bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Complications in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Larkin Mary E. , Barnie Annette , Braffett Barbara H. , Cleary Patricia A. , Diminick Lisa , Harth Judy , Gatcomb Patricia , Golden Ellen , Lipps Janie , Lorenzi Gayle , Mahony Carol , Nathan David M. ,   the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Research Group
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

The development of periarticular thickening of skin on the hands and limited joint mobility (cheiroarthropathy) is associated with diabetes and can lead to significant disability. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of cheiroarthropathy in the well-characterized Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) cohort and examine associated risk factors, microvascular complications, and the effect of former DCCT therapy (intensive [INT] vs. conventional [CONV]) on its development.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis was performed in 1,217 participants (95% of the active cohort) in EDIC years 18/19 after an average of 24 years of follow-up. Cheiroarthropathy—defined as the presence of any one of the following: adhesive capsulitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, flexor tenosynovitis, Dupuytren's contracture, or a positive prayer sign—was assessed using a targeted medical history and standardized physical examination. A self-administered questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) assessed functional disability.

RESULTS

Cheiroarthropathy was present in 66% of subjects (64% of the INT group and 68% of the CONV group; P = 0.1640) and was associated with age, sex, diabetes duration, skin intrinsic fluorescence, HbA1c, neuropathy, and retinopathy (P < 0.005 for each). DASH functional disability scores were worse among subjects with cheiroarthropathy (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cheiroarthropathy is common in people with type 1 diabetes of long duration (∼30 years) and is related to longer duration and higher levels of glycemia. Clinicians should include cheiroarthropathy in their routine history and physical examination of patients with type 1 diabetes because it causes clinically significant functional disability.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE SLIDING MODE CONTROL DESIGN: ANTI–LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: Perie Staniša Lj. , Antic Dragan S. , Nikolic Vlastimir D. , Mitic Darko B. , Milojkovic Marko T. , Nikolic Šaša S.
Published: April 2014

In this paper we introduce a new approach to the sliding mode control design based on orthogonal models. First, we discuss the sliding mode control based on a model given in controllable canonical form. Then, we design almost orthogonal filters based on almost orthogonal polynomials of M¨untz-Legendre type. The advantage of the almost orthogonal filters is that they can be used for the modelling and analysis of systems with nonlinearities and imperfections. Herein, we use a designed filter to obtain several linearized models of an unknown system in different working areas. For each of these linearized models, corresponding sliding mode controller is designed and the switching between controls laws depends only on input signal. The experimental results and comparative analysis with relay control, already installed in laboratory equipment, verify the efficiency and excellent performance of such a control in the case of anti-lock braking system.
MULTI–CHANNEL ADJUSTABLE DC POWER SUPPLY WITH SINGLE TRANSFORMER BASED ON SPECTRAL SEPARATION
Authors: Benfeng Zhang , Huafeng Li , Sunan Li
Published: April 2014

To meet the need of multi-channel DC power supply to activate multiple macro fiber composite (MFC) material simultaneously, a novel multi-channel adjustable DC supply using single-input single-output transformer based on spectral separation is proposed. A hybrid signal containing multiple frequency bands is boosted to obtain a high-voltage signal without bands change. Several frequency selection circuits are then used to separate individual signals in different frequency band from the high-voltage signal. Finally, these signals are rectified and filtered respectively to obtain multiple channel DC voltages. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is analyzed theoretically and verified by simulation. The hybrid signal containing multiple frequency bands is constructed by MCU (Micro Control Unit) and boosted using push-pull boost circuit. Low-pass, band-pass and high-pass frequency selection circuits are used to obtain the individual high-voltage signal in different frequency bands, and the amplitude frequency response characteristics of these filters are simulated using PSpice. Experimental results prove that each part of the scheme runs reliable and the output is stable and adjustable.
LATEST PROGRESS OF FAULT DETECTION AND LOCALIZATION IN COMPLEX ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Wang Can , Zhang Yagang , Sun Yi
Published: April 2014

In the researches of complex electrical engineering, efficient fault detection and localization schemes are essential to quickly detect and locate faults so that appropriate and timely corrective mitigating and maintenance actions can be taken. In this paper, under the current measurement precision of PMU, we will put forward a new type of fault detection and localization technology based on fault factor feature extraction. Lots of simulating experiments indicate that, although there are disturbances of white Gaussian stochastic noise, based on fault factor feature extraction principal, the fault detection and localization results are still accurate and reliable, which also identifies that the fault detection and localization technology has strong anti-interference ability and great redundancy.
Bargaining with the Devil
Authors: Hasso Frances S.
Published: April 2014

