bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High End Battery Management Systems for Renewable Energy and EV Applications
Authors: Jung Max , Schwunk Simon
Published: March 2013

Using renewable energies means having to deal with a strongly stochastic behaviour, since for photovoltaics the sun has to shine or for wind generators the wind has to blow. For being able to supply the load any time, storage solutions are needed. Decreasing costs and better availabilities of new battery technologies like lithium-ion therefore result in a growing demand for more sophisticated battery systems in off-grid and grid connected applications. In e.g. off-grid applications, lead-acid battery systems are state of the art. Though, lithium-ion batteries become more popular because of their high energy density and long life time. Another application for electrochemical storage systems are electric vehicles. In all those cases the battery storages need to be managed. But the management of a battery system is not a trivial problem. The batteries must be monitored and controlled, there are challenges regarding safety, electrical isolation and energy efficiency. The article gives an introduction to different architectures of battery management systems (BMS). There are different approaches to design a BMS the article describes in the first part. In the second part, there is a more precise description of the electronic hardware and the software behind a BMS. To understand both function and importance of a BMS, the article introduces in the third part a few applications of BMS in bigger battery packs.
The Competition of Different Measures to Increase Flexibility in Energy Systems with a High Share of Fluctuating Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Brunner Christoph , Teufel Felix
Published: March 2013

The continuous expansion of electricity generation from intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) is changing the present generation structure that has been designed to follow fluctuating demand considerably. In order to utilise a high share of supply-dependent RES, the future energy system needs to become more flexible than it is today. This paper describes the different flexibility options that can be implemented with regard to their major restrictions as well as their suitability to balance a certain deficit or surplus of RES generation. Furthermore, it outlines the importance of competition between these different balancing measures to meet the required level of flexibility at lowest cost.
Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels – an Evolving Research Field within AMPEA, a Joint Programme of the European Energy Research Alliance
Authors: Thapper Anders , Styring Stenbjörn , Saracco Guido , Rutherford A. William , Robert Bruno , Magnuson Ann , Lubitz Wolfgang , Llobet Antoni , Kurz Philipp , Holzwarth Alfred , Fiechter Sebastian , de Groot Huub , Campagna Sebastiano , Braun Artur , Bercegol Hervé , Artero Vincent
Published: March 2013

On the path to an energy transition away from fossil fuels to sustainable sources, the European Union is for the moment keeping pace with the objectives of the Strategic Energy Technology-Plan. For this trend to continue after 2020, scientific breakthroughs must be achieved. One main objective is to produce solar fuels from solar energy and water in direct processes to accomplish the efficient storage of solar energy in a chemical form. This is a grand scientific challenge. One important approach to achieve this goal is Artificial Photosynthesis. The European Energy Research Alliance has launched the Joint Programme “Advanced Materials & Processes for Energy Applications” (AMPEA) to foster the role of basic science in Future Emerging Technologies. European researchers in artificial photosynthesis recently met at an AMPEA organized workshop to define common research strategies and milestones for the future. Through this work artificial photosynthesis became the first energy research sub-field to be organised into what is designated “an Application” within AMPEA. The ambition is to drive and accelerate solar fuels research into a powerful European field – in a shorter time and with a broader scope than possible for individual or national initiatives. Within AMPEA the Application Artificial Photosynthesis is inclusive and intended to bring together all European scientists in relevant fields. The goal is to set up a thorough and systematic programme of directed research, which by 2020 will have advanced to a point where commercially viable artificial photosynthetic devices will be under development in partnership with industry.
Systematic Photovoltaic Waste Recycling
Authors: Palitzsch Wolfram , Loser Ulrich
Published: March 2013

Indium, selenium, tellurium, gallium, molybdenum, cadmium and silicon are some of the major elements used in photovoltaic cells. Fully aware of the limited availability of these metals in future, recycling has been recognized as the most advisable end-of-life strategy to save these raw materials from turning into production wastes. On the other hand, statutory measures such as “Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz” (the German law encouraging closed-loop economy) aim to achieve a maximum quota of recycling and a minimum use of resources such as energy and raw materials. By the year of 2050, end-of-life photovoltaic panels are anticipated to amount to 9.57 million tons [1]. Although we are not there yet, discussions on recycling have already started. We have to prepare for higher waste volumes expected in the coming years. But already today we need to solve some environmental problems like loss of conventional resources (e.g., glass) and rare metals [2]. All of the known approaches for recycling photovoltaic semiconductor material seem economically and environmentally inefficient [3, 4]. In this paper, we report about reclaiming metals from scrap of thin film systems and associated photovoltaic manufacturing wastes like sandblasting dust and overspray. We also report one universal wet-chemical treatment for reclaiming the metals from CIS, CIGS or CdTe photovoltaic waste. Further, we discuss the application of our method to new PV systems, such as substrates other than glass (stainless steel, aluminum or plastic foil sheets) and alternative semiconductor alloys such as GaAs.
Immunologically active peptides that accompany hen egg yolk immunoglobulin Y: separation and identification
Authors: Polanowski Antoni , Sosnowska Agnieszka , Zabłocka Agnieszka , Janusz Maria , Trziszka Tadeusz
Published: March 2013

