bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma glutamine concentration after intensive care unit discharge: an observational study
Authors: Smedberg Marie , Grass Johanna Nordmark , Pettersson Linn , Norberg Åke , Rooyackers Olav , Wernerman Jan
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Low plasma glutamine concentration at ICU admission is associated with unfavorable outcomes. The prediction of plasma glutamine concentration after ICU discharge on outcomes has not been characterized. In the recent Scandinavian Glutamine Trial, a survival advantage was seen with glutamine supplementation as long as patients stayed in the ICU. It was therefore hypothesized that the glutamine level may drop at ICU discharge, indicative of a sustained glutamine deficiency, which may be related to outcome.

Methods

Fully fed ICU patients intravenously supplemented with glutamine for >3 days were studied at ICU discharge and post ICU. In study A, plasma glutamine level was followed every 5 to 7 days post ICU of the remaining hospital stay and compared to the level on the day of ICU discharge (n = 63). In study B, plasma glutamine level 24 to 72 hours after ICU discharge was related to 12-month all-cause mortality (n = 100).

Results

Post-ICU plasma glutamine levels were within normal range and were not found to be predictive for mortality outcome. Plasma glutamine level at discharge, on the other hand, was within normal limits but higher in nonsurvivors. In addition, it was adding prediction value to discharge SOFA scores for post-ICU mortality.

Conclusions

Post-ICU glutamine levels are not indicative of glutamine depletion. The relation between plasma glutamine concentration and glutamine availability during critical illness is not well understood, and needs to be studied further to define the possible role for glutamine supplementation.
The thermodynamic brain
Authors: Donnelly Joseph , Czosnyka Marek
Published: December 2014

Apart from its complex functionality, the brain is a robust thermodynamic machine; the tissue metabolic rate is high and it is thermally shielded by a skull. Therefore, if there is no high-volume blood flow to cool and stabilize the brain temperature, the possibility of unstable behavior seems to be high. Inflowing arterial blood is normally cooler than the brain tissue temperature, and outflowing venous blood is normally warmer than arterial blood but cooler than the brain tissue. Brain blood flow can thus be understood as a cooler for the brain. Pros and cons of clinical measurement, with clear indication for a multimodal monitoring approach, are discussed along with a brief review of basic facts known about temperature, cerebral blood flow and volume, intracranial pressure, and compartmental compliances of the brain.
Discovery of genes affecting resistance of barley to adapted and non-adapted powdery mildew fungi
Authors: Douchkov Dimitar , Lück Stefanie , Johrde Annika , Nowara Daniela , Himmelbach Axel , Rajaraman Jeyaraman , Stein Nils , Sharma Rajiv , Kilian Benjamin , Schweizer Patrick
Published: December 2014

Background

Non-host resistance, NHR, to non-adapted pathogens and quantitative host resistance, QR, confer durable protection to plants and are important for securing yield in a longer perspective. However, a more targeted exploitation of the trait usually possessing a complex mode of inheritance by many quantitative trait loci, QTLs, will require a better understanding of the most important genes and alleles.

Results

Here we present results from a transient-induced gene silencing, TIGS, approach of candidate genes for NHR and QR in barley against the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis. Genes were selected based on transcript regulation, multigene-family membership or genetic map position. Out of 1,144 tested RNAi-target genes, 96 significantly affected resistance to the non-adapted wheat- or the compatible barley powdery mildew fungus, with an overlap of four genes. TIGS results for QR were combined with transcript regulation data, allele-trait associations, QTL co-localization and copy number variation resulting in a meta-dataset of 51 strong candidate genes with convergent evidence for a role in QR.

Conclusions

This study represents an initial, functional inventory of approximately 3% of the barley transcriptome for a role in NHR or QR against the powdery mildew pathogen. The discovered candidate genes support the idea that QR in this Triticeae host is primarily based on pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity, which is compromised by effector molecules produced by the compatible pathogen. The overlap of four genes with significant TIGS effects both in the NHR and QR screens also indicates shared components for both forms of durable pathogen resistance.
Ontogeny of CpG island methylation and specificity of DNMT3 methyltransferases during embryonic development in the mouse
Authors: Auclair Ghislain , Guibert Sylvain , Bender Ambre , Weber Michael
Published: December 2014

Background

In the mouse, the patterns of DNA methylation are established during early embryonic development in the epiblast. We quantified the targets and kinetics of DNA methylation acquisition in epiblast cells, and determined the contribution of the de novo methyltransferases DNMT3A and DNMT3B to this process.

Results

We generated single-base maps of DNA methylation from the blastocyst to post-implantation stages and in embryos lacking DNMT3A or DNMT3B activity. DNA methylation is established within two days of implantation between embryonic days 4.5 and 6.5. The kinetics of de novo methylation are uniform throughout the genome, suggesting a random mechanism of deposition. In contrast, many CpG islands acquire methylation slowly in late epiblast cells. Five percent of CpG islands gain methylation and are found in the promoters of germline genes and in exons of important developmental genes. The onset of global methylation correlates with the upregulation of Dnmt3a/b genes in the early epiblast. DNMT3A and DNMT3B act redundantly to methylate the bulk genome and repetitive elements, whereas DNMT3B has a prominent role in the methylation of CpG islands on autosomes and the X chromosome. Reduced CpG island methylation in Dnmt3b-deficient embryos correlates with gene reactivation in promoters but reduced transcript abundance in gene bodies. Finally, DNMT3B establishes secondary methylation marks at imprinted loci, which distinguishes bona fide germline from somatic methylation imprints.

