bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MITK Diffusion Imaging
Authors: Neher P. F. , Reicht I. , van Bruggen T. , Goch C. , Reisert M. , Nolden M. , Zelzer S. , Meinzer H.-P. , Stieltjes B. , Fritzsche K. H.
Published: October 2012

Background: Diffusion-MRI provides a unique window on brain anatomy and insights into aspects of tissue structure in living humans that could not be studied previously. There is a major effort in this rapidly evolving field of research to develop the algorithmic tools necessary to cope with the complexity of the datasets.

Objectives: This work illustrates our strategy that encompasses the development of a modularized and open software tool for data processing, visualization and interactive exploration in diffusion imaging research and aims at reinforcing sustainable evaluation and progress in the field.

Methods: In this paper, the usability and capabilities of a new application and toolkit component of the Medical Imaging and Interaction Toolkit (MITK, www.mitk.org), MITKDI, are demonstrated using in-vivo datasets.

Results: MITK-DI provides a comprehensive software framework for high-performance data processing, analysis and interactive data exploration, which is designed in a modular, extensible fashion (using CTK) and in adherence to widely accepted coding standards (e.g. ITK, VTK). MITK-DI is available both as an open source software development toolkit and as a ready-to-use in stallable application.

Conclusions: The open source release of the modular MITK-DI tools will increase verifiability and comparability within the research community and will also be an important step towards bringing many of the current techniques towards clinical application.
Revascularization of Pancreatic Islet Allografts is Enhanced by α-1-Antitrypsin under Anti-Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Bellacen Keren , Kalay Noa , Ozeri Eyal , Shahaf Galit , Lewis Eli C.
Published: October 2012

Pancreatic islets are a highly vascularized entity, and their transplantation into diabetic individuals requires optimal revascularization. In addition, β-cells in islets are extremely sensitive to inflammation. α-1-Antitrypsin (AAT), a circulating serine-protease inhibitor that is available for clinical use as an affinity-purified human product, has been shown to protect islets from graft failure in mouse transplantation models and to achieve readily vascularized islet grafts. AAT is known to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and release, as well as protect from proteolytic cleavage of VEGF by elastase, promote viability of endothelial cells, and enhance migration of myocytes. Our aim was to examine whether AAT enhances vasculogenesis toward islet grafts. We employed Matrigel-islet plugs as means to introduce islets in an explantable isolated compartment and examined vessel formation, vessel maturation, and inflammatory profile of explants 9 days after implantation. Also, we examined primary epithelial cell grafts that were prepared from lungs of mice that are transgenic for human AAT. In addition, aortic ring sprouting assay was performed, and HUVEC tube formation assays were studied in the presence of AAT. Our findings indicate that islet grafts exhibit mature vessels in the presence of AAT, as demonstrated by morphology, as well as expression of endothelial CD31, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Epithelial cells that express human AAT achieved a similar positive outcome. Aortic ring sprouting was enhanced in AAT-treated cultures and also in cultures that contained primary epithelial cells from human AAT transgenic animals in the absence of added AAT. According to the tube formation assay, HUVECs exhibited superior responses in the presence of AAT. We conclude that vasculogenesis toward islet grafts is enhanced in the presence of AAT. Together with the remarkable safety profile of AAT, the study supports its use in the relevant clinical setups.
Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Rescue Both in Vitro and in Vivo Growth, Innervation, and Motility in Nitrofen-Exposed Hypoplastic Rat Lungs through Paracrine Effects
Authors: Pederiva F. , Ghionzoli M. , Pierro A. , De Coppi P. , Tovar J. A.
Published: October 2012

Lung hypoplasia can be prevented in vitro by retinoic acid (RA). Recent evidence suggests that amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells may integrate injured lungs and influence their recovery. We tested the hypothesis that AFS cells might improve lung growth and motility by paracrine mechanisms. Pregnant rats received either nitrofen or vehicle on E9.5. In vitro E13 embryonic lungs were cultured in the presence of culture medium alone or with RA, basophils, or AFS cells. In vivo green fluorescent protein-expressing (GFP+) rat AFS cells were transplanted in nitrofen-exposed rats on E10.5. E13 lung explants were cultured before analysis. The surface, the number of terminal buds, and the frequency of bronchial contractions were assessed. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and α-actin protein levels were measured. The lung explants transplanted with AFS cells were stained for α-actin, PGP 9.5, and TTF-1. The levels of FGF-10, VEGFα, and TGF-β1 secreted by the AFS cells in the culture medium were measured. Comparison between groups was made by ANOVA. In vitro, the surface, the number of terminal buds, and the bronchial peristalsis were increased in nitrofen + AFS cell explants in comparison with nitrofen-exposed lungs. While nitrofen + RA lungs were similar to nitrofen + AFS ones, basophils did not normalize these measurements. PGP 9.5 protein was decreased in nitrofen lungs, but after adding AFS cells, the value was similar to controls. No differences were found in the expression of α-actin. In vivo, the surface, number of terminal buds, and peristalsis were similar to control after injection of AFS cells in nitrofenexposed rats. Colocalization with TTF-1-positive cells was found. The levels of FGF-10 and VEGFα were increased in nitrofen + AFS cell explants, while the levels of TGF-β1 were similar to controls. Lung growth, bronchial motility, and innervation were decreased in nitrofen explants and rescued by AFS cells both in vitro and in vivo, similarly to that observed before with RA. The AFS cell beneficial effect was probably related to paracrine action of growth factor secretion.
Organocatalytic cascade aza-Michael/hemiacetal reaction between disubstituted hydrazines and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes: Highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of pyrazolidine derivatives
Authors: Geng Zhi-Cong , Chen Jian , Li Ning , Huang Xiao-Fei , Zhang Yong , Zhang Ya-Wen , Wang Xing-Wang
Published: October 2012

