bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Specific Immunotherapy on Natural Killer T cells in Peripheral Blood of House Dust Mite-Sensitized Children with Asthma
Authors: Yan-ming Lu , Lan-fang Cao , Chen Li , Ya-qin Li , Wei Chen , Wen-ming Zhang
Published: September 2012

To investigate the effects of specific immunotherapy on the NKT cells in peripheral blood and the ability of NKT cells to proliferate in response to alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) in house-dust-mite- (HDM-) sensitized asthma children, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 42 asthmatic children, of whom 24 were on specific immunotherapy (SIT) for more than a year and 20 were healthy. Compared with control group, the ratio of peripheral blood NKT and CD4+NKT cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01) and was elevated in SIT asthma group (P<0.05), respectively, but it was still less than the normal control group (P<0.01). The level of IL-4 in serum secreted by NKT cells in asthma group was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.01), particularly apparent after 72 hours. The level of IL-4 in SIT group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The level of IL-10 in serum secreted by NKT cells in asthma group was decreased significantly than that of the control group (P<0.01) especially in 48 hours, while that of SIT group was increased significantly (P<0.01). These results suggest that the pathogenesis of asthma may be related to the ratio and dysfunction of NKT and CD4+NKT cells.
Conditional Probability, Three-Slit Experiments, and the Jordan Algebra Structure of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Niestegge Gerd
Published: September 2012

Most quantum logics do not allow for a reasonable calculus of conditional probability. However, those ones which do so provide a very general and rich mathematical structure, including classical probabilities, quantum mechanics, and Jordan algebras. This structure exhibits some similarities with Alfsen and Shultz's noncommutative spectral theory, but these two mathematical approaches are not identical. Barnum, Emerson, and Ududec adapted the concept of higher-order interference, introduced by Sorkin in 1994, into a general probabilistic framework. Their adaption is used here to reveal a close link between the existence of the Jordan product and the nonexistence of interference of third or higher order in those quantum logics which entail a reasonable calculus of conditional probability. The complete characterization of the Jordan algebraic structure requires the following three further postulates: a Hahn-Jordan decomposition property for the states, a polynomial functional calculus for the observables, and the positivity of the square of an observable. While classical probabilities are characterized by the absence of any kind of interference, the absence of interference of third (and higher) order thus characterizes a probability calculus which comes close to quantum mechanics but still includes the exceptional Jordan algebras.
Correlation between T-Wave Alternans and Cardiac Volume Status via Intrathoracic Impedance Measurements
Authors: Dizon Jose' , Hickey Kathleen , Garan Hasan
Published: September 2012

Introduction. The presence of T-wave alternans (TWA) has been shown to correlate with a higher risk for sudden cardiac death. The mechanism of TWA may be related to abnormalities in intracellular calcium handling, which is a mechanism in heart failure and associated arrhythmias as well. However, an association between TWA and cardiac volume status has not been demonstrated.Methods Used. We report the case of a 54-year-old man with a dilated cardiomyopathy who had a biventricular defibrillator system implanted with intrathoracic impedance measurement capability. We performed baseline TWA testing, which was normal and was associated with normal clinical status and normal intrathoracic impedance. We followed intrathoracic impedance measurements, and when the measurement suggested volume overload eight months later, we repeated the TWA test. TWA was grossly positive, and volume overload was corroborated with clinical heart failure. The patient was diuresed, and when clinical status and intrathoracic impedance returned to normal a month later, we repeated TWA, which was again negative.Conclusion. This case demonstrates a correlation between cardiac volume status, as measured by intrathoracic impedance measurements, and TWA status. This data suggests that conditions of volume overload such as heart failure could be causally related to increased TWA, perhaps by the common mechanism of altered intracellular calcium handling.
Local Polynomial Regression Solution for Partial Differential Equations with Initial and Boundary Values
Authors: Su Liyun , Yan Tianshun , Zhao Yanyong , Li Fenglan
Published: September 2012

Local polynomial regression (LPR) is applied to solve the partial differential equations (PDEs). Usually, the solutions of the problems are
separation of variables and eigenfunction expansion methods, so we are rarely
able to find analytical solutions. Consequently, we must try to find numerical
solutions. In this paper, two test problems are considered for the numerical
illustration of the method. Comparisons are made between the exact solutions and the results of the LPR. The results of applying this theory to the
PDEs reveal that LPR method possesses very high accuracy, adaptability,
and efficiency; more importantly, numerical illustrations indicate that the new
method is much more efficient than B‐splines and AGE methods derived for
the same purpose.
Fractal-Based Thinned Planar-Array Design Utilizing Iterative FFT Technique
Authors: Li Wentao , Hei Yongqiang , Yang Jing , Shi Xiaowei
Published: September 2012

