bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms involved in developmental programming of hypertension and renal diseases. Gender differences
Authors: Tomat Analia Lorena , Salazar Francisco Javier 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background: A substantial body of epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that a poor fetal and neonatal environment may “program” susceptibility in the offspring to later development of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases.

Materials and methods: This review focuses on current knowledge from the available literature regarding the mechanisms linking an adverse developmental environment with an increased risk for cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases in adult life. Moreover, this review highlights important sex-dependent differences in the adaptation to developmental insults.

Results: Developmental programming of several diseases is secondary to changes in different mechanisms inducing important alterations in the normal development of several organs that lead to significant changes in birth weight. The different diseases occurring as a consequence of an adverse environment during development are secondary to morphological and functional cardiovascular and renal changes, to epigenetic changes and to an activation of several hormonal and regulatory systems, such as angiotensin II, sympathetic activity, nitric oxide, COX2-derived metabolites, oxidative stress and inflammation. The important sex-dependent differences in the developmental programming of diseases seem to be partly secondary to the effects of sex hormones. Recent studies have shown that the progression of these diseases is accelerated during aging in both sexes.

Conclusions: The cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases during adult life that occur as a consequence of several insults during fetal and postnatal periods are secondary to multiple structural and functional changes. Future studies are needed in order to prevent the origin and reduce the incidence and consequences of developmental programmed diseases.
Mining Calendar-based Periodic Patterns from Nonbinary Transactions
Authors: Adhikari Jhimli 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA large class of problems deals with temporal data. Identifying temporal patterns in these datasets is a natural as well as an important task. In recent times, researchers have reported an algorithm for finding calendar-based periodic pattern in time-stamped data without considering the purchased quantities of the items. However, most of the real-life databases are nonbinary, and therefore, exploring various calendar-based patterns (yearly, monthly, weekly, daily) with their purchased quantities may discover information useful to improve the quality of business decisions. In this article, a technique is proposed to extract calendar-based periodic patterns from nonbinary transactions. In this connection, the concept of certainty factor has been introduced by incorporating transaction frequency for overlapped intervals. Algorithms have been designed to mine frequent itemsets along with intervals and quantity. In addition to that, we have designed an algorithm to find the periodicity of the pattern. The algorithm is tested with real-life data, and the results are given.
Hepatitis C virus-associated thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: impact upon multidisciplinary care provision
Authors: Monteith Cathy , Áinle Fionnuala Ní , Cooley Sharon , Lambert John S. , Kelleher Barry , Jackson Valerie , Eogan Maeve 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective: Recent studies have implicated hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia. In pregnancy-associated immune thrombocytopenia, multidisciplinary management is required due to a potential for bleeding complications. We performed a retrospective review of HCV-infected pregnant women and age-matched controls who were not infected with HCV.

Methods: One hundred and six women with a HCV viral load were identified from 2009 to 2011.

Results: Thrombocytopenia was identified in 10.3% of HCV-infected pregnant women and 1.6% of age-matched controls (P<0.001). Mean platelet count during pregnancy was 120±23×109/L in HCV-infected women and at delivery was significantly lower in HCV-infected women than in controls (P=0.01). Despite the significant difference in platelet counts, there was no significant difference in estimated blood loss (EBL) at delivery. Regional anaesthesia was performed in 73% of thrombocytopenic HCV-infected women and no complications were recorded. There were no fetal bleeding complications.

Conclusion: In the first study to date to investigate the impact of HCV on maternal platelet count we demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of thrombocytopenia and a significantly lower platelet count in HCV-infected pregnant women compared with controls. Interestingly, thrombocytopenia had no detectable impact on EBL at delivery.
The peripheral whole-blood transcriptome of acute pyelonephritis in human pregnancya
Authors: Madan Ichchha , Than Nandor Gabor , Romero Roberto , Chaemsaithong Piya , Miranda Jezid , Tarca Adi L. , Bhatti Gaurav , Draghici Sorin , Yeo Lami , Mazor Moshe , Hassan Sonia S. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective: Human pregnancy is characterized by activation of the innate immune response and suppression of adaptive immunity. The former is thought to provide protection against infection for the mother, and the latter, tolerance against paternal antigens expressed in fetal cells. Acute pyelonephritis is associated with an increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis in pregnant (vs. nonpregnant) women. The objective of this study was to describe the gene expression profile (transcriptome) of maternal whole blood in acute pyelonephritis.

Method: A case-control study was conducted to include pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis (n=15) and women with a normal pregnancy (n=34). Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were used for gene expression profiling. A linear model was used to test the association between the presence of pyelonephritis and gene expression levels while controlling for white blood cell count and gestational age. A fold change of 1.5 was considered significant at a false discovery rate of 0.1. A subset of differentially expressed genes (n=56) was tested with real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) (cases, n=19; controls, n=59). Gene ontology and pathway analyses were applied.