Since the 1980s, an explosion in state, international, and nongovernmental campaigns and programs propose to increase women’s rights and protections in Arab countries. Women and women’s rights activists often invite and appeal to male-dominated states to regulate, intervene, or change the rules in sexual and family life in order to address a range of problems and challenges, including lack of economic and other resources, political and citizenship exclusions, or intimate violence. What are the implications of relying on states as the main arbiters of rights and protections? This is a longstanding feminist question whose answer hinges on underlying assumptions and theories about states and governance. Reliance on states as the primary sources of protection and support in intimate life has largely worked to rearticulate gendered, economic, and other inequitable power relations, bolster states, reconstitute state authority over intimate domains, and limit possibilities for gendered, sexual, and kin subjectivities and affinities. This dynamic may be metaphorically described as a “devil’s bargain” since state-delivered rights and protections in these realms are so often attached to important restrictions and foreclosures. The article conceptually and theoretically expands on my research on family law projects in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates in Consuming Desires: Family Crisis and the State in the Middle East (Stanford University Press, 2011). Its title is inspired by Deniz Kandiyoti’s influential article, “Bargaining with Patriarchy” (Gender & Society, 1988), which I re-engage for analytical purposes.
Results of a North American survey of rapid-sequence MRI utilization to evaluate cerebral ventricles in children
Authors: Thompson Eric M. , Baird Lissa C. , Selden Nathan R.
Published: April 2014

Object

Growing concern about potential adverse effects of ionizing radiation exposure during imaging studies is particularly relevant to the pediatric population. To decrease radiation exposure, many institutions use rapid-sequence (or quick-brain) MRI to evaluate cerebral ventricle size. There are obstacles, however, to widespread implementation of this imaging modality. The purpose of this study was to define and quantify these obstacles to positively affect institutional and governmental policy.

Methods

A 9-question survey was emailed to pediatric neurosurgeons who were either members or candidate members of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons at every one of 101 institutions in the US and Canada having such a neurosurgeon on staff. Responses were compiled and descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Fifty-six institutions completed the survey. Forty-four (79%) of the 56 institutions currently have a rapid-sequence MRI protocol to evaluate ventricle size, while 36 (64%) use it routinely. Of the 44 institutions with a rapid-sequence MRI protocol, 29 (66%) have had a rapid-sequence MRI protocol for less than 5 years while 39 (89%) have had a rapid-sequence MRI protocol for no more than 10 years. Thirty-six (88%) of 41 rapid-sequence MRI users responding to this question obtain a T2-weighted rapid-sequence MRI while 13 (32%) obtain a T1-weighted rapid-sequence MRI. Twenty-eight (64%) of 44 institutions never use sedation while an additional 12 (27%) rarely use sedation to obtain a rapid-sequence MRI (less than 5% of studies). Of the institutions with an established rapid-sequence MRI protocol, obstacles to routine use include lack of emergency access to MRI facilities in 18 (41%), lack of staffing of MRI facilities in 12 (27%), and the inability to reimburse a rapid-sequence MRI protocol in 6 (14%). In the 12 institutions without rapid-sequence MRI, obstacles to implementation include lack of emergency access to MRI facilities in 8 (67%), lack of staffing of MRI facilities in 7 (58%), the inability to reimburse in 3 (25%), and lack of administrative support in 3 (25%). To evaluate pediatric head trauma, 53 (96%) of 55 institutions responding to this question use noncontrast CT, no institution uses rapid-sequence MRI, and only 2 (4%) use standard MRI.

Conclusions

Many North American institutions have a rapid-sequence MRI protocol to evaluate ventricle size, with most developing this technique within the past 5 years. Most institutions never use sedation, and most obtain T2-weighted sequences. The greatest obstacles to the routine use of rapid-sequence MRI in institutions with and in those without a rapid-sequence MRI protocol are the lack of emergency access and staffing of the MRI facility during nights and weekends.
Neuro-ophthalmic effects of stenting across the ophthalmic artery origin in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Heller Robert S. , Lawlor Claire M. , Hedges Thomas R. , Bababekov Yanik J. , Safain Mina G. , Malek Adel M.
Published: April 2014

Object

The benefits of treating intracranial aneurysms in the region of the anterior visual pathways are well understood. However, the adverse effects of endovascular stenting across the ophthalmic artery have received little attention. The authors reviewed their experience with patients who had stents deployed across the ophthalmic artery origin.

Methods

Patients' medical charts and imaging studies were reviewed to identify all patients with a non–flow diverting stent deployed over the ophthalmic artery origin for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. All patients with neuro-ophthalmic complaints were referred for formal ophthalmological evaluation.

Results

A total of 104 consecutive patients with 106 aneurysms were identified to meet criteria for inclusion in the study cohort. Preoperatively, 30 patients (29%) described headache symptoms and 32 patients (31%) reported visual complaints. Of the patients with preoperative headaches, 15 (54%) of 28 patients for whom follow-up was available experienced improvement in their symptoms. Of the patients with preoperative visual complaints, improvement was noted in 11 (41%) of the 27 patients for whom follow-up was available, 9 (33%) of 27 patients reported no change in visual symptoms, and 7 (26%) of 27 patients reported progression of symptoms. Visual field defects developing posttreatment were noted to occur in 8 (7.7%) of 104 patients: 3 with immediate postoperative retinal infarcts, 1 with perioperative hemianopia that resolved by the time of discharge, 1 with a subjective visual field defect, 1 with subjective migratory visual field defects, and 2 with nonspecific visual symptoms. Compressive symptoms from aneurysm mass effect were noted in 6 patients preoperatively, with 4 of those patients experiencing persistent worsening, resolution in 1 case, and no change in 1 case. One patient developed a novel cranial nerve palsy from mass effect in the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusions

Deployment of stents across the ophthalmic artery origin for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms appears to be relatively safe with regard to visual outcomes. Neuro-ophthalmic complaint resolution rates were comparable to endovascular procedures that do not employ stents, with headache resolution rates comparable to coil-only aneurysm obliteration and low rates of retinal ischemic events. For patients presenting with mass effect, stent-assisted coiling appears to be less effective than microsurgery with decompression for relief of compressive symptoms.
Safety and accuracy of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw insertion for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine: a matched cohort comparison
Authors: Schatlo Bawarjan , Molliqaj Granit , Cuvinciuc Victor , Kotowski Marc , Schaller Karl , Tessitore Enrico
Published: April 2014

Object

Recent years have been marked by efforts to improve the quality and safety of pedicle screw placement in spinal instrumentation. The aim of the present study is to compare the accuracy of the SpineAssist robot system with conventional fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw placement.