Conclusions

We reveal that the DNMT3 de novo methyltransferases play both redundant and specific functions in the establishment of DNA methylation in the mouse embryo.
Organization and evolution of transposable elements along the bread wheat chromosome 3B
Authors: Daron Josquin , Glover Natasha , Pingault Lise , Theil Sébastien , Jamilloux Véronique , Paux Etienne , Barbe Valérie , Mangenot Sophie , Alberti Adriana , Wincker Patrick , Quesneville Hadi , Feuillet Catherine , Choulet Frédéric
Published: December 2014

Background

The 17 Gb bread wheat genome has massively expanded through the proliferation of transposable elements (TEs) and two recent rounds of polyploidization. The assembly of a 774 Mb reference sequence of wheat chromosome 3B provided us with the opportunity to explore the impact of TEs on the complex wheat genome structure and evolution at a resolution and scale not reached so far.

Results

We develop an automated workflow, CLARI-TE, for TE modeling in complex genomes. We delineate precisely 56,488 intact and 196,391 fragmented TEs along the 3B pseudomolecule, accounting for 85% of the sequence, and reconstruct 30,199 nested insertions. TEs have been mostly silent for the last one million years, and the 3B chromosome has been shaped by a succession of bursts that occurred between 1 to 3 million years ago. Accelerated TE elimination in the high-recombination distal regions is a driving force towards chromosome partitioning. CACTAs overrepresented in the high-recombination distal regions are significantly associated with recently duplicated genes. In addition, we identify 140 CACTA-mediated gene capture events with 17 genes potentially created by exon shuffling and show that 19 captured genes are transcribed and under selection pressure, suggesting the important role of CACTAs in the recent wheat adaptation.

Conclusion

Accurate TE modeling uncovers the dynamics of TEs in a highly complex and polyploid genome. It provides novel insights into chromosome partitioning and highlights the role of CACTA transposons in the high level of gene duplication in wheat.
Transcriptome-wide modulation of splicing by the exon junction complex
Authors: Wang Zhen , Murigneux Valentine , Le Hir Hervé
Published: December 2014

Background

The exon junction complex (EJC) is a dynamic multi-protein complex deposited onto nuclear spliced mRNAs upstream of exon-exon junctions. The four core proteins, eIF4A3, Magoh, Y14 and MLN51, are stably bound to mRNAs during their lifecycle, serving as a binding platform for other nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. Recent evidence has shown that the EJC is involved in the splicing regulation of some specific events in both Drosophila and mammalian cells.

Results

Here, we show that knockdown of EJC core proteins causes widespread alternative splicing changes in mammalian cells. These splicing changes are specific to EJC core proteins, as knockdown of eIF4A3, Y14 and MLN51 shows similar splicing changes, and are different from knockdown of other splicing factors. The splicing changes can be rescued by a siRNA-resistant form of eIF4A3, indicating an involvement of EJC core proteins in regulating alternative splicing. Finally, we find that the splicing changes are linked with RNA polymerase II elongation rates.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study reveals that the coupling between EJC proteins and splicing is broader than previously suspected, and that a possible link exists between mRNP assembly and splice site recognition.
MAGeCK enables robust identification of essential genes from genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Han , Xiao Tengfei , Cong Le , Love Michael I , Zhang Feng , Irizarry Rafael A , Liu Jun S , Brown Myles , Liu X Shirley
Published: December 2014

We propose the Model-based Analysis of Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout (MAGeCK) method for prioritizing single-guide RNAs, genes and pathways in genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens. MAGeCK demonstrates better performance compared with existing methods, identifies both positively and negatively selected genes simultaneously, and reports robust results across different experimental conditions. Using public datasets, MAGeCK identified novel essential genes and pathways, including EGFR in vemurafenib-treated A375 cells harboring a BRAF mutation. MAGeCK also detected cell type-specific essential genes, including BCR and ABL1, in KBM7 cells bearing a BCR-ABL fusion, and IGF1R in HL-60 cells, which depends on the insulin signaling pathway for proliferation.
Down on one knee: soft tissue knee injuries across the lifespan
Authors: Thorlund Jonas B , Culvenor Adam G , Ratzlaff Charles
Published: December 2014

Joint injury is a potent risk factor for osteoarthritis, the most important musculoskeletal disease affecting humankind. Yet the population incidence of soft tissue knee injury is not well documented. Using health-care register data from Sweden, Peat and colleagues report that soft tissue knee injuries are common, peak in adolescence and early adulthood, have a second spike in women who are 35 to 49 years old, and continue throughout the lifespan. The study highlights the need for more knowledge on the natural history of knee injuries, their impact on knee osteoarthritis development and progression, and the potential for prevention programs to reduce the incidence of these injuries.
Recent trends and future scope in the protection and comfort of fire-fighters’ personal protective clothing
Authors: Nayak Rajkishore , Houshyar Shadi , Padhye Rajiv
Published: December 2014

