bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job Stress in the United Kingdom: Are Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises and Large Enterprises Different?
Authors: Lai Yanqing , Saridakis George , Blackburn Robert
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the relationships between firm size and employees' experience of work stress. We used a matched employer–employee dataset (Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2011) that comprises of 7182 employees from 1210 private organizations in the United Kingdom. Initially, we find that employees in small and medium‐sized enterprises experience lower level of overall job stress than those in large enterprises, although the effect disappears when we control for individual and organizational characteristics in the model. We also find that quantitative work overload, job insecurity and poor promotion opportunities, good work relationships and poor communication are strongly associated with job stress in the small and medium‐sized enterprises, whereas qualitative work overload, poor job autonomy and employee engagements are more related with larger enterprises. Hence, our estimates show that the association and magnitude of estimated effects differ significantly by enterprise size. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA-26 Family Is Required for Human Adipogenesis and Drives Characteristics of Brown Adipocytes
Authors: Karbiener Michael , Pisani Didier F. , Frontini Andrea , Oberreiter Lisa M. , Lang Eleonore , Vegiopoulos Alexandros , Mössenböck Karin , Bernhardt Gerwin A. , Mayr Torsten , Hildner Florian , Grillari Johannes , Ailhaud Gérard , Herzig Stephan , Cinti Saverio , Amri Ez-Zoubir , Scheideler Marcel
Published: December 2013

Adipose tissue contains thermogenic adipocytes (i.e., brown and brite/beige) that oxidize nutrients at exceptionally high rates via nonshivering thermogenesis. Its recent discovery in adult humans has opened up new avenues to fight obesity and related disorders such as diabetes. Here, we identified miR-26a and -26b as key regulators of human white and brite adipocyte differentiation. Both microRNAs are upregulated in early adipogenesis, and their inhibition prevented lipid accumulation while their overexpression accelerated it. Intriguingly, miR-26a significantly induced pathways related to energy dissipation, shifted mitochondrial morphology toward that seen in brown adipocytes, and promoted uncoupled respiration by markedly increasing the hallmark protein of brown fat, uncoupling protein 1. By combining in silico target prediction, transcriptomics, and an RNA interference screen, we identified the sheddase ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17) as a direct target of miR-26 that mediated the observed effects on white and brite adipogenesis. These results point to a novel, critical role for the miR-26 family and its downstream effector ADAM17 in human adipocyte differentiation by promoting characteristics of energy-dissipating thermogenic adipocytes. Stem Cells  2014;32:1578–1590
Excessive versus Physiologically Relevant Levels of Retinoic Acid in Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Sheikh Bilal N. , Downer Natalie L. , Kueh Andrew J. , Thomas Tim , Voss Anne K.
Published: December 2013

Over the past two decades, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been established as a valuable system to study the complex molecular events that underlie the collinear activation of Hox genes during development. When ESCs are induced to differentiate in response to retinoic acid (RA), Hox genes are transcriptionally activated in their chromosomal order, with the most 3′ Hox genes activated first, sequentially followed by more 5′ Hox genes. In contrast to the low levels of RA detected during gastrulation (∼33 nM), a time when Hox genes are induced during embryonic development, high levels of RA are used to study Hox gene activation in ESCs in vitro (1–10 µM). This compelled us to compare RA-induced ESC differentiation in vitro with Hox gene activation in vivo. In this study, we show that treatment of ESCs for 2 days with RA best mimics activation of Hox genes during embryonic development. Furthermore, we show that defects in Hox gene expression known to occur in embryos lacking the histone acetyltransferase MOZ (also called MYST3 or KAT6A) were masked in Moz-deficient ESCs when excessive RA (0.5–5 µM) was used. The role of MOZ in Hox gene activation was only evident when ESCs were differentiated at low concentrations of RA, namely 20 nM, which is similar to RA levels in vivo. Our results demonstrate that using RA at physiologically relevant levels to study the activation of Hox genes, more accurately reflects the molecular events during the early phase of Hox gene activation in vivo. Stem Cells  2014;32:1451–1458
A Growth-Promoting Signaling Component Cyclin D1 in Neural Stem Cells Has Antiastrogliogenic Function to Execute Self-Renewal
Authors: Bizen Norihisa , Inoue Toshihiro , Shimizu Takeshi , Tabu Kouichi , Kagawa Tetsushi , Taga Tetsuya
Published: December 2013