Methods

Ninety-five patients suffering from degenerative disease and requiring elective lumbar instrumentation were included in the study. The robot cohort (Group I; 55 patients, 244 screws) consisted of an initial open robot-assisted subgroup (Subgroup IA; 17 patients, 83 screws) and a percutaneous cohort (Subgroup IB, 38 patients, 161 screws). In these groups, pedicle screws were placed under robotic guidance and lateral fluoroscopic control. In the fluoroscopy-guided cohort (Group II; 40 patients, 163 screws) screws were inserted using anatomical landmarks and lateral fluoroscopic guidance. The primary outcome measure was accuracy of screw placement on the Gertzbein-Robbins scale (Grade A to E and R [revised]). Secondary parameters were duration of surgery, blood loss, cumulative morphine, and length of stay.

Results

In the robot group (Group I), a perfect trajectory (A) was observed in 204 screws (83.6%). The remaining screws were graded B (n = 19 [7.8%]), C (n = 9 [3.7%]), D (n = 4 [1.6%]), E (n = 2 [0.8%]), and R (n = 6 [2.5%]). In the fluoroscopy-guided group (Group II), a completely intrapedicular course graded A was found in 79.8% (n = 130). The remaining screws were graded B (n = 12 [7.4%]), C (n = 10 [6.1%]), D (n = 6 [3.7%]), and E (n = 5 [3.1%]). The comparison of “clinically acceptable” (that is, A and B screws) was neither different between groups (I vs II [p = 0.19]) nor subgroups (Subgroup IA vs IB [p = 0.81]; Subgroup IA vs Group II [p = 0.53]; Subgroup IB vs Group II [p = 0.20]). Blood loss was lower in the robot-assisted group than in the fluoroscopy-guided group, while duration of surgery, length of stay, and cumulative morphine dose were not statistically different.

Conclusions

Robot-guided pedicle screw placement is a safe and useful tool for assisting spine surgeons in degenerative spine cases. Nonetheless, technical difficulties remain and fluoroscopy backup is advocated.
Serum Lipid Profile, Serum Magnesium and Fasting Serum Glucose in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Karim R , Nargis W , Begum KA , Subhan SS , Uddin MN
Published: April 2014

Type 2 diabetes is considered as a major health burden due to its rising prevalence and disabling, life threatening complications. Dyslipidemia, often coexisting with T2DM as a feature of insulin resistance, is hypothesized to be linked with altered magnesium homeostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the serum magnesium levels and its influence on serum lipids in type 2 diabetics. Lipid profile, serum magnesium (Mg) and fasting serum glucose (FSG) were measured in 30 newly diagnosed normotensive type 2 diabetic patients chosen as cases (Group II) just before introducing any treatment, and was compared with that of 30 healthy controls (Group I). The serum magnesium was found to be significantly lower (p<0.001) and LDL-c was found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) in cases. The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association of FSG to serum magnesium (r= -0.720), total cholesterol (r=-0.483) and a positive correlation to HDL-c (r=-0.440). However, serum magnesium showed a significant positive relation only with serum HDL-c (r =0.372, p<0.05). Serum magnesium and lipid fractions showed wide range of variation within the normal reference ranges in the newly diagnosed T2D subjects. Further large scale studies are needed to elucidate the association of serum magnesium with lipid profile changes. Estimation of serum magnesium level may prove useful in T2DM with normal or abnormal lipid levels or in those who are prone to develop dyslipidemia or certain complications associated with dyslipidemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i1.18572 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(1): 4-8
Dyslipidemia in Insulin Resistance: Cause or Effect
Authors: Al-Mahmood AK , Afrin SF , Hoque N
Published: April 2014

Lipids are of one of the four basic types of molecules of life and its derivatives serve diverse functions in the body. Generally acclaimed functions of lipids include shock absorption and insulation, and energy storage of the body. Phospholipids and cholesterol form the integral part of cell membrane. In addition cholesterol serves as the precursor for bile salts, male and female sex hormones, vitamin D and adrenocortical hormones. Complex lipids consist of neutral lipid core of cholesterol esters and or triacylglycerol and proteins are the chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL which serve as the carriers of fats, fatty acids and other lipids in the body. Complex lipids are tightly controlled in the body. Its dysregulation has been mainly linked to obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance though the issue is yet to be clearly understood. The present review evaluates recent reports in this regards and try to explain the relationship between dyspidemia and insulin resistance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v7i1.18576 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2014; 7(1): 27-31
The Lag Effects and Vulnerabilities of Temperature Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in a Subtropical Climate Zone in China
Authors: Huang Jixia , Wang Jinfeng , Yu Weiwei
Published: April 2014

