bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Spatially and Temporally Continuous Bicycle Volumes by Using Sparse Data
Authors: Gosse C. Alec , Clarens Andres
Published: December 2014

Prioritization of networkwide bicycle investments is data limited in the United States. The framework proposed in this paper addresses the temporal factoring of sparse bicycle counts through Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling and introduces a novel spatial factoring method to expand estimates of bicycle usage to all network edges. Bicycle usage varies widely on the basis of weather, infrastructure, trip origin and destination, and cultural expectations, and this variability necessitates more-detailed volume models than those that suffice for automobile use. A multilevel temporal model that includes hourly, weather-related, and commute-day factors maximizes the information obtained from sparse count observations. Spatial factoring then extends these data to cover unobserved streets through Bayesian updating of prior estimates from a regional travel demand model informed by an edge correlation matrix. For a small city in the United States with some manual volunteer bicycle counts and no permanent counting infrastructure, the proposed framework was able to estimate an edge-specific bicycle usage networkwide reasonably and, unlike typical factoring methods, as distributions rather than single values. This rigorous characterization of parameter variance allows planners and software to interpret results appropriately and to avoid the common misconception that all model outputs are equally valid. The framework is globally applicable because it is based on open-source tools and data and will be used in the upcoming long-range plan for the study region. By providing comprehensive safety exposure data, the framework enables networkwide safety prioritization with empirical Bayes methods to allocate scarce funds.
Automated Analysis of Pedestrians’ Nonconforming Behavior and Data Collection at an Urban Crossing
Authors: Zaki Mohamed H. , Sayed Tarek
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses the automated analysis of pedestrians’ conformance behavior and data collection in an intersection with a perceived high rate of traffic conflicts involving pedestrians. The intersection is located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Despite implementation of countermeasures such as reducing the speed limit, safety issues linger at the intersection. The intersection is characterized by a high pedestrian volume and considerable crossing violations by pedestrians, which elevate the safety risk and disrupt vehicle traffic flow. A challenge in performing pedestrian road safety analysis is the shortfall of reliable data. Recent advances in automated detection of pedestrians through the use of computer vision expanded the range of applications in traffic safety. In this study, an automated system for identifying pedestrian crossing nonconformance to traffic regulations by using pattern matching was developed and tested. The results show satisfactory accuracy in detecting both spatial and temporal violations, with the detection rate for violations being more than 84% correct. The automated collection of pedestrian data on crossing speed and counts is also demonstrated with high accuracy. The availability of these data is important for diagnosing the safety issues at the intersection and for justifying capital for implementing pedestrian safety countermeasures.
Institutionalizing Bicycle and Pedestrian Monitoring Programs in Three States
Authors: Lindsey Greg , Nordback Krista , Figliozzi Miguel Andres
Published: December 2014

Information about nonmotorized traffic is needed to support management of transportation systems. However, transportation officials across the United States generally have not monitored nonmotorized traffic, and most agencies lack bicycle and pedestrian counts. This paper describes current efforts by the Colorado, Minnesota, and Oregon Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to establish programs for monitoring non-motorized traffic. With FHWA principles for traffic monitoring as a framework, this case study summarizes state approaches for initiating monitoring, agency collaboration with local governments, and continuous and short-duration monitoring efforts. Agency protocols for data collection, analysis, and management, including development of factors for purposes such as estimating average daily bicyclists or bicycle miles traveled, are also compared. Agency efforts to demonstrate the effectiveness of monitoring technologies are described. This study reveals similar objectives across states, both similarities and differences in approaches, differing rates of implementation, and similar problems in implementation. The paper summarizes lessons learned and identifies challenges that DOTs will face in institutionalizing the monitoring of nonmotorized traffic.
The nonsurgical nature of patients with subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage associated with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ditty Benjamin J. , Omar Nidal B. , Foreman Paul M. , Patel Daxa M. , Pritchard Patrick R. , Okor Mamerhi O.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), as defined by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 or higher, is a common problem in the United States and worldwide, estimated to affect more than 1 million patients yearly. When associated with intracranial hemorrhage, it is a common reason for neurosurgical consultation and transfer to tertiary care centers. The authors set out to investigate the clinical implications of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and/or intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) associated with mTBI in hopes of standardization of mTBI clinical care and optimization of resource allocation.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of 500 consecutively treated patients with mTBI and SAH and/or IPH admitted to a Level I trauma center in Alabama between May 2003 and May 2013. They performed a review of medical records to confirm the diagnosis, determine neurological condition at admission, and assess for episodes of neurological decline or brain injury–related complications including altered mental status, seizures, and hyponatremia.

