bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Egr-1 Upregulates Siva-1 Expression and Induces Cardiac Fibroblast Apoptosis
Authors: Zins Karin , Pomyje Jiri , Hofer Erhard , Abraham Dietmar , Lucas Trevor , Aharinejad Seyedhossein
Published: January 2014

The early growth response transcription factor Egr-1 controls cell specific responses to proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Expression of Egr-1 and downstream transcription is closely controlled and cell specific upregulation induced by processes such as hypoxia and ischemia has been previously linked to multiple aspects of cardiovascular injury. In this study, we showed constitutive expression of Egr-1 in cultured human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts, used adenoviral mediated gene transfer to study the effects of continuous Egr-1 overexpression and studied downstream transcription by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and siRNA transfection. Apoptosis was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry in the presence of caspase inhibitors. Overexpression of Egr-1 directly induced apoptosis associated with caspase activation in human cardiac fibroblast cultures in vitro assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Apoptotic induction was associated with a caspase activation associated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and transient downstream transcriptional up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic gene product Siva-1. Suppression of Siva-1 induction by siRNA partially reversed Egr-1 mediated loss of cell viability. These findings suggest a previously unknown role for Egr-1 and transcriptional regulation of Siva-1 in the control of cardiac accessory cell death.
Adaptations to “Thermal Time” Constraints in Papilio: Latitudinal and Local Size Clines Differ in Response to Regional Climate Change
Authors: Scriber J. , Elliot Ben , Maher Emily , McGuire Molly , Niblack Marjie
Published: January 2014

Adaptations to “thermal time” (=Degree-day) constraints on developmental rates and voltinism for North American tiger swallowtail butterflies involve most life stages, and at higher latitudes include: smaller pupae/adults; larger eggs; oviposition on most nutritious larval host plants; earlier spring adult emergences; faster larval growth and shorter molting durations at lower temperatures. Here we report on forewing sizes through 30 years for both the northern univoltine P. canadensis (with obligate diapause) from the Great Lakes historical hybrid zone northward to central Alaska (65° N latitude), and the multivoltine, P. glaucus from this hybrid zone southward to central Florida (27° N latitude). Despite recent climate warming, no increases in mean forewing lengths of P. glaucus were observed at any major collection location (FL to MI) from the 1980s to 2013 across this long latitudinal transect (which reflects the “converse of Bergmann’s size Rule”, with smaller females at higher latitudes). Unlike lower latitudes, the Alaska, Ontonogon, and Chippewa/Mackinac locations (for P. canadensis) showed no significant increases in D-day accumulations, which could explain lack of size change in these northernmost locations. As a result of 3–4 decades of empirical data from major collection sites across these latitudinal clines of North America, a general “voltinism/size/D-day” model is presented, which more closely predicts female size based on D-day accumulations, than does latitude. However, local “climatic cold pockets” in northern Michigan and Wisconsin historically appeared to exert especially strong size constraints on female forewing lengths, but forewing lengths quickly increased with local summer warming during the recent decade, especially near the warming edges of the cold pockets. Results of fine-scale analyses of these “cold pockets” are in contrast to non-significant changes for other Papilio populations seen across the latitudinal transect for P. glaucus and P. canadensis in general, highlighting the importance of scale in adaptations to climate change. Furthermore, we also show that rapid size increases in cold pocket P. canadensis females with recent summer warming are more likely to result from phenotypic plasticity than genotypic introgression from P. glaucus, which does increase size in late-flight hybrids and P. appalachiensis.
Women’s Attitudes Regarding Prenatal Testing for a Range of Congenital Disorders of Varying Severity
Authors: Norton Mary , Nakagawa Sanae , Kuppermann Miriam
Published: January 2014

Little is known about women’s comparative attitudes towards prenatal testing for different categories of genetic disorders. We interviewed women who delivered healthy infants within the past year and assessed attitudes towards prenatal screening and diagnostic testing, as well as pregnancy termination, for Down syndrome (DS), fragile X (FraX), cystic fibrosis (CF), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital heart defects (CHD). Ninety-five women aged 21 to 48 years participated, of whom 60% were Caucasian, 23% Asian, 10% Latina and 7% African American; 82% were college graduates. Ninety-five to ninety-eight percent indicated that they would have screening for each condition, and the majority would have amniocentesis (64% for PKU to 72% for SMA). Inclinations regarding pregnancy termination varied by condition: Whereas only 10% reported they would probably or definitely terminate a pregnancy for CHD, 41% indicated they would do so for DS and 62% for SMA. Most women in this cohort reported that they would undergo screening for all six conditions presented, the majority without the intent to terminate an affected pregnancy. These women were least inclined to terminate treatable disorders (PKU, CHD) versus those associated with intellectual disability (DS, FraX) and were most likely to terminate for SMA, typically lethal in childhood.
High-Voltage Insulation Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites by Plasma Polymerization
Authors: Yan Wei , Han Zhao , Phung B. , Faupel Franz , Ostrikov Kostya
Published: January 2014