This research quantifies the lag effects and vulnerabilities of temperature effects on cardiovascular disease in Changsha—a subtropical climate zone of China. A Poisson regression model within a distributed lag nonlinear models framework was used to examine the lag effects of cold- and heat-related CVD mortality. The lag effect for heat-related CVD mortality was just 0–3 days. In contrast, we observed a statistically significant association with 10–25 lag days for cold-related CVD mortality. Low temperatures with 0–2 lag days increased the mortality risk for those ≥65 years and females. For all ages, the cumulative effects of cold-related CVD mortality was 6.6% (95% CI: 5.2%–8.2%) for 30 lag days while that of heat-related CVD mortality was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.0%–7.9%) for 3 lag days. We found that in Changsha city, the lag effect of hot temperatures is short while the lag effect of cold temperatures is long. Females and older people were more sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures than males and younger people.
Preparation of Lung-Targeting, Emodin-Loaded Polylactic Acid Microspheres and Their Properties
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Yang Zifeng , Sun Renshan , Mo Ziyao , Jin Guangyao , Wei Fenghuan , Hu Jianmin , Guan Wenda , Zhong Nanshan
Published: April 2014

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) has been identified to have the potential to improve lung fibrosis and lung cancer. To avoid the liver and kidney toxicities and the fast metabolism of emodin, emodin-loaded polylactic acid microspheres (ED-PLA-MS) were prepared and their characteristics were studied. ED-PLA-MS were prepared by the organic phase dispersion-solvent diffusion method. By applying an orthogonal design, our results indicated that the optimal formulation was 12 mg/mL PLA, 0.5% gelatin, and an organic phase:glycerol ratio of 1:20. Using the optimal experimental conditions, the drug loading and encapsulation efficiencies were (19.0 ± 1.8)% and (62.2 ± 2.6)%, respectively. The average particle size was 9.7 ± 0.7 μm. In vitro studies indicated that the ED-PLA-MS demonstrated a well-sustained release efficacy. The microspheres delivered emodin, primarily to the lungs of mice, upon intravenous injection. It was also detected by microscopy that partial lung inflammation was observed in lung tissues and no pathological changes were found in other tissues of the ED-PLA-MS-treated animals. These results suggested that ED-PLA-MS are of potential value in treating lung diseases in animals.
Precursor Mediated Synthesis of Nanostructured Silicas: From Precursor-Surfactant Ion Pairs to Structured Materials
Authors: Hesemann Peter , Nguyen Thy , Hankari Samir
Published: April 2014

The synthesis of nanostructured anionic-surfactant-templated mesoporous silica (AMS) recently appeared as a new strategy for the formation of nanostructured silica based materials. This method is based on the use of anionic surfactants together with a co-structure-directing agent (CSDA), mostly a silylated ammonium precursor. The presence of this CSDA is necessary in order to create ionic interactions between template and silica forming phases and to ensure sufficient affinity between the two phases. This synthetic strategy was for the first time applied in view of the synthesis of surface functionalized silica bearing ammonium groups and was then extended on the formation of materials functionalized with anionic carboxylate and bifunctional amine-carboxylate groups. In the field of silica hybrid materials, the “anionic templating” strategy has recently been applied for the synthesis of silica hybrid materials from cationic precursors. Starting from di- or oligosilylated imidazolium and ammonium precursors, only template directed hydrolysis-polycondensation reactions involving complementary anionic surfactants allowed accessing structured ionosilica hybrid materials. The mechanistic particularity of this approach resides in the formation of precursor-surfactant ion pairs in the hydrolysis-polycondensation mixture. This review gives a systematic overview over the various types of materials accessed from this cooperative ionic templating approach and highlights the high potential of this original strategy for the formation of nanostructured silica based materials which appears as a complementary strategy to conventional soft templating approaches.
Numerical Construction of Viable Sets for Autonomous Conflict Control Systems
Authors: Botkin Nikolai , Turova Varvara
Published: April 2014

A conflict control system with state constraints is under consideration. A method for finding viability kernels (the largest subsets of state constraints where the system can be confined) is proposed. The method is related to differential games theory essentially developed by N. N. Krasovskii and A. I. Subbotin. The viability kernel is constructed as the limit of sets generated by a Pontryagin-like backward procedure. This method is implemented in the framework of a level set technique based on the computation of limiting viscosity solutions of an appropriate Hamilton–Jacobi equation. To fulfill this, the authors adapt their numerical methods formerly developed for solving time-dependent Hamilton–Jacobi equations arising from problems with state constraints. Examples of computing viability sets are given.
Five Withanolides from the Leaves of Datura metel L. and Their Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Yang Bing-You , Guo Rui , Li Ting , Liu Yan , Wang Chang-Fu , Shu Zun-Peng , Wang Zhi-Bin , Zhang Jing , Xia Yong-Gang , Jiang Hai , Wang Qiu-Hong , Kuang Hai-Xue
Published: April 2014

