bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost Benefit Analysis of Industrial Noise Regulation
Authors: Holland Stephen , Cross Jean
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the application of the techniques of economic analysis to occupational health and safety regulations using occupational noise as an example.

The paper explores the extent to which economic impact studies are practically feasible and useful in relation to occupational health and safety legislation. Six studies of the same regulatory change, from four countries were analysed. The results of these studies ranged from a strongly negative to a significantly positive net present value, depending on the assumptions made. The factor which had the greatest influence on these differences was the way in which benefits are costed.

It is shown that in the field of Occupational Health and Safety, economic analysis does not produce a single valid net present value or benefit to cost ratio on which a decision to legislate can sensibly be based. However the analysis can, if properly directed provide useful information on factors which will enable organisations to optimise their response to the regulation and authorities to introduce regulations in a way which does not bear with unreasonable weight on specific sectors of the community.
Individual Contracts What Do They Mean for Australia?
Authors: Hamberger Jonathan
Published: March 2013

Collective bargaining can be of benefit to both employees and employers. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in individual contracts, as part of a broader agenda for labour market flexibility. In particular, individual contracts are being pursued by some companies as part of a human resource management strategy to increase productivity by reducing the role of third parties and promoting ‘common purpose’ between the firm and its employees. There is some evidence that individual contracts can indeed contribute to higher productivity. The challenge for policy makers is to provide sufficient flexibility in the area of individual contracts while preventing employers from using them to reduce wages and conditions.
The Minimum Wage Debate: Politically Correct Economics?
Authors: Valentine Tom
Published: March 2013

Economists have long thought that an increase in minimum wage rates would lead to higher unemployment of unskilled workers. The higher minimum rates would cause employers to substitute other classes of labour or capital for unskilled labour and to contract output. Situations in which an increase in minimum wage rates will not increase unemployment do not seem to be practically relevant. The results of Card and Krueger have reopened this question. In their major study a survey of fast food outlets suggested that an increase in the minimum wage rate actually increased employment. Unfortunately, closer inspection of their results has not justified the attention paid to their study. The quality of their data is suspect and other data support the traditional view. In addition, the interpretation of their results is very questionable. The new material actually gives economists no reason to revise their traditional view on this subject.
Minimum Wages, Equity and Unemployment
Authors: Nevile J.W.
Published: March 2013

Increasing income inequalities in Australia increase the need to protect the incomes of low income families. It is difficult for the taxation and social security system alone to do this. Minimum wage rates have a role to play. Thus, the question of their effects on employment can not be sidestepped Traditional analysis of this question is flawed by the assumption of perfect competition and the use of particular equilibrium analysis. Labour markets have many features which distinguish them from perfectly competitive markets and feedbacks from other markets can not be ignored. Theory alone can not settle this question. A large number of empirical studies are surveyed. A widespread consensus exists that effects of minimum wage rises on adult employment are virtually non-existent A number of studies find effects on teenage employment. A number of others do not. However, even those who find statistically significant effects agree that they are small.
Wage Bargaining and the Efficiency Dividend in Public Enterprises
Authors: Kearney Colm
Published: March 2013

An important aspect of the process of microeconomic reform is the improved operational efficiency of public trading enterprises. This paper argues the importance of appropriately distributing the efficiency dividend amongst the key players including the owners (ie., Governments which expect greater dividends), producers of the output (ie., workers and management who expect greater wages and salaries) and consumers (who expect better quality output at lower prices). The paper first evaluates the currently available measures of the efficiency dividend in public enterprises, including factor productivity and performance indicators. It then demonstrates that inappropriate use of these measures by management and/or workers during the wage bargaining process can lead to misunderstanding of the extent of the dividend and how it should be distributed. This in turn can undermine the reform process. Amongst the conclusions reached are that single factor productivity measures should not be used during the wage bargaining process.
Job Insecurity in the New Model of Public Employment
Authors: Robinson Marc
Published: March 2013

Since the late eighties, a new model of public sector employment has swept a number of the States in Australia, initially at the senior executive level and now increasingly at non-executive level. This model of ‘contract’ employment is one in which employees may be terminated at short notice, for no reason, and with very limited termination compensation. This paper analyses the consequences of this new model and, specifically, of dramatically increased exposure to the risk of arbitrary termination or termination flowing from the impact of an ‘exogenous’ financial or policy shock upon Government. It also reflects on the prospects for the construction of a new ‘implicit contract’ which might mitigate the adverse consequences of the new model by facilitating the re-establishment of trust in the public sector employment relationship.
Approaching the 21st Century: Perspectives on Korean Industrial Relations
Authors: Woo Seoghun
Published: March 2013

