bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Cushing's syndrome: a structured short- and long-term management plan for patients in remission
Authors: Ragnarsson Oskar , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: August 2013

One hundred years have passed since Harvey Williams Cushing presented the first patient with the syndrome that bears his name. In patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS), body composition and lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism are dramatically affected and psychopathology and cognitive dysfunction are frequently observed. Untreated patients with CS have a grave prognosis with an estimated 5-year survival of only 50%. Remission can be achieved by surgery, radiotherapy and sometimes with medical therapy. Recent data indicate that the adverse metabolic consequences of CS are present for years after successful treatment. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that health-related quality of life and cognitive function are impaired in patients with CS in long-term remission. The focus of specialised care should therefore be not only on the diagnostic work-up and the early postoperative management but also on the long-term follow-up. In this paper, we review the long-term consequences in patients with CS in remission with focus on the neuropsychological effects and discuss the importance of these findings for long-term management. We also discuss three different phases in the postoperative management of surgically-treated patients with CS, each phase distinguished by specific challenges: the immediate postoperative phase, the glucocorticoid dose tapering phase and the long-term management. The focus of the long-term specialised care should be to identify cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders, evaluate cardiovascular risk, follow pituitary function and detect possible recurrence of CS.
Effect of sea water on calcium effective diffusion of ternary cement
Authors: Goñi Sara , Frías Moisés , Vigil de la Villa Raquel , García Rosario
Published: August 2013

The influence of sea-water aggressive environments (sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and a mixture of both) on calcium effective diffusion of ternary Portland cement pastes (TPC) containing thermally activated paper sludge and fly ash has been evaluated from the leaching of calcium during a 90-day period. The degradation of the material over time is estimated from the calcium effective diffusivity. The results showed lower effective diffusion coefficients of calcium in the case of the TPC pastes. This behaviour is related to its microstructure, which is denser than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). In the case of sodium chloride, the higher decalcification values were obtained for the two TPC and OPC pastes. Nevertheless, the presence of sodium sulfate induced a strong decrease of decalcification, producing a synergy in the case of the mixture of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate salts.
Introduction to Positive Psychology in Rehabilitation
Authors: Chou Chih-Chin , Chan Fong , Phillips Brian , Chan Jacob Yui Chung
Published: August 2013

Positive psychology has received increasing attention in rehabilitation counseling research and practice. The rehabilitation counseling philosophy shares a similar emphasis of personal assets and strengths, which provides a solid foundation for the integration of positive psychology into the professional practice of rehabilitation counseling. In this article, the guest editors present their rationale for developing this special issue on positive psychology and rehabilitation research. They highlight some of the exciting findings reported in the articles included in this special issue on positive psychology and rehabilitation research. The goal of this special issue is to stimulate thinking and discussion about applying positive psychology theory, research, assessment, and interventions in rehabilitation counseling for promoting overall well-being, quality of life, and happiness for people with chronic illness and disabilities.
Positive Coping, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Esteem as Mediators Between Seizure Severity and Life Satisfaction in Epilepsy
Authors: Sung Connie , Muller Veronica R. , Ditchman Nicole , Phillips Brian , Chan Fong
Published: August 2013

This study examined the impact of positive psychological traits (positive coping, self-efficacy, and self-esteem) on the relationship between seizure severity and life satisfaction among individuals with epilepsy. Hierarchical regression analysis and correlation techniques were used to test a hypothesized tri-mediation model of life satisfaction for individuals with epilepsy. Results indicated that seizure severity and positive human traits, including positive coping, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, were indeed associated with overall life satisfaction. Self-efficacy and self-esteem (but not positive coping) fully mediated the relationship between seizure severity and life satisfaction, lending support for a dual-mediation model. These findings suggest there may be considerable value for rehabilitation psychologists and counselors to develop specialized intervention programs that focus on capitalizing these positive human traits to promote life satisfaction and well-being for clients with epilepsy.
Measurement Structure of the Trait Hope Scale in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Smedema Susan Miller , Pfaller Joseph , Moser Erin , Tu Wei-Mo , Chan Fong
Published: August 2013

Objective: To evaluate the measurement structure of the Trait Hope Scale (THS) among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Design: Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability and validity analyses were performed.

Participants: 242 individuals with spinal cord injury.

Results: Results support the two-factor measurement model for the THS with agency and pathways thinking positively associated with hope-related constructs such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, disability acceptance, and life satisfaction in the predicted direction.