Four new withanolides named dmetelins A–D (compounds 1–4), along with the known compound 7α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2,5,24-trienolide (5) were isolated from the leaves of Datura metel L. (Solanaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry data. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 showed significant inhibitory activities, and compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 17.8, 11.6, 14.9, 33.3 and 28.6 μM, respectively.
MALDI-TOF MS Analysis of Cellodextrins and Xylo-oligosaccharides Produced by Hindgut Homogenates of Reticulitermes santonensis
Authors: Brasseur Catherine , Bauwens Julien , Tarayre Cédric , Mattéotti Christel , Thonart Philippe , Destain Jacqueline , Francis Frédéric , Haubruge Eric , Portetelle Daniel , Vandenbol Micheline , Focant Jean-François , De Pauw Edwin
Published: April 2014

Hindgut homogenates of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis were incubated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), crystalline celluloses or xylan substrates. Hydrolysates were analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The method was first set up using acid hydrolysis analysis to characterize non-enzymatic profiles. Commercial enzymes of Trichoderma reesei or T. longibrachiatum were also tested to validate the enzymatic hydrolysis analysis. For CMC hydrolysis, data processing and visual display were optimized to obtain comprehensive profiles and allow rapid comparison and evaluation of enzymatic selectivity, according to the number of substituents of each hydrolysis product. Oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization (DPs) ranging from three to 12 were measured from CMC and the enzymatic selectivity was demonstrated. Neutral and acidic xylo-oligosaccharides with DPs ranging from three to 11 were measured from xylan substrate. These results are of interest for lignocellulose biomass valorization and demonstrated the potential of termites and their symbiotic microbiota as a source of interesting enzymes for oligosaccharides production.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of Some Synthetic Riparin-Derived Compounds
Authors: Nunes Geandra , Policarpo Paola , Costa Luciana , Da Silva Teresinha , Militão Gardenia , Câmara Celso , Barbosa Filho José , Gutierrez Stanley , Islam Mohammed , De Freitas Rivelilson
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to study the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on tumor cells lines of six synthetic substances derived from riparins. All the substances showed antioxidant activity and riparins C, D, E, F presented cell growth inhibition rates greater than 70%, suggesting that these molecules have antitumor properties. These substances also caused greater than 80% releases of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH). Although the antioxidant and antitumor properties presented herein require further assessment, the outcomes indicate that these novel riparins are promising biologically active compounds.
Detailed Distribution of Lipids in Greenshell™ Mussel (Perna canaliculus)
Authors: Miller Matthew , Pearce Luke , Bettjeman Bodhi
Published: April 2014

Greenshell™ mussels (GSM–Perna canaliculus) are a source of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Farmed GSM are considered to be a sustainable source of LC-PUFA as they require no dietary inputs, gaining all of their oil by filter-feeding microorganisms from sea water. GSM oil is a high-value product, with a value as much as 1000 times that of fish oils. GSM oil has important health benefits, for example, anti-inflammatory activity. It also contains several minor lipid components that are not present in most fish oil products, and that have their own beneficial effects on human health. We have shown the lipid content of the female GSM (1.9 g/100 g ww) was significantly greater than that of the male (1.4 g/100 g ww). Compared with male GSM, female GSM contained more n-3 LC-PUFA, and stored a greater proportion of total lipid in the gonad and mantle. The higher lipid content in the female than the male GSM is most likely related to gamete production. This information will be useful to optimize extraction of oils from GSM, a local and sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFA.
Vitamin D and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Studies with and without Biological Flaws
Authors: Spedding Simon
Published: April 2014

Efficacy of Vitamin D supplements in depression is controversial, awaiting further literature analysis. Biological flaws in primary studies is a possible reason meta-analyses of Vitamin D have failed to demonstrate efficacy. This systematic review and meta-analysis of Vitamin D and depression compared studies with and without biological flaws. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was undertaken through four databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies were critically appraised for methodological quality and biological flaws, in relation to the hypothesis and study design. Meta-analyses were performed for studies according to the presence of biological flaws. The 15 RCTs identified provide a more comprehensive evidence-base than previous systematic reviews; methodological quality of studies was generally good and methodology was diverse. A meta-analysis of all studies without flaws demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression with Vitamin D supplements (+0.78 CI +0.24, +1.27). Studies with biological flaws were mainly inconclusive, with the meta-analysis demonstrating a statistically significant worsening in depression by taking Vitamin D supplements (−1.1 CI −0.7, −1.5). Vitamin D supplementation (≥800 I.U. daily) was somewhat favorable in the management of depression in studies that demonstrate a change in vitamin levels, and the effect size was comparable to that of anti-depressant medication.
Connexin 43 Gene Therapy Delivered by Polymer-Modified Salmonella in Murine Tumor Models
Authors: Wang Wei-Kuang , Kuan Yu-Diao , Kuo Chun-Yu , Lee Che-Hsin
Published: April 2014

