bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High epiregulin expression in human U87 glioma cells relies on IRE1α and promotes autocrine growth through EGF receptor
Authors: Auf Gregor , Jabouille Arnaud , Delugin Maylis , Guérit Sylvaine , Pineau Raphael , North Sophie , Platonova Natalia , Maitre Marlène , Favereaux Alexandre , Vajkoczy Peter , Seno Masaharu , Bikfalvi Andreas , Minchenko Dmitri , Minchenko Oleksandr , Moenner Michel
Published: December 2013

Background

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors contribute to the development of malignant glioma. Here we considered the possible implication of the EGFR ligand epiregulin (EREG) in glioma development in relation to the activity of the unfolded protein response (UPR) sensor IRE1α. We also examined EREG status in several glioblastoma cell lines and in malignant glioma.

Methods

Expression and biological properties of EREG were analyzed in human glioma cells in vitro and in human tumor xenografts with regard to the presence of ErbB proteins and to the blockade of IRE1α. Inactivation of IRE1α was achieved by using either the dominant-negative strategy or siRNA-mediated knockdown.

Results

EREG was secreted in high amounts by U87 cells, which also expressed its cognate EGF receptor (ErbB1). A stimulatory autocrine loop mediated by EREG was evidenced by the decrease in cell proliferation using specific blocking antibodies directed against either ErbB1 (cetuximab) or EREG itself. In comparison, anti-ErbB2 antibodies (trastuzumab) had no significant effect. Inhibition of IRE1α dramatically reduced EREG expression both in cell culture and in human xenograft tumor models. The high-expression rate of EREG in U87 cells was therefore linked to IRE1α, although being modestly affected by chemical inducers of the endoplasmic reticulum stress. In addition, IRE1-mediated production of EREG did not depend on IRE1 RNase domain, as neither the selective dominant-negative invalidation of the RNase activity (IRE1 kinase active) nor the siRNA-mediated knockdown of XBP1 had significant effect on EREG expression. Finally, chemical inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) using the SP600125 compound reduced the ability of cells to express EREG, demonstrating a link between the growth factor production and JNK activation under the dependence of IRE1α.

Conclusion

EREG may contribute to glioma progression under the control of IRE1α, as exemplified here by the autocrine proliferation loop mediated in U87 cells by the growth factor through ErbB1.
Plasma levels of the MMP-9:TIMP-1 complex as prognostic biomarker in breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Thorsen Stine B , Christensen Sarah LT , Würtz Sidse Ø , Lundberg Martin , Nielsen Birgitte S , Vinther Lena , Knowles Mick , Gee Nick , Fredriksson Simon , Møller Susanne , Brünner Nils , Schrohl Anne-Sofie , Stenvang Jan
Published: December 2013

Background

Worldwide more than one million women are annually diagnosed with breast cancer. A considerable fraction of these women receive systemic adjuvant therapy; however, some are cured by primary surgery and radiotherapy alone. Prognostic biomarkers guide stratification of patients into different risk groups and hence improve management of breast cancer patients. Plasma levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its natural inhibitor Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) have previously been associated with poor patient outcome and resistance to certain forms of chemotherapy. To pursue additional prognostic information from MMP-9 and TIMP-1, the level of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 complex (MMP-9:TIMP-1) was investigated in plasma from breast cancer patients.

Methods

Detection of protein:protein complexes in plasma was performed using a commercially available ELISA kit and, for the first time, the highly sensitive in-solution proximity ligation assay (PLA). We screened plasma from 465 patients with primary breast cancer for prognostic value of the MMP-9:TIMP-1 complex. Both assays were validated and applied for quantification of MMP-9:TIMP-1 concentration. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the association between the concentration of the MMP-9:TIMP-1 complex and clinicopathological data and disease free survival (DFS) in univariate and multivariate survival analyses.

Results

Following successful validation both assays were applied for MMP-9:TIMP-1 measurements. Of the clinicopathological parameters, only menopausal status demonstrated significant association with the MMP-9:TIMP-1 complex; P = 0.03 and P = 0.028 for the ELISA and PLA measurements, respectively. We found no correlation between the MMP-9:TIMP-1 protein complex and DFS neither in univariate nor in multivariate survival analyses.

Conclusions

Despite earlier reports linking MMP-9 and TIMP-1 with prognosis in breast cancer patients, we here demonstrate that plasma levels of the MMP-9:TIMP-1 protein complex hold no prognostic information in primary breast cancer as a stand-alone marker. We demonstrate that the highly sensitive in-solution PLA can be employed for measurements of protein:protein complexes in plasma.
Depression and decision-making capacity for treatment or research: a systematic review
Authors: Hindmarch Thomas , Hotopf Matthew , Owen Gareth S
Published: December 2013

Background

Psychiatric disorders can pose problems in the assessment of decision-making capacity (DMC). This is so particularly where psychopathology is seen as the extreme end of a dimension that includes normality. Depression is an example of such a psychiatric disorder. Four abilities (understanding,appreciating,reasoningand ability toexpress a choice) are commonly assessed when determining DMC in psychiatry and uncertainty exists about the extent to which depression impacts capacity to make treatment or research participation decisions.

