bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Estimation of Model Parameters and State of Charge of LiFePO4 Batteries Using a Novel Open-Circuit Voltage at Various Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Feng Fei , Lu Rengui , Wei Guo , Zhu Chunbo
Published: April 2015

This study describes an online estimation of the model parameters and state of charge (SOC) of lithium iron phosphate batteries in electric vehicles. A widely used SOC estimator is based on the dynamic battery model with predeterminate parameters. However, model parameter variances that follow with their varied operation temperatures can result in errors in estimating battery SOC. To address this problem, a battery online parameter estimator is presented based on an equivalent circuit model using an adaptive joint extended Kalman filter algorithm. Simulations based on actual data are established to verify accuracy and stability in the regression of model parameters. Experiments are also performed to prove that the proposed estimator exhibits good reliability and adaptability under different loading profiles with various temperatures. In addition, open-circuit voltage (OCV) is used to estimate SOC in the proposed algorithm. However, the OCV based on the proposed online identification includes a part of concentration polarization and hysteresis, which is defined as parametric identification-based OCV (OCVPI). Considering the temperature factor, a novel OCV–SOC relationship map is established by using OCVPI under various temperatures. Finally, a validating experiment is conducted based on the consecutive loading profiles. Results indicate that our method is effective and adaptable when a battery operates at different ambient temperatures.
The Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Zr-Based Metallic Glass under Different Strain Rate Compressions
Authors: Chen Tao-Hsing , Tsai Chih-Kai
Published: April 2015

In this study, the high strain rate deformation behavior and the microstructure evolution of Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses under various strain rates were investigated. The influence of strain and strain rate on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior, as well as microstructural properties was also investigated. Before mechanical testing, the structure and thermal stability of the Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter. The mechanical property experiments and microstructural observations of Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses under different strain rates ranging from 10−3 to 5.1 × 103 s−1 and at temperatures of 25 °C were investigated using compressive split-Hopkinson bar (SHPB) and an MTS tester. An in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) nanoindenter was used to carry out compression tests and investigate the deformation behavior arising at nanopillars of the Zr-based metallic glass. The formation and interaction of shear band during the plastic deformation were investigated. Moreover, it was clearly apparent that the mechanical strength and ductility could be enhanced by impeding the penetration of shear bands with reinforced particles.
Avarol Induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells by Activating PERK–eIF2α–CHOP Signaling
Authors: Namba Takushi , Kodama Rika
Published: April 2015

Avarol is a sesquiterpenoid hydroquinone with potent cytotoxicity. Although resolving endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is essential for intracellular homeostasis, erratic or excessive ER stress can lead to apoptosis. Here, we reported that avarol selectively induces cell death in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), which are difficult to treat owing to the availability of few chemotherapeutic agents. Analyses of the molecular mechanisms of avarol-induced apoptosis indicated upregulation of ER stress marker BiP and ER stress-dependent apoptosis inducer CHOP in PDAC cells but not in normal cells, suggesting that avarol selectively induces ER stress responses. We also showed that avarol activated the PERK–eIF2α pathway but did not affect the IRE1 and ATF6 pathways. Moreover, CHOP downregulation was significantly suppressed by avarol-induced apoptosis. Thus, the PERK–eIF2α–CHOP signaling pathway may be a novel molecular mechanism of avarol-induced apoptosis. The present data indicate that avarol has potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for PDAC and induces apoptosis by activating the PERK–eIF2α pathway.
Stand-Off Biodetection with Free-Space Coupled Asymmetric Microsphere Cavities
Authors: Ballard Zachary , Baaske Martin , Vollmer Frank
Published: April 2015

Asymmetric microsphere resonant cavities (ARCs) allow for free-space coupling to high quality (Q) whispering gallery modes (WGMs) while exhibiting highly directional light emission, enabling WGM resonance measurements in the far-field. These remarkable characteristics make “stand-off” biodetection in which no coupling device is required in near-field contact with the resonator possible. Here we show asymmetric microsphere resonators fabricated from optical fibers which support dynamical tunneling to excite high-Q WGMs, and demonstrate free-space coupling to modes in an aqueous environment. We characterize the directional emission by fluorescence imaging, demonstrate coupled mode effects due to free space coupling by dynamical tunneling, and detect adsorption kinetics of a protein in aqueous solution. Based on our approach, new, more robust WGM biodetection schemes involving microfluidics and in-vivo measurements can be designed.
Comparison of sEMG-Based Feature Extraction and Motion Classification Methods for Upper-Limb Movement
Authors: Guo Shuxiang , Pang Muye , Gao Baofeng , Hirata Hideyuki , Ishihara Hidenori
Published: April 2015

The surface electromyography (sEMG) technique is proposed for muscle activation detection and intuitive control of prostheses or robot arms. Motion recognition is widely used to map sEMG signals to the target motions. One of the main factors preventing the implementation of this kind of method for real-time applications is the unsatisfactory motion recognition rate and time consumption. The purpose of this paper is to compare eight combinations of four feature extraction methods (Root Mean Square (RMS), Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), Weight Peaks (WP), and Muscular Model (MM)) and two classifiers (Neural Networks (NN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)), for the task of mapping sEMG signals to eight upper-limb motions, to find out the relation between these methods and propose a proper combination to solve this issue. Seven subjects participated in the experiment and six muscles of the upper-limb were selected to record sEMG signals. The experimental results showed that NN classifier obtained the highest recognition accuracy rate (88.7%) during the training process while SVM performed better in real-time experiments (85.9%). For time consumption, SVM took less time than NN during the training process but needed more time for real-time computation. Among the four feature extraction methods, WP had the highest recognition rate for the training process (97.7%) while MM performed the best during real-time tests (94.3%). The combination of MM and NN is recommended for strict real-time applications while a combination of MM and SVM will be more suitable when time consumption is not a key requirement.
Determinants and Sustainability of House Prices: The Case of Shanghai, China
Authors: Zou Gao , Chau Kwong
Published: April 2015