Fire-fighters’ personal protective clothing is the only source of protection for fire-fighters during fire-fighting. The protective clothing should provide adequate protection as well as should be comfortable to wear. The protection and comfort requirements are always the contradicting fact in several protective clothing including fire-fighters’. Appropriate material selection, clothing design and final evaluation of the results play a critical role in predicting the clothing performance and comfort. Several researches have been done on the performance and comfort improvement of fire-fighter’s protective clothing. However, detailed review related to these parameters is not being reported in recent years. In this perspective review, we report the recent trends in the performance and comfort properties of the fire-fighters protective clothing. The clothing design and different materials used to achieve a balance between performance and comfort is illustrated. Various test standards related to the performance and comfort is also being discussed. In addition, the future scopes and challenges while designing tomorrows advanced protective clothing are cited. This would provide a guideline in terms of comfort and performance while developing and designing the fire-fighter protective clothing for different climatic conditions.
Analysis of alkali ultrasonication pretreatment in bioethanol production from cotton gin trash using FT-IR spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: Plácido Jersson , Capareda Sergio
Published: December 2014

Background

Cotton gin trash (CGT) is a lignocellulosic residue that can be used in the production of cellulosic ethanol. In a previous research, the sequential use of ultrasonication, liquid hot water, and ligninolytic enzymes was selected as pretreatment for the production of ethanol from CGT. However, an increment in the ethanol production is necessary. To accomplish that, this research evaluated the effect of pretreating CGT using alkaline ultrasonication before a liquid hot water and ligninolytic enzymes pretreatments for ethanol production. Three NaOH concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) were employed for the alkaline ultrasonication. Additionally, this work is one of the first applications of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum and principal component analysis (PCA) as fast methodology to identify the differences in the biomass after different types of pretreatments.

Results

The three concentrations employed for the alkaline ultrasonication pretreatment produced ethanol yields and cellulose conversions higher than the experiment without NaOH. Furthermore, 15% NaOH concentration achieved twofold increment yield versus the treatment without NaOH. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed modifications in the CGT structure in the different pretreatments. PCA was helpful to determine differences between the pretreated and un-pretreated biomass and to evaluate how the CGT structure changed after each treatment.

Conclusions

The combination of alkali ultrasonication hydrolysis, liquid hot water, and ligninolytic enzymes using 15% of NaOH improved 35% the ethanol yield compared with the original treatment. Additionally, we demonstrated the use of PCA to identify the modifications in the biomass structure after different types of pretreatments and conditions.
Human mesenchymal stem cells possess different biological characteristics but do not change their therapeutic potential when cultured in serum free medium
Authors: Wang Youwei , Wu Hehe , Yang Zhouxin , Chi Ying , Meng Lei , Mao Aibin , Yan Shulin , Hu Shanshan , Zhang Jianzhong , Zhang Yun , Yu Wenbo , Ma Yue , Li Tao , Cheng Yan , Wang Yongjuan , Wang Shanshan , Liu Jing , Han Jingwen , Li Caiyun , Liu Li , Xu Jian , Han Zhi Bo , Han Zhong Chao
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely investigated in clinical researches to treat various diseases. Classic culture medium for MSCs, even for clinical use, contains fetal bovine serum. The serum-containing medium (SCM) seems a major obstacle for MSCs-related therapies due to the risk of contamination of infectious pathogens. Some studies showed that MSCs could be expanded in serum free medium (SFM); however, whether SFM would change the biological characteristics and safety issues of MSCs has not been well answered.

Methods

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were cultured in a chemical defined serum free medium. Growth, multipotency, surface antigen expression, telomerase, immunosuppressive ability, gene expression profile and genomic stability of hUC-MSCs cultured in SFM and SCM were analyzed and compared side by side.

Results

hUC-MSCs propagated more slowly and senesce ultimately in SFM. SFM-expanded hUC-MSCs were different from SCM-expanded hUC-MSCs in growth rate, telomerase, gene expression profile. However, SFM-expanded hUC-MSCs maintained multipotency and the profile of surface antigen which were used to define human MSCs. Both SFM- and SCM-expanded hUC-MSCs gained copy number variation (CNV) in long-term in vitro culture.

Conclusion

hUC-MCSs could be expanded in SFM safely to obtain enough cells for clinical application, meeting the basic criteria for human mesenchymal stem cells. hUC-MSCs cultured in SFM were distinct from hUC-MSCs cultured in SCM, yet they remained therapeutic potentials for future regenerative medicine.
Fas regulates neutrophil lifespan during viral and bacterial infection
Authors: O’Donnell Joanne A , Kennedy Catherine L , Pellegrini Marc , Nowell Cameron J , Zhang Jian-Guo , O’Reilly Lorraine A , Cengia Louise , Dias Stuart , Masters Seth L , Hartland Elizabeth L , Roberts Andrew W , Gerlic Motti , Croker Ben A
Published: December 2014

Neutrophils use Toll-like receptor and IL-18 signaling to reprogram Fas-induced death.

