bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Functions Regulated by Phosphorylation of EGFR on Tyr845
Authors: Sato Ken-ichi
Published: May 2013

The Src gene product (Src) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are prototypes of oncogene products and function primarily as a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase and a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, respectively. The identification of Src and EGFR, and the subsequent extensive investigations of these proteins have long provided cutting edge research in cancer and other molecular and cellular biological studies. In 1995, we reported that the human epidermoid carcinoma cells, A431, contain a small fraction of Src and EGFR in which these two kinase were in physical association with each other, and that Src phosphorylates EGFR on tyrosine 845 (Y845) in the Src-EGFR complex. Y845 of EGFR is located in the activation segment of the kinase domain, where many protein kinases contain kinase-activating autophosphorylation sites (e.g., cAMP-dependent protein kinase, Src family kinases, transmembrane receptor type tyrosine kinases) or trans-phosphorylation sites (e.g., cyclin-dependent protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Akt protein kinase). A number of studies have demonstrated that Y845 phosphorylation serves an important role in cancer as well as normal cells. Here we compile the experimental facts involving Src phosphorylation of EGFR on Y845, by which cell proliferation, cell cycle control, mitochondrial regulation of cell metabolism, gamete activation and other cellular functions are regulated. We also discuss the physiological relevance, as well as structural insights of the Y845 phosphorylation.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Penile Carcinoma
Authors: Kuasne Hellen , Marchi Fabio , Rogatto Silvia , De Syllos Cólus Ilce
Published: May 2013

Penile carcinoma (PeCa) represents an important public health problem in poor and developing countries. Despite its unpredictable behavior and aggressive treatment, there have only been a few reports regarding its molecular data, especially epigenetic mechanisms. The functional diversity in different cell types is acquired by chromatin modifications, which are established by epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involving DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and miRNAs. Recent evidence indicates that the dysregulation in these processes can result in the development of several diseases, including cancer. Epigenetic alterations, such as the methylation of CpGs islands, may reveal candidates for the development of specific markers for cancer detection, diagnosis and prognosis. There are a few reports on the epigenetic alterations in PeCa, and most of these studies have only focused on alterations in specific genes in a limited number of cases. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the epigenetic alterations in PeCa and the promising results in this field. The identification of epigenetically altered genes in PeCa is an important step in understanding the mechanisms involved in this unexplored disease.
Monitoring Therapeutic Treatments against Burkholderia Infections Using Imaging Techniques
Authors: Mott Tiffany , Johnston R. , Vijayakumar Sudhamathi , Estes D. , Motamedi Massoud , Sbrana Elena , Endsley Janice , Torres Alfredo
Published: May 2013

Burkholderia mallei, the etiologic agent of glanders, are Category B select agents with biothreat potential, and yet effective therapeutic treatments are lacking. In this study, we showed that CpG administration increased survival, demonstrating protection in the murine glanders model. Bacterial recovery from infected lungs, liver and spleen was significantly reduced in CpG-treated animals as compared with non-treated mice. Reciprocally, lungs of CpG-treated infected animals were infiltrated with higher levels of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes, as compared to control animals. Employing the B. mallei bioluminescent strain CSM001 and the Neutrophil-Specific Fluorescent Imaging Agent, bacterial dissemination and neutrophil trafficking were monitored in real-time using multimodal in vivo whole body imaging techniques. CpG-treatment increased recruitment of neutrophils to the lungs and reduced bioluminescent bacteria, correlating with decreased bacterial burden and increased protection against acute murine glanders. Our results indicate that protection of CpG-treated animals was associated with recruitment of neutrophils prior to infection and demonstrated, for the first time, simultaneous real time in vivo imaging of neutrophils and bacteria. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the importance of incorporating optimized in vivo imaging methods to monitor disease progression and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic treatment during bacterial infections.
Makedonika
Authors: Goukowsky Paul
Published: May 2013

1. Les pezhetairoi d'Alexandre n'appartiennent pas à la phalange, mais à la garde royale. 2. Par asthetairoi, Arrion ne désigne pas certaines laxeis de la phalange, mais des combattants prélevés dans toutes les laxeis pour participer à des opérations dilliciles. 3. Il ressort d'un passage méconnu de Quinte-Curce que la taxis d'Amyntas, fils d'Androménès, était composée de Néo-Macédoniens. 4. On doit maintenir la leçon asthippoi dans le texte de Diodore. 5. Sous Philippe et Alexandre, le stichos compte entre huit et dix fantassins. Les cadres du stichos, soit quatre hommes sur dix, correspondent probablement aux asthetairoi d'Arrien.
Le juge de l’exécution au pluriel ou la parturition au Cameroun de l’article 49 de l’Acte uniforme OHADA sur les voies d’exécution
Authors: Fometeu Joseph
Published: May 2013