Methods

A systematic review of the medical ethical and empirical literature concerning depression and DMC was conducted. Medline, EMBASE and PsycInfo databases were searched for studies of depression and consent and DMC. Empirical studies and papers containing ethical analysis were extracted and analysed.

Results

17 publications were identified. The clinical ethics studies highlightedappreciationof information as the ability that can be impaired in depression, indicating that emotional factors can impact on DMC. The empirical studies reporting decision-making ability scores also highlighted impairment ofappreciationbut without evidence of strong impact. Measurement problems, however, looked likely. The frequency of clinical judgements of lack of DMC in people with depression varied greatly according to acuity of illness and whether judgements are structured or unstructured.

Conclusions

Depression can impair DMC especially if severe. Most evidence indicatesappreciationas the ability primarily impaired by depressive illness. Understanding and measuring theappreciationability in depression remains a problem in need of further research.
In triple negative breast tumor cells, PLC-β2 promotes the conversion of CD133high to CD133low phenotype and reduces the CD133-related invasiveness
Authors: Brugnoli Federica , Grassilli Silvia , Piazzi Manuela , Palomba Maria , Nika Ervin , Bavelloni Alberto , Capitani Silvano , Bertagnolo Valeria
Published: December 2013

Background

Beyond its possible correlation with stemness of tumor cells, CD133/prominin1 is considered an important marker in breast cancer, since it correlates with tumor size, metastasis and clinical stage of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), to date the highest risk breast neoplasia.

Methods

To study the correlation between the levels of CD133 expression and the biology of breast-derived cells, CD133lowand CD133highcell subpopulations isolated from triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells were compared in terms of malignant properties and protein expression.

Results

High expression of CD133 characterizes cells with larger adhesion area, lower proliferation rate and reduced migration speed, indicative of a less undifferentiated phenotype. Conversely, when compared with CD133lowcells, CD133highcells show higher invasive capability and increased expression of proteins involved in metastasis and drug-resistance of breast tumors. Among the signalling proteins examined, PLC-β2 expression inversely correlates with the levels of CD133 and has a role in inducing the CD133highcells to CD133lowcells conversion, suggesting that, in TNBC cells, the de-regulation of this PLC isoform is responsible of the switch from an early to a mature tumoral phenotype also by reducing the expression of CD133.

Conclusions

Since CD133 plays a role in determining the invasiveness of CD133highcells, it may constitute an attractive target to reduce the metastatic potential of TNBC. In addition, our data showing that the forced up-regulation of PLC-β2 counteracts the invasiveness of CD133-positive MDA-MB-231 cells might contribute to identify unexplored key steps responsible for the TNBC high malignancy, to be considered for potential therapeutic strategies.
Resveratrol promotes myogenesis and hypertrophy in murine myoblasts
Authors: Montesano Anna , Luzi Livio , Senesi Pamela , Mazzocchi Nausicaa , Terruzzi Ileana
Published: December 2013

Background

Nutrigenomics elucidate the ability of bioactive food components to influence gene expression, protein synthesis, degradation and post-translational modifications.

Resveratrol (RSV), natural polyphenol found in grapes and in other fruits, has a plethora of health benefits in a variety of human diseases: cardio- and neuroprotection, immune regulation, cancer chemoprevention, DNA repair, prevention of mitochondrial disorder, avoidance of obesity-related diseases. In skeletal muscle, RSV acts on protein catabolism and muscle function, conferring resistance against oxidative stress, injury and cell death, but its action mechanisms and protein targets in myogenesis process are not completely known. Myogenesis is a dynamic multistep process regulated by Myogenic Regulator Factors (MRFs), responsible of the commitment of myogenic cell into skeletal muscle: mononucleated undifferentiated myoblasts break free from cell cycle, elongate and fuse to form multinucleated myotubes. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy can be defined as a result of an increase in the size of pre-existing skeletal muscle fibers accompanied by increased protein synthesis, mainly regulated by Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), PI3-K/AKT signaling pathways.

Aim of this work was the study of RSV effects on proliferation, differentiation process and hypertrophy in C2C12 murine cells.

Methods

To study proliferative phase, cells were incubated in growth medium with/without RSV (0.1 or 25 μM) until reaching sub confluence condition (24, 48, 72 h). To examine differentiation, at 70% confluence, cells were transferred in differentiation medium both with/without RSV (0.1 or 25 μM) for 24, 48, 72, 96 hours. After 72 hours of differentiation, the genesis of hypertrophy in neo-formed myotubes was analyzed.

Results

Data showed that RSV regulates cell cycle exit and induces C2C12 muscle differentiation. Furthermore, RSV might control MRFs and muscle-specific proteins synthesis. In late differentiation, RSV has positive effects on hypertrophy: RSV stimulates IGF-1 signaling pathway, in particular AKT and ERK 1/2 protein activation, AMPK protein level and induces hypertrophic morphological changes in neo-formed myotubes modulating cytoskeletal proteins expression.