This paper argues that the future direction for the development of Korean industrial relations will evolve through direct interaction between employers and trade unions (either conflictual or cooperative). The government is likely to play a less interventionist role in industrial relations, compared with the past, and to adopt the role of mediator between unions and employers. Characteristics of Korean industrial relations during the pre- 1987 period is firstly examined; four major factors are used to explain the industrial relations practice during this time. Changes after 1987 are also considered. Special consideration is given to interaction between the environment and the three major industrial relations participants, and the interactions between them. Both macro and micro aspects of industrial relations are examined. The special Presidential Address (26/04/1996), known as New Conception of Industrial Relations, is also analysed in terms of its implications for future industrial relations issues in Korea.
Deficiencies in the Current Tax System
Authors: Smith Julie
Published: March 2013

International mobility of capital and competitive pressures are challenging Australian governments to reduce taxes, especially on capital, while conflicting demands, from deregulation, concerns about national savings, and pressures to reform indirect taxes, heighten the need for higher revenues and more progressive taxes.

We risk becoming a society of ‘rational fools’, where citizens value government services, but governments lack revenue to fund them. Taxpayers see the system as unfair and see others dodge taxes; tax resistance increases, and the revenue base further declines. Rational behaviour from an individual viewpoint is foolish from a communal perspective.

Deficiencies in the tax system must be remedied to break the cycle. The inability to raise adequate revenue is fundamental. Federal/state financial imbalance is intrinsic to the problem and must be addressed. Removing opportunities for ‘tax shirking’, and addressing major inequities and concessions in direct taxes would improve prospects for indirect tax reform. Increasing overall progressivity by asset or inheritance taxes would balance regressive effects of indirect taxes.
Labour Market Gross Flows and Transition Rates 1980–1992
Authors: Leeves Gareth D.
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the cyclical properties of gross flows and transition rates between the alternative labour market states of ‘employed’, ‘unemployed’, and ‘not in labour force’ for Australian workers for the period 1980–1992. The study is based on ABS monthly gross flow data, disaggregated by gender, and with the employment status disaggregated into part-time and full-time work. The principal finding is that the somewhat surprising pattern, of counter-cyclical monthly flows from unemployment to employment, is primarily the result of counter-cyclical male transitions to full time employment. The results are compared with those from European empirical studies. The paper also considers the consistency of the results with thé implications of theoretical models which emphasise the counter-cyclical ‘quality’ of the unemployment pool.
‘Stolen Entitlements’: The 1997 Living Wage Case
Authors: Dabscheck Braham
Published: March 2013

In April 1997 the Australian Industrial Relations Commission established a federal minimum award wage of $359.40 per week, and awarded a $10 per week safety net increase for workers who had been unable to obtain wage increases under the regime of enterprise bargaining. The Commission produced a split decision, the first time this has occurred in twenty years. This article provides a commentary on the respective decisions of the majority and minority. It examines the background or context of the case, the claims of the parties, and the reasoning of the majority and minority in their respective decisions. The case reveals a widening gap in the income of workers. Those without bargaining power are falling behind in both real and relative terms, in the regulatory world of enterprise bargaining. The situation has only been partially addressed by the decision in this case.
Implications for Wages Policy in Australia of the Living Wage Case
Authors: Stegman Trevor
Published: March 2013

This paper considers the implications of the decision of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in the April 1997 wage case (the ‘Living Wage Case’) for wages policy. The recent history of wages policy in Australia is analysed in terms of competing goals for wages policy and the changing priorities for these goals. The Living Wage Case decision is a continuation of developments in the Australian labour market that worsen the relative income position of the low paid, tend to create a two-tier wage structure, and worsen the prospects for reductions in unemployment because responsibility for the control of wage based inflation has been given to restrictive monetary policy.
Industrial Relations in the U.S. Automobile Industry: An Illustration of Increased Decentralization and Diversity
Authors: Katz Harry C.
Published: March 2013

This paper traces the evolution of employment relations in the U.S. auto industry over the post World War II period with particular emphasis on recent developments. There is a strong movement toward growing variation in employment relations within both the assembly and parts sectors of the auto industry. Variation appears both through the spread of more contingent compensation and team systems of work organization. There is also wide variety across plants and industry segments in basic employment systems including low wage, human resource, Japanese-oriented, and joint team-based approaches. Declining unionization is a particularly strong influence in the parts sector although nonunion operations have now spread to the assembly sector. While these trends are well illustrated by developments in the auto industry, they are trends common to other parts of the U.S. economy.
Employment Relations in the Korean Automotive Industry: Issues and Policy Implications
Authors: Park Young-Bum , Lee Byoung-Hoon , Woo Seog-Hun
Published: March 2013