As result of two laws on judicial organisation and instituting a judge responsible for hearing litigations related to difficulties in the enforcement of judgements, all the presidents of law courts, the president of the Supreme court inclusive, are henceforth competent to hear litigations related to difficulties in the enforcement of judgements in Cameroon. Such competence gives rise to this question : does Article 40 of the OHADA uniform Act on measures of execution refer to a single court in each member states or can a state create several courts with the responsibility to hear difficulties referred to the enforcement of judgements ? It would seem that the above provision refer to the former that is, a single court with exclusive jurisdiction. In fact, it is difficult to envisage a multiplicity of courts competent in this domain without the risk of changing the object of the court action in which the enforcement of judgements is examined. Therefore, Cameroonian legislation which has poorly translated the communitary law should be repealed by reason of the Article 10 of OHADA treaty.
Le raisonnable dans les principes du droit européen des contrats
Authors: Duong Lêmy
Published: May 2013

Un article sur trois environ des Principes du droit européen des contrats contient au moins une fois le mot «raisonnable» ou ses dérivés «déraisonnable» ou «raisonnablement». Il est alors important de saisir la portée d’une notion qui, pour les rédacteurs des PDEC, constitue une passerelle entre le système romaniste et la common law. Une analyse de certains de ces articles fait apparaître deux orientations sémantiques : pour la première, est raisonnable ce qui est possible, c’est-à-dire, dans certains cas, ce qui est prévisible par un individu de bonne foi placé dans la même situation que les parties, et dans d’autres cas, ce qui est probable compte tenu des moyens des parties et de l’évolution du contexte de leur situation juridique. Pour la seconde, est raisonnable ce qui est utile, c’est-à-dire tantôt ce qui est nécessaire et suffisant, tantôt ce qui est efficace pour une exécution praticable et satisfaisante du contrat par les parties.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety in Cynomolgus Monkeys of a Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Human Scavenger Receptor Class B Type-1 for Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Flores M Victoria , Corbau Romuald G , Guionaud Silvia
Published: May 2013

Background

Scavenger receptor class B type-1 (SR-B1) is one of the many receptors used by HCV to infect hepatocytes. It is used by the virus not only to directly infect cells but also to facilitate cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. Agents such as anti-human SR-B1 (anti-hSR-B1) antibodies represent potential therapeutics for the treatment of HCV infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of an anti-hSR-B1 antibody (Seq2) in cynomolgus monkeys.

Methods

The antibody was administered intravenously at 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight; blood samples were taken pre- and post-dose to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and blood chemistry. Safety was assessed during treatment and the animals were sacrificed post-treatment for pathological assessment and liver antibody-receptor occupancy determination.

Results

Following administration of Seq2 antibody to cynomolgus monkeys a non-linear pharmacokinetic pro-file was observed. The clearance of the antibody decreased from 2 to 0.3 ml/h/kg with increasing doses from 1 to 100 mg/kg, respectively, and the antibody half-life varied from 62 to 218 h for the same doses. An increase in total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels after antibody administration was observed, with a good correlation between liver receptor occupancy and dose.

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetics and toxicology results were in accordance with the pharmacology of the antibody mechanism. The elevation of total cholesterol was dose-dependent and did not exceed a twofold increase. The safety study indicated no adverse effects during the treatment or in the pathology analysis at any of the doses tested.
Les Voyages extraordinaires de Jules Verne ou le roman géographique au XIX e siècle
Authors: Dupuy Lionel
Published: May 2013

Les Voyages extraordinaires de Jules Verne (1828-1905) ont toujours été présentés comme des romans géographiques par son auteur. Partant de ce constat, l’article analyse, dans ces récits, les différentes composantes récurrentes qui permettent de mieux cerner les contours d’un genre qui se dessine dans la deuxième moitié du XIX e siècle et s’estompe après la Première Guerre mondiale. Il apparaît notamment que l’intégration d’un puissant imaginaire dans le roman participe activement à l’écriture et à la transmission du savoir géographique, en articulant fondamentalement poésie, mythe et exotisme. Les récits de Jules Verne relèvent ainsi d’un opérateur que nous définissons comme le merveilleux géographique .
Decision Support Systems
Authors: Ngwenya Bongani
Published: May 2013

E-Government is about using the tools and systems, made possible by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as Decision Support Systems (DSSs) as a strategy to enhance human resources output in public sector organisations. The aim is to provide better public services to citizens and the business sector. ICTs are already widely used by government bodies, especially in developed countries, just as in enterprises. In Zimbabwe, and in many other developing countries, Public Sector Organisations have already started exploiting DSS, unlike the private sector where such systems have been in use for a long time. DSSs have subsequently improved decision making processes in the private sector. Service efficiency and improved effectiveness are the expected benefits of DSSs exploitation alongside increased stakeholder value. This chapter aims to provide the grounds for building an evaluation theory or a framework for assessing DSS adoption and exploitation in the context of public sector and public services provision. It discusses the results of a study that finds that, to a greater extent, decision support systems can be used as an e-Government strategy that will in turn be highly effective in assisting decision making in Public Sector Organisations.
E-Government Concept
Authors: Soares Delfina de Sá , Amaral Luis
Published: May 2013