Conclusions

RSV might control cell cycle promoting myogenesis and hypertrophy in vitro, opening a novel field of application of RSV in clinical conditions characterized by chronic functional and morphological muscle impairment.
Fixed points of mappings with a contractive iterate at a point in partial metric spaces
Authors: Ilić Dejan , Pavlović Vladimir , Rakočević Vladimir
Published: December 2013

In 1994, Matthews introduced and studied the concept of partial metric space and obtained a Banach-type fixed point theorem on complete partial metric spaces. In this paper we study fixed point results of new mappings with a contractive iterate at a point in partial metric spaces. Our results generalize and unify some results of Sehgal, Guseman and Ćirić for mappings with a generalized contractive iterate at a point to partial metric spaces. We give some generalized versions of the fixed point theorem of Matthews. The theory is illustrated by some examples.
Log-binomial models: exploring failed convergence
Authors: Williamson Tyler , Eliasziw Misha , Fick Gordon Hilton
Published: December 2013

Background

Relative risk is a summary metric that is commonly used in epidemiological investigations. Increasingly, epidemiologists are using log-binomial models to study the impact of a set of predictor variables on a single binary outcome, as they naturally offer relative risks. However, standard statistical software may report failed convergence when attempting to fit log-binomial models in certain settings. The methods that have been proposed in the literature for dealing with failed convergence use approximate solutions to avoid the issue. This research looks directly at the log-likelihood function for the simplest log-binomial model where failed convergence has been observed, a model with a single linear predictor with three levels. The possible causes of failed convergence are explored and potential solutions are presented for some cases.

Results

Among the principal causes is a failure of the fitting algorithm to converge despite the log-likelihood function having a single finite maximum. Despite these limitations, log-binomial models are a viable option for epidemiologists wishing to describe the relationship between a set of predictors and a binary outcome where relative risk is the desired summary measure.

Conclusions

Epidemiologists are encouraged to continue to use log-binomial models and advocate for improvements to the fitting algorithms to promote the widespread use of log-binomial models.
Network based elucidation of drug response: from modulators to targets
Authors: Iorio Francesco , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Bernardo Diego di
Published: December 2013

Network-based drug discovery aims at harnessing the power of networks to investigate the mechanism of action of existing drugs, or new molecules, in order to identify innovative therapeutic treatments. In this review, we describe some of the most recent advances in the field of network pharmacology, starting with approaches relying on computational models of transcriptional networks, then moving to protein and signaling network models and concluding with “drug networks”. These networks are derived from different sources of experimental data, or literature-based analysis, and provide a complementary view of drug mode of action. Molecular and drug networks are powerful integrated computational and experimental approaches that will likely speed up and improve the drug discovery process, once fully integrated into the academic and industrial drug discovery pipeline.
A Suzuki type unique common fixed point theorem for hybrid pairs of maps under a new condition in partial metric spaces
Authors: Rao KPR , Rao KPK , Aydi Hassen
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we introduce a new condition namely, the (W.C.C) condition and give some Suzuki-type, unique, common fixed-point theorems for pairs of hybrid mappings in partial metric spaces using a partial Hausdorff metric. These results generalize and extend the several comparable results in this literature in metric and partial metric spaces.
Influence of acute kidney injury on short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: risk factors and prognostic value of a modified RIFLE classification
Authors: Lopez-Delgado Juan C , Esteve Francisco , Torrado Herminia , Rodríguez-Castro David , Carrio Maria L , Farrero Elisabet , Javierre Casimiro , Ventura Josep L , Manez Rafael
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome. The modified RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and end-stage renal failure) classification for AKI, which classifies patients with renal replacement therapy needs according to RIFLE failure class, improves the predictive value of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Our aim was to assess risk factors for post-operative AKI and the impact of renal function on short- and long-term survival among all AKI subgroups using the modified RIFLE classification.

Methods

We prospectively studied 2,940 consecutive cardiosurgical patients between January 2004 and July 2009. AKI was defined according to the modified RIFLE system. Pre-operative, operative and post-operative variables usually measured on and during admission, which included main outcomes, were recorded together with cardiac surgery scores and ICU scores. These data were evaluated for association with AKI and staging in the different RIFLE groups by means of multivariable analyses. Survival was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier and a risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model. A complete follow-up (mean 6.9 ± 4.3 years) was performed in 2,840 patients up to April 2013.

Results

Of those patients studied, 14% (n = 409) were diagnosed with AKI. We identified one intra-operative (higher cardiopulmonary bypass time) and two post-operative (a longer need for vasoactive drugs and higher arterial lactate 24 hours after admission) predictors of AKI. The worst outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, were associated with the worst RIFLE class. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed survival of 74.9% in the RIFLE risk group, 42.9% in the RIFLE injury group and 22.3% in the RIFLE failure group (P <0.001). Classification at RIFLE injury (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.347, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.122 to 4.907, P = 0.023) and RIFLE failure (HR = 3.093, 95% CI 1.460 to 6.550, P = 0.003) were independent predictors for long-term patient mortality.