Recent housing policies include measures for home purchase control and shanty town redevelopment. This study proposes sustainable pricing, in that the long-run equilibrium price is determined by the fundamentals of house prices. We argue that changes in CPI might have led to rapidly growing house prices and rather high price levels. We investigate the long-run or short-run impacts of new commodity housing completions, transacted square meters of commodity housing, and CPI for house prices in Shanghai. We adopt monthly data for the period of 2005–2010. We test for unit roots using both the ADF and PP techniques and structural breaks using both the Zivot-Andrews (Model B) and Perron (Model C) methods. Considering Cheung-Lai and Reinsel–Ahn finite-sample corrections, the results suggest a long-run equilibrium. Housing completions negatively impact house prices in the short run. A positive volume-price relationship is suggested. Housing sales affect house prices in the short run but not vice versa. Hence, the empirical evidence supports the search model. In addition, CPI is strongly exogenous with respect to the long-run relationship and thus is a long-term determinant of house prices. CPI also positively and drastically influences house prices in the short run. Therefore, a reduction in inflation rate could stabilize house prices, increasing the chances of sustainable prices in the future.
Sustainable Development Strategy for the Global City: A Case Study of Sydney
Authors: Hu Richard
Published: April 2015

Global cities, the command and control centres of the integrated world economy, are facing a sustainability paradox of greater global competition and greater environmental pressure. This study explores the policy approaches to the sustainability paradox by integrating environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness into the development strategy for “the global city”, based on a case study of Sydney. Dissecting Sustainable Sydney 2030, the strategy to guide the City’s development in the early 21st century, reveals the approaches used to achieve the integration. The approaches include green economy, sustainable redevelopment, integrated transport and connectivity, development of attractive public space, urban design for sustainable and good-looking urban form, marketisation of sustainability for a competitive edge, and a relational planning approach. Altogether they target mutually supportive benefits of environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. The findings point out new directions for the City’s strategic development, and suggest a useful reference for counterpart global cities to address the common sustainability paradox.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism after Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Izumi Masahiro , Migita Kiyoshi , Nakamura Mashio , Jiuchi Yuka , Sakai Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Takayuki , Asahara Tomihiko , Nishino Yuichiro , Bito Seiji , Miyata Shigeki , Kumagai Kenji , Osaki Makoto , Mawatari Masaaki , Motokawa Satoru
Published: April 2015

Objective.

To compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

The subjects were composed of 1084 Japanese patients with OA and 204 with RA. Primary effectiveness outcomes were any deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as detected by bilateral ultrasonography up to postoperative Day 10 (POD10) and pulmonary embolism (PE) up to POD28. The main safety outcomes were bleeding and death from any cause up to POD28. Plasma D-dimer levels were measured before and at POD10 after TKA.

Results.

The study cohort was composed of 1288 patients from 34 hospitals. There was no death up to POD28. PE occurred in 2 patients with OA and in no patients with RA. The incidence of primary effectiveness outcome was 24.3% and 24.0% in patients with OA and RA, respectively. The incidence of major bleeding up to POD28 was 1.3% and 0.5% in patients with OA and RA, respectively. No differences in the incidence of VTE (symptomatic/asymptomatic DVT plus PE) or bleeding were noted between patients with RA and OA. D-dimer levels on POD10 were significantly higher in patients with OA compared with those with RA. Also, D-dimer levels on POD10 were significantly lower in patients receiving fondaparinux than in patients without pharmacological prophylaxis.

Conclusion.

Despite some differences in demographic data, patients with RA and OA have equivalent risks of VTE and bleeding following TKA.
Development of a Draft Core Set of Domains for Measuring Shared Decision Making in Osteoarthritis: An OMERACT Working Group on Shared Decision Making
Authors: Toupin-April Karine , Barton Jennifer , Fraenkel Liana , Li Linda , Grandpierre Viviane , Guillemin Francis , Rader Tamara , Stacey Dawn , Légaré France , Jull Janet , Petkovic Jennifer , Scholte-Voshaar Marieke , Welch Vivian , Lyddiatt Anne , Hofstetter Cathie , De Wit Maarten , March Lyn , Meade Tanya , Christensen Robin , Gaujoux-Viala Cécile , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Boonen Annelies , Pohl Christoph , Martin Richard , Tugwell Peter S.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Despite the importance of shared decision making for delivering patient-centered care in rheumatology, there is no consensus on how to measure its process and outcomes. The aim of this Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group is to determine the core set of domains for measuring shared decision making in intervention studies in adults with osteoarthritis (OA), from the perspectives of patients, health professionals, and researchers.

Methods.

We followed the OMERACT Filter 2.0 method to develop a draft core domain set by (1) forming an OMERACT working group; (2) conducting a review of domains of shared decision making; and (3) obtaining opinions of all those involved using a modified nominal group process held at a session activity at the OMERACT 12 meeting.