Over the last few years, many different definitions for the e-government term have appeared in the literature. This diversity of definitions created a conceptual multiplicity and divergence. While being understandable, taking into consideration the newness of the e-government field, this may be prejudicing the e-government research and development. The aim of this chapter is to contribute to the clarification of the e-government concept, by providing a framework that hopefully will help to understand its boundaries and main constituents, as well as the way in which many of the different related terms found in the literature, can be further articulated. The framework put forward in this chapter is based on a generic model of a democratic government system. Building on that model, six main spaces, where Information Technologies (ITs) can be deployed, are identified and discussed. The use of IT in all those spaces contributes to the overall development of a country’s e-government reality and maturity. By suggesting and arguing for a comprehensive, holistic and eclectic vision of e-government, this framework provides a basis for achieving more sustained e-government research and development efforts.
Managing E-Governance
Authors: Misuraca Gianluca , Viscusi Gianluigi
Published: May 2013

This chapter presents and discusses the application of an analytical framework for managing digital innovation initiatives in the public sector. The chapter positions e-Government and digital innovation initiatives in the public sector within the broader framework of e-Governance (i.e. governance aided by ICT). It first introduces the conceptual framework on which the discussion is based, and then proposes a higher order conceptualization of the relationship between e-Governance and its underpinning value drivers of performance, openness and inclusion. In particular, the analysis focuses on the role that these value drivers plays in the enactment of digital governance initiatives such as the ones related to open government and smart cities. To this end, the chapter discusses its application to initiatives carried out in Barcelona and Tallinn. A typology of e-Governance ‘attitudes’ is then identified to provide evidence of further specific interventions required for an appropriate management of similar initiatives in other countries. The chapter concludes by highlighting the policy implications for administrative reform and offering practical recommendations for implementing digital governance initiatives.
An Authoring Tool for Educational Adventure Games
Authors: Mehm Florian , Göbel Stefan , Steinmetz Ralf
Published: May 2013

The genre of educational adventure games is a common and successful choice in game-based learning. The games combine captivating narratives that motivate players to continue playing with game mechanics that are conductive to learning: the gameplay is slow-paced, allowing players to learn at their own pace, and focused on puzzles that can be infused with educational content. While educational adventure games are well suited for learning in most settings, their creation is often challenging for non-technical experts. Furthermore, existing game editors do not account specifically for adaptive adventure games, which can maximize the learning effectiveness of the games by catering to the players’ needs. To address these two challenges, we present a game model for this genre and use this model to build an authoring tool that lowers the threshold for adventure game creation and supports adaptive educational games. The implementation of this concept was evaluated in several studies.
Websites and Internet Marketing
Authors: Jain Neha , Ahuja Vandana , Medury Yajulu
Published: May 2013

Websites play a pivotal role in contributing to the brand identity of an organization and an even greater role in stimulating the brand-consumer relationship. This manuscript proposes a framework for measuring the Brand Contribution Index (BCI) for a website. The authors commence the study by identifying eight significant website dimensions viz. Relative Importance(RIi), Popularity(Pi), Search Engine Optimization(SEOi), Domain Age(DAi), Site Compatibility with Social Networks(SCSNi), Keyword Research(KRi), Site Quality (SQi) and Site Accessibility (SAi). The Brand Contribution Index is a weighted measure of these eight dimensions. The authors further proceed to segment the websites according to their BCI and create segment profiles by using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. This will help the organizations in studying the performance of their websites in the context of the BCI and create strategies to subsequently improve this performance across the website dimensions where the website is demonstrating a poor score.
Seed Production System in Romania
Authors: Mutlak Najah Naiem
Published: May 2013

This paper aims at presenting the structure of varieties and the evolution of consumption of seeds for main cereal crops. Analyzing the number of varieties and hybrids, it may be noticed that there is a growing trend. In Romania, the quantities of seeds used were variable, depending, on the one hand of the importance and expansion of the crop, and, on the other hand, on the records existing in the seed chain. For Romania, looking at the overall practices applied in relation to seed utilization a growing trend was noticed with respect to using seeds for wheat crops, but also a drop of barley and maize crops, besides the annual fluctuating consumption levels. By correlating the factors (areas and amounts of seeds) with production that may be obtained a growing trend for wheat and barley was noticed and a decreasing trend for maize.
Ambient Intelligence for Monitoring Alzheimer Patients
Authors: Bourennane Walid , Charlon Yoann , Bettahar Fehd , Chan Marie , Esteve Daniel , Campo Eric
Published: May 2013

