bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cleavage Reaction of Benzothiazole with Cyclic 1,3-Dicarbonyls in the Presence of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Authors: Suliman Ayman Mohammed Yousif , Li Yanjun , Zhang Shaonan , Yuan Yu
Published: November 2015

A facile and convenient synthesis of phenothiazine derivatives has been achieved by condensation reaction of benzothiazole derivatives with 1,3-dicarbonyls in the presence of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.
An Improved Synthesis of 6-O-Methyl-Scutellarein through Selective Benzylation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Dong Ze-Xi , Gu Ting , Li Nian-Guang , Wu Wen-Yu , Zhang Peng-Xuan , Tang Yu-Ping , Yang Jian-Ping , Xue Xin , Fang Fang , Li He-Min , Cheng Hai-Bo , Duan Jin-Ao , Shi Zhi-Hao
Published: November 2015

An improved synthesis of 6-O-methyl-scutellarein is described. Benzyl bromide was selected to protect both the hydroxyl groups at C-4′ and C-7 in scutellarein. The product was then methylated and deprotected to produce the target compound in high yield in four steps.
From Deleuze and Guattari's Words to a Deleuzian Theory of Reading
Authors: Haines Daniel
Published: November 2015

While Deleuze and Guattari's passion for certain literature is well known, the nature of a ‘Deleuzian’ literary criticism remains an open question. However, most critics appear to agree that Deleuze and Guattari's comments on meaning and interpretation offer an ontological alternative to the textual focus of deconstruction. Through an interrogation of the difficult style of their books in relation to Plato, Nietzsche and Derrida, this paper offers a different reading of Deleuze and Guattari in relation to literary criticism. Despite appearances, transcendental empiricism and the project of ‘overturning Platonism’ provide a Deleuzian theory of reading that attends to textuality.
The Take and the Stutter: Glenn Gould's Time Synthesis
Authors: Vallee Mickey
Published: November 2015

In A Thousand Plateaus, Deleuze and Guattari refer to Glenn Gould as an illustration of the third principle of the rhizome, that of multiplicity: ‘When Glenn Gould speeds up the performance of a piece, he is not just displaying virtuosity, he is transforming the musical points into lines, he is making the whole piece proliferate’ (1987: 8). In an attempt to make sensible their ostensibly modest statement, I proliferate the relationships between Glenn Gould's philosophy of sound recording, Deleuze's theory of passive synthesis, and Deleuze and Guattari's concept of the stutter. I argue, ultimately, that Glenn Gould's radical recording practice stutters and deterritorialises the temporality of the recorded performance. More generally, the Deleuzian perspective broadens the scope of Gould's aesthetic practices that highlights the importance of aesthetic acts in the redistribution of sensory experience. But the study serves a broader purpose than celebrating a pianist/recordist that Deleuze admired. Rather, while his contemporaries began to use the studio as a compositional element in sound recording, Gould bypassed such a step towards the informational logics of recording studios. Thus, it is inappropriate to think of Gould as having immersed himself in ‘technology’ than the broader concept of a complex, one that redistributed the striated listening space of the concert hall.
Antibiotic Stewardship Initiatives as Part of the UK 5-Year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy
Authors: Johnson Alan , Ashiru-Oredope Diane , Beech Elizabeth
Published: November 2015

Antibiotic use is a major driver for the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes aim to improve antibiotic prescribing with the objectives of optimizing clinical outcomes while at the same time minimizing unintended consequences such as adverse effects and the selection of antibiotic resistance. In 2013, a five-year national strategy for tackling antimicrobial resistance was published in the UK. The overarching goal of the strategy is to slow the development and spread of resistance and to this end it has three strategic aims, namely to improve knowledge and understanding of resistance, to conserve and steward the effectiveness of existing treatments and to stimulate the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics and novel therapies. This article reviews the antimicrobial stewardship activities included in the strategy and describes their implementation and evaluation.
Study on Sintering System of Calcium Barium Sulphoaluminate by XRD Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Chang Jun , Shang Xiaopeng , Zhao Jiuye
Published: November 2015

Calcium barium sulphoaluminate (CBSA), derived from calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA), has excellent cementitious properties. In this study, the sintering system of CBSA with a theoretical stoichiometric Ca3BaAl6SO16 was investigated. Rietveld refinement was performed using TOPAS 4.2 software to quantitatively calculate the content of CBSA and the actual ionic site occupancy of Ba2+. The results indicate that the content of Ca4−xBaxAl6SO16 increases with increasing sintering temperature in the 1200–1400 °C ranges. When sintered at 1400 °C for 180 min, the content of CBSA reaches 88.4%. However, CBSA begins to decompose at 1440 °C, after which the content decreases. The replacement rate of Ba2+ was also enlarged by increasing sintering temperature and prolonged sintering time. Sintering at 1400 °C for 180 min is considered as the optimum when replacement rate of Ba2+ and the content of CBSA were taken into account. Ca3.2Ba0.8Al6SO16 with a content of 88.4% was synthesized.
Total Dietary Fiber Content of Selected Traditional Beverages in Egypt: A Brief Profile
Authors: Aboul-Enein Basil
Published: November 2015

