bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in Southern Hemisphere Ocean Circulation from the 1980s to the 2000s
Authors: Katsumata K. , Masuda S.
Published: July 2013

Interannual-to-decadal variability of ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere was examined using data from the 1980s to the 2000s in a box inverse model to estimate transport across hydrographic sections and three ocean general circulation models (OGCMs). The westerly wind stress over the OGCM Southern Ocean showed a steady increase of 5%–8% decade−1. The meridional overturning circulation was quantified by the transport across 30°S. The OGCMs suggested a slight strengthening [from 0.2 ± 1.0 to 0.8 ± 1.3 Sv decade−1 (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1)] of the upper meridional cell (Deacon cell) and two OGCMs showed a weakening (−0.8 ± 0.6 and −1.0 ± 0.3 Sv decade−1) of the lower meridional [Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW)] cell, partly explained by contraction of the AABW volume. The box inverse estimates did not contradict these two findings. For Antarctic Circumpolar Current transport, quantified by zonal transport across four key sections, the box inverse model estimated a decrease of 5–21 Sv. Decomposition of the decrease into baroclinic transport by the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts, barotropic transport, and others shows that the decrease is mostly due to barotropic transport and transport carried by the flow north of the Subantarctic Front and south of the Polar Front. In the OGCMs, the variability of transport across key sections is often correlated with transport carried by a flow south of the Polar Front and with the southern annular mode index. In all models, then, the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, defined as the transport carried by the fronts, has not decreased significantly over the study period.
Diapycnal and Isopycnal Transports in the Southern Ocean Estimated by a Box Inverse Model
Authors: Katsumata K. , Sloyan B. M. , Masuda S.
Published: July 2013

Quantitative descriptions of Circumpolar Deep Water upwelling and evolution into a lighter mode and heavier bottom waters in the Southern Ocean are still not well constrained. Here, data from two occupations of eight hydrographic sections are combined and used in a box inverse model to estimate isopycnal and diapycnal transports in the Southern Ocean. A mixed layer box allows diapycnal transports in the surface mixed layer to be estimated separately. Current velocity at 1000 dbar was constrained by the mean velocity field estimated from subsurface float drift data. The estimated isopycnal transports are largely consistent with past estimates and with outputs of three ocean general circulation models. The estimated subduction and upwelling at the base of the Southern Ocean mixed layer show that Upper Circumpolar Deep Water upwells [16 ± 15 and 17 ± 21 Sv (where 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) by different inversion methods] and evolves into heavier Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (5 ± 13 and 6 ± 18 Sv) and Bottom Water (8 ± 9 and 8 ± 13 Sv) or lighter Mode and Intermediate Waters (9 ± 18 and 13 ± 24 Sv). Meridional transport in the surface mixed layer is due to northward Ekman transport and mostly southward eddy transport. In seasonal ice-covered areas near Antarctica, a significant (14 ± 14 Sv) southward transport was found. The southward eddy transport is largest north of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and decreases poleward because of the poleward decrease in the eddy diffusivity. The interior diapycnal transports, which can be either upward (gaining buoyancy) or downward (gaining density), are comparable in magnitude to the horizontal diapycnal transports within the surface mixed layer.
Understanding the Climate-Sensitive Decisions and Information Needs of Freshwater Resource Managers in Hawaii
Authors: Finucane Melissa L. , Miller Rachel , Corlew L. Kati , Keener Victoria W. , Burkett Maxine , Grecni Zena
Published: July 2013

Understanding how climate science can be useful in decisions about the management of freshwater resources requires knowledge of decision makers, their climate-sensitive decisions, and the context in which the decisions are being made. A mixed-methods study found that people managing freshwater resources in Hawaii are highly educated and experienced in diverse professions, they perceive climate change as posing a worrisome risk, and they would like to be better informed about how to adapt to climate change. Decision makers with higher climate literacy seem to be more comfortable dealing with uncertain information. Those with lower climate literacy seem to be more trusting of climate information from familiar sources. Freshwater managers in Hawaii make a wide range of climate-sensitive decisions. These decisions can be characterized on several key dimensions including purpose (optimization and evaluation), time horizon (short term and long term), level of information uncertainty (known, uncertain, deeply uncertain, and completely unknown), and information type (quantitative and qualitative). The climate information most relevant to decision makers includes vulnerability assessments incorporating long-term projections about temperature, rainfall distribution, storms, sea level rise, and streamflow changes at an island or statewide scale. The main barriers to using available climate information include insufficient staff time to locate the information and the lack of a clear legal mandate to use the information. Overall, the results suggest that an integrated and systematic approach is needed to determine where and when uncertain climate information is useful and how a larger set of organizational and individual variables affect decision making.
Dorsal and Ventral Attention Systems
Authors: Vossel Simone , Geng Joy J. , Fink Gereon R.
Published: July 2013