Distributed sensors allow people to be followed in independent living situations. In this paper, the authors present a multisensor system which allows monitoring elderly people in hospital environment. The system is composed of motion infrared sensors installed in the ceiling, presence sensor in bed and ZigBee tags embedded on the person. From data collected on locations and movements of people, the system determines, through learning, the behavior model and lifestyle. Analysis and decision algorithm in integrated systems provide the functionality to choose actions in order to alert surveillance team and help them by providing historical events record. A web application is also set up to display results of data processing allowing caregivers to monitor patient behavior. Here, they present the system architecture, the technology used, and some preliminary results.
ICTs and Indigenous Languages as Agents for the Actualization of Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria
Authors: Olise Festus Prosper
Published: May 2013

This paper advocates for the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and indigenous languages for the actualization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria because both tools are capable of transforming the rural and urban populace. It explores the MDGs so as to unravel the ways ICTs and indigenous languages can facilitate the speedy actualization of MDGs in Nigeria, a country with peculiar cultural heritage and with over 750 indigenous languages. It also analyzes some of the contending constraints confronting Nigeria from actualizing MDGs such as corruption, extreme poverty, lack of attention to indigenous languages, high cost of ICTs which are products of bad leadership. The effective use of Nigeria’s different indigenous languages and ICTs, it maintains, remains the most effective way towards educating Nigerians and achieving the MDGs in Nigeria come 2015.
Peripheral Response
Authors: Perng Sung-Yueh , Büscher Monika , Wood Lisa , Halvorsrud Ragnhild , Stiso Michael , Ramirez Leonardo , Al-Akkad Amro
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a case study of microblogging during the Norway attacks on 22 July, 2011, during which a single person first detonated a bomb in Oslo, killing eight people, and then shot 69 young people on the island of Utøya. It proposes a novel way of conceptualizing the public contribution to mobilization of resources through microblogging, particularly tweeting, as a form of ‘peripheral response’. By examining the distributed efforts of responding to the crisis in relation to emergent forms of agile and dialogic emergency response, the paper also revisits the concept of situation awareness and reflects upon the dynamic and constantly changing environment that social media and crises inhabit together.
The Integrative Time-Dependent Modeling of the Reliability and Failure of the Causes of Drivers’ Error Leading to Road Accidents
Authors: Hojjati-Emami Khashayar , Dhillon Balbir S. , Jenab Kouroush
Published: May 2013

Nowadays, the human error is usually identified as the conclusive cause of investigations in road accidents. The human although is the person in control of vehicle until the moment of crash but it has to be understood that the human is under continued impact by various factors including road environment, vehicle and human’s state, abilities and conduct. The current advances in design of vehicle and roads have been intended to provide drivers with extra comfort with less physical and mental efforts, whereas the fatigue imposed on driver is just being transformed from over-load fatigue to under-load fatigue and boredom. A representational model to illustrate the relationships between design and condition of vehicle and road as well as driver’s condition and state on fatigue and the human error leading to accidents has been developed. Thereafter, the stochastic mathematical models based on time-dependent failure rates were developed to make prediction on the road transportation reliability and failure probabilities due to each cause (vehicle, road environment, human due to fatigue, and human due to non fatigue factors). Furthermore, the supportive assessment methodology and models to assess and predict the failure rates of driver due to each category of causes were developed and proposed.
Forecasting Direction of the S&P500 Movement Using Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Lahmiri Salim
Published: May 2013

Using the wavelet analysis for low-frequency time series extraction, we conduct out-of-sample predictions of the S&P500 price index future trend (up and down). The support vector machines (SVMs) with different kernels and parameters are used as the baseline forecasting model. The simulation results reveal that the SVMs with wavelet analysis approach outperform the SVMs with macroeconomic variables or technical indicators as predictive variables. As a result, we conclude that the wavelet transform is appropriate to capture the S&P500 trend dynamics.
Perceived Value and Brand Loyalty in Fine Dining Service
Authors: Kainth Jyoti , Verma Harsh V.
Published: May 2013

Value is central to any marketing exchange. Success in marketing is dependent upon the perception of value or the perceived value that a consumer derives from consumption. It is a ratio between what a consumer perceives he gives up in lieu of what he gets. The perception of value is likely to have an influence on satisfaction, which in turn is expected to influence loyalty. Accordingly, it can be proposed that consumer perceived value drives loyalty moderated by satisfaction. This study was undertaken with the specific aim of exploring this relationship in an industry specific context of fine dining. The study found that out of twelve perceived value dimensions, nine were found to be related to attitudinal brand loyalty. Three value dimensions namely experiential value, image value and functional value were found to be major predictors of brand loyalty.
Conceptualizing Emergency Department Scenarios
Authors: Kaner Maya , Gadrich Tamar , Dror Shuki , Marmor Yariv
Published: May 2013

