bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Patterns and Comparative Effectiveness in Elderly Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Analysis
Authors: Hamlin Paul A. , Satram-Hoang Sacha , Reyes Carolina , Hoang Khang Q. , Guduru Sridhar R. , Skettino Sandra
Published: October 2014

Background.

The incidence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs disproportionately in elderly patients. We evaluated real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in elderly DLBCL patients in the U.S.

Materials and Methods.

A retrospective cohort analysis of 9,333 DLBCL patients from the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database was conducted. Patients were diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007; were aged >66 years, and were continuously enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in the year prior to diagnosis. Within 3 months of diagnosis, 4,565 (49%) received rituximab plus chemotherapy (R+chemo), 2,181 (23%) received chemotherapy only, and 467 (5%) received rituximab monotherapy (R-mono). Cox proportional hazards regression assessed overall survival between R+chemo versus chemotherapy only and R-mono versus no treatment.

Results.

Overall, 23% of patients received no treatment, and the proportion was higher among those aged >80 years (33%). Patients receiving R+chemo were younger and more likely white compared with those receiving chemotherapy only. Patients receiving R-mono were older and more likely female compared with those not treated. In multivariate analysis, patients receiving chemotherapy only had a twofold increased mortality risk versus R+chemo, and this was confirmed in a subanalysis of patients aged >80 years. A 91% higher mortality risk was noted with receipt of fewer than six cycles versus six cycles of chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy. Patients receiving R-mono had a 69% decreased mortality risk compared with patients who were not treated.

Conclusion.

This real-world analysis of elderly DLBCL patients confirmed that 23% do not receive treatment. Overall survival is higher for patients receiving R+chemo and R-mono relative to chemotherapy only and no treatment, respectively. Suboptimal durations of therapy with curative intent (fewer than six cycles) were associated with poorer outcomes.
Technology to support independent travel in the UK
Authors: Edwards Simon J. , Partington David , Matthews Bryan , Blythe Phil
Published: October 2014

Powerful economic and social arguments exist for enhancing transport accessibility for older and disabled people, and these are reinforced through legislation and demographic trends towards an ageing society. While much effort has focused on modifications to physical infrastructure, vehicles and services to enhance their accessibility, the emergence of new technologies offers the potential for further accessibility improvements. This paper explores the role of new technologies, commonly referred to as intelligent transport systems, with particular emphasis on information services and their access through portable devices. It proceeds to discuss how new technologies, and their appropriate application and implementation for the benefit of older and disabled transport users, can be optimised through better stakeholder engagement. Making the best use of technology for enhancing transport accessibility is a challenge, but one that if met, offers enormous scope to improve mobility, health and wellbeing, not only for disabled and older people, but for all members of society.
Meningiomas: knowledge base, treatment outcomes, and uncertainties. A RANO review
Authors: Rogers Leland , Barani Igor , Chamberlain Marc , Kaley Thomas J. , McDermott Michael , Raizer Jeffrey , Schiff David , Weber Damien C. , Wen Patrick Y. , Vogelbaum Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Evolving interest in meningioma, the most common primary brain tumor, has refined contemporary management of these tumors. Problematic, however, is the paucity of prospective clinical trials that provide an evidence-based algorithm for managing meningioma. This review summarizes the published literature regarding the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent meningioma, with an emphasis on outcomes stratified by WHO tumor grade. Specifically, this review focuses on patient outcomes following treatment (either adjuvant or at recurrence) with surgery or radiation therapy inclusive of radiosurgery and fractionated radiation therapy. Phase II trials for patients with meningioma have recently completed accrual within the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer consortia, and Phase III studies are being developed. However, at present, there are no completed prospective, randomized trials assessing the role of either surgery or radiation therapy. Successful completion of future studies will require a multidisciplinary effort, dissemination of the current knowledge base, improved implementation of WHO grading criteria, standardization of response criteria and other outcome end points, and concerted efforts to address weaknesses in present treatment paradigms, particularly for patients with progressive or recurrent low-grade meningioma or with high-grade meningioma. In parallel efforts, Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) subcommittees are developing a paper on systemic therapies for meningioma and a separate article proposing standardized end point and response criteria for meningioma.
Improved preservation of function during acoustic neuroma surgery
Authors: Nakatomi Hirofumi , Miyazaki Hidemi , Tanaka Minoru , Kin Taichi , Yoshino Masanori , Oyama Hiroshi , Usui Masaaki , Moriyama Hiroshi , Kojima Hiromi , Kaga Kimitaka , Saito Nobuhito
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

Restoration of cranial nerve functions during acoustic neuroma (AN) surgery is crucial for good outcome. The effects of minimizing the injury period and maximizing the recuperation period were investigated in 89 patients who consecutively underwent retrosigmoid unilateral AN surgery.