In organic-inorganic nanocomposites, interfacial regions are primarily influenced by the dispersion uniformity of nanoparticles and the strength of interfacial bonds between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. The insulating performance of organic-inorganic dielectric nanocomposites is highly influenced by the characteristics of interfacial regions. In this study, we prepare polyethylene oxide (PEO)-like functional layers on silica nanoparticles through plasma polymerization. Epoxy resin/silica nanocomposites are subsequently synthesized with these plasma-polymerized nanoparticles. It is found that plasma at a low power (i.e., 10 W) can significantly increase the concentration of C–O bonds on the surface of silica nanoparticles. This plasma polymerized thin layer can not only improve the dispersion uniformity by increasing the hydrophilicity of the nanoparticles, but also provide anchoring sites to enable the formation of covalent bonds between the organic and inorganic phases. Furthermore, electrical tests reveal improved electrical treeing resistance and decreased dielectric constant of the synthesized nanocomposites, while the dielectric loss of the nanocomposites remains unchanged as compared to the pure epoxy resin.
Nanocomposites Based on Luminescent Colloidal Nanocrystals and Polymeric Ionic Liquids towards Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Panniello Annamaria , Ingrosso Chiara , Coupillaud Paul , Tamborra Michela , Binetti Enrico , Curri Maria , Agostiano Angela , Taton Daniel , Striccoli Marinella
Published: January 2014

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are an interesting class of polyelectrolytes, merging peculiar physical-chemical features of ionic liquids with the flexibility, mechanical stability and processability typical of polymers. The combination of PILs with colloidal semiconducting nanocrystals leads to novel nanocomposite materials with high potential for batteries and solar cells. We report the synthesis and properties of a hybrid nanocomposite made of colloidal luminescent CdSe nanocrystals incorporated in a novel ex situ synthesized imidazolium-based PIL, namely, either a poly(N-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) or a homologous PIL functionalized with a thiol end-group exhibiting a chemical affinity with the nanocrystal surface. A capping exchange procedure has been implemented for replacing the pristine organic capping molecules of the colloidal CdSe nanocrystals with inorganic chalcogenide ions, aiming to disperse the nano-objects in the PILs, by using a common polar solvent. The as-prepared nanocomposites have been studied by TEM investigation, UV-Vis, steady-state and time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy for elucidating the effects of the PIL functionalization on the morphological and optical properties of the nanocomposites.
Alkaloids from the Mangrove-Derived Actinomycete Jishengella endophytica 161111
Authors: Wang Pei , Kong Fandong , Wei Jingjing , Wang Yi , Wang Wei , Hong Kui , Zhu Weiming
Published: January 2014

A new alkaloid, 2-(furan-2-yl)-6-(2S,3S,4-trihydroxybutyl)pyrazine (1), along with 12 known compounds, 2-(furan-2-yl)-5-(2S,3S,4-trihydroxybutyl)pyrazine (2), (S)-4-isobutyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-6-carbaldehyde (3), (S)-4-isopropyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-6-carbaldehyde (4), (4S)-4-(2-methylbutyl)-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-6-carbaldehyde (5), (S)-4-benzyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-6-carbaldehyde (6), flazin (7), perlolyrine (8), 1-hydroxy-β-carboline (9), lumichrome (10), 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde (11), 2-hydroxy-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanone (12), and 5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde (13), were isolated and identified from the fermentation broth of an endophytic actinomycetes, Jishengella endophytica 161111. The new structure 1 and the absolute configurations of 2–6 were determined by spectroscopic methods, J-based configuration analysis (JBCA) method, lactone sector rule, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 8–11 were active against the influenza A virus subtype H1N1 with IC50 and selectivity index (SI) values of 38.3(±1.2)/25.0(±3.6)/ 39.7(±5.6)/45.9(±2.1) μg/mL and 3.0/16.1/3.1/11.4, respectively. The IC50 and SI values of positive control, ribavirin, were 23.1(±1.7) μg/mL and 32.2, respectively. The results showed that compound 9 could be a promising new hit for anti-H1N1 drugs. The absolute configurations of 2–5, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and the specific rotations of 3–6 were also reported here for the first time.
Synthesis of 4-Methoxybenzoylhydrazones and Evaluation of Their Antiglycation Activity
Authors: Taha Muhammad , Naz Humera , Rasheed Saima , Ismail Nor , Rahman Aqilah , Yousuf Sammer , Choudhary Muhammad
Published: January 2014

A series of 4-methoxybenzoylhydrazones 1–30 was synthesized and the structures of the synthetic derivatives elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The compounds showed a varying degree of antiglycation activity, with IC50 values ranging between 216.52 and 748.71 µM, when compared to a rutin standard (IC50 = 294.46 ± 1.50 µM). Compounds 1 (IC50 = 216.52 ± 4.2 µM), 3 (IC50 = 289.58 ± 2.64 µM), 6 (IC50 = 227.75 ± 0.53 µM), 7 (IC50 = 242.53 ± 6.1) and 11 (IC50 = 287.79 ± 1.59) all showed more activity that the standard, and these compounds have the potential to serve as possible leads for drugs to inhibit protein glycation in diabetic patients. A preliminary SAR study was performed.
EGF Receptor-Dependent Mechanism May be Involved in the Tamm–Horsfall Glycoprotein-Enhanced PMN Phagocytosis via Activating Rho Family and MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Ko-Jen , Siao Sue-Cien , Wu Cheng-Han , Shen Chieh-Yu , Wu Tsai-Hung , Tsai Chang-Youh , Hsieh Song-Chou , Yu Chia-Li
Published: January 2014