To handle problems and trends in emergency department (ED) operations, designers and decision makers often simulate and evaluate various case-specific scenarios before testing them in a real-life environment. However, conceptualizing broad possible scenarios for ED operations prior to simulation operationalization is usually neglected. The authors developed a methodology that integrates design of simulation experiments (DSE) as follows: 1) From a literature survey, they culled generic factors whose varying levels determine possible scenarios; 2) the authors drew up a set of generic interactions among these generic factors; 3) a questionnaire was constructed to serve as an instrument to gather the relevant information from management staff about relevant factors, their levels and interactions for a specific ED. Questionnaire responses support a schematic conceptualization of scenarios that should be simulated for a specific ED. They illustrate the application of the authors’ methodology for conceptualization of ED simulation scenarios in two different EDs.
In Defense of the ‘Human Prejudice’
Authors: Patrone Tatiana
Published: May 2013

Those who favor genetic enhancement of human beings (‘trans-humanists’) tend to hold that there is nothing special about being human, if by ‘human’ people mean ‘being member of the species homo sapiens’. They reject the arguments of bio-conservatives as prejudicial toward the concept of humanity, and they argue that species-membership in general is morally irrelevant. In ‘The Human Prejudice’, Bernard Williams defends what he calls ‘humanism’ (and what others call ‘speciesism’) and argues that species-membership is a morally relevant fact about us. Williams’s argument has been criticized by many, and in this paper, the author, focuses on the most thorough attack by Julian Savulescu. They provide a diagnosis of why accounts such as his seem to be so misguided to trans-humanists (like Savulescu) and the author then defend Williams’s account. In short, the paper argues that there is nothing obviously wrong with being a speciesist.
Influenza A Virus Infection Impairs Mycobacteria-Specific T Cell Responses and Mycobacterial Clearance in the Lung during Pulmonary Coinfection
Authors: Flórido Manuela , Grima Michael A. , Gillis Caitlin M. , Xia Yingju , Turner Stephen J. , Triccas James A. , Stambas John , Britton Warwick J.
Published: May 2013

Individuals infected with mycobacteria are likely to experience episodes of concurrent infections with unrelated respiratory pathogens, including the seasonal or pandemic circulating influenza A virus strains. We analyzed the impact of influenza A virus and mycobacterial respiratory coinfection on the development of CD8 T cell responses to each pathogen. Coinfected mice exhibited reduced frequency and numbers of CD8 T cells specific to Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in the lungs, and the IFN-γ CD8 T cell response to BCG-encoded OVA was decreased in the lungs of coinfected mice, when compared with mice infected with BCG alone. Moreover, after 2 wk of infection, mice coinfected with both pathogens showed a significant increase in the number of mycobacteria present in the lung compared with mice infected with BCG only. Following adoptive transfer into coinfected mice, transgenic CD8 T cells specific for OVA257–264 failed to proliferate as extensively in the mediastinal lymph nodes as in mice infected only with BCG-OVA. Also noted was a reduction in the proliferation of BCG-specific CD4 transgenic T cells in mice coinfected with influenza compared with mice infected with BCG alone. Furthermore, phenotypic analysis of CD11c+ dendritic cells from mediastinal lymph nodes of the infected mice showed that coinfection was associated with decreased surface expression of MHC class II and class I. Thus, concurrent pulmonary infection with influenza A virus is associated with decreased MHC expression on dendritic cells, reduced activation of BCG-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, and impaired clearance of mycobacteria.
β-Defensins Activate Human Mast Cells via Mas-Related Gene X2
Authors: Subramanian Hariharan , Gupta Kshitij , Lee Donguk , Bayir Arzu K. , Ahn Harry , Ali Hydar
Published: May 2013

Human β-defensins (hBDs) stimulate degranulation in rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro and cause increased vascular permeability in rats in vivo. In this study, we sought to determine whether hBDs activate murine and human mast cells and to delineate the mechanisms of their regulation. hBD2 and hBD3 did not induce degranulation in murine peritoneal or bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMC) in vitro and had no effect on vascular permeability in vivo. By contrast, these peptides induced sustained Ca2+ mobilization and substantial degranulation in human mast cells, with hBD3 being more potent. Pertussis toxin (PTx) had no effect on hBD-induced Ca2+ mobilization, but La3+ and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (a dual inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor and transient receptor potential channels) caused substantial inhibition of this response. Interestingly, degranulation induced by hBDs was substantially inhibited by PTx, La3+, or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Whereas human mast cells endogenously express G protein–coupled receptor, Mas-related gene X2 (MrgX2), rat basophilic leukemia, RBL-2H3 cells, and murine BMMCs do not. Silencing the expression of MrgX2 in human mast cells inhibited hBD-induced degranulation, but had no effect on anaphylatoxin C3a-induced response. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MrgX2 in RBL-2H3 and murine BMMCs rendered these cells responsive to hBDs for degranulation. This study demonstrates that hBDs activate human mast cells via MrgX2, which couples to both PTx-sensitive and insensitive signaling pathways most likely involving Gαq and Gαi to induce degranulation. Furthermore, murine mast cells are resistant to hBDs for degranulation, and this reflects the absence of MrgX2 in these cells.
Low Levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Contribute to Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bessich Jamie L. , Nymon Amanda B. , Moulton Lisa A. , Dorman Dana , Ashare Alix
Published: May 2013