RESULTS

Of the 500 patients for whom data were reviewed, 304 (60.8%) were male and 196 (39.2%) were female. Average age was 46.3 years. Overall, 63 patients (12.6%) had isolated IPH, 411 (82.2%) had isolated SAH, and 26 (5.2%) had radiographic evidence of both IPH and SAH. One hundred forty-five patients (29%) were transferred an average distance of 64.5 miles. The authors identified no patients who experienced neurological worsening during their hospital course. Two patients experienced hyponatremia that required treatment with sodium supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with the constellation of SAH and/or IPH and mTBI do not require neurosurgical consultation, and these findings should not be used as the sole criteria to justify transfer to tertiary referral centers.
Relationship of vocal cord paralysis to the coil diameter of vagus nerve stimulator leads
Authors: Robinson Leslie C. , Winston Ken R.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

This investigation was done to examine, following implantation of vagus nerve stimulators, the relationship of vocal cord paralysis to the inner diameter of the coils used to attach the stimulator lead to the nerve.

Methods

All data in this investigation were collected, as mandated by the FDA, by the manufacturer of vagus nerve stimulators and were made available without restrictions for analysis by the authors. The data reflect all initial device implantations in the United States for the period from 1997 through 2012.

Results

Vocal cord paralysis was reported in 193 of 51,882 implantations. In patients aged 18 years and older, the incidence of paralysis was 0.26% when the stimulator leads had coil diameters of 3 mm and 0.51% when the leads had 2-mm-diameter coils (p < 0.05). Across all age groups, the incidence of vocal cord paralysis increased with age at implantation for leads having 2-mm-diameter coils.

Conclusions

In patients aged 18 years and older, vocal cord paralysis occurred at almost twice the rate with the implantation of vagus nerve stimulator leads having 2-mm-diameter coils than with leads having 3-mm-diameter coils. The incidence of vocal cord paralysis increases with patient age at implantation.
Venous organization in the transverse foramen: dissection, histology, and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Magro Elsa , Gentric Jean-Christophe , Talagas Matthieu , Alavi Zarrin , Nonent Michel , Dam-Hieu Phong , Seizeur Romuald
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The anatomical arrangement of the venous system within the transverse foramen is controversial; there is disagreement whether the anatomy consists of a single vertebral vein or a confluence of venous plexus. Precise knowledge of this arrangement is necessary in imaging when vertebral artery dissection is suspected, as well as in surgical approaches for the cervical spine. This study aimed to better explain anatomical organization of the venous system within the transverse foramen according to the Trolard hypothesis of a transverse vertebral sinus.

METHODS

This was an anatomical and radiological study. For the anatomical study, 10 specimens were analyzed after vascular injection. After dissection, histological cuts were prepared. For the radiological study, a high-resolution MRI study with 2D time-of-flight segment MR venography sequences was performed on 10 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Vertebral veins are arranged in a plexiform manner within the transverse canal. This arrangement begins at the upper part of the transverse canal before the vertebral vein turns into a single vein along with the vertebral artery running from the transverse foramen of the C-6. This venous system runs somewhat ventrolaterally to the vertebral artery. In most cases, this arrangement is symmetrical and facilitates radiological readings. The anastomoses between vertebral veins and ventral longitudinal veins are uniform and arranged segmentally at each vertebra.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm recent or previous anatomical descriptions and invalidate others. It is hard to come up with a common description of the arrangement of vertebral veins. The authors suggest providing clinicians as well as anatomists with a well-detailed description of components essential to the understanding of this organization.
Carbon dioxide laser for corpus callosotomy in the pediatric population
Authors: Choudhri Omar , Lober Robert M. , Camara-Quintana Joaquin , Yeom Kristen W. , Guzman Raphael , Edwards Michael S. B.
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The authors describe the application of a flexible CO2 laser for corpus callosotomy in children with epilepsy.

METHODS

This retrospective case series reviews all cases in which pediatric patients underwent a corpus callosotomy performed using the CO2 OmniGuide laser between May 2005 and October 2012. Data were collected from 8 corpus callosotomy procedures in 6 pediatric patients presenting with medically refractory epilepsy marked by drop attacks.

RESULTS

Complete corpus callosotomies were performed in 6 patients (3 boys, 3 girls; ages 5–14 years). In 4 patients the complete callosotomy occurred as a single procedure, and in 2 patients an anterior two-thirds callosotomy was performed first. These 2 patients subsequently required a complete callosotomy due to inadequate control of their drop attacks. In all cases there was clean lesioning of the tract with preservation of the ependymal plane and less inadvertent thermal tissue damage due to low penetration of the laser through cerebrospinal fluid. All patients had resolution or improvement of drop attacks after surgery. No complications were encountered, and imaging demonstrated a clean sectioning of callosal fibers with preservation of normal ventricular anatomy.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases illustrate the use of this device in completing corpus callosotomy in pediatric patients. The low-profile laser fiber tip was well suited for working in the depths of the interhemispheric fissure with minimal brain retraction. The flexible CO2 laser allows a precise callosal lesioning through an interhemispheric approach and is a useful adjunct to be employed in these cases.
Proteins Directly Interacting with Mammalian 20S Proteasomal Subunits and Ubiquitin-Independent Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Sánchez-Lanzas Raúl , Castaño José
Published: December 2014