Conclusions: The use of the THS among individuals with disabilities is warranted for rehabilitation research and practice.
The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale as a Positive Psychology Measure for People With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Fujikawa Mayu , Lee Eun-Jeong , Chan Fong , Catalano Denise , Hunter Celeste , Bengtson Kevin , Rahimi Maryam
Published: August 2013

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the measurement structure of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) as a positive psychology measure for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) using confirmatory factor analysis. The participants consisted of 274 Canadians with SCI living in the community. The result indicated that the 5-factor intercorrelated model fits the data reasonably well (χ2 = 635.20; p value < .001; χ2/df = 2.40; CFI = .90; RMSEA = 0.07). These 5 factors (personal competence, high standards, and tenacity; trust in one’s instincts, tolerance of negative affect, and strengthening effects of stress; positive acceptance of change and secure relationships; control; and spiritual influence) correlated positively with disability acceptance and happiness, and inversely related to depression. The reliability of the 5 subscales was good ranging from .65 to .92. In conclusion, the results of this study confirmed that the 5-factor structure of the CD-RISC observed in the general population can be replicated in a sample of Canadians with SCI. This resilience scale can be used as a positive psychology measure in rehabilitation counseling research and practice.
Psychometric Validation of the Brief Adaptation to Disability Scale-Revised for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chen-Ping , Wang Chia-Chiang , Fujikawa Mayu , Brooks Jessica , Eastvold-Walton Lissa , Maxwell Kristin , Chan Fong
Published: August 2013

Purpose:To examine the measurement structure of the Brief Adaptation to Disability Scale-Revised (B-ADS-R).

Measure:A 12-item measure of disability acceptance based on the four value changes (enlarging the scope of values, containing the effects of the disability, subordinating the physique, and transforming comparative-status values to asset values) postulated by Beatrice Wright.

Participants:154 Taiwanese with spinal cord injury living in the community.

Results:The 4-factor intercorrelated model fits the data very well: χ2(48,N= 154) = 82.26,p< .01; χ2/df= 1.71; CFI = .95; RMSEA = .07 with 90% CI (.04, .09). The 4 B-ADS-R factors closely replicate the theoretical constructs of disability acceptance with acceptable reliability and validity.

Conclusion:The B-ADS-R was found to measure the four value changes postulated by Beatrice Wright in her disability acceptance theory in a sample of Taiwanese with SCI. It demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and can be used as a brief measure of disability acceptance in rehabilitation research and clinical practice.
Combined Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis to Reduce Data Complexity for Exhaust Air Purification
Authors: Ebeling Bastian , Vargas Cristiam , Hubo Simone
Published: August 2013

Anthropogenic and demographic processes cause worldwide air problems, giving rise to focus on exhaust air
purification to counteract these effects. Due to the large number of substances found in exhaust air and the various
operational parameters needed, a huge amount of often high dimensional data has to be analyzed. The ultimate goal is to
finally reduce data complexity in terms of information reflecting the substances' characteristics.

The Cluster Analysis (CA) of data from 30 exhaust air compounds with 11 indices representing both structural
characteristics and physicochemical data resulted in 7 clusters. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) led to the
identification of 6 Principal Components (PCs) and therefore to a dimensional reduction compared to the originally used
11 indices. After re-gathering the total information of the original data-set upon the 6 PCs only, a re-clustering showed
that we were able to restore the same cluster structure as in the original CA based on the 11 indices. This process is a first
proof of principle in successful re-clustering after dimensional data reduction by our proposed combined CA-PCA method
and hence a step towards a possible development of an adsorption method to selectively remove malodorous/toxic
components from the exhaust air.
Self-Reported Productivity Losses of People with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Xuan , Ohinmaa Arto , Barnabe Cheryl , Homik Joanne , Barr Susan G. , Martin Liam , Maksymowych Walter P.
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

To estimate the annual cost of productivity losses per person with RA by 0.5 increment in HAQscore, and the annual cost of productivity losses for Alberta province.

Methods:

Using data from the Alberta Biologics Registry - a prospective observational cohort of consecutive patients
receiving DMARD or anti-TNF therapies created in 2004, we compared the mean and median costs of productivity losses
per patient per year between HAQ-score categories using multiple linear and quantile regressions, respectively. We used a
prevalence-based approach to estimate the cost (in 2010 CA$) of productivity losses of RA for Alberta.

Results:

In total there were 1222 patients with RA interviewed at the baseline. Of this, 358 were the “current employees”
and 204 were the “previous employees” totalling 563 patients for analyses. For all HAQ-score categories, the mean
(median) of the cost per patient per year was estimated at $18,242 ($3,840). The cost was increasing along with the HAQscore
increase. The lowest cost ($6,295) was found in category HAQ<=0.5 and the highest ($31,095) in category
HAQ>2.0. The significant differences were found between the worse categories (HAQ>1.5) and the better categories
(HAQ<=1.5). The mean costs of productivity losses of RA for the province of Alberta were estimated at $270 million.
Conservatively, if median was used for mean, the costs for province would be $57 million.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that an improvement in the controlling of RA could have a significant economic impact in
Alberta and that preventing HAQ-score from the worse categories may be associated with substantial savings in terms of
productivity losses.
Effects of first- and second-order gable bends on the orthodontic load systems produced by T-loop archwires
Authors: Katona Thomas R. , Isikbay Serkis C. , Chen Jie
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To measure the effects of first- and second-order gable bends on the forces and moments produced by a commercially available closing T-loop archwire.