Escalating obesity rates have become a major public health concern in North Africa and the Middle East. Culturally-congruent dietary health education and strategies continue to be warranted to address this increasing public health crisis. Knowledge and familiarity with traditional foods and their nutritive value would assist public health practitioners in becoming culturally competent when educating on healthy eating patterns. The aim of this study is to provide a brief dietary profile of the total dietary fiber (TDF) contents of selected traditional beverages in Egypt. Five cookbooks for Egyptian food recipes were reviewed for traditional beverages. Beverage recipes (n = 19) were selected and reviewed for their TDF content using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (Release 27). The published values for TDF content were tabulated and reported per 100 mL of consumable portions. The highest TDF content was found in carob juice (8.0 g) and the lowest found in peppermint tea (0.0 g) with an overall TDF mean content of 2.8 g. Traditional beverages could be regarded as important sources of TDF within a healthy Egyptian dietary pattern. Cultural awareness and familiarities to traditional foods and their respective dietary profiles should be encouraged as an objective towards building culturally-competent health professionals and combating obesity in Egypt. Furthermore, developments of a traditional Egyptian food nutrient database for public access should be explored.
Update on Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Torok Natalie
Published: November 2015

Alcoholic liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Alcoholic hepatitis is a severe form of liver injury in patients with alcohol abuse, can present as an acute on chronic liver failure associated with a rapid decline in liver synthetic function, and consequent increase in mortality. Despite therapy, about 30%–50% of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis eventually die. The pathogenic pathways that lead to the development of alcoholic hepatitis are complex and involve oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, and dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system with injury to the parenchymal cells and activation of hepatic stellate cells. As accepted treatment approaches are currently limited, a better understanding of the pathophysiology would be required to generate new approaches that improve outcomes. This review focuses on recent advances in the diagnosis, pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis and novel treatment strategies.
Role of the Polycystins in Cell Migration, Polarity, and Tissue Morphogenesis
Authors: Nigro Elisa , Castelli Maddalena , Boletta Alessandra
Published: November 2015

Cystic kidney diseases (CKD) is a class of disorders characterized by ciliary dysfunction and, therefore, belonging to the ciliopathies. The prototype CKD is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), whose mutated genes encode for two membrane-bound proteins, polycystin-1 (PC-1) and polycystin-2 (PC-2), of unknown function. Recent studies on CKD-associated genes identified new mechanisms of morphogenesis that are central for establishment and maintenance of proper renal tubular diameter. During embryonic development in the mouse and lower vertebrates a convergent-extension (CE)-like mechanism based on planar cell polarity (PCP) and cellular intercalation is involved in “sculpting” the tubules into a narrow and elongated shape. Once the appropriate diameter is established, further elongation occurs through oriented cell division (OCD). The polycystins (PCs) regulate some of these essential processes. In this review we summarize recent work on the role of PCs in regulating cell migration, the cytoskeleton, and front-rear polarity. These important properties are essential for proper morphogenesis of the renal tubules and the lymphatic vessels. We highlight here several open questions and controversies. Finally, we try to outline some of the next steps required to study these processes and their relevance in physiological and pathological conditions.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and DFT Studies of 8-chloro-3-((3-chlorobenzyl)thio)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine
Authors: Mu Jin-Xia , Yang Ming-Yan , Sun Zhao-Hui , Tan Cheng-Xia , Weng Jian-Quan , Wu Hong-Ke , Liu Xing-Hai
Published: November 2015

8-chloro-3-((3-chlorobenzyl)thio)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was synthesized and recrystallized from EtOH. The compound was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, MS, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The compound was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 8.1992(5), b = 21.7731(12), c = 7.8454(6) Å, α = 90, β = 108.421(7), γ = 90°, V = 1328.81 (15)Å3, Z = 4 and R = 0.0351. Theoretical calculation of the title compound was carried out with B3LYP/6-31G. The full geometry optimization was carried out by using the 6-31G basis set. The frontier orbital energy and atomic net charges were discussed. The experimental results of the compound have been compared with theoretical results and it was found that the experimental data shows good agreement with the calculated values.
New Tools for Molecular Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Marchetti Alessandra , Bisceglia Francesca , Cozzolino Angela , Tripodi Marco
Published: November 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, arising from neoplastic transformation of hepatocytes or liver precursor/stem cells. HCC is often associated with pre-existing chronic liver pathologies of different origin (mainly subsequent to HBV and HCV infections), such as fibrosis or cirrhosis. Current therapies are essentially still ineffective, due both to the tumor heterogeneity and the frequent late diagnosis, making necessary the creation of new therapeutic strategies to inhibit tumor onset and progression and improve the survival of patients. A promising strategy for treatment of HCC is the targeted molecular therapy based on the restoration of tumor suppressor proteins lost during neoplastic transformation. In particular, the delivery of master genes of epithelial/hepatocyte differentiation, able to trigger an extensive reprogramming of gene expression, could allow the induction of an efficient antitumor response through the simultaneous adjustment of multiple genetic/epigenetic alterations contributing to tumor development. Here, we report recent literature data supporting the use of members of the liver enriched transcription factor (LETF) family, in particular HNF4α, as tools for gene therapy of HCC.
Advances in Implant Dentistry—A Special Issue of Dentistry Journal
Authors: Pommer Bernhard
Published: November 2015