The mammalian 20S proteasome is a heterodimeric cylindrical complex (α7β7β7α7), composed of four rings each composed of seven different α or β subunits with broad proteolytic activity. We review the mammalian proteins shown to directly interact with specific 20S proteasomal subunits and those subjected to ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation (UIPD). The published reports of proteins that interact with specific proteasomal subunits, and others found on interactome databases and those that are degraded by a UIPD mechanism, overlap by only a few protein members. Therefore, systematic studies of the specificity of the interactions, the elucidation of the protein regions implicated in the interactions (that may or may not be followed by degradation) and competition experiments between proteins known to interact with the same proteasomal subunit, are needed. Those studies should provide a coherent picture of the molecular mechanisms governing the interactions of cellular proteins with proteasomal subunits, and their relevance to cell proteostasis and cell functioning.
SBMLSimulator: A Java Tool for Model Simulation and Parameter Estimation in Systems Biology
Authors: Dörr Alexander , Keller Roland , Zell Andreas , Dräger Andreas
Published: December 2014

The identification of suitable model parameters for biochemical reactions has been recognized as a quite difficult endeavor. Parameter values from literature or experiments can often not directly be combined in complex reaction systems. Nature-inspired optimization techniques can find appropriate sets of parameters that calibrate a model to experimentally obtained time series data. We present SBMLsimulator, a tool that combines the Systems Biology Simulation Core Library for dynamic simulation of biochemical models with the heuristic optimization framework EvA2. SBMLsimulator provides an intuitive graphical user interface with various options as well as a fully-featured command-line interface for large-scale and script-based model simulation and calibration. In a parameter estimation study based on a published model and artificial data we demonstrate the capability of SBMLsimulator to identify parameters. SBMLsimulator is useful for both, the interactive simulation and exploration of the parameter space and for the large-scale model calibration and estimation of uncertain parameter values.
Detection and Modeling of Cyber Attacks with Petri Nets
Authors: Jasiul Bartosz , Szpyrka Marcin , Śliwa Joanna
Published: December 2014

The aim of this article is to present an approach to develop and verify a method of formal modeling of cyber threats directed at computer systems. Moreover, the goal is to prove that the method enables one to create models resembling the behavior of malware that support the detection process of selected cyber attacks and facilitate the application of countermeasures. The most common cyber threats targeting end users and terminals are caused by malicious software, called malware. The malware detection process can be performed either by matching their digital signatures or analyzing their behavioral models. As the obfuscation techniques make the malware almost undetectable, the classic signature-based anti-virus tools must be supported with behavioral analysis. The proposed approach to modeling of malware behavior is based on colored Petri nets. This article is addressed to cyber defense researchers, security architects and developers solving up-to-date problems regarding the detection and prevention of advanced persistent threats.
The McMillan Theorem for Colored Branching Processes and Dimensions of Random Fractals
Authors: Bakhtin Victor
Published: December 2014

For the simplest colored branching process, we prove an analog to the McMillan theorem and calculate the Hausdorff dimensions of random fractals defined in terms of the limit behavior of empirical measures generated by finite genetic lines. In this setting, the role of Shannon’s entropy is played by the Kullback–Leibler divergence, and the Hausdorff dimensions are computed by means of the so-called Billingsley–Kullback entropy, defined in the paper.
Fast Rate Estimation for RDO Mode Decision in HEVC
Authors: Sharabayko Maxim , Ponomarev Oleg
Published: December 2014

The latter-day H.265/HEVC video compression standard is able to provide two-times higher compression efficiency compared to the current industrial standard, H.264/AVC. However, coding complexity also increased. The main bottleneck of the compression process is the rate-distortion optimization (RDO) stage, as it involves numerous sequential syntax-based binary arithmetic coding (SBAC) loops. In this paper, we present an entropy-based RDO estimation technique for H.265/HEVC compression, instead of the common approach based on the SBAC. Our RDO implementation reduces RDO complexity, providing an average bit rate overhead of 1.54%. At the same time, elimination of the SBAC from the RDO estimation reduces block interdependencies, thus providing an opportunity for the development of the compression system with parallel processing of multiple blocks of a video frame.
The Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis and Vessel-Occlusion Formation in Stems of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg Trees Induced by Wounding Treatments without Variation of Microbial Communities
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Wei Jianhe , Han Xiaomin , Liang Liang , Yang Yun , Meng Hui , Xu Yanhong , Gao Zhihui
Published: December 2014

As widely recognized, agarwood formation in Aquilaria trees is induced by external wounding. Because agarwood usually harbors specific microbes, the function of microbes in agarwood formation has been debated for almost a century. In this study, two wounding methods, the burning-chisel-drilling method (BCD) and the whole-tree agarwood-inducing method (Agar-Wit), were used under the non-contamination of environmental microorganisms. After pyrosequencing the small rRNA subunits of the wounds induced by the BCD and Agar-Wit, no substantial variation was observed either in fungal and bacterial enrichment and diversity or in the relative abundances of taxa. By contrast, significant variations in fungal and bacterial communities were detected following the partial tree pruning (PTP)-wounding. The wound-induced sesquiterpene biosynthesis and vessel-occlusion formation, however, were found to be similar in all types of wounded trunks. We thus infer that wounding in the absence of variations in microbial communities may induce agarwood formation. This result does not support the long-standing notion that agarwood formation depends on microbes.
Contrast Agents for Photoacoustic and Thermoacoustic Imaging: A Review
Authors: Wu Dan , Huang Lin , Jiang Max , Jiang Huabei
Published: December 2014