This paper investigated the synthesis problem of fractal-based thinned planar arrays by using the iterative Fourier technique (IFT). Since an inverse discrete Fourier transform relationship exists between the array factor and the element excitations for a periodic array antenna, an iterative Fourier technique is introduced to derive the array element excitation from the prescribed array factor based on this peculiar property. However, considering the IFT technique is sensitive to the initial values, the fractal-thinned array technique is employed and combined in the synthesis process to exploit the advantages of these two techniques. Moreover, the DRR of the excitation amplitude is controlled to achieve a reduction of the cost of the feeding network. Numerical examples have been carried out to validate the proposed approach.
Multidomain Hierarchical Resource Allocation for Grid Applications
Authors: Abouelela Mohamed , El-Darieby Mohamed
Published: September 2012

Geographically distributed applications in grid computing environments are becoming more and more resource intensive. Many applications require the collaboration between different domains, may be independently administrated domains, to exchange data and share computing and storage resources. This collaboration should be done in a way that maintains the privacy of each participant domain. This calls for new architectures and approaches to deal with such multidomain environments. We propose a hierarchical‐based architecture as well as multidomain hierarchical resource allocation approach. The resource allocation is performed in a distributed way among different domains such that each participant domain keeps its internal topology and private data hidden while sharing abstracted information with other domains. Both computing and networking resources are jointly scheduled while optimizing the application completion time taking into account data transfer delays. Simulation results show the scalability and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Relationship between Rheological Behaviour and Final Structure ofAl2O3and YSZ Foams Produced by Replica
Authors: Gómez S. Y. , Alvarez O. A. , Escobar J. A. , Rodrigues Neto J. B. , Rambo C. R. , Hotza D.
Published: September 2012

Using rheological parameters of ceramic suspensions, it is possible to taylor the structure of the ceramic foams produced by replica. This method consists in the impregnation of a polymeric flexible template (polyurethane foam) with a ceramic suspension (slurry) containing the appropriate additives, followed by burning out organic compounds and additives and sintering the ceramic structure. In this work, ceramic foams were produced by the replica method from Al2O3and 3% Y2O3-ZrO2. Rheological parameters of the ceramic suspensions were investigated to improve the mechanical performance of final structures. Different types and quantities of raw materials were combined in order to select the formulations for ceramic foams. The parameters that have a significant influence on the process are the binder type and the amount of solids. Significant changes on the hysteresis area of the suspensions resulted in a lower density of macrodefects in the material. Likewise, when the shear rate viscosity is enhanced, the thickness of the struts increased proportionally. Lastly, when the hysteresis area magnitude and the ceramic thickness increased, the material with higher uniformity was internally densified, and the stress concentration of the internal defects was smoothed
Photomechanical Energy Conversion of Photoresponsive Fibers Exhibiting Bending Behavior
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Ishikawa Yosuke , Sakai Munetoshi , Liu Baoshun , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Sakai Hideki , Murakami Taketoshi , Abe Masahiko , Fujishima Akira
Published: September 2012

Photoresponsive fibers based on poly(acrylamide) (PAA) with methylene blue (MB) dye were prepared. All semicircular fibers show bending towards the direction of the flat surface of the fiber when illuminated. The fibers recover their initial shape when the illumination stops. The fiber is heated upon illumination and cooled to room temperature once the illumination is stopped. The fiber also is sensitive to humidity, showing bending behavior towards the direction of the flat surface of the fiber upon changing the humidity. The mechanical energy of the PAA/MB fiber is approximately 0.6 mN for the bending direction when it is illuminated. A possible mechanism for the bending behavior is as follow: (1) the fiber is heated upon illumination because of the photothermal effect, (2) the fiber loses water molecules, (3) the fiber shrinks; bending towards the direction of the flat surface of the fiber occurs because of a difference in the shrinkage for the flat surface and the other side of the fiber. Finally, we demonstrated that a PP ball (1.5 mg) can be moved by the mechanical energy produced by the changing shape of the fiber upon illumination.
The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score in Unoperated Controls: An Age, Gender, and Country Comparison
Authors: Clayer Mark , Doyle Simon , Sangha Nicole , Grimer Robert
Published: September 2012

The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) is widely used for the functional assessment of patients following surgery for musculoskeletal tumours. The aim of this study was to determine if there are gender and/or age-specific changes, unrelated to surgery, that may influence this score and the appropriateness of the questions. The TESS for lower limb was carried out in two different countries to see if there was variation between them. There were no statistically significant differences between the scores obtained between the respondents from Australia or Britain either in total or between the corresponding age groups. There were statistically significant differences in the TESS obtained between age groups with a lower score at older age groups but there was no difference between the sexes. Patients in the age group 70+ were more likely to record activities as “not applicable” and also have a lower score. This study has shown that age is the major factor in determining the TESS in both an Australian and British populations of otherwise healthy people. As there were no differences between the two populations, it supports the TESS as an international scoring system. There may be also an argument for age-specific questions.
Energy Space Modeling of Power Electronics in Local Area Power Networks
Authors: Vosters Gregory M. , Weaver Wayne W.
Published: September 2012