Results.

In all, 26 people from Europe, North America, and Australia, including 5 patient research partners, participated in the session activity. Participants identified the following domains for measuring shared decision making to be included as part of the draft core set: (1) identifying the decision, (2) exchanging information, (3) clarifying views, (4) deliberating, (5) making the decision, (6) putting the decision into practice, and (7) assessing the effect of the decision. Contextual factors were also suggested.

Conclusion.

We proposed a draft core set of shared decision-making domains for OA intervention research studies. Next steps include a workshop at OMERACT 13 to reach consensus on these proposed domains in the wider OMERACT group, as well as to detail subdomains and assess instruments to develop a core outcome measurement set.
A propósito de M. Porcio Catón y su presencia en la Gallia Narbonensis (Gel., 13.20.12)
Authors: Díaz Fernández Alejandro
Published: April 2015

Grâce à une citation des Noctes Atticae d’Aulu Gelle nous avons connaissance d’un M. Porcius Caton, édile curule et préteur, dont la présence, et ultérieurement la mort, en Gaule Narbonnaise semblent indiquer la possibilité d’une charge dans la province de Gaule. Cette conclusion, de toute façon, n’a pratiquement pas bénéficié de l’appui des historiens, qui se sont souvent appuyés sur les raisons données par E. Badian point pour réfuter une telle possibilité. Pourtant, il convient de nuancer ; les données sur la vie de Caton citées dans ce passage semblent totalement compatibles avec les témoignages sur un commandement romain en Gaule dans les années 95-81 et, donc, de sa prise de possession de la province après sa préture, en l’an 87 ou en 81. Toutefois, s’il gouverna cette province en 87, la mort de Caton pourrait constituer la cause du transfert ultérieur de G. Valerius Flaccus, proconsul d’Hispanie Citérieure, à la province gauloise.
La frontière méridionale de la Maurétanie Tingitane : contribution à la carte archéologique de la région de Volubilis
Authors: El Bouzidi Said , Ouahidi Ali
Published: April 2015

Rome a expérimenté, en Afrique du Nord, des systèmes défensifs en établissant une série d’aménagements sur les territoires contrôlés. C’est avec l’arrivé des Romains dans la province que les « institutions » : frontière, dispositif militaire frontalier et limes ont fait leur apparition dans les zones dites de « transition ». En Maurétanie Tingitane, c’est pendant la deuxième phase de la colonisation romaine (40-284 après J.-C.) que la question de la frontière méridionale a pris de l’ampleur. Les Romains ont appliqué toutes les formes de limitations : administratives, libres sous contrôle des alliés, militaires et enfin officielles sous formes de limes . Ce qui conduit à s’interroger sur l’évolution de l’instauration de ce système de contrôle. Et c’est dans l’arrière-pays volubilitain jusqu’au limes de Sala que les traces archéologiques offrent un champ d’investigation en vue d’une approche factuelle dans la contribution à la carte archéologique du Maroc antique.
Les dilemmes du diagnostic prénatal cacher et la montée d’un nouveau leadership rabbinique
Authors: Ivry Tsipy
Published: April 2015

Cet article montre comment un institut de consultants rabbiniques qui se donne pour but de forger des moyens « cacher » – conformes à la halakha (loi juive) – d’utilisation de diagnostics prénataux d’anomalies fœtales parvient à se frayer une voie dans la structure autoritaire complexe du judaïsme observant en Israël. L’institut crée ainsi un espace public qui révèle les désaccords rabbiniques et insiste sur le fait que les dilemmes relatifs à l’interruption de grossesse doivent être traités au cas par cas, ouvrant à une offre de services professionnels de type « pionnier moral ». Où l’on voit un cas de biomédecine inspirer un nouveau type de leadership religieux qui transforme la structure de l’autorité rabbinique.
Le musulman palestinien sur la scène carcérale. Un manuel du Hamas destiné aux prisonniers politiques
Authors: Nashif Esmail
Published: April 2015

Les prisons israéliennes sont l’un des principaux lieux de reproduction des identités palestinienne et israélienne. Consacré à la façon dont les Palestiniens traversent l’épreuve de l’emprisonnement politique, cet article tente de montrer que la réalité carcérale est canalisée dans le domaine textuel et que ce processus d’» entextualisation » agit en retour sur le contexte carcéral. Au cours de leur histoire institutionnelle, la plupart des organisations nationales palestiniennes ont édité des manuels qui enseignent à leurs cadres comment se comporter pendant leur arrestation et leur interrogatoire par l’appareil colonial israélien. Récemment, le Hamas a publié son propre manuel intitulé Lutter dans les ténèbres . Or l’exploration ethnographique de cet ouvrage nous renseigne sur les positions de cette organisation face à la situation actuelle. L’auteur s’intéresse ici aux stratégies textuelles utilisées par ce manuel pour inculquer certaines perceptions et structures affectives et comportementales face au colonisateur, toutes destinées à servir pendant mais aussi avant et après l’interrogatoire. Ce processus d’entextualisation contribue en effet à la construction du sujet palestinien.
Les concours de beauté, enjeux de l’israélianité
Authors: Mazuz Keren
Published: April 2015