The regulation of neutrophil lifespan is critical for a circumscribed immune response. Neutrophils are sensitive to Fas/CD95 death receptor signaling in vitro, but it is unknown if Fas regulates neutrophil lifespan in vivo. We hypothesized that FasL-expressing CD8+ T cells, which kill antigen-stimulated T cells during chronic viral infection, can also induce neutrophil death in tissues during infection. With the use of LysM-Cre Fasfl/fl mice, which lack Fas expression in macrophages and neutrophils, we show that Fas regulates neutrophil lifespan during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in the lung, peripheral blood, and spleen. Fas also contributed to the regulation of neutrophil numbers in the colon of Citrobacter rodentium-infected mice. To examine the effects of infection on Fas activation in neutrophils, we primed neutrophils with TLR ligands or IL-18, resulting in ablation of Fas death receptor signaling. These data provide the first in vivo genetic evidence that neutrophil lifespan is controlled by death receptor signaling and provide a mechanism to account for neutrophil resistance to Fas stimulation during infection.
The electromagnetic response in a layered vertical transverse isotropic medium: A new look at an old problem
Authors: Hunziker Jürg , Thorbecke Jan , Slob Evert
Published: December 2014

We determined that the electromagnetic vertical transverse isotropic response in a layered earth can be obtained by solving two equivalent scalar equations, which were for the vertical electric field and for the vertical magnetic field, involving only a scalar global reflection coefficient. Besides the complete derivation of the full electromagnetic response, we also developed the corresponding computer code called EMmod, which models the full electromagnetic fields including internal multiples in the frequency-wavenumber domain and obtains the frequency-space domain solutions through a Hankel transformation by computing the Hankel integral using a 61-point Gauss-Kronrod integration routine. The code is able to model the 3D electromagnetic field in a 1D earth for diffusive methods such as controlled source electromagnetics as well as for wave methods such as ground penetrating radar. The user has complete freedom to place the source and the receivers in any layer. The modeling is illustrated with three examples, which aim to present the different capabilities of EMmod, while assessing its correctness.
Abandon All Hope
Authors: Bérubé Michael
Published: December 2014

This commentary is an afterword and response to a cluster of essays on graduate education edited by Leonard Cassuto. Arguing for reform of the academic job system in which most PhDs will become contingent faculty members, the commentary engages principally with the work of David Downing and Marc Bousquet.
Rethinking and Unthinking the Graduate Seminar
Authors: Khost Peter H. , Lohe Debra Rudder , Sweetman Chuck
Published: December 2014

The authors invite English studies faculty to reconsider traditional graduate seminar pedagogies in light of the changing academy and evolving professional identities. Recommendations include balancing currently conventional methods that may emphasize lecturing, content coverage, or scholarly production with a workshop-style focus on writing, teaching, and metacognition. Examples from several graduate classroom experiences are provided.
Writing Teachers for Twenty-First-Century Writers
Authors: Hauman Kerri , Kastner Stacy , Witte Alison
Published: December 2014

This article reports on the findings of a pilot study conducted in 2011 that investigated technology-pedagogy preparation for graduate students in PhD-granting rhetoric and composition programs in the United States. The study aimed to answer two questions: (1) Are rhetoric/composition doctoral programs preparing their students to teach with technology?; and (2) If so, how? Based on our findings, we believe it is futile to prescribe one approach to techno-pedagogy preparation and insist that techno-pedagogy needs to be both dispersed and integrated throughout English studies graduate curricula.
Where Do PhDs in English Get Jobs?
Authors: Colander David , Zhuo Daisy
Published: December 2014

This is an economist’s consideration of the PhD job market in English and comparative literature. It provides data about the job market at schools in various tiers, demonstrating that supply of new English PhDs far exceeds demand for English PhDs in tenure-track academic jobs. It suggests a number of policies to improve the situation, including that the MLA strongly encourage programs to provide better job placement data to applying students, programs be tailored to prepare students for the jobs they actually have a chance of getting, and the culminating research focus of the program be rethought.
Highly Efficient Cosensitized Plastic-Substrate Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Black Dye and Pyridine-Anchor Organic Dye
Authors: Shibayama Naoyuki , Ozawa Hironobu , Ooyama Yousuke , Arakawa Hironori
Published: December 2014

Cosensitized plastic-substrate dye-sensitized solar cells (PDSCs) with Black dye and a pyridine-anchor organic dye (NI5 or YNI-2) have been prepared to improve conversion efficiency. Detailed analysis of light-harvesting efficiency spectra and ATR-IR spectra of the cosensitized TiO2 photoelectrodes revealed that the amount of pyridine anchor dye, which adsorbs to the Lewis acid sites of the TiO2 surface and works as a sensitizer, increased with prolonging the immersion time of the Black-dye-adsorbed TiO2 photoelectrodes into the dye-adsorption solvent of pyridine anchor dye up to 60 min. In addition, these measurements also revealed that the dye aggregation between Black dye and pyridine anchor dye occurred just after immersion, even though the amount of pyridine anchor dye which forms dye aggregation with Black dye is small when the immersion time is shorter than 30 min. The conversion efficiency of the Black-dye-based PDSC was improved by cosensitization with pyridine anchor dyes up tol 30 min immersion, and it decreased largely when the immersion time is extended to 60 min. A conversion efficiency of 8.3% (AM 1.5, 100 mW cm−2), which is the highest conversion efficiency in the PDSCs, could be achieved in the cosensitized PDSC with Black dye and NI5 prepared under the optimized conditions.
Letters
Authors: Johnson Karen , Kirkham Mavis , Garcia Jo , Alexander Jo
Published: December 2014