New knowledge is developing at a rapidly increasing rate in implant dentistry, as in other areas of medicine. [...]
Minimum Dissipation Principle in Nonlinear Transport
Authors: Sonnino Giorgio , Evslin Jarah , Sonnino Alberto
Published: November 2015

We extend Onsager’s minimum dissipation principle to stationary states that are only subject to local equilibrium constraints, even when the transport coefficients depend on the thermodynamic forces. Crucial to this generalization is a decomposition of the thermodynamic forces into those that are held fixed by the boundary conditions and the subspace that is orthogonal with respect to the metric defined by the transport coefficients. We are then able to apply Onsager and Machlup’s proof to the second set of forces. As an example, we consider two-dimensional nonlinear diffusion coupled to two reservoirs at different temperatures. Our extension differs from that of Bertini et al. in that we assume microscopic irreversibility, and we allow a nonlinear dependence of the fluxes on the forces.
Evaluation of the Snow Thermal Model (SNTHERM) through Continuous in situ Observations of Snow’s Physical Properties at the CREST-SAFE Field Experiment
Authors: Corona Jose , Muñoz Jonathan , Lakhankar Tarendra , Romanov Peter , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: November 2015

Snowpack properties like temperature or density are the result of a complex energy and mass balance process in the snowpack that varies temporally and spatially. The Snow Thermal Model (SNTHERM) is a 1-dimensional model, energy and mass balance-driven, that simulates these properties. This article analyzes the simulated snowpack properties using SNTHERM forced with two datasets, namely measured meteorological data at the Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology-Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE) site and the National Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS). The study area is located on the premises of Caribou Municipal Airport at Caribou (ME, USA). The model evaluation is based on properties such as snow depth, snow water equivalent, and snow density, in addition to a layer-by-layer comparison of snowpack properties. The simulations were assessed with precise in situ observations collected at the CREST-SAFE site. The outputs of the SNTHERM model showed very good agreement with observed data in properties like snow depth, snow water equivalent, and average temperature. Conversely, the model was not very efficient when simulating properties like temperature and grain size in different layers of the snowpack.
Ageing Renal Patients: We Need More Collaboration between Geriatric Services and Nephrology Departments
Authors: Alston Helen , Burns Aine
Published: November 2015

There has been a significant increase in the number of frail older patients diagnosed with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) over the past thirty years. These elderly patients have high levels of comorbidity, and as a consequence the face of renal medicine is changing—There is an increasing need to focus on traditionally geriatric areas of expertise such as falls prevention and rehabilitation, and to shift our emphasis onto improving patient well-being rather than longevity. Over the past decade, many nephrologists have found that they are already acting as de facto “amateur geriatricians”. This denies patients both the benefits of specialist geriatric assessment, and equally importantly denies them access to the wider geriatric multidisciplinary team. This article describes the prevalence and underlying causes of the so-called “Geriatric Giants” in patients with advanced CKD, and discusses possible improvements in care that closer working with geriatricians could bring.
Association between Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Childhood Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Jiang Pei , Zhu Wen-Ye , He Xin , Tang Mi-Mi , Dang Rui-Li , Li Huan-De , Xue Ying , Zhang Li-Hong , Wu Yan-Qin , Cao Ling-Juan
Published: November 2015

Vitamin D (VD) is implicated in multiple aspects of human physiology and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although VD deficiency is highly prevalent in epilepsy patients and converging evidence indicates a role for VD in the development of epilepsy, no data is available on the possible relationship between epilepsy and genetic variations of VDR. In this study, 150 controls and 82 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were genotyped for five common VDR polymorphisms (Cdx-2, FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) by the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction method. Our results revealed that the frequency of FokI AC genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the patients (p = 0.003, OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.21–0.73), whereas the AA genotype of ApaI SNP was more frequent in patients than in controls (p = 0.018, OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.2–7.1). However, no statistically significant association was found between Cdx-2, BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms and epilepsy. Additionally, in haplotype analysis, we found the haplotype GAT (BsmI/ApaI/TaqI) conferred significantly increased risk for developing TLE (p = 0.039, OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.02–2.56). As far as we know, these results firstly underline the importance of VDR polymorphisms for the genetic susceptibility to epilepsy.
Microstructure Investigation of 13Cr-2Mo ODS Steel Components Obtained by High Voltage Electric Discharge Compaction Technique
Authors: Bogachev Igor , Yudin Artem , Grigoryev Evgeniy , Chernov Ivan , Staltsov Maxim , Khasanov Oleg , Olevsky Eugene
Published: November 2015

