bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional stability and diversity of vascular plant communities following logging disturbance in Appalachian forests
Authors: Belote R. Travis , Jones Robert H. , Wieboldt Thomas F.
Published: October 2011

Human‐caused changes in disturbance regimes and introductions of nonnative species have the potential to result in widespread, directional changes in forest community structure. The degree that plant community composition persists or changes following disturbances depends on the balance between local extirpation and colonization by new species, including nonnatives. In this study, we examined species losses and gains, and entry of native vs. exotic species to determine how oak forests in the Appalachian Mountains might shift in species composition following a gradient of pulse disturbances (timber harvesting). We asked (1) how compositional stability of the plant community (resistance and resilience) was influenced by disturbance intensity, (2) whether community responses were driven by extirpation or colonization of species, and (3) how disturbance intensity influenced total and functional group diversity, including the nonnative proportion of the flora through time. We collected data at three spatial scales and three times, including just before, one year post‐disturbance, and 10 years post‐disturbance. Resistance was estimated using community distance measures between pre‐ and one year post‐disturbance, and resilience using community distance between pre‐ and 10‐year post‐disturbance conditions. The number of colonizing and extirpated species between sampling times was analyzed for all species combined and for six functional groups. Resistance and resilience decreased with increasing timber‐harvesting disturbance; compositional stability was lower in the most disturbed plots, which was driven by colonization, but not extirpation, of species. Colonization of species also led to increases in diversity after disturbance that was typically maintained after 10 years following disturbance. Most of the community‐level responses were driven by post‐disturbance colonization of native forbs and graminoids. The nonnative proportion of plant species tended to increase following disturbance, especially at large spatial scales in the most disturbed treatments, but tended to decrease through time following disturbance due to canopy development. The results of this study are consistent with the theory that resources released by disturbance have strong influences on species colonization and community composition. The effects of management activities tested in this study, which span a gradient of timber‐harvesting disturbance, shift species composition largely via an increase in species colonization and diversity.
A Novel Mixed‐Type Stem Cell Pellet for Cementum/Periodontal Ligament–Like Complex
Authors: Xie Han , Liu Hongwei
Published: October 2011

Background: Functional tissue regeneration underscores the construction of favorable extracellular matrix environment and neovascularization. In this study, we propose a mixed‐type stem cell–pellet cultivation system for human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to recreate a favorable regeneration microenvironment.

Methods: The hPDLSCs were cocultured with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) and mixed by osteoinduced ceramic bovine bone (CBB) powder as a mixed‐type stem cell sheet. The influence of osteoinduced CBB on hPDLSCs was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteogenic differentiation assays. The effects of hBMMSCs on hPDLSCs were estimated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen, ALP, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays. The mixed‐cell sheet was the preliminary observations in vitro that laid the foundation for additional implantation. After the cells were detached, the mixed‐type sheet spontaneously contracted to produce a mixed‐type stem cell pellet, which was transplanted into immunocompromised mice.

Results: In vitro, the results showed that osteoinduced CBB could upregulate ALP activity and accelerate mineralization of hPDLSCs. When the hPDLSCs were cocultured with hBMMSCs, the ALP activity and proliferation kinetics were upregulated and also indicated in the expression of collagen I, osteocalcin, and vascular endothelial growth factor. It was found that, in vivo, the mixed‐type hPDLSC pellets support cementum/periodontal ligament (PDL)–like tissue regeneration with neovascularization.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the mixed‐type hPDLSC pellet could mimic the microenvironment of PDL and enhance the reconstruction of physiologic architecture of a dental cementum/PDL‐like complex. This tissue mimicking may also be a promising alternative to promote periodontal defect repair for additional clinical applications.
Correction of Hypophosphatasia‐Associated Mineralization Deficiencies In Vitro by Phosphate/Pyrophosphate Modulation in Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Thaisângela L. , Foster Brian L. , Silverio Karina G. , Martins Luciane , Casati Marcio Z. , Sallum Enilson A. , Somerman Martha J. , Nociti Francisco H.
Published: October 2011

Background: Mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene in hypophosphatasia (HPP) reduce the function of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), resulting in increased pyrophosphate (PPi) and a severe deficiency in acellular cementum. We hypothesize that exogenous phosphate (Pi) would rescue the in vitro mineralization capacity of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells harvested from HPP‐diagnosed patients, by correcting the Pi/PPi ratio and modulating expression of genes involved with Pi/PPi metabolism.

Methods: Ex vivo and in vitro analyses were used to identify mechanisms involved in HPP‐associated PDL/tooth root deficiencies. Constitutive expression of PPi‐associated genes was contrasted in PDL versus pulp tissues obtained from healthy individuals. Primary PDL cell cultures from patients with HPP (monozygotic twin males) were established to assay ALP activity, in vitro mineralization, and gene expression. Exogenous Pi was provided to correct the Pi/PPi ratio.