Power electronics are a core enabling technology for local area power networks and microgrids for renewable energy, telecom, data centers, and many other applications. Unfortunately, the modeling, simulation, and control of power electronics in these systems are complicated when using traditional converter models in conjunction with the network nodal equations. This work proposes a change of variables for the power electronic converter models from traditional voltage and currents to input conductance and stored energy. From this change of state, a universal point of load converter model can be utilized in the network nodal equations irrespective of the topology of the converter. The only impact the original converter topology has on the new model is the bounds on the control and state variables, and the mapping back to the switching or duty cycle controls. The proposed approach greatly simplifies the modeling of local area power networks and microgrids. This simpler model can be used to study stability and energy utilization and develop high-level control strategies that were not previously feasible.
Impact of Bursty Human Activity Patterns on the Popularity of Online Content
Authors: Yan Qiang , Wu Lianren
Published: September 2012

The dynamics of online content popularity has attracted more and more researches in recent years. In this paper, we provide a quantitative, temporal analysis about the dynamics of online content popularity in a massive system: Sina Microblog. We use time‐stamped data to investigate the impact of bursty human comment patterns on the popularity of online microblog news. Statistical results indicate that the number of news and comments exhibits an exponential growth. The strength of forwarding and comment is characterized by bursts, displaying fat‐tailed distribution. In order to characterize the dynamics of popularity, we explore the distribution of the time interval Δt between consecutive comment bursts and find that it also follows a power‐law. Bursty patterns of human comment are responsible for the power‐law decay of popularity. These results are well supported by both the theoretical analysis and empirical data.
Isolation and Characterization of Antitumor Alkaloid from Poppy Capsules (Papaver somniferum)
Authors: Bulduk Ibrahim , Taktak Fulya
Published: September 2012

Noscapine, a phthalideisoquinoline alkaloid derived from opium, has been used in the treatment of various cancer types. Its low‐toxicity profile has increased attention to this alkaloid. With regard to increasing demand for this compound, we developed a new method for isolation of noscapine from dried capsules of Papaver somniferum. Noscapine was successfully isolated from poppy capsules for the first time and the purity of the isolated compound was determined to be over 99.59% by HPLC analysis. The structure of noscapine was confirmed by H1 NMR, C13 NMR, FT‐IR, elemental analysis, and HR‐ESI‐MS methods.
Structural Identification and Cardiovascular Activities of Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: Salomon Robert G.
Published: September 2012

Free radical–induced oxidation of membrane phospholipids generates complex mixtures of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs). The combinatorial operation of a few dozen reaction types on a few dozen phospholipid structures results in the production of a dauntingly vast diversity of oxPL molecular species. Structural identification of the individual oxPL in these mixtures is a redoubtable challenge that is absolutely essential to allow determination of the biological activities of individual species. With an emphasis on cardiovascular consequences, this Review focuses on biological activities of oxPLs whose molecular structures are known and highlights 2 diametrically opposite approaches that were used to determine those structures, that is, (1) the classic approach from bioactivity of a complex mixture to isolation and structural characterization of the active molecule followed by confirmation of the structure by unambiguous chemical synthesis and (2) hypothesis of products that are likely to be generated by lipid oxidation, followed by synthesis, and then detection in vivo guided by the availability of authentic standards, and last, characterization of biological activities. Especially important for the application of the second paradigm is the capability of LC-MS/MS and derivatizations to selectively detect and quantify specific oxPL in complex mixtures, without the need for their isolation or complete separation. This technology can provide strong evidence for identity by comparisons with pure, well-characterized samples available by chemical syntheses. Those pure samples are critical for determining the biological activities attributable to specific molecular species of oxPLs in the complex mixtures generated in vivo as a consequence of oxidative stress.
Eliminating or blocking 12/15-lipoxygenase reduces neutrophil recruitment in mouse models of acute lung injury
Authors: Rossaint Jan , Nadler Jerry L , Ley Klaus , Zarbock Alexander
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common disease in critically ill patients with a high morbidity and mortality. 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) is an enzyme generating 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE from arachidonic acid. It has been shown that 12/15-LO is involved in the regulation of vascular permeability during ALI.

Methods

To test whether 12/15-LO participates in leukocyte recruitment into the lung, we investigated the role of 12/15-LO in mouse models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation and acid-induced ALI, a clinically relevant model of acute lung injury.

Results

The increase in neutrophil recruitment following LPS inhalation was reduced in 12/15-LO-deficient (Alox15
-/-
) mice and in wild-type (WT) mice after the blocking of 12/15-LO with a pharmacological inhibitor. Bone marrow chimeras revealed that 12/15-LO in hematopoietic cells regulates neutrophil accumulation in the interstitial and alveolar compartments, whereas the accumulation of neutrophils in the intravascular compartment is regulated by 12/15-LO in non-hematopoietic and hematopoietic cells. Mechanistically, the increased plasma levels of the chemokine CXCL1 in Alox15
-/-
mice led to a reduced response of the neutrophil chemokine receptor CXCR2 to stimulation with CXCL1, which in turn abrogated neutrophil recruitment. Alox15
-/-
mice also showed decreased edema formation, reduced neutrophil recruitment and improved gas exchange in an acid-induced ALI model.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that 12/15-LO modulates neutrophil recruitment into the lung by regulating chemokine/chemokine receptor homeostasis.
High population density enhances recruitment and survival of a harvested coral reef fish
Authors: Wormald Clare L. , Steele Mark A. , Forrester Graham E.
Published: September 2012