The catalytic synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles is of great importance to medicinal and synthetic chemists, and also a challenge for modern chemical methodology. In this paper, we report the synthesis of pyrazolidine derivatives through a domino aza-Michael/hemiacetal sequence with chiral or achiral secondary amines as organocatalysts. Thus, a series of achiral pyrazolidine derivatives were obtained with good yields (up to 90%) and high diastereoselectivities (>20:1) with pyrrolidine as an organocatalyst, and enantioenriched pyrazolidines are also achieved with good results (up to 86% yield, >10/1 regioselectivity, >20:1 dr, 99% ee) in the presence of (S)-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether catalyst.
METAPHOR AS A MEANS OF EXPRESSION IN POSTMODERN ARCHITECTURE: LITHUANIAN CASE / METAFORA KAIP POSTMODERNIZMO ARCHITEKTŪROS RAIŠKOS PRIEMONĖ. LIETUVOS ATVEJIS
Authors: Mankus Martynas
Published: October 2012

The article tackles manifestations of metaphor seen as one of the most important instruments for creating significance and individuality in architecture; lays out the concept of metaphor in postmodern architecture which has elaborated and solidified it; and examines socio-cultural conditions of its origins. As the relation between metaphor and modernism is discussed, the intrinsic differences are identified highlighting the most pronounced stylistic features. It is implied that metaphor being transplanted to modern architecture remains an important tool for its communicative qualities. The analysis of manifestations of metaphorical aspect is based on architectural examples from Lithuania.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos vienos iš svarbiausių architektūros ženkliškumo ir savitumo kūrimo priemonių – metaforos – apraiškos. Analizuojama postmodernizmo architektūros, išplėtojusios ir įtvirtinusios metaforos terminą, samprata; apžvelgiamos jos atsiradimo sociokultūrinės prielaidos. Aptariant jos santykį su modernizmu, nurodomi tarpusavio skirtumai, išskiriami ryškiausi stiliaus bruožai. Charakterizuojant metaforos perkėlimą į architektūrą, daroma prielaida, kad dėl savo komunikacinių savybių ji išlieka svarbia priemone šiuolaikinėje architektūroje. Remiantis Lietuvos architektūros pavyzdžiais, nagrinėjamos metaforiškojo aspekto apraiškos.
RADVILŲ DVARO ISTORIJŲ ARUODAI
Authors: Zigmantaitė Marta
Published: October 2012

"Book ‘Radvilų dvaro istorijų aruodai’ review."Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 36(3), pp. 244-245
THE MEANING OF ENTRANCE AND SCENERY SPACES IN THE LITHUANIAN ARCHITECTURE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS OF 1960–1980S / ĮEIGŲ IR REGYKLŲ REIKŠMĖ LIETUVOS XX A. 7–9 DEŠIMTMEČIŲ VISUOMENINĖS PASKIRTIES PASTATŲ ARCHITEKTŪROJE
Authors: Novickas Audrius
Published: October 2012

The paper explores the meaning of bridges, stairways, ramps as well as terraces, balconies, glass facades as emphasized in most important examples of Lithuanian modern architecture of 1960–1980s. These architectural elements are looked at as constitutive in design of entrance and scenery spaces of the public buildings of the period. The assumption is made that analysis of entrance and scenery spaces is instrumental in interpreting the program aspects of Lithuanian architecture of Soviet period in the broader contexts of modern paradigms, aims of the political system and aspirations of individual architects. The research is aimed to reveal the entrance and scenery space formats as embodying the architecture of power effects, signifying the system to discipline and control as well as skills of individual architects to embody sublime environments of aesthetic experience.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama tiltų, laiptų, rampų, atvirų terasų ir balkonų, įstiklintų fasadų reikšmė svarbiausių XX a. 7–9 dešimtmečių Lietuvos visuomeninės paskirties pastatų architektūroje. Šie elementai tiriami kaip formuojantys pastatų įeigas ir regyklas. Daroma prielaida, kad įeigų ir regyklų analizė teikia pagrindą interpretuoti Lietuvos sovietinių metų moderniosios architektūros programinius aspektus platesniame epochos paradigmų, sistemos politinių tikslų ir individualių architektų meninių aspiracijų kontekste. Siekiama atskleisti, kad įeigos ir regyklos rodo visuomeninius pastatus esant kokybinio pokyčio proceso ir galios efektų erdvėmis, įkūnijančiomis ne tik sistemos siekį disciplinuoti ir kontroliuoti, bet ir architekto gebėjimą formuoti mėgavimosi estetiniais architektūros aspektais aplinkas.
Article Commentary: How Important is HIV Therapy for Preventing Liver Fibrosis Progression in HIV–HCV-Coinfected Individuals?
Authors: Rockstroh Jürgen Kurt
Published: October 2012