La comparaison des deux concours de beauté « Reine de Beauté d’Israël » et « Miss Asie-Israël », qui ont eu lieu en 2006 permet de décrire Israël dans sa quotidienneté. A travers eux, des transformations sociales et culturelles plus larges se font visibles. Chaque spectacle génère des images et des récits essentiels de ce que les femmes « israéliennes » sont et devraient être et, partant, exprime ce que devrait être la nation elle-même. Cette comparaison révèle que les deux concours sont inscrits dans l’ordre social de la nation et proposent différents modèles d’israélianité incarnés dans l’affichage du corps féminin.
L’engagement socio-politique de Mgr Kataliko à Bukavu (R.D. Congo)
Authors: Vianney Kitumaini Jean-Marie
Published: April 2015

La région des Grands Lacs de l’Afrique Centrale vit de nos jours le drame d’une guerre que les médias ont commencé à appeler la « guerre mondiale de l’Afrique centrale ». En cette période où l’on s’interroge sur les voies et moyens pour amorcer le processus de paix dans cette région, que peux faire l’Église ? L’auteur propose la voie de l’Église de Bukavu (R.D. Congo) durant l’épiscopat de Mgr Kataliko comme un chemin prophétique pour faire face aux problèmes de société en Afrique.
Regard et guérison, présence nouvelle du Christ à son Église dans la « diaconie de l’apostolat » (Ac 1,25)
Authors: Rochette Joël
Published: April 2015

La diaconie de l’apostolat (Ac 1,25) définit la mission des apôtres et de leurs collaborateurs (dont les Sept) telle qu’elle se déploie dans le livre des Actes des Apôtres. Elle trouve son origine et sa légitimité dans la proximité avec le ministère public de Jésus, inclus entre le baptême et l’ascension. Une analyse de ce dernier récit (Ac 1,9-11) souligne la densité exceptionnelle des regards échangés dans l’enlèvement du Christ ressuscité qui vient. Le premier acte des apôtres (Ac 3,1-10) est porteur de cette même densité visuelle quand Pierre et Jean, guérissant le boiteux, sont témoins et serviteurs du Christ qui agit. C’est cette présence puissante du Seigneur qu’ailleurs encore dans les Actes, la diaconie de l’apostolat manifeste.
Le rôle de l’héritage et du revenu du travail dans les choix matrimoniaux
Authors: Frémeaux Nicolas
Published: April 2015

Cet article étudie l’importance du patrimoine hérité dans les choix matrimoniaux en France. À partir des enquêtes Actifs financiers et Patrimoine , nous utilisons l’information disponible sur le patrimoine parental afin d’estimer le patrimoine hérité espéré des individus tout au long de leur vie, ce qui permet d’étudier le patrimoine hérité total. Nous montrons qu’il existe une similarité des conjoints du point de vue du patrimoine hérité. De plus, il est très improbable pour une personne n’ayant pas reçu d’héritage d’épouser un riche héritier (ou une riche héritière). Alors que l’éducation explique la majeure partie de l’homogamie en termes de revenu permanent, elle explique seulement 20 % de la corrélation du patrimoine hérité. Enfin, nous mettons en évidence une faible substituabilité entre héritage et revenus du travail. Ces derniers ne compensent que partiellement un manque de richesse parentale. Nos estimations font état d’un degré d’homogamie relativement stable entre 1992 et 2010. Le degré de substituabilité augmente quant à lui légèrement à la fin de la période d’étude. Deux mécanismes peuvent expliquer ces résultats : le processus de socialisation et l’effet des préférences. Ces nouveaux résultats sont déterminants pour comprendre la dynamique des inégalités et plus particulièrement les conséquences de l’évolution à long terme de l’héritage dans les pays riches.
Effets des politiques de congé parental sur les deuxièmes naissances et l’emploi des femmes en Hongrie et en Pologne
Authors: Matysiak Anna , Szalma Ivett
Published: April 2015

Cet article analyse la façon dont les droits à un congé parental rémunéré et non rémunéré affectent l’entrée des femmes en emploi après la naissance du premier enfant et le passage à un deuxième enfant. Nous comparons la Hongrie et la Pologne, deux pays de basse fécondité qui partagent de nombreuses similitudes institutionnelles, culturelles et économiques mais qui diffèrent dans les modalités de congé parental. En Hongrie, les droits sont universels et l’allocation est plus élevée qu’en Pologne où elle est conditionnelle aux ressources. Nos résultats montrent que le congé parental rémunéré entraîne des retards importants dans l’entrée des femmes en emploi, mais encourage le passage à un deuxième enfant. Les Hongroises en congé parental sont plus enclines à concevoir leur deuxième enfant que celles qui travaillent. Quant aux Polonaises, elles ont plus tendance à entrer ou retourner en emploi rapidement après la première naissance. Il semble cependant que le congé parental ait un impact sur le calendrier de la naissance du deuxième enfant, mais pas sur son intensité. Enfin, le niveau d’instruction des femmes ne modifie pas l’effet du congé parental sur le risque de seconde naissance, mais a un effet visible sur le retour à l’emploi après un congé : les femmes très diplômées ont une plus forte propension à reprendre le travail que celles à faible niveau d’instruction, quel que soit le pays.
Identification et gestion de la violence en psychiatrie : perceptions du personnel infirmier et des patients en matière de sécurité et dangerosité
Authors: Perron Amélie , Jacob Jean Daniel , Beauvais Louise , Corbeil Danielle , Bérubé David
Published: April 2015

