bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection, Control, and Warning System for Mitigating Dilemma Zone Problem
Authors: Zimmerman Karl , Tolani Devendra , Xu Roger , Qian Tao , Huang Peter
Published: October 2012

High-speed signalized intersections present a grave hazard to the traveling public. An important component of this hazard is variation in the process of deciding whether to stop or proceed that occurs in the dilemma zone. To mitigate the dilemma zone problem, an innovative vehicle-specific detection, control, and warning system (DCWS) is being developed. To reduce dilemma zone conflicts, DCWS uses detection of individual vehicle speeds to provide unique, speed-specific dilemma zone protection for each vehicle as it approaches a signalized intersection. Although protecting all vehicles would be ideal, under some situations such protection is not possible. To account for these situations, DCWS also uses a vehicle-specific in-pavement system to give advance warning to drivers who are going to be trapped in the dilemma zone. With hardware-in-the-loop simulations, the new DCWS outperforms conventional dilemma zone warning systems in terms of the number of vehicles in the dilemma zone, the number and percentage of vehicles requiring warning, and the number of warning events per hour.
Evaluating Safety at Railway Level Crossings with Microsimulation Modeling
Authors: Tey Li-Sian , Kim Inhi , Ferreira Luis
Published: October 2012

Safety at railway level crossings (RLXs) is a worldwide issue that increasingly attracts the attention of relevant transport authorities, the rail industry, and the general public. The differences in the operation characteristics of varying types of warning devices, together with differences in crossing geometry, traffic, or train characteristics, leads to different driver behaviors at crossings. The aim of this study was to use traffic microsimulation modeling based on field video recording data to compare the safety performance of varying conventional RLX warning systems. The widely used microsimulation model VISSIM was modified to produce safety-related performance measures, namely, collision likelihood, delay, and queue length. The results showed that RLXs with an active warning system were safer than those with a passive sign by at least 17%. Integration of surrogate measures in conjunction with traffic simulation models determined which safety approach was more efficient for specified traffic and train volumes.
Effects of Environmental Lighting Conditions on Operating Speeds on Urban Arterials
Authors: Bassani Marco , Mutani Guglielmina
Published: October 2012

Driver behavior is influenced by environmental lighting conditions on roads; in the literature, many studies report a reduced night–day accident ratio following improvements to lighting on different types of roads, with the results classified by severity and type of accident. Few studies, however, report the influence of lighting conditions on driver speed. This study investigates the principal factors that influence driver speed on arterial roads in Turin, Italy. The aim of this study was to analyze driver speed under different daylight and nighttime lighting conditions. Six arterial roads were selected for observation and the measurement of speeds and illuminance on the pavement surface. The results showed that illuminance, in addition to factors such as lane position, lane width, and the relevant speed limit, should be considered a variable that can influence driver speed. The study used a regression equation to predict operating speeds (V85) on urban arterials; the corresponding sensitivity analysis has made it possible to quantify the effects of the aforementioned variables on operating speed under different environmental lighting conditions.
High-Beam Usage on Low-Volume Rural Roads in Texas
Authors: Iragavarapu Vichika , Fitzpatrick Kay
Published: October 2012

This study evaluated high-beam usage on low-volume roadways in Texas. Most previous studies used a subjective approach to determine high-beam usage that involved a stationary observer or an observer driving around the study section. For more efficient data collection, this study used photometric readings as the methodology. This approach allowed for a quantitative measure of high-beam use, in that it did not rely on an observer's opinion as to whether the headlamps were on high or low beam. Preliminary data collection was conducted as part of the study to estimate the threshold high-beam illuminance value; these illuminance data showed moderate use of high beams on low-volume, rural two-lane highways, with 42% of the free-flow drivers using high beams. There was a wide variation in high-beam use between sites, so site characteristics were reviewed to identify potential reasons for this variation. The data were fit to a logistic regression model to estimate the impact of various site characteristics on a driver's decision to use high beams. The results showed that vehicle speed, paved surface width, number of access points within 1,000 ft of the site, and presence of horizontal curves within 1 mi of the site were statistically significant factors that contributed to the probability of high-beam use. The results also showed that higher vehicle speeds, narrow paved surfaces, presence of horizontal curves, and few or no access points led to a higher probability of high-beam use. These results are intuitive and support the observations made in the exploratory data analysis.
Development of Visual Model for Exploring Relationship between Nighttime Driving Behavior and Roadway Visibility Features
Authors: Gibbons Ronald B. , Edwards Christopher J. , Bhagavathula Rajaram , Carlson Paul , Owens D. Alfred
Published: October 2012

Driving is often considered a visually oriented task. This visual task is constrained when drivers drive at night. Visibility is reduced because visual cues available during the day are not present at night. This study attempted to develop a link between driver safety and the nighttime visual environment. This research required creating and integrating new technology, observing and collecting data, and developing a model framework called the Dynamic Driver Visual Model (DDVM). Conceptually, a DDVM is a system of rules, statistics, and expectations that can be used to define how a driver collects visual information from the environment. Several information sources were investigated, and several dependent variables were identified. Data were collected on how information from signage, objects, lighting, pavement markings, and other vehicles moderates a driver's visual search of the roadway environment. Several logistic regression analyses were performed on the collected data to identify common characteristics to be implemented in the DDVM. These variables included age, lighting, vehicle headlamps, several different objects, glance time, target luminance, and contrast information. The results suggest that a number of target and visibility elements have nonlinear effects on a driver's detection performance at a variety of detection distances. This paper discusses the implications of these findings and the initial framework of the DDVM. Future research and additional data requirements are also discussed.
Impact des évolutions démographiques sur les organisations sanitaires
Authors: Berthel Marc , Peter-Bosquillon Marie-Christine
Published: October 2012