The use of preferentially tumor-targeting bacteria as vectors is one of the most innovative approaches for the treatment of cancer. This method is based on the observation that some obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria are capable of selectively multiplying in tumors and inhibiting their growth. Previously, we found that the tumor-targeting efficiency of Salmonella could be modulated by modifying the immune response to these bacteria by coating them with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), and these organisms are designated PAH-S.C. (S. choleraesuis). PAH can provide a useful platform for the chemical modification of Salmonella, perhaps by allowing a therapeutic gene to bind to tumor-targeting Salmonella. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of the use of PAH-S.C. for gene delivery. To evaluate this modulation, the invasion activity and gene transfer of DNA-PAH-S.C. were measured in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with PAH-S.C. carrying a tumor suppressor gene (connexin 43) resulted in inhibition of tumor growth, which suggested that tumor-targeted gene therapy using PAH-S.C. carrying a therapeutic gene could exert antitumor activities. This technique represents a promising strategy for the treatment of tumors.
A Secure-Enhanced Data Aggregation Based on ECC in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Yang Geng , He Liwen
Published: April 2014

Data aggregation is an important technique for reducing the energy consumption of sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, compromised aggregators may forge false values as the aggregated results of their child nodes in order to conduct stealthy attacks or steal other nodes’ privacy. This paper proposes a Secure-Enhanced Data Aggregation based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (SEDA-ECC). The design of SEDA-ECC is based on the principles of privacy homomorphic encryption (PH) and divide-and-conquer. An aggregation tree disjoint method is first adopted to divide the tree into three subtrees of similar sizes, and a PH-based aggregation is performed in each subtree to generate an aggregated subtree result. Then the forged result can be identified by the base station (BS) by comparing the aggregated count value. Finally, the aggregated result can be calculated by the BS according to the remaining results that have not been forged. Extensive analysis and simulations show that SEDA-ECC can achieve the highest security level on the aggregated result with appropriate energy consumption compared with other asymmetric schemes.
An N-Terminal Fragment of Yeast Ribosomal Protein L3 Inhibits the Cytotoxicity of Pokeweed Antiviral Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Di Rong , Tumer Nilgun
Published: April 2014

We have previously shown that ribosomal protein L3 is required for pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), a type I ribosome inactivating protein, to bind to ribosomes and depurinate the α-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) in yeast. Co-expression of the N-terminal 99 amino acids of yeast L3 (L3Δ99) with PAP in transgenic tobacco plants completely abolished the toxicity of PAP. In this study, we investigated the interaction between PAP and L3Δ99 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast cells co-transformed with PAP and L3Δ99 showed markedly reduced growth inhibition and reduced rRNA depurination by PAP, compared to cells transformed with PAP alone. Co-transformation of yeast with PAP and L3Δ21 corresponding to the highly conserved N-terminal 21 amino acids of L3Δ99, reduced the cytotoxicity of PAP. PAP mRNA and protein levels were elevated and L3Δ99 or L3Δ21 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in yeast co-transformed with PAP and L3Δ99 or with PAP and L3Δ21, respectively. PAP interacted with L3Δ21 in yeast cells in vivo and by Biacore analysis in vitro, suggesting that the interaction between L3Δ21 and PAP may inhibit PAP-mediated depurination of the SRL, leading to a reduction in the cytotoxicity of PAP.
Géographie rurale des nouvelles colonies du Haut Uruguay (Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil)
Authors: Pébayle Raymond
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

Dernière étape du peuplement du Rio Grande do Sul, la colonisation de la région forestière du Haut Uruguay date du début du siècle et a été réalisée selon des principes nouveaux (en particulier, distribution de lots de 25 hectares seulement). Les systèmes de culture actuels du nouveau colon sont partiellement empruntés au milieu brésilien. Malgré la minutie des façons culturales et le développement de types de productions commerciales, les sols s'épuisent. L'habitat constitue un reflet fidèle de cette société paysanne partagée entre des habitudes européennes du XIXe siècle et des techniques de culture restées, par certains côtés, semi-extensives. Ce milieu rural est en crise comme le montrent la faiblesse des revenus paysans et les migrations interforêts qui tendent à vider le Haut Uruguay au profit de l'Ouest du Santa Catarina et Parana. S'il est vrai que l'exiguïté des lots primitifs justifie en partie cet exode, le caractère arriéré des systèmes de culture a aussi largement contribué à la crise actuelle de cette nouvelle colonisation. L'isolement dont a toujours souffert cette région, apparaît comme le facteur fondamental des difficultés actuelles.
Notes de morphologie glaciaire sur la haute vallée du Rio Elqui (Province de Coquimbo, Chili)
Authors: Paskoff Roland
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

La Cordillère de l'Elqui (30° lat. S.), haute montagne aride, ne présente aujourd'hui que des formes glaciaires résiduelles au-dessus de 4.000 m d'altitude (glaciers rocheux). Mais les glaciations quaternaires ont revêtu une grande ampleur. Un complexe morainique terminal, très bien conservé, prouve l'existence, pendant la dernière grande époque froide, d'un glacier long de quelque 40 km qui occupait alors la vallée du Rio La Laguna jusqu'à une altitude de 3.100 m. Des formations morainiques plus anciennes vers 2.500 m suggèrent une pulsation glaciaire encore plus forte. Enfin des dépôts probablement glaciaires du Quaternaire ancien ont été repérés vers 1.700 m.
Les débits mensuels des cours d'eau glaciaires de la Haute-Arve
Authors: Gaudet Françoise
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

Ce travail est un essai d'analyse quantitative des différents modes d'alimentation des cours d'eau glaciaire de la Haute-Arve, pour la décennie (oct. 1954-sept. 1964), pendant laquelle le bilan des glaciers est faiblement négatif. La part des précipitations liquides se maintient entre 30 et 40 % ; la fusion nivale, dominante en avril (70 %), diminue jusqu'en septembre (5 %). La fusion glaciaire débute en mai et croît jusqu'en septembre, où elle atteint 60 %.