The idea of two separate attention networks in the human brain for the voluntary deployment of attention and the reorientation to unexpected events, respectively, has inspired an enormous amount of research over the past years. In this review, we will reconcile these theoretical ideas on the dorsal and ventral attentional system with recent empirical findings from human neuroimaging experiments and studies in stroke patients. We will highlight how novel methods—such as the analysis of effective connectivity or the combination of neurostimulation with functional magnetic resonance imaging—have contributed to our understanding of the functionality and interaction of the two systems. We conclude that neither of the two networks controls attentional processes in isolation and that the flexible interaction between both systems enables the dynamic control of attention in relation to top-down goals and bottom-up sensory stimulation. We discuss which brain regions potentially govern this interaction according to current task demands.
Adaptive sliding mode control for chaotic synchronization of oscillator with input nonlinearity
Authors: Yang Chi-Ching , Lin Chun-Liang
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with the problem of sliding mode control to achieve chaotic synchronization for the controlled driven system with an input nonlinear term – the term commonly ignored in the published literature. However, the problem does possess importance in practical applications while hardware limits imposed on the actuating devices need to be considered. The major contribution here is the development of a new adaptive control scheme instead of directly computing the magnitudes of overall nonlinear dynamics for compensation as that commonly adopted in the published literature. In the influence of control input nonlinearity, the adaptive sliding mode control scheme, possessing time-varying feedback gains, can compensate unmatched nonlinear dynamics without knowing their magnitudes. In addition, it is unnecessary to determine these time-varying feedback gains in advance but apply adaptive tuning according to suitably updated rules. Based on the Lyapunov stability analysis, a new condition ensuring stable synchronization is established. Case study and numerical simulations are given to verify effectiveness of the presented scheme.
Optimal frictional coefficient of structural isolation system
Authors: Chung Lap-Loi , Kao Pei-Shiou , Yang Cho-Yen , Wu Lai-Yun , Chen Hung-Ming
Published: July 2013

An isolation system is not very effective when an inappropriate level of damping is used. This paper proposes a theoretical method which can be used to determine the optimal frictional coefficient of an isolation system. Only a one-dimensional isolation system and ground motion are considered. The frictional coefficient is optimized by minimizing the sum of squares of structural absolute accelerations, with the optimization results being validated graphically. Sensitivity studies were used to verify the feasibility of the optimal frictional coefficient, coupled with a practical example in Taipei under the conditions of the Hualien and El Centro earthquakes. Consequently, the feasibility and reliability of the proposed optimal design were verified.
Topaz as an important host for Ge in granites and greisens
Authors: Breiter K. , Gardenová N. , Vaculovič T. , Kanický V.
Published: July 2013

The composition of topaz from different granites and greisen in the Krušné Hory/Erzgebirge area was investigated using electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). All topaz grains are rich in F (17.9 19.8 wt.%, 1.73 1.90 a.p.f.u.) and the most important minor/trace elements are P, Ge and Ga. Contents of P up to 1 wt.% P2O5 (0.025 a.p.f.u.) were found in topaz from the strongly peraluminous P-rich magmatic systems at Podlesí. Regardless of genetic type, topaz from granites typically contains 50 100 ppm Ge. The greatest amounts (up to 204 ppm Ge) were found in topaz from quartz-topaz-apatite greisen in Krásno. In fractionated granites and greisens, topaz is calculated to contain 23 87% of the bulk Ge content in the rock. In contrast, topaz does not concentrate Ga. The Ga content of topaz (typically 5 35 ppm in S-type granites, <10 ppm Ga in A-type granites) is usually smaller than the bulk Ga content of the rock. In addition, up to 16 ppm Sc, 23 ppm Sn and >400 ppm Fe may be present.
Leydetite, Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11, a new uranyl sulfate mineral from Mas d’Alary, Lodève, France
Authors: J. Plášil  , Kasatkin A. V. , Škoda R. , Novák M. , Kallistová A. , Dušek M. , Skála R. , Fejfarová K. , Čejka J. , Meisser N. , Goethals H. , Machovič V. , Lapčák L.
Published: July 2013

Leydetite, monoclinic Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11(IMA 2012–065), is a new supergene uranyl sulfate from Mas d'Alary, Lodève, Hérault, France. It forms yellow to greenish, tabular, transparent to translucent crystals up to 2 mm in size. Crystals have a vitreous lustre. Leydetite has a perfect cleavage on (001). The streak is yellowish white. Mohs hardness is ∼2. The mineral does not fluoresce under long- or short-wavelength UV radiation. Leydetite is colourless in transmitted light, non-pleochroic, biaxial, with α = 1.513(2), γ = 1.522(2) (further optical properties could not be measured). The measured chemical composition of leydetite, FeO 9.28, MgO 0.37, Al2O30.26, CuO 0.14, UO340.19, SO321.91, SiO20.18, H2O 27.67, total 100 wt.%, leads to the empirical formula (based on 21 O a.p.f.u.), (Fe0.93Mg0.07Al0.04Cu0.01)Σ1.05(U1.01O2)(S1.96Si0.02)Σ1.98O8(H2O)11. Leydetite is monoclinic, space group C2/c, witha= 11.3203(3),b= 7.7293(2),c= 21.8145(8) Å, β = 102.402(3)°,V= 1864.18(10) Å3,Z= 4, and Dcalc= 2.55 g cm–3. The six strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobsin Å(I) (hkl)]: 10.625 (100) (002), 6.277 (1) (11), 5.321 (66) (004), 3.549 (5) (006), 2.663 (4) (008), 2.131 (2) (0 0 10). The crystal structure has been refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data toR1= 0.0224 for 5211 observed reflections with [I> 3σ(I)]. Leydetite possesses a sheet structure based upon the protasite anion topology. The sheet consists of UO7bipyramids, which share four of their equatorial vertices with SO4tetrahedra. Each SO4tetrahedron, in turn, shares two of its vertices with UO7bipyramids. The remaining unshared equatorial vertex of the bipyramid is occupied by H2O, which extends hydrogen bonds within the sheet to one of a free vertex of the SO4tetrahedron. Sheets are stacked perpendicular to the c direction. In the interlayer, Fe2+ions and H2O groups link to the sheets on either side via a network of hydrogen bonds. Leydetite is isostructural with the synthetic compound Mg(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)11. The name of the new mineral honours Jean Claude Leydet (born 1961), an amateur mineralogist from Brest (France), who discovered the new mineral.
FTIR transmission spectroscopy of sideronatrite, a sodium-iron hydrous sulfate
Authors: Della Ventura G. , Ventruti G. , Bellatreccia F. , Scordari F. , Cestelli Guidi M.
Published: July 2013