METHODS

Cochlear nerve and facial nerve functions were evaluated during AN surgery by use of continuous auditory evoked dorsal cochlear nucleus action potential monitoring and facial nerve root exit zone–elicited compound muscle action potential monitoring, respectively. Factors affecting preservation of function at the same (preoperative) grade were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients underwent standard treatment and investigation of the monitoring threshold for preservation of function; another 66 patients underwent extended recuperation treatment and assessment of its effect on recovery of nerve function. Both types of final action potential monitoring response and extended recuperation treatment were associated with preservation of function at the same grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of function was significantly better for patients who received extended recuperation treatment.
Infections in patients undergoing craniotomy: risk factors associated with post-craniotomy meningitis
Authors: Kourbeti Irene S. , Vakis Antonis F. , Ziakas Panayiotis , Karabetsos Dimitris , Potolidis Evangelos , Christou Silvana , Samonis George
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

The authors performed a prospective study to define the prevalence and microbiological characteristics of infections in patients undergoing craniotomy and to clarify the risk factors for post-craniotomy meningitis.

METHODS

Patients older than 18 years who underwent nonstereotactic craniotomies between January 2006 and December 2008 were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and microbiological data were systemically recorded. Patient characteristics, craniotomy type, and pre- and postoperative variables were evaluated as risk factors for meningitis

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-four procedures were analyzed (65.6% involving male patients). Traumatic brain injury was the most common reason for craniotomy. Almost 40% of the patients developed at least 1 infection. Ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP) was the most common infection recorded (22.5%) and Acinetobacter spp. were isolated in 44% of the cases. Meningitis was encountered in 16 procedures (4.8%), and CSF cultures were positive for microbial growth in 100% of these cases. Gram-negative pathogens (Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloaceae, Proteus mirabilis) represented 88% of the pathogens. Acinetobacter and Klebsiella spp. demonstrated a high percentage of resistance in several antibiotic classes. In multivariate analysis, the risk for meningitis was independently associated with perioperative steroid use (OR 11.55, p = 0.005), CSF leak (OR 48.03, p < 0.001), and ventricular drainage (OR 70.52, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Device-related postoperative communication between the CSF and the environment, CSF leak, and perioperative steroid use were defined as risk factors for meningitis in this study. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the most common infection overall. The offending pathogens presented a high level of resistance to several antibiotics.
Nerve transfers for elbow and finger extension reconstruction in midcervical spinal cord injuries
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto , Ghizoni Marcos Flávio
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

The objective of this study was to report the results of elbow, thumb, and finger extension reconstruction via nerve transfer in midcervical spinal cord injuries.

METHODS

Thirteen upper limbs from 7 patients with tetraplegia, with an average age of 26 years, were operated on an average of 7 months after a spinal cord injury. The posterior division of the axillary nerve was used to reinnervate the triceps long and upper medial head motor branches in 9 upper limbs. Both the posterior division and the branch to the middle deltoid were used in 2 upper limbs, and the anterior division of the axillary nerve in the final 2 limbs. For thumb and finger extension reconstruction, the nerve to the supinator was transferred to the posterior interosseous nerve.

RESULTS

In 22 of the 27 recipient nerves, a peripheral type of palsy with muscle denervation was identified. At an average of 19 months follow-up, elbow strength scored M4 in 11 upper limbs and M3 in 2, according to the British Medical Research Council scale. Thumb extension scored M4 in 8 upper limbs and scored M3 in 4. Finger extension scored M4 in 12 hands. No donor-site deficits were reported or observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve transfers are effective at restoring elbow, thumb, and finger extension in patients with a midcervical spinal cord injury, which occurs in the majority of patients with a peripheral type of palsy with muscle denervation in their upper limbs. Efforts should be made to perform operations in these patients within 12 months of injury.
Effectiveness of intraoperative indocyanine green videoangiography in direct surgical treatment of pediatric intracranial pial arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Sugimoto Tadashi , Park Young-Su , Nakagawa Ichiro , Nishimura Fumihiko , Motoyama Yasushi , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

Intracranial pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare cerebrovascular lesions. The authors report a rare case of pediatric pial AVF treated by direct disconnection with the aid of indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography. A 3-year-old girl presented with developmental problems. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed brain atrophy and an anomalous left temporal vascular mass. Angiography showed a high-flow pial AVF in the early arterial phase fed by the M1 portion of the left middle cerebral artery and draining into the superficial sylvian vein and the vein of Trolard with a large varix. Given that her fistula was located in a superficial region that was easily accessible by craniotomy, the authors successfully disconnected her pial AVF by direct surgery aided by ICG videoangiography, which clearly confirmed the shunting point. In this report, the authors discuss the existing literature and compare the relative merits of endovascular versus surgical options for the treatment of pial AVF.
Successful treatment of a patient with congenital kyphoscoliosis associated with tethered cord
Authors: Tao Hui-Ren , Yang Tian-Li , Chang Michael S. , Li Huan , Zhang Da-Wei , Fan Hong-Bin , Shen Chao , Luo Zhuo-Jing
Published: October 2014