A negative relationship between population growth and population density (direct density dependence) is necessary for population regulation and is assumed in most models of harvested populations. Experimental tests for density dependence are lacking for large‐bodied, harvested fish because of the difficulty of manipulating population density over large areas. We studied a harvested coral reef fish, Lutjanus apodus (schoolmaster snapper), using eight large, isolated natural reefs (0.4–1.6 ha) in the Bahamas as replicates. An initial observational test for density dependence was followed by a manipulation of population density. The manipulation weakened an association between density and shelter‐providing habitat features and revealed a positive effect of population density on recruitment and survival (inverse density dependence), but no effect of density on somatic growth. The snappers on an individual reef were organized into a few shoals, and we hypothesize that large shoals on high‐density reefs were less vulnerable to large piscivores (groupers and barracudas) than the small shoals on low‐density reefs. Reductions in predation risk for individuals in large social groups are well documented, but because snapper shoals occupied reefs the size of small marine reserves, these ecological interactions may influence the outcome of management actions.
Falcon Temperature Regulation
Authors: Mosher James A. , White Clayton M.
Published: September 2012

We measured tarsal and body temperatures of four species of large falcons in relation to rising ambient temperature and found that the tarsus has an apparent thermoregulatory function. Statistical efforts to separate the birds into ecological or plumage types yielded mixed results. An index of tarsal surface area per unit body weight was correlated with the temperature regimens of the birds, with species from the hottest climates having the greatest tarsal index values.
Reproduction and Social Organization of the Black-Capped Donacobius (Donacobius atricapillus) in Southeastern Peru
Authors: Kiltie Richard A. , Fitzpatrick John W.
Published: September 2012

A color-banded population of Black-capped Donacobius (Donacobius atricapillus) on a Peruvian oxbow lake was studied during one breeding season and censused for 3 yr thereafter. Eighteen territories along a marshy shoreline were occupied by groups of 2-4 donacobius. Each group contained a mated pair and 0-2 helpers, apparently offspring produced during 1-2 preceding breeding seasons. Helpers participated in nest surveillance, territorial displays, and feeding nestlings. Displays occurred at territory boundaries and consisted of loud duetting by the pair or group. Breeding coincided with the rainy months, October through April, and peaked in November-January. Clutch size was always two. Egg and nestling periods each lasted 17-18 days. No correlation was demonstrable between group size and overall fledging success. Trios, however, accounted for all cases in which both young successfully fledged, whereas pairs never fledged more than one young. Annual survivorship of breeding adults averaged 71%. Cooperative breeding in donacobius is associated with limited opportunities for acquiring breeding territories, as in many other cooperative breeders. The relatively short period during which young serve as helpers (and the resulting small family sizes), however, suggests that at other times or places breeding territories are more readily available to young.
Maguari Stork Nesting: Juvenile Growth and Behavior
Authors: Thomas Betsy Trent
Published: September 2012

Although it has a wide range in tropical South America, the Maguari Stork (Ciconia maguari) is poorly known. In an 11-yr study of its breeding biology in the llanos of Venezuela I found the mean clutch size for 3 yr to be 3.2 eggs. The young hatched asynchronously at 29-32 days and usually made their first flight at 60-72 days. Data on egg sizes, weights, and a probable dump egg are given. The weight and growth of two siblings, plumage succession, and nestling and fledgling behaviors are described. The fledging success of eggs from 55 nests, over 9 yr, was 61%. Loss of eggs (presumably from snake predation) was higher than nestling loss. Although the asynchronously hatched young in a clutch varied greatly in weight and continued this difference throughout nestling life, no case of brood reduction was found in 123 nests during the study. Nestlings were fed mainly frogs and tadpoles, fish, eels, and aquatic rats; food classes and food sizes brought by adults varied with the age of their young. Maguari Stork nestlings do not grasp with their hallux and so are confined to their nests until they can fly. I suggest that the two black plumages of nestlings, between the white hatching down and the white first basic plumage, are for crypsis of the nest-bound young.
Changes in Nutrient Reserves and Organ Size of Female Ruddy Ducks Breeding in Manitoba
Authors: Tome Michael W.
Published: September 2012

Female Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) were collected at specific stages of reproduction to investigate the role of endogenous nutrients in breeding. Pectoral muscle weight decreased between prelaying and laying, suggesting the transfer of labile protein to the developing reproductive organs. Liver weights peaked during laying, reflecting increased metabolic activity associated with hyperphagia. Body weights increased 123 g (21%) between arrival and prelaying, primarily as a result of the deposition of stored lipids. Between laying and early incubation, body weights declined 145 g (20%), primarily as a result of the regression of the oviduct and lipid loss associated with egg formation. Body weights declined approximately 111 g (18%) during incubation, reflecting the catabolism of lipid reserves to supplement energy requirements not met by foraging during incubation recesses. Dietary intake provides the majority of the energy necessary for incubation, because lipid catabolism supplies only one-fifth of the basal metabolic requirements. Female Ruddy Ducks, therefore, depend almost exclusively upon dietary intake to meet the energy and nutrient requirements of reproduction. This pattern of energy acquisition for and allocation to reproduction differs markedly from that of other small-bodied anatids studied thus far.
Breeding Chronology and Mating System of the Eurasian Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus)
Authors: KÅlÅs John Atle , Byrkjedal Ingvar
Published: September 2012