Since the late 1980s there have been significant problems in the Korean auto industry related to employment relations. This paper focusses on the experience of three companies: Hyundai, Daewoo and Kia, which have pursued somewhat different strategies in industrial relations and human resource management. Hyundai, which is the largest auto producer, has experienced major labour disputes almost every year since 1987, but has reached an accommodation with its union in the past couple of years. Daewoo and Kia have both faced militant union leadership since the early 1990s. Kia’s management was rather indecisive, but Daewoo was more decisive and industrial relations appear to have stabilised. However, major industrial conflicts at the end of 1996, following the government’s attempt to reform labour laws, and the formation of a new independent peak union council, indicate that industrial relations in the Korean auto industry are likely to remain unsettled for some time.
Philosophical Foundations of the Wallis Report
Authors: Carmichael Jeffrey
Published: March 2013

The Wallis Report, adopted by the Government in September of this year, contained a wide-ranging set of reforms that are likely to alter significantly the style and structure of financial regulation in Australia. This survey offers some reflections on the Wallis Report, its key recommendations and the thinking underlying them.

The Committee saw market failure as the primary rationale for regulation. Markets fail to produce efficient, competitive outcomes for one or more of the following reasons: anti-competitive behaviour; market misconduct; information asymmetry; and systemic instability.

The Committee’s recommended reforms were designed to create a regulatory structure that matched the four motives for regulation. This will create a regulatory structure based on regulatory functions rather than institutions. The new structure should be more efficient, less duplicative and better able to cope with the regulatory pressures that are likely to emerge in coming years from on-going technological innovation.
The Wallis Inquiry: An Assessment
Authors: Kearney Colm
Published: March 2013

The Wallis Report is a substantial document with many useful insights into the workings of the financial system and its interactions with the regulatory and deregulatory process. This article provides a brief review of the Wallis Report. It argues that the Report could have been improved by first, including a more sophisticated evaluation of prior deregulatory experience, second, providing a more thorough explanation of how its recommendations will work in the areas of systemic stability and depositor protection, and third, including recommendations for a formal and rigorous monitoring of he outcomes of the recommended legislative changes.
The MUA Affair: The Role of Law vs. The Rule of Law
Authors: Glasbeek H.J.
Published: March 2013

This paper focusses on what the judicial battles in the waterfront dispute tell us about the role of law and what implications this has for labour relations and corporate law. For labour law, the significance is that reliance on liberal law has limited potential for workers seeking to pursue their causes through the courts. For corporate law, the Court’s decision makes it plain that, when there is an overt conflict between wealth owners and workers, the courts will try to obfuscate this, while ensuring the security of property owners. To this end, the High Court-despite scolarly criticism-treated each corporation in the Patrick group as if it were an independent atom. This ruling will be a green light to other anti-union employers and will disadvantage workers in a system which increasingly makes their rights dependent on the legal identity of their employer.
Outsourcing, Employment and Industrial Relations in the Public Sector
Authors: Burgess John , Macdonald Duncan
Published: March 2013

Outsourcing is very much part of the neo-liberal agenda for the public sector. The rationale for transferring the provision of goods and services, traditionally the responsibility of governments to private enterprise lies in the perception of public sector inefficiency and the philosophy that reducing the role of government, is essential for the optimal performance of the economy. While the impact of outsourcing is not always easy to isolate given its coexistence with a variety of complementary neo-liberal strategies such as legislative attacks on trade unions, there is strong evidence to suggest that it has contributed significantly to the reduction of employment, wages and working conditions. This has occurred both as functions are transferred to the less regulated private sector and as those left in government employment are subjected to the impact of ongoing financial stringency in their struggle to compete with the private sector and hold on to their jobs.
‘Contestability’ in Competitive Tendering and Contracting: A Critique
Authors: Pancharatnam Kuru
Published: March 2013

Academic and policy discourse about Competitive Tendering and Contracting (CTC) derives its intellectual legitimacy from the theory of contestable markets. Applying contestability to CTC implies that efficiency gains generated through the initial open tender are repeated at successive stages of tendering. This paper presents a theoretically and pragmatically grounded critique of the application of this theory to CTC by focusing on the Re-Opened Tender (ROT) stage. Working within the neo-classical economic paradigm, contestability will be shown to be constrained at ROT, resulting in the most inefficient and worst possible welfare outcome for the buyer.
Globalisation, Neoliberalism and Inequality in Australia
Authors: Quiggin John
Published: March 2013