Refractory oxide dispersion strengthened 13Cr-2Mo steel powder was successfully consolidated to near theoretical density using high voltage electric discharge compaction. Cylindrical samples with relative density from 90% to 97% and dimensions of 10 mm in diameter and 10–15 mm in height were obtained. Consolidation conditions such as pressure and voltage were varied in some ranges to determine the optimal compaction regime. Three different concentrations of yttria were used to identify its effect on the properties of the samples. It is shown that the utilized ultra-rapid consolidation process in combination with high transmitted energy allows obtaining high density compacts, retaining the initial structure with minimal grain growth. The experimental results indicate some heterogeneity of the structure which may occur in the external layers of the tested samples due to various thermal and electromagnetic in-processing effects. The choice of the optimal parameters of the consolidation enables obtaining samples of acceptable quality.
Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity Studies of Gold(I)-Alkynyl Chromones
Authors: Hikisz Paweł , Szczupak Łukasz , Koceva-Chyła Aneta , Guśpiel Adam , Oehninger Luciano , Ott Ingo , Therrien Bruno , Solecka Jolanta , Kowalski Konrad
Published: November 2015

Three gold(I) complexes of alkynyl chromones were synthesized and characterized. The single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of a dinuclear compound and of a flavone derivative exhibit a typical d10 gold(I)-alkynyl linear arrangement. All complexes were evaluated as anticancer and antibacterial agents against four human cancer cell lines and four pathogenic bacterial strains. All compounds show antiproliferative activity at lower micromolar range concentrations. Complex 4 showed a broad activity profile, being more active than the reference drug auranofin against HepG2, MCF-7 and CCRF-CEM cancer cells. The cellular uptake into MCF-7 cells of the investigated complexes was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). These measurements showed a positive correlation between an increased cellular gold content and the incubation time of the complexes. Unexpectedly an opposite effect was observed for the most active compound. Biological assays revealed various molecular mechanisms for these compounds, comprising: (i) thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition, (ii) caspases-9 and -3 activation; (iii) DNA damaging activity and (iv) cell cycle disturbance. The gold(I) complexes were also bactericidal against Gram-positive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacterial strains, while showing no activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterial strain.
Chemotaxonomic Metabolite Profiling of 62 Indigenous Plant Species and Its Correlation with Bioactivities
Authors: Lee Sarah , Oh Dong-Gu , Lee Sunmin , Kim Ga , Lee Jong , Son Youn , Bae Chang-Hwan , Yeo Joohong , Lee Choong
Published: November 2015

Chemotaxonomic metabolite profiling of 62 indigenous Korean plant species was performed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-linear trap quadrupole-ion trap (LTQ-IT) mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis. In partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the 62 species clustered depending on their phylogenetic family, in particular, Aceraceae, Betulaceae, and Fagaceae were distinguished from Rosaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae. Quinic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, quercetin derivatives, kaempferol, and kaempferol derivatives were identified as family-specific metabolites, and were found in relatively high concentrations in Aceraceae, Betulaceae, and Fagaceae. Fagaceae and Asteraceae were selected based on results of PLS-DA and bioactivities to determine the correlation between metabolic differences among plant families and bioactivities. Quinic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, quercetin derivatives, and kaempferol derivatives were found in higher concentrations in Fagaceae than in Asteraceae, and were positively correlated with antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities. These results suggest that metabolite profiling was a useful tool for finding the different metabolic states of each plant family and understanding the correlation between metabolites and bioactivities in accordance with plant family.
A Neural Network-Based Gait Phase Classification Method Using Sensors Equipped on Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robots
Authors: Jung Jun-Young , Heo Wonho , Yang Hyundae , Park Hyunsub
Published: November 2015

An exact classification of different gait phases is essential to enable the control of exoskeleton robots and detect the intentions of users. We propose a gait phase classification method based on neural networks using sensor signals from lower limb exoskeleton robots. In such robots, foot sensors with force sensing registers are commonly used to classify gait phases. We describe classifiers that use the orientation of each lower limb segment and the angular velocities of the joints to output the current gait phase. Experiments to obtain the input signals and desired outputs for the learning and validation process are conducted, and two neural network methods (a multilayer perceptron and nonlinear autoregressive with external inputs (NARX)) are used to develop an optimal classifier. Offline and online evaluations using four criteria are used to compare the performance of the classifiers. The proposed NARX-based method exhibits sufficiently good performance to replace foot sensors as a means of classifying gait phases.
Expert system using multi-objective optimization of the direct current railway power supply system
Authors: Soler Nicolau Manuel , López Jesús , Tapia Santiago , Mera José Manuel
Published: November 2015