This paper relates an infrared (IR) (6000–2500; 1400–400 cm–1) spectroscopic study of sideronatrite, Na2Fe3+(SO4)2(OH)·3H2O. Spectra in the 600–1250 cm–1 range are dominated by fundamental S–O absorption bands. Factor-group analysis based on the space group P212121(D42) is in accordance with the observed band multiplicity. A broad and convolute absorption centred around 3400 cm–1 and a sharp band at 3605 cm–1 are observed in the 2900–3900 cm–1 frequency region. The resolution of the broad band is significantly improved at liquid nitrogen temperature; seven components can be fitted to the pattern and these can be assigned to H2O/OH molecules in the structure. All components in the broad band and the sharp absorption at 3605 cm–1 are strongly polarized for E//a, in accordance with the structure analysis results. Infrared transmission spectroscopy is a useful tool to identify these sulfate minerals occurring in specific geological environments.
Src-kinase inhibitors sensitize human cells of myeloid origin to Toll-like-receptor–induced interleukin 12 synthesis
Authors: Wölfl Matthias , Schwinn Stefanie , Yoo Young-Eun , Reß Marie L. , Braun Matthias , Chopra Martin , Schreiber Susanne C. , Ayala Victor I. , Ohlen Claes , Eyrich Matthias , Beilhack Andreas , Schlegel Paul G.
Published: July 2013

Key Points

In contrast to their suppressive effects on T cells, src-kinase inhibitors strongly enhance IL-12 production in human myeloid cells. This effect is synergistic to TLR2 or TLR4 signaling, whereas inhibition of src-kinases alone does not trigger DC activation.
Personalized synthetic lethality induced by targeting RAD52 in leukemias identified by gene mutation and expression profile
Authors: Cramer-Morales Kimberly , Nieborowska-Skorska Margaret , Scheibner Kara , Padget Michelle , Irvine David A. , Sliwinski Tomasz , Haas Kimberly , Lee Jaewoong , Geng Huimin , Roy Darshan , Slupianek Artur , Rassool Feyruz V. , Wasik Mariusz A. , Childers Wayne , Copland Mhairi , Müschen Markus , Civin Curt I. , Skorski Tomasz
Published: July 2013

Key Points

Targeting RAD52 DNA binding domain I by peptide aptamer induces synthetic lethality in BRCA-deficient leukemias. Individual patients with BRCA-deficient leukemias could be identified by genetic and epigenetic profiling.
Impact of prior specifications in a shrinkage-inducing Bayesian model for quantitative trait mapping and genomic prediction
Authors: Knürr Timo , Läärä Esa , Sillanpää Mikko J
Published: July 2013

Background

In quantitative trait mapping and genomic prediction, Bayesian variable selection methods have gained popularity in conjunction with the increase in marker data and computational resources. Whereas shrinkage-inducing methods are common tools in genomic prediction, rigorous decision making in mapping studies using such models is not well established and the robustness of posterior results is subject to misspecified assumptions because of weak biological prior evidence.

Methods

Here, we evaluate the impact of prior specifications in a shrinkage-based Bayesian variable selection method which is based on a mixture of uniform priors applied to genetic marker effects that we presented in a previous study. Unlike most other shrinkage approaches, the use of a mixture of uniform priors provides a coherent framework for inference based on Bayes factors. To evaluate the robustness of genetic association under varying prior specifications, Bayes factors are compared as signals of positive marker association, whereas genomic estimated breeding values are considered for genomic selection. The impact of specific prior specifications is reduced by calculation of combined estimates from multiple specifications. A Gibbs sampler is used to perform Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation (MCMC) and a generalized expectation-maximization algorithm as a faster alternative for maximum a posteriori point estimation. The performance of the method is evaluated by using two publicly available data examples: the simulated QTLMAS XII data set and a real data set from a population of pigs.

Results

Combined estimates of Bayes factors were very successful in identifying quantitative trait loci, and the ranking of Bayes factors was fairly stable among markers with positive signals of association under varying prior assumptions, but their magnitudes varied considerably. Genomic estimated breeding values using the mixture of uniform priors compared well to other approaches for both data sets and loss of accuracy with the generalized expectation-maximization algorithm was small as compared to that with MCMC.