Cet article présente les résultats obtenus dans le cadre d’une recherche portant sur l’identification et la gestion de la violence sur une unité psychiatrique et à l’urgence psychiatrique d’un hôpital québécois. Cette étude exploratoire et descriptive visait à examiner les perceptions et les stratégies de prévention et de gestion du personnel infirmier et des patients vis-à-vis de l’agressivité et de la violence manifestées par des patients. Les résultats indiquent que le type de milieu influence la manière dont sont perçues et prises en charge les problématiques liées aux comportements agressifs. Les types de comportements jugés agressifs ou à risque diffèrent également d’une unité à l’autre. Par ailleurs, tant les patients que le personnel soignant sont décrits par tous les participants comme étant susceptibles de se comporter de manière violente et de subir les contrecoups de la violence. La prévention de l’agression et de la violence demeure un défi de taille en soins infirmiers psychiatriques, où se mêlent contraintes administratives et environnementales, complexification des cas cliniques, divergences interprofessionnelles et sentiments collectifs d’appréhension et de vulnérabilité.
DUSP3 Genetic Deletion Confers M2-like Macrophage–Dependent Tolerance to Septic Shock
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Dejager Lien , Amand Mathieu , Theatre Emilie , Vandereyken Maud , Zurashvili Tinatin , Singh Maneesh , Mack Matthias , Timmermans Steven , Musumeci Lucia , Dejardin Emmanuel , Mustelin Tomas , Van Ginderachter Jo A. , Moutschen Michel , Oury Cécile , Libert Claude , Rahmouni Souad
Published: April 2015

DUSP3 is a small dual-specificity protein phosphatase with an unknown physiological function. We report that DUSP3 is strongly expressed in human and mouse monocytes and macrophages, and that its deficiency in mice promotes tolerance to LPS-induced endotoxin shock and to polymicrobial septic shock after cecal ligation and puncture. By using adoptive transfer experiments, we demonstrate that resistance to endotoxin is macrophage dependent and transferable, and that this protection is associated with a striking increase of M2-like macrophages in DUSP3−/− mice in both the LPS and cecal ligation and puncture models. We show that the altered response of DUSP3−/− mice to sepsis is reflected in decreased TNF production and impaired ERK1/2 activation. Our results demonstrate that DUSP3 plays a key and nonredundant role as a regulator of innate immune responses by mechanisms involving the control of ERK1/2 activation, TNF secretion, and macrophage polarization.
Integrated Innate Mechanisms Involved in Airway Allergic Inflammation to the Serine Protease Subtilisin
Authors: Florsheim Esther , Yu Shuang , Bragatto Ivan , Faustino Lucas , Gomes Eliane , Ramos Rodrigo N. , Barbuto José Alexandre M. , Medzhitov Ruslan , Russo Momtchilo
Published: April 2015

Proteases are recognized environmental allergens, but little is known about the mechanisms responsible for sensing enzyme activity and initiating the development of allergic inflammation. Because usage of the serine protease subtilisin in the detergent industry resulted in an outbreak of occupational asthma in workers, we sought to develop an experimental model of allergic lung inflammation to subtilisin and to determine the immunological mechanisms involved in type 2 responses. By using a mouse model of allergic airway disease, we have defined in this study that s.c. or intranasal sensitization followed by airway challenge to subtilisin induces prototypic allergic lung inflammation, characterized by airway eosinophilia, type 2 cytokine release, mucus production, high levels of serum IgE, and airway reactivity. These allergic responses were dependent on subtilisin protease activity, protease-activated receptor-2, IL-33R ST2, and MyD88 signaling. Also, subtilisin stimulated the expression of the proallergic cytokines IL-1α, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and the growth factor amphiregulin in a human bronchial epithelial cell line. Notably, acute administration of subtilisin into the airways increased lung IL-5–producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells, which required protease-activated receptor-2 expression. Finally, subtilisin activity acted as a Th2 adjuvant to an unrelated airborne Ag-promoting allergic inflammation to inhaled OVA. Therefore, we established a murine model of occupational asthma to a serine protease and characterized the main molecular pathways involved in allergic sensitization to subtilisin that potentially contribute to initiate allergic airway disease.
Intratumoral Delivery of IL-21 Overcomes Anti-Her2/Neu Resistance through Shifting Tumor-Associated Macrophages from M2 to M1 Phenotype
Authors: Xu Meng , Liu Mingyue , Du Xuexiang , Li Sirui , Li Hang , Li Xiaozhu , Li Ying , Wang Yang , Qin Zhihai , Fu Yang-Xin , Wang Shengdian
Published: April 2015

Tumor resistance is a major hurdle to anti-Her2/neu Ab–based cancer therapy. Current strategies to overcome tumor resistance focus on tumor cell–intrinsic resistance. However, the extrinsic mechanisms, especially the tumor microenvironment, also play important roles in modulating the therapeutic response and resistance of the Ab. In this study, we demonstrate that tumor progression is highly associated with TAMs with immune-suppressive M2 phenotypes, and deletion of TAMs markedly enhanced the therapeutic effects of anti-Her2/neu Ab in a HER2/neu-dependent breast cancer cell TUBO model. Tumor local delivery of IL-21 can skew TAM polarization away from the M2 phenotype to a tumor-inhibiting M1 phenotype, which rapidly stimulates T cell responses against tumor and dramatically promotes the therapeutic effect of anti-Her2 Ab. Skewing of TAM polarization by IL-21 relies substantially on direct action of IL-21 on TAMs rather than stimulation of T and NK cells. Thus, our findings identify the abundant TAMs as a major extrinsic barrier for anti-Her2/neu Ab therapy and present a novel approach to combat this extrinsic resistance by tumor local delivery of IL-21 to skew TAM polarization. This study offers a therapeutic strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment to overcome tumor-extrinsic resistance.
Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin Blocks Induction of Bactericidal Nitric Oxide in Macrophages through cAMP-Dependent Activation of the SHP-1 Phosphatase
Authors: Cerny Ondrej , Kamanova Jana , Masin Jiri , Bibova Ilona , Skopova Karolina , Sebo Peter
Published: April 2015