Early HIV therapy in HIV–HCV-coinfected individuals appears advisable in order to not only improve HIV outcome but also delay the natural course of liver disease. Indeed, antiretroviral-therapy-induced control of HIV infection with undetectable plasma HIV RNA levels affects HIV–HCV viral interactions and decreases liver inflammation resulting in lower fibrosis progression rates. Although these findings have influenced current revised HIV guidelines, HIV therapy is still started too late in most HCV-coinfected individuals, suggesting that, particularly in special at-risk patient populations, such as intravenous drug users, barriers to treatment uptake are still existing.
Le refus d'interdire : éléments pour une analyse de la liberté d'expression sur Internet aux États-Unis
Authors: Serfaty Viviane
Published: October 2012

resume En s'appuyant sur l'étude de l'évolution des positions de la Cour Suprême des États-Unis en matière de liberté d'expression, cet article tente d'élucider les raisons qui fondent son refus d'interdire tout contenu sur Internet au cours des dix dernières années. La relation de cette jurisprudence à certains aspects de la démocratie délibérative américaine est également analysée.
La Soudière des Trois Lucs (Marseille) - Etudes historiques et fouilles préliminaires
Authors: Olive Gilles
Published: October 2012

L’approvisionnement en soude végétale est interrompu en 1808 suite à l’entrée de l’Armée de Napoléon Ier en Espagne. Pour cette raison des fabriques de soude (factice) exploitant le brevet déposé en 1791 par Nicolas Leblanc virent le jour entre juin 1808 et fin 1810 à Paris, Rouen et Marseille principalement. Á Marseille une de ces soudières s’installa en 1810 dans le quartier des Trois Lucs. Grâce à tout ce qui a pu être trouvé, elle a été localisée avec précision permettant ainsi des fouilles préliminaires
Dévotions et représentations de l’Immaculée Conception dans les cours royales et princières du Nord de l’Europe (1380-1420)
Authors: Fournié Eléonore , Lepape Séverine
Published: October 2012

Si la question du débat théologique autour de l’Immaculée Conception est bien connue en France au xve siècle, force est de constater qu’il n’en est pas de même des pratiques dévotionnelles des laïcs à l’œuvre en faveur de la fête de la conception. Pourtant, à partir de Charles V, plusieurs éléments indiquent que les rois de France et leur entourage s’intéressent à la nouvelle croyance. Le prêche virulent du dominicain Jean de Monzon contre les partisans de la conception immaculée de la Vierge à l’Université de Paris en 1387 pousse le roi Charles VI à renvoyer son confesseur jacobin et de n’en plus choisir parmi l’ordre des Prêcheurs. Des théologiens champions de la défense de l’Immaculée Conception de la Vierge, comme Michel de Creney, Pierre d’Ailly ou Jean Gerson, clercs séculiers et formés au Collège de Navarre développent leur influence à la cour de France au début du XVe siècle. Si le contexte semble au sein de la cour royale être favorable à cette nouvelle croyance encore vivement contestée, peut-on en conclure que les artistes au service du roi et de ses proches élaborent une figuration de la conception immaculée de la Vierge ? Quelques éléments semblent l’indiquer. Un nouveau cycle autour de l’Enfance de la Vierge apparaît dans les livres d’heures manuscrits commandés par les grands laïcs de cette époque, représentant l’épisode de la Rencontre à la Porte Dorée mise en relation avec l’Annonciation mariale. La Vierge figurée sous les traits de la Femme de l’Apocalypse gagne également en importance tant dans les peintures des livres que dans les tableaux de dévotion réalisés pour Jean de Berry ou Louis d’Orléans. Ces nouveaux thèmes semblent indiquer, plus par leur mise en rapport avec ce contexte favorable que par leur contenu sémantique intrinsèque, que les artistes sollicités par le roi ou les princes des fleurs de lys se mirent à développer entre 1380 et 1430 des images de l’Immaculée Conception.
Preparation and Characterization of Physical Properties of Durian Skin Fibers Biocomposite
Authors: Manshor Mohd Romainor , Anuar Hazleen , Wan Nazri Wan Busu , Fitrie M.I. Ahmad
Published: October 2012

Durian skin fibres (DSF) are cellulose-based fibres extracted from the durian peel. This paper present the physical behaviour, chemical structure and crystallinity of the fibres, as observed by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The characteristic of the natural fibers produces from durian skins are similar with other types of natural fiber. The average diameter and density are 0.299 mm and 1.243 g/cm3, respectively while the crystallinity index is slightly higher than the common fibers. The properties and charecteristic of durian skin fibers are within the propertise of lignocellulosic fiber which is suitable for development of biocomposite materials.
Characteristics of Hydrolysis Resistant Polycaprolactone/Palm Kernel Oil Based Polyol
Authors: Muhammad Zain Norazwani , Ahmad Sahrim H. , Ernie Suzana Ali , Zubir Syazana Ahmad , Ahad Nor Azwin
Published: October 2012

