bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Cylindrospermopsin Production by Two Cyanobacteria (Dolichospermum mendotae and Chrysosporum ovalisporum) in Lake Iznik, Turkey
Authors: Akcaalan Reyhan , Köker Latife , Oğuz Ayça , Spoof Lisa , Meriluoto Jussi , Albay Meriç
Published: November 2014

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cytotoxic alkaloid produced by cyanobacteria. The distribution of this toxin is expanding around the world and the number of cyanobacteria species producing this toxin is also increasing. CYN was detected for the first time in Turkey during the summer months of 2013. The responsible species were identified as Dolichospermum (Anabaena) mendotae and Chrysosporum (Aphanizomenon) ovalisporum. The D. mendotae increased in May, however, C. ovalisporum formed a prolonged bloom in August. CYN concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS and ranged from 0.12 µg·mg−1 to 4.92 µg·mg−1 as dry weight, respectively. Both species were the only cyanobacteria actively growing and CYN production was attributed solely to these species. Despite CYN production by C. ovalisporum being a well-known phenomenon, to our knowledge, this is the first report of CYN found in D. mendotae bloom.
Solution processable diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) cored small molecules with BODIPY end groups as novel donors for organic solar cells
Authors: Cortizo-Lacalle Diego , Howells Calvyn T , Pandey Upendra K , Cameron Joseph , Findlay Neil J , Inigo Anto Regis , Tuttle Tell , Skabara Peter J , Samuel Ifor D W
Published: November 2014

Two novel triads based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) central core and two 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) units attached by thiophene rings have been synthesised having high molar extinction coefficients. These triads were characterised and used as donor materials in small molecule, solution processable organic solar cells. Both triads were blended with PC71BM as an acceptor in different ratios by wt % and their photovoltaic properties were studied. For both the triads a modest photovoltaic performance was observed, having an efficiency of 0.65%. Moreover, in order to understand the ground and excited state properties and vertical absorption profile of DPP and BODIPY units within the triads, theoretical DFT and TDDFT calculations were performed.
La gestion des conflits culturels inhérents au choix éducatif à Djibouti : entre dénégation, défense et interculturation
Authors: Solomon Tsehaye Rachel
Published: November 2014

Les relations d’interaction établies entre l’éducation formelle et l’éducation non formelle à Djibouti sont questionnées pour quatre types d’établissements : école publique, école privée catholique, école coranique et madrasa. Une première étude des assignations afférentes à ces modes éducatifs souligne la hiérarchisation des savoirs en place. Les discours des principaux acteurs (enseignants, parents, directeurs d’établissements, élèves et jeunes déscolarisés) sont ensuite analysés en se centrant sur les facteurs qui influencent le choix éducatif des familles. L’approche pluridisciplinaire de la confrontation de ces discours de vérité a mobilisé le courant des économies de la grandeur, les grilles conceptuelles de l’ethnopsychanalyse, la psychologie des contacts de cultures. Elle montre les processus de justification de la distance ou de la proximité culturelle entre les discours de vérité. Elle met en évidence les stratégies de gestion d’injonctions paradoxales qu’implique la cohabitation entre le dogme primant dans la société et la liberté de conscience prônée à l’école séculière.
Effets identitaires et sociaux du changement des politiques éducatives sur les acteurs
Authors: Bedoin Diane , Daverne-Bailly Carole
Published: November 2014

La question du changement en éducation est abordée à partir de l’étude de deux politiques éducatives récentes : l’inclusion des élèves à besoins éducatifs particuliers (BEP) et les internats d’excellence. En empruntant deux concepts majeurs en sciences sociales –identité et socialisation – cet article met en évidence les effets des changements prescrits sur les acteurs concernés : les professionnels de la petite enfance et de l’éducation, d’une part, les internes d’excellence, d’autre part. L’analyse des données qualitatives recueillies permet d’interroger les tensions existantes entre identités, socialisations primaire/secondaire et socialisations familiale/scolaire.
De l'universalité du transcendantal : Sur les sources bouddhiques indiennes de Nishida
Authors: Stevens Bernard
Published: November 2014

Nous utilisons ici la perspective synthétique du système philosophique de Nishida, enjambant l’Orient et l’Occident, comme une sorte d’atelier permettant de travailler les concepts qui seraient communs à la phénoménologie transcendantale et au Yogâcâra. Le but est de voir en quoi ce dernier pourrait être considéré comme un apport significatif à la révolution kantienne – permettant en retour de mettre à l’épreuve la prétention de cette dernière à l’universalité. Un élément crucial de la réflexion se situe dans la tentative d’élucider les implications de la notion bouddhique de non-ego ( anâtman ou muga 無我).
Comment trouver un équilibre entre l'historicisme et l'universalisme ?
Authors: Fradet Pierre-Alexandre
Published: November 2014