There are many different aspects to be analyzed when designing a railway infrastructure. The energy system, which withstands the demand for energy from operating trains, must consider many factors to create a functional infrastructure, in terms of demanded energy and cost sustainable. The methodology proposed gives a set of possible solutions to the designer or engineer. On the one hand, this method works with a multi-objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), with high time efficiency. The main target of this work is to obtain the best electrical configuration in terms of number and location of substations and characteristics of the overhead line system. On the other hand, best configurations must take into account things such as real railway operation, signalling system, infrastructure, costs linked with environment, maintenance, construction and connection with general electric network, losses of energy dissipated along the catenary. Hence, this methodology must combine all of these skills and integrate it with a railway configuration, modelling and simulation tool, Hamlet developed at CITEF (Research Centre on Railway Technologies by Technical University of Madrid, Spain). After using this methodology, designers will have a set of configurations in order to get the final choice of location of traction substations and type of overhead line system to achieve properly the power demand from trains in railway systems.
NATO and Energy Security
Authors: Nastoupil René
Published: November 2015

The article deals with the reasons why NATO is interested in energy security and main tasks which Alliance fulfils in this area. A special attention is paid to the energy dependence of the European member states of the Alliance, the increase of awareness about energy security, critical energy infrastructure protection and energy efficiency in the armed forces. The author elaborates the implementation of the energy security issues into the Alliance main activities, education and training in the field of energy security and cooperation with partner countries, other international organizations and private sector. The article is available only in the Czech language. For more information please contact editors.
De l’antijudaïsme catholique à la reconnaissance : cinquante ans après Nostra ætate
Authors: Remaud Michel
Published: October 2015

En 1965, le Vatican publie la déclaration Nostra ætate qui, à la suite de la prise de conscience de l’ampleur de la Shoa , modifiait en profondeur l’attitude de l’Église catholique envers les juifs et le judaïsme. De la calomnie à la bienveillance, la conversion ne fut pas facile ; mais elle a rendu possible un travail de dialogue qu’il est nécessaire de poursuivre.
La prolifération des conflits internationaux
Authors: Gnesotto Nicole , Vaïsse Justin , Béja Alice , Poligone Pierre
Published: October 2015

Pour Justin Vaïsse, la multiplication des conflits dans le monde est le signe d’un rééquilibrage de la puissance : les États-Unis ne sont plus le garant de l’ordre mondial, la Chine et la Russie s’affirment, tandis que de nouveaux acteurs privés s’imposent dans les régions où les États sont fragilisés. Nicole Gnesotto insiste pour sa part sur l’impuissance des institutions internationales dans le contexte d’une mondialisation douloureuse.
Hydrophobic Interactions Are Key To Drive the Association of Tapasin with Peptide Transporter Subunit TAP2
Authors: Rufer Elke , Kägebein Danny , Leonhardt Ralf M. , Knittler Michael R.
Published: October 2015

The transporter associated with Ag processing (TAP) translocates proteasomally derived cytosolic peptides into the endoplasmic reticulum. TAP is a central component of the peptide-loading complex (PLC), to which tapasin (TPN) recruits MHC class I (MHC I) and accessory chaperones. The PLC functions to facilitate and optimize MHC I–mediated Ag presentation. The heterodimeric peptide transporter consists of two homologous subunits, TAP1 and TAP2, each of which contains an N-terminal domain (N-domain) in addition to a conserved transmembrane (TM) core segment. Each N-domain binds to the TM region of a single TPN molecule, which recruits one MHC I molecule to TAP1 and/or TAP2. Although both N-domains act as TPN-docking sites, various studies suggest a functional asymmetry within the PLC resulting in greater significance of the TAP2/TPN interaction for MHC loading. In this study, we demonstrate that the leucine-rich hydrophobic sequence stretches (with the central leucine residues L20 and L66) in the first and second TM helix of TAP2 form a functional unit acting as a docking site for optimal TPN/MHC I recruitment, whereas three distinct highly conserved arginine and/or aspartate residues inside or flanking these TM helices are dispensable. Moreover, we show that the physical interaction between TAP2 and TPN is disrupted by benzene, a compound known to interfere with hydrophobic interactions, such as those between pairing leucine zippers. No such effects were observed for the TAP1/TAP2 interaction or the complex formation between TPN and MHC I. We propose that TAP/TPN complex formation is driven by hydrophobic interactions via leucine zipper–like motifs.
β-Glucan–Activated Human B Lymphocytes Participate in Innate Immune Responses by Releasing Proinflammatory Cytokines and Stimulating Neutrophil Chemotaxis
Authors: Ali Mohamed F. , Driscoll Christopher B. , Walters Paula R. , Limper Andrew H. , Carmona Eva M.
Published: October 2015