Conclusions

AKI development after cardiac surgery is associated mainly with post-operative variables, which ultimately could lead to a worst RIFLE class. Staging at the RIFLE injury and RIFLE failure class is associated with higher short- and long-term mortality in our population.
Persistently high venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide differences during early resuscitation are associated with poor outcomes in septic shock
Authors: Ospina-Tascón Gustavo A , Bautista-Rincón Diego F , Umaña Mauricio , Tafur José D , Gutiérrez Alejandro , García Alberto F , Bermúdez William , Granados Marcela , Arango-Dávila César , Hernández Glenn
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pv-aCO2) may reflect the adequacy of blood flow during shock states. We sought to test whether the development of Pv-aCO2 during the very early phases of resuscitation is related to multi-organ dysfunction and outcomes in a population of septic shock patients resuscitated targeting the usual oxygen-derived and hemodynamic parameters.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in a 60-bed mixed ICU in a University affiliated Hospital. 85 patients with a new septic shock episode were included. A Pv-aCO2 value ≥ 6 mmHg was considered to be high. Patients were classified in four predefined groups according to the Pv-aCO2 evolution during the first 6 hours of resuscitation: (1) persistently high Pv-aCO2 (high at T0 and T6); (2) increasing Pv-aCO2 (normal at T0, high at T6); (3) decreasing Pv-aCO2 (high at T0, normal at T6); and (4) persistently normal Pv-aCO2 (normal at T0 and T6). Multiorgan dysfunction at day-3 was compared for predefined groups and a Kaplan Meier curve was constructed to show the survival probabilities at day-28 using a log-rank test to evaluate differences between groups. A Spearman-Rho was used to test the agreement between cardiac output and Pv-aCO2. Finally, we calculated the mortality risk ratios at day-28 among patients attaining normal oxygen parameters but with a concomitantly increased Pv-aCO2.

Results

Patients with persistently high and increasing Pv-aCO2 at T6 had significant higher SOFA scores at day-3 (p < 0.001) and higher mortality rates at day-28 (log rank test: 19.21, p < 0.001) compared with patients who evolved with normal Pv-aCO2 at T6. Interestingly, a poor agreement between cardiac output and Pv-aCO2 was observed (r2 = 0.025, p < 0.01) at different points of resuscitation. Patients who reached a central venous saturation (ScvO)2 ≥ 70% or mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) ≥ 65% but with concomitantly high Pv-aCO2 at different developmental points (i.e., T0, T6 and T12) had a significant mortality risk ratio at day-28.

Conclusion

The persistence of high Pv-aCO2 during the early resuscitation of septic shock was associated with more severe multi-organ dysfunction and worse outcomes at day-28. Although mechanisms conducting to increase Pv-aCO2 during septic shock are insufficiently understood, Pv-aCO2 could identify a high risk of death in apparently resuscitated patients.
Rosiglitazone-induced CD36 up-regulation resolves inflammation by PPARγ and 5-LO-dependent pathways
Authors: Ballesteros Iván , Cuartero María I , Pradillo Jesús M , de la Parra Juan , Pérez-Ruiz Alberto , Corbí Ángel , Ricote Mercedes , Hamilton John A , Sobrado Mónica , Vivancos José , Nombela Florentino , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María A
Published: December 2013

PPARγ-achieved neuroprotection in experimental stroke has been explained by the inhibition of inflammatory genes, an action in which 5-LO, Alox5, is involved. In addition, PPARγ is known to promote the expression of CD36, a scavenger receptor that binds lipoproteins and mediates bacterial recognition and also phagocytosis. As phagocytic clearance of neutrophils is a requisite for resolution of the inflammatory response, PPARγ-induced CD36 expression might help to limit inflammatory tissue injury in stroke, an effect in which 5-LO might also be involved. Homogenates, sections, and cellular suspensions were prepared from brains of WT and Alox5−/− mice exposed to distal pMCAO. BMMs were obtained from Lys-M Cre+ PPARγf/f and Lys-M Cre− PPARγf/f mice. Stereological counting of double-immunofluorescence-labeled brain sections and FACS analysis of cell suspensions was performed. In vivo and in vitro phagocytosis of neutrophils by microglia/macrophages was analyzed. PPARγ activation with RSG induced CD36 expression in resident microglia. This process was mediated by the 5-LO gene, which is induced in neurons by PPARγ activation and at least by one of its products—LXA4—which induced CD36 independently of PPARγ. Moreover, CD36 expression helped resolution of inflammation through phagocytosis, concomitantly to neuroprotection. Based on these findings, in addition to a direct modulation by PPARγ, we propose in brain a paracrine model by which products generated by neuronal 5-LO, such as LXA4, increase the microglial expression of CD36 and promote tissue repair in pathologies with an inflammatory component, such as stroke.
Russia’s Approach to Terrorism: Divergent Understanding and Human Rights Abuses Hinder Cooperation with the West
Authors: Borshchevskaya Anna
Published: December 2013

A superficial look at Russia’s current problems with terrorism and Muslim extremism may lead to the conclusion that the United States and Russia have similar views on this issue, which would therefore make them obvious partners in addressing the problems. Russian president Vladimir Putin promoted this position in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States and renewed this claim after the Boston Marathon bombing of April 2013. However, the Kremlin’s view on terrorism is different from Washington’s. The history of Russian domination and abuses in the Caucasus, the chaos and poverty that followed the breakup of the Soviet Union, and the Kremlin’s human rights violations in Chechnya in many ways contributed to the rise of terrorism and Muslim extremism in Russia. In addition, the Kremlin uses terrorism as an excuse for an increased crackdown on civil society and for the lack of democratization in Russia. The Barack Obama administration therefore should have no illusions about the limitations on US-Russian cooperation on terrorism.
Delayed Fluorescence Behaviors of Aminopyridine Oligomers: Azacalix[n](2,6)pyridines (n = 3 and 4) and Their Linear Analog
Authors: Uchida Natsuko , Sato Tohru , Kuwabara Junpei , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Kanbara Takaki
Published: December 2013