La pensée taylorienne se situe à mi-chemin entre l’historicisme et l’universalisme. En même temps qu’elle enracine l’homme dans un contexte culturel, elle milite en faveur d’un dialogue entre cultures dont la visée est l’atteinte de vérités objectives. Pour avoir mis l’accent, ici sur le rôle du contexte social, là sur l’importance de faire dialoguer les cultures, Taylor s’est attiré plus d’une objection. Ainsi, quand on ne l’accusa pas d’échouer à contourner le relativisme, on désavoua son projet de dialogue interculturel. Qu’en est-il donc de ces objections ? Atteignent-elles efficacement leur cible ou, au contraire, la ratent-elles ? Que la pensée taylorienne effleure le relativisme tout en parvenant à l’éviter, du moins dans ses intentions, et non sans difficultés, voilà l’idée que nous nous efforcerons de défendre ici, en plus de proposer une réflexion critique sur la portée, l’incidence et l’impact possibles de cette pensée.
Je l'ai tellement dans la peau que j'en deviens marteau
Authors: Tomasella Saverio
Published: November 2014

Longtemps cantonnées aux substances, les recherches sur les addictions s’ouvrent à d’autres champs, notamment celui de la relation, et plus particulièrement aux rapports de domination et d’emprise, présents notamment dans le registre de la perversion. La clinique bute sur un réel qui bouleverse les repères établis. Les concepts traditionnels de la psychanalyse ne sont pas suffisants pour rendre compte des phénomènes d’accrochages réciproques, observables dans le cas d’emprises affectives, c’est-à-dire d’emprises qui engendrent des dépendances affectives (addictions à autrui) et remettent en question jusqu’aux processus de subjectivation (être et devenir soi). Le présent article est un essai pour poser quelques premiers jalons dans ce domaine.
Shopping in Cyberspace
Authors: Niu Han-Jen
Published: November 2014

Researchers have explored adolescents' online buying habits as the internet has developed and teenagers' incomes have increased. In this study, that tries to understand adolescent buying behavior, and adolescent decision-making styles as input variable and online shopping behavior as output variable. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is included as a moderating variable. A total of 1,614 adolescents aged 16 to 30 in Taiwan were participants. Correlation, regression, and covariance analyses were used. Results show a positive correlation between adolescents' consumer decision-making styles and purchasing behavior (including planned and unplanned purchases). In addition, compulsive purchases under unplanned purchases showed a positive moderating effect. Recognition of ease of use in TAM had a positive moderating effect on compulsive purchases categorized under unplanned purchases. This research examined the moderating effect of variables in TAM, verifying their effects.
Resistance to Internet Banking Adoption in Tunisia
Authors: M'Sallem Wafa , Mzoughi Mohamed Nabil
Published: November 2014

Adoption of online banking has been studied in detail with respect to theories of consumer behavior, yet the adoption of Internet banking still provides an attractive area of research. A new wave of research supports the importance of understanding consumer behavior within the perspective of resistance, and attempts to address the theoretical knowledge gap between technology acceptance and adoption. In this respect, this research examines the factors that inhibit people to adopt and use Internet banking as a complementary financial service. An abductive investigation based on the grounded theory methods has been used. Findings suggest that the important factors which slow the adoption of Internet banking were the lack of information about the service, and the satisfaction with the existing alternative that individuals are currently using (bricks-and mortar, ATMs, and mobile banking). Other influential factors are highlighted. Implications for academicians and practitioners are discussed.
Assessing the Usability for Arabic Language Websites
Authors: Arif Mohammed , Gupta Aman
Published: November 2014

With increasing reliance on web-based services by today's customer, organizations continuously invest time and money to provide better experience to their customers. Usability studies are very important to assure that customer expectations are achieved effectively and efficiently. The aspect of usability becomes even more important in a multilingual society. The aim of this research is to evaluate usability standards for Arabic and determine if these standards are different from English. A case study involving a Dubai Municipality website has been used to identify the differences between the two languages. A usability test was developed which was divided into two parts: a usability experiment and an online questionnaire. A total of 30 evaluators were chosen for the test. T-tests were conducted for each of the 10 tasks performed during the experiment. The evaluator questionnaire was used after the experiment to obtain the evaluators' feedback. In terms of design, websites in Arabic and English have the same look and feel. In terms of information content, the English content was more usable than Arabic. The research concluded with recommendations to improve the content of the Arabic website.
4-1BB Ligand Signaling to T Cells Limits T Cell Activation
Authors: Eun So-Young , Lee Seung-Woo , Xu Yanfei , Croft Michael
Published: November 2014