Results: PDL tissues obtained from healthy individuals featured higher basal expression of key PPi regulators, genes ALPL, progressive ankylosis protein (ANKH), and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), versus paired pulp tissues. A novel ALPL mutation was identified in the twin patients with HPP enrolled in this study. Compared to controls, HPP‐PDL cells exhibited significantly reduced ALP and mineralizing capacity, which were rescued by addition of 1 mM Pi. Dysregulated expression of PPi regulatory genes ALPL, ANKH, and ENPP1 was also corrected by adding Pi, although other matrix markers evaluated in our study remained downregulated.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of controlling the Pi/PPi ratio toward development of a functional periodontal apparatus and support Pi/PPi imbalance as the etiology of HPP‐associated cementum defects.
Long‐Term 8‐Year Outcomes of Coronally Advanced Flap for Root Coverage
Authors: Pini‐Prato Giovanpaolo , Franceschi Debora , Rotundo Roberto , Cairo Francesco , Cortellini Pierpaolo , Nieri Michele
Published: October 2011

Background: This long‐term 8‐year case series study aims at evaluating the results of the outcomes of coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures performed for the treatment of single gingival recessions (GRs).

Methods: Sixty patients with single maxillary GRs ≥2 mm, without loss of interproximal soft and hard tissue, treated with the CAF procedure and evaluated at 6 months in a previously published article, were followed for 8 years. Complete root coverage, recession reduction, and amount of keratinized tissue (KT) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the paired t test, McNemar test, and a general linear model.

Results: Three patients dropped out during the course of 8 years. Recession reduction from baseline to 8 years was 2.3 ± 1.1 mm; P <0.0001, whereas GRs increased in 53% of the sites from 6 months to 8 years (0.5 ± 0.7 mm; P <0.0001). The percentage of sites with complete root coverage decreased from 55% at 6 months to 35% at 8 years (P = 0.0047). The amount of KT tended to decrease from baseline to 8 years (0.6 ± 0.8 mm; P <0.0001). The general linear model shows that recession reduction is associated with both baseline recession depth and with the amount of initial KT. Sex, age, and smoking are not associated with recession reduction at 8 years.

Conclusions: The CAF procedure is effective in the treatment of GRs However, recession relapse and reduction of KT occurred during the follow‐up period. The baseline width of KT is a predictive factor for recession reduction when using the CAF technique.
Language Disturbances in Adulthood: New Advances from the Neurolinguistics Perspective
Authors: Radanovic Marcia , Lessa Mansur Leticia
Published: October 2011

Language is the most versatile and fascinating of all human cognitive functions, constituting a field of interest in very different areas, from Linguistics to Speech Therapy, from Philosophy to Computational Sciences, including Psychology, Neurology, Biology, and Social Sciences. The scope of this E-book is to provide the reader with an update on topics relevant to neurolinguistics such as new cognitive models of comprehension and production of normal language, new perspectives on the understanding of aphasic symptoms and the interface between language and other cognitive functions - functional neuroimaging and language. This E-book will be of interest both for teachers and researchers in Neurosciences and Linguistics as well as for professionals who treat patients with disorders of language and communication, such as Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists, among many others.
Fetal Programming of Disease Process in Later Life- Mechanisms beyond Maternal Influence
Authors: M. Matata Bashir , M. Elahi Maqsood
Published: October 2011

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is the principal cause of early death in developing countries. The acceleration of the epidemic of early CVD is thought to include genetic factors as well as demographic factors such as lifestyle changes and nutritional transitions. CVD prevalence is a consequence of the interaction between the distribution of relative genotype frequencies and environmental exposures of a particular population. Although, the biological determinants of CVD and metabolic disorders in low and middle income countries are likely to be similar to those in affluent countries, the drivers of these determinants are likely to differ. In accordance with the developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis adverse intrauterine influences such as poor maternal nutrition lead to impaired fetal growth, resulting in low birth weight, short birth length, and small head circumference. These adverse influences are postulated to also induce the fetus to develop adaptive metabolic and physiological responses. These responses, however, may lead to disordered reactions to environmental challenges as the child grows, with an increased risk of glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in later life and adult CVD as a consequence. This chapter discusses some of the possible links between programmed development and oxidative stress as one of the underlying mechanisms involved in the DOHaD phenomenon.
Maternal Nutrition and its Effects on Offspring Fertility and Importance of the Periconceptional Period on Long-Term Development
Authors: Dupont Cha , Cordier Anne-Gael , Junien Claudine , Levy Rachel , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: October 2011