Aminopyridine oligomers exhibited long-lived emission at 77 K, which could be assigned to the delayed fluorescence. The macrocyclic structure predominantly dictated the emission behaviors. Their emission behaviors were elucidated from time-dependent density functional theory calculations.
TRANSFORMATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL FOR ECONOMIC VALUE
Authors: Моисеева Нина , Moiseeva Nina
Published: December 2013

The article focuses on the problem of organization for

business relations and increase of technological opportunities of

company in market economic with using methodology of value

analyses and value management. The methodical scheme of organizational

characteristics and results of activities for application

modern economic system are submitted in the different countries.
THE AUTOMATED DESIGNING OF PRODUCTION STAGES OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF SOPHISTICATED TECHNICAL SYSTEMS WITH USING FUNCTIONAL-COST ANALYSIS METHOD
Authors: Силуянова Марина , Siluyanova Marina
Published: December 2013

In the article some aspects of using functional-cost analysis

into automated designing of production stages of the life cycle of

sophisticated technical systems have been treated; an application of

modern instrumental systems directed to increase quality of automated

designing and support issue of sophisticated technical systems

with performance and functional objectives has been shown; a

method of creating space design (project area) of the product system

has been proposed.
LEGAL BASIS OF ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF NAZI GERMANY: NAZI «GLEICHSCHALTUNG» CONCERNING AN ECONOMIC MECHANISM OF THE THIRD REICH
Authors: Баев Валерий , Baev Valeriy , Марченко Алексей , Marchenko Aleksey
Published: December 2013

Article is devoted to the specifi city of economic constitution of the Third Reich.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE BYZANTINE LAW ON THE CRIMINAL LAW OF MUSCOVY
Authors: Рожнов Артемий , Rozhnov Artemiy
Published: December 2013

The article represents the analysis of the byzantine law’s infl uence on the criminal law of Muscovy in 14–17th centuries. The author indicates the causes and forms of this infl uence and mentions the main byzantine laws that were applied in the Muscovy.
JURIDICAL CONSTRUCTION AS A RESULT OF LEGAL INTERPRETATION
Authors: Сорокина Юлия , Sorokina Yuliya , Малиновская Наталья , Malinovskaya Natalya
Published: December 2013

The article reveals the problems of determining the juridical

construction as a result of legal interpretation, the problems of

legal interpretation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Ralon Laureano , Kuskis Alexander , Blewitt John , Dougherty Meghan
Published: December 2013

Amor Technologiae: Marshall McLuhan as Philosopher of Technology – Toward a Philosophy of Human-Media Relationships, Yoni Van Den Eede (2012) Brussels, Belgium: ASP VUB Press, 517 pp., ISBN: 978-9057181870, p/bk, €29.95

Titanic Century: Media, Myth and the Making of a Cultural Icon, Paul Heyer (2012) Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 211 pp., ISBN 978-0-313-39815-5, h/bk, $48.00

Media Environments, Barry Vacker (ed.) (2010) San Diego, CA: Cognella, 546 pp., ISBN: 978-1935551348, p/bk, $142.50

Networked Reenactments: Stories Transdisciplinary Knowledges Tell, Katie King (2012) Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 392 pp., ISBN: 978-0822350729, p/bk, $25.95
Baguio city and the politics of space: Creativity and innovation in a globalizing world
Authors: Villarba-Torres Anna Christie K.
Published: December 2013

This article attempts to (re)write the local history of Baguio, a chartered city constructed by the Americans in the early 1900s. Informed by the concepts of spatiality or the organization of space as a social product (Foucault 2003: 19) and Henri Lefebvre’s triad of spatial practice, representations of space and representational spaces, I have conducted an intertextual interrogation of selected epistolary entries of colonial tourists, ‘official’ or otherwise, like Dean C. Worcester and Maud Huntley Jenks, vintage brochures, maps and other forms of ‘tourist art’ (Best 2001: 65), as well as little known fiction of Filipino writers in English Sinai C. Hamada and Lina Espina-Moore. This intertextual approach has allowed me to negotiate alternative routes to the reformulation of the assertion that history and space are never neutral but are steeped in power relations.
An Adaptive Fuzzy Wavelet Network with Gradient Learning for Nonlinear Function Approximation
Authors: Oysal Yusuf , Yilmaz Sevcan
Published: December 2013

In this article, a new adaptive fuzzy wavelet neural network (AFWNN) model is proposed for nonlinear function approximation problems. The AFWNN model is based on the traditional Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy system. Specifically, this model replaces the membership functions of fuzzy rules with wavelet basis functions, which are known to have time and frequency localization properties, i.e., they can approximate patterns both in the time and frequency domains. The structure of the AFWNN model is derived from that of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). However, the AFWNN improves over the ANFIS by replacing Gaussian functions in the hidden layer with wavelet basis functions. The AFWNN model is trained using a gradient-based optimization algorithm. The AFWNN is then tested on three function approximation problems of time series prediction. For certain types of nonlinear time series, for instance fractal processes, the AFWNN is found to be substantially more accurate than alternative methods.
Real vs. nominal cycles: a multistate Markov-switching bi-factor approach
Authors: Leiva-Leon Danilo
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a probabilistic model based on comovements and nonlinearities useful to assess the type of shock affecting each phase of the business cycle. By providing simultaneous inferences on the phases of real activity and inflation cycles, contractionary episodes are dated and categorized into demand, supply and mix recessions. The impact of shocks originated in the housing market over the business cycle is also assessed, finding that recessions are usually accompanied by housing deflationary pressures, while expansions are mainly influenced by housing demand shocks, with the only exception occurred during the period surrounding the “Great Recession,” affected by expansionary housing supply shocks.
O cotidiano do homem que convive com a úlcera venosa crônica: estudo fenomenológico
Authors: Silva Marcelo Henrique da , Jesus Maria Cristina Pinto de , Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa , Oliveira Deise Moura de , Biscotto Priscilla Ribeiro , Silva Greyce Pollyne Santos
Published: December 2013