4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) and its receptor, 4-1BB, are both induced on T cells after activation, but little is known about the role of 4-1BBL. In this study we show that 4-1BBL can transmit signals that limit T cell effector activity under tolerogenic conditions. Cross-linking 4-1BBL inhibited IL-2 production in vitro, primarily with suboptimal TCR stimulation. Furthermore, naive 4-1BBL–deficient OT-II transgenic T cells displayed a greater conversion to effector T cells in vivo when responding to soluble OVA peptide in wild-type hosts, whereas development of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells was not altered. A greater number of effector T cells also differentiated from naive wild-type OT-II T cells when transferred into 4-1BB–deficient hosts, suggesting that APC-derived 4-1BB is likely to trigger 4-1BBL. Indeed, effector T cells that could not express 4-1BBL accumulated in larger numbers in vitro when stimulated with 4-1BB–expressing mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells. 4-1BBL was expressed on T cells when Ag presentation was limiting, and 4-1BBL was aberrantly expressed at very high levels on T cells that could not express 4-1BB. Trans-ligation, Ab capture, and endocytosis experiments additionally showed that T cell–intrinsic 4-1BB regulated internalization of membrane 4-1BBL, implying that the strong induction of 4-1BB on T cells may counteract the suppressive function of 4-1BBL by limiting its availability. These data suggest that 4-1BBL expressed on T cells can restrain effector T cell development, creating a more favorable regulatory T cell to effector cell balance under tolerogenic conditions, and this may be particularly active in mucosal barrier tissues where 4-1BB–expressing regulatory dendritic cells present Ag.
T-bet Is Critical for the Development of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease through Controlling T Cell Differentiation and Function
Authors: Fu Jianing , Wang Dapeng , Yu Yu , Heinrichs Jessica , Wu Yongxia , Schutt Steven , Kaosaard Kane , Liu Chen , Haarberg Kelley , Bastian David , McDonald Daniel G. , Anasetti Claudio , Yu Xue-Zhong
Published: November 2014

T-bet is a master regulator for IFN-γ production and Th1 differentiation. We evaluated the roles of T-bet and IFN-γ in T cell responses in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and found that T-bet−/− T cells induced significantly less GVHD compared with wild-type or IFN-γ−/− counterparts in both MHC-mismatched and MHC-matched but minor histocompatibility Ag–mismatched models driven by CD4 T cells. T-bet−/−, but not IFN-γ−/−, CD4 T cells had a markedly reduced ability to cause tissue damage in liver and gut. This distinct outcome is reflected by the differential gene expression on donor CD4 T cells deficient for T-bet or IFN-γ. At mRNA and protein levels, we defined several T-bet–dependent molecules that may account for the impaired ability of T-bet−/− T cells to migrate into target organs and to produce Th1-related cytokines. Moreover, these molecules were independent of either endogenous IFN-γ, such as CXCR3 and programmed death-1, or systematic IFN-γ, such as NKG2D, I-Ab, and granzyme B. Although both T-bet−/− and IFN-γ−/− CD4 T cells are prone to differentiate into Th17 cells, polarized Th17 cells deficient for T-bet but not for IFN-γ had a significantly reduced ability to cause GVHD. Finally, T-bet−/− T cells had a compromised graft-versus-leukemia effect, which could be essentially reversed by neutralization of IL-17 in the recipients. We conclude that T-bet is required for Th1 differentiation and migration, as well as for optimal function of Th17 cells. Thus, targeting T-bet or regulating its downstream effectors independent of IFN-γ may be a promising strategy to control GVHD in the clinic.
Granzyme B–Activated p53 Interacts with Bcl-2 To Promote Cytotoxic Lymphocyte–Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Ben Safta Thouraya , Ziani Linda , Favre Loetitia , Lamendour Lucille , Gros Gwendoline , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Martinvalet Denis , Chouaib Salem , Thiery Jerome
Published: November 2014

Granzyme B (GzmB) plays a major role in CTLs and NK cell–mediated elimination of virus-infected cells and tumors. Human GzmB preferentially induces target cell apoptosis by cleaving the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bid, which, together with Bax, induces mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. We previously showed that GzmB also induces a rapid accumulation of the tumor-suppressor protein p53 within target cells, which seems to be involved in GzmB-induced apoptosis. In this article, we show that GzmB-activated p53 accumulates on target cell mitochondria and interacts with Bcl-2. This interaction prevents Bcl-2 inhibitory effect on both Bax and GzmB-truncated Bid, and promotes GzmB-induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Consequently, blocking p53–Bcl-2 interaction decreases GzmB-induced Bax activation, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and subsequent effector caspases activation leading to a decreased sensitivity of target cells to both GzmB and CTL/NK-mediated cell death. Together, our results define p53 as a new important player in the GzmB apoptotic signaling pathway and in CTL/NK-induced apoptosis.
Anti-angiogenic therapies for advanced esophago-gastric cancer
Authors: Fontana Elisa , Sclafani Francesco , Cunningham David
Published: November 2014