Le nombre de personnes très âgées augmente et va continuer à augmenter. La polypathologie, les pathologies chroniques et leurs répercussions fonctionnelles sont les caractéristiques des besoins de santé du grand âge. Le schéma traditionnel – signes, diagnostic, traitement, guérison– valable chez le sujet jeune, n’est plus pertinent. Les organisations sanitaires doivent s’adapter à cette réalité. Les professions de santé et les professions de l’aide ont à conjuguer leurs activités et leurs relations dans une réelle pluridisciplinarité. Plusieurs milliers d’emplois sont à créer, parmi lesquels des emplois nouveaux. Plusieurs milliers de personnes sont à former.
Assistant de soins en gérontologie
Authors: Lavallart Benoît , Flouzat Jean-Philippe , Rocher Pascale
Published: October 2012

La fonction d’assistant de soins en gérontologie a été créée dans le cadre du plan Alzheimer 2008-2012. L’assistant de soins en gérontologie (ASG) intervient auprès des personnes âgées en situation de grande dépendance et/ou présentant des troubles cognitifs et dont la prise en charge nécessite des techniques de soins et d’accompagnement spécifiques. Après une formation, les assistants de soins en gérontologie travaillent dans des unités ou services spécialisés dans la prise en charge des personnes souffrant de troubles cognitifs. Ils y apportent leurs connaissances, leurs techniques de soins adaptées et participent aux activités de stimulation et de réhabilitation. La fonction d’assistant de soins en gérontologie est reconnue comme une spécialité et ouvre droit à une prime. Cette spécialité doit continuer à évoluer pour s’ouvrir à d’autres professionnels et permettre de véritables passerelles vers d’autres métiers.
Réflexions à partir d'une expérience universitaire de formations en sciences sociales dans le domaine du vieillissement
Authors: Le Borgne-Uguen Françoise , Pennec Simone
Published: October 2012

Cet article rend compte d’une expérience de formations et de recherches dans le domaine du vieillissement, depuis plus de trente-cinq ans, et considère les mutations dans l’offre, la pédagogie et les publics d’étudiants. Définie au départ dans le cadre de la formation continue, la démarche pédagogique et scientifique allie les principes de l’éducation permanente, de la recherche-action coopérative et la visée d’une université ouverte sur différents publics et territoires. L’intégration d’étudiants de formation initiale influe dorénavant sur la mise en œuvre des orientations pédagogiques et, par ailleurs, la multiplication des masters professionnels conduit à des concurrences jouant sur la visibilité des compétences, des certifications professionnelles et des emplois. Cette situation est mise en comparaison avec celle de deux universités : Sherbrooke (Québec) et São Paulo (Brésil).
Historique récent des politiques publiques de l'évaluation des activités des ehpad
Authors: Pondaven Michèle
Published: October 2012

Le contexte dans lequel se déploie l’évaluation des activités des établissements médico-sociaux et notamment celles des Ehpad est particulièrement mouvant. Les profondes mutations politiques et institutionnelles qui affectent ce secteur d’activité entretiennent confusion et incertitudes sur les finalités, les méthodes et la pertinence de la démarche évaluative. Il est pourtant possible de concevoir une approche de l’évaluation qui mette en évidence la qualité des relations professionnels-résidents au cœur des enjeux de l’Ehpad, situe l’Ehpad dans son rôle social et local, et donc interroge et renouvelle les pratiques professionnelles et institutionnelles en leur donnant sens.
L'élaboration de dispositifs de transversalisation professionnelle et organisationnelle
Authors: Belzile Louise , Salles Mylène , Gagnon Dominique , Couturier Yves
Published: October 2012

Il est possible d’affirmer que la façon d’organiser les services pour les clientèles présentant des situations sociales et sanitaires complexes, dont les personnes âgées en perte d’autonomie, se transforme de telle sorte que nous sommes devant une bascule paradigmatique. Le présent article exposera quelques-uns des principes fondamentaux qui pèsent dans cette bascule, puis explorera leur mise en forme concrète à travers le déploiement de dispositifs intégrateurs favorisant les processus de transversalisation des actions professionnelles et organisationnelles.
Les services de maintien à domicile et le métier d'aide à domicile
Authors: Ennuyer Bernard
Published: October 2012

Les services d’aide et de soins à domicile associatifs et leurs salariés sont aujourd’hui en grand danger (fermeture d’associations, licenciements de personnel), mettant de fait en péril l’accompagnement des personnes fragiles qui ont fait le choix de rester chez elles, quel que soit leur âge, comme le leur ont promis tous les gouvernements successifs depuis le rapport Laroque (1962). Nous avons essayé de comprendre comment le plan de cohésion sociale, dit plan Borloo, dont l’un des objectifs en 2005 était le développement de l’emploi et la professionnalisation des services à domicile, a abouti exactement à son contraire. En effet malgré les discours, convenus et réitérés, sur la professionnalisation et l’amélioration des conditions de travail des aides à domicile, la loi aveugle du marché comme seul mode de régulation détruit à grand pas la solidarité construite au fil des ans par le monde associatif auprès de nos concitoyens les plus fragiles.
Évolution des métiers du prendre soin à domicile : enjeux professionnels ? enjeux de société ?
Authors: André Lætitia
Published: October 2012