La distribution des surfaces en altitude explique largement les disparités entre les débits des cours d'eau glaciaires voisins.
Les inselberg granitiques de la Meseta ibérique méridionale.
Authors: Chaput J.-L.
Published: April 2014

Résumé

L'Extremadure espagnole, dans sa partie centrale, se présente comme un vaste ensemble de pédiments taillés aux dépens du socle granito-gneissique hercynien et dominés par des inselberg. Les plus importants, ceux de Montanchez, sont formés de matériel granitique, ce qui est exceptionnel dans la partie méridionale de la Meseta ibérique. On ne peut y voir des horst car les failles limitant ces blocs n'ont pas rejoué à une date récente. Il s'agît donc d'un granite particulièrement dur. L'unique explication de cette dureté réside dans une porosité plus faible.
Les villes de Côte-d'Ivoire. Une méthode d'approche par l'étude des équipements tertiaires
Authors: Cotten A.M.
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

Les équipements tertiaires des villes de Côte-d'Ivoire peuvent se diviser en trois secteurs : les services du secteur public, du secteur privé et ceux qui assurent l'équipement interne de la ville. La récapitulation de ces services et l'attribution d'indices permettent de classer les villes selon leur niveau d'équipement et la part respective du secteur public et du secteur privé. Ils révèlent l'importance prise dans ce pays par l'encadrement administratif et l 'apparition d'un secteur privé dans les centres de la Basse-Côte-d'Ivoire.
Etude des débits de charriage sur le Cady en utilisant les traceurs radioactifs
Authors: Courtois Guy , Mussot Roland
Published: April 2014

Summary.

The river Cady, a tributary of the Tet, rises on the north face of the Canigou and flows through the basin of Vernet-les-Bains. Spring and autumn rainfall are both intense and abundant in the region, and maximum floodwater appears at that time. The transportation of sediment has been studied in the middle part of the Cody, using mostly radioactive tracers. The river bed is not very twisty and well-graded (average width 10 metres), but slopes fairly steeply (43 %c), and is littered with rocks and boulders. The critical phase of deplacement of sediment starts at about 6 m ? per sec. The alluvium moves over the entire width of the bed and is deposited either in the axis of flow or on a convex bank. Transport for q floods (maxima 10.5 and 36.5 ma per sec.) is respectively 7 and 34.6 tons per metre of width. A q flood of max. 10 m3 per sec. can carry away blocks of 20 cm. in diameter, and a q flood of max. 36.5 m3 per sec. larger blocks of 30-40 cm. diam.

These values for the beginning of the critical phase provoking transport are in agreement with others calculated by the means of formulae. Values for the transport itself, however, are lower than those calculated by the Meyer-Peters formula (qs = k (t-t0)3/2 where k = 1,29).

These results may explain renewed erosion in the bed of the Cady, amongst the chaos of pebbles, rocks and boulders, and may be used to interpret forms of accumulation of the larger material, also the evolution of these forms in intermontane basins and in piemont an foothill. floodwater appears at that time. The transportation of sediment has benn studied in the middle part of the Cody, using mostly radioactive tracers. The river bed is not very twisty and well- graded (average width 10 metres), but slopes fairly steeply (43 %c), and is littered with rocks and boulders. The critical phase of déplacement of sediment starts at about 6 m ? per sec. The alluvium moves over the entire width of the bed and is deposited either in the axis of flow or on a convex bank. Transport for q floods (maxima 10.5 and 36.5 ma per sec.) is respectively 7 and 34.6 tons per metre of width. A q\ flood of max. 10 m3 per sec. can carry away blocks of 20 cm. in diameter, and a q flood of max. 36.5 m3 per sec. larger blocks of 30-40 cm. diam.

These values for the beginning of the critical phase provoking transport are in agreement with others calculated by the means of formulae. Values for the transport itself, however, are lower than those calculated by the Meyer-Peters formula (qs = k (t-t0)3/2 where k = 1,29).

These results may explain renewed erosion in the bed of the Cady, amongst the chaos of pebbles, rocks and boulders, and may be used to interpret forms of accumulation of the larger material, also the evolution of these forms in intermontane basins and in piemont an foothill.
Sur les reliefs volcaniques de l'Arménie soviétique occidentale
Authors: Derruau Max
Published: April 2014

Résumé

Un strato-volcan, l'Aragats (4.090 m) ; une chaîne de cônes de scories, le Gegham (3.600 m) ; entre les deux, un plateau qui a reçu des épanchements de l'un et de l'autre (notamment des tufs ignimbritiques de I' Aragats) et dans lequel s'est tour à tour encaissée et comblée la vallée du Razdan. Les phénomènes volcaniques s'échelonnent de — 5,7 M. A. au moins jusqu'au post-glaciaire, avec des mouvements tectoniques contemporains des épanchements. Morphologie climatique qui va des steppes du bas jusqu'à l'étage périglaciaire ensoleillé des sommets. Des glacis étages recouverts d'ignimbrites simulent des dénivellations tectoniques récentes.
Contribution à l'étude morphostructurale du Bas-Rhône : L'évolution morphologique de l'escarpement lié à la faille de Roquemaure
Authors: Peulvast Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