Tethered cord is a common finding in congenital scoliosis. The most frequently advocated approach for this condition is to perform prophylactic detethering of the cord before scoliosis corrective surgery. The authors report on a 14-year-old patient with congenital thoracic kyphoscoliosis associated with a tethered cord, who developed progressive paraparesis and was successfully treated by posterior spine shortening osteotomy alone without prophylactic untethering. The patient had a 103° scoliotic curve together with a 93° kyphotic curve with an apical vertebra of T-7. Furthermore, he developed a significant progression of neurological deficits, including weakness of both legs and urinary and bowel incontinence. Preoperative MRI revealed that the spinal cord was entrapped by the apical vertebra and the low-placed conus medullaris was at approximately L-5. A posterior vertebral column resection of T-7 was performed for the purpose of simultaneously correcting the kyphoscoliosis and releasing tension on the tethered cord without a true detethering surgery. The patient's spinal cord function recovered completely from Frankel D to Frankel E by 6 months after the procedure. Evaluation at 31 months after surgery showed maintenance of good curve correction and normal neurological function.
Primary spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma: clinical features and surgical outcome in 14 cases
Authors: Li Teng-yu , Xu Yu-lun , Yang Jun , Wang James , Wang Gui-Huai
Published: October 2014

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, imaging features, differential diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis for primary spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with pathologically diagnosed non–vertebral origin cavernous hemangiomas who had undergone surgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between 2003 and 2012 were identified in the hospital's database. The patients' clinical data, imaging characteristics, surgical treatment, and postoperative follow-up were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 9 males and 5 females with an average age of 51.64 years. The primary epidural cavernous hemangiomas were located in the cervical spine (2 cases), cervicothoracic junction (2 cases), thoracic spine (8 cases), thoracolumbar junction (1 case), and lumbar spine (1 case). Hemorrhage was confirmed in 4 cases during surgery. Preoperatively 5 lesions were misdiagnosed as schwannoma, 1 was misdiagnosed as a meningioma, and 1 was misdiagnosed as an arachnoid cyst. Preoperative hemorrhages were identified in 2 cases. Three patients had recurrent cavernous hemangiomas. The initial presenting symptoms were local pain in 5 cases, radiculopathy in 6 cases, and myelopathy in 3 cases. Upon admission, 1 patient had radicular symptoms and 13 had myelopathic symptoms. The average symptom duration was 18 months. All patients underwent surgery; complete resection was achieved in 8 cases, subtotal resection in 4 cases, and partial resection in 2 cases. Postoperative follow-up was completed in 10 cases (average follow-up 34 months); 1 patient died, 5 patients showed clinical improvement, and 4 patients remained neurologically unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Total surgical removal of spine epidural cavernous hemangiomas with a chronic course is the optimum treatment and carries a good prognosis. Secondary surgery for recurrent epidural cavernous hemangioma is technically more challenging. In patients with profound myelopathy from acute hemorrhage, even prompt surgical decompression can rarely reverse all symptoms.
Next generation of an intermediate depth drill
Authors: Johnson Jay A. , Shturmakov Alexander J. , Kuhl Tanner W. , Mortensen Nicolai B. , Gibson Chris J.
Published: October 2014

Many of the ice-coring objectives in the Ice Drilling Program Office (IDPO) Long Range Science Plan, such as those in the International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS) 2k array and 40k network, are attainable in many locations with an intermediate depth drill (IDD) that can collect core from a fluid-filled hole down to 1500 m depth. The Ice Drilling Design and Operations (IDDO) group has designed and is in the process of building an agile IDD to meet this objective. The drill tent, power distribution and core-processing systems are an integral part of the IDD, which can be deployed by small aircraft and assembled by hand to minimize logistic requirements. The new drill system will be ready for testing in Greenland beginning in late spring 2014. The first production drilling is scheduled for the 2014/15 field season at the South Pole.
On One-Sided, D-Chaotic CA Without Fixed Points, Having Continuum of Periodic Points With Period 2 and Topological Entropy log(p) for Any Prime p
Authors: Forys Wit , Matyja Janusz
Published: October 2014

A method is known by which any integer \(\, n\geq2\,\) in a metric Cantor space of right-infinite words \(\,\tilde{A}_{n}^{\,\mathbb N}\,\) gives a construction of a non-injective cellular automaton \(\,(\tilde{A}_{n}^{\,\mathbb N},\,\tilde{F}_{n}),\,\) which is chaotic in Devaney sense, has a radius \(\, r=1,\,\) continuum of fixed points and topological entropy \(\, log(n).\,\) As a generalization of this method we present for any integer \(\, n\geq2,\,\) a construction of a cellular automaton \(\,(A_{n}^{\,\mathbb{N}},\, F_{n}),\,\) which has the listed properties of \(\,(\tilde{A}_{n}^{\,\mathbb N},\,\tilde{F}_{n}),\,\) but has no fixed points and has continuum of periodic points with the period 2. The construction is based on properties of cellular automaton introduced here \(\,(B^{\,\mathbb N},\, F)\,\) with radius \(1\) defined for any prime number \(\, p.\,\) We prove that \(\,(B^{\,\mathbb N},\, F)\,\) is non-injective, chaotic in Devaney sense, has no fixed points, has continuum of periodic points with the period \(2\) and topological entropy \(\, log(p).\,\)
Sustainability Criteria and Indicators for the Bio-Based Economy in Europe: State of Discussion and Way Forward
Authors: Fritsche Uwe , Iriarte Leire
Published: October 2014