Alveolar macrophages are major contributors to lung innate immunity. Although alveolar macrophages from cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator−/− mice have impaired function, no study has investigated primary alveolar macrophages in adults with CF. CF patients have low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and our prior studies demonstrate a relationship between IGF-1 and macrophage function. We hypothesize that reduced IGF-1 in CF leads to impaired alveolar macrophage function and chronic infections. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from eight CF subjects and eight healthy subjects. Macrophages were isolated from BAL fluid. We measured the ability of alveolar macrophages to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Subsequently, macrophages were incubated with IGF-1 prior to inoculation with bacteria to determine the effect of IGF-1 on bacterial killing. We found a significant decrease in bacterial killing by CF alveolar macrophages compared with control subjects. CF subjects had lower serum and BAL IGF-1 levels compared with healthy control subjects. Exposure to IGF-1 enhanced alveolar macrophage macrophages in both groups. Finally, exposing healthy alveolar macrophages to CF BAL fluid decreased bacterial killing, and this was reversed by the addition of IGF-1, whereas IGF-1 blockade worsened bacterial killing. Our studies demonstrate that alveolar macrophage function is impaired in patients with CF. Reductions in IGF-1 levels in CF contribute to the impaired alveolar macrophage function. Exposure to IGF-1 ex vivo results in improved function of CF alveolar macrophages. Further studies are needed to determine whether alveolar macrophage function can be enhanced in vivo with IGF-1 treatment.
Power system observability with minimum phasor measurement units placement
Authors: Abdelaziz A.Y. , Ibrahim Amr M. , Salem Reham H.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents optimal phasor measurement units (PMUs) placement algorithms for power system observability. The optimal placement problem (OPP) is formulated such that minimizing the number of PMU installations for full networkobservability. Three approaches, in this paper, are introduced aiming at reducing the computational burden in Optimal Placement problems. Depth First Search, Simulated Annealing and Minimum Spanning Tree as well as their differences and relations are discussed in details. The OPP methodologies applied include the system observablility during normal operating conditions, as well as during single branch forced outages. In order to improve the speed of convergence, an initial PMU placement is provided by graph-theoretic procedure. The IEEE 14-bus, 118-bus standard test power systems and New England 39-bus test systems are used for simulation purposes.Keywords: Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU); Observability; Depth First Search; Simulated Annealing Method; Minimum Spanning Tree; Optimal PMU Placement (OPP)
Rich dynamics of a food chain model with ratio-dependent type III functional responses
Authors: Agarwal Manju , Singh Vimlesh
Published: May 2013

This paper deals the dynamics of a tri trophic food chain model with ratio-dependent type III functional response. The investigations that are presented in this paper focus on the computation of food chain with and without time delay. Two types of discrete time delay in top level predator population are considered. In first type time delay may be regarded as a delay due to reaction time or gestation period of the top predator. In second type, delay may introduce in reaction term of top predator population and it assumes that the change rate of predator depends upon the number of prey and of the number of the predators present in some previous time. In absence of delay, the conditions for boundedness of the system are established. Stability analysis of model is carried out by using usual theory of ordinary differential equation. Further, it is proved that the system undergoes Hopf bifurcations, using delay as a bifurcating parameter. We have also shown that Hopf bifurcation may also occur when delay passes its critical value. Finally, our study shows that time delay plays a significant role on the stability of the system. It breaks the stable behaviour of model and drives it to unstable state.Keywords: Food chain model, Ratio-dependent, Boundedness, Stability, Time delay, Hopf bifurcation
Singularly perturbed Burger-Huxley equation: Analytical solution through iteration
Authors: Kamboj Deepmala , Sharma M.D.
Published: May 2013

The work presented considers the initial boundary value problem for nonlinear singularly perturbed time dependent Burger- Huxley equation. The equation contains two terms with nonlinearities, the cubic term and the advection term. Generally, the severe difficulties of two types encounter in solving this problem. The first one comes from these nonlinearity terms and the second is due to the perturbation parameter in the diffusion term. When the perturbation parameter approaches zero, the problem exhibit boundary layers and most of conventional methods fails to capture this effect. A relatively different analytical technique called variational iteration method (VIM), is used to solve this equation. This method is able to obtain rapidly convergent successive approximations of exact solution without any restrictive approximations or the transformations that may change the physical behaviour of the problem. Numerical examples are studied to demonstrate the significance and effect of various parameters involved in the equation.Keywords: Burger-Huxley equation, iteration method, analytical solution, nonlinearity, singularly perturbed, advection
Non-homogeneous polymer model for wave propagation and its rheological response
Authors: Kakar Rajneesh
Published: May 2013