A travers une étude détaillée de l'évolution morphologique du vigoureux escarpement lié à la faille de Roquemaure (Gard), allongé d'Est en Ouest sur 30 km et transversal par rapport à la vallée du Rhône au niveau de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, cet article se propose de définir la part qui revient dans le relief actuel de cette partie du Bas-Rhône à la réactivation de vieux accidents pyrénéo-provençaux par les mouvements néogènes et quaternaires, et à l'érosion différentielle en liaison avec les enfoncements successifs du Rhône au Pontien et au Quaternaire ; il sera montré en particulier comment pour un enfoncement analogue au Pontien et au Quaternaire, les formes élaborées le long de l'escarpement ont été très différentes selon les systèmes morphogénétiques, ce secteur constituant par certains côtés un véritable musée de formes enfouies sous les dépôts de la ria pliocène et en cours d'exhumation.
Comparaison des deux versants du Vallon de la Côte Blanche (Forêt de Beynes. Yvelines)
Authors: Cotonnec M.
Published: April 2014

Résumé

La dissymétrie d'un vallon forestier de la région parisienne se retrouve dans les caractères opposés de la végétation. Sur le versant tourné vers le Nord, empâté par des coulées argileuses périglaciaires, on remarque à mi-pente une association appauvrie de la chênaie acidophile. Sur le versant au Sud, la pente est plus forte, la craie affleure. Les associations végétales y sont nettement calcicoles, de la pelouse à la hêtraie-chênaie. Sur cette pente on trouve une station rare d'Erica scoparia.
Relations entre les phénomènes karstiques de surface et de profondeur
Authors: Gèze Bernard
Published: April 2014

Résumé

Les fiches spéléologiques centralisées au Bureau des Recherches géologiques et minières (environ 10.000 pour l'ensemble de la France) devraient être méthodiquement utilisées par les géographes afin de raisonner sur l'espace karstique dans ses trois dimensions, pour chacun des cas qu'ils étudient. La meilleure connaissance d'un plus grand nombre d'exemples concrets semble en effet indispensable pour critiquer et modifier utilement les quelques règles générales sur l'évolution karstique qui sont rappelées.
Quelques problèmes actuels de la recherche fondamentale en hydrologie fluviale
Authors: Frécaut René
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

Un des problèmes actuels de la recherche géographique en hydrologie fluviale est de savoir dans quelle mesure les nouveaux moyens de traitement de l'information peuvent l'aider à progresser dans l'étude des phénomènes naturels. L'emploi d'ordinateurs, à partir de statistiques abondantes et dûment critiquées, permet de gagner du temps et de confirmer éventuellement les conclusions fondées sur le raisonnement géographique. Par contre, la simulation sur modèles analogiques de phénomènes complexes tels les crues semble plus contestable, vu l'impossibilité de chiffrer correctement le rôle de chacun des facteurs géophysiques.
Premières observations sur une traversée du Sahara central
Authors: Dewolf Yvette , Joly Fernand , Raynal René , Rougerie G.
Published: April 2014

Summary.

The authors give account of the first results on their researches about the geomorphology of Central Sahara. The boundaries of several bioclimatic and morphodynamic areas : semi-arid, sub-arid, moderately and extreme arid, hyper-arid proper and extreme hyper-arid, are mapped along an itinerary going from Bechar and Beni-Abbes through Ahaggar and Air to Zinder and Gouré. Those areas are characterized in function of climatic indexes established in certain stations and of observations made on present morphogenesis, inheritances from the past, and aspects of vegetal cover. New data concerning the interpretation of ferricrusts lead to question the paleoclimatic significance of some of them. A project of geomorphological mapping at 1/200 000 and 1/500 000 is drafted.
Introduction
Authors: Veyret-Verner G.
Published: April 2014

Résumé.

La commision de Géographie urbaine du Comité National de Géographie s'est consacrée au cours des trois dernières années à l'étude des petites villes. Les communications qui suivent en sont les principaux résultats pour la France et les régions françaises. Sur le plan national, l'analyse met en relief : le taux de croissance des petites villes, 1,7 % par an de 1961 à 1968, comparable à celui des villes moyennes, la part prépondérante des villes à fonction industrielle et le développement rapide des « services ». Enfin, ces petites villes jouent de moins en moins le rôle de relais régional et sont de plus en plus connectées à l'espace national. En milieu très industrialisé et fortement urbanisé (Région du Nord) les petites villes au contraire ne peuvent plus guère prétendre jouer un rôle autonome et deviennent de plus en plus des organismes dépendants. En milieu rural, les petites villes ont tendance à se « tertiariser » et éprouvent de grandes difficultés à s'industrialiser malgré les aménagements de zones industrielles. En milieu montagnard, à cause de cloisonnement du relief, les petites villes sont une nécessité, car elles sont le soutien de la vie locale. Elles sont en général mieux équipées que les villes des plaines, ce qui n'exclut pas leur fragilité.

Ces quatre communications montrent l'extraordinaire variété des types de petites villes et de leurs problèmes et la difficulté de les insérer systématiquement dans un réseau urbain.