Neo-vascularization is a vital process for tumor growth and development which involves the interaction between tumor cells and stromal endothelial cells through several growth factors and membranous receptors which ultimately activate pro-angiogenic intracellular signaling pathways. Inhibition of angiogenesis has become a standard treatment option for several tumor types including colorectal cancer, glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. In gastric cancer, the therapeutic role of anti-angiogenic agents is more controversial. Bevacizumab and ramucirumab, two monoclonal antibodies, which target vascular endothelial growth factor-A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, respectively, have been demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with tumors of the stomach or esophagogastric junction. However, especially for bevacizumab, this antitumor activity has not consistently translated into a survival advantage over standard treatment in randomized trials. In this article, we provide an overview of the role of angiogenesis in gastric cancer and discuss the results of clinical trials that investigated safety and effectiveness of antiangiogenic therapies in this disease. A review of the literature has been done using PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov website and the ASCO Annual Meeting Library.
Hairy cell leukemia: A decade long experience of North Indian Hematology Center
Authors: Somasundaram Venkatesan , Purohit Abhishek , Aggarwal Mukul , Manivannan Prabhu , Mishra Pravas , Seth Tulika , Tyagi Seema , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Pati Hara P. , Saxena Renu
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Hairy cell leukemia is a rare chronic B-cell disorder that follows an indolent but progressive course. This disorder is characterized by pancytopenia, splenomegaly, bone marrow fibrosis and the presence of atypical lymphoid cells with hairy projections in peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen. Treatment is mainly with nucleoside analog cladribine, which induces complete remission in up to 85% cases. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of Hairy cell Leukemia cases diagnosed and treated in the Department of Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi between 2002 and 2013. Various parameters such as clinical features, laboratory parameters including complete blood cell count, bone marrow findings, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping by flowcytometry or immunohistochemistry, treatment protocol and complications secondary to treatment and relapse were reviewed. Results: A total of 35 cases were diagnosed during this period of 12 years of which 27 received cladribine and went in to remission. Median follow-up duration was 26 months. 5 (18%) cases had a relapse and all relapsed cases achieved second remission with cladribine; however, there was no case of second malignancy in our cohort. Conclusion: Cladribine has emerged as the treatment of choice for hairy cell leukemia given that the overwhelming majority of patients achieve long-lasting complete remissions. Upon relapse, these patients could be successfully salvaged with cladribine retreatment.
Thiopurine methyltransferase polymorphisms in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Linga Vijay Gandhi , Patchva Dorra Babu , Tulasi Krishna Mohan Mallavarapu Venkata , Kalpathi Krishnamani Iyer , Pillai Ashok , Gundeti Sadashivudu , Rajappa Senthil J , Digumarti Raghunadharao
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and methotrexate are backbone drugs for maintenance phase of treatment. Purine Analogs 6-MP/6-thioguanine/azathiopurine are metabolized to its inactive form by the enzyme thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). Ninety percent of the population harbor wild type on both alleles (TPMT wild/wild), 10% are heterozygous, that is, one allele is mutant (TPMT wild/mutant) and 0.3% are homozygous, that is, both allele are mutant (TPMT mutant/mutant). In heterozygous and homozygous variant, activity of enzyme is low, leading to a higher incidence of toxicity (myelosuppression). Aim: The primary objective was to access the polymorphism of the enzyme, TPMT, in Children with ALL. Secondary objective was to correlate TPMT genotype with 6-MP toxicities. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two children with newly diagnosed ALL during first maintenance phase were serially enrolled after obtaining consent. Five ml of peripheral blood was drawn and DNA extracted. TPMT 2 polymorphisms were performed using Allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and TPMT 3B and 3C are performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Sixty-nine children of 72 (95.8%) were wild for TPMT polymorphism and 3 (4.2%) were heterozygous for TPMT. Among the heterozygous variant one each (33.3%) were heterozygous for 2A, 3A, 3C. Febrile neutropenia was the most common toxicity in both wild and heterozygous group. Conclusion: The frequency of TPMT polymorphisms in children with ALL is 4.2%. Heterozygous variant is this study are one each (33%) of 2A, 3A, 3C.
Immediate treatment effects of high-dose methotrexate and cranial irradiation on neuropsychological functions of children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia at a regional cancer center
Authors: Chidambaram Sundaramoorthy , Seshachalam Arun , Elangovan Vidhubala , Rajendranath Rejiv
Published: November 2014

Context: Overall cure rates for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved; however, the neuropsychological sequelae of ALL treatment have not been adequately documented in India. Aims: The present study assesses the immediate effects of ALL treatment on neuropsychological functioning, at the Regional Cancer Center in Chennai, South India. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed with ALL patients (n = 24) (aged 6-15 years; 13M:11F) registered between March 2008 and February 2009 were included. Patients who had received high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and cranial radiotherapy (CRT) as part of their treatment were enrolled for the study. Neurocognitive assessments were done to assess various functions such as performance intelligence, visuo-perception, visuo-spatial, perceptual organization, processing speed, planning, working memory, and immediate verbal memory (IVM) (Malin′s intelligence scale); verbal fluency (ideation fluency test) and verbal attention (vigilance test). Three assessments were done during induction (baseline), after re-induction phase (second) and during the maintenance phase (third). Results: The patients performed significantly worse in the third assessment (mean duration from diagnosis 17.48 months) on performance intelligence quotient (PIQ), visuo-perception, visuo-spatial, processing speed, planning, IVM, verbal attention, and verbal fluency (P < 0.05), there were no significant changes observed in visuo-perceptual organization and working memory (P > 0.05). Significant difference was observed between age groups 6 and 10 (41.7%) and 11-15 years (58.3%) in perceptual organization, verbal fluency, and verbal attention (P < 0.05) and no gender difference was observed across the three assessments (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Combining HD MTX and CRT had an immediate effect on neuropsychological sequelae among the children with ALL, however, long-term evaluation is recommended to study the long-term effects.
Complex Tibial Fractures: Tips and Tricks for Intramedullary Nail Fixation
Authors: Githens Michael , Bishop Julius
Published: November 2014