The protein mixture of cytokine-inducing activity accompanying chicken immunoglobulin Y, named yolkin, consists of several peptides of molecular weight (MW) ranging from over 1 to 35 kDa. Yolkin and its constituent peptides were found to be efficient inducers of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 secretion. N-terminal amino acid sequences of eight of the electrophoretically purified yolkin constituents revealed that all of them are homological to some fragments of the C-terminal domain of vitellogenin II. The fractions of MW about 4 and 12 kDa are free of carbohydrates and start at position 1732 in the vitellogenin amino acid sequence; whereas the other fractions (MW about 16, 19, 23, 29, 32 and 35 kDa) appeared to be glycoproteins corresponding to the amino acid sequence of vitellogenin starting at position 1572. From these data, it is concluded that yolkin most likely represents vitellogenin-derived peptides that possess cytokine-inducing activity and are, at least partially, responsible for such properties of separated immunoglobulin Y preparation. This finding reveals a new role for vitellogenin as a reservoir of polypeptides that may play an important role in the innate immune system of the developing embryo.
Identification of prolyl oligopeptidase as a cyclosporine-sensitive protease by screening of mouse liver extracts
Authors: Rentzsch Alexander , Kahlert Viktoria , Jahreis Günther , Schlott Bernhard , Schutkowski Mike , Malešević Miroslav , Fischer Gunter
Published: March 2013

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a cyclic undecapeptide well known for its ability to prevent rejection episodes after organ transplantation via gain-of-function. Therefore, biomedical studies on CsA have been focused on both immunosuppressive properties and binding to the biocatalytically-active immune receptors, the cyclophilins. Much less attention has been spent on effects of cyclosporines on the biological function of other proteins. We used a 9-mer fluorescence-quenched peptide library with defined sequences to identify cyclosporine-sensitive proteolysis in mouse liver extracts. A highly soluble [d-Ser]8-CsA derivative was utilized to avoid drug precipitation at extended incubation times. Analysis of the time courses of proteolysis revealed 15 out of 360 peptide sequences where proteolysis exhibited marked sensitivity to the cyclosporine derivative. As a first example, a collagen-derived substrate was selected from those hits to identify the targeted proteolytic pathway. After purification from mouse liver extracts, prolyl oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26) could be identified as a protease sensitive to submicromolar concentrations of cyclosporines. Surprisingly, in a series of cyclosporine derivatives an inverse relationship was found between the inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase and inhibition of cyclophilin A.
Neurological symptoms and signs in HTLV-1 patients with overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Costa Davi Tanajura , Santos André Luiz Muniz Alves dos , Castro Néviton Matos de , Siqueira Isadora Cristina de , Carvalho Filho Edgar Marcelino de , Glesby Marshall Jay
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: To compare neurological symptoms and signs in HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers and HTLV-1 patients with overactive bladder (OB) syndrome. METHODS: We studied 102 HTLV-1 positive individuals without HAM/TSP (HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis) divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of OB syndrome. Clinical interview, neurological exam and proviral load was performed in all patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with OB were more commonly female (84.3 vs. 60.8% of asymptomatics, p=0.01). The prevalence of neurological complaints was higher in OB group, especially hand or foot numbness and arm or leg weakness. There was no difference between the groups in neurological strength and reflexes. Weakness complaint remained strongly associated with OB in multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for sex and age [adjusted odds ratio and 95%CI 3.59 (1.45-8.88) in arms and 6.68 (2.63-16.93) in legs]. Proviral load was also different between the two groups with higher level on OB individuals.
Espessamento em fi de parede celular
Authors: Melo Hyrandir Cabral de
Published: March 2013

Os espessamentos em fi ocorrem desde a epiderme até a camada adjacente à endoderme em raízes de várias espécies de angiospermas e gimnospermas. Diferentemente das estrias de Caspary, não são suberizados e podem ser localizados em variados pontos da parede celular de uma mesma célula. Em algumas espécies o seu desenvolvimento pode ser observado já no primeiro centímetro do ápice radicular. Funcionalmente, têm sido atribuídos ao espessamento em fi papéis de sustentação mecânica para suporte dos tecidos em processo de expansão radial e de crescimento longitudinal de raízes em substratos com alto grau de impedimento à sua penetração, de barreira física contra a invasão de fungos em camadas mais profundas do córtex ou no cilindro central e de seleção de íons que se movimentam por via apoplástica. Embora o espessamento em fi continue sendo usado como um caractere anatômico-radicular para estudos de taxonomia de algumas espécies, tem sido comprovado que seu desenvolvimento não é necessariamente constitutivo, o que pode torná-lo inadequado para este fim.
Leguminosae em fragmentos de floresta estacional semidecidual, Araponga, MG: árvores e lianas
Authors: Fernandes José Martins , Garcia Flávia Cristina Pinto , Siqueira Lívia Constancio de , Marotta Carolina Pellucci Barreto
Published: March 2013