The effects of adult lifestyle and environmental chemicals are important factors affecting the fertility of men and women. Many studies have shown that nutritional and hormonal status during fetal development is decisive for long-term control of energy metabolism. Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension may take root during early development, throughout gestation and lactation, as stated in the “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” (DOHaD) hypothesis. Recent data demonstrated that adult lifestyle factors can also impact the fertility of offspring. Among these factors, nutrition plays a major role. In humans, links between birthweight and fertility have been established, but little data on the relationship between maternal nutrition and fertility of offspring are yet available. In animals, studies have shown that both maternal undernutrition and maternal overnutrition can affect the reproductive function of offspring. Maternal nutrition can influence the development of the fetal reproductive system at all stages of development. Indeed, maternal body composition before conception may influence oocyte maturation. Preimplantation embryos are sensitive to environmental conditions that can affect future growth and developmental potential. Furthermore, embryogenesis, cellular differentiation, placentation and organ maturation can be affected by a wide range of mechanisms involved in metabolic programming. Maternal nutrition may affect circular and local concentrations of endogenous hormones that are essential during fetal development and may also affect oxidative balance with consequences on oocyte maturation, follicular steroidogenesis, implantation, embryo cell function and further development. Various exposures to altered maternal nutrition are associated with epigenetic modifications in the offspring, inducing long-term changes in gene expression, potentially leading to disease in later life and infertility. Finally, micronutrient unbalance, alcohol and tobacco exposure during gestation are known to have detrimental effects on offspring development and further studies are required to establish links with fertility. Whereas the role of the maternal environment has been so far mostly studied, it now becomes clearly evident from very recent work that metabolic effects can also be mediated through the paternal gametes.
Fetal Programming of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis by Synthetic Glucocorticoids
Authors: Tegethoff Marion , Meinlschmidt Gunther
Published: October 2011

Major physiological systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (hpa) axis, are susceptible to certain intrauterine exposures of the fetus. These exposures may lead to long-term programming, with potential consequences for the individual throughout life. One such exposure is the administration of synthetic glucocorticoids that are commonly used in different medical fields. This chapter focuses on fetal programming of hpa axis by synthetic glucocorticoids. It introduces the pharmacological and physiological background of this topic, summarizes major findings from human and animal studies, and addresses potential biological mechanisms and the clinical relevance of such programming. In humans, exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids in utero reduces fetal and, in some cases, postnatal hpa activity under basal conditions, and following stress. Data from animal studies indicate that lifelong hpa axis dysregulation, rather than either static hypoactivity or hyperactivity of hpa axis, is a common consequence of early exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. The mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced changes in hpa axis function are complex, including possible alterations at subcortical and cortical levels of the brain. Emerging evidence indicates that early dysregulation of hpa axis is adverse, possibly leading to compromised development and health in the short term. It is as yet unclear as to whether long-term health disturbances are to be expected. More randomized human follow-up studies are needed to better understand the short- and long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids on hpa axis and potential short- and long-term consequences on health and development.
Diabetes, Developmental Programming and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Saint-Faust Marie , Ligi Isabelle , Boubred Farid , Simeoni Umberto
Published: October 2011

Incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide. Diabetes during pregnancy, as adverse intrauterine environment, has been shown to induce long term effects and play a crucial role in developmental programming in offspring. In utero exposure to increased maternal blood glucose concentrations is associated with cardio-vascular alterations, including hypertension and increased risk for obesity and T2DM at adulthood. Early programming of later dysfunction and disease in offspring may result from a combination of mechanisms acting at organ, tissue, cellular and molecular levels. Impaired glucose-insulin metabolism programmed during the critical window of perinatal development may contribute to epigenetic changes in gene expression. This disadvantageous intrauterine environment has been recently emphasised by the role of genetic pathways and in particular, perinatal disturbance of the oxidative state. This chapter examines the epidemiologic and mechanistic issues involved in the developmental programming of long term consequences in offspring of diabetic mothers, with a particular focus on oxidative stress. It also emphasises the mechanisms of hypertension, obesity and insulin resistance. In that considerable concern and because maternal diabetes may be a contributor to the current worldwide epidemic of T2DM, interventions aimed at optimizing maternal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy should significantly impact T2DM epidemiology.
Serum Level of Endogenous Secretory Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products and Other Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chen Gang , Cai Liangchun , Chen Bin , Liang Jixing , Lin Fenhui , Li Liantao , Lin Lixiang , Yao Jin , Wen Junping , Huang Huibin
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Determine the serum levels of endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in control patients with type 2 diabetes but no MCI, and examine the relationship of esRAGE and MCI with other clinical factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 101 patients with type 2 diabetes who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology at Fujian Provincial Hospital between January 2010 and January 2011 were enrolled. There were 58 patients with MCI and 43 patients without MCI (control). Serum levels of esRAGE were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Other clinical parameters were also measured.