A úlcera venosa crônica constitui o maior problema terapêutico das lesões de membros inferiores, podendo desencadear mudanças na vida diária da pessoa por ela acometida. Objetivou-se compreender o cotidiano do homem que convive com a úlcera venosa crônica. Estudo fenomenológico realizado com oito homens, entrevistados em junho e julho de 2012. As categorias identificadas, "Restrições na vida social" e "Recuperar a integridade da pele e retomar as atividades afetadas pela ferida", revelam que a convivência do homem com a ferida produz repercussões no âmbito produtivo e na sexualidade. Isso o leva a restrições na vida cotidiana, com prejuízo no desempenho de papéis socialmente estabelecidos para o gênero masculino, o que desperta no homem a ansiedade pela retomada das atividades prejudicadas. Os achados sinalizam aspectos vivenciais relevantes que podem orientar os profissionais no planejamento e execução de ações de saúde voltadas para essa clientela.
Vulnerabilidade de adolescentes escolares às DST/HIV, em Imperatriz - Maranhão
Authors: Costa Ana Cristina Pereira de Jesus , Lins Anamaria Gomes , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Araújo Thiago Moura de , Gubert Fabiane do Amaral , Vieira Neiva Francenely Cunha
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a vulnerabilidade de adolescentes escolares em relação às Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST) e ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV), identificando os principais comportamentos de risco e de prevenção. Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado em três escolas públicas estaduais de Imperatriz, MA, com 295 adolescentes, por meio da aplicação de questionário estruturado. Os resultados apontam que: a maioria dos jovens (86,3%) que usaram preservativo na última relação sexual habitualmente mantém essa prática; 82,8% dos adolescentes que compreendem o conceito de HIV se protegem contra essa infecção e acreditam que a principal forma de contaminação é por via sexual, por via sanguínea ou através da barreira placentária. Conclui-se que a maioria dos adolescentes participantes apresentou conhecimento coerente sobre práticas sexuais e comportamentos de risco, que os tornam vulneráveis às DSTs e ao HIV, apresentando aspecto positivo para a prevenção destas doenças.
Odorless polymer latexes based on renewable protic ionic liquids for pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Fernandes Ana M. , Moreno Mónica , Adboudzadeh M. Ali , Gracia Raquel , Barandiaran Maria J. , Mecerreyes David
Published: December 2013

Protic ionic liquid chemistry was used to develop green, odorless polymer latexes by incorporating commercially available dicarboxylic acids obtained from renewable sources. First, a series of protic ionic liquid monomers were synthesized by a straightforward proton-transfer reaction between renewable aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. Free radical polymerization of these methacrylic protic ionic liquid monomers in water in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant was investigated. Stable polymer latexes were obtained in a narrow window of monomer solid contents and protic ionic liquid composition. Films of these latexes showed promising adhesive properties, in particular, in terms of peel resistance, which makes them good candidates for pressure-sensitive adhesives. Interestingly, due to the ionic nature of the monomers, the obtained latexes and the subsequent adhesive polymer films were odorless.
Electrochemical treatment of wastewaters containing 4-nitrocathecol using boron-doped diamond anodes
Authors: Bensalah Nasr , Ahmadi Mohamed F. , Gadri Abdelatif
Published: December 2013

The electrochemical oxidation of aqueous wastes polluted with 4-nitrocathecol has been studied on boron-doped diamond electrodes in an acidic medium. The voltammetric results showed that 4-nitrocathecol is oxidized in the potential region where the supporting electrolyte is stable. Galvanostatic electrolysis study showed that the oxidation of these wastes in a single-compartment electrochemical flow cell with boron-doped diamond anodes results in the complete mineralization of the organics. Cathecol, benzoquinone, 4-aminocathecol, maleic and oxalic acids have been detected as soluble organics, polymeric product as solid product at the cathode surface and NO3− as mineral product during the electrolysis of 4-nitrocathecol. The electrochemical oxidation of 4-nitrocathecol consists of a sequence of steps: release of NO2 and (or) hydroxylation of the aromatic ring; formation of quinonic compounds; oxidative opening of aromatic ring to form carboxylic acids; and oxidation of carboxylic acids to carbon dioxide. Both direct and mediated oxidation processes are involved in these stages.
Mill case, simulation, and laboratory plant study of black liquor spill effects on a multiple stage biological treatment plant
Authors: Sandberg Maria
Published: December 2013