Results: A total of 983 genes were differentially expressed in acute pyelonephritis: 457 were upregulated and 526 were downregulated. Significant enrichment of 300 biological processes and 63 molecular functions was found in pyelonephritis. Significantly impacted pathways in pyelonephritis included (a) cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, (b) T-cell receptor signaling, (c) Jak-STAT signaling, and (d) complement and coagulation cascades. Of 56 genes tested by qRT-PCR, 48 (85.7%) had confirmation of differential expression.

Conclusion: This is the first study of the transcriptomic signature of whole blood in pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis. Acute infection during pregnancy is associated with the increased expression of genes involved in innate immunity and the decreased expression of genes involved in lymphocyte function.
Nanophotonics of optical fibers
Authors: Sumetsky M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis review is concerned with nanoscale effects in highly transparent dielectric photonic structures fabricated from optical fibers. In contrast to those in plasmonics, these structures do not contain metal particles, wires, or films with nanoscale dimensions. Nevertheless, a nanoscale perturbation of the fiber radius can significantly alter their performance. This paper consists of three parts. The first part considers propagation of light in thin optical fibers (microfibers) having the radius of the order of 100 nanometers to 1 micron. The fundamental mode propagating along a microfiber has an evanescent field which may be strongly expanded into the external area. Then, the cross-sectional dimensions of the mode and transmission losses are very sensitive to small variations of the microfiber radius. Under certain conditions, a change of just a few nanometers in the microfiber radius can significantly affect its transmission characteristics and, in particular, lead to the transition from the waveguiding to non-waveguiding regime. The second part of the review considers slow propagation of whispering gallery modes in fibers having the radius of the order of 10–100 microns. The propagation of these modes along the fiber axis is so slow that they can be governed by extremely small nanoscale changes of the optical fiber radius. This phenomenon is exploited in SNAP (surface nanoscale axial photonics), a new platform for fabrication of miniature super-low-loss photonic integrated circuits with unprecedented sub-angstrom precision. The SNAP theory and applications are overviewed. The third part of this review describes methods of characterization of the radius variation of microfibers and regular optical fibers with sub-nanometer precision.
Influence of two novel compatibilizers on the properties of LDPE/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U. , Beg Dalour Hossen 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In the present investigation, low density polyethylene (LDPE)/organoclay nanocomposites with various clay contents (1–7 wt%) were prepared via a melt mixing technique, using two different compatibilizers with various contents; low molecular weight trimethoxysilyl-modified polybutadiene (Organosilane) and low molecular weight oxidized polyethylene (OxPE). The effects of incorporation of compatibilizers and clay contents on the mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The dispersibility of silicate clay in the nanocomposites was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that organosilane yielded better clay dispersion and a more exfoliated structure compared with the OxPE. Rheological behavior of the samples was examined by a dynamic oscillatory rheometer in the linear viscoelastic region. The organosilane compatibilized system conferred higher tensile strength, yield strength and tensile modulus than those of an uncompatibilized system, and even higher than those of the OxPE compatibilized case. The crystallization behaviors of uncompatibilized and compatibilized nanocomposites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC results indicated that the addition of compatibilizers increased the crystallization temperature (Tc) as a result of heterogeneous nucleation effect of clay on LDPE.
The effect of county border on the catchment area of towns on the example of Hajdú-Bihar County – methodology and practice
Authors: Bujdosó Zoltán , Dávid Lóránt , Uakhitova Gulmira 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTowns constitute 9% of the settlements of Hungary and represent 68% of the population. This value roughly corresponds to the European Union average. Their number, however, considerably grew in the past decade. While in 1980 there were 96 settlements with town status in 1990 there were already 177 and at present there are 324, which is more over three times more than in 1980. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in their size and scope of activities. Several researches have been conducted concerning the urban fields of many settlements and larger territorial units in Hungary but there no comprehensive map of the urban fields has been prepared yet. Inter-settlement relations started to play a more and more important role in the economic life of the country. The paper focuses on the study of the urban fields of the towns situated along the borders of Hajdú- Bihar county pointing out those functions whose attractions remain within the administrative border and those which cross it. The studied area are the towns along the county border. A special methodology was used which could be used for other regions and towns in other countries.
Tourism in Poland following EU entry
Authors: Kapera Izabela 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine how tourism developed in Poland following EU entry. A particularly large increase in local government spending on tourism and foreign tourist expenditures have been observed for the study period in Poland. An increase in passenger volume at Polish airports has also been observed. Among the many factors influencing the situation in the domestic tourism market, regulations relating to EU entry and the inflow of grants from the EU were of leading importance. At the same time, Poland’s entry into the EU may accelerate some change processes, the effects of which may be observed in the future.
Developmental origins of the conjoined twin mature embryo sacs in Smilax davidiana, with special notes on the formation of their embryos and endosperms
Authors: Ao Cheng‐Qi 
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Smilax davidiana, a perennial deciduous vine in Smilacaceae, is widely distributed in East and South China. A recent investigation revealed the existence of twin embryo sacs in this species. This study describes their mature structure, analyzes their developmental origins, and discusses the formation of their embryos and endosperms.• Methods: Conventional paraffin section, light microscopy, and various staining techniques were used to document the course of megasporogenesis and mature embryo sac structure in pistillate flowers.• Key results: Two chalazal megaspores of the tetrad became functional, giving rise to twin embryo sacs. Two mature embryo sacs of the same size (equal‐conjoined twins); a dominant mature embryo sac and a subordinate one (unequal‐conjoined twins); or very rarely, fully fused twin mature embryo sacs sharing a common chalazal domain are formed.• Conclusion: A single embryo occurring in conjoined twins is the outcome of two eggs competing for sperm rather than a result of contention of two pre‐embryos (or young embryos) for nutrition. Conjoined twin embryo sacs could provide a new pathway to the formation of pentaploid endosperms.
La transmission du féminin entre mère et fille
Authors: Dupuis-Gauthier Catherine , Rosenblum Ouriel 
Published: November 2013