Self-renewing proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is intimately linked to the inhibition of neuronal and glial differentiation, however, their molecular linkage has been poorly understood. We have proposed a model previously explaining partly this linkage, in which fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and Wnt signals cooperate to promote NSC self-renewal via β-catenin accumulation, which leads to the promotion of proliferation by lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T-cell factor (TCF)-mediated cyclin D1 expression and at the same time to the inhibition of neuronal differentiation by β-catenin-mediated potentiation of Notch signaling. To fully understand the mechanisms underlying NSC self-renewal, it needs to be clarified how these growth factor signals inhibit glial differentiation as well. Here, we demonstrate that cyclin D1, a NSC growth promoting signaling component and also a common component of FGF2 and Wnt signaling pathways, inhibits astroglial differentiation of NSCs. Interestingly, this effect of cyclin D1 is mediated even though its cell cycle progression activity is blocked. Forced downregulation of cyclin D1 enhances astrogliogenesis of NSCs in culture and in vivo. We further demonstrate that cyclin D1 binds to STAT3, a transcription factor downstream of astrogliogenic cytokines, and suppresses its transcriptional activity on the glial fibrillary acidic protein (Gfap) gene. Taken together with our previous finding, we provide a novel molecular mechanism for NSC self-renewal in which growth promoting signaling components activated by FGF2 and Wnts inhibit neuronal and glial differentiation. Stem Cells  2014;32:1602–1615
The Taniwha and the Crown: defending water rights in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Strang Veronica
Published: December 2013

Through the sale of hydroelectric and water company shares, the building of dams to impound and control freshwater supplies, and via water trading schemes, there is continual acceleration in the privatization of water resources around the world. Key opponents to the enclosure of this ‘common good’ are indigenous communities who, having had their land and water appropriated by colonial societies, are now seeing these subjected to further economic colonization, exploitation, and ecological degradation, often by transnational corporations with little or no local social or environmental accountability. Their protests regarding commercial appropriation are not merely attempts to assert prior rights of ownership and managerial responsibility. They are also a critique of ideologies oriented toward unlimited growth and development which, they argue, conflict with their more sustainable and reciprocal relations with place, and with the nonhuman environment. This article considers some of the efforts of indigenous people to uphold their traditional rights to own and manage water. It focuses particularly on a recent case brought by the Māori Council against the Crown in New Zealand/ Aotearoa. Taking this to the Waitangi Tribunal, to the High Court and finally to the Supreme Court, Māori tried to prevent the Government from privatizing a major hydroelectric company and thus its water allocations. As well as initiating a lively national discussion on water ownership and governance, the case articulated a bicultural dialogue which resonates with wider national and international debates about human–environmental relationships and what constitutes ‘the common good’.WIREs Water2014, 1:121–131. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1002

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Value of Water

Human Water > Water Governance
Four Complexes derived from a Benzimidazole‐thioether Derivative Ligand: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Li Linke , Fan Liyan , Wei Lulu , Li Yanyan , Hou Hongwei
Published: December 2013

Four complexes based on a benzimidazole‐thioether derivative ligand 2‐[(4‐pyridine)sulfydryl]‐ethyl‐1H‐benzimidazole (pteHb), namely, {[CdCl2(pteHb)2]2·2DMF}n (1), [CdI2(pteHb)]2 (2), {[CoCl2(pteHb)]2·DMF} (3), and {[ZnCl2(pteHb)]2·DMF} (4), were prepared under solvothermal and solvent evaporation conditions. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Cl– ions of complex 1 act as μ2 bridge to connect the CdII ions resulting in a dinuclear unit. The units are bridged by the ligand pteHb to give a 1D double‐looped chain. Complexes 2–4 are dinuclear and further assembled into a 3D supramolecular architecture via π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding interactions, and intermolecular forces. Complexes 1–4 were characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. Furthermore, solid‐state luminescent properties of complexes 1, 4, and ligand pteHb were also investigated.
Ethylene‐bridged Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas with Large Spherical Pores Templated by PEO‐PPO‐PEO Surfactant Micelles Swollen by Ethylbenzene
Authors: Mandal Manik , Kruk Michal
Published: December 2013