In this study, the impact of black liquor shocks on multiple stage biological treatment plant was studied. The tests were carried out in a lab scale plant and using a mathematical simulation model. The results showed good relation to a parallel situation at the Gruvön Mill. The MultiBio concept is persistent to short-term black liquor spills due to the design where the black liquor is diluted between every compartment. According to the lab scale trials, short-term shocks (5 and 10  h) of black liquor addition reduce bio activity in the first part of the MultiBio plant. Oxygen uptake rate and chemical oxygen demand (COD) degradation decreased during high concentrations of black liquor and increased when the black liquor concentration declined. Protozoas disappeared from compartments exposed to high concentrations of black liquor. A long-term trial encompassing 24  h of black liquor addition inhibited the COD reduction in the whole plant for several weeks.
Chlorine and UV disinfection of ampicillin-resistant and trimethoprim-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Templeton Michael R. , Oddy Francine , Leung Wing-kit , Rogers Michael
Published: December 2013

This bench-scale study investigated whether strains of Escherichia coli that are resistant to two common types of antibiotics, ampicillin and trimethoprim, possess increased resistance to two common disinfectants in water and wastewater treatment, free chlorine and ultraviolet disinfection, relative to an antibiotic-sensitive strain of E. coli isolated from sewage sludge. Trimethoprim-resistant E. coli was slightly more resistant to chlorine than the antibiotic-sensitive isolate and the ampicillin-resistant E. coli under the study conditions (95% confidence), however this difference would not be important under normal chlorination conditions applied in practice. There were no statistically significant differences between the ultraviolet dose-response profiles of the antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive E. coli strains over the ultraviolet dose range tested.
Modelling aerosol concentration distributions from transient (puff) sources
Authors: DeVito Timothy J. , Cao Xiaoying , Roy Gilles , Costa Johnathan R. , Andrews William S.
Published: December 2013

A field trial involving 50 separate releases of inert aerosol (kaolin) was conducted to determine the concentration distribution within aerosol puffs resulting from near-instantaneous releases. Atmospheric conditions during the trial fell within Pasquill stability classes A and B (very and moderately unstable, respectively). Aerosol concentration measurements were made using a scanning lidar system operating at 1·06  μm. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed using the data to predict concentration distributions, given a number of meteorological parameters. The ANN predictions were compared to those from traditional Gaussian puff models, and provided better predictions than the Gaussian model parameterizations examined. The ANN models were also used to develop Gaussian fitting parameters to replace traditional Pasquill and Slade dispersion coefficients. The ANN-derived dispersion coefficients provided better predictions of measured puff concentration distributions than either the Pasquill or Slade parameterizations, though the full multi-input ANN models provided even better predictions than the Gaussian puff model using ANN-derived dispersion coefficients.
Nitrate and phosphate removal in sulphur-coral stone autotrophic denitrification packed-bed reactors
Authors: Ruan Yun-Jie , Luo Guo-Zhi , Tan Hong-Xin , Che Xuan , Jiang Yan , Sun Da-Chuan
Published: December 2013

The removal effect on nitrate and phosphate of a sulphur-based autotrophic denitrifying bioreactor in composite packing of sulphur with coral stone were investigated on a pilot scale. The results showed that the optimal influent loading rate of the bioreactor (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:1) was in the range of 0·080  –  0·244  kg NO3−-N/(m3·d) when the water temperature was 29  ±  1  °C. In this range, the removal efficiency of nitrates was higher than 95% and no nitrite accumulation occurred in the effluent. The maximum nitrate volumetric removal rate of 0·594  kg NO3−-N / (m3·d) was achieved at an influent loading rate of 0·716  kg NO3−-N/(m3·d) with obvious nitrite accumulation in the effluent. Along with the autotrophic denitrifying reaction, an influent loading rate between 0·070  –  0·210  kg PO43−-P/ (m3·d) achieved the removal efficiency and volumetric removal rate of phosphates were 50·5%  –  89·2% and 0·045  –  0·179  kg PO43−-P/(m3·d), respectively. The phosphates related to the resistance ability of the bioreactor (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:1) was stronger than that of bioreactors (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:2 and 1:4).
Probabilistic design of a riverine early warning source water monitoring system
Authors: Sim Heather P. , Burn Donald H. , Tolson Bryan A.
Published: December 2013

Source water protection involves safeguarding water supplies from contamination and depletion. Despite best efforts, spills cannot always be prevented from entering a source water body. However, many spills can be prevented from entering a drinking water treatment plant if an early warning source water monitoring station is used. These stations provide downstream water utilities with advanced notification of spills so the utilities have time to implement their responses. This paper addresses the design of an early warning monitoring station for a riverine source of drinking water. Riverine water supplies face many threats related to accidental spills, which are inherently uncertain in nature. Therefore, designing a monitoring station for the detection of these events requires a probabilistic modelling approach. The design objectives include maximizing the probabilities of detection and of having a threshold amount of warning time. The methodology is applied to a water supply intake on the Grand River in southern Ontario.
Protocols for the analysis of transformer oil and its degradation in soil by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Chang Yanjun , Achari Gopal , Langford Cooper H.
Published: December 2013

