bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Sizing and Control of Battery Energy Storage System for Peak Load Shaving
Authors: Lu Chao , Xu Hanchen , Pan Xin , Song Jie
Published: December 2014

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can be utilized to shave the peak load in power systems and thus defer the need to upgrade the power grid. Based on a rolling load forecasting method, along with the peak load reduction requirements in reality, at the planning level, we propose a BESS capacity planning model for peak and load shaving problem. At the operational level, we consider the optimal control policy towards charging and discharging power with two different optimization objectives: one is to diminish the difference between the peak load and the valley load, the other is to minimize the daily load variance. Particularly, the constraint of charging and discharging cycles, which is an important issue in practice, is taken into consideration. Finally, based on real load data, we provide simulation results that validate the proposed optimization models and control strategies.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Citrulline Supplementation on Renal Transcriptome Prevention of Nitric Oxide Depletion-Related Programmed Hypertension: The Impact of Gene-Nutrient Interactions
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Lee Chien-Te , Huang Li-Tung
Published: December 2014

Maternal malnutrition can elicit gene expression leading to fetal programming. l-citrulline (CIT) can be converted to l-arginine to generate nitric oxide (NO). We examined whether maternal CIT supplementation can prevent NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor)-induced programmed hypertension and examined their effects on the renal transcriptome in male offspring using next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received l-NAME administration at 60mg/kg/day subcutaneously via osmotic minipump during pregnancy alone or with additional 0.25% l-citrulline solution in drinking water during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring were assigned to three groups: control, l-NAME, and l-NAME + CIT. l-NAME exposure induced hypertension in the 12-week-old offspring, which CIT therapy prevented. Identified differentially expressed genes in l-NAME and CIT-treated offspring kidneys, including Guca2b, Hmox1, Hba2, Hba-a2, Dusp1, and Serpine1 are related to regulation of blood pressure (BP) and oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data suggests that the beneficial effects of CIT supplementation are attributed to alterations in expression levels of genes related to BP control and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that early nutritional intervention by CIT has long-term impact on the renal transcriptome to prevent NO depletion-related programmed hypertension. However, our RNA-Seq results might be a secondary phenomenon. The implications of epigenetic regulation at an early stage of programming deserve further clarification.
Effects of Icariside II on Corpus Cavernosum and Major Pelvic Ganglion Neuropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Bai Guang-Yi , Zhou Feng , Hui Yu , Xu Yong-De , Lei Hong-En , Pu Jin-Xian , Xin Zhong-Cheng
Published: December 2014

Diabetic erectile dysfunction is associated with penile dorsal nerve bundle neuropathy in the corpus cavernosum and the mechanism is not well understood. We investigated the neuropathy changes in the corpus cavernosum of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and the effects of Icariside II (ICA II) on improving neuropathy. Thirty-six 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into normal control group, diabetic group and ICA-II treated group. Diabetes was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Three days later, the diabetic rats were randomly divided into 2 groups including a saline treated placebo group and an ICA II-treated group (5 mg/kg/day, by intragastric administration daily). Twelve weeks later, erectile function was measured by cavernous nerve electrostimulation with real time intracorporal pressure assessment. The penis was harvested for the histological examination (immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining) and transmission electron microscopy detecting. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased density of dorsal nerve bundle in penis. The neurofilament of the dorsal nerve bundle was fragmented in the diabetic rats. There was a decreased expression of nNOS and NGF in the diabetic group. The ICA II group had higher density of dorsal nerve bundle, higher expression of NGF and nNOS in the penis. The pathological change of major pelvic nerve ganglion (including the microstructure by transmission electron microscope and the neurite outgrowth length of major pelvic nerve ganglion tissue cultured in vitro) was greatly attenuated in the ICA II-treated group (p < 0.01). ICA II treatment attenuates the diabetes-related impairment of corpus cavernosum and major pelvic ganglion neuropathy in rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.
The Study of NADPH-Dependent Flavoenzyme-Catalyzed Reduction of Benzo[1,2-c]1,2,5-oxadiazole N-Oxides (Benzofuroxans)
Authors: Šarlauskas Jonas , Misevičienė Lina , Marozienė Audronė , Karvelis Laimonas , Stankevičiūtė Jonita , Krikštopaitis Kastis , Čėnas Narimantas , Yantsevich Aleksey , Laurynėnas Audrius , Anusevičius Žilvinas
Published: December 2014