The applicability of a recently identified potent micelle swelling agent, ethylbenzene, was verified for periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) and its performance was found to be comparable to that of xylene, which was previously shown to be an excellent swelling agent for surfactant‐templated ordered mesoporous silica and organosilica synthesis. Large‐pore ethylene‐bridged PMOs with face‐centered cubic structures of spherical mesopores were synthesized using Pluronic F127 (EO106PO70EO106) surfactant and ethylbenzene or xylene swelling agents at temperatures from 15 down to 7 °C. In the case of ethylbenzene, PMOs were synthesized at 15 °C using two different amounts of the inorganic salt (KCl) and under salt‐free conditions. It was found that ethylbenzene and xylene perform comparably well, allowing one to synthesize highly ordered face‐centered cubic ethylene‐bridged PMOs with unit‐cell parameters ca. 40 nm and nominal pore diameters ca. 14 nm. It was also possible to convert PMO prepared in the presence of ethylbenzene to silica with nearly closed mesopores via calcinations at 400 °C under air. The dependence of the PMO structure on the initial synthesis temperature and the salt concentration was found to be highly similar for ethylbenzene and xylene. Because of the fact that xylene (dimethylbenzene) was found earlier to work differently from toluene (methylbenzene) and trimethylbenzene, the observed similarity between the performance of xylene and ethylbenzene confirms an expectation that the suitability of alkylbenzenes for PEO‐PPO‐PEO block‐copolymer‐templated synthesis of well‐defined porous materials depends primarily on the total number of carbon atoms in their alkyl substituents. This finding is expected to streamline the process of identifying effective swelling agents for PMOs and other mesoporous materials.
Hydrothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Photoluminescent Properties of Two New Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers Based on Asymmetric Dicarboxylate and N‐donor Ligands
Authors: Miao Hui , Wang Ying , Cui Yu‐Min , Liu Zhao‐Di
Published: December 2013

Two new coordination polymers, {[Cd2(cpb)2(bpa)(H2O)]·H2O}(1) and {[Cd2(bda)2(bpa)2]·3H2O} (2) [H2cpb = 2‐(3′‐carboxyphenoxy) benzoic and H2bda = 2, 4'‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid; bpa = bis(4‐pyridyl)amine], were obtained from hydrothermal reactions of Cd2+ ion with two asymmetric dicarboxylic acids and N‐donor ligand, respectively. Complex 1 features a two‐dimensional (2D) 5‐connected SnS topological net with Schläfli symbol (48.62). Complex 2 also shows a 2D structure with 4‐connected sql topology with Schläfli symbol (44.62). Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of 1 and 2 were investigated.
Unprecedented Calcium Metalla‐macrocycle Having Phosphinoselenoic Amide and Diphenylphosphinate in the Coordination Sphere
Authors: Naktode Kishor , Bhattacharjee Jayeeta , Das Gupta Sayak , Pada Nayek Hari , Mallik Bhabani S. , Panda Tarun K.
Published: December 2013