There is a strong interest in the EU to promote the bioeconomy sector within the EU 2020 strategy. It is thus necessary to assure a sound sustainability framework. This paper reviews international and European sustainability initiatives mainly for biomass for bioenergy. The basic and advanced sustainability indicators are identified and described with particular attention to those points without agreement between stakeholders. Based on the state of the discussion, some suggestions to enhance the sustainable development of the bioeconomy sector are proposed.
A New System to Estimate and Reduce Electrical Energy Consumption of Domestic Hot Water in Spain
Authors: Gutierrez-Escolar Alberto , Castillo-Martinez Ana , Gomez-Pulido Jose , Gutierrez-Martinez Jose-Maria , Stapic Zlatko
Published: October 2014

Energy consumption rose about 28% over the 2001 to 2011 period in the Spanish residential sector. In this environment, domestic hot water (DHW) represents the second highest energy demand. There are several methodologies to estimate DHW consumption, but each methodology uses different inputs and some of them are based on obsolete data. DHW energy consumption estimation is a key tool to plan modifications that could enhance this consumption and we decided to update the methodologies. We studied DHW consumption with data from 10 apartments in the same building during 18 months. As a result of the study, we updated one chosen methodology, adapting it to the current situation. One of the challenges to improve efficiency of DHW use is that most of people are not aware of how it is consumed in their homes. To help this information to reach consumers, we developed a website to allow users to estimate the final electrical energy needed for DHW. The site uses three estimation methodologies and chooses the best fit based on information given by the users. Finally, the application provides users with recommendations and tips to reduce their DHW consumption while still maintaining the desired comfort level.
From Raw Data to Meaningful Information: A Representational Approach to Cadastral Databases in Relation to Urban Planning
Authors: Dalmau Francesc , Garcia-Almirall Pilar , Domínguez Ernest , Escudero David
Published: October 2014

Digesting the data hose that cities are constantly producing is complex; data is usually structured with different criteria, which makes comparative analysis of multiple cities challenging. However, the publicly available data from the Spanish cadaster contains urban information in a documented format with common semantics for the whole territory, which makes these analyses possible. This paper uses the information about the 3D geometry of buildings, their use and their year of construction, stored in cadastral databases, to study the relation between the built environment (what the city is) and the urban plan (what the city wants to become), translating the concepts of the cadastral data into the semantics of the urban plan. Different representation techniques to better understand the city from the pedestrians’ point of view and to communicate this information more effectively are also discussed.
Perceived Adverse Health Effects of Heat and Their Determinants in Deprived Neighbourhoods: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Nine Cities in Canada
Authors: Bélanger Diane , Gosselin Pierre , Valois Pierre , Abdous Belkacem
Published: October 2014

This study identifies several characteristics of individuals who report their physical and/or mental health as being adversely affected by summertime heat and humidity, within the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the nine largest cities of Québec (Canada). The study is cross-sectional by stratified representative sample; 3485 people were interviewed in their residence. The prevalence of reported impacts was 46%, mostly physical health. Female gender and long-term medical leave are two impact risk indicators in people <65 years of age. Low income and air conditioning at home are risk indicators at all ages. Results for having ≥2 diagnoses of chronic diseases, particularly for people self-describing as in poor health (odds ratio, OR<65 = 5.6; OR≥65 = 4.2), and perceiving daily stress, are independent of age. The prevalence of reported heat-related health impacts is thus very high in those inner cities, with notable differences according to age, stress levels and long-term medical leave, previously unmentioned in the literature. Finally, the total number of pre-existing medical conditions seems to be a preponderant risk factor. This study complements the epidemiologic studies based on mortality or severe morbidity and shows that the heat-related burden of disease appears very important in those communities, affecting several subgroups differentially.
Processed Aloe vera Gel Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunotoxicity
Authors: Im Sun-A , Kim Ki-Hyang , Kim Hee-Suk , Lee Ki-Hwa , Shin Eunju , Do Seon-Gil , Jo Tae , Park Young , Lee Chong-Kil
Published: October 2014

The effects of processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunotoxicity were examined in mice. Intraperitoneal injection of CP significantly reduced the total number of lymphocytes and erythrocytes in the blood. Oral administration of PAG quickly restored CP-induced lymphopenia and erythropenia in a dose-dependent manner. The reversal of CP-induced hematotoxicity by PAG was mediated by the functional preservation of Peyer’s patch cells. Peyer’s patch cells isolated from CP-treated mice, which were administered PAG, produced higher levels of T helper 1 cytokines and colony-stimulating factors (CSF) in response to concanavalin A stimulation as compared with those isolated from CP-treated control mice. PAG-derived polysaccharides directly activated Peyer’s patch cells isolated from normal mice to produce cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, interferon-γ, granulocyte-CSF, and granulocyte-macrophage-CSF. The cytokines produced by polysaccharide-stimulated Peyer’s patch cells had potent proliferation-inducing activity on mouse bone marrow cells. In addition, oral administration of PAG restored IgA secretion in the intestine after CP treatment. These results indicated that PAG could be an effective immunomodulator and that it could prevent CP-induced immunotoxic side effects.
Noble-Metal Chalcogenide Nanotubes
Authors: Zibouche Nourdine , Kuc Agnieszka , Miró Pere , Heine Thomas
Published: October 2014