The paper has two main objects. The first is to discuss the nature of (economic) globalisation and the extent to which it can be considered an exogenous development. Globalisation since 1970 is contrasted with that in the 19th century. It is argued that the current experience of globalisation is simply the international manifestation of the swing towards neoliberal policies of market oriented reform that hag taken throughout the world since 1970. The second object is to consider the relationship, if my, of globalisation to the increase in inequality evident in a number of developed countries. It is argued that increased inequality is the result of the neoliberal reform program as a whole and that the role of globalisation per se has been overstated.
Australia’s Current Account Deficit, National Savings and Industry Policy
Authors: Hart Neil , Marks Andrew
Published: March 2013

The argument that there exist a causal link between national savings and current account deficits is often simplistically formulated in terms of national income accounting identities. However the validity of formulating national saving-argmenting policies to target current account deficits is open to much debate when the possible theoretical linkages between these aggregates are investigated more closely. In particular; if the adjustment mechanism to external balance is expenditure driven rather than relying on exchange rate induced relative price changes, the alternative case of interventionist policy to promote net exports is strengthened. Theoretical arguments opposing the use of interventionist trade policies are often derived form inappropriately constructed, or simplistically interpreted, economic models.
Australian Labour Market Institutions, ‘Deregulation’ and the Open Economy
Authors: Gahan Peter , Harcourt Tim
Published: March 2013

Labour market ‘deregulation’ is a major economic policy issue in Australia. Some of the desire for deregulation has been part of a worldwide trend in OECD countries whilst some comes from more localised disquiet about the alleged effect of Australia’s industrial relations institutions on the economy. This article looks at the evidence em Australian labour market regulation and its relation to economic performance. The article finds that Australian labour market institutions have had little effect on efficiency but have provided important distributional outcomes. Furthermore it is argued that with ‘globalisation’ there is more reason to continue labour market protection not less to enhance Australia’s capacity to trade and invest in the global economy.
Tweets, Tweeps, and Signifyin’
Authors: Florini Sarah
Published: March 2013

This article explores the use of the Black American cultural tradition of “signifyin’” as a means of performing racial identity online. In the United States, race is deeply tied to corporeal signifiers. But, in social media, the body can be obscured or even imitated (e.g., by a deceptive avatar). Without reliable corporeal signifiers of racial difference readily apparent, Black users often perform their identities through displays of cultural competence and knowledge. The linguistic practice of “signifyin’,” which deploys figurative language, indirectness, doubleness, and wordplay as a means of conveying multiple layers of meaning, serves as a powerful resource for the performance of Black cultural identity on Twitter.
Endovascular Management of Anastomotic Blowout of Proper Hepatic to Common Hepatic Artery Saphenous Vein Bypass With Coil Embolization and Hepatic Artery Stent Placement
Authors: Ramalingam Vijay , Kabutey Nii-Kabu , Vilvendhan Rajendran , Kim Ducksoo
Published: March 2013

Mesenteric and visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in the abdomen are a relatively rare complication after abdominal surgery. It is a complication primarily associated with pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgery, trauma, iatrogenic causes and inflammatory diseases. Regardless of etiology, visceral artery pseudoaneurysms of the abdomen reportedly occur only in 0.01% to 2% of the population. Although rare, these are associated with life-threatening bleeding complications and need to be appropriately managed. We present the case of a patient who presented with bleeding after developing a pseudoaneurysm at the distal anastomotic site of a common hepatic to proper hepatic artery interposition saphenous vein bypass that was subsequently excluded by coil embolization and stent graft placement.
The influence of sensitisation to pollens and moulds on seasonal variations in asthma attacks
Authors: Canova Cristina , Heinrich Joachim , Anto Josep Maria , Leynaert Benedicte , Smith Matthew , Kuenzli Nino , Zock Jan-Paul , Janson Christer , Cerveri Isa , de Marco Roberto , Toren Kjell , Gislason Thorarinn , Nowak Dennis , Pin Isabelle , Wjst Matthias , Manfreda Jure , Svanes Cecilie , Crane Julian , Abramson Michael , Burr Michael , Burney Peter , Jarvis Deborah
Published: March 2013

No large study has described the seasonal variation in asthma attacks in population-based asthmatics in whom sensitisation to allergen has been measured.

2637 young adults with asthma living in 15 countries reported the months in which they usually had attacks of asthma and had skin-prick tests performed. Differences in seasonal patterns by sensitisation status were assessed using generalised estimating equations.

Most young adults with asthma reported periods of the year when their asthma attacks were more common (range: 47% in Sweden to 86% in Spain). Seasonal variation in asthma was not modified by sensitisation to house dust mite or cat allergens. Asthmatics sensitised to grass, birch andAlternariaallergens had different seasonal patterns to those not sensitised to each allergen, with some geographical variation. In southern Europe, those sensitised to grass allergens were more likely to report attacks occurred in spring or summer than in winter (OR March/April 2.60, 95% CI 1.70–3.97; OR May/June 4.43, 95% CI 2.34–8.39) and smaller later peaks were observed in northern Europe (OR May/June 1.25, 95% CI 0.60–2.64; OR July/August 1.66, 95% CI 0.89–3.10). Asthmatics reporting hay fever but who were not sensitised to grass showed no seasonal variations.