An eight‐membered calcium metalla‐macrocycle of the composition [Ca{Ph2P(Se)N(Ar)}{Ph2P(O)O}(THF)2]2 (2) (Ar = 2, 6‐dimethylphenyl) can be isolated with a good yield by the reaction of neutral phosphinoselenoic amide [Ph2P(Se)NH(Ar)] (1) and calcium bis(trimethylsilyl)amides [Ca{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] in toluene followed by crystallization in air. The homoleptic calcium phosphinoselenoic amido complex of the composition [Ca{Ph2P(Se)N(Ar)}2(THF)2] (3) can also be obtained through two synthetic routes. In the first route, [Ca{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] is treated with phosphinoselenoic amide [Ph2P(Se)NH(Ar)] (1) at an ambient temperature followed by re‐crystallization in an inert atmosphere to give complex 3 of high purity. In the second route, a one‐pot reaction is carried out involving 1, calcium diiodide, CaI2, and potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide [K{N(SiMe3)2}] in toluene in an inert atmosphere. When complex 3 is treated with diphenylphosphinic acid in THF, compound 2 is also obtained with a good yield. Both complexes are confirmed using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The solid‐state structure of complex 2 reveals an eight‐membered macrocycle formed by two diphenylphosphinate groups and two calcium ions. In addition, a four‐membered calcium metallacycle around each calcium atom is formed by the phosphinoselenoic amido ligand through coordination between the nitrogen and selenium atoms. In complex 3, the calcium atom is coordinated by two phosphinoselenoic amido groups and a direct metal selenium bond is observed.
Reoperative Experience with Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Onkendi Edwin O. , McKenzie Travis J. , Richards Melanie L. , Farley David R. , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Hay Ian D. , Grant Clive S.
Published: December 2013

Background

Intense postoperative monitoring has resulted in increasing detection of patients with recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Our goals included quantifying successful reoperation, and analyzing surgical complications and reasons for relapse.

Methods

From 1999 to 2008, a total of 410 patients underwent reoperation for PTC relapse. We analyzed post‐reoperative disease outcomes, reasons for relapse, and complications.

Results

Bilateral reoperative thyroidectomy was performed in 13 (3 %) patients; lobectomy, 34 (8 %); central neck (VI) soft tissue local recurrence excision, 47 (11.5 %); bilateral VI node dissection, 107 (26 %); unilateral VI dissection, 112 (27 %); levels II–V dissection, 93 (23 %); levels III–V, 86 (21 %); lateral single‐ or two‐compartment dissection, 51 (12 %); and node picking, 20 (5 %) of level VI and 53 (13 %) lateral neck. Complications occurred in 6 %; including hypoparathyroidism, 3 %; unintentional recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis, 3 %; phrenic nerve injury, 0.5 %; spinal accessory nerve injury, 0.5 %; and chyle leak in 1.6 %. Of 380 (93 %) patients with follow‐up (mean 5.2 years); 274 (72 %) patients are alive with no structural evidence of disease, 38 % developed disease relapse (mean 2.1 years), 42 (11 %) died from PTC, and 55 (14 %) are alive with disease. The reason for relapse was a false negative pre‐reoperative ultrasound (US) in 18 (5 %), nodal recurrence in the operative field in 37 (10 %), a combination of these two reasons in 10 (3 %), and disease virulence (local or systemic recurrence) in 81 (21 %).

Conclusions

Although 72 % of patients were rendered structurally disease free after reoperation, nearly 40 % suffered additional relapse. Improved surgical technique or preoperative localization might positively affect 15–20 %; at least 20 % reflect the biologic aggressiveness of the disease.
Cloning, characterization and application of a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter from Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Huang Xuenian , Lu Xuefeng , Li Jian-Jun
Published: December 2013

It is important to develop native and highly efficient promoters for effective genetic engineering of filamentous fungi. Although Aspergillus terreus is an important industrial fungus for the production of itaconic acid and lovastatin, the available genetic toolbox for this microorganism is still rather limited. We have cloned the 5′ upstream region of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (gpd; 2,150 bp from the start codon) from A. terreus CICC 40205 and subsequently confirmed its promoter function using sgfp (synthetic green fluorescent protein) as the reporter. The sequence of the promoter PgpdAt was further analysed by systematic deletion to obtain an effective and compact functional promoter. Two truncated versions of PgpdAt (1,081 and 630 bp) were also able to drive sgfp expression in A. terreus. The activities of these three PgpdAt promoters of varying different lengths were further confirmed by fluorescence, western blot and transcription. The shortest one (630 bp) was successfully applied as a driver of vgb expression in the genetic engineering of A. terreus. The function of expressed haemoglobin was demonstrated by the CO (carbon monoxide)-difference spectrum and enhanced oxygen uptake rate, glucose consumption and itaconic acid titer. Our study was successful in developing and validating an efficient and compact native promoter for genetic engineering of A. terreus.
Factors Which Impact the Delivery of Genetic Risk Assessment Services Focused on Inherited Cancer Genomics: Expanding the Role and Reach of Certified Genetics Professionals
Authors: Radford Cristi , Prince Anya , Lewis Karen , Pal Tuya
Published: December 2013