Materials and Methods:

A dentoform-simulated space closure case was mounted on an orthodontic force tester. Sixteen gable bend combinations were placed in the archwires, which were then activated using standard clinical procedures. At each activation, the three force components and three moment components on the maxillary left lateral incisor and canine were simultaneously measured.

Results:

The first- and second-order gable bends showed low load coupling effects when used independently, but the load systems became unpredictable when bends were combined. Gable bends affect the magnitudes and directions of the forces and moments that are applied to teeth. The resulting moment to force ratios are sensitive to the bends.

Conclusion:

Gable bends alter the orthodontic load systems; however, the three-dimensional interactions produce complex and unpredictable tradeoffs.
Experiences, Views, and Support Needs of Family Members of People With Hypoglycemia Unawareness: Interview Study
Authors: Lawton Julia , Rankin David , Elliott Jackie , Heller Simon R. , Rogers Helen A. , De Zoysa Nicole , Amiel Stephanie ,   for the U.K. NIHR DAFNE Study Group
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

Hypoglycemia unawareness (HU) affects ∼25% of people with type 1 diabetes. People with HU are often reliant on family to detect hypoglycemia and treat severe episodes. We explored the impact of HU on family members’ lives, their involvement in preventing and managing hypoglycemia, and their information and support needs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study employed an exploratory, qualitative design comprising in-depth interviews with 24 adult family members of persons with type 1 diabetes and HU.

RESULTS

Family members described restricting their lives so that they could help the person with HU detect and treat hypoglycemia. Some described being very physically afraid of their partner/relative when they had a hypoglycemic episode due to their aggressive and argumentative behavior and personality changes; this could also make treatment administration difficult. Family members also reported feeling anxious and worried about the safety of the person with HU, particularly when they were left unsupervised. These concerns were often precipitated by traumatic events, such as discovering the person with HU in a coma. Family members could neglect their own health and well-being to care for the person with HU and resentment could build up over time. Family members highlighted extensive, unmet needs for information and emotional support; however, some struggled to recognize and accept their own need for help.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal a caregiver group currently “in the shadow of the patient” and in urgent need of information and emotional support. Raising awareness among health care professionals is essential, and developing proactive support for family should be considered.
Coverage and screening protocols in UNHS programmes in Italy in 2011
Authors: Bubbico Luciano , Tognola Gabriella , Grandori Ferdinando
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to provide data on the degree of implementation, coverage and protocols used in Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programmes (UNHSPs) in Italian birthing hospitals.

Methods:

Data were collected through a questionnaire that was sent to all birthing hospitals in Italy in 2011. Questionnaires were filled in by the chief of the hospital or by the UNHSPs coordinator.

Results:

UNHSPs in Italy were activated in 411 (81.3%) birthing hospitals, with 78.3% (413,212) newborns screened in total. Most (91.8%) of the Italian birthing hospitals used a two-stage (test-retest) TEOAE screening. The personnel performing the screening were nurses in 72.4% of hospitals, paediatricians in 10.2%, technicians in 11.0%, audiologists in 2.2% and external staff in 4.2%. In 80.1% of birthing hospitals, the mean referral rate at first screening performed before discharge was below 5%. Conclusion: The present study revealed that in the last three years screening coverage had a rapid growth from 60.6% in 2008 to 78.3% in 2011, without reaching UNHS coverage greater than 95%, as recommended in international guidelines. Our results suggest that close cooperation between audiological centres and maternity units, together with an efficient protocol for collecting screening data, has a positive impact on the implementation of UNHSPs. It is also crucial to improve the training of screening personnel and provide information and education about newborn hearing screening to paediatricians, neonatologists, gynaecologists, and general practitioners.
Technological advances in Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS)
Authors: Hatzopoulos Stavros , Ciorba Andrea , Sliwa Lech , Skarzynski Piotr
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a review of the major technological contributions in the field of universal neonatal hearing screening, during the last decade. Dedicated sections include references to the following : 1) the role of automated auditory brainstem responses (AABR) in screening; 2) the potential role of Auditory Steady State responses (ASSR) as a substitute of AABR; 3) the assessment of hearing threshold via recordings of distortion product otoacoustic emissions and the limitations of the clinical protocols to a hearing level < than 35dB HL; 4) the integration of multiple assessment protocols in one portable device, to be used in the intervention part of the hearing screening programme.
On the effect of short-term climate variability on mountain glaciers: insights from a case study
Authors: Farinotti Daniel
Published: August 2013