Intramedullary nailing of metaphyseal and segmental tibia fractures can be technically challenging for a variety of reasons. Restoring length, alignment and rotation of the injured limb requires careful preoperative planning and meticulous attention to surgical technique, while avoiding common pitfalls. Understanding the deforming forces on the fracture segments and normal tibial osteology provides a background for recognizing the most common pitfalls when nailing these fractures. Many adjuncts for obtaining and maintaining fracture reduction while nailing have been described, including extended positioning, use of the femoral distractor, blocking screws, and provisional plating. We discuss these techniques as well as the role of intramedullary fixation for treating metaphyseal fractures with articular extension. The purpose of this paper is to describe the background and technique for a variety of operative tips and tricks to facilitate intramedullary nailing of metaphyseal and segmental tibia fractures.
The Lebanese Society of Cardiology: Plans and Perspectives, Navigating against Contrary Winds and Progressing against All Odds
Authors: Kossaify Antoine , Moussallem Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Scientific societies in medicine theoretically aim to improve a medical field as a science; however, this role is expanding nowadays to seeking also the improved practice of a certain medical field. In this regard, the current Lebanese Society of Cardiology (2013–2015) has laid many plans and considered many perspectives. These concern mainly, but not exclusively, the increase of public awareness regarding prevention, investment in research, implementation of guidelines, support of continuous medical education, organization of cardiology symposia and congresses, and achievement of national registries regarding main cardiac conditions, as well as the society's main objective of decreasing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Lebanon. Nonetheless, the implementation of such plans and perspectives is facing contrary winds related to a multifaceted phenomenon: the dominance of private medicine with a subsequent lack of teamwork, the dominance of private media, the social and political unrest in Lebanon, significant discrepancies in the scientific background of cardiologists, and the absence of a standardized national cardiology licensing exam. Importantly, the implementation of such plans and perspectives requires individual commitment, along with the cooperation of the Order of Physicians, the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon (representing private hospitals) and the Ministry of Health. Moreover, industry must be more committed to medical scientific societies; the support of cardiology events organized without the auspices of the Lebanese Society of Cardiology is not encouraged because of the presence of significant conflict of interest.
Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) as Vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Salazar Renzo , Castillo-Neyra Ricardo , Tustin Aaron W. , Borrini-Mayorí Katty , Náquira César , Levy Michael Z.
Published: November 2014

Populations of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, have recently undergone explosive growth. Bed bugs share many important traits with triatomine insects, but it remains unclear whether these similarities include the ability to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. Here, we show efficient and bidirectional transmission of T. cruzi between hosts and bed bugs in a laboratory environment. Most bed bugs that fed on experimentally infected mice acquired the parasite. A majority of previously uninfected mice became infected after a period of cohabitation with exposed bed bugs. T. cruzi was also transmitted to mice after the feces of infected bed bugs were applied directly to broken host skin. Quantitative bed bug defecation measures were similar to those of important triatomine vectors. Our findings suggest that the common bed bug may be a competent vector of T. cruzi and could pose a risk for vector-borne transmission of Chagas disease.
Q Fever in the United States: Summary of Case Reports from Two National Surveillance Systems, 2000–2012
Authors: Dahlgren F. Scott , McQuiston Jennifer H. , Massung Robert F. , Anderson Alicia D.
Published: November 2014

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis historically associated with exposure to infected livestock. This study summarizes cases of Q fever, a notifiable disease in the United States, reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through two national surveillance systems with onset during 2000–2012. The overall incidence rate during this time was 0.38 cases per million persons per year. The reported case fatality rate was 2.0%, and the reported hospitalization rate was 62%. Most cases (61%) did not report exposure to cattle, goats, or sheep, suggesting that clinicians should consider Q fever even in the absence of livestock exposure. The prevalence of drinking raw milk among reported cases of Q fever (8.4%) was more than twice the national prevalence for the practice. Passive surveillance systems for Q fever are likely impacted by underreporting and underdiagnosis because of the nonspecific presentation of Q fever.
The Role of Music and Musicians in Promoting Social Stability in the Country
Authors: Ibekwe E U
Published: November 2014