Le secteur de l’aide à domicile se trouve actuellement confronté à un paradoxe qui pourrait mettre en grande difficulté la qualité de l’accompagnement aux personnes âgées et handicapées : d’une part, le nombre de personnes âgées dépendantes augmente, et les personnes aidées présentent des niveaux de dépendance de plus en plus forts ; d’autre part, il est de plus en plus difficile pour les structures d’aide à domicile de trouver des employées, les conditions d’emploi proposées étant globalement assez mauvaises (faible niveau de rémunération, publics difficiles, amplitudes horaires et astreintes importantes). La professionnalisation du secteur à travers la qualification des employées ne peut à elle seule répondre à cette problématique. Nous sommes face aujourd’hui à un choix de société à faire...
Définition des nouveaux métiers et des nouvelles fonctions des arrivées à maturité, ou timides, ou encore à espérer, ou quasiment avortées
Authors: Caudron Jean-Michel
Published: October 2012

Une impulsion à la fonction de « soin relationnel » avait été naguère l’apport des Emplois jeunes en gérontologie. La reconnaissance récente mais limitée de la qualification d’assistant de soins en gérontologie (ASG) va dans le même sens. On espère la fusion des trois métiers éligibles à cette qualification en un nouveau métier pris sur le modèle des travailleuses familiales. Énième dispositif de coordination, la Maison pour l’autonomie et l’intégration des malades Alzheimer (Maia) associe un pilote, animateur de réseaux, et un ou plusieurs gestionnaires de cas. Quoique parée de toutes les vertus de l’« intégration », son efficacité et sa valeur comme modèle généralisable font question.
Évolution et dégradation de l'emploi et du travail social depuis 2000
Authors: Jany-Catrice Florence
Published: October 2012

L’analyse des services à la personne a des vertus heuristiques, parce qu’elle est l’expression de changements dans la nature de l’État social et que ce champ incarne les plus grandes mutations à l’œuvre dans le travail social. Cet article étudie l’évolution et la dégradation de l’emploi et du travail social depuis la fin des années 1990 sous le prisme des tensions entre le projet de création d’un secteur des services à la personne et le maintien d’un champ d’action sociale spécifique. On étudie également les conséquences des mutations à marche forcée de l’action sociale sur l’emploi et le travail.
Un regard critique sur « les gestionnaires de cas », dernière « mode » de la coordination imposée par le plan Alzheimer
Authors: Ennuyer Bernard
Published: October 2012

Les technocrates qui ont présidé au plan Alzheimer, redécouvrant l’empilement des structures d’aide et de soins et le désarroi des familles devant ce mille-feuilles quand elles ont besoin d’aide pour leurs parents en difficulté, ont jugé bon d’ajouter à cet imbroglio de nouvelles structures dont les Maisons pour l’autonomie et l’intégration des malades Alzheimer (Maia) ainsi que des coordonnateurs de soin souvent appelés gestionnaires de cas. Nous avons l’impertinence de penser qu’on pouvait ne pas créer ces nouvelles structures en utilisant les Centres locaux d’information et de coordination (Clic) et les professionnels de la coordination déjà en place. Notre critique de ces « nouvelles » structures et de ces « nouveaux professionnels » s’inscrit dans une réflexion jugée prioritaire aujourd’hui par la plupart des acteurs de terrain, quant à la nécessité de simplification du système français d’accompagnement des personnes fragiles, quels que soient leur pathologie et leur âge, condition essentielle d’économies budgétaires et d’un meilleur accompagnement de ces personnes et de leur famille.
Composting coffee wastes, a potential source of ochratoxigenic fungi and ochratoxin A contamination
Authors: Velmourougane K. , Bhat R. , Gopinandhan T. N.
Published: October 2012

Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been extensively documented as a global contaminant of a wide variety of food commodities including the green coffee bean, but there is no clear information available on the spread of Aspergillus ochraceus in the coffee production chain. In this study, the growth of A. ochraceus and the fate of OTA during composting of solid coffee wastes, i.e. pulp and husk, were investigated. A trial was set up with pulp and husk alone or in combination, naturally and artificially contaminated with A. ochraceus. OTA was detected at levels up to 2.6 and 6.2 ng/g in naturally and artificially contaminated pulp, respectively. At the end of the composting process, 8.4 and 14.2 ng OTA per g were measured in naturally and artificially contaminated husk, respectively. Throughout the composting process, A. ochraceus counts did not show any clear increasing or decreasing trend.
Ochratoxin A causes oxidative stress and cell death in rat liver
Authors: Palabiyik S.S. , Erkekoglu P. , Zeybek N.D. , Kızılgun M. , Sahin G. , Giray B. Kocer
Published: October 2012

The effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on oxidant/antioxidant status and on histopathological changes and apoptotic cell death in livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats has been investigated. OTA (0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered by oral route for 14 days. Plasma biochemical parameters, activities of liver selenoenzymes (glutathione peroxidase-1, thioredoxin reductase) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase), and levels of total glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in hepatic tissue were measured. In addition, histopathological examinations were performed and apoptotic cell death of hepatocytes was evaluated by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay. OTA exposure was found to induce focal necrosis of hepatocytes and mononuclear cell infiltration. Besides, exposure to OTA caused an imbalance in oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the rat liver, as evidenced by significant decreases in glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione levels, and marked increases in concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis revealed a significant ~2.7-fold increase in the number of TUNEL-positive liver cells of rats exposed to OTA compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that oxidative stress is at least one of the mechanisms underlying the hepatic toxicity of OTA, and that both necrosis and apoptosis are types of cell death in the hepatic toxicity of this mycotoxin.
Apóstoles, publicistas, hombres de acción y sindicalistas en la historia del anarquismo español
Authors: Maurice Jacques
Published: October 2012

Rarement abordée par l’historiographie de l’anarchisme espagnol est la question de l’influence exercée dans la définition de la stratégie et dans l’organisation de l’action collective par les militants qui, à divers degrés, occupèrent des fonctions de responsabilité. Sont comparées ici quelques figures anarchistes de la Basse Andalousie (Cadix) : celles qui privilégièrent la propagation de la cause par la parole et la plume et celles qui se lancèrent dans la lutte armée pour renverser l’Etat bourgeois ou qui, au contraire, s’engagèrent dans la lutte syndicale pour le saper.
L’anarchiste et la philosophe : Antonio Atarés et Simone Weil (1941-1951)
Authors: Sicot Bernard
Published: October 2012

La correspondance échangée par Simone Weil et Antonio Atarés entre 1941 et 1942 donne lieu à un déséquilibre frappant : alors que l’on sait tout des préoccupations philosophiques et spirituelles de la philosophe française à cette époque et qu’on connaît ses lettres, on ne sait rien du paysan anarchiste espagnol, interné dans les camps de Vichy, et ses lettres se sont perdues. Cet article tente de retracer son parcours et de lui redonner voix.
Les anarchistes espagnols dans les conspirations contre la Dictature et la Monarchie (1923-1930)
Authors: Delhom Joël
Published: October 2012

Entre 1923 et 1930, la FAI et la CNT ont conclu des alliances tactiques avec les républicains pour ainsi renverser le régime de Miguel Primo de Rivera. Trois membres de la FAI ont été sanctionnés en 1931 et le Comité national de la CNT a été sérieusement remis en question. D'après les mémoires inédits de Manuel Sirvent Romero (1889-1968), l'un des membres sanctionnés, nous évoquons autant les complots ourdis en 1929-1930 que les discussions tenues lors des congrès de 1931, soulignant, de cette manière, la responsabilité collective des deux organisations et une grande part de l'ambiguïté de leurs positions, résultant des contraintes internes.
Una década de publicaciones sobre el anarquismo español: 2000-2011
Authors: Delhom Joël
Published: October 2012

Books, booklets and dissertations in Spanish, Catalan, Galician and French published between 2000 and 2011, excluding new editions of books previously published between 1970 and 1999. This bibliography, organized in seven chapters combining chronological periods, sets of themes and geographic areas, comprises about 300 references. The presentation includes a brief commentary upon each chapter.
Imperialismo, fascismo y revolución. El discurso sobre la guerra en la prensa anarquista gallega
Authors: Freán Hernández Óscar
Published: October 2012

Au cours des années trente du xxe siècle, les tensions sociales et la violence politique s’aggravèrent dans le contexte de la profonde crise économique de cette décennie. La lutte de classes, l’expansionnisme impérialiste, l'ascension des régimes totalitaires, les guerres nationales ou le réarmement militaire étaient l'expression de cette dérive qui devait conduire quelques années plus tard à la deuxième Guerre Mondiale. L'interprétation que le mouvement libertaire fait de ces questions, est l'objet d'analyse de notre travail, à travers l'étude de deux journaux galiciens (l'hebdomadaire Solidaridad et le bimensuel Brazo y Cerebro) publiés les mois précédant l'éclatement de la Guerre Civile.
L’art public altruiste dans l’Espagne contemporaine
Authors: Puech Anne
Published: October 2012

Nous tâcherons dans cet article de faire un lien entre la conception sociale que se faisaient les anarchistes de l’art et celle des artistes de street art contemporain en Espagne, appelé aussi art public indépendant par le chercheur Javier Abarca 1. Pour bien comprendre sa portée altruiste, nous proposons d’abord d’explorer différents champs taxinomiques. Nous nous intéresserons ensuite au parcours et aux œuvres de certains artistes engagés. Enfin, nous verrons quelles sont les similitudes entre la démarche de ces artistes contemporains et l’aspiration à un changement social voulu par le « modèle éducationiste-réalisateur » libertaire.
El Fondo Renée Lamberet conservado en el Institut Français d’Histoire Sociale de París
Authors: Brey Gérard
Published: October 2012

Évocation de l’historienne militante de l’anarchisme espagnol Renée Lamberet (1901-1980) et du fonds documentaire qu’elle a légué par testament à l’Institut Français d’Histoire Sociale de Paris.
Arsenic Trioxide Exerts Antitumor Activity through Regulatory T Cell Depletion Mediated by Oxidative Stress in a Murine Model of Colon Cancer
Authors: Thomas-Schoemann Audrey , Batteux Frédéric , Mongaret Céline , Nicco Carole , Chéreau Christiane , Annereau Maxime , Dauphin Alain , Goldwasser François , Weill Bernard , Lemare François , Alexandre Jérôme
Published: October 2012