RESULTS

Type 2 diabetic patients with MCI had a longer duration of diabetes; elevated HbA1c, total cholesterol (CHOL), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), intima-media thickness, C-reactive protein (CRP), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV); and lower ankle brachial index (ABI) and esRAGE relative to the control group. Among patients with MCI, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was positively correlated with serum esRAGE but negatively correlated with CHOL. Spearman rank correlation analysis indicated that esRAGE was positively correlated with MoCA score and ABI but negatively correlated with ba-PWV, CHOL, TG, and CRP in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that esRAGE may be a potential protective factor for dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and MCI in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Serum Uric Acid and 1-h Postload Glucose in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Perticone Francesco , Sciacqua Angela , Perticone Maria , Arturi Franco , Scarpino Paola Elisa , Quero Michele , Sesti Giorgio
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Subjects who are normal glucose tolerant (NGT) are considered at low risk, even if a plasma glucose value ≥155 mg/dL for the 1-h postload plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is able to identify NGT subjects at high risk for type 2 diabetes and subclinical organ damage. Hyperuricemia is associated with several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and diabetes. However, it is unknown whether uric acid (UA) is able to affect 1-h postload plasma glucose in hypertensive NGT subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From a cohort of ∼1,200 uncomplicated hypertensive outpatients who underwent OGTT, we selected 955 subjects (548 men and 407 women) aged 45.6 ± 10.1 years. Laboratory evaluations were performed, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was assessed by using the new equation proposed by investigators in the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration.

RESULTS

Considering different stepwise multivariate linear regression models, UA was the major predictor of 1-h postload glucose in the entire population, with NGT ≥155 subjects, impaired glucose tolerant, and type 2 diabetic patients accounting for 26.0% (P < 0.0001), 25.3% (P < 0.0001), 13.5% (P < 0.0001), and 13.5% (P = 0.003) of its variation in the respective models.

CONCLUSIONS

We documented that in hypertensive NGT ≥155 subjects, UA is strongly associated with 1-h postload glucose, similarly to what is observed in impaired glucose tolerant and diabetic patients.
Artificial Intelligence in Knowledge Management: Overview and Trends
Authors: Birzniece Ilze
Published: October 2011

Artificial Intelligence in Knowledge Management: Overview and Trends

Artificial intelligence techniques offer powerful tools for the development of knowledge management systems. Since the early 2000s, no survey describing the use of artificial intelligence capabilities in knowledge management tasks has been conducted. This paper gathers and organizes latest achievements of artificial intelligence in dealing with knowledge management issues. Accomplishment of previously set objectives in this field has been studied.
Towards Open Graphical Tool-Building Framework
Authors: Rencis Edgars , Barzdins Janis , Kozlovics Sergejs
Published: October 2011

Towards Open Graphical Tool-Building Framework

Nowadays, there are many frameworks for developing domain-specific tools. However, if we want to create a really sophisticated tool with specific functionality requirements, it is not always an easy task to do. Although tool-building platforms offer some means for extending the tool functionality and accessing it from external applications, it usually requires a deep understanding of various technical implementation details. In this paper we try to go one step closer to a really open graphical tool-building framework that would allow both to change the behavior of the tool and to access the tool from the outside easily. We start by defining a specialization of metamodels which is a great and powerful facility itself. Then we go on and show how this can be applied in the field of graphical domain-specific tool building. The approach is demonstrated on an example of a subset of UML activity diagrams. The benefits of the approach are also clearly indicated. These include a natural and intuitive definition of tools, a strict logic/presentation separation and the openness for extensions as well as for external applications.
ICT Supporting Daily Physical Activity - with Special Reference to Pedometers in the Step-Shape Project
Authors: Koskivaara Eija , Laukkanen Raija , Heinonen Olli
Published: October 2011

ICT Supporting Daily Physical Activity - with Special Reference to Pedometers in the Step-Shape Project

Physical inactivity (PA) is one of the leading risks for mortality worldwide. One of future main drivers for physical activity could be information and communication technology gadgets and services that support active way of living. This study focuses on investigating and understanding how individuals use pedometers to support their physical activity and what their end-user experience is. In addition to individual scope, this is also important both for information society and healthcare organizations. They urgently require new approaches and tools to reshape their customers' inactive lifestyle. Data for this study was collected with semi-structured questionnaire from subjects who used pedometers for a three month period and reported the daily step. The participants increased their PA during the project and most of them also informed on their intention to continue the more active lifestyle. The pedometer and the developed step collection table were easy to use and useful in supporting PA. ICT will inevitably play a major role in promotion of physically active lifestyle.
Evaluation of Adaptive Measures to Reduce Climate Change Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Stock In Žitný Ostrov Region
Authors: Takáč Jozef , Šiška Bernard , Píš Vladimír
Published: October 2011

Evaluation of Adaptive Measures to Reduce Climate Change Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Stock In Žitný Ostrov Region