Our previous studies showed that urinary Tamm–Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) potently enhanced polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) phagocytosis. However, the domain structure(s), signaling pathway and the intracellular events responsible for THP-enhanced PMN phagocytosis remain to be elucidated. THP was purified from normal human urine. The human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 was induced to differentiate into PMNs by all-trans retinoid acid. Pretreatment with different MAPK and PI3K inhibitors was used to delineate signaling pathways in THP-enhanced PMN phagocytosis. Phosphorylation of molecules responsible for PMN phagocytosis induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), THP, or human recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) was evaluated by western blot. A p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, effectively inhibited both spontaneous and LPS- and THP-induced PMN phagocytosis. Both THP and LPS enhanced the expression of the Rho family proteins Cdc42 and Rac that may lead to F-actin re-arrangement. Further studies suggested that THP and EGF enhance PMN and differentiated HL-60 cell phagocytosis in a similar pattern. Furthermore, the EGF receptor inhibitor GW2974 significantly suppressed THP- and EGF-enhanced PMN phagocytosis and p38 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in differentiated HL-60 cells. We conclude that EGF receptor-dependent signaling may be involved in THP-enhanced PMN phagocytosis by activating Rho family and MAP kinase.
Iodine Supplementation in the Newborn
Authors: Ghirri Paolo , Lunardi Sara , Boldrini Antonio
Published: January 2014

Iodine deficiency can be defined as the world’s greatest single cause of preventable brain damage. Fetal and neonatal hypothyroidism, caused by iodine deficiency can be prevented prior to conception and then during pregnancy and lactation when an adequate iodine supplementation is ensured. Extremely low birth weight preterm babies risk having a negative iodine balance status in the first weeks of life, exacerbating the hypothyroxinaemia of the prematurity. It is important to ensure that these babies are provided with an adequate iodine intake from the first days of life. Mothers and newborns should avoid environmental iodine excess during pregnancy or lactation.
Recent Advances and Uses of Grape Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals
Authors: Georgiev Vasil , Ananga Anthony , Tsolova Violeta
Published: January 2014

Grape is one of the oldest fruit crops domesticated by humans. The numerous uses of grape in making wine, beverages, jelly, and other products, has made it one of the most economically important plants worldwide. The complex phytochemistry of the berry is characterized by a wide variety of compounds, most of which have been demonstrated to have therapeutic or health promoting properties. Among them, flavonoids are the most abundant and widely studied, and have enjoyed greater attention among grape researchers in the last century. Recent studies have shown that the beneficial health effects promoted by consumption of grape and grape products are attributed to the unique mix of polyphenolic compounds. As the largest group of grape polyphenols, flavonoids are the main candidates considered to have biological properties, including but not limited to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Here, we discuss the recent scientific advances supporting the beneficial health qualities of grape and grape-derived products, mechanisms of their biological activity, bioavailability, and their uses as nutraceuticals. The advantages of modern plant cell based biotechnology as an alternative method for production of grape nutraceuticals and improvement of their health qualities are also discussed.
Live Genomics for Pathogen Monitoring in Public Health
Authors: D'Auria Giuseppe , Schneider Maria , Moya Andrés
Published: January 2014

Whole genome analysis based on next generation sequencing (NGS) now represents an affordable framework in public health systems. Robust analytical pipelines of genomic data provides in short laps of time (hours) information about taxonomy, comparative genomics (pan-genome) and single polymorphisms profiles. Pathogenic organisms of interest can be tracked at the genomic level, allowing monitoring at one-time several variables including: epidemiology, pathogenicity, resistance to antibiotics, virulence, persistence factors, mobile elements and adaptation features. Such information can be obtained not only at large spectra, but also at the “local” level, such as in the event of a recurrent or emergency outbreak. This paper reviews the state of the art in infection diagnostics in the context of modern NGS methodologies. We describe how actuation protocols in a public health environment will benefit from a “streaming approach” (pipeline). Such pipeline would NGS data quality assessment, data mining for comparative analysis, searching differential genetic features, such as virulence, resistance persistence factors and mutation profiles (SNPs and InDels) and formatted “comprehensible” results. Such analytical protocols will enable a quick response to the needs of locally circumscribed outbreaks, providing information on the causes of resistance and genetic tracking elements for rapid detection, and monitoring actuations for present and future occurrences.
Polymers Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: Böker Alexander
Published: January 2014

Polymers is instituting an annual award to recognize outstanding papers in the area of polymer science published in Polymers. We are pleased to announce the first “Polymers Best Paper Award” for 2014. Nominations were selected by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board members of Polymers from all papers published in 2010. The awards are issued to reviews and articles respectively. [...]
Applicability of Time-Averaged Holography for Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Performing Non-Linear Oscillations
Authors: Palevicius Paulius , Ragulskis Minvydas , Palevicius Arvydas , Ostasevicius Vytautas
Published: January 2014