There is tremendous excitement about the promise of new genomic technologies to transform medical practice and improve patient care. Although the full power of genetic diagnosis has not yet been realized, paradigms of clinical decision‐making are changing. In fact, recent policy level changes to promote genetic counseling by certified genetics professionals (GP) such as genetic counselors and clinical geneticists, are occurring at both the payer and state level. However, there remain opportunities to develop policies within the United States to: 1) enhance the access to the limited workforce of GPs; 2) revise reimbursement schemes such that costs to deliver these services may be recouped by institutions with GPs; and 3) protect against the potential for discrimination based on genetic information. Although many of these issues predate advances in genomic technologies, they are exacerbated by them, with increasing access and awareness as costs of testing decrease. Consequently, evolving shifts in national policies poise GPs to serve as a hub of information and may be instrumental in facilitating new models to deliver genetics‐based care through promoting academic‐community partnerships and interfacing with non‐GPs. As we acknowledge the potential for genomics to revolutionize medical practice, the expertise of GPs may be leveraged to facilitate incorporation of this information into mainstream medicine.
Educating for democracy
Authors: Aguilera-Barchet Bruno
Published: December 2013

Young people today do not seem to be concerned about politics. They have almost no confidence in representative democracy's main actors and institutions, and consequently many of them just do not vote. The problem is that they seem to feel less connected to the society they live in than previous generations did, so some sociologists call the 18-24-year-olds the ‘self-centred generation’. In the present article we will see that young people are more concerned than it seems, but they are reluctant to get more actively involved in public matters. The reason is that, generally, the education they receive does not give them the cultural background necessary to analyse and understand the world they live in, and either they have a very low opinion of politicians or they find them totally uninteresting, a political passivity that could be fatal for our democracies.
Abnormal lysine acetylation with postovulatory oocyte aging
Authors: Lee Ah Reum , Thanh Ha Le , Kishigami Satoshi , Hosoi Yoshihiko
Published: December 2013

Background

A postovulatory mammalian oocyte decreases developmental potential with in vivo aging in the oviduct or in vitro aging in the culture dish. The mechanism underlying oocyte aging still largely remains an enigma. Accumulating data suggest that the epigenetic alterations such as histone acetylation are also associated with postovulatory aging.

Objective

To perform a review evaluating a new aspect of oocyte aging in terms of the epigenetic alterations focusing on lysine acetylation.

Methods

In addition to a search of the literature in Pubmed, we introduced our recent published data.

Results

Histone acetylation in the mouse oocyte increases during aging, potentially impacting gene regulation in the subsequent embryonic development. Oocyte aging results in increased acetylation of alpha‐tubulin, a non‐histone protein, and nicotinamide, an inhibitor of class III HDAC, partially prevents some of oocyte aging phenotypes.