Conclusions

Since no error-free method to specify priors is available for complex biological phenomena, exploring a wide variety of prior specifications and combining results provides some solution to this problem. For this purpose, the mixture of uniform priors approach is especially suitable, because it comprises a wide and flexible family of distributions and computationally intensive estimation can be carried out in a reasonable amount of time.
Neutrophil adhesion molecules in experimental rhinovirus infection in COPD
Authors: Mallia Patrick , Message Simon D , Contoli Marco , Gray Katrina K , Telcian Aurica , Laza-Stanca Vasile , Papi Alberto , Stanciu Luminita A , Elkin Sarah , Kon Onn M , Johnson Malcolm , Johnston Sebastian L
Published: July 2013

Background

COPD exacerbations are associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation. Adhesion molecules on the surface of neutrophils may play a key role in their movement from blood to the airways. We analysed adhesion molecule expression on blood and sputum neutrophils from COPD subjects and non-obstructed smokers during experimental rhinovirus infections.

Methods

Blood and sputum were collected from 9 COPD subjects and 10 smoking and age-matched control subjects at baseline, and neutrophil expression of the adhesion molecules and activation markers measured using flow cytometry. The markers examined were CD62L and CD162 (mediating initial steps of neutrophil rolling and capture), CD11a and CD11b (required for firm neutrophil adhesion), CD31 and CD54 (involved in neutrophil transmigration through the endothelial monolayer) and CD63 and CD66b (neutrophil activation markers). Subjects were then experimentally infected with rhinovirus-16 and repeat samples collected for neutrophil analysis at post-infection time points.

Results

At baseline there were no differences in adhesion molecule expression between the COPD and non-COPD subjects. Expression of CD11a, CD31, CD62L and CD162 was reduced on sputum neutrophils compared to blood neutrophils. Following rhinovirus infection expression of CD11a expression on blood neutrophils was significantly reduced in both subject groups. CD11b, CD62L and CD162 expression was significantly reduced only in the COPD subjects. Blood neutrophil CD11b expression correlated inversely with inflammatory markers and symptom scores in COPD subjects.

Conclusion

Following rhinovirus infection neutrophils with higher surface expression of adhesion molecules are likely preferentially recruited to the lungs. CD11b may be a key molecule involved in neutrophil trafficking in COPD exacerbations.
Impact of heat shock transcription factor 1 on global gene expression profiles in cells which induce either cytoprotective or pro-apoptotic response following hyperthermia
Authors: Kus-Liśkiewicz Małgorzata , Polańska Joanna , Korfanty Joanna , Olbryt Magdalena , Vydra Natalia , Toma Agnieszka , Widłak Wiesława
Published: July 2013

Background

Elevated temperatures induce activation of the heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) which in somatic cells leads to heat shock proteins synthesis and cytoprotection. However, in the male germ cells (spermatocytes) caspase-3 dependent apoptosis is induced upon HSF1 activation and spermatogenic cells are actively eliminated.

Results

To elucidate a mechanism of such diverse HSF1 activity we carried out genome-wide transcriptional analysis in control and heat-shocked cells, either spermatocytes or hepatocytes. Additionally, to identify direct molecular targets of active HSF1 we used chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) combined with promoter microarrays (ChIP on chip). Genes that are differently regulated after HSF1 binding during hyperthermia in both types of cells have been identified. Despite HSF1 binding to promoter sequences in both types of cells, strong up-regulation ofHspsand other genes typically activated by the heat shock was observed only in hepatocytes. In spermatocytes HSF1 binding correlates with transcriptional repression on a large scale. HSF1-bound and negatively regulated genes encode mainly for proteins required for cell division, involved in RNA processing and piRNA biogenesis.

Conclusions

Observed suppression of the transcription could lead to genomic instability caused by meiotic recombination disturbances, which in turn might induce apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. We propose that HSF1-dependent induction of cell death is caused by the simultaneous repression of many genes required for spermatogenesis, which guarantees the elimination of cells damaged during heat shock. Such activity of HSF1 prevents transmission of damaged genetic material to the next generation.
A method for reducing the sloughing of thick blood films for malaria diagnosis
Authors: Norgan Andrew P , Arguello Heather E , Sloan Lynne M , Fernholz Emily C , Pritt Bobbi S
Published: July 2013

Background

The gold standard for malaria diagnosis is the examination of thick and thin blood films. Thick films contain 10 to 20 times more blood than thin films, correspondingly providing increased sensitivity for malaria screening. A potential complication of thick film preparations is sloughing of the blood droplet from the slide during staining or rinsing, resulting in the loss of sample. In this work, two methods for improving thick film slide adherence (‘scratch’ (SCM) and ‘acetone dip’ (ADM) methods) were compared to the ‘standard method’ (SM) of thick film preparation.

Methods

Standardized blood droplets from 26 previously examined EDTA whole blood specimens (22 positive and four negative) were concurrently spread on glass slides using the SM, ADM, and SCM. For the SM and ADM prepared slides, the droplet was gently spread to an approximate 22 millimeters in diameter spot on the slide using the edge of a second glass slide. For the SCM, the droplet was spread by carefully grinding (or scratching) it into the slide with the point of a second glass slide. Slides were dried for one hour in a laminar flow hood. For the ADM, slides were dipped once in an acetone filled Coplin jar and allowed to air dry. All slides were then Giemsa-stained and examined in a blinded manner. Adherence was assessed by blinded reviewers.