The enzymatic reactivity of a series of benzo[1,2-c]1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxides (benzofuroxans; BFXs) towards mammalian single-electron transferring NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase (P-450R) and two-electron (hydride) transferring NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) was examined in this work. Since the =N+ (→O)O− moiety of furoxan fragments of BFXs bears some similarity to the aromatic nitro-group, the reactivity of BFXs was compared to that of nitro-aromatic compounds (NACs) whose reduction mechanisms by these and other related flavoenzymes have been extensively investigated. The reduction of BFXs by both P-450R and NQO1 was accompanied by O2 uptake, which was much lower than the NADPH oxidation rate; except for annelated BFXs, whose reduction was followed by the production of peroxide. In order to analyze the possible quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) of the enzymatic reactivity of the compounds, their electron-accepting potency and other reactivity indices were assessed by quantum mechanical methods. In P-450R-catalyzed reactions, both BFXs and NACs showed the same reactivity dependence on their electron-accepting potency which might be consistent with an “outer sphere” electron transfer mechanism. In NQO1-catalyzed two-electron (hydride) transferring reactions, BFXs acted as more efficient substrates than NACs, and the reduction efficacy of BFXs by NQO1 was in general higher than by single-electron transferring P-450R. In NQO1-catalyzed reactions, QSARs obtained showed that the reduction efficacy of BFXs, as well as that of NACs, was determined by their electron-accepting potency and could be influenced by their binding mode in the active center of NQO1 and by their global softness as their electronic characteristic. The reductive conversion of benzofuroxan by both flavoenzymes yielded the same reduction product of benzofuroxan, 2,3-diaminophenazine, with the formation of o-benzoquinone dioxime as a putative primary reductive intermediate, which undergoes a further reduction process. Overall, the data obtained show that by contrast to NACs, the flavoenzyme-catalyzed reduction of BFXs is unlikely to initiate their redox-cycling, which may argue for a minor role of the redox-cycling-type action in the cytotoxicity of BFXs.
Post-Release Success among Paroled Lifers
Authors: Liem Marieke , Garcin Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Previous research suggests that social relations, in particular the forming of family ties and employment (social factors), self-efficacy (personal factors), and therapeutic interventions (institutional factors) constitute main contributors in post-release success. These studies, however, have largely been based on general delinquents serving relatively short prison terms. This study aims to shed light on the influence of social, personal, and institutional factors on post-release success versus failure among paroled lifers. We conducted in-depth life-history interviews with 64 individuals who had served a life sentence, who were either re-incarcerated for another crime or parole violation, or were currently out on parole. The role of social factors in desistance among long-term incarcerated offenders was minimal. Rather, self-efficacy appeared to be a key element in post-release success. These findings suggest that research based on short-term incarcerated offenders cannot be directly translated to long-term incarcerated offenders. This group does not experience the same traditional turning points, such as establishing family ties and employment. Accordingly, long-term prisoners may go through a different process post-release that determines their success versus failure compared to general delinquents who serve shorter sentences.
Mitigating Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms in a Human- and Climatically-Impacted World
Authors: Paerl Hans
Published: December 2014

Bloom-forming harmful cyanobacteria (CyanoHABs) are harmful from environmental, ecological and human health perspectives by outcompeting beneficial phytoplankton, creating low oxygen conditions (hypoxia, anoxia), and by producing cyanotoxins. Cyanobacterial genera exhibit optimal growth rates and bloom potentials at relatively high water temperatures; hence, global warming plays a key role in their expansion and persistence. CyanoHABs are regulated by synergistic effects of nutrient (nitrogen:N and phosphorus:P) supplies, light, temperature, vertical stratification, water residence times, and biotic interactions. In most instances, nutrient control strategies should focus on reducing both N and P inputs. Strategies based on physical, chemical (nutrient) and biological manipulations can be effective in reducing CyanoHABs; however, these strategies are largely confined to relatively small systems, and some are prone to ecological and environmental drawbacks, including enhancing release of cyanotoxins, disruption of planktonic and benthic communities and fisheries habitat. All strategies should consider and be adaptive to climatic variability and change in order to be effective for long-term control of CyanoHABs. Rising temperatures and greater hydrologic variability will increase growth rates and alter critical nutrient thresholds for CyanoHAB development; thus, nutrient reductions for bloom control may need to be more aggressively pursued in response to climatic changes globally.
Four New Furostanol Saponins from the Rhizomes and Roots of Smilax scobinicaulis and Their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Xu Jing , Feng Shixiu , Wang Qi , Cao Yingli , Sun Miao , Zhang Cunli
Published: December 2014

Four new furostanol saponins 1–4, along with two known furostanol saponins 5 and 6 and one known spirostanol saponin 7 were isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Smilax scobinicaulis. The structures of the new saponins were elucidated as 26-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-3β,26-dihydroxy-(25R)-5α-furostan-22-methoxyl-6-one-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 26-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-3β,26-dihydroxy-(25R)-5α-furostan-22-methoxyl-6-one (2), 26-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-3β,26-dihydroxy-(25R)-5α-furostan-20(22)-en-6-one (3), 26-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-3β,23,26-trihydroxy-(23R, 25R)-5α-furostan-20(22)-en-6-one (4) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The isolated saponins were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines including Hela (cervical carcinoma) and SMMC-7221 (hepatocellular carcinoma). Compounds 1 and 7 demonstrated cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines.
Obtaining Ready-to-Eat Blue Corn Expanded Snacks with Anthocyanins Using an Extrusion Process and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Escalante-Aburto Anayansi , Ramírez-Wong Benjamín , Torres-Chávez Patricia , López-Cervantes Jaime , Figueroa-Cárdenas Juan , Barrón-Hoyos Jesús , Morales-Rosas Ignacio , Ponce-García Néstor , Gutiérrez-Dorado Roberto
Published: December 2014