This article concerns certain aspects of four parameter polymer models to study harmonic waves in the non-homogeneous polymer rods of varying density. There are two sections of this paper, in first section, the rheological behaviour of the model is discussed numerically and then it is solved analytically with the help of Friedlander Series using Eikonal equation of optics. The model is chosen for studying viscous, elastic and retarded elastic response to shearing stress. In another section, the applicability of the developed model is studied through wave propagation in polymer non-homogeneous rods. We have used linear partial differential equations for finding the dispersion equation of waves in the polymers. The rheological behaviour of four-parameter viscoelastic models under dynamic loading is also discussed in detail. All the cases taken in this study are discussed analytically and numerically with MATLAB.Keywords: Harmonic Waves; Friedlander Series; Inhomogeneous; Varying Density
Water-soluble organic carbon over the Pearl River Delta region during fall–winter: spatial variations and source apportionment
Authors: Ding X. , Wang X.-M. , He Q.-F. , Fu X.-X. , Gao B.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) is a major component of carbonaceous aerosols. However, the detailed information of WSOC origins is still unclear. In the current study, fine particles (PM2.5) were collected at one sub-urban and two rural sites in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, south China during fall–winter 2008 to measure WSOC and organic tracers of biomass burning (BB) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) from isoprene, monoterpenes, β-caryophyllene, aromatics and 2-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). WSOC concentrations ranged from 7.63 to 11.5 μg C m−3 and accounted for 38.8–57.9% of organic carbon (OC). Both WSOC and water-insoluble organic carbon (WIOC) exhibited higher levels at the sub-urban site than the rural sites. Subtracting BB-derived WSOC (WSOCBB) from measured WSOC, secondary OC (SOC) and primary OC (POC) were estimated that POC exhibited dominance over SOC and contributed 68–79% to OC. Significant correlation between WSOC and EC was observed, suggesting that BB could have important contributions to ambient WSOC in the PRD region during fall–winter. Organic tracers were applied to do source apportionment of WSOC, which further confirmed that BB was the dominant contributor, accounting for 42–47% of measured WSOC. SOC estimated by SOA tracers totally contributed 22–40% of WSOC, among which anthropogenic SOC (sum of aromatics and 2-ring PAHs, 18–25%) exhibited dominance over biogenic SOC (sum of isoprene, monoterpenes and β-caryophyllene, 4–15%). The unexplained WSOC (18–31%) showed a positive correlation with POC, indicating that this portion might be associated with POC aging.
The impact of nonlinearity in Lagrangian data assimilation
Authors: Apte A. , Jones C. K. R. T.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The focus of this paper is on how two main manifestations of nonlinearity in low-dimensional systems – shear around a center fixed point (nonlinear center) and the differential divergence of trajectories passing by a saddle (nonlinear saddle) – strongly affect data assimilation. The impact is felt through their leading to non-Gaussian distribution functions. The major factors that control the strength of these effects is time between observations, and covariance of the prior relative to covariance of the observational noise. Both these factors – less frequent observations and larger prior covariance – allow the nonlinearity to take hold. To expose these nonlinear effects, we use the comparison between exact posterior distributions conditioned on observations and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) approximation of these posteriors. We discuss the serious limitations of the EnKF in handling these effects.
Seismic LAB or LID? The Baltic Shield case
Authors: Grad M. , Tiira T. , Olsson S. , Komminaho K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The problem of the asthenosphere for old Precambrian cratons, including East European Craton and its part – the Baltic Shield, is still discussed. To study the seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) beneath the Baltic Shield we used records of 9 local events with magnitudes in the range 2.7–5.9. The relatively big number of seismic stations in the Baltic Shield with a station spacing of 30–100 km permits for relatively dense recordings, and is sufficient in lithospheric scale. For modelling of the lower lithosphere and asthenosphere, the original data were corrected for topography and the Moho depth for each event and each station location, using a reference model with a 46 km thick crust. Observed P and S arrivals are significantly earlier than those predicted by the iasp91 model, which clearly indicates that lithospheric P and S velocities beneath the Baltic Shield are higher than in the global iasp91 model. For two northern events at Spitsbergen and Novaya Zemlya we observe a low velocity layer, 60–70 km thick asthenosphere, and the LAB beneath Barents Sea was found at depth of about 200 km. Sections for other events show continous first arrivals of P waves with no evidence for "shadow zone" in the whole range of registration, which could be interpreted as absence of asthenosphere beneath the central part of the Baltic Shield, or that LAB in this area occurs deeper (>200 km). The relatively thin low velocity layer found beneath southern Sweden, 15 km below the Moho, could be interpreted as small scale lithospheric inhomogeneities, rather than asthenosphere. Differentiation of the lid velocity beneath the Baltic Shield could be interpreted as regional inhomogeneity. It could also be interpreted as anisotropy of the Baltic Shield lithosphere, with fast velocity close to the east-west direction, and slow velocity close to the south-north direction.
The Absence of Rhetorical Theory in Richard Rorty's Linguistic Pragmatism
Authors: Danisch Robert
Published: May 2013