The adenylate cyclase toxin–hemolysin (CyaA) plays a key role in the virulence of Bordetella pertussis. CyaA penetrates complement receptor 3–expressing phagocytes and catalyzes uncontrolled conversion of cytosolic ATP to the key second messenger molecule cAMP. This paralyzes the capacity of neutrophils and macrophages to kill bacteria by complement-dependent oxidative burst and opsonophagocytic mechanisms. We show that cAMP signaling through the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway activates Src homology domain 2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP) 1 and suppresses production of bactericidal NO in macrophage cells. Selective activation of PKA by the cell-permeable analog N6-benzoyladenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate interfered with LPS-induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas inhibition of PKA by H-89 largely restored the production of iNOS in CyaA-treated murine macrophages. CyaA/cAMP signaling induced SHP phosphatase–dependent dephosphorylation of the c-Fos subunit of the transcription factor AP-1 and thereby inhibited TLR4-triggered induction of iNOS gene expression. Selective small interfering RNA knockdown of SHP-1, but not of the SHP-2 phosphatase, rescued production of TLR-inducible NO in toxin-treated cells. Finally, inhibition of SHP phosphatase activity by NSC87877 abrogated B. pertussis survival inside murine macrophages. These results reveal that an as yet unknown cAMP-activated signaling pathway controls SHP-1 phosphatase activity and may regulate numerous receptor signaling pathways in leukocytes. Hijacking of SHP-1 by CyaA action then enables B. pertussis to evade NO-mediated killing in sentinel cells of innate immunity.
Distinctive Structural Hallmarks and Biological Activities of the Multiple Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptides in a Primitive Teleost Fish
Authors: Zhang Xu-Jie , Zhang Xiang-Yang , Zhang Nu , Guo Xia , Peng Kai-Song , Wu Han , Lu Long-Feng , Wu Nan , Chen Dan-Dan , Li Shun , Nie Pin , Zhang Yong-An
Published: April 2015

Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent a crucial component of the innate immune system in vertebrates. Although widely studied in mammals, little is known about the structure and function of fish CAMPs. Further to the previous findings, two more cathelicidin genes and multiple transcripts from rainbow trout were identified in the present study. Interestingly, we found that trout have evolved energy-saving forms of cathelicidins with the total deletion of the characteristic cathelin-like domain. Sequence analysis revealed that salmonid CAMPs have formed a special class of antimicrobial peptides in vertebrates with three distinctive hallmarks: the N terminus is intensified by positive charges, the central region consists of repetitive motifs based on RPGGGS, and the C terminus is lowly charged. Immunofluorescence localization of trout CAMPs demonstrated that these peptides expressed mainly at the mucosal layer of gut. Meanwhile, signals around sinusoids were also detected in head kidney. Moreover, the biological activities of trout CAMPs were proved to be mediated by the N terminus. Additionally, the repetitive motifs characteristically existing in Salmonidae increased the structural flexibilities of peptides and further increased the antibacterial and IL-8–stimulating activities. Unlike most α helical and cytotoxic mammalian CAMPs, trout CAMPs, mainly consisting of β-sheet and random coil, exhibited no cytotoxic activities. The distinctive structural features of trout CAMPs provide new insights into the understanding of the evolution of CAMPs in vertebrates. Moreover, the high bacterial membrane selectivity of trout CAMPs will help to design excellent peptide antibiotics.
A phytosociology survey and vegetation description of inselbergs in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, South Africa
Authors: Brand Robert F. , Collins Nacelle , Du Preez P. Johann
Published: April 2015

No previous scientific surveys have been conducted on inselbergs in the Drakensberg. The aim of this study was to collect specimens, identify, describe and name the vegetation clusters and assess biogeographical connections with other Afromontane regions. A total of 103 relevés where sampled from six inselbergs. The plant sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet method with the plant and environmental data entered in TURBOVEG and exported as a Cornell Condensed format file (CC!) into Juice. Classification was completed using TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis) (modified), resulting in 4 major communities, 11 communities, 13 sub-communities and 18 variants. Ordination (indirect) was carried out using CANOCO (version 4.5) to investigate the relationship between species. The four major communities identified are Rhodohypoxis rubella (wetland grass and forblands), Scirpus ficinioides – Crassula peploides (sheet rock grass and forblands), Pentaschistis exserta (high-altitude alpine grassland), previously undescribed, and Merxmuellera drakensbergensis – Helichrysum trilineatum (high-altitude alpine fynbos grassland), described in other vegetation and floristic studies. Four habitats were identified, namely wetlands, sheet rock shallow soil, highaltitude alpine grassland and deep soil high-altitude fynbos grasslands. Substrate and moisture availability appeared to be the defining micro-climatic conditions determining the different vegetation clusters whilst altitude is the overriding environmental factor influencing all vegetation.Conservation implications: Rising temperatures as a result of carbon dioxide increase is predicted to drastically decrease the number of endemic and near-endemic montane species, whilst altering the composition of vegetation units which comprise the alpine vegetation.
Smart apps for the smart plastic surgeon
Authors: Venkataram Aniketh , Ellur Sunderraj , Kujur Abha Rani , Joseph Vijay
Published: April 2015