Seasonal variations in asthma attacks in young adults are common and are different depending on sensitisation to outdoor, but not indoor, allergens.
Maternal weight, gestational weight gain and preschool wheezing: the Generation R Study
Authors: Leermakers Elisabeth T.M. , Sonnenschein-van der Voort Agnes M.M. , Gaillard Romy , Hofman Albert , de Jongste Johan C. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: March 2013

We studied the associations of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with risks of preschool wheezing in offspring and explored the role of growth, infectious and atopic mechanisms.

This substudy of 4656 children was embedded in a population-based birth cohort. Information about maternal pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain and wheezing at the ages of 1–4 years was obtained by either physical measurements or questionnaires.

Among mothers with a history of asthma or atopy, maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with an overall increased risk of preschool wheezing (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.95). Also, each standard deviation increase of gestational weight gain was associated with an increased overall risk of preschool wheezing (1.09, 1.04–1.14), was independent of pre-pregnancy body mass index and was not different between mothers with and without a history of asthma or atopy. Child’s growth, respiratory tract infections or eczema did not alter the results.

Mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity and a history of asthma or atopy, and mothers with higher gestational weight gain showed higher risks of wheezing in their offspring. These associations could not be explained by growth, infectious or atopic mechanisms. Further research is needed to identify underlying mechanisms and long-term consequences.
Protein-ligand binding region prediction (PLB-SAVE) based on geometric features and CUDA acceleration
Authors: Lo Ying-Tsang , Wang Hsin-Wei , Pai Tun-Wen , Tzou Wen-Shoung , Hsu Hui-Huang , Chang Hao-Teng
Published: March 2013

Background

Protein-ligand interactions are key processes in triggering and controlling biological functions within cells. Prediction of protein binding regions on the protein surface assists in understanding the mechanisms and principles of molecular recognition. In silico geometrical shape analysis plays a primary step in analyzing the spatial characteristics of protein binding regions and facilitates applications of bioinformatics in drug discovery and design. Here, we describe the novel software, PLB-SAVE, which uses parallel processing technology and is ideally suited to extract the geometrical construct of solid angles from surface atoms. Representative clusters and corresponding anchors were identified from all surface elements and were assigned according to the ranking of their solid angles. In addition, cavity depth indicators were obtained by proportional transformation of solid angles and cavity volumes were calculated by scanning multiple directional vectors within each selected cavity. Both depth and volume characteristics were combined with various weighting coefficients to rank predicted potential binding regions.

Results

Two test datasets from LigASite, each containing 388 bound and unbound structures, were used to predict binding regions using PLB-SAVE and two well-known prediction systems, SiteHound and MetaPocket2.0 (MPK2). PLB-SAVE outperformed the other programs with accuracy rates of 94.3% for unbound proteins and 95.5% for bound proteins via a tenfold cross-validation process. Additionally, because the parallel processing architecture was designed to enhance the computational efficiency, we obtained an average of 160-fold increase in computational time.

Conclusions

In silico binding region prediction is considered the initial stage in structure-based drug design. To improve the efficacy of biological experiments for drug development, we developed PLB-SAVE, which uses only geometrical features of proteins and achieves a good overall performance for protein-ligand binding region prediction. Based on the same approach and rationale, this method can also be applied to predict carbohydrate-antibody interactions for further design and development of carbohydrate-based vaccines. PLB-SAVE is available at http://save.cs.ntou.edu.tw.
Bioinformatics analysis of the epitope regions for norovirus capsid protein
Authors: Chen Liping , Wu Di , Ji Lei , Wu Xiaofang , Xu Deshun , Cao Zhiwei , Han Jiankang
Published: March 2013

Background

Norovirus is the major cause of nonbacterial epidemic gastroenteritis, being highly prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Despite of the available monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for different sub-genogroups, a comprehensive epitope analysis based on various bioinformatics technology is highly desired for future potential antibody development in clinical diagonosis and treatment.

Methods

A total of 18 full-length human norovirus capsid protein sequences were downloaded from GenBank. Protein modeling was performed with program Modeller 9.9. The modeled 3D structures of capsid protein of norovirus were submitted to the protein antigen spatial epitope prediction webserver (SEPPA) for predicting the possible spatial epitopes with the default threshold. The results were processed using the Biosoftware.