Studies addressing the response of glaciers to climate change have so far analyzed the effect of long-term trends in a particular set of meteorological variables only, implicitly assuming an unaltered climatic variability. Here a framework for distinguishing between year-to-year, month-to-month and day-to-day variability is proposed. Synthetically generated temperature and precipitation time series following the same long-term trend but with altered variability are then used to force an ice-dynamics model set up for Rhonegletscher, Swiss Alps. In the case of temperature, variations in the day-to-day variability are shown to have a larger effect than changes at the yearly scale, while in the case of precipitation, variability changes are assessed as having negligible impact. A first set of scenarios is used to show that compared to reference, doubling the temperature variability can reduce glacier ice volume by up to 64% within half a decade. A second set derived from the results of the European ENSEMBLES project, however, shows that such changes are expected to remain below 8% even for extreme scenarios. Although the latter results relativize the importance of the effect in the near future, the analyses indicate that at least caution is required when assuming ‘unchanged variability’.
A New Perspective on Classical Ideal Gases
Authors: Arnaud Jacques , Chusseau Laurent , Philippe Fabrice
Published: August 2013

The ideal-gas barometric and pressure laws are derived from the Democritian concept of independent corpuscles moving in vacuum, plus a principle of simplicity, namely that these laws are independent of the kinetic part of the Hamiltonian. A single corpuscle in contact with a heat bath in a cylinder and submitted to a constant force (weight) is considered. The paper importantly supplements a previously published paper: First, the stability of ideal gases is established. Second, we show that when walls separate the cylinder into parts and are later removed, the entropy is unaffected. We obtain full agreement with Landsberg’s and others’ (1994) classical thermodynamic result for the entropy of a column of gas submitted to gravity.
Information Entropy As a Basic Building Block of Complexity Theory
Authors: Gao Jianbo , Liu Feiyan , Zhang Jianfang , Hu Jing , Cao Yinhe
Published: August 2013

What is information? What role does information entropy play in this information exploding age, especially in understanding emergent behaviors of complex systems? To answer these questions, we discuss the origin of information entropy, the difference between information entropy and thermodynamic entropy, the role of information entropy in complexity theories, including chaos theory and fractal theory, and speculate new fields in which information entropy may play important roles.
A Liquid Inorganic Electrolyte Showing an Unusually High Lithium Ion Transference Number: A Concentrated Solution of LiAlCl4 in Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Hartl Robert , Fleischmann Matthias , Gschwind Ruth , Winter Martin , Gores Heiner
Published: August 2013

We report on studies of an inorganic electrolyte: LiAlCl4 in liquid sulfur dioxide. Concentrated solutions show a very high conductivity when compared with typical electrolytes for lithium ion batteries that are based on organic solvents. Our investigations include conductivity measurements and measurements of transference numbers via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and by a classical direct method, Hittorf’s method. For the use of Hittorf’s method, it is necessary to measure the concentration of the electrolyte in a selected cell compartment before and after electrochemical polarization very precisely. This task was finally performed by potentiometric titration after hydrolysis of the salt. The Haven ratio was determined to estimate the association behavior of this very concentrated electrolyte solution. The measured unusually high transference number of the lithium cation of the studied most concentrated solution, a molten solvate LiAlCl4 × 1.6SO2, makes this electrolyte a promising alternative for lithium ion cells with high power ability.
To Re-Explore the Causality between Barriers to Renewable Energy Development: A Case Study of Wind Energy
Authors: Huang Shih-Chieh , Lo Shang-Lien , Lin Yen-Ching
Published: August 2013

The development of wind energy in developing countries has its limitations. This study adapted quantitative approaches to explore the causality relationships among these barriers. It was found that different areas of obstacles did affect one another; by barrier inference we learned that a lack of national policy caused other disorders, and that the occurrence of these disorders eventually resulted either directly or indirectly in high investment costs. Thus, the question of how to effectively reduce the investment cost of wind energy development is the most important issue to developing countries. Furthermore, the results of this study clarified that wind intermittency would not be the main reason hindering short and mid-term wind power development. However, from a long-term perspective, the impact of intermittency still cannot be treated lightly, as it was found that for each standard deviation unit improvement of the intermittency, the investment cost-effectiveness improvement increased by 0.185 σ, which was 1.78 times higher than the impact from national policies. Therefore, aside from strengthening the national policies in establishing a suitable institutional framework, we recommend that policy-makers should also emphasize the establishment of an economic assessment of available sites, a detailed wind resource assessment and improved forecasting of technical applications.
The Behaviour of Small Investors in the Hong Kong Derivatives Markets: A Factor Analysis
Authors: Hon Tai-Yuen
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the behaviour of small investors in Hong Kong’s derivatives markets. The study period covers the global economic crisis of 2011- 2012, and we focus on small investors’ behaviour during and after the crisis. We attempt to identify and analyse the key factors that capture their behaviour in derivatives markets in Hong Kong. The data were collected from 524 respondents via a questionnaire survey. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to analyse the data, and some interesting findings were obtained. Our study enhances our understanding of behavioural finance in the setting of an Asian financial centre, namely Hong Kong.
Calcarides A–E, Antibacterial Macrocyclic and Linear Polyesters from a Calcarisporium Strain
Authors: Silber Johanna , Ohlendorf Birgit , Labes Antje , Erhard Arlette , Imhoff Johannes
Published: August 2013