Results

No significant or severe defects were observed for slides prepared with the SCM. In contrast, 8 slides prepared by the ADM and 3 prepared using the SM displayed significant or severe defects. Thick films prepared by the three methods were microscopically indistinguishable and concordant results (positive or negative) were obtained for the three methods. Estimated parasitaemia of the blood samples ranged from 25 to 429,169 parasites/μL of blood.

Conclusions

The SCM is an inexpensive, rapid, and simple method that improves the adherence of thick blood films to standard glass slides without altering general slide preparation, microscopic appearance or interpretability. Using the SCM, thick films can be reliably examined less than two hours after sample receipt. This represents a significant diagnostic improvement over protocols requiring extended drying periods.
Characterization of humoral responses to soluble trimeric HIV gp140 from a clade A Ugandan field isolate
Authors: Visciano Maria Luisa , Tagliamonte Maria , Stewart-Jones Guillaume , Heyndrickx Leo , Vanham Guido , Jansson Marianne , Fomsgaard Anders , Grevstad Berit , Ramaswamy Meghna , Buonaguro Franco M , Tornesello Maria Lina , Biswas Priscilla , Scarlatti Gabriella , Buonaguro Luigi ,   NGIN Consortium
Published: July 2013

Trimeric soluble forms of HIV gp140 envelope glycoproteins represent one of the closest molecular structures compared to native spikes present on intact virus particles. Trimeric soluble gp140 have been generated by several groups and such molecules have been shown to induce antibodies with neutralizing activity against homologous and heterologous viruses. In the present study, we generated a recombinant trimeric soluble gp140, derived from a previously identified Ugandan A-clade HIV field isolate (gp14094UG018). Antibodies elicited in immunized rabbits show a broad binding pattern to HIV envelopes of different clades. An epitope mapping analysis reveals that, on average, the binding is mostly focused on the C1, C2, V3, V5 and C5 regions. Immune sera show neutralization activity to Tier 1 isolates of different clades, demonstrating cross clade neutralizing activity which needs to be further broadened by possible structural modifications of the clade A gp14094UG018. Our results provide a rationale for the design and evaluation of immunogens and the clade A gp14094UG018 shows promising characteristics for potential involvement in an effective HIV vaccine with broad activity.
Best proximity points for Geraghty’s proximal contraction mappings
Authors: Mongkolkeha Chirasak , Cho Yeol Je , Kumam Poom
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we generalized the notion of proximal contractions of the first and second kinds by using Geraghty’s theorem and establish best proximity point theorems for proximal contractions. Our results improve and extend the recent results of Sadiq Basha and some others.

MSC:47H09, 47H10.
Prostate volume changes during permanent seed brachytherapy: an analysis of intra-operative variations, predictive factors and clinical implication
Authors: Chira Ciprian , Delouya Guila , Larrivée Sandra , Carrier Jean-Francois , Taussky Daniel
Published: July 2013

Background

To determine prostate volume (Pvol) changes at 3 different time points during the course of I125 permanent seed brachytherapy (PB). To assess the impact of these changes on acute urinary retention (AUR) and dosimetric outcome.

Methods

We analyzed 149 hormone-naïve patients. Measurements of the prostate volume were done using three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound (3D-TRUS) in the operating room before insertion of any needle (V1), after the insertion of 2 fixation needles with a harpoon (V2) and upon completion of the implant (V3). The quality of the implant was analyzed with the D90 (minimum dose in Grays received by 90% of the prostate volume) at day 30.

Results

Mean baseline prostate volume (V1) was 37.4 ± 9.6 cc. A volume increase of >5% was seen in 51% between V1-V2 (mean = 2.5 cc, p < 0.01), in 42% between V2-V3 (mean = 1.9 cc, p < 0.01) and in 71% between V1-V3 (mean = 4.5 cc, p < 0.01). Pvol changes caused by insertion of the fixation needles were not statistically different than those caused by the implant itself (p = 0.23).

In multivariate linear regression analysis, baseline Pvol is predictive of Pvol changes between V2 and V1 and V3 and V1 but not between V3 and V2. The extent of prostate swelling had an influence on D90. An increase of 10% in prostate volume between V1 and V2 results in an increase of D90 at Day 30 by 11.7%. Baseline Pvol (V1) was the only predictor of the duration of urinary retention in both univariate and multivariate (p = 0.04) regression analysis.

Conclusions

A large part of intraoperative swelling occurs already after the insertion of the fixation needles. This early prostate swelling predicts for D90 but not for AUR.
Freshwater microalgae harvested via flocculation induced by pH decrease
Authors: Liu Jiexia , Zhu Yi , Tao Yujun , Zhang Yuanming , Li Aifen , Li Tao , Sang Ming , Zhang Chengwu
Published: July 2013

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that microalga has been widely regarded as one of the most promising raw materials of biofuels. However, lack of an economical, efficient and convenient method to harvest microalgae is a bottleneck to boost their full-scale application. Many methods of harvesting microalgae, including mechanical, electrical, biological and chemical based, have been studied to overcome this hurdle.