Extrusion is an alternative technology for the production of nixtamalized products. The aim of this study was to obtain an expanded nixtamalized snack with whole blue corn and using the extrusion process, to preserve the highest possible total anthocyanin content, intense blue/purple coloration (color b) and the highest expansion index. A central composite experimental design was used. The extrusion process factors were: feed moisture (FM, 15%–23%), calcium hydroxide concentration (CHC, 0%–0.25%) and final extruder temperature (T, 110–150 °C). The chemical and physical properties evaluated in the extrudates were moisture content (MC, %), total anthocyanins (TA, mg·kg−1), pH, color (L, a, b) and expansion index (EI). ANOVA and surface response methodology were applied to evaluate the effects of the extrusion factors. FM and T significantly affected the response variables. An optimization step was performed by overlaying three contour plots to predict the best combination region. The extrudates were obtained under the following optimum factors: FM (%) = 16.94, CHC (%) = 0.095 and T (°C) = 141.89. The predicted extrusion processing factors were highly accurate, yielding an expanded nixtamalized snack with 158.87 mg·kg−1 TA (estimated: 160 mg·kg−1), an EI of 3.19 (estimated: 2.66), and color parameter b of −0.44 (estimated: 0.10).
HIV-1 and Its Resistance to Peptidic Carbohydrate-Binding Agents (CBAs): An Overview
Authors: Férir Geoffrey , Gordts Stephanie , Schols Dominique
Published: December 2014

The glycoproteins on the surfaces of enveloped viruses, such as HIV, can be considered as a unique target for antiviral therapy. Different carbohydrate-binding agents (CBAs) target specific glycans present on viral glycoproteins of enveloped viruses. It has been shown that long-term CBA pressure in vitro can result in mutant HIV-1 isolates with several N-linked glycan deletions on gp120. These studies demonstrated that mainly high-mannose type glycans are deleted. However, interestingly, N241, N262 and N356 on gp120 have never been found to be affected after prolonged CBA exposure. Here, we review the mutation and (cross)-resistance profiles of eleven specific generated CBA-resistant HIV-1 strains. We observed that the broad-neutralizing anti-carbohydrate binding mAb 2G12 became completely inactive against all the generated CBA-resistant HIV-1 clade B isolates. In addition, all of the CBAs discussed in this review, with the exception of NICTABA, interfered with the binding of 2G12 mAb to gp120 expressed on HIV-1-infected T cells. The cross-resistance profiles of mutant HIV-1 strains are varying from increased susceptibility to very high resistance levels, even among different classes of CBAs with dissimilar sugar specificities or binding moieties [e.g., α(1,3), α(1,2), α(1,6)]. Recent studies demonstrated promising results in non-topical formulations (e.g., intranasally or subcutaneously), highlighting their potential for prevention (microbicides) and antiviral therapy.
Adoptive Immunotherapy for Hematological Malignancies Using T Cells Gene-Modified to Express Tumor Antigen-Specific Receptors
Authors: Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that adoptive T-cell immunotherapy could be a promising option for control of cancer; evident examples include the graft-vs-leukemia effect mediated by donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) and therapeutic infusion of ex vivo-expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for melanoma. Currently, along with advances in synthetic immunology, gene-modified T cells retargeted to defined tumor antigens have been introduced as “cellular drugs”. As the functional properties of the adoptive immune response mediated by T lymphocytes are decisively regulated by their T-cell receptors (TCRs), transfer of genes encoding target antigen-specific receptors should enable polyclonal T cells to be uniformly redirected toward cancer cells. Clinically, anticancer adoptive immunotherapy using genetically engineered T cells has an impressive track record. Notable examples include the dramatic benefit of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene-modified T cells redirected towards CD19 in patients with B-cell malignancy, and the encouraging results obtained with TCR gene-modified T cells redirected towards NY-ESO-1, a cancer-testis antigen, in patients with advanced melanoma and synovial cell sarcoma. This article overviews the current status of this treatment option, and discusses challenging issues that still restrain the full effectiveness of this strategy, especially in the context of hematological malignancy.
The Influence of Polarimetric Parameters and an Object-Based Approach on Land Cover Classification in Coastal Wetlands
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , He Xiufeng , Wang Jing , Xiao Ruya
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine how different polarimetric parameters and an object-based approach influence the classification results of various land use/land cover types using fully polarimetric ALOS PALSAR data over coastal wetlands in Yancheng, China. To verify the efficiency of the proposed method, five other classifications (the Wishart supervised classification, the proposed method without polarimetric parameters, the proposed method without an object-based analysis, the proposed method without textural and geometric information and the proposed method using the nearest-neighbor classifier) were applied for comparison. The results indicated that some polarimetric parameters, such as Shannon entropy, Krogager_Kd, Alpha, HAAlpha_T11, VanZyl3_Vol, Derd, Barnes2_T33, polarization fraction, Barnes1_T33, Neuman_delta_mod and entropy, greatly improved the classification results. The shape index was a useful feature in distinguishing fish ponds and rivers. The distance to the sea can be regarded as an important factor in reducing the confusion between herbaceous wetland vegetation and grasslands. Furthermore, the decision tree algorithm increased the overall accuracy by 6.8% compared with the nearest neighbor classifier. This research demonstrated that different polarimetric parameters and the object-based approach significantly improved the performance of land cover classification in coastal wetlands using ALOS PALSAR data.
A Pyridine-Containing Cu2+-Selective Probe Based on Naphthalimide Derivative
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wu Qiang , Yu Bangliang , Yu Chunwei
Published: December 2014