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) are two emerging biomedical imaging techniques that both utilize ultrasonic signals as an information carrier. Unique advantages of PAI and TAI are their abilities to provide high resolution functional information such as hemoglobin and blood oxygenation and tissue dielectric properties relevant to physiology and pathology. These two methods, however, may have a limited detection depth and lack of endogenous contrast. An exogenous contrast agent is often needed to effectively resolve these problems. Such agents are able to greatly enhance the imaging contrast and potentially break through the imaging depth limit. Furthermore, a receptor-targeted contrast agent could trace the molecular and cellular biological processes in tissues. Thus, photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging can be outstanding tools for early diagnosis, precise lesion localization, and molecular typing of various diseases. The agents also could be used for therapy in conjugation with drugs or in photothermal therapy, where it functions as an enhancer for the integration of diagnosis and therapy. In this article, we present a detailed review about various exogenous contrast agents for photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging. In addition, challenges and future directions of photoacoustic and thermoacoustic molecular imaging in the field of translational medicine are also discussed.
Refolded scFv Antibody Fragment against Myoglobin Shows Rapid Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Song Hyung-Nam , Jang Jun-Hyuck , Kim Young-Wan , Kim Dong-Hyung , Park Sung-Goo , Lee Myung , Paek Se-Hwan , Woo Eui-Jeon
Published: December 2014

Myoglobin is one of the early biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction. Recently, we have screened an antibody with unique rapid reaction kinetics toward human myoglobin antigen. Antibodies with rapid reaction kinetics are thought to be an early IgG form produced during early stage of in vivo immunization. We produced a recombinant scFv fragment for the premature antibody from Escherichia coli using refolding technology. The scFv gene was constructed by connection of the VH–VL sequence with a (Gly4Ser)3 linker. The scFv fragment without the pelB leader sequence was expressed at a high level, but the solubility was extremely low. A high concentration of 8 M urea was used for denaturation. The dilution refolding process in the presence of arginine and the redox reagents GSH and GSSH successfully produced a soluble scFv protein. The resultant refolded scFv protein showed association and dissociation values of 9.32 × 10−4 M−1·s−1 and 6.29 × 10−3 s−1, respectively, with an affinity value exceeding 107 M−1 (kon/koff), maintaining the original rapid reaction kinetics of the premature antibody. The refolded scFv could provide a platform for protein engineering for the clinical application for diagnosis of heart disease and the development of a continuous biosensor.
P2X and P2Y Receptors—Role in the Pathophysiology of the Nervous System
Authors: Puchałowicz Kamila , Tarnowski Maciej , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena , Chlubek Dariusz , Dziedziejko Violetta
Published: December 2014

Purinergic signalling plays a crucial role in proper functioning of the nervous system. Mechanisms depending on extracellular nucleotides and their P2 receptors also underlie a number of nervous system dysfunctions. This review aims to present the role of purinergic signalling, with particular focus devoted to role of P2 family receptors, in epilepsy, depression, neuropathic pain, nervous system neoplasms, such as glioma and neuroblastoma, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The above-mentioned conditions are associated with changes in expression of extracellular ectonucleotidases, P2X and P2Y receptors in neurons and glial cells, as well as releasing considerable amounts of nucleotides from activated or damaged nervous tissue cells into the extracellular space, which contributes to disturbance in purinergic signalling. The numerous studies indicate a potential possibility of using synthetic agonists/antagonists of P2 receptors in treatment of selected nervous system diseases. This is of particular significance, since numerous available agents reveal a low effectiveness and often produce side effects.
iPS Cells for Modelling and Treatment of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Chen Fred , McLenachan Samuel , Edel Michael , Da Cruz Lyndon , Coffey Peter , Mackey David
Published: December 2014

For many decades, we have relied on immortalised retinal cell lines, histology of enucleated human eyes, animal models, clinical observation, genetic studies and human clinical trials to learn more about the pathogenesis of retinal diseases and explore treatment options. The recent availability of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for deriving retinal lineages has added a powerful alternative tool for discovering new disease-causing mutations, studying genotype-phenotype relationships, performing therapeutics-toxicity screening and developing personalised cell therapy. This review article provides a clinical perspective on the current and potential benefits of iPSC for managing the most common blinding diseases of the eye: inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration.
Observations on Lumbar Spinal Cord Recovery after Lesion in Lizards Indicates Regeneration of a Cellular and Fibrous Bridge Reconnecting the Injured Cord
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: December 2014