Results

A new flocculation method induced by decreasing pH value of growth medium was developed for harvesting freshwater microalgae. The flocculation efficiencies were as high as 90% for Chlorococcum nivale, Chlorococcum ellipsoideum and Scenedesmus sp. with high biomass concentrations (>1g/L). The optimum flocculation efficiency was achieved at pH 4.0. The flocculation mechanism could be that the carboxylate ions of organic matters adhering on microalgal cells accepted protons when pH decreases and the negative charges were neutralized, resulting in disruption of the dispersing stability of cells and subsequent flocculation of cells. A linear correlation between biomass concentration and acid dosage was observed. Furthermore, viability of flocculated cells was determined by Evans Blue assay and few cells were found to be damaged with pH decrease. After neutralizing pH and adding nutrients to the flocculated medium, microalgae were proved to maintain a similar growth yield in the flocculated medium comparing with that in the fresh medium. The recycling of medium could contribute to the economical production from algae to biodiesel.

Conclusions

The study provided an economical, efficient and convenient method to harvest fresh microalgae. Advantages include capability of treating high cell biomass concentrations (>1g/L), excellent flocculation efficiencies (≥ 90%), operational simplicity, low cost and recycling of medium. It has shown the potential to overcome the hurdle of harvesting microalgae to promote full-scale application to biofuels from microalgae.
The role of interleukin 17 in Crohn’s disease-associated intestinal fibrosis
Authors: Biancheri Paolo , Pender Sylvia LF , Ammoscato Francesca , Giuffrida Paolo , Sampietro Gianluca , Ardizzone Sandro , Ghanbari Amir , Curciarello Renata , Pasini Alessandra , Monteleone Giovanni , Corazza Gino R , MacDonald Thomas T , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: July 2013

Background

Interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17E (also known as IL-25) have been implicated in fibrosis in various tissues. However, the role of these cytokines in the development of intestinal strictures in Crohn’s disease (CD) has not been explored. We investigated the levels of IL-17A and IL-17E and their receptors in CD strictured and non-strictured gut, and the effects of IL-17A and IL-17E on CD myofibroblasts.

Results

IL-17A was significantly overexpressed in strictured compared with non-strictured CD tissues, whereas no significant difference was found in the expression of IL-17E or IL-17A and IL-17E receptors (IL-17RC and IL-17RB, respectively) in strictured and non-strictured CD areas. Strictured CD explants released significantly higher amounts of IL-17A than non-strictured explants, whereas no difference was found as for IL-17E, IL-6, or tumor necrosis factor-α production. IL-17A, but not IL-17E, significantly inhibited myofibroblast migration, and also significantly upregulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and collagen production by myofibroblasts from strictured CD tissues.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that IL-17A, but not IL-17E, is pro-fibrotic in CD. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the therapeutic blockade of IL-17A through the anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody secukinumab is able to counteract the fibrogenic process in CD.
Introducing a new measure for assessing self-efficacy in response to air pollution hazards for pregnant women
Authors: Araban Marzieh , Tavafian Seddigheh Sadat , Zarandi Saeid Motesaddi , Hidarnia Ali Reza , Gohari Mahmood Reza , Prochaska Janice M , Laluie Afsaneh , Montazeri Ali
Published: July 2013

A self-efficacy instrument should be condition-specific. There are several instruments for measuring self-efficacy, but none are air pollution-specific. This study aimed to develop a self-efficacy measure for assessing pregnant women’s responses to air pollution hazards. A random sample of pregnant women aged between 18 and 35 years attending three prenatal care centers were entered into the study. Prenatal care centers randomly selected from a list of centers located in different geographical regions of Tehran, Iran. After careful consideration and performing content and face validity, a 4-item measure was developed and participants completed the questionnaire. Reliability was estimated using internal consistency and validity was assessed by performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and known group comparison. In all 200 eligible pregnant women were studied. The mean age of participants was 26.9 (SD = 4.8) years and it was 27.9 (SD = 9.1) weeks for gestational age. The findings showed almost perfect results for both content validity ratio (CVR = 1) and content validity index (CVI = 1). The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit to the data, and known group comparison revealed satisfying results. Internal consistency as measured by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.74. In general, the findings suggest that this new generated scale is a reliable and valid specific measure of self-efficacy in response to air pollution hazards for pregnant women. However, further studies are needed to establish stronger psychometric properties for the questionnaire.
Fiscal consolidation and unemployment: does EPL matter?: A look at EU countries
Authors: Turrini Alessandro
Published: July 2013

This paper estimates the impact of fiscal consolidation on unemployment and job market flows across EU countries using a recent database of consolidation episodes built on the basis of a “narrative” approach (Devries et al., 2011). Results show that the impact of fiscal consolidation on cyclical unemployment is temporary and significant mostly for expenditure measures. As expected, the impact of fiscal policy shocks on job separation rates is much stronger in low-EPL countries, while for high-EPL countries there is a stronger reduction in the rate at which new jobs are created. Since a reduced job-finding rate corresponds to a longer average duration of unemployment spells, fiscal policy shocks also tend to have a stronger impact on long-term unemployment if EPL for permanent contracts is stricter.