We explore the stability and the electronic properties of hypothetical noble-metal chalcogenide nanotubes PtS2, PtSe2, PdS2 and PdSe2 by means of density functional theory calculations. Our findings show that the strain energy decreases inverse quadratically with the tube diameter, as is typical for other nanotubes. Moreover, the strain energy is independent of the tube chirality and converges towards the same value for large diameters. The band-structure calculations show that all noble-metal chalcogenide nanotubes are indirect band gap semiconductors. The corresponding band gaps increase with the nanotube diameter rapidly approaching the respective pristine 2D monolayer limit.
Endocannabinoids, Related Compounds and Their Metabolic Routes
Authors: Fezza Filomena , Bari Monica , Florio Rita , Talamonti Emanuela , Feole Monica , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: October 2014

Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators able to bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors, the primary molecular targets responsible for the pharmacological effects of the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. These bioactive lipids belong mainly to two classes of compounds: N-acylethanolamines and acylesters, being N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), respectively, their main representatives. During the last twenty years, an ever growing number of fatty acid derivatives (endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds) have been discovered and their activities biological is the subject of intense investigations. Here, the most recent advances, from a therapeutic point of view, on endocannabinoids, related compounds, and their metabolic routes will be reviewed.
2-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-indazol-3-ol, a Benzimidazole Derivative, Inhibits T Cell Proliferation Involving H+/K+-ATPase Inhibition
Authors: Liu Jin , Huang Ning , Li Ning , Liu Si-Nian , Li Min-Hui , Li Hua , Luo Xing-Yan , Wang Yan-Tang , Li Li-Mei , Zou Qiang , Liu Yang , Yang Tai
Published: October 2014

In this study, a benzimidazole derivative named BMT-1 is revealed as a potential immunomodulatory agent. BMT-1 inhibits the activity of H+/K+-ATPases from anti-CD3/CD28 activated T cells. Furthermore, inhibition the H+/K+-ATPases by use of BMT-1 should lead to intracellular acidification, inhibiting T cell proliferation. To explore this possibility, the effect of BMT-1 on intracellular pH changes was examined by using BCECF as a pH-dependent fluorescent dye. Interestingly, increases in the pHi were observed in activated T cells, and T cells treated with BMT-1 showed a more acidic intracellular pH. Finally, BMT-1 targeted the H+/K+-ATPases and inhibited the proliferative response of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated T cells. A cell cycle analysis indicated that BMT-1 arrested the cell cycle progression of activated T cells from the G1 to the S phase without affecting CD25 expression or interleukin-2 (IL-2) production; treating IL-2-dependent PBMCs with BMT-1 also led to the inhibition of cell proliferation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that BMT-1 inhibits the proliferation of T cells by interfering with H+/K+-ATPases and down-regulating intracellular pHi. This molecule may be an interesting lead compound for the development of new immunomodulatory agents.
Synthesis, X-ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetric and DFT Analyses of Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Barakat Assem , Al-Najjar Hany , Al-Majid Abdullah , Adil Syed , Ali Mohamed , Masand Vijay , Ghabbour Hazem , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: October 2014

An eco-benign synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives 2a,b containing different functional groups with different electronic character starting from nitroalkenes 1a and 2b has been described. The structures for 1a and 2a,b have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermal data of the molecules pointed towards important structural aspects of their stability. The mechanism of their thermal decomposition is discussed. The thermodynamic parameters of the dissociation steps were evaluated and discussed. DFT calculations reveal that the compound 1a possesses a high calculated dipole moment value (8.28 D) which indicates its high reactivity towards its surrounding molecules.
Earth Observation Based Assessment of the Water Production and Water Consumption of Nile Basin Agro-Ecosystems
Authors: Bastiaanssen Wim , Karimi Poolad , Rebelo Lisa-Maria , Duan Zheng , Senay Gabriel , Muthuwatte Lal , Smakhtin Vladimir
Published: October 2014