Climate change impacts on soil organic carbon sequestration rate were simulated by agroecological model DAISY. Daily meteorological data for the Danubian Lowland up to 2100 were generated according to emission scenarios SRES A2 and B1 using general circulation model CGCM3.1. Effect of gradual increase of CO2concentration in the atmosphere was taken into account. Various crop rotations as well as various management practices including irrigation and crop residuals incorporation were considered in three variants: i/ rainfed, residuals not incorporated, ii/ irrigated, residuals not incorporated, iii/ summer crops irrigated and residuals incorporated. Modelling outputs confirm that conventional rainfed agro-technical practices without incorporation of crop residues resulted to significant loss of soil organic carbon in soil profile towards more distanced time slices. The irrigation and the incorporation of crop residuals including stems and leaves can reduce soil organic carbon losses. If it is combined with proper crop rotation the soil organic carbon stock in soil profile can even increase.
Contamination of Wheat Grains with Species of Genera Fusarium in Different Localities of Slovakia in 2006-2008
Authors: Šudyová Valéria , Šliková Svetlana
Published: October 2011

Contamination of Wheat Grains with Species of GeneraFusariumin Different Localities of Slovakia in 2006-2008

The frequency and relative density of occurrence ofFusariumspp. was evaluated on 112 wheat grain samples from different agro-ecological localities in Slovakia. The samples were collected in 2006, 2007 and 2008 from the same farmers and from the same localities every year immediately after harvest. In 2006, contamination was 95.2%, in 2007 it was 64.3%, and 71.4% in 2008. The highest average frequency of occurrence was found inFusarium graminearumin 2006 - 65%. The prevalence ofFusarium poaewas ascertained in 2007 and 2008. The highest frequency ofFusariumspp. occurrence was revealed in locality Turčiansky Ďur in 2008 - 53.9%. The highest identified amount ofFusariumspecies (12) was from the area of Turčiansky Ďur in 2007.Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium poaeandFusarium oxysporumwere the most frequent in 2006, whileFusarium poae, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearumandFusarium semitectumdominated in 2007.Fusarium poaedominated in 2008, then followedFusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporumandFusarium avenaceum. Other identified species, such asFusarium equiseti, Fusarium tricinctumandMicrodochium nivale, were in population structure in a relatively low density. Grains contaminated withFusariumspp. are unsuitable for both human and animal consumption because of the adverse health effects of fusariotoxins.
Experimental study of phase equilibria in the “SnO2” – CaO – SiO2 system in air
Authors: Xu X. , Hayes P. C. , Jak E.
Published: October 2011

Experimental studies have been conducted to determine the primary phases and liquidus temperatures in the “SnO2” – CaO – SiO2 system in air between 1693 and 1898 K, using high temperature equilibration and quenching followed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. The following primary phase fields were identified: CaSiSnO5 (malayaite), Ca3Si2SnO9 (tricalcium tin silicate), CaSiO3 (pseudo-wollastonite), Ca2SiO4 (dicalcium silicate), SiO2 (tridymite and cristobalite), SnO2 (cassiterite) and CaSnO3 (calcium stannate).
Thermodynamic modeling of the Cr – S system
Authors: Waldner Peter , Sitte Werner
Published: October 2011

All known phases of the chromium – sulfur binary system have been taken into consideration within a thorough thermodynamic analysis of phase equilibria and thermodynamic data at 1 bar total pressure over the entire composition range between 25 °C and temperatures above the liquidus. Gibbs energy modeling for ten phases has been performed. A limited set of model quantities were optimized by which the experimental data can be reproduced simultaneously within experimental limits of error. New interpretations of complex phase relations are obtained. The extended modified quasichemical model is applied for the liquid chromium – sulfur phase. The Gibbs energy of high-temperature chromium pyrrhotite solution is described by a two-sublattice model within the framework of the compound energy formalism. The sulfur solubility of solid chromium is modeled using a substitutional approach. The Gibbs energies of six stoichiometric compounds are also modeled. The first internally consistent description of all thermodynamically stable phases known in the literature for the chromium – sulfur system is presented.
Candida Colonization Index in Patients Admitted to an ICU
Authors: Caggiano Giuseppina , Puntillo Filomena , Coretti Caterina , Giglio Mariateresa , Alicino Ilaria , Manca Fabio , Bruno Francesco , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: October 2011

Multiple-site colonization with Candida spp is commonly recognized as a risk factor for invasive fungal infection in critically ill patients. We carried out a study to determine the relationship between Candida colonization and invasive infection in neurological patients admitted to an ICU. At admission (T0) and every three days for two weeks, different samples (pharynx swab, tracheal secretions, stomach contents, etc.) were collected for mycological surveillance. Candida mannan antigen and Candida anti-mannan antibodies were assayed. The Colonization Index (CI) and Corrected Colonization Index were calculated for each time point. Of all patients 70% was already colonized by Candida spp at T0 and six of them had CI ≥0.5. Three patients developed candidemia; they had CI ≥0.5 before infection. Positive values of Candida mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibodies were found only in the patients with candidemia. The sensitivity and specificity of the Candida mannan test were 66.6% and 100%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the anti-mannan antibody test were 100%. In accordance with other authors, we find the surveillance cultures are useful to monitor the Candida colonization in ICU patients. In addition, the sequential observation of anti-mannan antibodies could contribute to early diagnosis of candidiasis more than Candida mannan antigen in immunocompetent patients.
Microwave-Assisted Improved Synthesis of Oxazolidin-2-ones, Oxazolidine-2-thiones and Thiazolidine-2-thione Chiral Auxiliaries
Authors: Morales-Nava Rosmarbel , Fernández-Zertuche Mario , Ordóñez Mario
Published: October 2011