Optical investigation of movable microsystem components using time-averaged holography is investigated in this paper. It is shown that even a harmonic excitation of a non-linear microsystem may result in an unpredictable chaotic motion. Analytical results between parameters of the chaotic oscillations and the formation of time-averaged fringes provide a deeper insight into computational and experimental interpretation of time-averaged MEMS holograms.
A Nuclear Third Party Liability Regime of a Multilateral Nuclear Approaches Framework in the Asian Region
Authors: Tazaki Makiko
Published: January 2014

There are two primary challenges for establishing nuclear third party liability (TPL) regimes within multilateral nuclear approaches (MNA) to nuclear fuel cycle facilities in the Asian region. The first challenge is to ensure secure and prompt compensation, especially for transboundary damages, which is also a challenge for a nation-based facility. One possible solution is that in order to share common nuclear TPL principles, all states in the region participate in the same international nuclear TPL convention, such as the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), with a view to its entry into force in the future. One problem with this approach is that many states in the Asian region need to raise their amount of financial security in order to be able to participate in the CSC. The second challenge lies with the multiple MNA member states and encompasses the question of how decisions are to be made and responsabilities of an installation state are to be shared in case of a nuclear incident. Principally, a host state of the MNA facility takes on this responsibility. However, in certain situations and in agreement with all MNA member states, such responsibilities can be indirectly shared among all MNA member states. This can be done through internal arrangements within the MNA framework, such as reimbursement to a host state based on pre-agreed shares in accordance with investment and/or making deposits on such reimbursements in case of an incident.
Moving Sustainability Forward: Contributions and Outcomes of the 3rd World Sustainability Forum
Authors: Rosen Marc , La Russa Samanta
Published: January 2014

The 3rd edition of the World Sustainability Forum (WSF) was again a success. This electronic conference, held from 1–30 November 2013 on the platform sciforum.net, attracted more than 160 authors from all over the world, who contributed over 50 papers to the multidisciplinary sections comprising the Forum. This brief report sums up the contributions and discussions generated at the 3rd World Sustainability Forum, and provides an overview of the Forum concept, the presented topical sections and a summary about the output of the discussion. Already aiming for the 4th edition, we include an outlook for the upcoming World Sustainability Forum in 2014. [...]
Active Immunity Induced by Passive IgG Post-Exposure Protection against Ricin
Authors: Hu Charles , Yin Junfei , Chau Damon , Cherwonogrodzky John , Hu Wei-Gang
Published: January 2014

Therapeutic antibodies can confer an instant protection against biothreat agents when administered. In this study, intact IgG and F(ab’)2 from goat anti-ricin hyperimmune sera were compared for the protection against lethal ricin mediated intoxication. Similar ricin-binding affinities and neutralizing activities in vitro were observed between IgG and F(ab’)2 when compared at the same molar concentration. In a murine ricin intoxication model, both IgG and F(ab’)2 could rescue 100% of the mice by one dose (3 nmol) administration of antibodies 1 hour after 5 × LD50 ricin challenge. Nine days later, when the rescued mice received a second ricin challenge (5 × LD50), only the IgG-treated mice survived; the F(ab’)2-treated mice did not. The experimental design excluded the possibility of residual goat IgG responsible for the protection against the second ricin challenge. Results confirmed that the active immunity against ricin in mice was induced quickly following the passive delivery of a single dose of goat IgG post-exposure. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the induced active immunity against ricin in mice lasted at least 5 months. Therefore, passive IgG therapy not only provides immediate protection to the victim after ricin exposure, but also elicits an active immunity against ricin that subsequently results in long term protection.
Effects of Bread Making and Wheat Germ Addition on the Natural Deoxynivalenol Content in Bread
Authors: Giménez Isabel , Blesa Jesús , Herrera Marta , Ariño Agustín
Published: January 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) is a type-B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by several field fungi such as Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum and known to have various toxic effects. This study investigated the effect of the bread making process on the stability of DON in common bread and wheat germ-enriched bread using naturally contaminated ingredients at the level of 560 µg/kg. The concentration of DON and its evolution during bread making were determined by immunoaffinity column cleanup followed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). During the bread making process, DON was reduced by 2.1% after fermentation and dropped by 7.1% after baking, reaching a maximum reduction of 19.8% in the crust as compared with a decrease of 5.6% in the crumb. The addition of 15% wheat germ to the dough did not affect DON stability during bread making, showing an apparent increase of 3.5% after fermentation and a reduction by 10.2% after baking.
Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus Association with Gastric Cancer and Non-Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Martínez-López Juan , Torres Javier , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Mantilla Alejandra , Leal Yelda , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel
Published: January 2014

Different lines of evidence support an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and gastric cancer (GC). The main understood risk factor to develop GC is infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which triggers a local inflammatory response critical for progression from gastritis to GC. The role of EBV in early inflammatory gastric lesions has been poorly studied. A recent study proposed a cutoff value of 2000 EBV particles to identify patients with increased chances of infection of the gastric epithelium, which may favor the inflammatory process. To better understand the role of EBV in cancer progression, we analyzed 75 samples of GC, 147 control samples of non-tumor gastric tissue derived from GC patients and 75 biopsies from patients with non-atrophic gastritis (NAG). A first-round PCR was used for EBV detection in tumor and non-tumor controls and a more sensitive nested PCR for gastritis samples; both PCRs had lower detection limits above the proposed cutoff value. With this strategy 10.67% of GC, 1.3% of non-tumor controls and 8% of gastritis samples were found positive. An EBER1 in situ hybridization showed EBV infection of epithelial cells in GC and in a third of NAG samples, while in the other NAGs infection was restricted to the mononuclear cell infiltrate. EBV-positive GCs were enriched in lace and cribriform patterns, while these rare patterns were not observed in EBV negative samples. Our results support a role for EBV in GC and early precursor lesions, either as directly oncogenic infecting epithelial cells or indirectly as an inflammatory trigger.
Brd4-Mediated Nuclear Retention of the Papillomavirus E2 Protein Contributes to Its Stabilization in Host Cells
Authors: Li Jing , Li Qing , Diaz Jason , You Jianxin
Published: January 2014