We studied and color-banded a population of Eurasian Dotterel on a middle alpine breeding ground in southern Norway over 4 yr. Birds arrived paired in mid-May, dispersed onto nesting sites in late May to early June, when 75% of the ground was still covered by snow, and began to lay eggs a few days later. The egg-laying season of the population was long, up to 1 1/2 months. After completion of the earliest clutches, females started to perform display flights, apparently to seek males. The female displaying period lasted until the second week in July, when the females began to form flocks and prebasic molt was in progress. The display period thus covered most of the egg-laying period of the population. Females had a low site tenacity during the season, and evidence for territoriality was found in neither of the sexes. We argue that sequential polyandry is common in this dotterel population.
Collaborative Trend Analysis Using Web 2.0 Technologies
Authors: Kaiser Iris
Published: September 2012

Through early trend recognition in the business environment and specific processing within the innovation management, companies can achieve long-term market success. A particular challenge is the systematic identification, gathering, structuration and evaluation of trends. Web 2.0 technologies and especially Wikis, which allow several people to maintain and use content simultaneously, are eminently suitable for an efficient process of continuous collection and analysis of relevant market trends. In this paper, trend management processes are introduced and demonstrated how trends can be collected, structured and communicated within the enterprise using a customized wiki. The trend assessment is carried out inter alia on methods of crowd sourcing, resulting in an extensive evaluation basis. In addition, the presented approach includes a visualization of the trends and its assessment for decision support. A case study of global polymer solutions supplier REHAU AG demonstrates the use of the methodology in practice.
Serological Investigation of the Collagen Degradation Profile of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Leeming Diana J. , Sand Jannie M. , Nielsen Mette J. , Genovese Federica , Martinez Fernando J. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Han MeiLan K , Klickstein Lloyd B. , Karsdal Morten A.
Published: September 2012

In both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), abnormally high collagen remodeling occurs within the lung tissue. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degraded type I, III, IV, V and VI collagen and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-degraded type III collagen were assessed in serum of patients diagnosed with mild COPD (n= 10) or IPF (n= 30), and healthy controls (n= 15). The collagen degradation markers C1M, C3M, C5M and C6M were significantly elevated in serum of both mild COPD and IPF patients, versus controls. C3A and C4M were only elevated in patients with mild COPD, compared with controls. The most reliable indicators of mild COPD versus controls were: C1M (area under the receiver-operating characteristics (AUROC = 0.94, P < 0.0001), C3M (AUROC = 0.95, P < 0.0001), and C5M (AUROC = 0.95, P < 0.0001). The most reliable markers for the diagnosis of IPF were achieved by C1M (AUROC = 0.90, P < 0.0001) and C3M (AUROC = 0.93, P < 0.0001). Collagen degradation was highly up-regulated in patients with IPF and mild COPD, indicating that degradation fragments of collagens are potential markers of pulmonary diseases. Interestingly, C4M and C3A were only elevated in patients with mild COPD, indicating that these markers could be used to distinguish between the two pathologies.
Ciencias de la Información: formación, retos y nueva propuesta desde Venezuela.
Authors: Montilla Leomar José , Pérez Reyes Guillermo
Published: September 2012

Se reflexiona sobre la formación de profesionales de la información en Venezuela y los posibles aportes que estos profesionales pueden brindar a la sociedad y su proyección ante ella. El contenido está dividido en tres partes: la primera aborda los aspectos relacionados con la formación de profesionales en Ciencias de la Información en Venezuela; la segunda proyecta la formación venezolana en Ciencias de la Información en el futuro y la tercera medita sobre las perspectivas para los profesionales en Ciencias de la Información.
Los procedimientos de un sistema de gestión de información: Un estudio de caso de la Universidad de Cienfuegos
Authors: Cañedo Iglesias Carlos Manuel , Curbelo  Hernández Mario Alberto , Núñez Chaviano Kirenia , Zamora Fonseca Raquel
Published: September 2012