Bioactive compounds were detected in crude extracts of the fungus, Calcarisporium sp. KF525, which was isolated from German Wadden Sea water samples. Purification of the metabolites from the extracts yielded the five known polyesters, 15G256α, α-2, β, β-2 and π (1–5), and five new derivatives thereof, named calcarides A–E (6–10). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy supported by UV and HRESIMS data. The compounds exhibited inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Xanthomonas campestris and Propionibacterium acnes. As the antibacterial activities were highly specific with regard to compound and test strain, a tight structure-activity relationship is assumed.
Cosmos Caudatus as a Potential Source of Polyphenolic Compounds: Optimisation of Oven Drying Conditions and Characterisation of Its Functional Properties
Authors: Mediani Ahmed , Abas Faridah , Khatib Alfi , Tan Chin
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of oven thermal processing of Cosmos caudatus on the total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) of two different solvent extracts (80% methanol, and 80% ethanol). Sonication was used to extract bioactive compounds from this herb. The results showed that the optimised conditions for the oven drying method for 80% methanol and 80% ethanol were 44.5 °C for 4 h with an IC50 of 0.045 mg/mL and 43.12 °C for 4.05 h with an IC50 of 0.055 mg/mL, respectively. The predicted values for TPC under the optimised conditions for 80% methanol and 80% ethanol were 16.5 and15.8 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively. The results obtained from this study demonstrate that Cosmos caudatus can be used as a potential source of antioxidants for food and medicinal applications.
Diet and Allergic Diseases among Population Aged 0 to 18 Years: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Saadeh Danielle , Salameh Pascale , Baldi Isabelle , Raherison Chantal
Published: August 2013

Allergic diseases are an important health problem. However, epidemiological studies concerning childhood diet-related allergic diseases are scarce. This review examines published articles dealing with diet, dietary patterns and nutrition in relation with allergic diseases among population aged 0 to 18 years. Studies and trials were identified using MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and were limited to those published in English or French from 1992 until 2012. This manuscript also reviews the evidence for maternal diet during pregnancy and diet during early childhood and their association with childhood atopic diseases, taking into account the methodology used to evaluate dietary patterns. The evidence reviewed is derived from large epidemiological studies exploring the effects of different food categories on asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis in children. Overall, maternal diet during pregnancy and a childhood diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids are considered as healthy diets that could be protective for allergic diseases in childhood.
Structural and Affinity Analyses of G-Quadruplex DNA Aptamers for Camptothecin Derivatives
Authors: Fujita Hiroto , Imaizumi Yuri , Kasahara Yuuya , Kitadume Shunsuke , Ozaki Hiroaki , Kuwahara Masayasu , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: August 2013

We recently selected DNA aptamers that bind to camptothecin (CPT) and CPT derivatives from a 70-mer oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) library using the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) method. The target-binding activity of the obtained 70-mer CPT-binding DNA aptamer, termed CA-70, which contains a 16-mer guanine (G)-core motif (G3TG3TG3T2G3) that forms a three-tiered G-quadruplex, was determined using fluorescence titration. In this study, truncated fragments of CA-70 that all have the G-core motif, CA-40, -20, -19, -18A, -18B, -17, and -16, were carefully analyzed. We found that CA-40 retained the target-binding activity, whereas CA-20, -19, and -18B exhibited little or no binding activities. Further, not only CA-18A but also the shorter length fragments CA-17 and -16 clearly retained the binding activity, indicating that tail strands of the G-quadruplex structure can significantly affect the target binding of G-quadruplex DNA aptamers. Further analyses using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and fluorescence polarization (FP) assay were conducted to investigate the structure and affinity of G-quadruplex DNA aptamers.
Recovery of N and P from Urine by Struvite Precipitation Followed by Combined Stripping with Digester Sludge Liquid at Full Scale
Authors: Morales Nicolás , Boehler Marc , Buettner Sandra , Liebi Christoph , Siegrist Hansruedi
Published: August 2013

A novel ammonia stripping method, including a CO2 pre-stripper was used to treat a mix of supernatant liquor from an anaerobic digester and urine in order to recycle nitrogen as ammonium sulfate at full-scale in the WWTP Kloten/Opfikon. Waste streams were not generated, since the ammonia was recovered as a marketable nitrogen fertilizer, turning a waste product into a valuable product. The efficiency of this system was increased by means of the addition of pre-treated urine collected separately at EAWAG building. The separation step was performed by the use of water free urinals and urine diversion flush toilets. An increase of 10% in the liquid flux with the addition of the urine translated into a 40% increase of the ammonia concentration in the inlet of the stripping unit. The achievement of these percentages generated a proportional increase in the fertilizer production. The urine pre-treatment was carried out by adding magnesium to produce a precipitate of struvite. The first experiments with the combined treatment showed the feasibility of the combination of the separation and pre-treatment steps.
Le corps guerrier, le corps dansant et l’esprit galant
Authors: Gatulle Pierre
Published: August 2013