I was very interested in Mason's views on the future of midwifery (Vol. 4(12) 1996, p.657). Midwives should consider his arguments for, although I can't agree with his conclusion, he has identified the biggest problem facing midwives today: we are not yet strong enough to control the future of our semiprofessions
Critical incident analysis of a significant event in practice
Authors: Singh Arwinder , Jiva Dibah
Published: December 2014

The aim of this case study is to present a reflective analysis of a critical incident in the operating department, from the perspective of a practising operating department practitioner (ODP). This analysis will be based on the Gibbs reflective model (1988) ( Figure 1 ), which is commonly applied in health-care settings. It has been shown to facilitate valid reflection and practice change, and is therefore considered suitable for enhancing reflective practice. This model, in turn, is based on the work of Kolb (1984) , who devised an experiential learning cycle to aid reflection in practice. In addition, due to the nature of a critical incident, the reflective process will be supplemented with a complementary root cause analysis (RCA) tool, in order to establish the stages and events that contributed to the clinical error ( Cresswell et al, 2007 ). The Swiss Cheese Model is useful in this regard, as it provides a solid basis for exploring a step-wise process of error introduction in the clinical setting and allows for reflective evaluation of each step ( Cresswell et al, 2007 ). These processes will therefore be combined in this paper.
Causes of post-menopausal bleeding
Authors: Holloway Debra
Published: December 2014

Debra Holloway outlines the possible causes of post-menopausal bleeding and suggests a variety of options for treatment and management
Impact of Smoothing on Parameter Estimation in Quantitative DNA Amplification Experiments
Authors: Spiess Andrej-Nikolai , Deutschmann Claudia , Burdukiewicz Michał , Himmelreich Ralf , Klat Katharina , Schierack Peter , Rödiger Stefan
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Quantification cycle (Cq) and amplification efficiency (AE) are parameters mathematically extracted from raw data to characterize quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions and quantify the copy number in a sample. Little attention has been paid to the effects of preprocessing and the use of smoothing or filtering approaches to compensate for noisy data. Existing algorithms largely are taken for granted, and it is unclear which of the various methods is most informative. We investigated the effect of smoothing and filtering algorithms on amplification curve data.

METHODS

We obtained published high-replicate qPCR data sets from standard block thermocyclers and other cycler platforms and statistically evaluated the impact of smoothing on Cq and AE.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that selected smoothing algorithms affect estimates of Cq and AE considerably. The commonly used moving average filter performed worst in all qPCR scenarios. The Savitzky–Golay smoother, cubic splines, and Whittaker smoother resulted overall in the least bias in our setting and exhibited low sensitivity to differences in qPCR AE, whereas other smoothers, such as running mean, introduced an AE-dependent bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The selection of a smoothing algorithm is an important step in developing data analysis pipelines for real-time PCR experiments. We offer guidelines for selection of an appropriate smoothing algorithm in diagnostic qPCR applications. The findings of our study were implemented in the R packages chipPCR and qpcR as a basis for the implementation of an analytical strategy.
Developing multimodal conversational agents for an enhanced e-learning experience
Authors: Griol David , Molina Jose Manuel , Sanchís De Miguel Araceli
Published: December 2014

Conversational agents have become a strong alternative to enhance educational systems with intelligent communicative capabilities, provide motivation and engagement, and increment significant learning and helping in the acquisition of meta-cognitive skills. In this paper, we present Geranium, a multimodal conversational agent that helps children to appreciate and protect their environment. The system, which integrates an interactive chatbot, has been developed by means of a modular and scalable framework that eases building pedagogic conversational agents that can interact with the students using speech and natural language.
Advanced Catalytic Technologies for Improved Global Security
Authors: Guidotti Matteo , Bisio Chiara , Carniato Fabio , Palumbo Chiara , psaro rinaldo , Marchese Leonardo , Katsev Andrew , Safronyuk Sergey , Starodub Nickolaj , Taran Maryna
Published: December 2014

The abatement of toxic chemical warfare agents (CWA) is conventionally achieved via stoichiometric reactions using strong oxidants with high environmental impact and/or via thermal degradation. The international Project NanoContraChem, in the framework of NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, aims at obtaining innovative nanostructured inorganic materials for the catalytic decontamination of CWA. In the first year of activity, a class of heterogeneous catalysts has been designed to transform selectively and under mild conditions toxic organosulfur chemical agents in non-noxious products with reduced environmental impact. Nb(V)-containing saponite clay was identified as an optimal catalyst for the CWA oxidative abatement. The conventional synthetic protocol used to obtain saponite materials was modified to allow the insertion of Nb(V) ions within the inorganic framework of the clay, thus obtaining a bi-functional catalyst with strong oxidizing and acid properties. The catalytic performance of these clays was evaluated in the oxidation reaction of (2-chloroethyl)ethylsulfide (CEES), simulant of sulfur mustard (blistering CWA), with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Remarkable activity and outstanding selectivity to the related sulfoxide were obtained, at room temperature and ambient pressure. The new class of Nb(V)-containing clays have been tested for acute and chronic toxicity with bioluminescent bacteria, Photobacterium leiognathii Sh1. A study of biocidal properties of saponite materials (both containing and non-containing Nb sites) has been carried out by means of bioluminescence inhibition tests. None of the solids have shown significant detrimental effects on the bacteria. These results suggest thus the possibility to use these Nb-saponite catalysts as environmentally-safe tools for the decontamination and abatement of CWA.
World endocrinology news
Authors: Berkovskaya M A , Dzgoeva F K
Published: December 2014