Presenta una investigación que tiene como objetivo diseñar los procedimientos que identifiquen directamente los procesos claves o misionales de la biblioteca universitaria, en este caso, el desarrollo de colecciones o también llamado proceso de selección y adquisición. Se explicitan y describen los procedimientos para la mejora de la gestión de la información, mediante el empleo de herramientas universales (Diagrama SIPOC, diagrama de flujo estándar, y el procedimiento operativo, con el fin de identificar las necesidades de información, acceder a ellas, procesarlas y usarlas eficientemente de manera que en la formación del profesional se creen las competencias necesarias para su desempeño.
MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 Variability in Patients with Essential Hypertension: 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Carpena Núria , Roselló-Lletí Esther , Calabuig Jose R. , Tarazón Estefanía , González-Juanatey Jose R. , Martínez-Dolz Luis , Salvador Antonio , Grigorian Lilian , Orosa Plácido , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to analyze MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 variability, potent predictors of cardiovascular events, in stable hypertensive patients during a 12-month followup. 234 asymptomatic patients (age 60±13, 136 male) out of 252 patients with essential hypertension were followed up. MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 were measured at baseline and after 12 months (stage I). To compare MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 levels over time interval, we used the statistical method of Bland-Altman. MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 reproducibility was good in our patients for the two intervals with a coefficient of reproducibility of 8.2% and 11.3%, respectively. The percentages of patients within 1.96 × standard deviation of the mean were 93.6% and 92.7%. An elevated coefficient of correlation was obtained for MMP-2, basal versus stage I (r=0.55, P<0.0001) and for sTNF-R1 (r=0.75, P<0.0001). There is good stability in MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 levels in a followup study of patients with stable hypertension. As a consequence, assessment of its concentrations may be a useful tool for monitoring the follow-up of these patients. Measured variations in MMP-2 and sTNF-R1 levels, exceeding 8.2% and 11.3%, respectively, may indicate an increase in cardiovascular risk, thus, could be used to optimizing treatment than blood pressure control alone.
New Alternatives for Atherosclerosis Treatment Based on Immunomodulation
Authors: Delgado Roche Livan , Alfonso Hernández Danay
Published: September 2012

Atherosclerosis and its derived cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in the western world. The treatment of atherosclerosis is currently based on lipid lowering in combination with anti-inflammatory therapies that slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Still, these therapies are not able to fully inhibit the formation or progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Ever since it was first demonstrated that the immunological system plays an important role during atherogenesis, various different immunotherapeutic approaches have been evaluated with promising results. Notwithstanding that, one of the difficulties in developing effective vaccination strategies for atherosclerosis is the selection of a specific target. So far, vaccination strategies have been based on the targeting of lipid antigens, inflammation-derived antigens, and cell-based vaccination strategies. More recently, strategies aimed at blocking the retention of low-density lipoproteins by arterial proteoglycans have emerged as a promising tool. In the study at hand we reviewed the most relevant advances on atherosclerosis immunotherapy cited in the PubMed database from 1980 to 2012.
Chitosan-Carrageenan Polyelectrolyte Complex for the Delivery of Protein Drugs
Authors: Li Cunben , Hein San , Wang Kean
Published: September 2012

A chitosan-carrageenan polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was prepared by salt induced impeding of polyplex formation method and was encapsulated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to study the potential to be tailored to the pH responsive oral delivery of protein drugs. The FTIR spectra showed the successful formation of the PEC under the experimental condition. The release kinetics of BSA from the PEC was studied in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids with and without digestive enzymes. The prepared PEC showed the nature of pH-sensitivity. A typical controlled release of BSA from the PEC (180 μg of BSA from 3 mg of PEC) was obtained in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5), which was due to the significant swelling and disintegration of PEC, but little amount of BSA was released (11 μg of BSA from 3 mg of PEC) in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2), confirming acidic stability of the prepared PEC. The presence of digestive enzymes was found not to affect the response of PEC to ambient pH value, but to speed up the release of BSA from carriers.
Caught in the victim/criminal paradigm: female migrant prostitution in contemporary Italy
Authors: Crowhurst Isabel
Published: September 2012

This article offers a critical exploration of exclusionary practices enacted in Italy towards migrant prostitute women. It identifies the double construction of migrant prostitute women as victims of sex trafficking and as illegal/criminal migrants as a dominant paradigm that informs policy approaches aimed at addressing their presence in the country. It explores how this paradigm has emerged in the specific context of contemporary Italy, how it has been sustained, by whom and with what consequences. By drawing on the exploration of a specific incident, the article shows how gendered and racialised constructions of dangerous migrant sexualities can inform decisions over what determines the slippery and unstable demarcation between those who are identified as victims and those who are identified as criminals. Finally, the article suggests that, caught within the restrictive victim/criminal paradigm, migrant prostitutes fail to be recognised and treated as subjects.
Age of acquisition affects the retrieval of grammatical category information
Authors: Bai Lili , Ma Tengfei , Dunlap Susan , Chen Baoguo
Published: September 2012

This study investigated age of acquisition (AoA) effects on processing grammatical category information of Chinese single-character words. In Experiment 1, nouns and verbs that were acquired at different ages were used as materials in a grammatical category decision task. Results showed that the grammatical category information of earlier acquired nouns and verbs was easier to retrieve. In Experiment 2, AoA and predictability from orthography to grammatical category were manipulated in a grammatical category decision task. Results showed larger AoA effects under lower predictability conditions. In Experiment 3, a semantic category decision task was used with the same materials as those in Experiment 2. Different results were found from Experiment 2, suggesting that the grammatical category decision task is not merely the same as the semantic category decision task, but rather involves additional processing of grammatical category information. Therefore the conclusions of Experiments 1 and 2 were strengthened. In summary, it was found for the first time that AoA affects the retrieval of grammatical category information, thus providing new evidence in support of the arbitrary mapping hypothesis.
Continuous glucose monitoring: quality of hypoglycaemia detection
Authors: Zijlstra E. , Heise T. , Nosek L. , Heinemann L. , Heckermann S.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To evaluate the accuracy of a (widely used) continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)‐system and its ability to detect hypoglycaemic events.

