULTŪROS PLĖTOJIMAS
Authors: Baravska Renata
Published: April 2016

This article examines the theoretical viewpoint of quality culture, its formation in industrial plants. Here is discussed cultural ap-proach to quality. It is determined that quality based on a cultural perspective is implemented not only by using tools and methods, but it is the result of cultural factors – exactly the company's values and practices. The values that affect a successful quality culture's integration into entire company's activity are overviewed. This article presents the study of key factors influencing the quality culture's development and it is proposed a conceptual model. The conclusions of performed empirical studies confirm that leadership and company's culture are of paramount im-portance and are the main success factors in developing of the quality culture in the company. The connection between leader-ship and empowerment certifies that each company itself is re-sponsible for the formation of the quality culture. Šiame straipsnyje teoriškai nagrinėjama kokybės kultūra, jos formavimas pramonės įmonėse, aptariamas kultūrinis požiūris į kokybę. Nustatoma, kad kokybė, kuri grindžiama kultūriniu požiūriu, yra įgyvendinama ne tik įrankiais ir metodais, o yra kultūrinių veiksnių rezultatas, kurie pagrįsti įmonės vertybėmis ir gerąja praktika. Straipsnyje apžvelgiamos vertybės, kurios daro įtaką sėkmingai kokybės kultūros integracijai į visą įmonės veiklą, pateikiamas kokybės kultūros plėtojimą įtakojančių esminių veiksnių tyrimas ir siūlomas koncepcinis situacijos tyrimo modelis. Atliktų empirinių tyrimų išvados patvirtina, kad lyderystė ir įmonės kultūra yra svarbiausi sėkmės veiksniai. Vadovai turi motyvuoti darbuotojus įgyvendinti teigiamus įmonės kultūros pokyčius. Kiekviena įmonė pati yra atsakinga už kokybės kultūros formavimą.