François de Beauvillier, comte puis duc de Saint-Aignan (1610-1687), mène une carrière militaire avant d’obtenir la charge de premier gentilhomme de la Chambre du roi en 1649. Il devient ainsi l’un des ordonnateurs des divertissements royaux. Il en choisit les sujets fortement inspirés des prouesses des romans de chevalerie, danse plusieurs rôles dans ballets et divertissements royaux, accompagne et encadre Louis XIV dans son apprentissage de danseur, puis devient vice-protecteur de l’Académie de danse en 1661. Alors que le duel, formellement interdit par le roi, perdure dans la réalité et témoigne de la vivacité de la culture chevaleresque, les combats singuliers mimés sont mis à l’honneur sur la scène. Saint-Aignan construit peu à peu sa figure de galant homme courtisan en la nourrissant autant de son expérience personnelle de la violence guerrière que de sa maîtrise de la danse et de l’art équestre, maîtrise qui lui permet de représenter les combats sur une scène. Ce sont là deux cultures du corps noble auxquelles les enfants de Saint-Aignan sont également initiés. Son élévation à la haute dignité de duc et pair en 1663 consacre sa réussite et son prestige personnels tout en validant ce qu’il a forgé : l’archétype du galant gentilhomme courtisan au service du roi.
Turning the Table(t)s?
Authors: Csótó Mihály
Published: August 2013

Agriculture, one of the users and also the basis of major rural resources, has undergone a change in the last couple of decades: the industrial revolution made its mark in the early 20th century and then the information age began to shape agricultural production and the way farming is done today. This process presents an enormous challenge for the stakeholders in agriculture, especially for smallholder farmers and family farms that play a crucial role in the sustainable use of rural resources. The new information and communication tools and services are both an opportunity and a risk: the adaption of these innovations is a must in order to act in a globalised and standardised context and to manage even a small farm, but the adaptation process is slow, which hampers the chances of e-innovations in a rural context. This chapter examines the causes behind the changes in agriculture and concludes with the opportunity of widespread use of e-innovations.
IgG Antibodies in Food Allergy Influence Allergen–Antibody Complex Formation and Binding to B Cells: A Role for Complement Receptors
Authors: Meulenbroek Laura A. P. M. , de Jong Renske J. , den Hartog Jager Constance F. , Monsuur Hanneke N. , Wouters Diana , Nauta Alma J. , Knippels Léon M. J. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , Ruiter Bert , Leusen Jeanette H. W. , Hack C. Erik , Bruijnzeel-Koomen Carla A. F. M. , Knulst André C. , Garssen Johan , van Hoffen Els
Published: August 2013

Allergen–IgE complexes are more efficiently internalized and presented by B cells than allergens alone. It has been suggested that IgG Abs induced by immunotherapy inhibit these processes. Food-allergic patients have high allergen-specific IgG levels. However, the role of these Abs in complex formation and binding to B cells is unknown. To investigate this, we incubated sera of peanut- or cow’s milk–allergic patients with their major allergens to form complexes and added them to EBV-transformed or peripheral blood B cells (PBBCs). Samples of birch pollen-allergic patients were used as control. Complex binding to B cells in presence or absence of blocking Abs to CD23, CD32, complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35), and/or CR2 (CD21) was determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, intact and IgG-depleted sera were compared. These experiments showed that allergen–Ab complexes formed in birch pollen, as well as food allergy, contained IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 Abs and bound to B cells. Binding of these complexes to EBV-transformed B cells was completely mediated by CD23, whereas binding to PBBCs was dependent on both CD23 and CR2. This reflected differential receptor expression. Upon IgG depletion, allergen–Ab complexes bound to PBBCs exclusively via CD23. These data indicated that IgG Abs are involved in complex formation. The presence of IgG in allergen–IgE complexes results in binding to B cells via CR2 in addition to CD23. The binding to both CR2 and CD23 may affect Ag processing and presentation, and (may) thereby influence the allergic response.
Synthetic Oligodeoxynucleotides Containing Suppressive TTAGGG Motifs Inhibit AIM2 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Kaminski John J. , Schattgen Stefan A. , Tzeng Te-Chen , Bode Christian , Klinman Dennis M. , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: August 2013

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) comprised of the immunosuppressive motif TTAGGG block TLR9 signaling, prevent STAT1 and STAT4 phosphorylation and attenuate a variety of inflammatory responses in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that such suppressive ODN abrogate activation of cytosolic nucleic acid–sensing pathways. Pretreatment of dendritic cells and macrophages with the suppressive ODN-A151 abrogated type I IFN, TNF-α, and ISG induction in response to cytosolic dsDNA. In addition, A151 abrogated caspase-1–dependent IL-1β and IL-18 maturation in dendritic cells stimulated with dsDNA and murine CMV. Inhibition was dependent on A151’s phosphorothioate backbone, whereas substitution of the guanosine residues for adenosine negatively affected potency. A151 mediates these effects by binding to AIM2 in a manner that is competitive with immune-stimulatory DNA and as a consequence prevents AIM2 inflammasome complex formation. Collectively, these findings reveal a new route by which suppressive ODNs modulate the immune system and unveil novel applications for suppressive ODNs in the treatment of infectious and autoimmune diseases.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of CD13 Regulates Inflammatory Cell–Cell Adhesion and Monocyte Trafficking
Authors: Subramani Jaganathan , Ghosh Mallika , Rahman M. Mamunur , Caromile Leslie A. , Gerber Claire , Rezaul Karim , Han David K. , Shapiro Linda H.
Published: August 2013