A microwave assisted method for the synthesis of some typical 4-substituted oxazolidinone chiral auxiliaries used in asymmetric synthesis is reported in this work. Under these conditions, treatment of (S)-phenylalaninol, (S)-phenylglycinol, (S)-valinol and (1S, 2R)-norephedrine with ethyl carbonate or carbon disulfide under the appropriate and specific microwave reaction conditions, led to an efficient synthesis of some oxazolidin-2-ones, oxazolidine-2-thiones and thiazolidine-2-thiones. The methodology reported in this paper provides these chiral auxiliaries with improved yields and a remarkable reduction on the reaction times, particularly in the case of thiazolidine-2-thiones, as compared with the conventional methods. All the auxiliaries prepared here show spectroscopic data in full agreement with those previously reported in the literature.
Analysis of Incidence Angle and Distance Effects on Terrestrial Laser Scanner Intensity: Search for Correction Methods
Authors: Kaasalainen Sanna , Jaakkola Anttoni , Kaasalainen Mikko , Krooks Anssi , Kukko Antero
Published: October 2011

The intensity information from terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) has become an important object of study in recent years, and there are an increasing number of applications that would benefit from the addition of calibrated intensity data to the topographic information. In this paper, we study the range and incidence angle effects on the intensity measurements and search for practical correction methods for different TLS instruments and targets. We find that the range (distance) effect is strongly dominated by instrumental factors, whereas the incidence angle effect is mainly caused by the target surface properties. Correction for both effects is possible, but more studies are needed for physical interpretation and more efficient use of intensity data for target characterization.
Hyperspectral Data for Mangrove Species Mapping: A Comparison of Pixel-Based and Object-Based Approach
Authors: Kamal Muhammad , Phinn Stuart
Published: October 2011

Visual image interpretation and digital image classification have been used to map and monitor mangrove extent and composition for decades. The presence of a high-spatial resolution hyperspectral sensor can potentially improve our ability to differentiate mangrove species. However, little research has explored the use of pixel-based and object-based approaches on high-spatial hyperspectral datasets for this purpose. This study assessed the ability of CASI-2 data for mangrove species mapping using pixel-based and object-based approaches at the mouth of the Brisbane River area, southeast Queensland, Australia. Three mapping techniques used in this study: spectral angle mapper (SAM) and linear spectral unmixing (LSU) for the pixel-based approaches, and multi-scale segmentation for the object-based image analysis (OBIA). The endmembers for the pixel-based approach were collected based on existing vegetation community map. Nine targeted classes were mapped in the study area from each approach, including three mangrove species: Avicennia marina, Rhizophora stylosa, and Ceriops australis. The mapping results showed that SAM produced accurate class polygons with only few unclassified pixels (overall accuracy 69%, Kappa 0.57), the LSU resulted in a patchy polygon pattern with many unclassified pixels (overall accuracy 56%, Kappa 0.41), and the object-based mapping produced the most accurate results (overall accuracy 76%, Kappa 0.67). Our results demonstrated that the object-based approach, which combined a rule-based and nearest-neighbor classification method, was the best classifier to map mangrove species and its adjacent environments.
An Approach for Removing Redundant Data from RFID Data Streams
Authors: Mahdin Hairulnizam , Abawajy Jemal
Published: October 2011

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are emerging as the primary object identification mechanism, especially in supply chain management. However, RFID naturally generates a large amount of duplicate readings. Removing these duplicates from the RFID data stream is paramount as it does not contribute new information to the system and wastes system resources. Existing approaches to deal with this problem cannot fulfill the real time demands to process the massive RFID data stream. We propose a data filtering approach that efficiently detects and removes duplicate readings from RFID data streams. Experimental results show that the proposed approach offers a significant improvement as compared to the existing approaches.
Coverage Assessment and Target Tracking in 3D Domains
Authors: Boudriga Noureddine , Hamdi Mohamed , Iyengar Sitharama
Published: October 2011