Immunotherapy is a promising antitumor strategy that can successfully be combined with current anticancer treatment. In this study, arsenic trioxide (As2O3) was shown to increase the antitumor immune response in CT26 colon tumor-bearing mice through the modulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers. As2O3 induced Treg-selective depletion in vitro. In vivo, tumor-bearing mice injected with 1 mg/kg As2O3 showed a significant decrease in the Treg/CD4 cell ratio and in absolute Treg count versus controls. As2O3 exerted antitumor effects only in immunocompetent mice and enhanced adoptive immunotherapy effects. Inhibition of As2O3-induced Treg depletion by the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and the superoxide dismutase mimic manganese [III] tetrakis-(5, 10, 15, 20)-benzoic acid porphyrin suggested that it was mediated by oxidative and nitrosative stress. The differential effect of As2O3 on Treg versus other CD4 cells may be related to differences in the cells’ redox status, as indicated by significant differences in 2′7′dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate fluorescence levels. In conclusion, these results show for the first time, to our knowledge, that low doses As2O3 can delay solid tumor growth by depleting Tregs through oxidative and nitrosative bursts, and suggest that As2O3 could be used to enhance the antitumor activity of adoptive immunotherapy strategies in human cancer.
IgA Response in Preterm Neonates Shows Little Evidence of Antigen-Driven Selection
Authors: Rogosch Tobias , Kerzel Sebastian , Hoß Katharina , Hoersch Gabriele , Zemlin Cosima , Heckmann Matthias , Berek Claudia , Schroeder Harry W. , Maier Rolf F. , Zemlin Michael
Published: October 2012

After birth, contact to environmental Ags induces the production of IgA, which represents a first line of defense for the neonate. We sought to characterize the maturation of the repertoire of IgA H chain transcripts in circulating blood B cells during human ontogeny. We found that IgA H chain transcripts were present in cord blood as early as 27 wk of gestation and that the restrictions of the primary Ab repertoire (IgM) persisted in the IgA repertoire. Thus, B cells harboring more “mature” VH regions were not preferred for class switch to IgA. Preterm and term neonates expressed a unique IgA repertoire, which was characterized by short CDR-H3 regions, preference of the JH proximal DH7-27 gene segment, and very few somatic mutations. During the first postnatal months, these restrictions were slowly released. Preterm birth did not measurably accelerate the maturation of the IgA repertoire. At a postconceptional age of 60 wk, somatic mutation frequency of IgA H chain transcripts reached 25% of the adult values but still showed little evidence of Ag-driven selection. These results indicate that similar to IgG, the IgA repertoire expands in a controlled manner after birth. Thus, the IgA repertoire of the newborn has distinctive characteristics that differ from the adult IgA repertoire. These observations might explain the lower affinity and specificity of neonatal IgA Abs, which could contribute to a higher susceptibility to infections and altered responses to vaccinations, but might also prevent the development of autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Primary MHC-Class II+ Cells Are Necessary To Promote Resting Vδ2 Cell Expansion in Response to (E)-4-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-But-2-Enyl-Pyrophosphate and Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate
Authors: Soriano-Sarabia Natalia , Sandvold Hakon , Jomaa Hassan , Kubin Thomas , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger
Published: October 2012

Human Vγ9δ2 (Vδ2) T cells represent a unique effector T cell population in humans and primates detecting nonpeptid phosphoantigens, playing an important role in antimicrobial and antitumor immunity. Currently, it is believed that various leukocyte subsets can promote phosphoantigen-driven Vδ2 cell expansion, but the essential cell type required remains elusive. We have used high purity cell sorting to analyze the cellular requirements for (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl-pyrophosphate (HMBPP)–driven Vδ2 cell expansion. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that primary human MHC-class II+ cells are indispensable for HMBPP- and isopentenylpyrophosphate-driven Vδ2 cell expansion. In contrast, MHC-class II− cells are unable to promote Vδ2 cell expansion. Moreover, purified primary human TCRαβ+ T cells, CD4+, or CD8+ T cells also failed to promote HMBPP-mediated Vδ2 expansion. Depletion of CD4+CD25+ T cells demonstrated that inability of TCRαβ+ cells to expand Vδ2 cells was not related to the presence of regulatory T cells. Separation of MHC-class II+ cells into dendritic cells, monocytes, and B cells revealed that dendritic cells were the most potent Vδ2 expanders. Pulsing experiments demonstrated that HMBPP transforms MHC-class II+ but not negative cells into Vδ2 expanders. MHC-class II–blocking experiments with mAbs and secondary MHC-class II induction on CD4+ T cells after CD3/CD28 costimulation indicated that MHC-class II is necessary, but not sufficient to promote Vδ2 expansion. Our results provide novel insight into the primary cell-specific requirements for human Vδ2 expansion.
Differential Trafficking of TLR1 I602S Underlies Host Protection against Pathogenic Mycobacteria
Authors: Hart Bryan E. , Tapping Richard I.
Published: October 2012