Papillomavirus E2 is a multifunctional viral protein that regulates many aspects of the viral life cycle including viral episome maintenance, transcriptional activation, and repression. E2 is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Cellular bromodomain protein Brd4 has been implicated in the stabilization of the E2 protein. E2 normally shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In this study, we demonstrate that E2 ubiquitylation mostly occurs in the cytoplasm. We also find that the interaction with Brd4 promotes nuclear retention of papillomavirus E2 proteins and contributes to their stabilization in the nucleus. Compared to wild type E2 proteins, nuclear-localization-defective mutants are rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway; however, co-expression of Brd4 redirects these mutants into the nucleus and significantly increases their stability. We further demonstrate that tethering E2 proteins to chromatin as either double-bromodomain fusion proteins or histone 2B (H2B) fusion proteins significantly stabilizes the E2 proteins. Our studies suggest that chromatin recruitment of the E2 protein via interaction with Brd4 prevents E2 ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation in the cytoplasm, leading to its stabilization in the nucleus. These studies bring new insights for understanding Brd4-mediated E2 stabilization, and provide an additional mechanism by which the chromatin-associated Brd4 regulates E2 functions.
A New System for Households in Spain to Evaluate and Reduce Their Water Consumption
Authors: Gutierrez-Escolar Alberto , Castillo-Martinez Ana , Gomez-Pulido Jose , Gutierrez-Martinez Jose-Maria , Garcia-Lopez Eva
Published: January 2014

The objective of this paper is to describe a developed model and its corresponding application, known as System to Evaluate the Water Consumption at Home (SEWAT). The aim is to create a new model to evaluate the efficiency of water consumption. Thanks to the input of the water bills by users, the model allows them to check if water consumption is efficient, in order to give them an opportunity to evaluate their water usage. To succeed in it, several researches were tracked in order to establish consumer trends and to identify the most efficient value for this magnitude. Furthermore, a survey was conducted to obtain updated values to validate information from previous studies. However, the main aim of this model is to use the resources efficiently, so it has to be useful accordingly. Therefore, after the evaluation, the application has a section with recommendations for the users to reduce their water consumption through a range of different indications. This section is divided into four: bathroom, kitchen, new appliance and reusing water. Each section shows the expected benefits if the users follow the recommended options. The main result is a unique application in Spain, which includes a system of evaluation, comparison and a section of recommendations for the users. Eventually, the model will have a promising outcome, because it surely will change the awareness of citizens about this subject.
Évêques, canons et liturgie face à l’hérésie (Byzance, VIIIe-XIe siècles)
Authors: Moulet Benjamin
Published: January 2014

Canons speelden een fundamentele rol in de strijd die de Byzantijnse kerk voerde tegen de heresieën en hun aanhangers. Ze stippelden immers de regels uit die de leden van de kerkelijke hiërarchie moesten volgen. In het mesobyzantijnse tijdperk was het canonieke corpus betreffende de heresie relatief beperkt, maar vanaf de XIe

eeuw werd het geleidelijk vervolledigd door een reeks beslissingen getroffen door de patriarchale synode van Constantinopel. Een van de kenmerken van deze canons bestond erin de liturgische procedures te beperken om de bekeerde ketters terug in de Kerk op te nemen. De gevolgde procedures leken sterk op deze die vervat zijn in de euchologen. Voorliggende studie stelt deze verschillende bronnen voor en analyseert ze. Ze onderzoekt de rol van de leden van de kerkelijke hiërarchie in de receptie en de toelating van ketters in de orthodoxe kerk.
Être « hérétique » à Byzance à l’époque des Comnènes
Authors: Atanasova Maria
Published: January 2014

In de Byzantijnse maatschappij, ongeacht de periode, was het steeds de religieuze autoriteit die bepaalde dissidenten aanduidde als ketters en die hun opvattingen definieerde als heresie. Maar de begrippen “ ketters” en “ heresie” werden in de Byzantijnse periode op een andere manier gebruikt dan vandaag. De bestaande bronvertalingen hanteren vaak dezelfde termen om uitdrukkingen aan te duiden die van elkaar verschilden in hun oorspronkelijke context. Voor een niet-kritische blik lijken ze identiek, maar toch bestonden er belangrijke nuances tussen de verschillende uitdrukkingen die ketterse opvattingen beschreven. Heterodoxie was vaak geen persoonlijke keuze. Het ging eerder om een afwijkende manier van denken, zonder dat de betrokken personen zich uit eigen wil onderscheidden van de christelijke gemeenschap. Maar er bestonden ook individuen die zich bewust waren van hun afwijkende keuze ten opzichte van het orthodoxe geloof. Het ging om de aanhangers van religieuze bewegingen als de Bogomielen, de Manichëers of de Paulicianen. Voor de periode 1082-1170 beschikken we over 21 processenverbaal die ons inlichten over de ketterse opvattingen en heterodoxe dogma’s in de Byzantijnse hoofdstad. Indien men ervan beschuldigd werd opvattingen te huldigen die afweken van de orthodoxe religie, kon dit ernstige gevolgen hebben. Wie veroordeeld was door een synodale rechtbank, kon afgezet of geëxcommuniceerd worden, of kon onderworpen worden aan een anathema door de kerkelijke overheid.
Dorst heeft een prijs. Bierprijzen te Lier tussen 1400 en 1800
Authors: Aerts Erik
Published: January 2014