L’abord psychanalytique auprès des femmes en souffrance, sur le plan psychique et/ou somatique, confronte régulièrement à la problématique de la relation mère-fille où la question de la transmission du féminin occupe une place centrale. À travers la singularité de cette relation, la subjectivation de la haine et de l’amour qui unit mère et fille constitue l’un des axes de travail favorisant la « transformation » des liens d’identification narcissique aliénant en un processus de construction de l’identité féminine porteuse d’altérité. C’est au regard de la fonction aliénante de la haine, dans les réaménagements de la relation entre une mère séropositive et sa fille devenue adolescente, que l’on comprendra la fonction de la haine dans la construction du lien mère-fille et la transmission du féminin.
Le défi rural du « rêve chinois »
Authors: Colin Sébastien 
Published: November 2013

À l’heure où Xi Jinping impose sa nouvelle devise du « rêve chinois », le développement des zones rurales, où vivent encore plus de 600 millions de personnes, reste une tâche gigantesque pour le Parti communiste. L’emploi par les spécialistes chinois de la notion de « trois problèmes ruraux » ( sannong wenti ) résume l’urgence de moderniser l’agriculture, d’améliorer la situation socioéconomique des paysans et d’aménager des infrastructures de base dans les zones rurales. À défaut de cet effort, certains estiment que ces « trois problèmes ruraux » pourraient menacer la croissance économique, la stabilité sociale et peut-être même l’emprise du parti au pouvoir. Après avoir rappelé dans une première partie les diverses politiques rurales menées depuis le lancement des réformes, cet article analysera leurs diverses conséquences et leurs évolutions récentes. Il tentera enfin de mettre en exergue le problème politique de fond que révèle la situation des campagnes chinoises, notamment le rôle des autorités locales.
Développement durable et responsabilité sociale des entreprises en Chine contemporaine
Authors: Vermander Benoît 
Published: November 2013

Si l’ampleur des défis écologiques rencontrés par la Chine est reconnue par tous, la détermination et l’efficacité de sa réponse font l’objet d’évaluations divergentes. Cet article étudie la relation désormais établie entre développement durable et responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE). Une fois brossé le tableau écologique de la Chine contemporaine, l’article évoque l’affirmation progressive du concept de RSE en contexte chinois au cours des vingt dernières années, insistant sur le fait que la loi elle-même requiert des entreprises une approche proactive en la matière. Il s’arrête ensuite sur l’ancrage culturel du concept de RSE : l’examen du modèle entrepreneurial qui fut celui du Sud-Est chinois notamment, comme la grande fluidité de « la tradition chinoise » montrent que la RSE peut être nourrie aujourd’hui par la réinterprétation de concepts et de pratiques ancrés dans l’histoire. Une dernière partie esquisse la dynamique qui lie aujourd’hui modernisation écologique et transformations socioculturelles.
Le chien et l'éléphant. Le Japon au miroir de la Chine
Authors: Pelletier Philippe 
Published: November 2013