A new fluorescent probe P derived from naphthalimide bearing a pyridine group has been synthesized and characterized. The proposed probe P shows high selectivity and sensitivity to Cu2+ in aqueous media. Under optimized conditions, the linear response of P (2 μM) toward Cu2+ was 0.05–0.9 μM in ethanol-water solution (3:2, v:v, 50 mM HEPES, pH 7.4), and the detection limit was 0.03 μM.
Coulomb Solutions from Improper Pseudo-Unitary Free Gauge Field Operator Translations
Authors: Aste Andreas
Published: December 2014

Fundamental problems of quantum field theory related to the representation problem of canonical commutation relations are discussed within a gauge field version of a van Hove-type model. The Coulomb field generated by a static charge distribution is described as a formal superposition of time-like pseudo-photons in Fock space with a Krein structure. In this context, a generalization of operator gauge transformations is introduced to generate coherent states of Abelian gauge fields interacting with a charged background.
Omics Meets Biology: Application to the Design and Preclinical Assessment of Antivenoms
Authors: Calvete Juan , Sanz Libia , Pla Davinia , Lomonte Bruno , Gutiérrez José
Published: December 2014

Snakebite envenoming represents a neglected tropical disease that has a heavy public health impact worldwide, mostly affecting poor people involved in agricultural activities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. A key issue that complicates the treatment of snakebite envenomings is the poor availability of the only validated treatment for this disease, antivenoms. Antivenoms can be an efficacious treatment for snakebite envenoming, provided they are safe, effective, affordable, accessible and administered appropriately. The shortage of antivenoms in various regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia, can be significantly alleviated by optimizing the use of current antivenoms and by the generation of novel polyspecific antivenoms having a wide spectrum of efficacy. Complementing preclinical testing of antivenom efficacy using in vivo and in vitro functional neutralization assays, developments in venomics and antivenomics are likely to revolutionize the design and preclinical assessment of antivenoms by being able to test new antivenom preparations and to predict their paraspecific neutralization to the level of species-specific toxins.
Arslantepe, Malatya (Turkey): Textiles, Tools and Imprints of Fabrics from the 4th to the 2nd Millennium BCE
Authors: Frangipane Marcella , Andersson Strand Eva , Laurito Romina , Möller-Wiering Susan , Nosch Marie-Louise , Rast-Eicher Antoinette , Wisti Lassen Agnete
Published: December 2014

La production de textiles, l’une des plus anciennes activités artisanales, a joué un rôle majeur dans les sociétés. Pourtant, très peu de textiles archéologiques ayant été préservés, il faut travailler sur les restes d’outils liés à la production textile. Les auteurs de cet article analysent les outils datés de l’âge du Bronze couvrant ainsi une période de deux millénaires à Arslantepe. La taille et le poids des outils renseignent sur la production textile du site et montrent comment cette production a évolué au fi l du temps. Les trouvailles exceptionnelles de fragments de tissu permettent d’envisager les fibres et les techniques utilisées. Les restes archéologiques d’un tissu en poils de chèvre, d’une qualité exceptionnelle et datant du début du IIIe millénaire, témoignent d’une haute technicité de l’artisanat textile et de la fonction des outils.
Evidence for a Separate Burial Ground at the Submerged Pottery Neolithic Site of Neve-Yam, Israel
Authors: Galili Ehud , Eshed Vered , Rosen Baruch , Kislev Mordechai E. , Simchoni Orit , Hershkovitz Israel , Gopher Avi
Published: December 2014

Résumé : Des fouilles de sauvetage et des observations de terrain à Neve-Yam, un village de la culture Wadi Rabah (Néolithique céramique, 2nde moitié du VIIIe millénaire cal. BP), submergé de la côte du Carmel, ont révélé des tombes en pierre aux caractéristiques particulières. Elles étaient concentrées dans un secteur spécifique du site, voué aux rituels funéraires. Il n’y avait pas d’habitations dans cette partie destinée aux inhumations, et aucune tombe n’a été trouvée dans la zone d’habitation. Les tombes ovales, orientées est-ouest, étaient construites avec des pierres brutes et certaines étaient recouvertes par des dalles de pierre. Il s’agit de l’un des plus anciens villages néolithiques connus, où la séparation est évidente entre la zone d’habitation et la zone funéraire dans laquelle se trouvaient les tombes en pierre. Trois concentrations de graines brûlées dans la zone funéraire peuvent être associées à des activités rituelles. La séparation entre les vivants et les morts dans ce site du Néolithique céramique présente des différences notables avec des pratiques funéraires du Néolithique céramique antérieur et du Néolithique pré-céramique. Elle annonce les pratiques funéraires qui seront observées lors de la période suivante, au Ghassulien (Chalcolithique) qui commence au milieu du VIIe millénaire cal. BP, pendant laquelle les cimetières seront à l’écart des établissements.
Taking the Bull by the Horns: Ideology, Masculinity, and Cattle Horns at Çatalhöyük (Turkey)
Authors: Twiss Katheryn C. , Russell Nerissa
Published: December 2014