We recently identified I602S as a frequent single-nucleotide polymorphism of human TLR1 that greatly inhibits cell surface trafficking, confers hyporesponsiveness to TLR1 agonists, and protects against the mycobacterial diseases leprosy and tuberculosis. Because mycobacteria are known to manipulate the TLR system to their advantage, we hypothesize that the hyporesponsive 602S variant may confer protection by enabling the host to overcome this immune subversion. We report that primary human monocytes and macrophages from homozygous TLR1 602S individuals are resistant to mycobacterial-induced downregulation of macrophage MHC class II, CD64, and IFN-γ responses compared with individuals who harbor the TLR1 602I variant. Additionally, when challenged with mycobacterial agonists, macrophages from TLR1 602S/S individuals resist induction of host arginase-1, an enzyme that depletes cellular arginine stores required for the production of antimicrobial reactive nitrogen intermediates. The differences in cell activation mediated by TLR1 602S and TLR1 602I are observed upon stimulation with soluble mycobacterial-derived agonists but not with whole mycobacterial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the TLR1 602S variant protects against mycobacterial disease by preventing soluble mycobacterial products, perhaps released from granulomas, from disarming myeloid cells prior to their encounter with whole mycobacteria.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promote Invasion while Retaining Fc-Dependent Anti-Tumor Function
Authors: Grugan Katharine D. , McCabe Francis L. , Kinder Michelle , Greenplate Allison R. , Harman Benjamin C. , Ekert Jason E. , van Rooijen Nico , Anderson G. Mark , Nemeth Jeffrey A. , Strohl William R. , Jordan Robert E. , Brezski Randall J.
Published: October 2012

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to promote tumor progression, and increased TAM infiltration often correlates with poor prognosis. However, questions remain regarding the phenotype of macrophages within the tumor and their role in mAb-dependent cytotoxicity. This study demonstrates that whereas TAMs have protumor properties, they maintain Fc-dependent anti-tumor function. CD11b+CD14+ TAMs isolated from primary human breast tumors expressed activating FcγRs. To model breast cancer TAMs in vitro, conditioned medium from breast cancer cells was used to drive human peripheral monocyte differentiation into macrophages. Tumor-conditioned macrophages were compared with in vitro derived M1 and M2a macrophages and were found to promote tumor cell invasion and express M2a markers, confirming their protumor potential. However, unlike M2a macrophages, tumor-conditioned macrophages expressed FcγRs and phagocytosed tumor cells in the presence of a tumor Ag-targeting mAb, unmasking an underappreciated tumoricidal capacity of TAMs. In vivo macrophage depletion reduced the efficacy of anti-CD142 against MDA-MB-231 xenograft growth and metastasis in SCID/beige mice, implicating a critical role for macrophages in Fc-dependent cell killing. M-CSF was identified in tumor-conditioned media and shown to be capable of differentiating macrophages with both pro- and anti-tumor properties. These results highlight the plasticity of TAMs, which are capable of promoting tumor progression and invasion while still retaining tumoricidal function in the presence of tumor-targeting mAbs.
Pneumococcal Surface Protein A Inhibits Complement Deposition on the Pneumococcal Surface by Competing with the Binding of C-Reactive Protein to Cell-Surface Phosphocholine
Authors: Mukerji Reshmi , Mirza Shaper , Roche Aoife M. , Widener Rebecca W. , Croney Christina M. , Rhee Dong-Kwon , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Szalai Alexander J. , Briles David E.
Published: October 2012

In the presence of normal serum, complement component C3 is deposited on pneumococci primarily via the classical pathway. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), a major virulence factor of pneumococci, effectively inhibits C3 deposition. PspA’s C terminus has a choline-binding domain that anchors PspA to the phosphocholine (PC) moieties on the pneumococcal surface. C-reactive protein (CRP), another important host defense molecule, also binds to PC, and CRP binding to pneumococci enhances complement C3 deposition through the classical pathway. Using flow cytometry of PspA+ and PspA− strains, we observed that the absence of PspA led to exposure of PC, enhanced the surface binding of CRP, and increased the deposition of C3. Moreover, when the PspA− mutant was incubated with a pneumococcal eluate containing native PspA, there was decreased deposition of CRP and C3 on the pneumococcal surface compared with incubation with an eluate from a PspA− strain. This inhibition was not observed when a recombinant PspA fragment, which lacks the choline-binding region of PspA, was added to the PspA− mutant. Also, there was much greater C3 deposition onto the PspA− pneumococcus when exposed to normal mouse serum from wild-type mice as compared with that from CRP knockout mice. Furthermore, when CRP knockout mouse serum was replenished with CRP, there was a dose-dependent increase in C3 deposition. The combined data reveal a novel mechanism of complement inhibition by a bacterial protein: inhibition of CRP surface binding and, thus, diminution of CRP-mediated complement deposition.
Vers une sémiotique de la culture. De la mort au tourisme
Authors: Urbain Jean-Didier
Published: October 2012

Cet article est la première tentative d’explicitation des fondements méthodologiques d’une sémiotique de la culture. Celle-ci s’est construite au fil d’un itinéraire de recherche qui peut être défini comme celui d’une ethnologie de proximité, approche dont le projet heuristique est porté par le souci de restaurer de l’étrangeté au sein du quotidien - au sein de cette réalité très banale que Georges Perec a nommée l’infra-ordinaire et que certains jugent de ce fait inconsistante et indigne d’intérêt. C’est donc aussi contre ce préjugé épistémologique que s’est construite cette sémiotique, en élisant des terrains aussi « indignes » que le cimetière ou la plage, lesquels sont pourtant (parmi beaucoup d’autres) des objets d’analyse si proches qu’ils mettent au défi l’observateur de rétablir ce « regard éloigné » sans lequel toute découverte est impossible.
Visual acuity in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Garcia Liévanos Omar , Gómez Cotero Amalia G. , López Suárez Edith , Melgoza Galván Ana Karen
Published: October 2012