Methods

A total of 18 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus used continuous glucose monitoring (Guardian REAL‐Time CGMS) during two 9‐day in‐house periods. A hypoglycaemic threshold alarm alerted patients to sensor readings <70 mg/dl. Continuous glucose monitoring sensor readings were compared to laboratory reference measurements taken every 4 h and in case of a hypoglycaemic alarm.

Results

A total of 2317 paired data points were evaluated. Overall, the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 16.7%. The percentage of data points in the clinically accurate or acceptable Clarke Error Grid zones A + B was 94.6%. In the hypoglycaemic range, accuracy worsened (MARD 38.8%) leading to a failure to detect more than half of the true hypoglycaemic events (sensitivity 37.5%). Furthermore, more than half of the alarms that warn patients for hypoglycaemia were false (false alert rate 53.3%). Above the low alert threshold, the sensor confirmed 2077 of 2182 reference values (specificity 95.2%).

Conclusions

Patients using continuous glucose monitoring should be aware of its limitation to accurately detect hypoglycaemia.
Social Equities and Inequities in Practice: Street‐Level Workers as Agents and Pragmatists
Authors: Maynard‐Moody Steven , Musheno Michael
Published: September 2012

Street‐level workers’ judgments, decisions, and actions touch on questions of social equity, a dominant theme of H. George Frederickson's deep contributions to public administration scholarship. Based on empirical work, the authors question the dominant implementation‐control‐discretion narrative and suggest an alternative framing based on the concepts of agency and pragmatic improvisation. Street‐level workers are often conservers of institutional norms and practices, but their work surfaces tensions between practice and the goals of social equity.
Oxidative Aliphatic C-H Fluorination with Fluoride Ion Catalyzed by a Manganese Porphyrin
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Xiongyi , Cheng Mu-Jeng , Nielsen Robert J. , Goddard William A. , Groves John T.
Published: September 2012

Fluorine's Smooth Introduction

Carbon-fluorine bonds are emerging as increasingly versatile constituents of drugs, agrochemicals, and positron emission tomography tracers. Elemental F
2
gas is in principle an efficient reagent for their preparation, but its extreme reactivity requires special handling precautions. Substantial research has therefore focused on promoting selective reactivity of more conveniently handled fluoride ion salts.

Liu
et al.

(p.
1322
) present a manganese catalyst that transfers fluoride to a range of hydrocarbons in conjunction with a hypervalent iodine-based oxidant. Mechanistic studies implicate a manganese difluoride intermediate that reacts with alkyl radicals generated by a preceding manganese oxo.
Initiation of Cell Wall Pattern by a Rho- and Microtubule-Driven Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Oda Yoshihisa , Fukuda Hiroo
Published: September 2012

It's the Pits

Cellular shape is tied to the cytoskeleton, with specialized regions of the plasma membrane attracting or repelling microtubules, a process mediated by the microtubule binding protein MIDD1. In plants, individual xylem cells are peppered with open pits that facilitate fluid transport and so
Oda and Fukuda
(p.
1333
) studied ROP “Rho family guanosine triphosphatases of plants” proteins from xylem cells to investigate how pits develop. Formation of the pits seems to depend on MIDD1 to destabilize the microtubules at that point. A cascade of ROP proteins establishes the point at which MIDD1 functions, and reverse inhibition of one of the ROP proteins keeps the pit formation focused on a point.
Octet-Line Node Structure of Superconducting Order Parameter in KFe
2
As
2
Authors: Okazaki K. , Ota Y. , Kotani Y. , Malaeb W. , Ishida Y. , Shimojima T. , Kiss T. , Watanabe S. , Chen C.-T. , Kihou K. , Lee C. H. , Iyo A. , Eisaki H. , Saito T. , Fukazawa H. , Kohori Y. , Hashimoto K. , Shibauchi T. , Matsuda Y. , Ikeda H. , Miyahara H. , Arita R. , Chainani A. , Shin S.
Published: September 2012

An Eight-Noded Monster

In superconductors, electrons are bound into pairs, and the exact form of that pairing and the resulting energy gap can vary, depending on the details of the electron-electron interaction and the band structure of the material. The energy gaps of the recently discovered iron-based superconductors exhibit a variety of pairing functions. KFe
2
As
2
has been suggested to have a
d
-wave gap, similar to cuprate superconductors.

Okazaki
et al.