Animal symbolism is a ubiquitous and powerful component of human ideology. Cattle were clearly the preeminent symbolic taxon in the Southwest Asian Neolithic, and archaeologists have argued that not just cattle, but specifi cally bulls, were key symbols. However, the biological attributes, including the sex, of the cattle used in Neolithic symbolic contexts remain largely unestablished. Furthermore, most of the cattle representations on which these arguments are based are not clearly male. In this article, we test the symbolic importance of taurine masculinity to early villagers by assessing the biological characteristics of cattle horns found in special deposits as well as in more prosaic contexts at the Anatolian Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük.
Late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze I Transition Settlements in the Middle Jordan Valley: Investigating Alluvial Sequences as a Chronostratigraphical Framework, and Cycles as a Social Organising Component
Authors: Hourani Fuad
Published: December 2014

Recent palaeoenvironmental and archaeological data from the Middle Jordan Valley give evidence of important geomorphic modifications during the Late Chalcolithic and the early beginning of the Bronze Age. Significant human settling/ resettling activities were also identified during this period and found to be concurrent with these modifi cations. A major phase of cutting-down, followed by the development of wide floodplains at the foot of escarpments and on the banks of the Wadi Zarqa, appears to mark the chronological limit between settlements displaying the classic Late Chalcolithic “ Ghassulian” culture material, and others from the Late Chalcolithic/ Early Bronze I (EBI) horizon. Some sites of “ pure Ghassulian” culture might have coexisted with the new settlements and their mixed culture material. These changes in the natural and cultural landscapes of the study region were preceded by a period of prolonged drought, which might have been the regional expression of the worldwide cold and dry event of around 5500 14C BP.
Where did Late Chalcolithic Chaff-Faced Ware originate? Cultural Dynamics in Anatolia and Transcaucasia at the Dawn of Urban Civilization (ca 4500-3500 BC)
Authors: Marro Catherine
Published: December 2014

Following the discovery of ceramic assemblages related to “ Chaff-Faced Ware” (CFW) in Transcaucasia, this article questions the origins of this ware production, which is often implicitly associated with Upper Mesopotamia and Northern Syria. After a thorough comparison of CFW assemblages attested from the Caucasus down to the Fertile Crescent, it is argued that the presence of CFW over this wide territory does not result, counter to a frequent opinion, from the migrations of Mesopotamian groups into Transcaucasia : rather, it developed from a local evolution dating back at least to 4500 BC. The territory spanned by CFW thus constitutes some kind of oikoumene, whose centre of gravity is probably located in the Highlands, between the Euphrates and the Kura Basins, but not in the Fertile Crescent. This analysis opens new perspectives, as the study of the processes at work in the development of the first urban societies of the Fertile Crescent should now be focussed on this oikoumene as a whole, and not only on Northern Syro-Mesopotamia, in order to understand this fundamental evolution in all its complexity.
Quel procès civil en 2010 ? Regard comparé sur l’accès à la justice civile en Angleterre, aux États-Unis et en France
Authors: Haravon Michaël
Published: December 2014

Cet article a pour objet d’analyser l’accès au juge civil en 2010 en France, en Angleterre et aux États-Unis. En se fondant sur les études statistiques disponibles dans ces trois pays, il met en lumière certaines caractéristiques sociologiques tenant à la justice civile dans les pays de common law et de tradition civiliste. L’analyse part de la distinction entre procès et audience, examine le déclin du procès civil en Angleterre et aux États-Unis, à la faveur d’arrangements dans l’ombre de la loi, avant de revenir sur les obstacles à l’accès à la justice civile, notamment la durée et le coût des procédures.
L’insuffisance de la protection des salariés dans la loi chinoise du 27 août 2006 sur la faillite d’entreprises au regard du droit français
Authors: Ren Junmin
Published: December 2014

Après une durée de dix huit ans d’application de la loi temporaire de 1986 sur la faillite d’entreprises, le législateur chinois a adopté finalement le 27 août 2006 un texte à caractère définitif destiné à établir un système moderne en matière de faillite d’entreprises. Introduisant pour la première fois la notion de réorganisation, cette nouvelle loi a emprunté le régime d’administrateur judiciaire qui s’applique largement dans des pays industriels. L’exercice du pouvoir par les créanciers a aussi été complété, les ordres d’acquittement des créances étant modifiés. Ce nouveau texte a apporté au droit chinois bien des perfectionnements par rapport à son texte temporaire, cependant, ses dispositions relatives à la protection des salariés demeurent discutables. Certaines mesures ne sont pas améliorées, mais bien au contraire, elles manifestent un recul réel, notamment concernant l’affaiblissement des droits des salariés pendant la procédure et les désavantages imposés aux salariés dans la répartition du patrimoine de l’entreprise en liquidation judiciaire. À ce propos, au travers de l’analyse du droit français sur la sauvegarde des entreprises en difficulté, nous concluons que la nouvelle loi chinoise ne donne pas satisfaction à la protection des salariés, l’opinion publique en Chine restant malheureusement insensible sur ce sujet. Il est nécessaire que le juriste et le législateur chinois prennent en considération l’insuffisance de cette protection et la gravité de cette situation et accélèrent les activités législatives afin d’améliorer cette protection.
Du respect du droit moral de l’auteur en Russie
Authors: Simonenko Valentina
Published: December 2014