• Actuality of the problem of metabolic syndrome: expert opinion. • Chemerin is a novel adipokine associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. • Brothers of women with polycystic ovary syndrome are characterised by impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin sensitivity and related metabolic defects. • Microvascular dysfunction: a potential pathophysiological role in the metabolic syndrome. • Cardiotrophin-1 is expressed in adipose tissue and it is UP-regulated in the metabolic syndrome. • Magnesium Intake, Metabolic Abnormalities, and Inflammation. • Red meat in the diet. • Relationships of maternal and paternal birth weights to features of the metabolic syndrome in adult offspring: an inter-generation study in South India. • The truth about milk! • Therapeutic uses of aromatase inhibitors in men. • Reduction of body weight and co-morbidities by orlistat: The XXL - Primary Health Care Trial
Diagnosis and treatments of Prader-Willi syndrome: a review of current consensuses
Authors: Vitebskaya Alisa Vital'evna
Published: December 2014

We analyzed international consensuses of experts and clinical recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS): PWS consensus diagnostic criteria (1993); US PWS Association (PWSA-USA) consensus statements on evaluating of breathing abnormalities (2007), osteoporosis (2008), growth hormone treatment in PWS (2000 and 2009); Endocrine society clinical practice guideline on Prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity (2008); the Second Expert Meeting of the Comprehensive Care of Patients with PWS Consensus published as Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PWS (2008). Historical analysis and comparison of recommendations are presented in this review article. Absence of Russian clinical practice guidelines on PWS patients management makes necessary the detailed study of listed documents.
Testing Like William the Conqueror: Cultural and Instrumental Uses of Examinations
Authors: Dorn Sherman
Published: December 2014

The spread of academic testing for accountability purposes in multiple countries has obscured at least two historical purposes of academic testing: community ritual and management of the social structure. Testing for accountability is very different from the purpose of academic challenges one can identify in community “examinations” in 19th century North America, or exams’ controlling access to the civil service in Imperial China. Rather than testing for ritual or access to mobility, the modern uses of testing are much closer to the state-building project of a tax census, such as the Domesday Book of medieval Britain after the Norman Invasion, the social engineering projects described in James Scott's Seeing like a State (1998), or the “mapping the world” project that David Nye described in America as Second Creation(2004). This paper will explore both the instrumental and cultural differences among testing as ritual, testing as mobility control, and testing as state-building.
Towards a Comparative and International History of School Testing and Accountability
Authors: Dorn Sherman , Ydesen Christian
Published: December 2014

The speed and extent of modern school accountability have obscured the history of testing and accountability. This brief introduction identifies central themes of historical research into educational accountability and recurring traits associated with accountability practices. We hope our colleagues and this special issue will also help to identify future research paths in this field. Some of the central themes found in the historical research on educational accountability contained in this special issue are the connections between accountability and the purposes of schooling in a specific time and place, the relationships between school accountability structures and the state, as well as accountability as a cultural phenomenon. One of the recurring traits found in accountability practices is the role of accountability as a phenomenon that cannot be treated in isolation from society at large along with the attendant questions of power, education access, education management, and social selection. Another key trait is that accountability practices always seem to encompass a certain historically given configuration of stakeholder positions. The research paths pointing beyond the themes treated here are identified as a post-colonial perspective, differences and similarities between public and private sector accountability measures, the “engines” promoting the rise, proliferation and implementation of accountability measures, and finally the exploration of the travelling and movement of accountability ideas, knowledge and practices and how they actually impact and connect with national, regional and local practices.
Proteolysis is a confounding factor in the interpretation of faecal calprotectin
Authors: Dumoulin Els N. , Van Biervliet Stephanie , Langlois Michel R. , Delanghe Joris R.
Published: December 2014

Calprotectin is a 36 kDa calcium and zinc binding protein. An increased level of calprotectin points towards inflammatory bowel disease. However, the biomarker calprotectin shows 14 potential cleavages sites for trypsin. Next to trypsin, also the presence of its inhibitor α

An in vitro model was created. As calprotectin source, leukocytes were isolated and subsequently lysed (1% Triton X-100) and diluted in faecal matrix. Trypsin digestion was carried out by adding trypsin. Incubation occurred for 24 h or 48 h (37 °C). To study the influence of α

In vitro experiments enabled monitoring of the faecal calprotectin digestion, leading to loss of immunoreactivity. Trypsin activity was a potential confounder in the interpretation of calprotectin, in particular for proximal lesions, where exposure of calprotectin to trypsin is prolonged. Relative calprotectin loss was proportional to the amount of trypsin. Decrease of calprotectin was more pronounced after 48 h of incubation in comparison to 24 h of incubation. Analogue experiments also showed stable calprotectin values after adding α

Transit time, trypsin activity and addition of blood as a source of α
miR-126 modulates angiogenic growth parameters of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Goerke Sebastian M. , Kiefer Lena S. , Stark G. Björn , Simunovic Filip , Finkenzeller Günter
Published: December 2014