Polycaprolactone (PCL) polyol was prepared by a ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone initiated by palm kernel oil (PKO) based polyol and 1,6-hexanediol to form a PCL/PKO based polyol. The properties of polyol were varied by their initiator:co-initiator weight ratio. The completion of polyol formation was characterized through Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Other parameters such as acid number and hydroxyl number of polyol were also studied to monitor the progress of reaction. FTIR results showed the significant changes particularly for the OH and C=O stretching peaks.
Thermal Properties of PLA/Kenaf Green Nanocomposite: Effect of Chemi-Mechanical Treatment
Authors: Wan Jaafar Wan Nor Raihan , Siti Norasmah Surip , Azmi Nur Naziha , Noor Najmi Bonnia , Anuar Hazleen , Hassan Noor Azlina , Abdul Razak Shamsul Bahri
Published: October 2012

This study was conducted to produce green composite from kenaf with better thermal properties. Kenaf fibre was successfully prepared by chemi-mechanical method. Kenaf fibre was firstly treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 6% w/w followed by acidic treatment with different concentrations (0.5M, 1.0M and 1.5M). The PLA/kenaf nanofibre composites were referred as KC0.5, KC1.0 and KC1.5 according to acid concentration used. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was done to investigate thermal properties of the composites. The glass transition, crystallization and melting temperature shows similar trend where 1.0M treated fibre composites gives better thermal properties than 0.5M and 1.5M treated fibre composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs suggested the nanofibre dispersion in mixed-pattern; exfoliation and small agglomeration.
Thermal Analysis of Kenaf Sandwich Core Panel
Authors: Rahman S.K. Abdul , Halim Zahurin
Published: October 2012

The thermal stability of kenaf sandwich panel core structures are presented in this paper. Sandwich core structures tested are of varying kenaf percentage being 10, 20 and 30 wt%. The result indicated that all composite have two step degradation processes due to the presence of kenaf in epoxy. From the discussion, increasing the kenaf percent ratio will decrease the percent residue.
Diamond Coated End Mills in Machining Silicon Carbide
Authors: Konneh Mohamed , Iqbal Mohammad , Faiz Nik Mohd Azwan
Published: October 2012

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a type of ceramic that belongs to the class of hard and brittle material. Machining of ceramic materials can result in surface alterations including rough surface, cracks, subsurface damage and residual stresses. Efficient milling of high performance ceramic involves the selection of appropriate operating parameters to maximize the material removal rate (MRR) while maintaining the low surface finish and limiting surface damage. SiC being a ceramic material, its machining poses a real problem due to its low fracture toughness, making it very sensitive to crack. The paper discusses milling of silicon carbide using diamond coated end mill under different machining conditions in order to determine the surface roughness parameter, Rt after the machining processes and to establish a relationship between the machining parameters and response variables. Based on the surface roughness carried out the lowest Rt obtained is 0.46 µm.
Room-Temperature Deposition of Silicon Thin Films by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Hashim Shaiful Bakhtiar , Mahzan Norhidayatul Hikmee , Herman Sukreen Hana , Rusop Mahmood Mohamad
Published: October 2012

Silicon thin film was successfully deposited on glass substrate using Radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The effect of deposition pressure on the physical and structural properties of thin films on the glass substrate was studied. The film thickness and deposition rate decreased with decreasing deposition pressure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shows as the deposition pressure increased, the surface morphology transform from concise structured to not closely pack on the surface. Raman spectroscopy result showed that the peak was around 508 cm-1, showing that the thin film is nanocrystalline instead of polycrystalline silicon.
Acid Pretreatment of WC-Co Prior to CVD Diamond Coating
Authors: Noordin Mohd Yusof , Noor Adila A.S. , Izman S. , Kurniawan D.
Published: October 2012

Pretreatment on tungsten carbide (WC-Co) surface is critical for obtaining perfectly adherent diamond coatings by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The carbide surface should have high roughness to facilitate diamond nucleation and adhesion. The presence of cobalt—common binder for tungsten carbide—on the surface to be coated should be made minimum since it has negative influence on the diamond deposition process. In this study, surface pretreatment on tungsten carbide using sulfuric acid was evaluated in terms of the resulted cobalt removal and the surface roughening. The variables included were acid concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The resulted surface roughness was 29% higher than initial, averaged at 1.07 µm. The acid pretreatment was also found effective in eliminating surface cobalt.
A Comparative Study of an Aircraft Radome Closed Mold through Vacuum Infusion Technique
Authors: Haris Mohd Yusoff , Laila D. , Zhahir Amzari , Mustapha Faizal , Mohd Aris K.D.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, manufacturing process of aircraft radome via closed mold with vacuum infusion process is presented. Closed mold is needed to get smooth inner and outer surface. The radome mold was formed from the original part of the aircraft Duke 60 Beachcraft. The closed mold is made from fiber glass/polyester composite via hand lay-up technique. Tooling grade vinyl ester gel coat is applied on the mold to produce fine smooth surface and protection. Later, the radome part is fabricated with vacuum infusion and the consistency of thickness is achieved.
Power Consumption Optimization in CNC Turning Process Using Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Al Hazza Muataz H.F. , Adesta Erry Yulian Triblas , Riza Muhammad , Suprianto M.Y.
Published: October 2012