The increasing competition for water resources requires a better understanding of flows, fluxes, stocks, and the services and benefits related to water consumption. This paper explains how public domain Earth Observation data based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Second Generation Meteosat (MSG), Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and various altimeter measurements can be used to estimate net water production (rainfall (P) > evapotranspiration (ET)) and net water consumption (ET > P) of Nile Basin agro-ecosystems. Rainfall data from TRMM and the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS-NET) RainFall Estimates (RFE) products were used in conjunction with actual evapotranspiration from the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) and ETLook models. Water flows laterally between net water production and net water consumption areas as a result of runoff and withdrawals. This lateral flow between the 15 sub-basins of the Nile was estimated, and partitioned into stream flow and non-stream flow using the discharge data. A series of essential water metrics necessary for successful integrated water management are explained and computed. Net water withdrawal estimates (natural and humanly instigated) were assumed to be the difference between net rainfall (Pnet) and actual evapotranspiration (ET) and some first estimates of withdrawals—without flow meters—are provided. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems withdraw large volumes of groundwater, which exceed water withdrawals for the irrigation sector. There is a strong need for the development of more open-access Earth Observation databases, especially for information related to actual ET. The fluxes, flows and storage changes presented form the basis for a global framework to describe monthly and annual water accounts in ungauged river basins.
An Embedded Stress Sensor for Concrete SHM Based on Amorphous Ferromagnetic Microwires
Authors: Olivera Jesús , González Margarita , Fuente José , Varga Rastislav , Zhukov Arkady , Anaya José
Published: October 2014

A new smart concrete aggregate design as a candidate for applications in structural health monitoring (SHM) of critical elements in civil infrastructure is proposed. The cement-based stress/strain sensor was developed by utilizing the stress/strain sensing properties of a magnetic microwire embedded in cement-based composite (MMCC). This is a contact-less type sensor that measures variations of magnetic properties resulting from stress variations. Sensors made of these materials can be designed to satisfy the specific demand for an economic way to monitor concrete infrastructure health. For this purpose, we embedded a thin magnetic microwire in the core of a cement-based cylinder, which was inserted into the concrete specimen under study as an extra aggregate. The experimental results show that the embedded MMCC sensor is capable of measuring internal compressive stress around the range of 1–30 MPa. Two stress sensing properties of the embedded sensor under uniaxial compression were studied: the peak amplitude and peak position of magnetic switching field. The sensitivity values for the amplitude and position within the measured range were 5 mV/MPa and 2.5 µs/MPa, respectively.
Electronic Noses for Environmental Monitoring Applications
Authors: Capelli Laura , Sironi Selena , Del Rosso Renato
Published: October 2014

Electronic nose applications in environmental monitoring are nowadays of great interest, because of the instruments’ proven capability of recognizing and discriminating between a variety of different gases and odors using just a small number of sensors. Such applications in the environmental field include analysis of parameters relating to environmental quality, process control, and verification of efficiency of odor control systems. This article reviews the findings of recent scientific studies in this field, with particular focus on the abovementioned applications. In general, these studies prove that electronic noses are mostly suitable for the different applications reported, especially if the instruments are specifically developed and fine-tuned. As a general rule, literature studies also discuss the critical aspects connected with the different possible uses, as well as research regarding the development of effective solutions. However, currently the main limit to the diffusion of electronic noses as environmental monitoring tools is their complexity and the lack of specific regulation for their standardization, as their use entails a large number of degrees of freedom, regarding for instance the training and the data processing procedures.
Boresight Calibration of Construction Misalignments for 3D Scanners Built with a 2D Laser Rangefinder Rotating on Its Optical Center
Authors: Morales Jesús , Martínez Jorge , Mandow Anthony , Reina Antonio , Pequeño-Boter Alejandro , García-Cerezo Alfonso
Published: October 2014

Many applications, like mobile robotics, can profit from acquiring dense, wide-ranging and accurate 3D laser data. Off-the-shelf 2D scanners are commonly customized with an extra rotation as a low-cost, lightweight and low-power-demanding solution. Moreover, aligning the extra rotation axis with the optical center allows the 3D device to maintain the same minimum range as the 2D scanner and avoids offsets in computing Cartesian coordinates. The paper proposes a practical procedure to estimate construction misalignments based on a single scan taken from an arbitrary position in an unprepared environment that contains planar surfaces of unknown dimensions. Inherited measurement limitations from low-cost 2D devices prevent the estimation of very small translation misalignments, so the calibration problem reduces to obtaining boresight parameters. The distinctive approach with respect to previous plane-based intrinsic calibration techniques is the iterative maximization of both the flatness and the area of visible planes. Calibration results are presented for a case study. The method is currently being applied as the final stage in the production of a commercial 3D rangefinder.
A Review of Imaging Techniques for Plant Phenotyping
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Qin , Huang Danfeng
Published: October 2014

Given the rapid development of plant genomic technologies, a lack of access to plant phenotyping capabilities limits our ability to dissect the genetics of quantitative traits. Effective, high-throughput phenotyping platforms have recently been developed to solve this problem. In high-throughput phenotyping platforms, a variety of imaging methodologies are being used to collect data for quantitative studies of complex traits related to the growth, yield and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress (disease, insects, drought and salinity). These imaging techniques include visible imaging (machine vision), imaging spectroscopy (multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing), thermal infrared imaging, fluorescence imaging, 3D imaging and tomographic imaging (MRT, PET and CT). This paper presents a brief review on these imaging techniques and their applications in plant phenotyping. The features used to apply these imaging techniques to plant phenotyping are described and discussed in this review.
Marine Ecological Footprint of Italian Mediterranean Fisheries
Authors: De Leo Federica , Miglietta Pier , Pavlinović Slađana
Published: October 2014