CD13 is a large cell surface peptidase expressed on the monocytes and activated endothelial cells that is important for homing to and resolving the damaged tissue at sites of injury. We showed previously that cross-linking of human monocytic CD13 with activating Abs induces strong adhesion to endothelial cells in a tyrosine kinase– and microtubule-dependent manner. In the current study, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying these observations in vitro and in vivo. We found that cross-linking of CD13 on U937 monocytic cells induced phosphorylation of a number of proteins, including Src, FAK, and ERK, and inhibition of these abrogated CD13-dependent adhesion. We found that CD13 itself was phosphorylated in a Src-dependent manner, which was an unexpected finding because its 7-aa cytoplasmic tail was assumed to be inert. Furthermore, CD13 was constitutively associated with the scaffolding protein IQGAP1, and CD13 cross-linking induced complex formation with the actin-binding protein α-actinin, linking membrane-bound CD13 to the cytoskeleton, further supporting CD13 as an inflammatory adhesion molecule. Mechanistically, mutation of the conserved CD13 cytoplasmic tyrosine to phenylalanine abrogated adhesion; Src, FAK, and ERK phosphorylation; and cytoskeletal alterations upon Ab cross-linking. Finally, CD13 was phosphorylated in isolated murine inflammatory peritoneal exudate cells, and adoptive transfer of monocytic cell lines engineered to express the mutant CD13 were severely impaired in their ability to migrate into the inflamed peritoneum, confirming that CD13 phosphorylation is relevant to inflammatory cell trafficking in vivo. Therefore, this study identifies CD13 as a novel, direct activator of intracellular signaling pathways in pathophysiological conditions.
IFN-α Inhibits Telomerase in Human CD8+ T Cells by Both hTERT Downregulation and Induction of p38 MAPK Signaling
Authors: Lanna Alessio , Coutavas Elias , Levati Lauretta , Seidel Judith , Rustin Malcolm H. A. , Henson Sian M. , Akbar Arne N. , Franzese Ornella
Published: August 2013

The cytokine IFN-α is secreted during viral infections and has been shown to inhibit telomerase activity and accelerate T cell differentiation in vivo. However, the mechanism for this inhibition is not clear. In this study, we show that IFN-α inhibits both the transcription and translation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic component of telomerase, in activated CD8+ T cells. This was associated with increased activity of the repressor of hTERT transcription E2 transcription factor and decreased activation of NF-κB that promotes hTERT transcription. However IFN-α did not affect the translocation of hTERT from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. IFN-α also inhibits AKT kinase activation but increases p38 MAPK activity, and both of these events have been shown previously to inhibit telomerase activity. Addition of BIRB796, an inhibitor of p38 activity, to IFN-α–treated cells reversed, in part, the inhibition of telomerase by this cytokine. Therefore, IFN-α can inhibit the enzyme telomerase in CD8+ T cells by transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Furthermore, the addition of IFN-α to CD8+CD27+CD28+ T cells accelerates the loss of both these costimulatory molecules. This suggests that persistent viral infections may contribute to the accumulation of highly differentiated/senescent CD8+CD27−CD28− T cells during aging by promoting IFN-α secretion during repeated episodes of viral reactivation.
Cutting Edge: DNA Sensing via the STING Adaptor in Myeloid Dendritic Cells Induces Potent Tolerogenic Responses
Authors: Huang Lei , Li Lingqian , Lemos Henrique , Chandler Phillip R. , Pacholczyk Gabriela , Baban Babak , Barber Glen N. , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , McGaha Tracy L. , Ravishankar Buvana , Munn David H. , Mellor Andrew L.
Published: August 2013

Cytosolic DNA sensing via the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) adaptor incites autoimmunity by inducing type I IFN (IFN-αβ). In this study, we show that DNA is also sensed via STING to suppress immunity by inducing IDO. STING gene ablation abolished IFN-αβ and IDO induction by dendritic cells (DCs) after DNA nanoparticle (DNP) treatment. Marginal zone macrophages, some DCs, and myeloid cells ingested DNPs, but CD11b+ DCs were the only cells to express IFN-β, whereas CD11b+ non-DCs were major IL-1β producers. STING ablation also abolished DNP-induced regulatory responses by DCs and regulatory T cells, and hallmark regulatory responses to apoptotic cells were also abrogated. Moreover, systemic cyclic diguanylate monophosphate treatment to activate STING induced selective IFN-β expression by CD11b+ DCs and suppressed Th1 responses to immunization. Thus, previously unrecognized functional diversity among physiologic innate immune cells regarding DNA sensing via STING is pivotal in driving immune responses to DNA.
Survey of glyphosate-resistant kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) in Alberta
Authors: Hall Linda M. , Beckie Hugh J. , Low Ryan , Shirriff Scott W. , Blackshaw Robert E. , Kimmel Nicole , Neeser Christoph
Published: August 2013