The lumbar spinal cords of lizards were transected, but after the initial paralysis most lizards recovered un-coordinated movements of hind limbs. At 25-45 days post-lesion about 50% of lizards were capable of walking with a limited coordination. Histological analysis showed that the spinal cord was transected and the ependyma of the central canal formed two enlargements to seal the proximal and distal ends of the severed spinal cord. Glial and few small neurons were formed while bridge axons crossed the gap between the proximal and the distal stumps of the transected spinal cord as was confirmed by retrograde tract-tracing technique. The bridging fibers likely derived from interneurons located in the central and dorsal grey matter of the proximal spinal cord stump suggesting they belong to the local central locomotory pattern generator circuit. The limited recovery of hind limb movements may derive from the regeneration or sprouting of short proprio-spinal axons joining the two stumps of the transected spinal cord. The present observations indicate that the study on spinal cord regeneration in lizards can give insights on the permissive conditions that favor nerve regeneration in amniotes.
Briarane Diterpenoids from the Gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea
Authors: La Ming-Ping , Li Jiao , Li Cui , Tang Hua , Liu Bao-Shu , Sun Peng , Zhuang Chun-Lin , Li Tie-Jun , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2014

Seven new briarane diterpenoids, gemmacolides AS-AY (1–7), were isolated together with ten known analogues (8–17) from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by the detailed analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with reported data. The absolute configuration of compounds was determined based on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments and genetic correlations as well. Compounds 15 and 16 were reported for the first time for the gorgonian. In the preliminary in vitro bioassays, compound 5 showed potential growth inhibitory activity against MG63 cells.
Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Escherichia coli Ultrastructure, Membrane Integrity and Molecular Composition as Assessed by FTIR Spectroscopy and Microscopic Imaging Techniques
Authors: Prieto-Calvo María , Prieto Miguel , López Mercedes , Alvarez-Ordóñez Avelino
Published: December 2014

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a novel food processing technology that is considered as an attractive alternative to conventional heat treatments for the preservation of foods, due to its lethal effects on pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, while causing minor effects on food quality and sensorial attributes. This study is aimed at investigating how HHP treatments at varying intensities in the range 50–900 MPa affect the viability, membrane integrity, ultrastructure and molecular composition of Escherichia coli. Results of membrane integrity tests (measurement of cellular leakage and monitoring of propidium iodide uptake through fluorescence microscopy) and ultrastructural observations by transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that HHP gave rise to cellular enlargement, membrane damage or detachment, DNA and protein denaturation and loss of intracellular contents. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses evidenced minor changes in molecular composition in response to high pressures, which were mostly observed on the spectral region w4 (1200–900 cm−1), mainly informative of carbohydrates and polysaccharides of the cell wall. These findings suggest that exposure of E. coli cells to HHP causes alterations in their physical integrity while producing minor modifications in biochemical cellular composition. The current study increases the knowledge on the mechanisms of E. coli inactivation by HHP and provides valuable information for the design of more effective food preservation regimes based on the integration of mild HHP in combination with other food preservation strategies into a multi-target hurdle technology approach.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Reactions of Phosphine-Substituted Alkynylboronates and Alkynyltrifluoroborate Salts
Authors: Vivat Jérôme , Bachollet Sylvestre , Adams Harry , Harrity Joseph
Published: December 2014

The synthesis and structural characterisation of phosphine-substituted alkynylboronates is reported. A P(III)-centred alkynylboronate (2) was prepared that showed little evidence for the conjugation of the P-lone pair to the boron via the alkyne π-system, as judged by X-ray crystallography studies of 2 and a related P(V) compound, 3. In addition, corresponding alkynyltrifluoroborate salts were prepared that showed improved stability by comparison to their boronic ester counterparts. These salts undergo Pd-catalysed cross-coupling reactions with aryl halides.
New and Cytotoxic Components from Antrodia camphorata
Authors: Lee Tzong-Huei , Chen Chien-Chih , Chen Jih-Jung , Liao Hui-Fen , Chang Hsun-Shuo , Sung Ping-Jyun , Tseng Mei-Hwei , Wang Sheng-Yang , Ko Horng-Huey , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: December 2014

The solid-state cultured products of Antrodia camphorata as health foods has been blooming for the past few decades in Taiwan. In continuing our studies on the chemical constituents of the solid-state cultured products of this fungus, 6-methoxy-4-methyl-2,3-(methylenedioxy)phenol (1) and 4,4'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2,3,6-trimethoxyphenol)(2) together with 2,3,6-trimethoxy-4-methylphenol (3), 1(10→6)abeo-ergosta-5,7,9,22-tetraen-3α-ol (4), citreoanthrasteroid B (5) and dankasterones A (6) and B (7) were purified by a series of column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by spectral data analysis. For bioactivity assay, compounds 4–7 showed significant cytotoxicity toward murine colorectal CT26 and human leukemia K562 cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 6.7 to 15.3 µM and from 12.5 to 23.1 µM, respectively.
Liquid Chromatographic Resolution of Fendiline and Its Analogues on a Chiral Stationary Phase Based on (+)-(18-Crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic Acid
Authors: Lee Ga , Hyun Myung
Published: December 2014