Results

Compared with GI, we found that the GII genogroup had four deletions and two special insertions in the VP1 region. The predicted conformational epitope regions mainly concentrated on N-terminal (1~96), Middle Part (298~305, 355~375) and C-terminal (560~570). We find two common epitope regions on sequences for GI and GII genogroup, and also found an exclusive epitope region for GII genogroup.

Conclusions

The predicted conformational epitope regions of norovirus VP1 mainly concentrated on N-terminal, Middle Part and C-terminal. We find two common epitope regions on sequences for GI and GII genogroup, and also found an exclusive epitope region for GII genogroup. The overlapping with experimental epitopes indicates the important role of latest computational technologies. With the fast development of computational immunology tools, the bioinformatics pipeline will be more and more critical to vaccine design.
RNAi silencing of c-Myc inhibits cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line: c-Myc silencing in hepatocellular carcinoma cell
Authors: Zhao Yan , Jian Wang , Gao Wei , Zheng Ya-Xin , Wang Yong-Kun , Zhou Zhu-Qing , Zhang Hui , Wang Cong-Jun
Published: March 2013

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Although much is known about both the cellular changes that lead to HCC and the etiological agents responsible for the majority of HCC cases, the molecule pathogenesis of HCC is still not well understood. We aimed to determine the effect of c-Myc gene expression on the proliferative, invasive, and migrative capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

Methods

A plasmid- based polymerase III promoter system was used to deliver and express short interfering RNA targeting c-Myc to reduce its expression in HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein level of c-Myc in HepG2 cells. The effects of c-Myc silencing on the invasion, motility, and proliferation of HepG2 cells were assessed using a Transwell chamber cell migration assay system and a growth curve assay, respectively.

Results

The data showed that plasmids expressing siRNA against c-Myc significantly decreased its expression in HepG2 cells by up to 85%. Importantly, pSilencer-c-Myc transfected cells showed a significantly reduced potential in migration, invasion, and proliferation.

Conclusion

C-Myc plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The data show that down-regulating the c-Myc protein level in HepG2 cells by RNAi could significantly inhibit migration, invasion and proliferation of HepG2 cells. Thus, c-Myc might be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Postprandial effects of calcium phosphate supplementation on plasma concentration-double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over human study
Authors: Trautvetter Ulrike , Kiehntopf Michael , Jahreis Gerhard
Published: March 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to examine the postprandial calcium and phosphate concentrations after supplementation with pentacalcium hydroxy-triphosphate (CaP).

Methods

Ten men participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. The participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed bread enriched with CaP (plus 1 g calcium/d) and the other group a placebo product for three weeks. After a two week wash-out, the intervention was switched between the groups for another three weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (single administration) and at the end (repeated administration) of the intervention periods at 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min. Between 0 and 30 min, a test meal, with or without CaP was consumed. The plasma concentrations of calcium and phosphate were examined. One participant dropped out due to personal reasons.

Results

CaP supplementation resulted in a significantly higher plasma calcium concentration after 240 min compared to placebo. After repeated CaP administration, the AUC for the increment in plasma calcium concentration was significantly higher compared to placebo.

After single and repeated CaP supplementation, plasma phosphate concentration significantly decreased after 30, 60, 120 and 180 min compared to 0 min. The placebo administration resulted in significant decreases after 30, 60 and 120 min compared to 0 min.

Conclusion

Our results show that CaP contributes to an adequate calcium supply, but without increasing the plasma concentration of phosphate.

Trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01296997
Complete resection of recurrent and initially unresectable dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans downsized by Imatinib
Authors: Wicherts Dennis A , van Coevorden Frits , Klomp Houke M , van Huizum Martine A , Kerst J Martijn , Haas Rick LM , van Boven Hester H , van der Hage JA
Published: March 2013

Curative surgical treatment of recurrent, locally advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is often limited owing to a close relation of the tumor with important anatomical structures. Targeted therapy with imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may cause significant reduction of tumor volume, thereby enabling radical surgery. This treatment strategy, therefore, offers a chance of cure for selected patients with advanced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. In addition, preoperative treatment with imatinib may decrease possible disfigurement related to radical surgery for large tumors.
Combining attention training with cognitive-behavior therapy in Internet-based self-help for social anxiety: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boettcher Johanna , Andersson Gerhard , Carlbring Per
Published: March 2013

Background

Guided Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been found to be effective for social anxiety disorder (SAD) by several independent research groups. However, since the extent of clinically significant change demonstrated leaves room for improvement, new treatments should be developed and investigated. A novel treatment, which has generally been found to be effective, is cognitive bias modification (CBM). This study aims to evaluate the combination of CBM and ICBT. It is intended that two groups will be compared; one group randomized to receiving ICBT and CBM towards threat cues and one group receiving ICBT and control training. We hypothesize that the group receiving ICBT plus CBM will show superior treatment outcomes.