B lymphocytes play an essential regulatory role in the adaptive immune response through Ab production during infection. A less known function of B lymphocytes is their ability to respond directly to infectious Ags through stimulation of pattern recognition receptors expressed on their surfaces. β-Glucans are carbohydrates present in the cell wall of many pathogenic fungi that can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients during infection. They have been shown to participate in the innate inflammatory response, as they can directly activate peripheral macrophages and dendritic cells. However, their effect as direct stimulators of B lymphocytes has not been yet fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular mechanisms and cytokine profiles generated following β-glucan stimulation of B lymphocytes, compared with the well-established TLR-9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG), and study the participation of β-glucan–stimulated B cells in the innate immune response. In this article, we demonstrate that β-glucan–activated B lymphocytes upregulate proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8). Of interest, β-glucan, unlike CpG, had no effect on B lymphocyte proliferation or IgM production. When compared with CpG (TLR9 agonist), β-glucan–activated cells secreted significantly higher levels of IL-8. Furthermore, IL-8 secretion was partially mediated by Dectin-1 and required SYK, MAPKs, and the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1. Moreover, we observed that conditioned media from β-glucan–stimulated B lymphocytes elicited neutrophil chemotaxis. These studies suggest that β-glucan–activated B lymphocytes have an important and novel role in fungal innate immune responses.
Definition of a standard protocol to determine the growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica in pork sausage produced in Abruzzo Region, Italy
Authors: Sperandii Anna Franca , Neri Diana , Romantini Romina , Santarelli Gino Angelo , Prencipe Vincenza
Published: November 2015

Pork meat products consumed raw or after a short period of fermentation can be considered at risk for food safety (EFSA 2010). Sausages (fresh sausage made from pork meat) are produced in several Italian regions, with variation in ingredients. In some Italian Regions, including Abruzzo, these products are frequently consumed raw or undercooked, after a variable period of fermentation. The EU food regulation promotes the use of challenge tests to determinate safety levels. This study is aimed to ensure safety of Abruzzo’s sausages, compared with growth potential (δ) of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica and also aims to define an experimental standard protocol document to carry out challenge tests. Guidelines classify foods ready to eat in categories that are able to support (δ>0.5 log10 ufc/g) and not support (δ≤0.5 log10 ufc/g) the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The products were manufactured according to traditional recipe and were contaminated in laboratory. Results from the experiment yielded information useful to assess the ability of these products to support the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The batches of sausages were stored at 8, 12, 18 and 20°C to get statistical evaluation. The results showed that, despite the conditioning of the storage temperature and the level of aw, both organisms remain in the product in concentrations similar to those leading or are able to increase its charge. In particular the period of greatest consumption of this product (7/8 days of preparation) corresponds to the period of greatest growth of pathogenic microorganisms studied, except for those stored at a temperature of 8° C, which are safer for the consumer.
Juntos de nuevo: el vínculo entre los lazos transnacionales y los archivos de fotos de las familias de Ghana
Authors: Ben Elul Elad
Published: November 2015

This article examines the practice of storing and sharing digital photos among Ghanian families in the diaspora. Ethnographic observation raised issues about the materiality of digital photos and their storing platforms and the complex dialogue between digital architecture and pre-existing cultural forces such as kinship and storytelling.
La protección digital y herencia de los bloques de madera impresos “Jinling Sutra Printing”
Authors: Ge Huaidong , Deng Shuyang
Published: November 2015