Fendiline, an effective anti-anginal drug for the treatment of coronary heart diseases, and its sixteen analogues were resolved on a CSP based on (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid. Fendiline was resolved quite well with the separation factor (α) of 1.25 and resolution (RS) of 1.55 when a mobile phase consisting of methanol–acetonitrile–trifluoroacetic acid–triethylamine at a ratio of 80/20/0.1/0.5 (v/v/v/v) was used. The comparison of the chromatographic behaviors for the resolution of fendiline and its analogues indicated that the 3,3-diphenylpropyl group bonded to the secondary amino group of fendiline is important in the chiral recognition and the difference in the steric bulkiness between the phenyl group and the methyl group at the chiral center of fendiline is also important in the chiral recognition.
The Benefits of Soft Sensor and Multi-Rate Control for the Implementation of Wireless Networked Control Systems
Authors: Mansano Raul , Godoy Eduardo , Porto Arthur
Published: December 2014

Recent advances in wireless networking technology and the proliferation of industrial wireless sensors have led to an increasing interest in using wireless networks for closed loop control. The main advantages of Wireless Networked Control Systems (WNCSs) are the reconfigurability, easy commissioning and the possibility of installation in places where cabling is impossible. Despite these advantages, there are two main problems which must be considered for practical implementations of WNCSs. One problem is the sampling period constraint of industrial wireless sensors. This problem is related to the energy cost of the wireless transmission, since the power supply is limited, which precludes the use of these sensors in several closed-loop controls. The other technological concern in WNCS is the energy efficiency of the devices. As the sensors are powered by batteries, the lowest possible consumption is required to extend battery lifetime. As a result, there is a compromise between the sensor sampling period, the sensor battery lifetime and the required control performance for the WNCS. This paper develops a model-based soft sensor to overcome these problems and enable practical implementations of WNCSs. The goal of the soft sensor is generating virtual data allowing an actuation on the process faster than the maximum sampling period available for the wireless sensor. Experimental results have shown the soft sensor is a solution to the sampling period constraint problem of wireless sensors in control applications, enabling the application of industrial wireless sensors in WNCSs. Additionally, our results demonstrated the soft sensor potential for implementing energy efficient WNCS through the battery saving of industrial wireless sensors.
The Finding of a Group IIE Phospholipase A2 Gene in a Specified Segment of Protobothrops flavoviridis Genome and Its Possible Evolutionary Relationship to Group IIA Phospholipase A2 Genes
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuaki , Chijiwa Takahito , Ikeda Naoki , Shibata Hiroki , Fukumaki Yasuyuki , Oda-Ueda Naoko , Hattori Shosaku , Ohno Motonori
Published: December 2014

The genes encoding group IIE phospholipase A2, abbreviated as IIE PLA2, and its 5' and 3' flanking regions of Crotalinae snakes such as Protobothrops flavoviridis, P. tokarensis, P. elegans, and Ovophis okinavensis, were found and sequenced. The genes consisted of four exons and three introns and coded for 22 or 24 amino acid residues of the signal peptides and 134 amino acid residues of the mature proteins. These IIE PLA2s show high similarity to those from mammals and Colubridae snakes. The high expression level of IIE PLA2s in Crotalinae venom glands suggests that they should work as venomous proteins. The blast analysis indicated that the gene encoding OTUD3, which is ovarian tumor domain-containing protein 3, is located in the 3' downstream of IIE PLA2 gene. Moreover, a group IIA PLA2 gene was found in the 5' upstream of IIE PLA2 gene linked to the OTUD3 gene (OTUD3) in the P. flavoviridis genome. It became evident that the specified arrangement of IIA PLA2 gene, IIE PLA2 gene, and OTUD3 in this order is common in the genomes of humans to snakes. The present finding that the genes encoding various secretory PLA2s form a cluster in the genomes of humans to birds is closely related to the previous finding that six venom PLA2 isozyme genes are densely clustered in the so-called NIS-1 fragment of the P. flavoviridis genome. It is also suggested that venom IIA PLA2 genes may be evolutionarily derived from the IIE PLA2 gene.
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin H Induced Apoptosis of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells in Vitro
Authors: Liu Yongxia , Chen Wei , Ali Tariq , Alkasir Rashad , Yin Jinhua , Liu Gang , Han Bo
Published: December 2014

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are powerful superantigenic toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). They can cause food poisoning and toxic shock. However, their impact on bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) is still unknown. In this study, the distribution of SE genes was evaluated in 116 S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis, and the most prevalent genes were seh (36.2%), followed by sei (12.1%), seg (11.2%), ser (4.3%), sec (3.4%), sea (2.6%) and sed (1.7%). To better understand the effect of staphylococcal enterotoxin H (SEH) on bMECs, the seh gene was cloned and inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector, pET28a, and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin H (rSEH) was expressed and purified as soluble protein. Bioactivity analysis showed that rSEH possessed the activity of stimulating lymphocytes proliferation. The XTT assay showed that 100 μg/mL of rSEH produced the cytotoxic effect on bMECs, and fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis revealed that a certain dose of rSEH is effective at inducing bMECs apoptosis in vitro. This indicates that SEs can directly lead to cellular apoptosis of bMECs in bovine mastitis associated with S. aureus.
Environmental correlates of cytotype distribution inAndropogon gerardii(Poaceae)
Authors: McAllister Christine , Blaine Russell , Kron Paul , Bennett Brent , Garrett Heidi , Kidson Jennifer , Matzenbacher Blanda , Glotzbach Anna , Miller Allison J.
Published: December 2014

•Premise of the study:Information about geographic distribution of cytotypes can provide insight into the origin and maintenance of autopolyploid complexes and builds a foundation for understanding cytotype differentiation and the dynamics of mixed‐ploidy populations. Here, we investigate environmental correlates of the geographic distributions of 6xand 9xindividuals in the ecologically dominant grassAndropogon gerardiito examine the role of climate in shaping patterns of cytotype distribution in this species.