This article argues that the “linguistic turn” in analytic philosophy had a deep and significant impact on the development of Richard Rorty's pragmatism. One of the central features of the “linguistic turn” was its attention to the role of language in mediating questions of philosophy, and, in Rorty's hands, the “linguistic turn” drew philosophy very close to rhetorical theory. However, I argue that Rorty failed to engage or embrace rhetorical theory in any substantive way. This meant that his pragmatism cleaved philosophy off from the social democratic project. Such a separation of philosophy from the problems of maintaining and cultivating democracy abandons an important strand of first generation pragmatism. This amounts to a missed opportunity. By complimenting the linguistic turn with a robust account of the role of rhetoric in socio-political affairs, Rorty could have tied philosophy to social democracy in just the manner that Dewey had hoped. But instead Rorty is constrained by the tradition of philosophy and unable to make the “linguistic turn” into any kind of rhetorical turn.
« Ce qu’il y a de moins noble dans votre nature » : classe sociale et genre dans les guides moraux et les manuels de politesse au Québec, 1900-1960
Authors: Nootens Thierry , Saint-Louis-Head1 Cynthia
Published: May 2013

Cet article propose une lecture bourdieusienne de deux sources historiques particulières, soit les guides moraux et les manuels de politesse. Cela en vue d’apporter un éclairage particulier sur l’expérience historique de l’argent au Québec durant la première moitié du 20e siècle. La manière dont ces écrits mettent en scène la distinction et l’honorabilité traduirait un certain état des lieux des rapports entre classes dans la société québécoise d’alors. Les rapports sociaux de sexe jouaient aussi un rôle important dans cette dynamique. L’étude de ce matériel témoigne de la persistance de prescriptions comportementales bourgeoises rigides et issues de la transition au capitalisme et du développement de la démocratie au 19e siècle. La thèse d’un processus d’« informalisation » des bonnes manières au 20e siècle, thèse proposée par le sociologue Cas Wouters, ne semble pas applicable au Québec durant l’époque considérée.
Placement of a Non–Cross-Linked Porcine-Derived Acellular Dermal Matrix During Preperitoneal Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Alshkaki Giath
Published: May 2013

This retrospective chart review evaluated outcomes following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphies with non–cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) by one surgeon in a community teaching facility hospital. Mesh was sutured and/or tacked in the preperitoneal space. Postoperative visits were scheduled at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, and then at 6-month intervals up to 2 years. PADM was placed in 14 male patients (mean age, 41.1 years). Seven patients had bilateral hernias. One patient required intraoperative conversion to open herniorrhaphy based on diagnostic laparoscopy findings. PADM sizes were 6 × 10 to 12 × 16 cm; mean operative time was 102 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and resumed full activity. This treatment approach was effective, with no recurrence or complications during a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 13–25 months).
A Study of the Efficacy of Antibacterial Sutures for Surgical Site Infection: A Retrospective Controlled Trial
Authors: Hoshino Seiichiro , Yoshida Yoichiro , Tanimura Syu , Yamauchi Yasushi , Noritomi Tomoaki , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: May 2013

To reduce bacterial adherence to surgical sutures, triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 suture materials with antiseptic activity were developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of surgical site infections can be reduced when triclosan-coated sutures are used. Until December 2009, we used conventional polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL, Ethicon) for the closure of the fascia in digestive tract surgery. Therefore, for the control group we retrospectively collected surveillance data for 1.5 years. In the control group, 611 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with VICRYL sutures. Beginning in July 2010, we used triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 sutures (VICRYL Plus, Ethicon, Tokyo, Japan) for the closure of the fascia in all digestive surgeries. So, we collected data for the study group from July 2010 until June 2011. In the study group, 467 patients underwent digestive tract surgery with triclosan-coated VICRYL Plus sutures. In the control group, 75 patients (12.2%) developed wound infections. In the study group, 31 patients (6.6%) developed wound infections, which was significantly lower. Emergency cases; laparoscopic cases, including some cholecystectomy and colectomy cases; American Society of Anesthesiologists classification; the use of immunosuppressive therapy; colostomy cases; wound classification; and suture material were identified as the risk factors for wound infections. In both groups, as the wound classification worsened, the wound infection rate increased. Triclosan-coated polyglactin 910 antimicrobial sutures lead to a significant decrease in the incidence of surgical site infections, especially in clean/contaminated cases.