The capacity of marine and coastal ecosystems to sustain seafood production and consumption is seldom accounted for and is not included in the signals that guide economic development. In this article, we review estimates of marine and coastal areas aimed at sustaining catches for seafood consumption. The aim of this paper is the assessment of the interactions between the environment, intended as a set of ecological subsystems in natural equilibrium, including the marine ecosystem, and the process of fisheries systems. In particular we analyze fisheries in Italy, which is the third biggest economy and the greatest consumer of seafood in the Eurozone, conducting an in-depth analysis of the Marine Ecological Footprint (MEF) that evaluates the marine ecosystem area exploited by human populations to supply seafood and other marine products and services. The positioning of Italian fisheries shows a level of sustainability next to the threshold value. The analysis in the present study highlights the importance of absolute indicators in providing rough estimates about human dependence on ecological systems and recognizes the importance of those indicators, such as the Marine Footprint (expressed in % of Primary Production Required/Primary Production), in ensuring a high level of precision and accuracy in quantifying human activity impact on the environment.
The “Bad Labor” Footprint: Quantifying the Social Impacts of Globalization
Authors: Simas Moana , Golsteijn Laura , Huijbregts Mark , Wood Richard , Hertwich Edgar
Published: October 2014

The extent to what bad labor conditions across the globe are associated with international trade is unknown. Here, we quantify the bad labor conditions associated with consumption in seven world regions, the “bad labor” footprint. In particular, we analyze how much occupational health damage, vulnerable employment, gender inequality, share of unskilled workers, child labor, and forced labor is associated with the production of internationally traded goods. Our results show that (i) as expected, there is a net flow of bad labor conditions from developing to developed regions; (ii) the production of exported goods in lower income regions contributes to more than half of the bad labor footprints caused by the wealthy lifestyles of affluent regions; (iii) exports from Asia constitute the largest global trade flow measured in the amount bad labor, while exports from Africa carry the largest burden of bad labor conditions per unit value traded and per unit of total labor required; and (IV) the trade of food products stands out in both volume and intensity of bad labor conditions.
Supramolecular Chirality in Dynamic Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Miyake Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

Labile metal complexes have a useful coordination bond; which is weaker than a covalent C–C bond and is reversibly and dynamically formed and dissociated. Such labile metal complexes also can be used to construct chiral shapes and offer dynamic conversion of chiral molecular shapes in response to external stimuli. This review provides recent examples of chirality induction and describes the dynamic conversion systems produced by chiral metal complexes including labile metal centers, most of which respond to external stimuli by exhibiting sophisticated conversion phenomena.
Current Perspectives on HIV-1 Antiretroviral Drug Resistance
Authors: Iyidogan Pinar , Anderson Karen
Published: October 2014

Current advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have turned HIV-1 infection into a chronic and manageable disease. However, treatment is only effective until HIV-1 develops resistance against the administered drugs. The most recent antiretroviral drugs have become superior at delaying the evolution of acquired drug resistance. In this review, the viral fitness and its correlation to HIV-1 mutation rates and drug resistance are discussed while emphasizing the concept of lethal mutagenesis as an alternative therapy. The development of resistance to the different classes of approved drugs and the importance of monitoring antiretroviral drug resistance are also summarized briefly.
Synthesis of Pt nanoparticles and their burrowing into Si due to synergistic effects of ion beam energy losses
Authors: Kumar Pravin , Singh Udai Bhan , Mal Kedar , Ojha Sunil , Sulania Indra , Kanjilal Dinakar , Singh Dinesh , Singh Vidya Nand
Published: October 2014

We report the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles and their burrowing into silicon upon irradiation of a Pt–Si thin film with medium-energy neon ions at constant fluence (1.0 × 1017 ions/cm2). Several values of medium-energy neon ions were chosen in order to vary the ratio of the electronic energy loss to the nuclear energy loss (Se/Sn) from 1 to 10. The irradiated films were characterized using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A TEM image of a cross section of the film irradiated with Se/Sn = 1 shows ≈5 nm Pt NPs were buried up to ≈240 nm into the silicon. No silicide phase was detected in the XRD pattern of the film irradiated at the highest value of Se/Sn. The synergistic effect of the energy losses of the ion beam (molten zones are produced by Se, and sputtering and local defects are produced by Sn) leading to the synthesis and burrowing of Pt NPs is evidenced. The Pt NP synthesis mechanism and their burrowing into the silicon is discussed in detail.
« Out of joint »
Authors: Bougnoux Daniel
Published: October 2014

Le mot célèbre du prince Hamlet (1603) n’a pas attendu la mise en pièces de cadences séculaires pour déplorer une grondante, une menaçante perte de rythme ou de phrasé.
Le tour du monde en 80 jours
Authors: Dumas Robert
Published: October 2014