Durante o período de um ano, foram amostradas em dois fragmentos de floresta estacional 26 espécies, distribuídas em 12 gêneros e sete tribos. A subfamília Papilionoideae foi a mais representada com 11 espécies, destas, cinco espécies são Machaerium. As tribos Dalbergieae (10 spp.) e Ingeae (5 spp.), reuniram 58% das espécies, entre elas, Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth. incluída na lista das espécies ameaçadas de extinção, e Abarema obovata (Benth.) Barneby & J.W. Grimes, com distribuição restrita ao Estado de Minas Gerais. O trabalho apresenta chave analítica, descrições e ilustrações das espécies, período de floração e frutificação, além da distribuição geográfica.
Sinopse do gênero Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Martins Erika Ramos , Lima Letícia Ribes de
Published: March 2013

O gênero Phyllanthus ocorre em todas as regiões do planeta e no Brasil, o levantamento mais recente aponta a ocorrência de 107 espécies, das quais cerca de um quarto são encontradas, principalmente, nos campos rupestres, cerrados e caatingas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi elaborar a monografia do gênero Phyllanthus do Estado de São Paulo, contribuindo assim para o término da monografia da família Phyllanthaceae para o Projeto "Flora Fanerogâmica do Estado de São Paulo". Além disso, esse trabalho visou buscar um melhor conhecimento e circunscrição das espécies que ocorrem no estado, bem como apresentar informações sobre morfologia, distribuição geográfica e taxonomia sobre os táxons estudados. No Estado de São Paulo foram encontradas 16 espécies do gênero.
Uma nova espécie de Mimosa L. (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) do Centro-Oeste do Brasil
Authors: Silva Rosilene Rodrigues , Tozzi Ana Maria Goulart de Azevedo
Published: March 2013

Uma nova espécie de Mimosa (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae, Mimosae) do estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Centro-Oeste do Brasil, M. ferricola R.R. Silva & A.M.G. Azevedo, é descrita e ilustrada. Morfologicamente M. ferricola é relacionada com M. gemmulata Barneby e com M. nothopteris Barneby, e posicionada em Mimosa sect. Batocaulon DC. ser. Leiocarpae Benth.
The importance of progressive senescence in the biomass dynamics of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)
Authors: Rodriguez Gabriel E. , Rassweiler Andrew , Reed Daniel C. , Holbrook Sally J.
Published: March 2013

Temporal variation in primary producer biomass has profound effects on the structure and function of the surrounding ecological community. The giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) exhibits strong intra‐annual variation in biomass density, which is better explained by the demographic rates of fronds than by those of whole plants. To better understand the processes controlling the dynamics of giant kelp fronds we collected monthly time‐series data of frond initiation and survival. These data were used to determine how frond loss and frond initiation rates were predicted by factors thought to affect the growth and survival of Macrocystis, including external environmental factors (i.e., wave height, day length, temperature, nutrient concentration, and neighborhood density) and intrinsic biological characteristics (i.e., frond age, plant size, and nutritional status). Our results revealed that frond dynamics were better explained by intrinsic biological processes rather than external environmental factors. A metric of frond age structure that incorporated progressive senescence was the best predictor of frond loss rate, accounting for 58% of the explained variation in frond loss. A similar analysis revealed that frond age structure was also the single best predictor of frond initiation rate, accounting for 46% of the explained variation. To further examine the importance of senescence in biomass dynamics, we used frond age‐dependent mortality and frond initiation rates to predict biomass in subsequent months and found that the model explained 73% of the observed variation in biomass at our sites. Vegetation dynamics of many species including giant kelp are often considered largely in the context of external controls on resource availability and physical disturbance. Our results indicate that investigations of the processes controlling vegetation dynamics may benefit greatly from the inclusion of intrinsic biological factors such as age‐dependent mortality and growth, which can outweigh the effects of external forcing in accounting for fluctuations in vegetation biomass.
A Web‐Based Calculator for Estimating the Profit Potential of Grain Segregation by Protein Concentration
Authors: Martin C. T. , McCallum J. D. , Long D. S.
Published: March 2013

By ignoring spatial variability in grain quality, conventional harvesting systems may increase the likelihood that growers will not capture price premiums for high‐quality grain found within fields. The Grain Segregation Profit Calculator was developed to calculate the cutoff value to use for segregating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) into two lots on the combine such that the prices received for average protein levels in the two lots maximize profit. The calculator is written in Java with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 components to allow for web‐based functionality. A graphical user interface helps users input the price schedule and the mean and standard deviation of grain protein concentration of their field; the potential increase in profit from segregating the grain into two distinct lots is then calculated. The results of segregation of dark northern spring wheat were used to illustrate the calculator. Based on a 17‐yr average high premium price schedule, the effect of mean protein and standard deviation on marginal returns was examined. Revenue from grain segregation was found to be sensitive to three factors within grain production: (i) the average level of a field’s protein, (ii) the protein variability within a field, and (iii) premium schedules being paid in the marketplace.
Identification of QTL in Spring Wheat Associated with Resistance to a Novel Isolate of Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis
Authors: Patel Jaimin S. , Mamidi Sujan , Bonman J. Michael , Adhikari Tika B.
Published: March 2013