Power consumption cost is one of the main integral parts of the total machining cost, but it has not given the proper attention when minimizing the machining cost. In this paper, the optimal machining parameters for continuous machining are determined with respect to the minimum power consumption cost with maintaining the surface roughness in the range of acceptance. The constraints considered in this research are cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and rake angle. Due to complexity of this machining optimization problem, a multi objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was applied to resolve the problem, and the results have been analyzed.
Smad3-Deficient CD11b+Gr1+ Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Prevent Allograft Rejection via the Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Wu Tingting , Sun Chenming , Chen Zhigang , Zhen Yu , Peng Jianxia , Qi Zhongquan , Yang Xiao , Zhao Yong
Published: October 2012

Immunosuppressive CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells and TGF-β have been shown to negatively regulate host immunity against allografts. Our results demonstrated that Smad3-deficient mice or mice reconstituted with Smad3-deficient hematopoietic cells rejected allogeneic skin or heart grafts in a significantly slower manner compared with littermates or wild-type (WT) control mice. Transplanted Smad3−/− recipients produced markedly less anti-donor IgG Abs, especially IgG1 and IgG2b subclasses. T cells in alloskin-grafted Smad3-deficient mice were more likely to participate in a Th2-type immune response, as evidenced by more Th2-specific transcription factor, GATA3 expression, and increased IL-4 and IL-10 production, as well as less Th1-specific transcription factor, T-bet expression, and decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production. More CD11b+Gr1+ neutrophil infiltration and less monocyte/macrophage and T cell infiltration in allografts were observed in Smad3−/− recipients compared with WT recipients. Increased CXCL1 and CXCL2 as well as decreased CCL3, MCP-1, and RANTES chemokines in allografts of Smad3−/− recipients were consistently detected by real-time PCR. Further studies indicated that the increased CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in Smad3-deficient mice were immunosuppressive and responsible for the delayed allograft rejection mainly via an NO-dependent pathway. Thus, this study identifies Smad3 as an intrinsic negative regulator that critically inhibits the differentiation and function of immunosuppressive CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
Evaluation of RecombinantLeishmaniaPolyprotein Plus Glucopyranosyl Lipid A Stable Emulsion Vaccines against Sand Fly-TransmittedLeishmania majorin C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Peters Nathan C. , Bertholet Sylvie , Lawyer Phillip G. , Charmoy Melanie , Romano Audrey , Ribeiro-Gomes Flavia L. , Stamper Lisa W. , Sacks David L.
Published: October 2012

Numerous experimental Leishmania vaccines have been developed to prevent the visceral and cutaneous forms of Leishmaniasis, which occur after exposure to the bite of an infected sand fly, yet only one is under evaluation in humans. KSAC and L110f, recombinant Leishmania polyproteins delivered in a stable emulsion (SE) with the TLR4 agonists monophosphoryl lipid A or glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA) have shown protection in animal models. KSAC+GLA-SE protected against cutaneous disease following sand fly transmission of Leishmania major in susceptible BALB/c mice. Similar polyprotein adjuvant combinations are the vaccine candidates most likely to see clinical evaluation. We assessed immunity generated by KSAC or L110f vaccination with GLA-SE following challenge with L. major by needle or infected sand fly bite in resistant C57BL/6 mice. Polyprotein-vaccinated mice had a 60-fold increase in CD4+IFN-γ+ T cell numbers versus control animals at 2 wk post–needle inoculation of L. major, and this correlated with a 100-fold reduction in parasite load. Immunity did not, however, reach levels observed in mice with a healed primary infection. Following challenge by infected sand fly bite, polyprotein-vaccinated animals had comparable parasite loads, greater numbers of neutrophils at the challenge site, and reduced CD4+IFN-γ+/IL-17+ ratios versus nonvaccinated controls. In contrast, healed animals had significantly reduced parasite loads and higher CD4+ IFN-γ+/IL-17+ ratios. These observations demonstrate that vaccine-induced protection against needle challenge does not necessarily translate to protection following challenge by infected sand fly bite.
Hepoxilin A3 Facilitates Neutrophilic Breach of Lipoxygenase-Expressing Airway Epithelial Barriers
Authors: Tamang David L. , Pirzai Waheed , Priebe Gregory P. , Traficante David C. , Pier Gerald B. , Falck John R. , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce D. , McCormick Beth A. , Gronert Karsten , Hurley Bryan P.
Published: October 2012

A feature shared by many inflammatory lung diseases is excessive neutrophilic infiltration. Neutrophil homing to airspaces involve multiple factors produced by several distinct cell types. Hepoxilin A3 is a neutrophil chemoattractant produced by pathogen-infected epithelial cells that is hypothesized to facilitate neutrophil breach of mucosal barriers. Using a Transwell model of lung epithelial barriers infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we explored the role of hepoxilin A3 in neutrophil transepithelial migration. Pharmacological inhibitors of the enzymatic pathways necessary to generate hepoxilin A3, including phospholipase A2 and 12-lipoxygenase, potently interfere with P. aeruginosa-induced neutrophil transepithelial migration. Both transformed and primary human lung epithelial cells infected with P. aeruginosa generate hepoxilin A3 precursor arachidonic acid. All four known lipoxygenase enzymes capable of synthesizing hepoxilin A3 are expressed in lung epithelial cell lines, primary small airway epithelial cells, and human bronchial epithelial cells. Lung epithelial cells produce increased hepoxilin A3 and lipid-derived neutrophil chemotactic activity in response to P. aeruginosa infection. Lipid-derived chemotactic activity is soluble epoxide hydrolase sensitive, consistent with hepoxilin A3 serving a chemotactic role. Stable inhibitory structural analogs of hepoxilin A3 are capable of impeding P. aeruginosa-induced neutrophil transepithelial migration. Finally, intranasal infection of mice with P. aeruginosa promotes enhanced cellular infiltrate into the airspace, as well as increased concentration of the 12-lipoxygenase metabolites hepoxilin A3 and 12-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-tetraenoic acid. Data generated from multiple models in this study provide further evidence that hepoxilin A3 is produced in response to lung pathogenic bacteria and functions to drive neutrophils across epithelial barriers.
Kerkwees in die saeculum vandag, Deel 1: Eenheid te midde van veelheid
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya
Published: October 2012