En 1862, le succès d’ Une Semaine en Ballon et la rencontre avec Hetzel transforment Jules Verne en écrivain prolifique reconnu. À la suite des ventes du Tour du Monde en quatre-vingts Jours (1873), il transpose le roman en une pièce de théâtre qui sera jouée deux ans de suite avec succès. Suivront les grands romans des années 1870, puis les navigations des années 1880.
Les rythmes de la guerre
Authors: Huyghe François-Bernard
Published: October 2014

Accélérer le mouvement n’est pas tout. Mieux vaut parfois ralentir l’adversaire.
Décoloniser le temps
Authors: Béji Hélé
Published: October 2014

Le temps du décolonisé est un compromis entre modernité importée et tradition perdue. Comment surmonter cet écartèlement et reconstruire sa propre maison temporelle ?
Précarisation : la preuve par les chiffres
Authors: Math Antoine , Spire Alexis
Published: October 2014

Depuis 30 ans, l’immigration est au cœur du débat public sans que l’on ne pose vraiment la question de la stabilité du séjour des étrangers qui vivent sur le territoire en situation régulière. Si on parle beaucoup des mesures législatives visant à restreindre les flux migratoires, on passe généralement sous silence la sape progressive du dispositif mis en place en 1984 créant une carte de résident de dix ans, délivrée de plein droit, avec pour objectif de favoriser l’intégration. L’esprit de la loi de 1984 est bien tari.
Chronique d'une lutte inachevée : les sans-papiers lillois (1996-2014)
Authors: Bouamama Saïd
Published: October 2014

Né à la suite d’une grève de la faim de « parents étrangers d’enfants français » en juin 1996, le comité des sans-papiers du Nord-Pas-de-Calais (CSP 59) est le résultat des contradictions rencontrées alors dans un contexte national marqué par l’occupation puis l’évacuation brutale de l’église Saint-Bernard. La longue durée du CSP 59 permet de tirer quelques leçons et de souligner les difficultés récurrentes pour construire un mouvement social avec des personnes dont la caractéristique première est la précarité absolue.
Siegfried face au chant de l'Oiseau
Authors: Rabain Nicolas
Published: October 2014

Ce travail propose un dialogue entre une œuvre de Wagner et la psychanalyse. D’un côté, Siegfried – en tant qu’allégorie de l’adolescence – face au chant énigmatique de l’Oiseau ; de l’autre, certaines notions psychanalytiques issues de la clinique des adolescents. Le livret et la musique du deuxième acte de Siegfried sont abordés ici sous l’angle de deux perspectives : d’une part, la reviviscence du lien précoce à l’objet primaire ainsi que la résurgence des angoisses archaïques à l’adolescence ; et d’autre part, les modalités d’acquisition d’une compétence auto-narrative.
Use of Systems Theory to Deal with Industrial Companies
Authors: Dima Ioan Constantin
Published: October 2014

The use of the systems theory in dealing with the industrial companies enables the use of cybernetics to this effect. This leads to considering the company as a cybernetic system, highlighting all the company's characteristics. This chapter is an application of the systems theory in the study of industrial companies. This chapter addresses issues such as the analysis of a company as “cybernetic system,” production system-“the company” cybernetic system relation, applying the systemic theory to analyse a company's functions, contemporary theories on a company's structure, and the full cycle of a company's operation. The chapter analyses how a company's activity can be controlled.
Communication in the Process of Elaborating Strategies on Company Development
Authors: Novák-Marcinčin Jozef , Cosmescu Ioan
Published: October 2014

The development of any industrial company is based on the existence of a strategy of sustainable development, based on an appropriate communication. A theory of communication has been developed, which has led to the occurrence of a specific form of communication, namely the managerial communication. As such, this chapter deals with the study of the communication process and the importance of this process in the industrial companies' development processes. There are several models regarding the analyses of strategies in the industrial companies' portfolios. In this context, several Romanian industry development strategies have been identified in the transition period, such as: strategy of restructuring, strategy of development, global strategy, etc. The chapter discusses both the strategy of industrial companies' development under the current conditions in Romania and the identification of an appropriate portfolio of Romanian industrial companies' strategies.
Technologies for Conducting an Online Ethnography of Communication
Authors: Hart Tabitha
Published: October 2014

In this chapter, the author describes the technologies she employed while conducting an Ethnography of Communication on Eloqi (pseudonym), a for-profit start-up company that built and operated a proprietary Web-based, voice-enabled platform connecting English language learners in China with trainers in the United States. While Eloqi existed, its unique platform not only connected trainers and students for short one-to-one English conversation lessons but also brought together the company admins, trainers, and students in a virtual community. This chapter describes the technologies that the author used to carry out the qualitative study from start to finish, including the steps of online participant observations, online and offline interviews, qualitative coding, and qualitative data analysis. Because the author studied a virtual community, technologies played a critical role in how she collected, managed, and analyzed the dataset, which was completely electronic. The chapter concludes with tips and advice for fellow researchers using technologies to support qualitative studies of communication, whether online or offline.