Methods/design

Participants with SAD (N = 128), will be recruited from the general population. A composite score combining the scores obtained from three social anxiety questionnaires will serve as the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures include self-reported depression and quality of life. All treatments and assessments will be conducted via the Internet and measurement points will be baseline, Week 2, post-treatment, and 4 months post-treatment.

Discussion

There is no direct evidence of the effects of combining CBM and ICBT in SAD. Adding attention-training sessions to ICBT protocols could increase the proportion of participants who improve and recover through Internet-based self-help.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01570400
Should bioprostheses be considered the valve of choice for dialysis-dependent patients?
Authors: Zhibing Qiu , Xin Chen , Ming Xu , Lele Liu , YingShuo Jiang , LiMing Wang
Published: March 2013

Background

There is controversy regarding the choice of prosthetic valves in patients with cardiac valve disease and dialysis-dependent patients. This review assesses a 12-year experience and outcomes after valve replacement in patients on chronic preoperative renal dialysis, comparing survival and valve-related outcomes following valve replacement with bioprostheses versus mechanical prostheses in this population in china.

Methods

From January 1999 and October 2011, 73 consecutive dialysis patients underwent cardiac valve replacement. The patients were divided into two groups: (Group B) bioprosthesis valves were implanted in 38 (52.1%) patients and (Group M) mechanical valves were implanted in 35 (47.9%) patients. Outcome measures included perioperative data, hospital mortality, major postoperative complications, follow-up outcomes, valve related morbidity and late survival.

Results

There were no significant differences in terms of patient characteristics in the 2 groups. Thirty-three were isolated aortic valve replacements (45.2%); 28 were isolated mitral valve replacements (38.4%); 10 were combined aortic and mitral replacements (13.7%); 2 were combined tricuspid and mitral replacements (2.7%). The overall hospital mortality was 5.5% (n = 4) and was not different between Group B (5.3%) and Group M (5.7%). Low ejection fraction was the only independent predictors of hospital mortality. There was no significant difference between the groups in the overall rate of complications. The overall mean follow-up was 47 ± 23 months. According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, late mortality, perivalvular leak and freedom from reoperation were similar in patients with mechanical and bioprosthesis valves. The bioprosthesis valve group had significantly higher freedom from thromboembelism-bleeding events (100% versus 77.6 ± 11.0%, p = 0.012), and valve-related morbidity (73.2 ± 10.1% versus 58.1 ± 10.9%, p = 0.035) in 5 years. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.971, 0.832, and 0.530 in group B, and 0.967, 0.848, and 0.568 in group M.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference in the perioperative morbidity and mortality, late survival of dialysis patients after cardiac valve replacement with bioprostheses versus mechanical valves. In spite of the limited sample size analyzed, its outcome and consistency to several previous reports supports a conclusion that bioprostheses rather than mechanical ones could be a favorable choice for valve replacement needs of renal failure patients.
Correlation analysis of the total IgY level in hen serum, egg yolk and offspring serum
Authors: Sun Hancong , Chen Sirui , Cai Xia , Xu Guiyun , Qu Lujiang
Published: March 2013

The correlation between IgY levels of the serum and the yolk has been well documented in wild and domestic birds. The levels of total yolk IgY can be an index of the general health status of birds and may contribute to breeding programs when fitness of the offspring is a concern. We measured the levels of total serum IgY and yolk IgY in three different breeds (White Leghorn, Silkie and Dongxiang blue-shell) using indirect ELISA, and found that there was a significantly positive correlation between the levels of total serum IgY and total yolk IgY in all three breeds (White Leghorn: r = 0.404, P < 0.001, n = 100; Silkie: r = 0.561, P < 0.001, n = 70; Dongxiang blue-shell: r = 0.619, P < 0.001, n = 30). We also measured the total serum IgY levels in the 3-day-old offspring hatched from the Silkie hens and results were significantly correlated for serum IgY levels (r = 0.535, P < 0.001, n = 70) and the yolk IgY levels (r = 0.481, P < 0.001, n = 70). The regression analysis showed simple linear regression between IgY levels in hen serum, yolk and offspring serum. Our results suggest that total IgY level could be used as an index for chicken fitness.
The phylogenetic status of typical Chinese native pigs: analyzed by Asian and European pig mitochondrial genome sequences
Authors: Yu Guanghui , Xiang Hai , Wang Jikun , Zhao Xingbo
Published: March 2013