•Methods:Flow cytometry was used to estimate ploidy level in 352 individuals from 32 populations across North America. Ecological differentiation of cytotypes was tested by relating BIOCLIM variables to cytotype distribution using principal components analysis and partial linear regression.

•Key results:Broad geographic sampling confirmed two primary cytotypes—6x(hexaploid) and 9x(enneaploid)—and revealed that 9xplants are more common than previously thought. Enneaploids occur frequently in the southern portions of the range, with hexaploids dominating in northern regions. Mixed‐ploidy populations were common (46.9%). Principal components analysis and partial linear regression indicated that reduced summer precipitation and increased variation in diurnal and seasonal temperature range were significant predictors of the frequency of 9xplants in a population.

•Conclusions:Results indicate that (1) geographic distribution of 6xand 9xindividuals is nonrandom; (2) environmental variables are associated with cytotype distribution inA. gerardii; and (3) nearly half of populations surveyed include both 6xand 9xindividuals. The persistence of mixed‐ploidy populations may reflect a combination of recurrent polyploid formation and the prevalence of clonal reproduction.
Preferentially Expressed Antigen of Melanoma (PRAME) and Wilmsâ€™ Tumor 1 (WT 1) Genes Expression in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Prognostic Role and Correlation with Survival
Authors: El Khateeb Engy , Morgan Dalia
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematologic malignancy in children. In young children it is also largely curable, with more than 90% of afflicted children achieving long-term remission. PRAME (Preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma) gene belongs to Group 3 class I HLA-restricted widely expressed antigens in which genes encoding widely expressed tumor antigens have been detected in many normal tissues as well as in histologically different types of tumors with no preferential expression on a certain type of cancer. It has been found to be expressed in a variety of cancer cells as leukemia & lymphoma. PRAME monitoring can be useful for detection of minimal residual disease and subsequent relapses particularly those leukemias in which specific tumor markers are unavailable. Wilmsâ€™ tumor1 (WT1) gene was identified as a gene that plays an important role in normal kidney development and inactivation of its function was shown to result in the development of Wilmsâ€™ tumors in paediatric patients. Disruption of WT1 function has been implicated in the formation of many different tumor types.AIM: to study how PRAME & WT 1 genes expression patterns influence cancer susceptibility & prognosis.PATIENTS & METHODS: 50 patients with denovo childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as 50 age and sex matched apparently healthy volunteers were genotyped for PRAME and WT1 genes expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).RESULTS: PRAME gene was expressed in 34 of the patients (68%) and WT1 gene was expressed in 26 of the patients (52%). Expression of both genes was significantly higher compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Analysis of relapse free survival among our patients revealed that patients expressing PRAME gene or WT1 gene had better relapse free survival (p value=0.02 and 0.01 respectively). Relapse free survival increased significantly among patients coexpressing PRAME and WT 1(p value =0.001)CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the expression of PRAME and WT1 genes are indicators of favorable prognosis and can be useful tools for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute leukemia especially in patients without known genetic markers. Differential expression between acute leukemia patients and healthy volunteers suggests that the immunogenic antigens (PRAME and WT1) are potential candidates for immunotherapy in childhood acute leukemia.
De nouveaux modes de production dans l'art contemporain : le cas de c.H-D art production
Authors: Méliani Valérie , Baqué Bénédicte
Published: December 2014

Quels sont les nouveaux modèles des industries culturelles ? Pour contribuer à la réponse, nous étudions un cas qui s’avère à la fois singulier et révélateur d’une nouvelle organisation de la production artistique. Dans une démarche ethnographique, nous construisons notre contribution sur une étude de cas intrinsèque. L’entreprise c.H-D art production est spécialisée dans la mise en œuvre de techniques innovantes associées à des savoir-faire de construction pour la réalisation d’œuvres dites monumentales. L’étude de ce cas nous permet de repérer l’émergence de nouvelles formes de collaboration et de nouveaux modes de production dans le contexte particulier des arts plastiques.
Représentation du sens linguistique II
Authors: Nemo François
Published: December 2014