Smartphones have the ability to benefit plastic surgeons in all aspects of patient care and education. With the sheer number of applications available and more being created everyday, it is easy to miss out on apps which could be of great relevance. Moreover, the range of android applications available has not been extensively discussed in the literature. To this end, we have compiled an exhaustive list of android smartphone applications, which we feel can help our day to day functioning. The apps have been extensively reviewed and neatly described along with all their potential uses. In addition, we have made an effort to highlight ‘non-medical’ or efficiency apps which can improve departmental functioning. These apps have not been described in prior articles, and their functionality might not be known to all. We believe that the technology savvy plastic surgeon can make maximum use of these apps to his benefit.
Review of clinical and endoscopic features of metastatic tumors of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Bashir Showkat , Borum Marie
Published: April 2015

Metastatic tumors may occur at any site within the digestive tract. Most of these metastasis are observed in the stomach, small bowel, duodenum, and rarely in the esophagus and colon. The progress in cancer treatment, improved survival of cancer patients combined with increased use of endoscopy is likely going to increase the findings of secondary tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. As such the endoscopist has to be aware about the clinical and endoscopic features of these lesions, maintain high index of suspicion in proper clinical settings and alert the pathologist about the possibility of metastatic tumor.
Pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows of a single herd following timed artificial insemination or insemination at detected estrus
Authors: Thangavelu G. , Gobikrushanth M. , Colazo M. G. , Ambrose D. J.
Published: April 2015

Thangavelu, G., Gobikrushanth, M., Colazo, M. G. and Ambrose, D. J. 2015. Pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows of a single herd following timed artificial insemination or insemination at detected estrus. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 383–388. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the factors affecting pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cattle. Breeding records (n=1466) for 5 consecutive years were evaluated from one dairy herd. The effects of type of breeding [timed artificial insemination (TAI; n=1246) vs. insemination at detected estrus (IDE; n=220)], parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), body condition score (BCS; low ≤2.5 vs. high >2.5), year, season (summer vs. other seasons) and fertility group (high fertile <3 vs. low fertile ≥3 inseminations), on P/AI and pregnancy loss (i.e., late embryonic/early fetal loss, abortion and stillbirth) were determined using the GLIMMIX procedures of SAS software. Pregnancy per AI was influenced by type of breeding and season. Pregnancy per AI was lower (P<0.05) in cows that were TAI (28.7%) than IDE (37.1%) and during summer (30.3%) than other seasons of the year (35.5%). Pregnancy loss was higher (P<0.05) in low BCS (9.1%) than in high BCS (1.9%) cows. However, parity, year, and fertility group affected neither P/AI nor pregnancy loss.
Improving the spatial resolution and ecostratification of crop yield estimates in Canada
Authors: Du Yuneng , Huffman Ted , Daneshfar Bahram , Green Melodie , Feng Feng , Liu Jiangui , Liu Tingting , Liu Huanjun
Published: April 2015

Du, Y., Huffman, T., Daneshfar, B., Green, M., Feng, F., Liu, J., Liu, T. and Liu, H. 2015. Improving the spatial resolution and ecostratification of crop yield estimates in Canada. Can. J. Soil Sci. 95: 287–297. Canada's terrestrial ecostratification framework provides nested spatial units for organizing national data related to soils, landforms and land use. In the agricultural domain, the lack of national, uniform crop yield data on the ecostratification framework severely hinders our ability to evaluate the biophysical data with respect to economic and climatic conditions. We developed a national crop yield database at the regional (ecodistrict) level by aggregating individual records of an existing but very broad-level sample-derived yield database according to the ecostratification hierarchy. Issues related to the different sampling frameworks and the need for confidentiality of individual records were resolved in order to generate an ecostratified crop yield dataset at a reasonably detailed spatial scale. Sixty crops were first statistically arranged into 37 agronomically similar crop groups in order to increase class size, and these crop groups were aggregated into increasingly large spatial units until confidentiality was assured. The methodology maintained data quality and confidentiality while producing crop yield estimates at the ecodistrict level. Comparison to independent crop insurance data confirmed that the resulting crop yield data are valid where estimates were derived from data released at the level of an ecodistrict or an ecoregion, but not at the ecoprovince level. Our crop yield estimates offer a reasonably high level of spatial precision while remaining within standard confidentiality constraints.
Just Kill Me When I’m 50: Impact of Gay American Culture on Young Gay Men’s Perceptions of Aging
Authors: Fredericksen Rob Jay
Published: April 2015

Young gay men’s negative perceptions of growing older have been indicated in prior research [Bergling, 2004; Jones & Pugh, 2005; Cohler & Galatzer-Levy, 2000]. A recent resurgence of HIV infection rates among young gay men [Mitsch et al, 2008] calls into question whether these negative perceptions contribute to a lack of future-oriented health investments; i.e., a “live for now” outlook. Strength of future orientation has repeatedly predicted risk aversion [McCabe & Barnett, 2000], hence, it is of great social and public health value to ask: what does aging mean to today’s youngest generation of gay men? How do cultural norms in the gay community inform how today’s young gay men imagine growing older? This research explores these questions.
Book Reviews
Authors: Briller Sherylyn
Published: April 2015