China is one of the most diverse countries, which have developed 88 indigenous pig breeds. Several studies showed that pigs were independently domesticated in multiple regions of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the origin and evolution of Chinese pigs using complete mitochondrial genomic sequences (mtDNA) from Asian and European domestic pigs and wild boars. Thirty primer pairs were designed to determine the mtDNA sequences of Xiang pig, Large White, Lantang, Jinhua and Pietrain. The phylogenetic status of Chinese native pigs was investigated by comparing the mtDNA sequences of complete coding regions and D-loop regions respectively amongst Asian breeds, European breeds and wild boars. The analyzed results by two cluster methods contributed to the same conclusion that all pigs were classified into two major groups, European clade and Asian clade. It revealed that Chinese pigs were only recently diverged from each other and distinctly different from European pigs. Berkshire was clustered with Asian pigs and Chinese pigs were involved in the development of Berkshire breeding. The Malaysian wild boar had distant genetic relationship with European and Asian pigs. Jinhua and Lanyu pigs had more nucleotide diversity with Chinese pigs although they all belonged to the Asian major clade. Chinese domestic pigs were clustered with wild boars in Yangtze River region and South China.
Epidemiology and acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a septic orthopedic ward
Authors: Agostinho Americo , Renzi Gesuele , Haustein Thomas , Jourdan Ghislaine , Bonfillon Chantal , Rougemont Mathieu , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Harbarth Stephan , Uçkay Ilker
Published: March 2013

Wards cohorting infected orthopaedic patients may be particularly prone to transmitting extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). We analyze their epidemic pattern by performing molecular typing of ESBL-E isolated from patients and healthcare workers (HCW) from our septic ward. Between March 2010 and November 2011, 186 patients were admitted. Among 565 anal swabs, ESBL-E were detected in 204 samples from 45 patients, suggesting prolonged carriage in affected patients. Among 25 cases with identical ESBL-E species and positive epidemiological links, only 9 were really attributable to our service. We also screened 41 healthcare workers (HCW) on 49 occasions during the study period. Six samples (13%) were positive. None of the ESBL-E detected in HCW were related to any of the patient isolates. Among 60 environmental samples taken at the peak of the epidemic none revealed ESBL-E. We conclude that HCW also were anal carriers of ESBL-E, however the ESBL- strains from the HCW were not the same strains isolated from patients in the septic ward. Moreover, the epidemiological attribution of ESBL by simple vicinity, timing, and species identification might grossly overestimate transmission within a given unit.
Idolatry, Prohibition, Unrepresentability
Authors: Gourgouris Stathis
Published: March 2013

This is a meditation on the assertion by Cornelius Castoriadis that “every religion is idolatry.” Idolatry here is configured beyond the conventional understanding of the idol as a concrete object of worship which works within the logic of representation. In monotheism, even the unrepresentable—or, perhaps, especially the unrepresentable—is an idol, an object of worship that is otherwise silenced by a language that claims to worship a nonobject. In this sense, the prohibition of images in monotheism (Bildverbot) is a highly sophisticated mode of idolatry.
An androgenic gland membrane-anchored gene associated with the crustacean insulin-like androgenic gland hormone
Authors: Rosen Ohad , Manor Rivka , Weil Simy , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Bakhrat Anna , Abdu Uri , Sagi Amir
Published: March 2013

Crustacean male sexual differentiation is governed by the androgenic gland (AG) and specifically by the secreted insulin-like AG hormone (IAG), thus far identified in several decapod species including the Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (termed Cq-IAG). While few insulin-like AG genes have been identified in crustaceans, other AG-specific genes have not been documented until now. In the present study we describe the recent identification of a non-IAG AG-specific transcript obtained from the C. quadricarinatus AG cDNA library. This transcript, termed C. quadricarinatus membrane-anchored AG-specific factor (Cq-MAG), was fully sequenced and found to encode a putative product of 189 amino acids including a signal anchoring peptide. Expression of a recombinant GFP fusion protein lacking the signal anchor encoding sequence dramatically affected recombinant protein localization pattern. While the expression of the deleterious fusion protein was observed throughout most of the cell, the native GFP::Cq-MAG fusion protein was observed mainly surrounding the periphery of the nucleus, demonstrating an ER-like localization pattern. Moreover, co-expressing the wild-type Cq-MAG (fused to GFP) and the Cq-IAG hormone revealed that these peptides indeed co-localize. This study is the first to report a protein specifically associated with the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone in addition to the finding of another AG-specific transcript in crustaceans. Previous knowledge suggests that insulin/insulin-like factor secretion involves tissue-specific transcripts and membrane anchored proteins. On this note, Cq-MAG's tissue specificity, anchoring properties, and intracellular co-localization with Cq-IAG suggest that it may play a role in the processing and secretion of this insulin-like androgenic gland hormone.