Conventional gas chromatography (GC) analysis of hydrocarbons displaying one broad peak provides limited information. Two GC analytical protocols using two-peak and three-peak approaches were developed to investigate transformer oil components and their degradation in soil by hydrogen peroxide. The two-peak method revealed transformer oil to be composed of 27 wt.% F2 fraction and 73 wt.% F3 fraction hydrocarbons. The three-peak method segregated the transformer oil into 40 wt.% light, 40 wt.% medium, and 20 wt.% heavy hydrocarbon fractions. In contrast to reports of success with several classes of lighter hydrocarbons, only limited degradations of transformer oil in soils by 15% and 30% hydrogen peroxide treatment was indicated by conventional one-peak analysis; two-peak analysis showed varying F2 and F3 fraction degradations with F2 fraction degradation being higher; three-peak analysis offered a richer understanding of the relative degradations of light, medium, and heavy fractions. The effect of a low pH environment on the degradation of transformer oil by hydrogen peroxide was evaluated using the three-peak method. It emerged that the degradation of the medium and heavier fractions of transformer oil was higher at pH 2·0.
Recent studies in environmental applications of ultrasound
Authors: Pham Thuy Duong , Shrestha Reena Amatya , Virkutyte Jurate , Sillanpää Mika
Published: December 2013

As a young, new, and rapidly growing science, the applications of ultrasound in environmental technology hold a promising future. Compared with conventional methods, ultrasonication can bring several benefits such as environmentally friendly (no toxic chemicals are used or produced), low cost, and compact (allowing on-site treatment). Beside an overview on ultrasonic background, this paper summarizes main findings and innovations of recent studies that used ultrasound in environmental analysis, water and sludge treatment, soil and sediment remediation, and air purification.
Bacillus spore uptake onto heavily corroded iron pipe in a drinking water distribution system simulator
Authors: Szabo Jeffrey G. , Muhammad Nur , Packard Benjamin , Meiners Greg , Kefauver Paul , Hall John
Published: December 2013

A dechlorinated drinking water distribution system simulator containing 15-year old unlined iron pipe was contaminated with Bacillus globigii spores. Bulk phase spore density decreased by 1·5  –  2·0 log10 5 min after injection and declined by 1·8  –  3·4 log10 after 4  d. Spores were detected on the iron pipe interior at 2 and 22 CFU/cm2 after it was decontaminated and disassembled. These results support previous bench-scale studies that show that spores can persist on corroded surfaces in a drinking water environment.
Application of ARPS–CMAQ modeling system for urban air pollutant emission abatement
Authors: Zhao X.Y. , Cheng S.Y. , Li J.B. , Guo X.R. , Wang H.Y.
Published: December 2013

A coupled advanced regional prediction system  –  community multi-scale air quality (ARPS  –  CMAQ) modeling system was applied to develop an abatement strategy for air pollutant emission in the Handan region of the northern China. The system was evaluated by comparing the simulated concentrations of particulate matter less than 10  µm (PM10) with the observed results in the study area during the four representative months in 2005. A process of planning emission abatement was applied by gradually reducing PM10 emissions from the original GIS-based emission inventory until a modeling emission scenario was obtained under which the simulated PM10 concentrations could satisfy the desired air quality objective. The air quality objective was represented by an air quality guideline satisfaction ratio of 80% to reach a daily PM10 concentration of 150  µg/m3 after the year 2010. The modeling system and results could provide sound basis for decision makers to develop an effective air quality management strategy.
Évaluation des effets d’une lampe à cathode creuse pulsée à courant variable sur les interférences spectrales de l’arsenic dans le dosage du cadmium par spectrophotométrie d’absorption atomique (in French)
Authors: Waterlot C. , Douay F.
Published: December 2013

Les teneurs en cadmium de solutions aqueuses contaminées à des teneurs croissantes en arsenic ont été mesurées à l’aide d’un spectrophotomètre d’absorption atomique équipé d’une flamme et d’un four électrothermique. Pour chacune des techniques d’atomisation, a été évaluée une méthode de correction du bruit de fond basée sur le renversement de spectre et connue sous le nom de « high-speed self-reversal method », au regard d’une autre méthode plus couramment utilisée ne nécessitant qu’une lampe au deutérium et une lampe au cadmium. En comparaison avec cette méthode, les résultats ont montré que le mode de correction basé sur le renversement spectral via l’utilisation d’une lampe au cadmium à cathode creuse pulsée à courant variable était une méthode plus appropriée pour corriger les phénomènes d’interférences causés par l’arsenic (As) lors du dosage du cadmium (Cd). Il a été établi que cette méthode permettait de s’affranchir des interférences de l’arsenic pour des ratios [As]/[Cd] inférieurs à 50  000.
Performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland in the removal of tannins
Authors: Njau K.N. , Renalda M.
Published: December 2013

A horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCW) was employed to remove tannins from the effluent of a tannins extracting company. Two HSSFCW cells with hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 9 d and packed with limestone were used. One cell without macrophytes was used as a control, while the second cell was planted with Phragmites mauritianus . Results indicated that HSSFCW was capable of treating tannin wastewater that has been seeded with primary facultative pond sludge. Tannins and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 95·9% and 90·6% with outlet concentration of 27  mg/L and 86  mg/L, respectively, were obtained in the planted cell; while the tannins and COD removal efficiency of 91·1% and 89·5% with outlet concentration of 57  mg/L and 96  mg/L, respectively, were obtained in the control cell.