Conclusion

Abnormal regulation of protein acetylation itself is suggested in oocyte aging and could contribute to the aging phenotypes.
Association between auditory P300, psychopathology, and memory function in drug‐naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Chang Wei‐Hung , Chen Kao‐Chin , Yang Yen‐Kuang , Chen Po‐See , Lu Ru‐Band , Yeh Tzung‐Lieh , Wang Carol Sheei‐Meei , Lee I‐Hui
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to explore memory deficits and psychopathology and their relationships with P300 in drug‐naïve patients with schizophrenia. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised were administered. Auditory event‐related potentials elicited by an oddball paradigm were obtained. After controlling for age, sex, the results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between the total PANSS score and P300 amplitude at the parietal position (r = −0.66, p < 0.05). Moreover, visual memory was significantly positively correlated with P300 amplitude at the parietal position (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). After controlling for the duration of illness, the above correlations remained statistically significant. The correlation between P300 and the severity of psychopathology was reconfirmed in drug‐naïve patients with schizophrenia. A possible contribution of memory decompensation in P300 among drug‐naïve patients with schizophrenia may be considered, and the compensatory or Default Model Network might be a possible explanation of this association.
The 5p12 breast cancer susceptibility locus affects MRPS30 expression in estrogen‐receptor positive tumors
Authors: Quigley David A. , Fiorito Elisa , Nord Silje , Van Loo Peter , Alnæs Grethe Grenaker , Fleischer Thomas , Tost Jorg , Moen Vollan Hans Kristian , Tramm Trine , Overgaard Jens , Bukholm Ida R. , Hurtado Antoni , Balmain Allan , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Kristensen Vessela
Published: December 2013

Genome‐wide association studies have identified numerous loci linked to breast cancer susceptibility, but the mechanism by which variations at these loci influence susceptibility is usually unknown. Some variants are only associated with particular clinical subtypes of breast cancer. Understanding how and why these variants influence subtype‐specific cancer risk contributes to our understanding of cancer etiology. We conducted a genome‐wide expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) study in a discovery set of 287 breast tumors and 97 normal mammary tissue samples and a replication set of 235 breast tumors. We found that the risk‐associated allele of rs7716600 in the 5p12 estrogen receptor‐positive (ER‐positive) susceptibility locus was associated with elevated expression of the nearby gene MRPS30 exclusively in ER‐positive tumors. We replicated this finding in 235 independent tumors. Further, we showed the rs7716600 risk genotype was associated with decreased MRPS30 promoter methylation exclusively in ER‐positive breast tumors. In vitro studies in MCF‐7 cells carrying the protective genotype showed that estrogen stimulation decreased MRPS30 promoter chromatin availability and mRNA levels. In contrast, in 600MPE cells carrying the risk genotype, estrogen increased MRPS30 expression and did not affect promoter availability. Our data suggest the 5p12 risk allele affects MRPS30 expression in estrogen‐responsive tumor cells after tumor initiation by a mechanism affecting chromatin availability. These studies emphasize that the genetic architecture of breast cancer is context‐specific, and integrated analysis of gene expression and chromatin remodeling in normal and tumor tissues will be required to explain the mechanisms of risk alleles.
T regulatory cells in childhood arthritis – novel insights
Authors: Pesenacker Anne M. , Wedderburn Lucy R.
Published: December 2013

In recent years, there have been many new developments in the field of regulatory T cells (Treg), challenging the consensus on their behaviour, classification and role(s) in disease. The role Treg might play in autoimmune disease appears to be more complex than previously thought. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of regulatory T cells through animal and human research and illustrate the recent developments in childhood autoimmune arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)). Furthermore, this review summarises our understanding of the fields and assesses current and future implications for Treg in the treatment of JIA.
Surfactant effect on path instability of a rising bubble
Authors: Tagawa Yoshiyuki , Takagi Shu , Matsumoto Yoichiro
Published: December 2013