Some of the prerequisites for promoting social stability in a country include, adequate security, socio-cultural and economic viability, political freedom, freedom of expression and association etc., On the other hand, a nation that lacks all these qualities is wrecked morally, socially, culturally and above all, most vulnerable to treason. In such instance, and obviously too, the portrayal of false identity, lawlessness, insubordination and the likes infiltrate or bedevil such a nation.. This paper critically examined the role music and musicians play in achieving stability in the country.
Potential radio frequency interference with the GPS L5 band for radio occultation measurements
Authors: Wolff A. M. , Akos D. M. , Lo S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Future radio occultation (RO) receivers are planned to utilize the newly implemented Global Positioning System (GPS) L5 band centered at 1176.45 MHz. Since there are currently no operational GPS L5 receivers used for space-based RO applications, the interference environment is unclear. Distance measuring equipment (DME) and tactical air navigation (TACAN) stations share the same frequency band as GPS L5. The signals from these stations have been identified as possible sources of interference for any GPS L5 receiver, including those used in RO applications. This study utilizes Systems Tools Kit (STK) simulations to gain insight into the power received by a RO satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) from a DME–TACAN transmission as well as the amount of interfering stations. In order to confirm the validity of utilizing STK for communication purposes, a theoretical scenario was recreated as a simulation and the results were confirmed. Once the method was validated, STK was used to output a received power level aboard a RO satellite from a DME–TACAN station as well as a tool to detail the number of interfering DME–TACAN stations witnessed by a space-based RO receiver over time. The results indicated a large number of DME–TACAN stations transmitting at similar orientations as a receiving RO satellite, thereby leading to the possibility of signal degradation in an unclear interference environment.
Hailstones across the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area
Authors: Rasuly A. A. , Cheung K. K. W. , McBurney B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study addresses the recent climatology of hail occurrence in the Greater Metropolitan Severe Thunderstorm Warning Area (GMSTWA) of New South Wales, Australia, which is a sprawling suburban area, with a population of nearly 4.7 million and one of Australia's largest metropolis. The main objective is to highlight the recent temporal-spatial fluctuations of hailstone frequencies and magnitudes for each of recognized and vastly inhabited Local Government Areas (LGAs). The relevant hail event data from 1989 to 2013 were initially derived from the severe storm archive of Australian Bureau of Meteorology. A climatologically oriented GIS technique was applied in the examining and mapping procedure of all hail events and hail days reported throughout the study area. By applying a specific criterion, all severe hails (defined as 2 cm or more in diameter) were cautiously selected and then imported into the ArcGIS software for relevant analysis. Appropriate data layers were stored in a unique database to allow logical integration of the data directly into some geoprocessing functions, mainly for querying, analyzing and mapping purposes in a model-builder setting. The database includes 357 hailstones with sizes 2–11 cm and occurred in 169 hail days across the region during the past 25 years. The models have established that hailstones are neither temporally nor spatially uniform in magnitude throughout the study area. Temporal analysis indicated that most of hail events occurred predominately in the afternoons with peak time of 1–5 p.m. EST. They were particularly common in spring and summer, and reached maximum frequency in November and December. There was an average of 14.3 events each year, but a significant decreasing trend in terms of hail frequency and associated magnitude in the recent years has been identified. In turn, spatial models also established three main distribution patterns over the study area, which include the Sydney Metropolitan, coastal and pronounced topographic effects. Based on the understanding of the favorable factors for thunderstorm development in the GMSTWA, the potential impacts from climate variability and future climate change have been briefly discussed.
Reversal in the nonlocal large-scale αΩ-dynamo
Authors: Feschenko L. K. , Vodinchar G. M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Inversion of the magnetic field in a large-scale model of αΩ-dynamo with nonlocal α-effect is under the investigation. The model allows us to reproduce the main features of the geomagnetic field reversals. It was established that the polarity intervals in the model are distributed according to the power law. Model magnetic polarity time scale is fractal. Its dimension is consistent with the dimension of the real geomagnetic polarity time scale.
Analysis of land cover change and its driving forces in a desert oasis landscape of Xinjiang, northwest China
Authors: Amuti T. , Luo G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The combined effects of drought, warming and the changes in land cover have caused severe land degradation for several decades in the extremely arid desert oases of southern Xinjiang, northwest China. Land cover classifications of Landsat images in 1990, 2000 and 2008 were performed based on the multistage supervised classification scheme using the maximum likelihood classifier integrated with conventional vegetation and soil indexes, which improved overall accuracies by 4–5% compared to the standard classification method. Based on the detection of changes in land cover during 1990–2008 using remote sensing (RS) and a geographic information system (GIS), it can be found that the oasis significantly (+35%) increased, while the area of ecotone decreased (−43%). The major trends of the land cover changes were the notable growth of the oasis and the reduction of the desert–oasis ecotone. These changes were mainly a result of the intensified human activities such as land and water exploitation as well as overgrazing. The results of this study indicate that the oasis environment will be deteriorated by increase in potential areas of land degradation if the trend of desert moving further inward and the shrinking of the ecotone continues over the next decades.
Finite lattice distortion patterns in plastically deformed zircon grains
Authors: Kovaleva E. , Klötzli U. , Habler G. , Libowitzky E.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. This study examines finite deformation patterns of zircon grains from high-temperature natural shear zones. Various zircon-bearing rocks were collected in the Western Tauern Window, eastern Alps, where they were deformed under amphibolite facies conditions, and in the Ivrea–Verbano Zone (IVZ), southern Alps, where deformation is related with granulite-facies metamorphism. Among the sampled rocks are granitic orthogneisses, metalamprophyres and paragneisses, all of which are strongly deformed. The investigated zircon grains ranging from 10 to 50 μm were studied in situ using a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, forward-scattered electron (FSE) imaging, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, and crystallographic orientation mapping by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), as well as micro-Raman spectroscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) was applied to host phases. Microstructural analysis of crystal-plastically deformed zircon grains was based on high-resolution EBSD maps. Three general types of finite lattice distortion patterns were detected: type (I) is defined by gradual bending of the zircon lattice with orientation changes of about 0.6–1.8° per micrometer without subgrain boundary formation. Cumulative grain-internal orientation variations range from 7 to 25° within single grains. Type (II) represents local gradual bending of the crystal lattice accompanied by the formation of subgrain boundaries that have concentric semicircular shapes in 2-D sections. Cumulative grain-internal orientation variations range from 15 to 40° within single grains. Type (III) is characterized by formation of subgrains separated by a well-defined subgrain boundary network, where subgrain boundaries show a characteristic angular closed contour. The cumulative orientation variation within a single grain ranges from 3 to 10°. Types (I) and (II) predominate in granulite facies rocks, whereas type (III) is restricted to the amphibolite facies rocks. The difference in distortion patterns is controlled by strain rate and by ratio between dislocation formation and dislocation motion rates, conditioned by the amount of differential stress. Investigated microstructures demonstrate that misorientation axes are usually parallel to the < 001 > and < 100 > crystallographic directions; dominant slips are < 010 > {001}, < 010 > {100} and < 001 > {010}, whereas in some grains cross-slip takes place. This study demonstrates that activation of energetically preferable slip systems is facilitated if zircon grain is decoupled from the host matrix and/or hosted by a soft phase.
Pathophysiology of Trousseau’s syndrome
Authors: Dicke C. , Langer F.
Published: November 2014