Bierprijzen waren een belangrijke sociale variabele, maar blijven onderbelicht in de literatuur. In dit artikel wordt het prijsmechanisme geanalyseerd in de biersector van Lier tussen 1400 en 1800. Lier was een secundaire stad in het hertogdom Brabant met in die periode zo’n 7000 à 9500 inwoners. Het plaatselijke bierbedrijf beleefde een eerste expansie tijdens de Bourgondische welvaart (1440-1475) en kende een tweede expansiegolf die zich situeerde tussen 1650 en 1720. Een analyse van de bierprijzen toonde aan dat de normale marktmechanismen niet steeds van kracht waren. “ Beheerste” of gereguleerde prijzen (administered prices) waren het gevolg van de interventie van de stedelijke overheid. In de 15de en het grootste deel van de 16de eeuw was de prijsstabiliteit het belangrijkste oogmerk van de autoriteiten. Onder invloed van de aanhoudende prijsinflatie werd in de tweede helft van de 16de eeuw kwaliteitsstabiliteit de leidraad bij het gevoerde beleid. Nog later, tijdens de laatste decennia van de 17de eeuw, kregen de brouwers de mogelijkheid om zowel kwaliteit als prijs van hun brouwsels vrij te bepalen. Voortaan was het enkel verboden om het bier boven officiële maximumprijzen te verkopen. Een confrontatie tussen de bierprijzen en het nominale dagloon van enkele bouwvakkers bevestigt dat bier een relatief goedkoop product was, al schommelt de koopkracht natuurlijk in functie van de biersoort. Het gunstig verloop van de koopkracht tijdens de Bourgondische welvaart brokkelde af in de 16de eeuw om na 1650 terug te stijgen. Het hoge niveau van de 15de eeuw werd niet meer gehaald.
Entre promenades et jardins publics: les loisirs parisiens et londoniens au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Turcot Laurent
Published: January 2014

In dit artikel analyseren we de manier waarop de openbare wandelplaatsen in Parijs en Londen tijdens de 18de eeuw deze twee metropolen hebben bepaald en hoe het Franse en het Britse model elkaar beïnvloedden. Door het onderzoek van stadsarchieven en literaire bronnen (reisgidsen) kunnen we nagaan hoe de stichting, de afbakening en het gebruik van die plaatsen het stadsweefsel van de 18de eeuw hebben vormgegeven en hoe ze één van de definiërende elementen van de moderne stad zijn geworden.
Reflections of a Child. Depicting Healthy Childhood in the 1940s and 1960s
Authors: Van Den Cruyce Nele , Bauwens Joke , Segers Katia
Published: January 2014

L’âge tendre a traversé plusieurs changements au cours du siècle passé. Les enfants se sont transformés d’adultes miniatures, travaillant dans des ateliers, dans des êtres avec des droits spécifiques. Ce changement a modifié la façon dont la société a considéré l’âge tendre et dont les enfants doivent être traités. Cette évolution a été étudiée sur un niveau macro, par exemple à travers l’industrialisation. Toutefois, l’histoire des enfants même a été négligée, bien qu’elle soit des plus intéressantes. C’est ainsi que plusieurs chercheurs ont entamé la recherche d’aspects spécifiques de l’histoire de l’enfance. Cet article analyse la façon dont les médias populaires ont construit et défini l’image de l’enfant sain dans les années 1940 et ’ 60 (deux périodes assez différentes du point de vue social, économique et culturel en ce qui concerne l’enfant, la nourriture et la santé). Comment les enfants étaient-ils représentés et quelle était la signification de cette image pour le discours dominant des deux époques ? Basée sur une analyse quantitative et visuelle de 548 publicités dans Libelle, une revue pour femmes parue depuis les années 1940, nous suivons l’image de l’enfant sain dans la période d’après-guerre en Belgique. Les résultats sont situés par rapport aux transformations de l’enfance, de l’alimentation et de la culture en général en Belgique dans les années 1940 et 1960.
Tratamiento lexicográfico de los compuestos léxicos y cultos en los diccionarios del español
Authors: Buenafuentes de la Mata Cristina
Published: January 2014