Being church in the saeculum today, Part 1: Unity through plurality. From a narrative theological perspective, the article tells the story of the church which has always been characterised by a tension between unity and plurality. The article illustrates that the root of the tension can be found in a binary mentality which traps the church in an endless labyrinth and keeps the it from being ‘A Broad Place’, a ’wide open space’. The article suggests that re-telling the church’s grand narrative of the Trinity sustains the re-telling of the church’s narrative in the changing environment of a secular society.
Review of the newly released book entitled ‘Equine Pediatric Medicine’
Authors: Rubio-Martínez Luis M.
Published: October 2012

How to cite this book review: Rubio-Martínez, L.M., 2012, ‘Review of the newly released book entitled “Equine Pediatric Medicine”’, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 83(1), Art. #737, 1 pages. http:// dx.doi.org/10.4102/jsava. v83i1.737
Adolescent Depression and Adult Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Fletcher Jason
Published: October 2012

This article uses recently released data from a national longitudinal sample to present new evidence of the longer term effects of adolescent depression on labor market outcomes. Results suggest reductions in labor force attachment of approximately 5% and earnings reductions of approximately 15% for individuals with depressive symptoms as an adolescent. These effects are only partially reduced when controlling for channels operating through educational attainment, adult depressive symptoms, or co‐occurring illnesses. Further, the unique structure of the data allows for high‐school fixed effects as well as suggestive evidence using sibling comparisons, which allows controls for potentially important unobserved heterogeneity. Overall, the results suggest that the links between adolescent depression and labor market outcomes are quite robust and important in magnitude, suggesting the need for further investments in treatment options and opportunities during adolescence, which will likely result in long term returns.
Transitioning from a Legacy EHR to a Commercial, Vendor-supplied, EHR
Authors: Csatari A. , Gettinger A.
Published: October 2012

Objective: Describe the planning, decisions, and implementation results experienced during the large-scale transition from one EHR to another throughout a large academic health system, which occurred simultaneously throughout both in-patient and all ambulatory settings

Methods: Review of internal decision-making documents, interviews with key participants, and data from conversion software

Results: Over 7,000 unique users caring for a population of more than 1.2 million patients in both inpatient and outpatient venues and distributed across two states were successfully transitioned to a new EHR simultaneously. Challenges in data conversion were encountered resulting in more work for end-users than desired or anticipated. Users continued to access older information (principally schedules) in the legacy EHR one year later

Conclusion: Data conversion from one EHR to another can be unsuccessful due to differences in how EHR’s structure data obtained from underlying feeder applications or databases. Abstraction of only the pertinent clinical content is difficult in the context of transitioning to a new EHR. Clinicians require facile access to legacy content that can be achieved by implanting CCOW compliant solutions.

Citation: Gettinger A, Csatari A. Transitioning from a legacy EHR to a commercial, vendor-supplied, EHR. Appl Clin Inf 2012; 3: 367–376