Today, controversy still surrounds the acuity visual (VA) in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD has been associated with hypersensitivity but recent studies have questioned these results. The aim of this study was to compare VA in children with ASD and typically developing children (TD). The study included 34 children: 12 with ASD [people living with (PW) ASD group: 1 female, 11 males] and 22 TD (PWTD group: 9 females, 13 males). The PWASD group was from the Clinica Mexicana de Autismo (CLIMA) and the PWTD group was from the Aztecas elementary school. VA was measured with Kay picture test cards for children without correction. Right eye VA of the PWASD group ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (0.88±0.23) and left eye VA ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 (0.87±0.23). Right eye VA of the PWTD group ranged from 0.3 and 1.0 (0.84±0.23) and left eye VA ranged 0.3 and 1.0 (0.78±0.22). Non-statistically significant differences were found (t-test, P>0.05). Results support the view that visual acuity is not affected in children with ASD compared with TD children.
Report on 2011 field activities and collection of ground thermal and active layer data in the Mackenzie Corridor completed under Northwest Territories science licence #14918
Authors: Ednie M , Chartrand J , Smith S L , Duchesne C , Riseborough D W
Published: October 2012

This report presents a summary of field activities conducted in 2011 in the Mackenzie Corridor under N.W.T. Science Licence #14918. Air temperature, ground thermal and active layer data acquired from permafrost monitoring sites visited in 2011 throughout the
corridor are provided in graphical and tabular format. This report will be distributed to community organizations and stakeholders in the study region to provide an update on field activities. The ground thermal and active layer data presented provide essential baseline information that can be
utilized by stakeholders and others for various purposes such as land management activities, regulatory processes and design of northern infrastructure.
Atrial Septal Aneurysm Mimicking a Cor Triatriatum Sinister: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Oyedeji Adebayo Tolulope , Okunola Oluyomi , Sani Mahmoud Umar
Published: October 2012

An atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a rare but well-recognized abnormality of uncertain clinical relevance. It is a localized bulging of the inter-atrial septum into either or both atria during the cardiac cycle. ASA has been reported as an unexpected finding during autopsy but may also be diagnosed in living patients by echocardiographic techniques.

We present a 37-year-old woman with a recurrent atypical chest pain of one-year duration. She was found to have a congenital atrial septal aneurysm on evaluation. The echocardiographic images mimicked a left sided cor triatriatum sinister. She had no other symptoms and had no co-morbidities. There was no audible murmur.

ASA can mimic cor-triatriatum and echocardiographic examination should be performed from multiple views before any echocardiographic diagnosis is made.
Evaluation of commonly used filter substrates for the measurement of aerosol trace element solubility
Authors: Buck Clifton S. , Paytan Adina
Published: October 2012

The published literature describing aerosol trace element fractional solubility measurements is characterized by a wide range of observed fractional solubilities. Whereas some of this variability is derived from natural differences in the chemical characteristics of the aerosol source material, the use of different sample collection and processing protocols by the scientific community has also confounded efforts to understand aerosol solubility. Bulk aerosol samples were collected at a coastal site over a nine‐month period and used to assess the influence of filter material on aerosol solubility measurements. Two hundred samples were extracted with ultrapure deionized water and focused on the solubility of ten trace elements (Al, P, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) of interest to the GEOTRACES program. Aerosol samples were collected on eight different filter types and extracted using a flow‐through “instantaneous” extraction method. In many cases, the operationally defined aerosol trace element solubility differed depending on filter type. Major anion concentrations and trace element fractional solubility were found to differ 58% and 60% of the time, respectively. Filter blank concentrations are also reported for the various filter types. This work, in conjunction with the 2008 GEOTRACES Aerosol Intercalibration study, should aid the design of future research efforts by the wider marine aerosol community and allow better comparisons among published data.
In situ video and fluorescence analysis (VFA) of marine particles: applications to phytoplankton ecological studies.
Authors: Lunven Michel , Landeira Jose Maria , Lehaître Michel , Siano Raffaele , Podeur Christian , Daniélou Marie Madeleine , Le Gall Erwan , Gentien Patrick , Sourisseau Marc
Published: October 2012

Recent advances in laser and video technologies have enabled single particles to be visualized in aqueous solution. Here, we describe a new instrument enabling the analysis of the fluorescence signatures of marine particles directly in seawater: the Video Fluorescence Analyser (VFA). A field of view is produced inside a measurement chamber by a laser beam at 473 nm that illuminates a shallow region, 3500 µm deep. Individual cells or particles in this field appear as individual spots of light, which are clearly resolved by video against a dark background. The method can resolve particles ranging from 6 µm to several millimeters. The camera is equipped with mobile optical filters: band‐pass filter, 520–580 nm, for phycoerythrin visualisation and high‐pass filter, > 600 nm, for Chlorophyll a pigment. These filters are remotely controlled and displaced in front of the CCD camera, allowing imaging and discrimination between fluorescent particles. We report here experimental procedures and calibrations performed in the laboratory with phytoplankton cells (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Karenia mikimotoi, Pseudonitzschia australis) and calibrated fluorescent beads. Image analysis processing enabled particle counts, measurements, and size classification. The auto‐fluorescence of individual particles was also tested in situ during a field cruise. In relation to other sensors, the VFA allowed particle enumeration and discrimination and detecting spatial variability of the phytoplankton size spectra in relation to hydrology. The results indicate that fluorescence/video analysis techniques can be easily used in the laboratory or at sea for direct in situ visualization and analyses of phytoplankton populations.
Formación de Brigadas Médicos-Rescatistas de Respuesta Rápida Ante Catástrofes y Desastres Internacionales
Authors: Lerena Juan José López , Tondo Álvaro , Ipharraguerre Danilo , Nicola Carlos , Palomeque Leandro , Martinez Enrique
Published: October 2012