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis, is an important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Pathogenic races of P. tritici‐repentis have been identified on the basis of their ability to induce tan necrosis and/or chlorosis symptoms on differential wheat genotypes. A group of isolates of P. tritici‐repentis collected from Arkansas did not fit into the current race classification system because they lack the ToxA gene. In this study, 535 spring wheat accessions were inoculated with a representative novel isolate (AR CrossB10) of P. tritici‐repentis from Arkansas. An association mapping approach and 832 polymorphic diversity array technology markers were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to the isolate AR CrossB10. Two models (QK1 and QK2) with the least mean square difference were selected among nine linear regression models tested, and 11 QTL involved in resistance to AR CrossB10 were identified, which are located on chromosomes 1A, 1D, 2B, 2D, 6A, and 7A. The results suggest that multiple disease resistance genes also are clustered around a few of the significant markers and will be useful for wheat breeding programs and for search of candidate genes.
Experimental Study on Strength Evaluation Applied for Teeth Extraction: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Cicciù Marco , Bramanti Ennio , Signorino Fabrizio , Cicciù Alessandra , Sortino Francesco
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

The aim of this work was to analyse all the applied movements when extracting healthy upper and lower jaw premolars for orthodontic purposes. The authors wanted to demonstrate that the different bone densities of the mandible and maxilla are not a significant parameter when related to the extraction force applied. The buccal and palatal rocking movements, plus the twisting movements were also measured in this in-vivo study during premolar extraction for orthodontic purposes.

Methods:

The physical strains or forces transferred onto the teeth during extraction are the following three movements: gripping, twisting, and traction. A strain measurement gauge was attached onto an ordinary dentistry plier. The strain measurement gauge was constituted with an extensimetric washer with three 45º grids. The system operation was correlated to the variation of electrical resistance.

Results:

The variations of resistance (∆R) and all the different forces applied to the teeth (∆V) were recorded by a computerized system. Data results were processed through Microsoft Excel. The results underlined the stress distribution on the extracted teeth during gripping, twisting and flexion.

Conclusions:

The obtained data showed that the strength required to effect teeth extraction is not influenced by the quality of the bone but is instead influenced by the shape of the tooth’s root.
The Endogenous Opioids Related with Antinociceptive Effects Induced by Electrical Stimulation into the Amygdala
Authors: Nakamura Takami , Tomida Mihoko , Yamamoto Toshiharu , Ando Hiroshi , Takamata Tetsuya , Kondo Eiji , Kurasawa Ikufumi , Asanuma Naokazu
Published: March 2013

Pain relief is necessary and essential for dental treatments. Recently, the relationships of pain and emotion were studied, and electrical stimulation applied to the amygdala depressed the nociceptive response in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Thus, the antinociceptive effects of the amygdala are elucidated, but its mechanism is not yet clarified. The present study was performed to investigate whether endogenous opioid system is related to the depression, and the quantitative changes of endogenous opioids induced by electrical stimulation to the amygdala. We investigated immunohistologically c-Fos expression to confirm the activated neurons, as well as the distribution and the amount of endogenous opioids (β-endorphin, enkephalin and dynorphin A) in the brain using male Wistar rats, when electrical stimulation was applied to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) or noxious stimulation was delivered to the peripheral tissue. c-Fos expression in the ipsilateral ACC was increased by electrical stimulation to the CeA. However, only a small amount of endogenous opioids was observed in the ACC when noxious stimulation or electrical stimulation was applied. In contrast, the amount of dynorphin A in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) was increased by electrical stimulation to the CeA, and the amount of β-endorphin in the PAG was increased by noxious stimulation to the peripheral tissue. The results suggest that dynorphin A in the PAG induced by electrical stimulation to the CeA activate the descending antinociceptive system, and suggest that the nociceptive response in the ACC is depressed indirectly.
The Life's Limitations of Uncontrolled Asthma in a Developing Country: Results of an Albanian Survey
Authors: Xhixha Fatmira , Gjata Enkeleda , Hitaj Mirela , Bakiri Alketa Hysni , Hyso Entela , Ibranji Alkerta , Shytaj Kastriot , Ndreu Arben , Resuli Bashkim , Mingomataj Ervin Cerciz
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Studies conducted across Western Europe reported that bronchial asthma (BA) has an important
impact on patients' lives quality. We present Albanian asthmatic patients’ views based on the questionnaire generated
from the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA).

Materials and methodology:

In this study participated 145 Caucasian patients consecutively and prospectively diagnosed
with BA.