We report results from the first systematic experiments for investigating surfactant effects on path instability of an air bubble rising in quiescent water. The addition of surfactant to a gas–water system causes a non-uniform distribution of surfactant concentration along the bubble surface, resulting in variations in the gas–water boundary condition from zero shear stress to non-zero shear stress due to the Marangoni effect. This leads to retarded surface velocity and ends up with immobilization of the bubble surface with increasing surfactant concentration, where the drag corresponds to that of a solid sphere of the same size. Using two high-speed cameras and vertical traverse systems, we measure three-dimensional trajectories, velocities and aspect ratios of a millimetre-sized bubble simultaneously for ${\sim }1~\mathrm{m} $. Experimental parameters are the diameter of the bubble and the surfactant concentration of 1-Pentanol or Triton X-100. We explore the surfactant effect on the drag and lift forces acting on the bubble in helical motion. While the drag force monotonically increases with the surfactant concentration as expected, the lift force shows a non-monotonic behaviour. Nevertheless, the direction of the lift force in a reference frame that rotates with the bubble along its trajectory is kept almost constant. We also observe the transient trajectory starting from helical motion to zigzag, which has never been reported in the case of purified water. The instantaneous amplitude and frequency of the transient motion agree with those of the motion regarded as steady. Finally the bubble motions are categorized as straight/helical/zigzag and experimentally examined in the field of two dimensionless numbers: Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}\in $ [300 900] and the normalized drag coefficient ${ C}_{D}^{\ast } $ which represents the slip condition. Remarkably it is found that the motions of a bubble with the intermediate slip conditions between free-slip and no-slip are helical for a broad range of $\mathit{Re}$.
Effect ofLactobacillus rhamnosusCGMCC1.3724 supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women
Authors: Sanchez Marina , Darimont Christian , Drapeau Vicky , Emady-Azar Shahram , Lepage Melissa , Rezzonico Enea , Ngom-Bru Catherine , Berger Bernard , Philippe Lionel , Ammon-Zuffrey Corinne , Leone Patricia , Chevrier Genevieve , St-Amand Emmanuelle , Marette André , Doré Jean , Tremblay Angelo
Published: December 2013

The present study investigated the impact of aLactobacillus rhamnosusCGMCC1.3724 (LPR) supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women over 24 weeks. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial, each subject consumed two capsules per d of either a placebo or a LPR formulation (1·6 × 108colony-forming units of LPR/capsule with oligofructose and inulin). Each group was submitted to moderate energy restriction for the first 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of weight maintenance. Body weight and composition were measured at baseline, at week 12 and at week 24. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that after the first 12 weeks and after 24 weeks, mean weight loss was not significantly different between the LPR and placebo groups when all the subjects were considered. However, a significant treatment × sex interaction was observed. The mean weight loss in women in the LPR group was significantly higher than that in women in the placebo group (P= 0·02) after the first 12 weeks, whereas it was similar in men in the two groups (P= 0·53). Women in the LPR group continued to lose body weight and fat mass during the weight-maintenance period, whereas opposite changes were observed in the placebo group. Changes in body weight and fat mass during the weight-maintenance period were similar in men in both the groups. LPR-induced weight loss in women was associated not only with significant reductions in fat mass and circulating leptin concentrations but also with the relative abundance of bacteria of the Lachnospiraceae family in faeces. The present study shows that theLactobacillus rhamnosusCGMCC1.3724 formulation helps obese women to achieve sustainable weight loss.
Morphometric, molecular and ecological analyses of the parasites of the sharpsnout seabreamDiplodus puntazzoCetti (Sparidae) from the Spanish Mediterranean: implications for aquaculture
Authors: Sánchez-García N. , Ahuir-Baraja A.E. , Raga J.A. , Montero F.E.
Published: December 2013

One of the fish species with the highest potential for aquaculture is the sharpsnout seabream,Diplodus puntazzoCetti. Among other aspects, the development of new fish cultures requires studies of potential pathogens that may compromise survival of the fish in captivity. Moreover, both cultured and wild fish can act as sources or reservoirs of pathogens which may negatively affect other well-established cultures. We have studied the parasite fauna of the wild sharpsnout seabream, and monitored the survival of the parasites in culture conditions. The sharpsnout seabream was sampled from two different Spanish localities and examined for parasites. Additionally, 20 fish were maintained in captivity. Ten of them were examined for parasites after a period of 10 days and a further ten fish after another 10 days. All fish were parasitized with at least four species, with 19 parasite species being identified, seven of which were recorded for the first time in the sharpsnout seabream. These includedMicrocotylesp.,Magnibursatus bartolii,Steringotrema pagelli,Galactosomumsp.,Cardiocephaloides longicollis,Caligus ligusticusandGnathia vorax. We also report the first records of two parasite species in the wild sharpsnout seabream, the polyopisthocotylean monogeneansAtrispinum seminalisandSparicotyle chrysophrii. Previously, these parasites had only been recorded in farmed sharpsnout seabream. Most parasites in the skin, gills and alimentary tract disappeared under the conditions of captivity, with the exception of the monogeneans of the genusLamellodiscus. The information provided about the sharpsnout seabream parasite fauna will be useful to prevent possible problems in fish farms due to some parasite species. Many parasites of the sharpsnout seabream recorded in the present study are shared by the main fish species in Mediterranean aquaculture, the gilthead seabream, thus suggesting the possibility of cross-infections.
Middle-ear involvement in type I Gaucher's disease – a unique case
Authors: Khan A , Stimpson P , Karmolinski A , Patel N
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Gaucher's disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease. We describe a unique case of middle-ear involvement presenting with hearing loss.