Jinling Sutra Publishing House, a protection site for Chinese woodblock printing, is the inheritance organization for Chinese woodblock engraving and ink printing of the Chinese Buddhism classics. This paper, taking “Jinling Sutra Printing” as study object, introduced its carving and printing skills, and proposed that, by means of digital acquisition and storage technology, this intangible cultural heritage could be fully documented and presented through characters, pictures, audio, video and other information.
Turbulence Kinetic Energy budget during the afternoon transition – Part 1: Observed surface TKE budget and boundary layer description for 10 intensive observation period days
Authors: Nilsson E. , Lohou F. , Lothon M. , Pardyjak E. , Mahrt L. , Darbieu C.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The decay of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and its budget in the afternoon period from mid-day until zero buoyancy flux at the surface is studied in a two-part paper by means of measurements from the Boundary Layer Late Afternoon and Sunset Turbulence (BLLAST) field campaign for 10 Intensive Observation Period days. Here, in Part 1, near-surface measurements from a small tower are used to estimate a TKE budget. The overall boundary layer characteristics and meso-scale situation at the site are also described based upon taller tower measurements, radiosoundings and remote sensing instrumentation. Analysis of the TKE budget during the afternoon transition reveals a variety of different surface layer dynamics in terms of TKE and TKE decay. This is largely attributed to variations in the 8 m wind speed, which is responsible for different amounts of near-surface shear production on different afternoons and variations within some of the afternoon periods. The partitioning of near surface production into local dissipation and transport in neutral and unstably stratified conditions was investigated. Although variations exist both between and within afternoons, as a rule of thumb, our results suggest that about 50 % of the near surface production of TKE is compensated by local dissipation near the surface, leaving about 50 % available for transport. This result indicates that it is important to also consider TKE transport as a factor influencing the near-surface TKE decay rate, which in many earlier studies has mainly been linked with the production terms of TKE by buoyancy and wind shear. We also conclude that the TKE tendency is smaller than the other budget terms, indicating a quasi-stationary evolution of TKE in the afternoon transition. Even though the TKE tendency was observed to be small, a strong correlation to mean buoyancy production of −0.69 was found for the afternoon period. For comparison with previous results, the TKE budget terms are normalized with friction velocity and measurement height and discussed in the framework of Monin–Obukhov similarity theory. Empirically fitted expressions are presented. Alternatively, we also suggest a non-local parametrization of dissipation using a TKE-length scale model which takes into account the boundary layer depth in addition to distance above the ground. The non-local formulation is shown to give a better description of dissipation compared to a local parametrization.
Carbon monoxide climatology derived from the trajectory mapping of global MOZAIC-IAGOS data
Authors: Osman M. , Tarasick D. W. , Liu J. , Moeini O. , Thouret V. , Fioletov V. E. , Parrington M. , Nédélec P.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A three-dimensional gridded climatology of carbon monoxide (CO) has been developed by trajectory mapping of global MOZAIC-IAGOS in situ measurements from commercial aircraft data. CO measurements made during aircraft ascent and descent, comprising nearly 41 200 profiles at 148 airports worldwide from December 2001 to December 2012 are used. Forward and backward trajectories are calculated from meteorological reanalysis data in order to map the CO measurements to other locations, and so to fill in the spatial domain. This domain-filling technique employs 15 800 000 calculated trajectories to map otherwise sparse MOZAIC-IAGOS data into a quasi-global field. The resulting trajectory-mapped CO dataset is archived monthly from 2001–2012 on a grid of 5° longitude × 5° latitude × 1 km altitude, from the surface to 14 km altitude. The mapping product has been carefully evaluated, by comparing maps constructed using only forward trajectories and using only backward trajectories. The two methods show similar global CO distribution patterns. The magnitude of their differences is most commonly 10 % or less, and found to be less than 30 % for almost all cases. The trajectory-mapped CO dataset has also been validated by comparison profiles for individual airports with those produced by the mapping method when data from that site are excluded. While there are larger differences below 2 km, the two methods agree very well between 2 and 10 km with the magnitude of biases within 20 %. Maps are also compared with Version 6 data from the Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. While agreement is good in the lowermost troposphere, the MOPITT CO profile shows negative biases of ~ 20 % between 500 and 300 hPa. These upper troposphere biases are not related to the mapping procedure, as almost identical differences are found with the original in situ MOZAIC-IAGOS data. The total CO trajectory-mapped MOZAIC-IAGOS climatology column agrees with the MOPITT CO total column within ±5 %, which is consistent with previous reports. The maps clearly show major regional CO sources such as biomass burning in the central and southern Africa and anthropogenic emissions in eastern China. The dataset shows the seasonal CO cycle over different latitude bands and altitude ranges that are representative of the regions as well as long-term trends over latitude bands. We observe a decline in CO over the Northern Hemisphere extratropics and the tropics consistent with that reported by previous studies. Similar maps have been made using the concurrent O3 measurements by MOZAIC-IAGOS, as the global variation of O3–CO correlations can be a useful tool for the evaluation of ozone sources and transport in chemical transport models. We anticipate use of the trajectory-mapped MOZAIC-IAGOS CO dataset as an a priori climatology for satellite retrieval, and for air quality model validation and initialization.
Synchrony of trend shifts in Sahel summer rainfall and global oceanic evaporation, 1950–2012
Authors: Diawara A. , Tachibana Y. , Oshima K. , Nishikawa H. , Ando Y.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Between 1950 and 2012, summer (rainy season) rainfall in the Sahel changed from a multi-decadal decreasing trend to an increasing trend (positive trend shift) in the mid-1980s. We found that this trend shift was synchronous with similar trend shifts in global oceanic evaporation and in land precipitation in all continents except the Americas. The trend shift in oceanic evaporation occurred mainly in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and the subtropical oceans of the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Because increased oceanic evaporation strengthens the atmospheric moisture transport toward land areas, the synchrony of oceanic evaporation and land precipitation is reasonable. Surface scalar winds over the SH oceans also displayed a positive trend shift. Sea surface temperature (SST) displayed a trend shift in the mid-1980s that was negative (increasing, then decreasing) in the SH and positive in the NH. Although SST had opposite trend shifts in both hemispheres, the trend shift in evaporation was positive in both hemispheres. We infer that because strong winds promote evaporative cooling, the trend shift in SH winds strengthened the trend shifts of both SST and evaporation in the SH. Because high SST promotes evaporation, the trend shift in NH SST strengthened the NH trend shift in evaporation. Thus differing oceanic roles in the SH and NH generated the positive trend shift in evaporation; however, the details of moisture transport toward the Sahel are still unclear.
A Recent Development of the Spatial Disparity of Housing Prices in Iceland and Its Underlying Economic Causes
Authors: Karlsson  Vifill
Published: October 2015