Recent advances in integrated electronic devices motivated the use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in many applications including domain surveillance and mobile target tracking, where a number of sensors are scattered within a sensitive region to detect the presence of intruders and forward related events to some analysis center(s). Obviously, sensor deployment should guarantee an optimal event detection rate and should reduce coverage holes. Most of the coverage control approaches proposed in the literature deal with two-dimensional zones and do not develop strategies to handle coverage in three-dimensional domains, which is becoming a requirement for many applications including water monitoring, indoor surveillance, and projectile tracking. This paper proposes efficient techniques to detect coverage holes in a 3D domain using a finite set of sensors, repair the holes, and track hostile targets. To this end, we use the concepts of Voronoi tessellation, Vietoris complex, and retract by deformation. We show in particular that, through a set of iterative transformations of the Vietoris complex corresponding to the deployed sensors, the number of coverage holes can be computed with a low complexity. Mobility strategies are also proposed to repair holes by moving appropriately sensors towards the uncovered zones. The tracking objective is to set a non-uniform WSN coverage within the monitored domain to allow detecting the target(s) by the set of sensors. We show, in particular, how the proposed algorithms adapt to cope with obstacles. Simulation experiments are carried out to analyze the efficiency of the proposed models. To our knowledge, repairing and tracking is addressed for the first time in 3D spaces with different sensor coverage schemes.
Viral Ancestors of Antiviral Systems
Authors: Villarreal Luis P.
Published: October 2011

All life must survive their corresponding viruses. Thus antiviral systems are essential in all living organisms. Remnants of virus derived information are also found in all life forms but have historically been considered mostly as junk DNA. However, such virus derived information can strongly affect host susceptibility to viruses. In this review, I evaluate the role viruses have had in the origin and evolution of host antiviral systems. From Archaea through bacteria and from simple to complex eukaryotes I trace the viral components that became essential elements of antiviral immunity. I conclude with a reexamination of the ‘Big Bang’ theory for the emergence of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates by horizontal transfer and note how viruses could have and did provide crucial and coordinated features.
The Molecular Biology of Frog Virus 3 and other Iridoviruses Infecting Cold-Blooded Vertebrates
Authors: Chinchar V. Gregory , Yu Kwang H. , Jancovich James K.
Published: October 2011

Frog virus 3 (FV3) is the best characterized member of the family Iridoviridae. FV3 study has provided insights into the replication of other family members, and has served as a model of viral transcription, genome replication, and virus-mediated host-shutoff. Although the broad outlines of FV3 replication have been elucidated, the precise roles of most viral proteins remain unknown. Current studies using knock down (KD) mediated by antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (asMO) and small, interfering RNAs (siRNA), knock out (KO) following replacement of the targeted gene with a selectable marker by homologous recombination, ectopic viral gene expression, and recombinant viral proteins have enabled researchers to systematically ascertain replicative- and virulence-related gene functions. In addition, the application of molecular tools to ecological studies is providing novel ways for field biologists to identify potential pathogens, quantify infections, and trace the evolution of ecologically important viral species. In this review, we summarize current studies using not only FV3, but also other iridoviruses infecting ectotherms. As described below, general principles ascertained using FV3 served as a model for the family, and studies utilizing other ranaviruses and megalocytiviruses have confirmed and extended our understanding of iridovirus replication. Collectively, these and future efforts will elucidate molecular events in viral replication, intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to disease outbreaks, and the role of the host immune system in protection from disease.
Politique familiale et natalité en France : un siècle de mutations d’une question sociétale
Authors: Rosental Paul-André
Published: October 2011

La politique familiale française ne s’est jamais cantonnée au seul domaine de la fécondité. Sa mise en oeuvre par le biais des allocations familiales n’a cessé d’impliquer des questions mul tiples, de la protection sociale aux rapports de genre. Alors que le natalisme, au nom d’un idéal de puissance nationale, visait à peser au sein de l’État, les associations familiales se sont assurées une représentation légitime ébauchée par Vichy et consacrée à la Libération par la création de l’Union nationale des associations familiales (UNAF). Elles se sont efforcées depuis de mettre à jour la pertinence idéologique de la politique familiale : assurer la solidarité intergénérationnelle nécessaire au fonctionnement de la retraite par répartition et de la sécurité sociale, aider à l’accomplissement du projet familial et de la conciliation entre vie familiale et vie professionnelle. Elles ont été aidées en cela par des dispositifs qui, dès l’entre-deuxguerres, ont toléré à défaut d’encourager le travail des femmes et notamment le travail des mères, non sans écho avec les débats contemporains liés aux réformes de l’allocation parentale d’éducation (APE). Dans un cas comme dans l’autre, affleure un même enjeu : comment l’État doit-il arbitrer entre politique familiale, politique sociale, politique d’équité des genres, politique d’emploi, voire politique de naissances puisque l’objectif est rarement absent entièrement de l’horizon ?
Que représente la valeur des aides publiques en regard du coût des enfants au Québec ?
Authors: Godbout Luc , St-Cerny Suzie
Published: October 2011