Este trabajo examina la práctica lexicográfica en el terreno de la formación de palabras, centrándose, especialmente, en la composición léxica y culta desde los primeros repertorios léxicos hasta la actualidad. Así pues, el propósito de esta investigación es efectuar una propuesta para el tratamiento de este tipo de formaciones en los diccionarios haciendo hincapié en cómo deberían resolverse desde el punto de vista lexicográfico los distintos inconvenientes que plantean los compuestos en el seno de la teoría morfológica.
Overview of Theory and Practice in Library and Information Science Research in Asia-Oceania
Authors: Du Jia Tina , Zhu Qinghua , Koronios Andy
Published: January 2014

This chapter provides a concise overview dealing with the theory and practice in Library and Information Science (LIS) research development in Asia-Oceania. It also provides the reader with an introduction to the sections and the individual chapters of the book. The field of LIS has experienced significant growth, both in the number of LIS schools and research outputs, in recent years in the region. As a professional field, both theory and practice are viewed as equally important for the development of the LIS discipline. In this book, both theoretical as well as practical work in LIS research in Asia-Oceania region is presented.
Research on Web Search and User Search Behaviors in Mainland China
Authors: Liu Chang , Qu Peng , Xu Tao
Published: January 2014

There was a great boom of research on information behaviors, especially Web search behaviors, in the past five years in Mainland China. The research in this area covers a variety of topics, including task, user characteristics, information need, mental model, search strategy, queries and clicks, system related research, etc. This chapter is a review of research on Web search and user search behaviors in Mainland China. The review demonstrates that there are several well-organized teams of researchers in this field, each focusing on different aspects of users’ behaviors, and there is much collaboration between researchers in China and abroad. The review of current research also has suggestions for future research in this filed in Mainland China. More research should be conducted on important issues during the complete search process, like information need, search task, and interactions. In addition, besides survey, log mining, and experiment methods, other methods and more solid research design should be taken into consideration in the future research in Mainland China.
Information Literacy Research
Authors: Gunton Lyndelle , Bruce Christine , Davis Kate
Published: January 2014

Information literacy is an issue of growing global concern. Amidst changing technologies, our information worlds intersect with all aspects of our lives. This chapter introduces the relational approach to information literacy, its evolution, application in contemporary research, and emerging directions. It presents the approach, as introduced by Australian researchers, as an integration of experiential, contextual, and transformational perspectives. The chapter first reflects on the wider information literacy domain and then addresses the development of the relational approach, its fundamental elements and characteristics, as well as its adoption in key contexts. The chapter also explores significant studies that have contributed to its evolution and considers the impact of the development of the relational framework and related research. The chapter concludes with a focus on new directions emerging from the relational understanding of information literacy.
Capturing Scholarly Communication in Southeast Asia
Authors: Choemprayong Songphan
Published: January 2014

One of the objectives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is to promote scientific and research collaboration in order to raise the level of competitiveness in Southeast Asia. Bibliometrics can play an important role in informing science and scholarship policy evaluation and recommendations in this region. Bibliometric researchers have been observing scholarly activities in this region since the 1980s. However, the number of scholarly publications in this region has been relatively low compared to the rest of the world. Most of these bibliometric studies focus on benchmarking research performance between these countries, although they vary in many regards, for instance, in the countries/regions of interest, data sources, and analytical techniques. Evaluation studies of collaboration within this region are evidently rare and mostly focus on collaborations with non-ASEAN countries. By connecting the results of these studies through different periods and methodological perspectives, this chapter discusses the challenges and knowledge gaps in this research area in order to identify potential research topics and approaches for future studies.
Philanthropy, Partnerships, and Corporate Social Responsibility in Academic Libraries
Authors: Khoir Safirotu , Priyanto Ida Fajar
Published: January 2014

Philanthropy, partnerships, and corporate social responsibility are not new forms of collaborations between businesses and the broader community. In Indonesia, these schemes have supported both individuals and institutions for more than a decade. This chapter examines a possible role to be played by institutional, corporate, and foundational partnerships in providing additional facilities, resources, and activities within an academic library in Indonesia. Using the “corners” set up in the main library at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) as a case study, the chapter outlines the contributions made to a vibrant academic institution and its broader community at the regional, national, and international levels through these methods. Understanding how philanthropy, foundations, and corporate social responsibility implemented in a mutual and practical way in an academic institution contributes to a new model of support for the public sector using a partnership scheme that involves the interaction of public, private, and civil sectors.
Mechanism of Neutrophil Dysfunction: Neutrophil Serine Proteases Cleave and Inactivate the C5a Receptor
Authors: van den Berg Carmen W. , Tambourgi Denise V. , Clark Howard W. , Hoong S. Julie , Spiller O. Brad , McGreal Eamon P.
Published: January 2014