Results:

The vast majority of patients reported lifestyle' limitations because of uncontrolled BA, three-fourth of them reported
restriction of physical activity, and 20% felt their professional perspectives were limited. Additionally, up to 80%
of the subjects were not optimistic about achieving the guideline goals but they were optimistic regarding the availability
of more qualitative medicines and improvement of healthcare level over the next years. Our patients indicated that optimal
treatments should be fast-acting and long-lasting, should be working immediately and should stop the symptoms completely.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate the high impact of uncontrolled asthma, despite its severity, on .patients’ lives in
a developing country.
Effects of Cholecalciferol on Functional, Biochemical, Vascular, and Quality of Life Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hewitt Nathan A. , O’Connor Alicia A. , O’Shaughnessy Denise V. , Elder Grahame J.
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives

Observational studies suggest that calciferol supplementation may improve laboratory and patient-level outcomes of hemodialysis patients with reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. This randomized controlled trial examined effects of cholecalciferol supplementation in patients on hemodialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Sixty patients with 25(OH)D levels ≤24 ng/ml (≤60 nmol/L) were randomized to receive 50,000 IU oral cholecalciferol or placebo, once weekly for 8 weeks and then monthly for 4 months. At baseline (autumn 2011) and 6 months, testing evaluated muscle strength, functional capacity, laboratory parameters, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 survey.

Results

Patients were well matched by treatment allocation. Median age was 62 years (range, 20–86), 52% were women, 55% had a history of diabetes, and mean serum 25(OH)D was 17±5 ng/ml (43±13 nmol/L). Patients were assessed over 6 months by repeated-measures ANOVA. Patients allocated to cholecalciferol had significantly higher values of 25(OH)D (P<0.001), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (P=0.04), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b) (P=0.04) and a greater reduction in phosphorus values (P=0.03) than placebo-treated patients Values of serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, and episodes of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia did not differ significantly between the groups. No significant differences were detected in muscle strength, functional capacity, PWV, or HRQOL.

Conclusions

In this randomized controlled trial, patients supplemented with cholecalciferol had higher 25(OH)D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b levels, without increased calcium or phosphorus values. However, no effects were detected in muscle strength, functional capacity, PWV, or HRQOL.
The Associations between Race and Geographic Area and Quality-of-Care Indicators in Patients Approaching ESRD
Authors: Yan Guofen , Cheung Alfred K. , Ma Jennie Z. , Yu Alison J. , Greene Tom , Oliver M. Norman , Yu Wei , Norris Keith C.
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives

Pre-ESRD care is an important predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. This study examined the extent of variation in receiving pre-ESRD care and black-white disparities across urban and rural counties.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Participants were 404,622 non-Hispanic white and black patients aged >18 years who began dialysis between 2005 and 2010 and resided in 3076 counties from the U.S. Renal Data System. The counties were grouped into large metropolitan, medium/small metropolitan, suburban, and rural counties. Pre-ESRD care indicators included receipt of nephrologist care at least 6 or 12 months before ESRD, dietitian care, use of arteriovenous fistula at first outpatient dialysis session, and use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with hemoglobin level < 10 g/dl.

Results

Large metropolitan and rural counties had lower percentages of patients who received pre-ESRD nephrologist care (25.7% and 26.9% for nephrologist care > 12 months), compared with the higher percentage in medium/small metropolitan counties (31.6%; both P<0.001). For both races, nonmetropolitan patients had poorer access to dietitian care and lower ESA use than metropolitan patients. Consistently in all four geographic areas, black patients received less care than their white counterparts. The unadjusted odds ratios of black versus white patients in receiving nephrologist care for >12 months before ESRD were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.72) in large metropolitan counties and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.69–0.90) in rural counties. The patterns remained, albeit attenuated, after adjustment for patient factors.

Conclusions

The receipt of pre-ESRD care, with blacks receiving less care, varies among geographic areas defined by urban/rural characteristics.
Disentangling the Ultrafiltration Rate–Mortality Association
Authors: Flythe Jennifer E. , Curhan Gary C. , Brunelli Steven M.
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives

Rapid ultrafiltration rate is associated with increased mortality among hemodialysis patients. Ultrafiltration rates are determined by interdialytic weight gain and session length. Although both interdialytic weight gain and session length have been linked to mortality, the relationship of each to mortality, independent of the other, is not adequately defined. This study was designed to evaluate whether shorter session length independent of weight gain and larger weight gain independent of session length are associated with increased mortality.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data were taken from a national cohort of 14,643 prevalent, thrice-weekly, in-center hemodialysis patients dialyzing from 2005 to 2009 (median survival time, 25 months) at a single dialysis organization. Patients with adequate urea clearance and delivered dialysis session ≥240 and <240 minutes were pair-matched on interdialytic weight gain (n=1794), and patients with weight gain ≤3 and >3 kg were pair-matched on session length (n=2114); mortality associations were estimated separately.

Results

Compared with delivered session length ≥240, session length <240 minutes was associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.32 [1.03 to 1.69]). Compared with weight gain ≤3, weight gain >3 kg was associated with increased mortality (1.29 [1.01 to 1.65]). The associations were consistent across strata of age, sex, weight, and weight gain and session length. Secondary analyses demonstrated dose-response relationships between both and mortality.