JEL codes

E62, J63, J65
An adaptive iterative method for downward continuation of potential-field data from a horizontal plane
Authors: Zeng Xiaoniu , Li Xihai , Su Juan , Liu Daizhi , Zou Hongxing
Published: July 2013

We have developed an improved adaptive iterative method based on the nonstationary iterative Tikhonov regularization method for performing a downward continuation of the potential-field data from a horizontal plane. Our method uses the Tikhonov regularization result as initial value and has an incremental geometric choice of the regularization parameter. We compared our method with previous methods (Tikhonov regularization, Landweber iteration, and integral-iteration method). The downward-continuation performance of these methods in spatial and wavenumber domains were compared with the aspects of their iterative schemes, filter functions, and downward-continuation operators. Applications to synthetic gravity and real aeromagnetic data showed that our iterative method yields a better downward continuation of the data than other methods. Our method shows fast computation times and a stable convergence. In addition, the [Formula: see text]-curve criterion for choosing the regularization parameter is expressed here in the wavenumber domain and used to speed up computations and to adapt the wavenumber-domain iterative method.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Maintenance Bevacizumab With or Without Pemetrexed After First-Line Induction With Bevacizumab, Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed in Advanced Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: AVAPERL (MO22089)
Authors: Barlesi Fabrice , Scherpereel Arnaud , Rittmeyer Achim , Pazzola Antonio , Ferrer Tur Neus , Kim Joo-Hang , Ahn Myung-Ju , Aerts Joachim G.J.V. , Gorbunova Vera , Vikström Anders , Wong Elaine K. , Perez-Moreno Pablo , Mitchell Lada , Groen Harry J.M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Maintenance therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but few studies have compared active agents in this setting. AVAPERL evaluated the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab with or without pemetrexed as continuation maintenance treatment.

Patients and Methods

Patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC received first-line bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg, cisplatin 75 mg/m2, and pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks for four cycles. Those achieving response or stable disease were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to maintenance bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg or bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg plus pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) after random assignment.

Results

In total, 376 patients received induction treatment, 71.9% achieved disease control, and 67.3% were randomly assigned to maintenance therapy, with 125 and 128 receiving single-agent bevacizumab and bevacizumab plus pemetrexed treatment, respectively. At a median follow-up of 8.1 months, PFS from random assignment was significantly improved in the bevacizumab plus pemetrexed arm (median, 3.7 v 7.4 months; hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.66; P < .001) per a stratified model. The PFS benefit extended across age, performance status, smoking history, and induction response (stable disease v partial response) subgroups. Any grade, grade ≥ 3, and serious adverse events occurred more often with bevacizumab plus pemetrexed maintenance. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusion

In an unselected population of patients with nonsquamous NSCLC who had achieved disease control with platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, bevacizumab plus pemetrexed maintenance was associated with a significant PFS benefit compared with bevacizumab alone. The combination was well tolerated.
Obinutuzumab (GA101) in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Results From the Phase II GAUGUIN Study
Authors: Salles Gilles A. , Morschhauser Franck , Solal-Céligny Philippe , Thieblemont Catherine , Lamy Thierry , Tilly Hervé , Gyan Emmanuel , Lei Guiyuan , Wenger Michael , Wassner-Fritsch Elisabeth , Cartron Guillaume
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The phase II part of the phase I/II GAUGUIN study evaluated the efficacy and safety of two different doses of obinutuzumab (GA101), a type II, glycoengineered, humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive eight cycles of obinutuzumab (GA101) as a flat dose of 400 mg on days 1 and 8 of cycle 1 and also on day 1 of cycles 2 to 8 (400/400 mg) or 1,600 mg on days 1 and 8 of cycle 1 and 800 mg on day 1 of cycles 2 to 8 (1,600/800 mg).

Results

Forty patients were enrolled, including 34 with follicular lymphoma; 38 of 40 patients had previously received rituximab and 22 of 40 were rituximab refractory. The overall response rate at the end of treatment was 55% (95% CI, 32% to 76%) in the 1,600/800-mg group (9% complete responders) and 17% (95% CI, 4% to 41%) in the 400/400-mg group (no complete responders). Five of 10 rituximab-refractory patients had an end-of-treatment response in the 1,600/800-mg group versus one of 12 in the 400/400-mg group. Median progression-free survival was 11.9 months in the 1,600/800-mg group (range, 1.8 to 33.9+ months) and 6.0 months in the 400/400-mg group (range, 1.0 to 33.9+ months). The most common adverse events were infusion-related reactions (IRRs) seen in 73% of patients, but only two patients had grade 3 to 4 IRRs (both in the 1,600/800-mg group). No IRRs were considered serious, and no patients withdrew for IRRs.

Conclusion

The 1,600/800-mg dose schedule of obinutuzumab (GA101) has encouraging activity with an acceptable safety profile in relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“In a Bar Room Called the ‘Fifteen Amendment’”: Reconstruction and the Women of New Orleans’s Demimonde
Authors: Smith Elizabeth Parish
Published: July 2013

This essay examines the experiences of three women—one Creole, one black, one white—in New Orleans’s Reconstruction-era demimonde. Enacted just months after the end of the Civil War and surviving in various forms for fifty-two years, a regulatory system governed the sex trade in this, the largest and most cosmopolitan city of the former Confederacy. Postwar regulation made no racial distinctions among women in the trade, and prostitutes’ lives were thus often remarkably similar. Women worked and resided in the same parts of town, even on the same notorious block; faced similarly explosive, dangerous bursts of violence; and exploited the physical intimacy of their work to steal from clients.