La Quatrième Partie du Code civil russe, entrée en vigueur le 1er janvier 2008, a couronné la codification de la législation relative à la propriété intellectuelle en Fédération de Russie. L’objectif du présent article consiste à tracer le système de protection des intérêts moraux de l’auteur tel qu’il a été conçu par les pères de la codification récente. Après avoir examiné les prérogatives d’ordre extra-patrimonial accordées aux créateurs des oeuvres de l’esprit, l’auteur analyse les incidences de la réforme entreprise sur les caractères du droit moral de l’auteur et notamment le principe d’inaliénabilité qui vient d’être expressément consacré par le législateur russe.
The Experimental Therapy on Brain Ischemia by Improvement of Local Angiogenesis with Tissue Engineering in the Mouse
Authors: Ju Rongkai , Wen Yujun , Gou Rongbin , Wang Ying , Xu Qunyuan
Published: December 2014

Neural restoration has proven to be difficult after brain stroke, especially in its chronic stage. This is mainly due to the generation of an unpropitious niche in the injured area, including loss of vascular support but production of numerous inhibitors against neuronal regeneration. Reconstruction of a proper niche for promoting local angiogenesis, therefore, should be a key approach for neural restoration after stroke. In the present study, a new biomaterial composite that could be implanted in the injured area of the brain was created for experimental therapy of brain ischemia in the mouse. This composite was made using a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based biodegradable hydrogel scaffold, mixed with poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang1), two factors that stimulate angiogenesis. In addition, the antibody of Nogo receptor (NgR-Ab), which can bind to multiple inhibitory myelin proteins and promote neural regeneration, was covalently attached to the hydrogel, making the hydrogel more bioactive and suitable for neural survival. This composite (HA–PLGA) was implanted into the mouse model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to explore a new approach for restoration of brain function after ischemia. A good survival and proliferation of human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAECs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) were seen on the HA hydrogel with PLGA microspheres in vitro. This new material was shown to have good compatibility with the brain tissue and inhibition to gliosis and inflammation after its implantation in the normal or ischemic brain of mice. Particularly, good angiogenesis was found around the implanted HA–PLGA hydrogel, and the mouse models clearly showed a behavioral improvement. The results in this present study indicate, therefore, that the HA–PLGA hydrogel is a promising material, which is able to induce angiogenesis in the ischemic region by releasing VEGF and Ang1, thus creating a suitable niche for neural restoration in later stages of stroke. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial Using a Combination of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Schwann Cells for the Treatment of Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Chen Lin , Huang Hongyun , Xi Haitao , Zhang Feng , Liu Yancheng , Chen Di , Xiao Juan
Published: December 2014

The aim of this prospective randomized double-blind clinical study is to examine the benefits of using olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) combined with or without Schwann cells (SCs) in treating chronic complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs). This would offer patients a better alternative for neurological functional recovery. According to the initial design, 28 eligible participants with cervical chronic complete SCI were recruited and randomly allocated into four groups of seven participants each. The neurological assessments were to be performed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) Functional Rating Scales, in combination with electrophysiological tests, for example, electromyography (EMG) and paraspinal somatosensory evoked potentials (PSSEPs). Here we have summarized the data from seven patients; three patients received an OEC intraspinal transplantation, one underwent SC implantation, and one received a combination of OECs and SCs. The remaining two patients were used as controls. The scores were evaluated independently by at least two neurologists in a blinded fashion for comparing the neurological functional changes during pre- and post-cell transplantation (6-month follow-up). All patients who received OECs, SCs alone, and a combination of them showed functional improvement. Mild fever occurred in one of the patients with OEC transplant that subsided after symptomatic treatments. All treated patients except one showed improvement in the electrophysiological tests. The functional improvement rate comprises 5/5 (100%) in the treated group, but 0/2 (0%) in the control group ( p = 0.008). These preliminary findings show that transplanting OECs, SCs, or a combination of them is well tolerated and that they have beneficial effects in patients. Thus, further studies in larger patient cohorts are warranted to assess the benefits and risks of these intervention strategies. This manuscript is published as part of the IANR special issue of Cell Transplantation.
Impact of Aeromonas and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli screening in patients with diarrhea in Paraná, southern Brazil
Authors: Assis Flávia E.A. , Wolf Suélen , Surek Monica , De Toni Fabiana , Souza Emanuel M , Pedrosa Fábio O , Farah Sônia M. S. S. , Picheth Geraldo , Fadel-Picheth Cyntia M.T.
Published: December 2014