Conclusions

Among patients with adequate urea clearance, shorter dialysis session length and greater interdialytic weight gain are associated with increased mortality; thus, both are viable targets for directed intervention.
Some classes of matrix transforms of summability domains of normal matrices
Authors: Aasm Ants
Published: March 2013

Let A, B and M be matrices with real or complex entries. In this paper two
classes of matrices M, transforming the summability domain of A into the
summability domain of B, are characterized. The M-consistency of A and B on
the summability domain of A for a triangular matrix A and a regular matrix B
is considered. As an application of the main results of this paper one class
of matrices M, transforming the summability domain of A into the summability
domain of B in the special case if B is the Ces?ro matrix and A is a normal
matrix, is described.
Existence of solutions for generalized nonlinear vector quasi-variational-like inequalities with set-valued mappings
Authors: Husain Shamshad , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we introduce and study a class of generalized nonlinear vector
quasi-variational- like inequalities with set-valued mappings in Hausdorff
topological vector spaces which includes generalized nonlinear mixed
variational-like inequalities, generalized vector quasi-variational-like
inequalities, generalized mixed quasi-variational-like inequalities and so
on. By means of fixed point theorem, we obtain existence theorem of solutions
to the class of generalized nonlinear vector quasi-variational-like
inequalities in the setting of locally convex topological vector spaces.
Two convergence theorems to fixed point of a nonexpansive mapping on the unit sphere of a Hilbert space
Authors: Kimura Yasunori , Satô Kenzi
Published: March 2013

We consider iterative schemes converging to a fixed point of nonexpansive
mapping defined on the unit sphere of a real Hilbert space by using two
different types of projection methods
Existence and Ulam-Hyers stability results for multivalued coincidence problems
Authors: Mleşniţe Oana , Petruşel Adrian
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we will present some existence and Ulam-Hyers stability
results for fixed point and coincidence point problems with multivalued
operators using the weakly Picard operator technique in spaces endowed with
vector metrics.
Asset and Business Valuation in Estate Tax Cases: The Role of the Courts
Authors: Jackson Mark , Pippin Sonja , Wong Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2013

The U.S. court system plays an important role in resolving asset valuation disagreements between taxpayers and the taxing authority. Prior literature suggests that in estate tax cases, courts act as compromisers choosing a value somewhere between the estimates arrived at by the taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Some studies argue that the tax courts choose the arithmetic mean between the two estimates. Using models from prior literature and an updated dataset, we reexamine the role of the courts in appraising disputed asset value estimates and find that the courts do not simply use the mean value between taxpayer and IRS asset valuation estimates. In addition to testing the concept of courts acting as compromisers, we investigate whether there are certain factors related to the case and the judge that may be correlated with the judge's decision. We find evidence that suggests that the number of appraisers used by the taxpayer, the political affiliation of the judge, the type of asset being valued, and the age and complexity of the case are related to the decisions of the court. Our study should be of interest to taxpayers, the IRS, the courts, and tax researchers.
Adipose Tissue Macrophages Function As Antigen-Presenting Cells and Regulate Adipose Tissue CD4+ T Cells in Mice
Authors: Morris David L. , Cho Kae Won , DelProposto Jennifer L. , Oatmen Kelsie E. , Geletka Lynn M. , Martinez-Santibanez Gabriel , Singer Kanakadurga , Lumeng Carey N.
Published: March 2013

The proinflammatory activation of leukocytes in adipose tissue contributes to metabolic disease. How crosstalk between immune cells initiates and sustains adipose tissue inflammation remains an unresolved question. We have examined the hypothesis that adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) interact with and regulate the function of T cells. Dietary obesity was shown to activate the proliferation of effector memory CD4+ T cells in adipose tissue. Our studies further demonstrate that ATMs are functional antigen-presenting cells that promote the proliferation of interferon-γ–producing CD4+ T cells in adipose tissue. ATMs from lean and obese visceral fat process and present major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–restricted antigens. ATMs were sufficient to promote proliferation and interferon-γ production from antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Diet-induced obesity increased the expression of MHC II and T-cell costimulatory molecules on ATMs in visceral fat, which correlated with an induction of T-cell proliferation in that depot. Collectively, these data indicate that ATMs provide a functional link between the innate and adaptive immune systems within visceral fat in mice.
Blocking Interleukin-1β Induces a Healing-Associated Wound Macrophage Phenotype and Improves Healing in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mirza Rita E. , Fang Milie M. , Ennis William J. , Koh Timothy J.
Published: March 2013