Hall, L. M., Beckie, H. J., Low, R., Shirriff, S. W., Blackshaw, R. E., Kimmel, N. and Neeser, C. 2014. Survey of glyphosate-resistant kochia ( Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) in Alberta. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 127–130. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia was identified in Warner county in southern Alberta in 2011. To determine the scale of the distribution and frequency of GR kochia, a randomized stratified survey of more than 300 locations (one population per location) in southern Alberta was conducted in the fall of 2012. Mature plants were collected, seed separated, and F1 seedlings screened by spraying with glyphosate at 900 g a.e. ha−1 under greenhouse conditions. Screening confirmed 13 GR kochia sites: seven in Warner county, five in Vulcan county, and one in Taber county. The frequency of GR individuals in a population ranged from 0.3 to 98%. GR kochia were found in arid areas where chemical fallow is a significant component of the rotation. Economic and agronomic impact of this GR weed biotype is compounded because of multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides.
AAC Ardill field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , McLaren Debra , Vera Cecil , Gehl David
Published: August 2013

Bing, D.-J., Beauchesne, D., McLaren, D., Vera, C. and Gehl, D. 2014. AAC Ardill field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 191–192. AAC Ardill is a semi-leafless, yellow cotyledonary field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar developed at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. It is a high-yielding cultivar with excellent standability. AAC Ardill is resistant to powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd. It has medium maturity and is adapted to all field pea growing regions in western Canada.
Does Voter Turnout Influence School Bond Elections?
Authors: Gong Huan , Rogers Cynthia L.
Published: August 2013

This article investigates the role of voter turnout in school bond election outcomes. It is widely believed that turnout is negatively related to bond approval rates. Conclusions from previous empirical research, however, may be misleading because many sociodemographic factors and election parameters that influence bond support are also likely to influence voter turnout decisions. To account for the endogeneity of turnout, we employ an instrumental variable approach. We find that the persistent part of voter turnout plays a negligible role in explaining bond approval shares conditioned on election timing, past voting behavior, and district characteristics. Using first‐difference models, change in turnout has a negative and significant influence on change in approval share and probability of bond success. Our results support previous research and suggest that targeted voter mobilization strategies have the potential to influence school bond outcomes.
Flow climatology for physicochemical properties of dichotomous aerosol over the western North Atlantic Ocean at Bermuda
Authors: Moody J. L. , Keene W. C. , Cooper O. R. , Voss K. J. , Aryal R. , Eckhardt S. , Holben B. , Maben J. R. , Izaguirre M. A. , Galloway J. N.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Dichotomous aerosols (nominal super- and sub-μm-diameter size fractions) in sectored on-shore flow were sampled daily from July 2006 through June 2009, at the Tudor Hill Atmospheric Observatory (THAO) on the western coast of Bermuda (32.27° N, 64.87° W) and analyzed for major chemical and physical properties. Flexpart retroplumes were calculated for each sampling period and aerosol properties were stratified accordingly based on transport from different regions. Transport from the northeastern United States (NEUS) was associated with significantly higher (factors of 2 to 3 based on median values) concentrations of bulk particulate non-sea-salt (nss) SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ and associated scattering and absorption at 530 nm, relative to transport from Africa (AFR) and the Oceanic background. These differences were driven primarily by higher values associated with the sub-μm size fraction under NEUS flow. We estimate that 75 (± 3)% of the NEUS nss SO42− was anthropogenic in origin, while only 25 (± 9)% of the AFR nss SO42− was anthropogenic. Integrating over all transport patterns, we estimate the contribution of anthropogenic sulfate has dropped 14.6% from the early 1990's. Bulk scattering was highly correlated with bulk nss SO42− in all flow regimes but the corresponding regression slopes varied significantly reflecting differential contributions to total scattering by associated aerosol components. Absorption by super-μm aerosol in transport from the NEUS versus AFR was similar although the super-μm aerosol size fraction accounted for a relatively greater contribution to total absorption in AFR flow. Significantly greater absorption angstrom exponents (AAEs) for AFR flow reflects the wavelength dependence of absorption by mineral aerosols; lower AAEs for NEUS flow is consistent with the dominance of absorption by combustion-derived aerosols. Higher AOD associated with transport from both the NEUS and AFR relative to Oceanic background flow results in a top of atmosphere direct radiative forcing on the order of −1.6 to −2.5 W m−2, respectively, showing these aerosols drive cooling. The dominance of transport from the NEUS on an annual basis coupled with the corresponding decreases in anthropogenic nss SO42− aerosols since the early 1990's implies that emission reductions in the US account for a decline in atmospheric cooling over the western North Atlantic Ocean during this period.