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-04-R-0014
Comparison of three vertically resolved ozone data bases: climatology, trends and radiative forcings
Authors: Hassler B. , Young P. J. , Portmann R. W. , Bodeker G. E. , Daniel J. S. , Rosenlof K. H. , Solomon S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Climate models that do not simulate changes in stratospheric ozone concentrations require ozone input fields to accurately calculate UV fluxes and stratospheric heating rates. In this study, three different global ozone time series that are available for this purpose are compared: the data set of Randel and Wu (2007) (RW07), Cionni et al. (2011) (SPARC), and Bodeker et al. (2012) (BDBP). The latter is a very recent data set, based on the comprehensive ozone measurement database described by Hassler et al. (2008). All three data sets represent multiple-linear regression fits to vertically resolved ozone observations, resulting in a patially and temporally continuous stratospheric ozone field covering at least the period from 1979 to 2005. The main difference between the data sets result from using different observations and including different basis functions for the regression model fits. These three regression-based data sets are compared against observations from ozonesondes and satellites to compare how the data sets represent concentrations, trends, and interannual variability. In the Southern Hemisphere polar region, RW07 and SPARC underestimate the ozone depletion in spring as seen in ozonesonde measurements. A piecewise linear trend regression is performed to estimate the 1979–1996 ozone decrease globally, covering a period of extreme depletion in most regions. BDBP seems to overestimate Arctic and tropical ozone loss over this period somewhat relative to the available measurements, whereas these appear to be underestimated in RW07 and SPARC. In most regions, the three data sets yield ozone values that are within the range of the different observations that serve as input to the regressions. However, the differences among the three suggest that there are large uncertainties in ozone trends. These result in differences of almost a factor of four in radiative forcing, which is important for the resulting climate changes.
Influence of spatial heterogeneity of local surface albedo on the area-averaged surface albedo retrieved from airborne irradiance measurements
Authors: Jäkel E. , Wendisch M. , Mayer B.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Spectral airborne upward and downward irradiance measurements are used to derive the area-averaged surface albedo. Real surfaces are not homogeneous in their reflectivity. Therefore, this work studies the effects of the heterogeneity of surface reflectivity on the area-averaged surface albedo to quantify how well aircraft measurements can resolve the small-scale variability of the local surface albedo. For that purpose spatially heterogeneous surface albedo maps were input into a 3-dimensional (3-D) Monte Carlo radiative transfer model to simulate 3-D irradiance fields. The calculated up- and downward irradiances in altitudes between 0.1 km and 5 km are used to derive the area-averaged surface albedo using an iterative retrieval method that removes the effects due to atmospheric scattering and absorption within the layer beneath the considered level. For the case of adjacent land and sea surfaces a parametrization is presented which quantifies the horizontal distance to the coastline that is required to reduce surface heterogeneity effects on the area-averaged surface albedo to a given limit. The parametrization which is a function of altitude, aerosol optical depth, and the ratio of local land and sea albedo was applied for airborne spectral measurements. In addition, the deviation between area-averaged and local surface albedo is determined for more complex surface albedo maps. For moderate aerosol conditions (optical depth less than 0.4) and the visible wavelength range, the altitude and the heterogeneity of the surface albedo are the dominant factors determining the mean deviation between local and area-averaged surface albedo. A parametrization of the mean deviation is applied to an albedo map that was derived from a Landsat image of an area in East Anglia (UK). Parametrization and direct comparison of local and area-averaged surface albedo show similar mean deviations (20% vs. 25%) over land.
Anaerobic oxidation of methane in grassland soils used for cattle husbandry
Authors: Bannert A. , Bogen C. , Esperschütz J. , Koubová A. , Buegger F. , Fischer D. , Radl V. , Fuß R. , Chroňáková A. , Elhottová D. , Šimek M. , Schloter M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. While the importance of anaerobic methane oxidation has been reported for marine ecosystems, the role of this process in soils is still questionable. Grasslands used as pastures for cattle overwintering show an increase in anaerobic soil micro-sites caused by animal treading and excrement deposition. Therefore, anaerobic potential methane oxidation activity of severely impacted soil from a cattle winter pasture was investigated in an incubation experiment under anaerobic conditions using 13C-labelled methane. We were able to detect a high microbial activity utilizing CH4 as nutrient source shown by the respiration of 13CO2. Measurements of possible terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic oxidation of methane were carried out. Soil sulfate concentrations were too low to explain the oxidation of the amount of methane added, but enough nitrate and iron(III) were detected. However, only nitrate was consumed during the experiment. 13C-PLFA analyses clearly showed the utilization of CH4 as nutrient source mainly by organisms harbouring 16:1ω7 PLFAs. These lipids were also found as most 13C-enriched fatty acids by Raghoebarsing et al. (2006) after addition of 13CH4 to an enrichment culture coupling denitrification of nitrate to anaerobic oxidation of methane. This might be an indication for anaerobic oxidation of methane by relatives of "Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera" in the investigated grassland soil under the conditions of the incubation experiment.
Planetary fertility during the past 400 ka based on the triple isotope composition of O2 in trapped gases from the Vostok ice core
Authors: Blunier T. , Bender M. L. , Barnett B. , von Fischer J. C.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The productivity of the biosphere leaves its imprint on the isotopic composition of atmospheric oxygen. Ultimately, atmospheric oxygen, through photosynthesis, originates from seawater. Fractionations during the passage from seawater to atmospheric O2 and during respiration affect δ17O approximately half as much as δ18O. An "anomalous" (also termed mass independent) fractionation process changes δ17O about 1.7 times as much as δ18O during isotope exchange between O2 and CO2 in the stratosphere. The relative rates of biological O2 production and stratospheric processing determine the relationship between δ17O and δ18O of O2 in the atmosphere. Variations of this relationship thus allow us to estimate changes in the rate of O2 production by photosynthesis versus the rate of O2–CO2 isotope exchange in the stratosphere. However, the analysis of the 17O anomaly is complicated because each hydrological and biological process fractionates δ17O and δ18O in slightly different proportions. In this study we present O2 isotope data covering the last 400 ka (thousand years) from the Vostok ice core. We reconstruct oxygen productivities from the triple isotope composition of atmospheric oxygen with a box model. Our steady state model for the oxygen cycle takes into account fractionation during photosynthesis and respiration by the land and ocean biosphere, fractionation during the hydrologic cycle, and fractionation when oxygen passes through the stratosphere. We consider changes of fractionation factors linked to climate variations, taking into account the span of estimates of the main factors affecting our calculations. We find that ocean oxygen productivity was within 20% of the modern value throughout the last 400 ka. Given the presumed reduction in terrestrial oxygen productivity, the total oxygen production during glacials was likely reduced.
Thermomagnetic properties of vivianite nodules, Lake El'gygytgyn, Northeast Russia
Authors: Minyuk P. S. , Subbotnikova T. V. , Brown L. L. , Murdock K. J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Vivianite, a hydrated iron phosphate, is abundant in sediments of El'gygytgyn Lake, located in the Anadyr Mountains of Central Chukotka, Northeastern Russia (67° 30' N; 172° 05' E). Magnetic measurements, including weight low-field AC magnetic susceptibility, field dependent magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis parameters, temperature dependence of the saturation magnetization, as well as susceptibility in different heating media provide ample information on vivianite. Electron-microprobe analyses, electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to identify diagnostic minerals. Vivianite nodules are abundant in both sediments of cold (anoxic) and warm (oxic) stages. Magnetic susceptibility of the nodules varies from 0.78 × 10−6 m3 kg−1 to 1.72 × 10−6 m3 kg−1 (average = 1.05 × 10−6 m3 kg−1) and is higher than the susceptibility of sediments from the cold intervals. Magnetic properties of vivianite are due to product of oxidation as well as sediment and mineral inclusions. Three types of curves of high temperature dependence susceptibility of vivianite indicate different degree of oxidation and inclusions in the nodules. Vivianite acts as a reductant and reduces hematite to magnetite and suppresses the goethite-hematite transition during heating. Heating vivianite and sulfur mixture stimulate the formation of monoclinic pyrrhotite. An additive of arsenic inhibits the formation of magnetite prior to its Curie temperature. Heating selective vivianite and pyrite mixtures produces formation of several different minerals – magnetite, monoclinic pyrrhotite, and hexagonal pyrrhotite, and make it difficult to interpret the thermomagnetic curves.
High resolution 3-D temperature and salinity fields derived from in situ and satellite observations
Authors: Guinehut S. , Dhomps A.-L. , Larnicol G. , Le Traon P.-Y.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. This paper describes an observation-based approach that efficiently combines the main components of the global ocean observing system using statistical methods. Accurate but sparse in situ temperature and salinity profiles (mainly from Argo for the last 10 yr) are merged with the lower accuracy but high-resolution synthetic data derived from satellite altimeter and sea surface temperature observations to provide global 3-D temperature and salinity fields at high temporal and spatial resolution. The first step of the method consists in deriving synthetic temperature fields from altimeter and sea surface temperature observations, and salinity fields from altimeter observations, through multiple/simple linear regression methods. The second step of the method consists in combining the synthetic fields with in situ temperature and salinity profiles using an optimal interpolation method. Results show the revolutionary nature of the Argo observing system. Argo observations now allow a global description of the statistical relationships that exist between surface and subsurface fields needed for step 1 of the method, and can constrain the large-scale temperature and mainly salinity fields during step 2 of the method. Compared to the use of climatological estimates, results indicate that up to 50% of the variance of the temperature fields can be reconstructed from altimeter and sea surface temperature observations and a statistical method. For salinity, only about 20 to 30% of the signal can be reconstructed from altimeter observations, making the in situ observing system essential for salinity estimates. The in situ observations (step 2 of the method) further reduce the differences between the gridded products and the observations by up to 20% for the temperature field in the mixed layer, and the main contribution is for salinity and the near surface layer with an improvement up to 30%. Compared to estimates derived using in situ observations only, the merged fields provide a better reconstruction of the high resolution temperature and salinity fields. This also holds for the large-scale and low-frequency fields thanks to a better reduction of the aliasing due to the mesoscale variability. Contribution of the merged fields is then illustrated to describe qualitatively the temperature variability patterns for the period from 1993 to 2009.
Long-Term Results of Acute Prosthetic Joint Infection Treated with Debridement and Prosthesis Retention: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Font-Vizcarra Lluís , García Sebastián , Bori Guillem , Martinez-Pastor Juan Carlos , Zumbado Alonso , Morata Laura , Mensa Josep , Soriano Alex
Published: October 2012