Diabetes is associated with persistent inflammation and defective tissue repair responses. The hypothesis of this study was that interleukin (IL)-1β is part of a proinflammatory positive feedback loop that sustains a persistent proinflammatory wound macrophage phenotype that contributes to impaired healing in diabetes. Macrophages isolated from wounds in diabetic humans and mice exhibited a proinflammatory phenotype, including expression and secretion of IL-1β. The diabetic wound environment appears to be sufficient to induce these inflammatory phenomena because in vitro studies demonstrated that conditioned medium of both mouse and human wounds upregulates expression of proinflammatory genes and downregulates expression of prohealing factors in cultured macrophages. Furthermore, inhibiting the IL-1β pathway using a neutralizing antibody and macrophages from IL-1 receptor knockout mice blocked the conditioned medium–induced upregulation of proinflammatory genes and downregulation of prohealing factors. Importantly, inhibiting the IL-1β pathway in wounds of diabetic mice using a neutralizing antibody induced a switch from proinflammatory to healing-associated macrophage phenotypes, increased levels of wound growth factors, and improved healing of these wounds. Our findings indicate that targeting the IL-1β pathway represents a new therapeutic approach for improving the healing of diabetic wounds.
Hypothalamic Ceramide Levels Regulated by CPT1C Mediate the Orexigenic Effect of Ghrelin
Authors: Ramírez Sara , Martins Luís , Jacas Jordi , Carrasco Patricia , Pozo Macarena , Clotet Josep , Serra Dolors , Hegardt Fausto G. , Diéguez Carlos , López Miguel , Casals Núria
Published: March 2013

Recent data suggest that ghrelin exerts its orexigenic action through regulation of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase pathway, leading to a decline in malonyl-CoA levels and desinhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), which increases mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and ultimately enhances the expression of the orexigenic neuropeptides agouti-related protein (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). However, it is unclear whether the brain-specific isoform CPT1C, which is located in the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons, may play a role in this action. Here, we demonstrate that the orexigenic action of ghrelin is totally blunted in CPT1C knockout (KO) mice, despite having the canonical ghrelin signaling pathway activated. We also demonstrate that ghrelin elicits a marked upregulation of hypothalamic C18:0 ceramide levels mediated by CPT1C. Notably, central inhibition of ceramide synthesis with myriocin negated the orexigenic action of ghrelin and normalized the levels of AgRP and NPY, as well as their key transcription factors phosphorylated cAMP-response element–binding protein and forkhead box O1. Finally, central treatment with ceramide induced food intake and orexigenic neuropeptides expression in CPT1C KO mice. Overall, these data indicate that, in addition to formerly reported mechanisms, ghrelin also induces food intake through regulation of hypothalamic CPT1C and ceramide metabolism, a finding of potential importance for the understanding and treatment of obesity.
Psoriasis and New-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Khalid Usman , Hansen Peter Riis , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Lindhardsen Jesper , Kristensen Søren Lund , Winther Signe Abitz , Skov Lone , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Ahlehoff Ole
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that may be associated with psoriasis, but conflicting results have been presented and nationwide data on the risk of new-onset DM in patients with psoriasis have not been reported.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study comprised a Danish population ≥10 years of age on 1 January 1997 who were followed until new-onset DM, death, or 31 December 2009. Information on comorbidity, concomitant medication, and socioeconomic status was linked on an individual level. The primary study end point was DM requiring pharmacotherapy. Incidence rates for the development of DM events per 1,000 observational years were calculated and adjusted. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

A total of 4,614,807 subjects were eligible for analysis, with a maximum follow-up of 13 years. In the study period, 52,613 patients with psoriasis, including 6,784 patients with severe psoriasis, were identified. The overall incidence rates for new-onset DM were 3.67 (CI 3.65–3.69), 6.93 (6.63–7.25), and 9.65 (8.68–10.73) for the reference population, mild psoriasis, and severe psoriasis, respectively. Compared with the reference population, the IRR of new-onset DM was increased in all patients with psoriasis, i.e., IRR 1.49 (CI 1.43–1.56) and 2.13 (1.91–2.37) for those with mild and severe psoriasis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide cohort, psoriasis was associated with increased incidence rates of new-onset DM. The association remained statistically significant after adjustment for confounding factors.
Induction of Apoptosis in MDCK, RK13, and Neuro-2A Cells Infected with Equine Influenza Virus
Authors: Kwaśnik Małgorzata , Rożek Wojciech , Żmudziński Jan F.
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the experiment was to compare apoptosis induced by equine influenza virus (EIV A1 and EIV A2) infection in MDCK, RK13, and NEURO-2A cell lines. Flow cytometry was used to observe two symptoms of apoptosis: phosphatidylserine translocation in plasmalemma (annexin V assay) and the fragmentation of DNA generated by endonuclease activity (TUNEL assayterminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labelling). The differences in the onset of apoptosis in the studied cells was observed. In MDCK cells infected with EIV A1 and A2, a weak signal of the phosphatidylserine translocation was observed but more cells showed the DNA fragmentation. An opposite effect was observed in case of RK 13 cells. NEURO-2A cells displayed a similar number of annexin V and TUNEL positive cells after the infection with EIV A2, while in case of EIV A1 infection, only the early symptoms of apoptosis were noted. Differences between both viral serotypes could originate from functioning of viral proteins responsible for induction or inhibition of apoptosis. The differences between cell types may result from the activation of cellular pro or anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
First Isolation of the H1N2 Swine Influenza Virus in Polish Pig Farm
Authors: Markowska-Daniel Iwona , Wierzchosławski Karol , Urbaniak Kinga , Kowalczyk Aandrzej
Published: March 2013