Introduction: A wide diversity of bacterial agents may cause diarrhea, presenting challenges to clinical laboratories to define a diagnosis. Considering that most stool cultures are negative, we screened stool samples from patients with diarrhea for the presence of 14 bacterial enteropathogens, aiming to establish which of them should be included in routine stool analysis. Methodology: Stool samples from 400 patients with diarrhea were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Vibrio, Yersinia enterocolitica, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli using conventional microbiological methods and PCR. Two distinct samples were studied; one included predominantly patients involved in outbreaks, and the other patients of low socioeconomic status presenting sporadic cases of diarrhea. Results: In total, 86 cultures (21.5%) were positive. Mixed infections were found in five patients, leading to recovery of 91 strains of enteropathogenic bacteria: Salmonella Enteritidis (9.2%), Aeromonas (7.2%), diarrheagenic E. coli (5.2%), and C. jejuni (1%). However, Salmonella predominated, with 11.5% frequency in diarrhea outbreaks, while Aeromonas predominated among patients of low socioeconomic status, with 14.6% frequency. Conclusion: Aeromonas and diarrheagenic E. coli, which are not routinely screened for, deserve to be included in laboratory screening panels.
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of bio-serotypes of Yersinia enterocolitica from various sources in Brazil
Authors: Rusak Leonardo Alves , Dos Reis Cristhiane Moura Falavina , Barbosa André Victor , Santos André Felipe Mercês , Paixão Renata , Hofer Ernesto , Vallim Deyse Christina , Asensi Marise Dutra
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Yersinia enterocolitica is a well-known foodborne pathogen widely distributed in nature with high public health relevance, especially in Europe. Methodology: This study aimed to analyze the pathogenic potential of Y. enterocolitica isolated strains from human, animal, food, and environmental sources and from different regions of Brazil by detecting virulence genes inv, ail, ystA, and virF through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), phenotypic tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for the assessment of phylogenetic diversity. Results: All virulence genes were detected in 11/60 (18%) strains of serotype O:3, biotype 4 isolated from human and animal sources. Ten human strains (4/O:3) presented three chromosomal virulence genes, and nine strains of biotype 1A presented the inv gene. Six (10%) strains were resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, seven (12%) to tetracycline, and one (2%) to amikacin, all of which are used to treat yersiniosis. AMP-CEF-SXT was the predominant resistance profile. PFGE analysis revealed 36 unique pulsotypes, grouped into nine clusters (A to I) with similarity ≥ 85%, generating a diversity discriminatory index of 0.957. Cluster A comprised all bio-serotype 4/O:3 strains isolated from animal and humans sources. Conclusions: This study shows the existence of strains with the same genotypic profiles, bearing all virulence genes, from human and animal sources, circulating among several Brazilian states. This supports the hypothesis that swine is likely to serve as a main element in Y. enterocolitica transmission to humans in Brazil, and it could become a potential threat to public health as in Europe.
Identification of class 1 and 2 integrons from clinical and environmental Salmonella isolates
Authors: Corrêa Fábio Ederson Lopes , Dantas Fabiana Gomes da Silva , Grisolia Alexeia Barufatti , Crispim Bruno do Amaral , Oliveira Kelly Mari Pires
Published: December 2014

Introduction: The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has selected for the emergence of resistant strains. Many mechanisms contribute to the spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes, and integrons play a key role in this process. The aim of this study was to describe the serotypes and resistance profiles, and to characterize the presence of integrons in Salmonella strains isolated from Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methodology: Thirty-six isolates from different sources were used. To evaluate the resistance profiles, the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations together with polymerase chain reaction were used to screen for the presence of class 1 and class 2 integrons. Results: The Infantis serotype of Salmonella was the most frequently isolated serotype. Minimum inhibitory concentrations showed that out of the 36 isolates, 11 (30.5%) were resistant to all the antimicrobials tested. These resistant isolates were separated into three groups: 4 clinical isolates (36.4%), 3 food isolates (36.4%), and 4 water isolates (27.2%). Class 1 integrons occurred in 31 (86.1%) isolates and were found in all 11 resistant isolates (35.5 %) and in 20 (64.5%) of the non-resistant isolates. Class 2 integrons were found in 3 (8.3%) isolates, which were all non-resistant. Conclusion: The presence of an integron did not necessarily confer resistance. Future studies will seek to identify the mechanism behind integron-mediated antimicrobial resistance.
Preponderance of bacterial isolates in urine of HIV-positive malaria-infected pregnant women with urinary tract infection
Authors: Ako-Nai Kwashie Ajibade , Ebhodaghe Blessing Itohan , Osho Patrick , Adejuyigbe Ebun , Adeyemi Folasade Mubiat , Kassim Olakunle
Published: December 2014