L’idée selon laquelle la sémantique des langues ne peut qu’être catégorielle est partagée par les sémantiques intuitives et formelles les plus influentes, aboutissant alors à une sémantique des types de signes. À l’opposé, la sémantique linguistique, comme sémantique des signes individuels, et la typologie des classes de mots, sont confrontées au double constat d’une polycatégorialité généralisée et de l’indifférenciation lexicale. Après avoir présenté les 3 thèses défendables à ce sujet, lexicaliste, dichotomiste et non catégorielle, et rappelé les constats empiriques incontournables, il est montré que l’omniprésence de la polycatégorialité, loin de devoir être classée comme une anomalie incompréhensible, révèle l’existence d’un double stock d’unités de langue non catégorielles, les morphèmes, et d’unités catégorielles, les lexèmes, qui sont (minimalement) le résultat de la mémorisation/lexicalisation de l’interprétation contextuelle de l’insertion d’un morphème dans une construction. Après avoir décrit la sémantique de ces unités de langue non catégorielles, et la sémantique fractale de l’interprétation qui permet de les insérer dans des positions catégorielles, il est démontré que la polycatégorialité, loin d’être insurmontable, est un outil méthodologique très précieux pour isoler la signification des morphèmes et celle des constructions.
Représentation du sens linguistique II
Authors: Delbart Anne-Rosine
Published: December 2014

L’article en général et l’article français en particulier ont posé et continuent de poser quantité de problèmes aux linguistes. Dans cette contribution, l’auteur voudrait expliciter, à l’intention des non-francophones surtout (pour les francophones, la connaissance implicite des mécanismes de l’article fait partie de la compétence linguistique dont il s’agit précisément de doter les allophones), les instructions soigneusement hiérarchisées qui devraient conduire à la sélection finale de tel ou tel article (de type Ø, LE, UN ou DE). Trois notions théoriques – empruntées à Marc Wilmet – se sont avérées indispensables : (1) l’ extensité (c’est-à-dire la quantité d’êtres du monde auxquels le nom articulé est appliqué), (2) l’ extensivité (c’est-à-dire le rapport entre le nombre d’êtres du monde auxquels le nom articulé est appliqué et la quantité d’êtres du monde auxquels il est applicable), avec les deux variantes extensive (rapport d’égalité) ou partitive (rapport d’infériorité), (3) la restitution (c’est-à-dire le rendu tantôt numératif et tantôt massif des données brutes de l’ontologie et des données filtrées de la perception).
Représentation du sens linguistique II
Authors: Roberge Yves
Published: December 2014

Cet article présente une étude de l’apport de la composante syntaxique au concept de transitivité verbale. Il est proposé que la présence d’une position d’objet direct ne devrait pas découler de la sémantique lexicale du verbe. La transitivité se conçoit plutôt comme une propriété de la proposition. L’aspect syntaxique de la transitivité est formalisé par une « exigence de transitivité » (ET) résultant de la grammaticalisation (ou structuralisation) du rapport V-objet. L’ET force la présence d’une position d’objet. Le rôle central joué par la sémantique du verbe est de contribuer à la détermination de l’interprétation de l’objet. La classification des verbes en transitifs, inergatifs, inaccusatifs, etc. est donc le reflet du rapport qu’entretient le verbe avec la position d’objet plutôt qu’une classification basée sur la présence ou non d’un objet. Pour mieux comprendre la nature de ET, un rapport est établi avec une exigence similaire mais différente, soit le principe de projection étendu (EPP) qui force la projection d’une position de sujet. Les différences entre l’ET et l’EPP découlent de la structuration de la proposition.
Représentation du sens linguistique II
Authors: Dobrovie-Sorin Carmen
Published: December 2014

Les verbes en SE ont des interprétations de type passif ou de type moyen en fonction de la position syntaxique occupée par leur sujet (correspondant à l’argument Thème/Patient). Cette généralisation couvre les observations de Stéfanini (1962), Ruwet (1972) et Raposo et Uriagereka’s (1996), concernant d’une part le français et d’autre part le portugais européen. Selon Raposo et Uriagereka, la contrainte qui pèse sur l’interprétation de type passif est due aux propriétés inhérentes du SE « passif » défini comme étant distinct de tous les autres types de SE, en particulier du SE réfléchi (et du SE « moyen » : il s’agirait d’un pronom clitique semblable aux sujets clitiques, en ce qu’il doit se déplacer vers la position sujet, qui deviendrait dès lors inaccessible pour le déplacement de l’argument Thème/Patient. Je proposerai une autre solution, qui maintient l’hypothèse d’une analyse unitaire des verbes en SE et analyse les différentes interprétations des verbes en SE comme étant déterminées par le contexte syntaxique. L’idée de base sera que la lecture passive des verbes en SE dépend de la projection d’un agent au niveau interprétatif de la syntaxe, la Forme Logique (mais non dans la syntaxe), ce qui n’est possible que si la position syntaxique canonique du sujet est sémantiquement vide, c’est-à-dire, soit non projetée soit remplie par un sujet sémantiquement vide (explétif). Le passif analytique n’est pas soumis à cette contrainte en raison du fait qu’il est syntaxiquement plus complexe : l’agent est projeté dans la position Spec, Aux, créée en raison de la présence de l’auxiliaire, ce qui rend la position canonique du sujet disponible pour accueillir l’argument Thème/Patient.