The paper describes an outbreak of swine influenza, which was the first H1N2 outbreak confirmed in pig farm in Poland. The outbreak occurred in October 2011 in the farrows to finish farm, first in the fattening units, and subsequently in the reproduction and weaning sectors. Samples of the lungs taken from dead gilts were tested by the use of real time and multiplex PCR, sequencing, and virus isolation methods. The amplification of the genetic material extracted from the lungs confirmed the presence of the M1 gene sequence of type A influenza virus. Using multiplex PCR, the bands of 241 bp, typical for HA1 human-like type, and of 791 bp, typical for NA2, were demonstrated. The new isolates of swine influenza virus, named A/swine/Poland/15817/2011, were obtained in embryonated SPF chicken eggs and MDCK cells. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes of the isolate revealed that the virus is of human swine linkage closely related to European human-like viruses. On the basis of such results, it can be stated that A/Swine/Poland/15817/2011 is a new swine influenza virus, representing the H1N2 subtype strain, which emerged in Poland.
Detection of a new Non-Classified Chlamydia Species in Hens in Poland
Authors: Szymańska-Czerwińska Monika , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Sachse Konrad , Mitura Agata , Karpińska Teresa Agnieszka , Reichert Michał
Published: March 2013

The outbreak of chlamydiosis in one of the western provinces of Poland, was diagnosed accidentally as a concurrent infection in a commercial laying hen flock during an outbreak of fowl pox. For histological examination, skin and subcutaneous tissue samples from lesions on heads of the birds were collected. Swabs from throat and trachea have been examined by nested PCR, real-time PCR, and partial ompA sequencing. Detailed electron microscopy analysis revealed fowl pox intracytoplasmic inclusions, called Bollinger bodies, and the presence of other intracytoplasmic inclusions; specific for Chlamydia sp. Results of nested PCR confirmed the presence of Chlamydiaceae sp. in two tested samples. Surprisingly, one of the two Chlamydiaceae-positive cases turned out to be infected with a non-classified strain. Results of real-time PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of a new Chlamydia species that has not been found in Poland to date. Partial sequencing and BLAST analysis of ompA gene sequence confirmed the highest homology to non-classified poultry strains of Chlamydia sp. that were previously detected in Germany and France. The zoonotic potential and the exact taxonomic status of this atypical strain have yet to be defined.
Quantitative Changes in Selected Lymphocyte Subpopulations after Administration of a Soluble Parasitic Antigen of Babesia Canis to Dogs
Authors: Adaszek Łukasz , Lisiecka Urszula , Carbonero Martinez Alfonso , Skrzypczak Maciej , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: March 2013

Changes in selected blood lymphocyte subpopulations in dogs administered with a soluble parasitic antigen (SPA) derived from a supernatant of 18S RNA-A and 18S RNA-B Babesia canis cell culture were investigated. The studies included 20 dogs divided into three groups: group I (n=8) - comprised of dogs receiving SPA twice, at 3 week intervals; group II (n=5) - nonvaccinated control dogs, and group III (n=7) - dogs vaccinated twice with a commercial B. canis vaccine. Cytometric analysis revealed that vaccination with SPA derived from B. canis culture had similar effects to the vaccination with a commercial vaccine. The vaccination lowered the percentage of T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic/supressor T cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD21+), and MHC II lymphocytes in the blood in comparison to non-vaccinated dogs. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that mean values of the tested parameters at each stage of the study were similar in groups I and III and significantly higher in group II. The lowered level of the lymphocyte subpopulations in groups I and III persisted during the whole period of the study. The results presented that SPA has immunosuppressive effect in the first period after being administrated.
Comparative Analysis of Protein Profiles of Malassezia Pachydermatis Strains Isolated from Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Otitis Externa
Authors: Nowakiewicz Aneta , Ziółkowska Grażyna
Published: March 2013

The study included 40 strains of Malassezia pachydermatis obtained in pure culture from external ear canal of dogs and the reference strain. Protein fractions were received by mechanical disruption of the fungal cells. Denaturing protein electrophoresis was performed according to Laemmli method. More than 90% of the all tested strains were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 83.0; 77.0; 59.0; 55.0; 48.0; 38.0; 35.0; 28.0, and 27.0 kDa. In other regions of electrophoregrams, a relatively high differentiation was observed. The strains isolated from animals with otitis externa were characterised by the presence of the following protein fractions: 75.0; 61.0; 52.0; 36.0; 19.5; 16.0; 13.8, and 13.0 kDa. These fractions were absent in the commensal strains. The use of statistical analysis confirmed the obtained results and allowed to generate dendrogram grouping potentially pathogenic and commensal strains on two different branches. Such results may indicate significant differences between protein profiles of strains of M. pachydermatis isolated from healthy and diseased animals.