In this paper, the author examines the development of the spatial distribution of housing
prices. Due to consumer preferences for access over amenity value, there is a spatial disparity
of housing prices. According to Alonso’s extension of von Tünen’s theory, the relationship
between housing prices in urban and rural areas tends to follow certain principles. This
relationship is more often negative than positive, i.e. the price of a standardized unit of
housing declines with increasing distance from a central business district (CBD). It has been
documented that this relationship is negative for Iceland, as well as in many regions of other
countries. It is argued here that this relationship has become increasingly marked in Iceland,
most likely due to the altered household preferences and structural changes. A macro panel
data set from Iceland will be used, representing several essential variables of the residential
housing market for 79 municipalities in Iceland from 1981 to 2006.
Informative Established Sequence Traits in Tepary Bean (Phaseolus Acutifolius A. Gray) for Drought Stress
Authors: Narina Satya S S , Scheffler Brian E , Ballard Linda A , Simpson Sheron E , Buyyarapu Ramesh , Kottapalli Rao K , Sayre Brian L , Bhardwaj Harbans L
Published: November 2015

Drought stress, a major abiotic stress adversely effects crop growth and yield. Tepary bean was identified as one of the drought adapted legumes for arid and semi-arid regions. Drought responsive functional genes in tepary bean were identified through current investigation. The complementary DNAs (cDNAs) prepared from leaf messenger RNA (mRNA) of three genotypes ( #10, #15 and #20) were sequenced using 454, and 54,165 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) were generated and functionally annotated.
Análisis experimental de la Anestesia/Analgesia Hipnótica (A/AH): una propuesta interconductista
Authors: Castellano-Meza Felix , Torres-Ceja Carlos de Jesús , Ortiz-Rueda Gerardo Alfonso
Published: November 2015

De acuerdo con una perspectiva interconductual, en un trabajo anterior se presentó un modelo para el abordaje de la Anestesia/Analgesia Hipnótica (A/AH) como un fenómeno de Afectación Paradójica Estable que puede ser ubicado como una situación caso perteneciente a la Función Sustitutiva Referencial. Con el objetivo de analizar empíricamente de qué manera los referentes “hipnosis” y “relajación” involucrados en una misma forma de procedimiento (o “inducción hipnótica”) pueden facilitar o interferir con la articulación de la A/AH, se utiliza una metodología que parte de la identificación de Indicadores Verbales (IV) e Indicadores No Verbales (INV) relacionados con el dolor. Para el presente estudio se empleó la Prueba de Presión Fría o PPF. Los resultados mostraron que el uso del referente “hipnosis” puede facilitar la desaparición de los INV y una disminución de los IV, mientras que en el caso del referente “relajación”  tanto los INV como los IV disminuyen pero ninguno desaparece.
Perceptions of successful aging among Mexican older adults
Authors: Reyes-Uribe Ana Cecilia
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore Mexican older adults’ perspectives on successful aging along with their views about whether they consider themselves successful agers and why. Using a grounded theory framework, individual interviews were conducted with 23 older adults aged 62-88 years in Zapopan, Mexico. Successful aging is a multidimensional concept that is influenced by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Overall, participants’ definition of successful aging includes acceptance and adaptation to life transitions and health conditions, strong involvement with family and friends, being close to God, the achievement of personal goals, and aging in place. Most participants considered themselves to be successful agers although some of them recognized that not in all aspects of their lives.
Response Rate and Teaching Effectiveness in Institutional Student Evaluation of Teaching: A Multiple Linear Regression Study
Authors: Al-Maamari Faisal
Published: November 2015

It is important to consider the question of whether teacher-, course-, and student-related factors affect student ratings of instructors in Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) in English Language Teaching (ELT). This paper reports on a statistical analysis of SET in two large EFL programmes at a university setting in the Sultanate of Oman. I carried out a multiple regression analysis to address the research questions of whether instructor sex, class size, course type and percent participation would affect teaching effectiveness scores, and whether or not response rate can be predicted by instructor sex, class size and course type. The study utilizes a dataset of over 2000 student ratings obtained from an SET survey covering the period from Fall 2011 through to Spring 2014in these two programmes. Results indicated that the modeled predictors showed extremely low bias towards both teaching quality scores and response rate. Although the effect sizes of these results are extremely small, they are still significant due to the large sample size (comprising over 2000). The findings also suggest that contrary to common parlance in some quarters claiming students’ unreliable ratings, this analysis has shown that students can judge teaching effectiveness and do not allow other teacher-, course- and student-related factors to bias their responses. The study’s significance stems from the fact that it adds to instructional evaluation in ELT, a field characterized by a clear lack of research on SET.