In large measure due to their similar legal treatment under regulation, many prostitutes shared W. E. B. Du Bois’s common “economic condition and destiny” across racial lines. Nevertheless, Du Bois uses prostitution in Black Reconstruction as a rhetorical device representing capitalism’s moral corruption, not as a practice affecting real women’s lives. Reading the experiences of three New Orleans prostitutes against the larger racial and economic politics of the period allows us to see how some of the most radical and far-reaching changes of Reconstruction occurred among women living at the law’s edges.
Reckoning with the Confederacy
Authors: McCurry Stephanie
Published: July 2013

The article reprises the main arguments of McCurry’s 2010 book Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South: the nature of the Confederate project; the terrible reckoning—including with its own people—that came to the new nation with war; and the radically transformative consequences of white Southerners’ risky gamble on proslavery nationalism. It also lays out the methodological contribution of the book as an attempt to write a political history of the disenfranchised.
The Moral Economy of the English Crowd in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Harvie David , Milburn Keir
Published: July 2013

We reread E. P. Thompson’s remarkable 1971 essay “The Moral Economy of the English Crowd in the Eighteenth Century” in the light of the English riots of August 2011. Arguing against what Thompson would have called the “spasmodic view” of these riots—that they were “nonpolitical” or “prepolitical”—we contend instead that they contained information that reveals a particular “moral economy” of their participants. In particular, rioters and looters were acting in defense of the “customary entitlements” of what we call a neoliberal “deal”—a deal based on aspiration, plentiful cheap credit, and access to cheap commodities—and a “deal” that has now been voided by the 2007–2008 “credit crunch.” We conclude by suggesting why Thompson’s concept of a moral economy might be politically useful for contemporary struggles against austerity and movements that are seeking to resolve the crisis of social reproduction.
The Quiet Dangers of Civilized Rage: Surveying the Punitive Aftermath of England’s 2011 Riots
Authors: Lamble Sarah
Published: July 2013

This article considers the state’s punitive response to the civil unrest that swept across England in August 2011. Surveying measures taken by police, courts, and politicians—including lengthy prison sentences, violent police raids, increased surveillance, and proposals for new benefit sanctions—the article highlights the targeting of disaffected young people, impoverished neighborhoods, and racialized communities. Considering these measures alongside the accompanying political rhetoric, the article argues that the state’s actions worked to depoliticize the riots and generate a narrative of blame that worked to rationalize the state’s own vindictive violence.
Fast Electrochemical Synthesis of NdNi5 Hydrogen Storage Alloy in Molten Salt
Authors: Ji Hyun Sub , Ryu Hyo Yeol , Jeong Sang Mun , Cho Sung-Wook
Published: July 2013

NdNi5 hydrogen storage alloy was prepared by direct electrochemical reduction of a solid mixture of Nd2O3–NiO (atomic Nd:Ni = 1:5) in molten LiCl. The cathodic reaction path of the mixed oxide was proposed; it was initiated by the reduction of NiO and promoted by NiNd2O4. The NdNi5 alloy with 1600 ppm oxygen content was successfully synthesized with 50% current efficiency within 1 h. The measured hydrogen capacity of NdNi5 exhibited 6.1 hydrogen atoms per alloy formula unit.
Feasibility of near Infrared Chemical Imaging for Pharmaceutical Cleaning Verification
Authors: Alvarez-Jubete Laura , Mishra Jaya , Jones Ian , Cullen Patrick J. , Sullivan Carl
Published: July 2013

In conformity with the 2011 Food and Drug Administration guidance for industry, Process Validation: General Principles and Practices, there is a requirement for new methodologies that support continued cleaning verification of manufacturing equipment. Near infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) represents an attractive alternative to the current methodologies for cleaning verification since it represents a direct, rapid and sensitive technology. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of NIR-CI for cleaning verification. Stainless steel, glass and Perspex surfaces were soiled with selected active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with the resulting hyperspectral data employed to identify and quantify the dried residues. Correlations to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) swab analysis were also made. Linear models were obtained for the number of API classified pixels and applied soil concentration with R2 values of 0.90 and 0.98 for caffeine and sulfathiazole sodium salt, respectively, on stainless steel coupons. In the case of caffeine soils on borosilicate glass and Perspex coupons, the obtained R2 values were 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. These R2 values suggest a linear relationship between the number of API classified pixels and applied soil concentration. The calculated detection limits for caffeine and sulfathiazole sodium salt soils on stainless steel coupons were 48 μg and 18 μg 50 mm−2, respectively. For caffeine soils on borosilicate glass and Perspex coupons the calculated detection limits were 33 μg and 27 μg 50 mm−2, respectively. However, visual inspection of the NIR-CI following the classification function point to limits of detection closer to 1 μg 50 mm−2 or lower. High correlations ( R2 of 0.91 and 0.93 for caffeine and sulfathiazole sodium salt, respectively) were also obtained between NIR-CI API soil quantification and swabbing/HPLC analysis. This research points to possible future use of portable CI systems for continued cleaning verification of pharmaceutical residues.
Controlling the Madrinas: The Police Informer Management and Control System in Mexico
Authors: Fondevila Gustavo
Published: July 2013

One of the most relevant issues concerning snitching in the criminal information system of any police organisation is its control. This article analyses the different ways in which the Mexican Judicial Police exert control over their informants. Utilising a mixed qualitative methodology of research, in-depth interviews and ethnographic work, this article elaborates a taxonomy of police informant control constructed from a diverse array of particular tools, both informal (personal and impersonal) and formal (impersonal), that are determined by three variables: type of contact, personal characteristics of the informant and criminal environment.