Purposes

To evaluate the long-term outcome (at least 4 years) of patients who underwent a surgical debridement due to an acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and to compare them with a control group that did not have an acute septic complication.

Methods

From January 1999 to December 2007, 61 patients with an acute PJI in remission after 2 years of follow-up (cases) were retrospectively reviewed and compared with a control group (2:1) without an acute PJI matched by age, year of arthroplasty, and type of prosthesis. Septic and aseptic complications of each group were gathered and compared using a chi-square test. A two-tailed p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of 183 patients, 4 cases and 2 controls were excluded due to death or lost to follow up; 113 (63.8%) were females and 109 (61.5%) had a knee replacement. The mean age and time of followup were 68.3 and 6.4 years, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls in the percentage of late septic or aseptic loosening. However, the late relapse rate in patients with acute PJI caused by S. aureus, was 12.5% (2 out of 16) and there was a trend towards significance when compared with the rest of the cohort (3.3%, p = 0.09). Aseptic late complications were more frequent in GN-cases (10.7%) than in the other groups (3.4% in GP-cases and 5% in controls) but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19).

Conclusions

In conclusion, although analyzing all late complications together, patients with an acute PJI have a similar long-term outcome in comparison with controls; patients with an acute PJI due to S. aureus had a higher late relapse rate; and GN-cases developed an aseptic loosening more frequently. In the future, it is necessary to evaluate larger series to confirm our results.