(p.
1314
) use laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to map out the superconducting gap on three Fermi surfaces (FS) of the compound. They find a different gap structure on each, with the middle FS gap vanishing at eight distinct positions (nodes). It appears that the gap respects the tetragonal symmetry of the crystal, indicating (although the details may vary) the all iron-based superconductors have an extended
s
-wave–symmetric pairing—a finding that will help understanding of unconventional superconductivity.
Adaptive Prolonged Postreproductive Life Span in Killer Whales
Authors: Foster Emma A. , Franks Daniel W. , Mazzi Sonia , Darden Safi K. , Balcomb Ken C. , Ford John K. B. , Croft Darren P.
Published: September 2012

Killer whale mothers continue to help their adult male offspring to survive long after ceasing reproduction.
Active DNA Demethylation in Plant Companion Cells Reinforces Transposon Methylation in Gametes
Authors: Ibarra Christian A. , Feng Xiaoqi , Schoft Vera K. , Hsieh Tzung-Fu , Uzawa Rie , Rodrigues Jessica A. , Zemach Assaf , Chumak Nina , Machlicova Adriana , Nishimura Toshiro , Rojas Denisse , Fischer Robert L. , Tamaru Hisashi , Zilberman Daniel
Published: September 2012

Intergenerational Transposable Shutdown

Transposable elements (TEs) are a potential threat, especially to the germline genome. In many eukaryotes, TEs are shut down by DNA methylation and/or small-RNA–mediated silencing. Therefore, it seems counterintuitive that results obtained by

Ibarra
et al.

(p.
1360
) on
Arabidopsis
showed that in the cells of this plant's sexual apparatus, many small TEs are demethylated by DEMETER (DME) DNA glycosylase and become activated. But it turns out that activation of the TEs triggers the formation of small-interfering RNAs, which in these experiments were seen to travel from the surrounding cells to the egg. Thus, activation of TEs in the companion cells “immunizes” the gametes via the interfering RNAs that shutdown the TEs in the gametes permanently.
Discriminating Chemical Bonds
Authors: Perez Ruben
Published: September 2012

An atomic force microscope equipped with a functionalized tip can map out the electronic and structural properties of individual chemical bonds.
Inflammation: Mechanisms, Costs, and Natural Variation
Authors: Ashley Noah T. , Weil Zachary M. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: September 2012

Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon that operates during severe perturbations of homeostasis, such as infection, injury, and exposure to contaminants, and is triggered by innate immune receptors that recognize pathogens and damaged cells. Among vertebrates, the inflammatory cascade is a complex network of immunological, physiological, and behavioral events that are coordinated by cytokines, immune signaling molecules. Although the molecular basis of inflammation is well studied, its role in mediating the outcome of host-parasite interactions has received minimal attention by ecologists. This review provides a synopsis of vertebrate inflammation, its life-history modulation, and its effects upon host-pathogen dynamics as well as host-commensal microbiota interactions in the gut. What emerges is evidence for phenotypic plasticity of inflammatory responses despite the apparently invariant and redundant nature of the immunoregulatory networks that regulate them.
Evolutionary Inferences from Phylogenies: A Review of Methods
Authors: O'Meara Brian C.
Published: September 2012

There are many methods for making evolutionary inferences from phylogenetic trees. Many of these can be divided into three main classes of models: continuous-time Markov chain models with finite state space (CTMC-FSS), multivariate normal models, and birth-death models. Numerous approaches are just restrictions of more general models to focus on particular questions or kinds of data. Methods can be further modified with the addition of tree-stretching algorithms. The recent realization of the effect of correlated trait evolution with diversification rates represents an important advance that is slowly revolutionizing the field. Increased attention to model adequacy may lead to future methodological improvements.
Commodity Investing
Authors: Rouwenhorst K. Geert , Tang Ke
Published: September 2012

This article reviews the literature on commodities from the perspective of an investor. We re-examine some of the early papers in the literature using recent data and find that the empirical support for the theory of normal backwardation as an explanation for the commodity risk premium is weak and that the evidence is more consistent with storage decisions. We then review the behavior of the main participants in the commodity futures markets with a particular focus on their impact on prices. Although there is continued disagreement in the literature about the role of speculative activity, our results show that money managers are generally momentum (positive feedback) traders, while producers are net short and contrarian (negative feedback) traders. There is less evidence that index traders and swap dealers trade based on past futures returns.
Intramuscular Dirofilariasis Mimicking an Orbital Metastasis in a Patient with Breast Cancer
Authors: Henderson Brett M. , Hunt Christopher H. , Eckel Laurence J. , Schwartz Kara M. , Diehn Felix E. , Pritt Bobbi S. , Schembri Wismayer David J. , Garrity James A.
Published: September 2012

We present the unusual case of a 74 year-old female with a history of breast cancer who presented with acute painless orbital swelling and vertical diplopia. MRI revealed a focal enhancing mass within the superior rectus muscle. As the concern for metastatic disease was high, surgical biopsy was performed and revealed an unusual mimicker of metastatic disease, the parasitic infection dirofilariasis.