Neutrophil dysfunction, resulting in inefficient bacterial clearance, is a feature of several serious medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis (CF) and sepsis. Poorly controlled neutrophil serine protease (NSP) activity and complement activation have been implicated in this phenomenon. The capacity for excess NSP secretion and complement activation to influence the expression and function of the important neutrophil-activating receptor C5aR was investigated. Purified NSPs cathepsin G (CG), neutrophil elastase (NE), and proteinase 3 cleaved C5aR to a 26- to 27-kDa membrane-bound fragment, thereby inactivating its C5a-induced signaling ability. In a supernatant transfer assay, NSPs released from neutrophils in response to C5a induced the cleavage of the C5aR on unstimulated cells. Stimulation of myeolomonocytic U937 cells and purified neutrophils with C5a resulted in downregulation of the C5aR on these cells, which, in the case of U937 cells, was largely caused by NSP-mediated cleavage of C5aR, but in the case of neutrophils, intracellular degradation was likely the main mediator in addition to a small role for NSPs. CG and NE in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from CF patients both contributed to C5aR cleavage. We propose two converging models for C5a- and NSP-mediated neutrophil dysfunction whereby C5aR cleavage is induced by NSPs, secreted in response to: 1) excess C5a generation or other stimuli; or 2) necrosis. The consequent impairment of C5aR activity contributes to suboptimal local neutrophil priming and bacterial clearance. NSP inhibitors with specificity for both CG and NE may aid the treatment of pathologies associated with neutrophil dysfunction including sepsis and CF.
TNF-α–Dependent Hematopoiesis following Bcl11b Deletion in T Cells Restricts Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Uddin Mohammad N. , Zhang Yubin , Harton Jonathan A. , MacNamara Katherine C. , Avram Dorina
Published: January 2014

Using several tumor models, we demonstrate that mice deficient in Bcl11b in T cells, although having reduced numbers of T cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs, developed significantly less tumors compared with wild-type mice. Bcl11b−/− CD4+ T cells, with elevated TNF-α levels, but not the Bcl11b−/− CD8+ T cells, were required for the reduced tumor burden, as were NK1.1+ cells, found in increased numbers in Bcl11bF/F/CD4-Cre mice. Among NK1.1+ cells, the NK cell population was predominant in number and was the only population displaying elevated granzyme B levels and increased degranulation, although not increased proliferation. Although the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells was increased in the lungs with metastatic tumors of Bcl11bF/F/CD4-Cre mice, their arginase-1 levels were severely reduced. The increase in NK cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers was associated with increased bone marrow and splenic hematopoiesis. Finally, the reduced tumor burden, increased numbers of NK cells in the lung, and increased hematopoiesis in Bcl11bF/F/CD4-Cre mice were all dependent on TNF-α. Moreover, TNF-α treatment of wild-type mice also reduced the tumor burden and increased hematopoiesis and the numbers and activity of NK cells in the lung. In vitro treatment with TNF-α of lineage-negative hematopoietic progenitors increased NK and myeloid differentiation, further supporting a role of TNF-α in promoting hematopoiesis. These studies reveal a novel role for TNF-α in the antitumor immune response, specifically in stimulating hematopoiesis and increasing the numbers and activity of NK cells.
CD8+ T Cells Are Activated in an Antigen-Independent Manner in HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Bastidas Sonia , Graw Frederik , Smith Miranda Z. , Kuster Herbert , Günthard Huldrych F. , Oxenius Annette
Published: January 2014

Hyperactivation of T cells, particularly of CD8+ T cells, is a hallmark of chronic HIV 1 (HIV-1) infection. Little is known about the antigenic specificities and the mechanisms by which HIV-1 causes activation of CD8+ T cells during chronic infection. We report that CD8+ T cells were activated during in vivo HIV-1 replication irrespective of their Ag specificity. Cytokines present during untreated HIV-1 infection, most prominently IL-15, triggered proliferation and expression of activation markers in CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, in the absence of TCR stimulation. Moreover, LPS or HIV-1–activated dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated CD8+ T cells in an IL-15–dependent but Ag-independent manner, and IL-15 expression was highly increased in DCs isolated from viremic HIV-1 patients, suggesting that CD8+ T cells are activated by inflammatory cytokines in untreated HIV-1 patients independent of Ag specificity. This finding contrasts with CD4+ T cells whose in vivo activation seems biased toward specificities for persistent Ags. These observations explain the higher abundance of activated CD8+ T cells compared with CD4+ T cells in untreated HIV-1 infection.
IL-21 Contributes to Fatal Inflammatory Disease in the Absence of Foxp3+ T Regulatory Cells
Authors: Vogelzang Alexis , McGuire Helen M. , Liu Sue M. , Gloss Brian , Mercado Karessa , Earls Peter , Dinger Marcel E. , Batten Marcel , Sprent Jonathan , King Cecile
Published: January 2014

The cytokine IL-21 has been shown to influence immune responses through both costimulatory effects on effector T cells and opposing inhibitory effects on T regulatory cells (Tregs). To distinguish the effect of IL-21 on the immune system from that of its effect on Tregs, we analyzed the role of IL-21/IL-21R signaling in mice made genetically deficient in IL-2, which exhibit a deficit in IL-2–dependent Foxp3 regulatory T cells and suffer from a fatal multiorgan inflammatory disease. Our findings demonstrate that in the absence of IL-21/IL-21R signaling, Il2−/− mice retained a deficiency in Tregs yet exhibited a reduced and delayed inflammatory disease. The improved health of Il2−/−Il21r−/− mice was reflected in reduced pancreatitis and hemolytic anemia and this was associated with distinct changes in lymphocyte effector populations, including the reduced expansion of both T follicular helper cells and Th17 cells and a compensatory increase in IL-22 in the absence of IL-21R. IL-21/IL-21R interactions were also important for the expansion of effector and memory CD8+ T cells, which were critical for the development of pancreatitis in Il2−/− mice. These findings demonstrate that IL-21 is a major target of immune system regulation.