Aging and the Indian Diaspora: Cosmopolitan Families in India and Abroad (Sarah Lamb)Sarah E. Chard 165Anthropology off the Shelf: Anthropologists on Writing (Alisse Waterson & Maria D. Vesperi)Maria Cattell 166Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out (Richard Taylor)Janelle Christensen 167
2009 American Anthropological Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Session on Culture, Health and Aging in Native North American Communities
Authors: Warry Wayne
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Wayne WarryMarie’s Story Of Aging Well: Toward New Perspectives on the Experience Of Aging For Aboriginal Seniors in CanadaSyvia Abonyi Marie Favel, Ile a la CrosseMistreatment and the Meaning of Respect for Native EldersLori L. Jervis William Sconzert HallForgetting and Forgotten: Dementia in Aboriginal SeniorsKristen Jacklin and Wayne WarryUnderstanding Aging: Culture, Cognitive Health and Contemporary Aboriginal People’s Experience with DementiaJessica PacePerspectives on Brain Autopsy, Diabetic Amputation, and End-of-Life Issues among Elderly American Indian People       Neil Henderson, L. Carson Henderson, Ryan Blanton and Steven GomezDiscussion: Robert C. Harman and Wayne Warry
Book Reviews
Authors: Briller Sherri
Published: April 2015

The Person in Dementia: A Study of Nursing Home Care in the U.S. (Athena McLean)Elizabeth K. Briody Ten More Good Years (Michael Jacoby)Terri Ann Liller
Transitions and Time: Dissonance between Social and Political Aging in South Korea
Authors: Cho Won Jee , Lewis Denise
Published: April 2015

This study explored multidimensional meanings related to “becoming old” for the young-old in South Korean society. Six persons aged 62 to 68 were interviewed in-depth. They chronologically, physically, and socially experienced the transition to old age at different times determined through “Hwan-Gap” (at age 60) and through current social policies that define entry into elderhood (at age 65). However, most did not psychologically accept their own aging as beginning at age 60 with “Hwan-Gap.” They reported that they were “forced” to become old at that time, even though they did not yet qualify for old age benefits provided by the South Korean government. In addition, they did not consider others’ perceptions of them as “old” as a psychological obstacle to defining themselves as young. Knowledge about young-old persons’ dissonance between their identities and sociopolitical views of entry into elderhood is important for understanding their experiences during the five-year gap between sociocultural entry into old age at age 60 and entry into the nationally defined elderhood at age 65.
Book Reviews
Authors: Briller Sherri
Published: April 2015

Imagined Families, Lived Families: Culture and Kinship in Contemporary Japan (Akiko Hashimoto and John W. Traphagan, eds.)  Jason Danely Glimpses Into My Own Black Box: An Exercise in Self-Deconstruction. (George W. Stocking Jr.) Philip Kao
Young Adults’ Perceptions of Intergenerational Communication: Mongolian and American Data
Authors: Choi Charles W. , Giles Howard , Hajek Christopher
Published: April 2015

This study examines Mongolian and American young adults’ perceptions of intergenerational communication, specifically with respect to age stereotypes, norms of respect, communication behavior, and communication satisfaction.  Using the Communication Predicament of Aging Model as a theoretical framework, the relationships between these variables are investigated using regression analyses.  Young adults from both cultural contexts were asked to evaluate prior interactions with both middle-aged and older adults.  The findings indicate a difference between how each generation is perceived, and the unique role of the middle-aged generation in Mongolia is evident.
Creating a Community of Resilience: New Meanings of Technologies for Greater Well-Being in a Depopulated Town
Authors: Suzuki Nanami
Published: April 2015

This article reflects upon the process of care in a depopulated town that is progressively graying. This has led to a consciousness of older adult’s well-being and has led to the creation of living places for people from diverse cultural backgrounds and multiple generations. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in this town, this article traces the activities of persons searching for ways to promote a new industry in a manner that is appropriate to the local environment and that also matches the needs of older adults, aiming to help them continue to live in the community. It explores the kind of world discovered by those older adults who have continued to work by taking advantage of both their own resources and those of the community, and looks at how creative ways of supporting those efforts have affected the lifestyle of younger generations as well as the very nature of the town. It also explores the meaning of the development of technologies as an element that makes up the time and space in which people gather and considers the ways the community expresses and shares wisdom
Book Reviews
Authors: Briller Sherylyn
Published: April 2015

Aging America and Transportation: Personal Choices and Public Policy (J. Coughlin & L D’Ambrosio)Universal Design as a Rehabilitation Strategy (J. Sanford)Siobhan GregoryThe Long Baby Boom: An Optimistic Vision for a Graying Generation (J. Goldsmith)Susan WardSurface Tensions: Surgery, Bodily Boundaries, and the Social Self (L. Manderson)Amy Paul-Ward
Pelto, Pertti J. Applied Ethnography: Guidelines for Field Research
Authors: Ward Paul G.
Published: April 2015

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Stafford, Phillip, B. ed. Gray Areas: Ethnographic Encounters with Nursing Home Culture
Authors: Wagner Jennifer A.
Published: April 2015

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