Clinically relevant clotting abnormalities in cancer patients are referred to as Trousseau’s syndrome. While thrombotic complications such as venous thromboembolism are most frequent in every day’s practice, cancer patients may also experience severe bleeding symptoms due to complex systemic coagulopathies, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, haemolytic thrombotic microangiopathy, and hyperfibrinolysis. The pathophysiology of Trousseau’s syndrome involves all aspects of Virchow’s triad, but previous basic research has mainly focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying blood hypercoagulability in solid cancers and haematological malignancies. In this regard, over-expression of tissue factor (TF), the principal initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, by primary tumour cells and increased shedding of TF-bearing plasma microparticles are critical to both thrombus formation and cancer progression. However, novel findings on intrinsic contact activation in vivo, such as the release of polyphosphates or DNA by activated platelets and neutrophils, respectively, have pointed to additional pathways in the complex pathophysiology of Trousseau’s syndrome.
Diplomatie comparée, religion et transferts culturels au Canada français dans le premier XXe siècle
Authors: Michel Florian
Published: November 2014

Cet article examine les modalités selon lesquelles les diplomaties française et anglaise ont perçu, dans les années 1920-1940, les échanges culturels au sein du monde catholique nord-américain. Alors que le Dominions Office considère que les Canadiens français sont « coupés du monde », la diplomatie culturelle française est davantage soucieuse de soutenir les transferts culturels au sein du catholicisme par le truchement de quelques institutions et de quelques personnalités universitaires. Les échanges culturels, s’ils semblent parfois d’origine strictement ecclésiale ou universitaire, sont assez souvent soutenus par les appareils diplomatiques, en train de forger un élément de leur soft power culturel.
HIV diversity and drug resistance from plasma and non‐plasma analytes in a large treatment programme in western Kenya
Authors: Kantor Rami , DeLong Allison , Balamane Maya , Schreier Leeann , Lloyd Robert M , Injera Wilfred , Kamle Lydia , Mambo Fidelis , Muyonga Sarah , Katzenstein David , Hogan Joseph , Buziba Nathan , Diero Lameck
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Antiretroviral resistance leads to treatment failure and resistance transmission. Resistance data in western Kenya are limited. Collection of non‐plasma analytes may provide additional resistance information.

Methods

We assessed HIV diversity using the REGA tool, transmitted resistance by the WHO mutation list and acquired resistance upon first‐line failure by the IAS–USA mutation list, at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), a major treatment programme in western Kenya. Plasma and four non‐plasma analytes, dried blood‐spots (DBS), dried plasma‐spots (DPS), ViveSTTM‐plasma (STP) and ViveST‐blood (STB), were compared to identify diversity and evaluate sequence concordance.

Results

Among 122 patients, 62 were treatment‐naïve and 60 treatment‐experienced; 61% were female, median age 35 years, median CD4 182 cells/µL, median viral‐load 4.6 log10 copies/mL. One hundred and ninety‐six sequences were available for 107/122 (88%) patients, 58/62 (94%) treatment‐naïve and 49/60 (82%) treated; 100/122 (82%) plasma, 37/78 (47%) attempted DBS, 16/45 (36%) attempted DPS, 14/44 (32%) attempted STP from fresh plasma and 23/34 (68%) from frozen plasma, and 5/42 (12%) attempted STB. Plasma and DBS genotyping success increased at higher VL and shorter shipment‐to‐genotyping time. Main subtypes were A (62%), D (15%) and C (6%). Transmitted resistance was found in 1.8% of plasma sequences, and 7% combining analytes. Plasma resistance mutations were identified in 91% of treated patients, 76% NRTI, 91% NNRTI; 76% dual‐class; 60% with intermediate‐high predicted resistance to future treatment options; with novel mutation co‐occurrence patterns. Nearly 88% of plasma mutations were identified in DBS, 89% in DPS and 94% in STP. Of 23 discordant mutations, 92% in plasma and 60% in non‐plasma analytes were mixtures. Mean whole‐sequence discordance from frozen plasma reference was 1.1% for plasma‐DBS, 1.2% plasma‐DPS, 2.0% plasma‐STP and 2.3% plasma‐STB. Of 23 plasma‐STP discordances, one mutation was identified in plasma and 22 in STP (p<0.05). Discordance was inversely significantly related to VL for DBS.