Vascularization plays an important role in tissue engineering applications. It is known that implantation of differentiated endothelial cells or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from cord blood (cbEPCs) gives rise to the formation of a complex functional neovasculature, whereas EPCs isolated from peripheral blood (pbEPCs) have a limited capability to form blood vessels upon implantation. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has been shown to have pro-angiogenic effects in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether modulation of miR-126 expression in pbEPCs may alter their angiogenic properties. Gain of function and loss of function experiments revealed that miR-126 has anti-angiogenic effects in pbEPCs. Overexpression of miR-126 resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation, while inhibition of miR-126 induced the opposite effects. However, modulation of miR-126 expression did not influence apoptotic susceptibility of pbEPCs. This study provides evidence that inhibition of miR-126 improves angiogenesis-related growth parameters in pbEPCs and may represent a therapeutic option to ameliorate the angiogenic and vasculogenic properties of pbEPCs.
Approximations to the full description of stacking disorder in ice I for powder diffraction
Authors: Hansen Thomas C. , Sippel Christian , Kuhs Werner F.
Published: December 2014

Different descriptions of the stacking disorder of the so-called “cubic” phase “ice Ic” and stacking-faulted hexagonal ice Ih exist. We present an overview of the effect of different stacking disorder interaction ranges s from s = 2 to s = 4 after Jagodzinski on the (neutron) powder diffraction patterns of stacking-disordered ice I, which we propose to name ice Ich. We fit in a systematic approach simulated diffraction data of ice Ich for s up to 4 with a multi-peak approach. In this way we allow for estimating the relative proportion of cubic sequences in the stacking sequences by using readily accessible observables of a diffraction pattern.
Ternary stannides RE
2Au5Sn2 (RE = Gd-Er) – i3 superstructures of the Fe2P type
Authors: Fickenscher Thomas , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: December 2014

The stannides RE
2Au5Sn2 (RE = Gd-Er) were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing in tantalum crucibles in sealed evacuated silica tubes. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and two structures were refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: ordered Au7Ga2 variant,

P

6
¯

2
m
,

$P\bar 62m,$

a = 820.14(4), c = 942.72(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0798, 789 F
2 values, 34 variables for Tb2Au4.70Sn2.30 and a = 816.1(1), c = 941.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0600, 723 F
2 values, 35 variables for Er2Au5.03Sn1.91. All stannides exhibit small homogeneity ranges resulting from Au/Sn mixing and/or defects within the tin substructure. The RE
2Au5Sn2 structures derive from the aristotype ZrNiAl (ordered version of Fe2P) by a group-subgroup relation (isomorphic transition of index 3). The crystal chemical details are discussed in comparison with the ZrNiAl type stannide CeRhSn which crystallizes with the subcell structure.
Genetics of primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Alencar Guilherme Asmar , Lerario Antonio Marcondes , Bourdeau Isabelle , Almeida Madson Queiroz , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Lacroix André
Published: December 2014

ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome (CS), accounting for <2% of all endogenous CS cases; however it is more frequently identified incidentally with sub-clinical cortisol secretion. Recently, cortisol secretion has been shown to be regulated by ectopic corticotropin, which is in turn produced by clusters of steroidogenic cells of the hyperplastic adrenal nodules. Hence, the term ‘ACTH-independent’ is not entirely appropriate for this disorder. Accordingly, the disease is designated primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) in this review article. The means by which cortisol production is regulated in PMAH despite the suppressed levels of ACTH of pituitary origin is exceedingly complex. Several molecular events have been proposed to explain the enhanced cortisol secretion, increased cell proliferation, and nodule formation in PMAH. Nonetheless, the precise sequence of events and the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition remain unclear. The purpose of this review is therefore to present new insights on the molecular and genetic profile of PMAH pathophysiology, and to discuss the implications for disease progression.
Zur Reform des französischen Kartellrechts
Authors: Stockmann Kurt
Published: December 2014

Das französische Kartellrecht ist im Jahre 2008 in einer Reihe von Punkten tiefgreifend reformieret worden. Zu den Hauptpunkten der Reform gehörte vor allem die Einrichtung einer neuen, unabhängigen und mit umfassenden Kompetenzen ausgestatteten Kartellbehörde, der Autorité de la concurrence. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt der Reform betraf die Zusammenschlusskontrolle, die weitgehend der neuen Kartellbehörde übertragen wurde. Die seit der Reform vergangene Zeit erlaubt Rückschlüsse auf ihren Erfolg.
Die Angebotssubstituierbarkeit in der Marktabgrenzung
Authors: Dreher Meinrad , Thomas Stefan
Published: December 2014