En Uruguay, la formación médica emergencia prehospitalaria de desastres y catástrofes es irregular. Por otro lado, los bomberos, están capacitados para búsqueda y rescate pero no para los primeros auxilios. Se propuso formar brigadas de respuesta rápida frente a emergencias complejas, catástrofes y desastres integradas por médicos, paramédicos y bomberos con el objetivo de optimizar la respuesta frente a estas situaciones y en defi nitiva lograr el objetivo supremo de salvar cuantas más vidas sea posible.

Material y método

Se creó un cronograma de actividades, valorando: objetivo esperado, recursos humanos y materiales necesarios para lograr el objetivo, capacitación del personal. Cada módulo debía superar el 80% del resultado esperado. En 2008 y 2009 capacitamos en Osaka, JAPON a 5 médicos y 10 ofi ciales bomberos.1 Estos , a su vez, formaron a 25 ofi ciales de bomberos 40 bomberos, 7 médicos y 15 enfermeros. Cada Brigada estaba conformada por 2 médicos, 2 enfermeros, 2 ofi ciales y 5 bomberos.

Durante el año 2010 se realizaron los módulos teoricopracticos para instrucción y capacitación., culminando con curso – taller con la supervisión de expertos japoneses, dos médicos expertos en TRAUMA y DESASTRES y tres ofi ciales de bomberos expertos en desastres (Grupo HEAVY de INSARAG).2 La evaluación fue excelente. En la región son las primeras brigadas conformadas con estas características. Se espera que con la aplicación de esta nueva metodología de trabajo se logre el objetivo planteado. A la fecha se muestran tres intervenciones de estas brigadas con tiempos de respuesta mejores y mejor calidad de atención primaria de victimas.
Trauma de Páncreas
Authors: Costa Juan M , Bado Joaquín , Sciuto Pablo , Moldes María , Chinelli Javier , Secondo Gerardo
Published: October 2012

Objetivo

Analizar de forma retrospectiva una serie de casos de lesiones pancreáticas en el contexto de trauma abdominal penetrante asistidos en el Hospital Maciel en el año 2010, y realizar una revisión actualizada de los puntos más controversiales en trauma pancreático centrándonos en el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico.

Métodos

Se analizó retrospectivamente una serie de 5 pacientes que fueron asistidos en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital en 2010. Todos presentaron trauma abdominal penetrante, siendo 4 por heridas de arma blanca y 1 por herida por proyectil de arma de fuego. La lesión pancreática fue diagnosticada en el intraoperatorio en todos los casos. Se constató lesión hepática asociada en 3 casos, seguida por el estómago en 2 y vena cava en 1. En 2 pacientes se comprobó la existencia de lesión del ducto principal a la izquierda de los vasos mesentéricos, y ambos fueron tratados con pancreatectomía distal. Los restantes casos fueron manejados con drenajes a nivel de la logia pancreática. En cuanto a la morbimortalidad, 1 paciente falleció en el postoperatorio reingresando luego del alta por shock hipovolémico en anemia aguda, probablemente vinculado a lesión vascular inadvertida. De los restantes pacientes 1 evolucionó favorablemente, sin complicaciones. Los restantes 3 presentaron una fístula pancreática que en todos los casos fue autolimitada y en 1 caso se constató una colección peripancreática que fue resuelta por vía percutánea sin incidentes.

Resultados

Las lesiones traumáticas del páncreas son poco frecuentes. (2-4% de los casos de trauma abdominal) En nuestra serie el 100% fue consecuencia de trauma penetrante y el diagnóstico intraoperatorio, siendo la asociación lesional la regla tal como se publica en la literatura. El manejo terapéutico de estas lesiones es uno de los puntos de mayor controversia. En tal sentido, 3 de 5 pacientes (60%) presentaron lesiones de baja complejidad y pudieron ser tratados con técnicas sencillas como procedimientos hemostáticos y colocación de drenajes. Los 2 pacientes restantes fueron sometidos a procedimientos resectivos.

La morbimortalidad de nuestra serie fue elevada, como es esperable en estos casos. La fístula pancreática fue la complicación principal. La mortalidad fue de 20%.

Conclusiones

Las lesiones traumáticas del páncreas son de baja frecuencia y difícil diagnóstico preoperatorio por lo cual debe tenerse un alto índice de sospecha. Son más frecuentes en el trauma penetrante que en el contuso, siendo la asociación lesional y una elevada morbimortalidad la regla en estos casos. El tratamiento quirúrgico admite muchas posibilidades, siendo siempre aconsejable realizar lo menos posible.