Conclusions

In a large treatment programme in western Kenya, we report high HIV‐1 subtype diversity; low plasma transmitted resistance, increasing when multiple analytes were combined; and high‐acquired resistance with unique mutation patterns. Resistance surveillance may be augmented by using non‐plasma analytes for lower‐cost genotyping in resource‐limited settings.
Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Northern Gulf of Elat/Aqaba along the Dead Sea Transform
Authors: Hartman Gal , Niemi Tina M. , Tibor Gideon , Ben‐Avraham Zvi , Al‐Zoubi Abdallah , Makovsky Yizhaq , Akawwi Emad , Abueladas Abdel‐Rahman , Al‐Ruzouq Rami
Published: November 2014

The northern Gulf of Elat/Aqaba is located in the transition between the deep marine basins of the gulf and the shallow onland basins of the Arava Valley. Interpretation of 500 km of high‐resolution seismic reflection data collected across the northern shelf reveals the tectonic structure and evolution of this transition. Six NNE‐trending faults and one E‐W trending transverse fault are mapped. Slip rates are calculated based on measured offsets and age determination based on a radiocarbon‐calibrated sedimentation rate and a Quaternary age model. The most active fault is the Evrona Fault that absorbs most of the left lateral slip within the basin with an average sinistral slip rate of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm/yr through the Late Pleistocene and 2.3–3.4 mm/yr during the Holocene. Two intrabasin faults east of the Evrona Fault that have been inactive for the last several tens of thousands of years were mapped, and motion from these faults has likely transferred to the Evrona Fault. The basin is flanked on the west by the Elat Fault and on the east by the Aqaba Fault. Both faults are marked by large bathymetric escarpments. Based on displaced seismic reflectors, we calculate a Holocene vertical slip rate of 1.0 ± 0.2 and 0.4 ± 0.1 mm/yr for the Elat and Aqaba Faults, respectively. The geometry, slip rates, and slip history of the northern Gulf of Elat/Aqaba faults show that during the Late Pleistocene several intrabasin faults became dominant across the basin but that during the Holocene the Evrona Fault accommodates most of the strike slip.
Tectonic Events May Have Triggered the Cambrian Explosion
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2014

Major geological changes causing sea level rise at the start of the Cambrian period (540–490 million years ago) could have kick‐started the Cambrian Explosion—a geological time period when most major phyla of life suddenly appeared in the fossil record. A paper published in the November issue of Geology (doi:10.1130/G35886.1) proposes a new geological mechanism for this event.
Exploring the Origin of High‐Energy Particle Beams in the Atmosphere
Authors: Chilingarian Ashot A.
Published: November 2014

High‐energy processes in the magnetosphere and atmosphere such as thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs), terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs), and transient luminous events (TLEs) and recently discovered relativistic electron acceleration in the Earth's outer radiation belt trigger various dynamic processes in the Earth's environments and have broad astrophysical relevance. Investigation of the accelerated structures in the geospace plasmas can shed light on particle acceleration to much higher energy in the similar structures of space plasmas in the most distant objects in the universe. The Earth's broad environment is a real laboratory for high‐energy astrophysics.
Promoting International Collaboration on Ocean Acidification Data Management
Authors: Hansson Lina , Appeltans Ward , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2014

Ocean acidification, often referred to as “the other carbon dioxide problem,” is the progressive increase in ocean acidity that has taken place since the onset of the industrial revolution. Biological and ecological studies of ocean acidification impacts only began in the late 1990s, but the field has evolved rapidly, with exponential growth in the past decade. For example, 374 papers on this subject were published in 2013, compared with only 18 in 2004 (see http://tinyurl.com/oaicc‐biblio).
Earth and Space Scientists Converge on Capitol Hill
Authors: Hankin Erik
Published: November 2014

There is no questioning the societal value of Earth and space science, yet federal funding for these disciplines in the United States has not grown for nearly a decade. On 16 − 17 September, Earth and space scientists from 14 science organizations traveled to Washington, D. C., to educate policy makers about the geosciences and ask for strong federal investments in geoscience research during Geosciences Congressional Visits Day.
Changing crustal velocities preceded 2011 Tohoku‐oki quake
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: November 2014

For decades leading up to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the east coast of Japan, GPS stations on the island of Honshu recorded changes at the rate at which the Earth's surface deformed. Previous work attributed this to the lasting effects of earlier earthquakes, such as the series of Mw 6.5+ events that struck between 2003 and 2011. Temblors can influence deformation long after shaking stops through gradual postseismic slip and, for large events, through decades‐long relaxation of stress in the lower crust and mantle.
Changing winds cause melting of coastal Antarctic glaciers
Authors: Palus Shannon
Published: November 2014

Anthropogenically induced changes in winds in the Southern Hemisphere are playing a key role in recent warming of subsurface waters around Antarctica, according to a new study by Spence et al. The warming water increases melting of coastal glaciers and thus could affect sea levels in the future.