La Chine et le Japon offrent l’exemple d’une situation géopolitique paradoxale. Les deux pays sont en effet voisins, l’un continental, grand et très peuplé, l’autre archipélagique, allongé et comparativement plus petit. Ils relèvent d’une aire de civilisation commune, sinisée. Malgré la proximité et le rapport de forces différentiel, le premier n’a historiquement pas envahi le second, alors que l’inverse n’est pas vrai, puisque le Japon a occupé la Chine pendant la guerre de Quinze Ans (1931-1945). Bien que la paix soit revenue et que les échanges économiques aient crû fortement entre les deux pays depuis les années 1980, l’héritage de cette guerre reste lourd. Il est néanmoins incompréhensible si l’on ne prend pas en compte le rôle des États-Unis.
La politique étrangère de la Chine sous Xi Jinping
Authors: Duchâtel Mathieu 
Published: November 2013

Au tournant de 2012 et de 2013, la Chine a renouvelé son équipe dirigeante. Xi Jinping, le nouveau secrétaire général du Parti communiste, qui préside aussi la Commission militaire centrale, a initié en moins d’un an des ajustements importants en matière de politique étrangère. Il s’est saisi personnellement de deux dossiers prioritaires, les relations avec les États-Unis et la sécurité en Asie orientale. Il est sorti de la traditionnelle ambiguïté de la Chine en exprimant clairement sa quête de parité stratégique avec les États-Unis en Asie. Sous son autorité, la politique étrangère chinoise évolue dans le sens d’une plus grande personnalisation des décisions, même si son élaboration reste fragmentée pour les dossiers non prioritaires. L’article décrit aussi l’incorporation de nouveaux dossiers diplomatiques, confirmée sous Xi Jinping : la sécurité des ressortissants chinois à l’étranger, le cyber, et l’affirmation d’une doctrine d’opposition aux ingérences occidentales au Moyen-Orient en réaction à la guerre de Libye.
Mapping Quaternary alluvial fans in the southwestern United States based on multiparameter surface roughness of lidar topographic data
Authors: Regmi Netra R. , McDonald Eric V. , Bacon Steven N. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractQuaternary alluvial fans have diverse surface morphologies related to both depositional and weathering processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the surface expression and morphometry of alluvial fans can be used as an indicator of their relative age of deposition, but only recently has there been an effort to utilize high‐resolution topographic data to differentiate alluvial fans by surface age with automated and quantifiable routines. We developed a quantitative model for mapping the relative age of alluvial fan surfaces based on multiparameter surface roughness values computed from 1 m resolution lidar topographic data. Roughness is defined as a function of observational scale and integration of slope, curvature, and aspect topographic parameters. Alluvial fan roughness values were computed across multiple observation scales (3 × 3 m to 150 × 150 m) based on the standard deviation (SD) of slope, curvature (tangential), and aspect topographic parameters. Plots of roughness value versus size of observation scale suggest that the SD of each parameter over a 7 × 7 m observation window best identified the signature of surface roughness elements. Roughness maps derived from slope, curvature, and aspect at this scale were integrated using fuzzy logic. The integrated roughness map was then classified into five relative morphostratigraphic surface age categories (active wash to ~400 ka) and statistically compared with a similar fivefold surface age map of alluvial fans developed using traditional field surveys and aerial photographic interpretation. The model correctly predicted the distribution and relative surface age of ~61% of alluvial fan landforms based on traditional mapping techniques.
Multicycle ensemble forecasting of sea surface temperature
Authors: Brassington Gary B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA novel extension to time‐lagged ensemble forecasting called multicycle ensemble forecasting improves the independent sampling of forecast model errors. Multicycle is defined such that each forecast cycle is independent of the previous forecast cycle. For an M cycle system the background field for each cycle is from a model hindcast M cycles earlier. The model errors have a factor M longer period to grow compared with a sequential system; however, the increased independence in the forecast model errors provide weighted ensemble averages with greater skill and reliability over the 0 lag forecast and a good spread‐error relationship. This cost‐efficient technique is relevant to global ocean forecasting where an ensemble method is computationally prohibitive.
Earthquake magnitude scaling using seismogeodetic data
Authors: Crowell Brendan W. , Melgar Diego , Bock Yehuda , Haase Jennifer S. , Geng Jianghui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe combination of GPS and strong‐motion data to estimate seismogeodetic waveforms creates a data set that is sensitive to the entire spectrum of ground displacement and the full extent of coseismic slip. In this study we derive earthquake magnitude scaling relationships using seismogeodetic observations of either P wave amplitude or peak ground displacements from five earthquakes in Japan and California ranging in magnitude from 5.3 to 9.0. The addition of the low‐frequency component allows rapid distinction of earthquake size for large magnitude events with high precision, unlike accelerometer data that saturate for earthquakes greater than M 7 to 8, and is available well before the coseismic displacements are emplaced. These results, though based on a limited seismogeodetic data set, support earlier studies that propose it may be possible to estimate the final magnitude of an earthquake well before the rupture is complete.