Introduction: This study examined HIV and malaria co-infection as a risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. The study group included 74 pregnant women, 20 to 42 years of age, who attended the antenatal clinic at the Specialist Hospital at Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Forty-four of the pregnant women were either HIV seropositive with malaria infection (HIV+Mal+) or HIV seropositive without malaria (HIV+Mal-). The remaining thirty pregnant women served as controls and included women HIV seronegative but with malaria (HIV-Mal+) and women HIV seronegative without malaria. UTI was indicated by a bacterial colony count of greater than 105/mL of urine, using cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium (CLED) as the primary isolation medium. Bacterial isolates were characterized using convectional bacteriological methods, and antibiotics sensitivity tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. Results: A total of 246 bacterial isolates were recovered from the cultures, with a mean of 3.53 isolates per subject. Women who were HIV+Mal+ had the most diverse group of bacterial isolates and the highest frequency of UTIs. The bacterial isolates from the HIV+Mal+ women also showed the highest degree of antibiotic resistance. Conclusions: While pregnancy and HIV infection may each represent a risk factor for UTI, HIV and malaria co-infection may increase its frequency in pregnancy. The higher frequency of multiple antibiotic resistance observed among the isolates, particularly isolates from HIV+Mal+ subjects, poses a serious public health concern as these strains may aggravate the prognosis of both UTI and HIV infection.
One year experience using mycobacterial blood cultures to diagnose tuberculosis in patients with prolonged fever in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Diep NT , Nguyen Trung V , Dao Trinh T , Nguyen Lam T , Horby Peter , Nguyen Kinh Van , Wertheim Heiman FL
Published: December 2014

Introduction: To evaluate the use of mycobacterial blood cultures (MBC) in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in patients with prolonged fever admitted to a Vietnamese referral hospital. Results: MBCs from 94 patients (66% male; median age 33 years; 75% HIV positive) were evaluated: 14 were mycobacterium positive (all HIV positive), and MBC was the only positive specimen in 9 cases (41%). Three positive cases were identified as Mycobacterium avium and the remaining M. tuberculosis (one case could not be identified). Conclusion: MBC can be a valuable additional method to diagnose TB, particularly in immunosuppressed HIV patients when sputum cannot be collected.
Predictors of response to pegylated interferon treatment in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Guclu Ertugrul , Tuna Nazan , Karabay Oguz , Akhan Sıla , Bodur Hurrem , Ceylan Bahadır , Demirdal Tuna , Demirdag Kutbettin , Demirturk Nese , Ekerbicer Hasan , Erol Serpil , Esen Saban , Evirgen Omer , Geyik Mehmet Faruk , Gunduz Alper , Karahocagil Mustafa Kasım , Kokoglu Omer Faruk , Ozdemir Davut , Ozgunes Nail , Sargın Fatma , Tosun Selma , Tutuncu Ediz
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Although pegylated interferons (pegIFNs) alpha-2a and alpha-2b have been used in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment for many years, there are few studies concerning predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) to pegIFN therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictors of response to pegIFN treatment in cases with HBeAg-negative CHB infection. Methodology: Seventeen tertiary care hospitals in Turkey were included in this study. Data from consecutively treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients, who received either pegIFN alpha-2a or alpha-2b, were collected retrospectively. SVR is defined as an HBV DNA concentration of less than 2,000 IU/mL six months after the completion of therapy Results: SVR was achieved in 40 (25%) of the 160 HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Viral loads in patients with SVR were lower compared to those with no SVR, beginning in the third month of treatment (p < 0.05). The number of cases with a decline of 1 log10 IU/mL in viral load after the first month of treatment and with a serum HBV DNA level under 2,000 IU/mL after the third month of treatment was higher in cases with SVR (p < 0.05). The number of patients who had undetectable HBV DNA levels at week 48 among responders was significantly greater than among post-treatment virological relapsers (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Detection of a 1 log10 decline in serum HBV DNA level at the first month of treatment and a serum HBV DNA level < 2000 IU/mL at the third month of therapy may be predictors of SVR.
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern and biofilm formation in coagulase negative staphylococci
Authors: Ayepola Olayemi Oluseun , Olasupo Nurudeen Ayoade , Egwari Louis Osayenum , Schaumburg Frieder
Published: December 2014

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Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from burn patients, Iran
Authors: Ohadian Moghadam Solmaz , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Aminharati Farzaneh
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Burns are the most serious forms of trauma and a major cause of mortality worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common pathogens of burn wound infections; treatment has faced serious problems due to antibiotic resistance in these strains. Biofilm formation, which increases antibiotic resistance capabilities and is considered to be a virulence factor, also causes treatment failure and recurrent staphylococcal infections in burn patients. Methodology: A total of 135 pus/wound swabs were collected; S. aureus was identified by confirmatory tests. The icaA/D and mecA genes were detected in DNA extracts by polymerase chain reaction assay separately. To determine the prevalence of biofilm formation, a modified Congo red agar and the microtiter plate method were used. Investigation of antibiotic resistance was performed using the disk diffusion method. Results: S. aureus (48.87%) was identified in 65 (48.87%) samples, of which 40 (61.53%) were confirmed to be MRSA. Among MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, 97.5% and 60% produced biofilm, respectively. Resistance of MRSA isolates to amikacin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, mupirocin, rifampin, tetracycline, and tobramycin was 64.1%, 76.92%, 51.28%, 87.18%, 71.8%, 10.26%, 5.13%, 89.74%, and 61.54%, respectively. All MRSA and MSSA isolates were susceptible to fusidic acid, linezolid, teicoplanin, tigecycline, and vancomycin. Conclusions: The high prevalence of biofilm-producing, drug-resistant S. aureus isolates in our study suggests that epidemiological studies on the characteristics of common strains found in burn centers and a definition of their antibiotic resistance pattern would be helpful for therapeutic decisions.