Le présent texte expose d’abord diverses estimations du coût direct des enfants au Québec. Ensuite, en tenant compte à la fois de la fiscalité et des mesures destinées aux familles, la valeur du soutien financier offert aux familles biparentales et monoparentales est déterminée pour divers niveaux de revenus. Les calculs des auteurs permettent de constater l’importance du soutien financier aux familles à faible revenu, sa diminution progressive au fur et à mesure que le revenu familial s’accroît et la présence d’une prestation de base universelle. Enfin, en combinant l’estimation du coût des enfants avec le soutien financier offert par l’État, il devient possible d’évaluer dans quelle mesure les aides publiques compensent le coût de l’enfant au Québec.
Microsatellite primers in luohanguo (Siraitia grosvenorii, Cucurbitaceae), an economically important plant species
Authors: Wang Yaofang , Zhang Qiwei , Lin Yanfang , Li Boling , Tang Shaoqing
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in an economically important plant, Siraitia grosvenorii, to evaluate its genetic diversity.

• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 15 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. All of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12 across 98 individuals from cultivars and a wild population. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.905 and from 0.000 to 0.845, respectively.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate the breeding and further study of the genetic diversity of S. grosvenorii.
Microsatellite primers for the Pacific Northwest endemic coniferChamaecyparis lawsoniana(Cupressaceae)
Authors: Jennings Tara N. , Knaus Brian J. , Kolpak Scott , Cronn Richard
Published: October 2011

•Premise of the study:Microsatellite primers were developed for the Pacific Northwest conifer,Chamaecyparis lawsoniana(Cupressaceae), to enhance efficiencies in disease‐resistance breeding and germplasm screening for gene conservation of this rare species.

•Methods and Results:Using multiplexed massively parallel Illumina sequencing, we identified over 300000 microsatellite‐containing sequences from 2 million paired‐end microreads. After stringent filtering and primer evaluation, we selected 11 primer pairs and used these to screen variation in four populations ofC. lawsoniana. Loci show between three and 10 repeats per locus, with an average of eight. Screening of these markers in the North American relativeCallitropsis nootkatensisdemonstrated limited marker transferability, but these markers could have utility in Asian species ofChamaecyparis.

•Conclusions:These microsatellite primers show high polymorphism and should provide a high level of individual discrimination for paternity analysis in defined pedigrees, and routine screening of wild variation inChamaecyparis lawsoniana.
Implementing a Data Mining Solution for an Automobile Insurance Company
Authors: Yeo Ai Cheo , Smith Kate A.
Published: October 2011

The insurance company in this case study operates in a highly competitive environment. In recent years it has explored data mining as a means of extracting valuable information from its huge databases in order to improve decision making and capitalise on the investment in business data. This case study describes an investigation into the benefits of data mining for an anonymous Australian automobile insurance company.1 Although the investigation was able to demonstrate quantitative benefits of adopting a data mining approach, there are many practical issues that need to be resolved before the data mining approach can be implemented.
A Dream Project Turns Nightmare
Authors: Roy Vital , Aubert Benoit A.
Published: October 2011

It was in 1996 that Integra1, a large Canadian life insurance institution, launched its Banking and Loan Insurance Software System (BLISS) development project with the aim of gaining access to the loan insurance market in small Credit Unions (CUs) across Canada. The company was ready to provide the system free of charge to the Credit Unions on the provision that they commercialize exclusively Integras loan insurance products. To achieve this goal, Integra entered into a partnership with Intex Consulting, the Canadian subsidiary of a large international information system (IS) integration firm who wanted to gain a foothold in the Canadian banking business. After 1.3 million dollars of investment from each partner and twelve months of intensive efforts, the project came to an abrupt stop. The lessons learned in this case study include: (1) the importance of understanding requirements beyond micro-level user needs, (2) the need to get the enlightened involvement of each interested party in a large complex project, (3) the importance of appraising the specific contribution of each partner in a strategic alliance, and (4) the obstacles faced when entering an unfamiliar market with a new, unproven IS product.
Large-Scale Sustainable Information Systems Development in a Developing Country
Authors: Okunoye Adekunle
Published: October 2011

Information technology (IT) transfer to developing countries is often affected by various problems. Most available application packages are too expensive and were originally designed to work in a developed economy. The international features of the application packages reduced the problems associated with long duration and huge cost of customization. Nevertheless, there are still some processes that require many peculiar requirements that customization of the off-the-shelf applications cannot meet. With the rapid changes in IT and the business environment, it is becoming essential to rely on information system that can be sustained and upgraded without much cost in order to meet those changes. This case describes a project for the development of such a system. We present the background of the IT company and an Islamic bank as the customer. We highlight the circumstances that led to their decision to develop the systems locally. We discuss the facts that surround the development of the system: the outsourcing decision made by the African Arab Islamic Bank (AFAIB), the project management and systems development at Technology Associates Ltd. (TA), and other information system issues related to developing countries and their effect on the projects success.