Bei der Abgrenzung von Angebotsmärkten steht das Konzept der Nachfragesubstituierbarkeit im Vordergrund, das auch als Bedarfsmarktkonzept bezeichnet wird. Weniger Beachtung findet vielfach die Erkenntnis, dass die Grenzen des relevanten Marktes ferner durch die Angebotsumstellungsflexibilität von Unternehmen bestimmt werden, was zu dem Konzept der Angebotssubstituierbarkeit führt. Zwar ist die Prüfung von Angebotsumstellungsflexibilitäten bei der Marktabgrenzung durch die EU-Kommission sowie die deutschen Kartellbehörden und die Gerichte im Grundsatz anerkannt. Die Entscheidungspraxis insgesamt trägt dem aber nicht immer hinreichend Rechnung. Das Konzept wird teilweise ohne nähere Begründung überhaupt nicht erörtert, in anderen Fällen lediglich oberflächlich herangezogen. Auch die Voraussetzungen und Maßstäbe für eine relevante Angebotsumstellungsflexibilität sind in der Entscheidungspraxis weniger durchdrungen, als dies für das Bedarfsmarktkonzept gilt. Daher besteht Anlass, die Entscheidungspraxis zur Angebotsumstellungsflexibilität zu hinterfragen.
„Signalling“ und das Kartellverbot – öffentliche Verlautbarungen im Fokus der Kartellbehörden
Authors: Pahlen Robert , Vahrenholt Oliver
Published: December 2014

Seit der „Wood pulp“-Entscheidung der Europäischen Kommission von 1984 und dem dieser Entscheidung nachfolgenden Urteil des EuGH aus dem Jahre 1993 waren öffentliche Verlautbarungen wie Preis- und Mengenankündigungen als möglicher Kartellverstoß mit wenigen Ausnahmen eher ein theoretischer Aspekt der Kartellrechtspraxis. In der jüngeren Vergangenheit hat das Thema jedoch an neuer Dynamik gewonnen. Dies ist auf eine Reihe von Verfahren zurückzuführen, welche von nationalen Kartellbehörden und der Europäischen Kommission geführt wurden bzw. noch geführt werden. Zwar gibt es bisher keine rechtskräftige Entscheidung, doch die Nachricht ist eindeutig: Das sog. „Signalling“, also öffentliche Verlautbarungen über zukünftiges Marktverhalten, ist stärker in den Ermittlungsfokus der Wettbewerbsbehörden gerückt. Die Unsicherheit bei den Unternehmen ist groß – was ist noch zulässig und bloßes Parallelverhalten, was ist schon eine Verhaltensabstimmung und somit nicht mehr erlaubt? Oftmals erfüllen die öffentlichen Verlautbarungen nämlich legitime Geschäftsfunktionen. Der Kartellrechtspraxis fehlen aber klare Leitlinien zur Bewertung der Fallgruppe des „Signalling“. Der vorliegende Artikel erarbeitet auf rechtlicher und ökonomischer Basis ein Konzept zur eindeutigen Identifizierung zulässiger und unzulässiger Verhaltensweisen.
Influence of illness and unhealthy behavior on health‐related early retirement in Korea: Results from a longitudinal study in Korea
Authors: Kang Mo‐Yeol , Yoon Chang‐gyo , Yoon Jin‐Ha
Published: December 2014

Influence of illness and unhealthy behavior on health‐related early retirement in Korea: Results from a longitudinal study in Korea: Mo‐Yeol KANG, et al. Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Wonjin Green Hospital, Republic of Korea—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of illness and unhealthy behavior on early retirement due to health problems (ERdHP) using Korean longitudinal data.

Methods

This study used data collected from 3,508 subjects enrolled in the first to fourth phases of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). This study was conducted from 2006 to 2012 using structured questionnaires on retirement, morbidities, and health‐related behaviors. We adopted the Cox proportional hazard model to investigate the effects of diagnosed disease and health‐related behaviors on ERdHP.

Results

Participants who smoked, were obese, or suffered from hypertension, diabetes, malignancy, heart disease, stroke, or arthritis had a significantly higher risk of health‐related early retirement after adjustment for gender, age, and occupation. Further, risk factors such as lack of exercise, stroke, arthritis, obesity, and malignancy differentially affect early retirement by gender.

Conclusions

This is the first study, that we are aware of, to examine the effect of illness and unhealthy behavior on ERdHP in Asia, using Korean longitudinal data. We found that hypertension, diabetes, malignancy, arthritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, smoking, and obesity increased the risk of ERdHP. To enhance the sustainability of labor in an aging society, more studies on ERdHP are needed.
Análise da gestão de logística reversa de vasilhames de vidro em uma empresa de bebidas alcoólicas
Authors: Luna Roger Augusto , Sousa Filho Jose Milton de , Viana Fernando Luiz Emerenciano
Published: December 2014

As questões relativas à logística reversa demonstram aumento de relevância à medida que um conjunto de fatores de ordem estratégica, competitiva, econômica e ecológica ganha relevância no contexto atual. Com isso, as organizações estão encontrando na logística reversa oportunidades para a diferenciação dos produtos oferecidos aos seus clientes e consumidores. Este artigo tem como objetivo geral de analisar o processo de logística reversa de vasilhames de um fabricante de bebidas alcoólicas. Para este estudo, foi utilizado um de estudo de caso, onde foram entrevistados os responsáveis pela área de logística da empresa. Como resultado da pesquisa, a identificação de seus atuais processos de logística reversa e seus direcionadores auxiliou no entendimento das dificuldades e ações tomadas pela empresa para que fosse implantado o processo de logística reversa de vasilhames.Palavras-chave: Cadeia de Suprimentos. Logística Reversa. Vasilhames Retornáveis. Direcionadores da Logística Reversa.