Case report:

A five-year-old boy with known Gaucher's disease presented with bilateral hearing impairment and conductive hearing loss on pure tone audiometry with flat tympanometry traces.

Intervention:

Exploratory Tympanomastoidectomy revealed inflammatory material filling the mastoid and the middle ear. Histological analysis confirmed Gaucher cell infiltrates.

Conclusion:

This is the first detailed report in the english language literature of Gaucher's disease affecting the middle ear and the mastoid. We discuss the disease process and suggest future management options.
Oesophageal foreign body: an unusual presentation
Authors: Oyewole M , Ajayi O , Hilger A
Published: December 2013

Objective:

This paper describes and discusses the case of an oesophageal foreign body, in which the patient presented with primarily respiratory clinical signs.

Case report:

A 17-month-old child, who had ingested a watch battery, presented to emergency services on multiple occasions with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Subsequent radiographs showed the battery in the oesophagus impinging on the trachea. The battery was removed successfully under a general anaesthetic.

Conclusion:

Large oesophageal foreign bodies can impinge on the trachea causing upper respiratory tract signs. In such cases, anteroposterior and lateral chest films are imperative to make a correct diagnosis.
Ageing, immunity and influenza: a role for probiotics?
Authors: Yaqoob Parveen
Published: December 2013

Influenza is a major cause of death in the over 65s. Increased susceptibility to infection and reduced response to vaccination are due to immunosenscence in combination with medical history and lifestyle factors. Age-related alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota have a direct impact on the immune system and it is proposed that modulation of the gut microbiota using pre- and probiotics could offer an opportunity to improve immune responses to infections and vaccination in older people. There is growing evidence that probiotics have immunomodulatory properties, which to some extent are strain-dependent, and are strongly influenced by ageing. Randomised controlled trials suggest that probiotics may reduce the incidence and/or severity of respiratory infections, although there is limited data on older people. A small number of studies have examined the potential adjuvant effects of selected probiotics for vaccination against influenza; however, the data is inconsistent, particularly in older people. This review describes the impact of age-related changes in the gut on the immune response to respiratory infections and evaluates whether restoration of gut microbial homoeostasis by probiotics offers an opportunity to modulate the outcome of respiratory infections and vaccination against influenza in older people. Although there is promising evidence for effects of probiotics on human health, there is a lack of consistent data, perhaps partly due to strain-specific differences and an influence of the age of the host. Further research is critical in evaluating the potential use of probiotics in respiratory infections and vaccination in the ageing population.
Cognitive response navigation algorithm for mobile robots using biological antennas
Authors: Jiang Jiliang , Tu Dawei , Xu Shuo , Zhao Qijie
Published: December 2013

We present BioBug, a bionic cognitive response navigation algorithm for mobile robots based on neuroethology principles. It includes a biological antenna model for environment perception and an improved Bug algorithm for motion planning and control. The biological antenna model delineates the interested sensing areas, and thus decreases the computational burden. Then, this obtained environment stimulation is responded to generate the corresponding walking behavior according to BioBug. Simulations and experiments have been carried out in different conditions of obstacle density and boundary shape through algorithm comparisons. Compared with the competitors, BioBug is characterized by not only a smaller path length, but also shorter time for obstacle escape. The results demonstrate the practicality, environment robustness, and obstacle avoidance efficiency of the algorithm.
Adaptive manipulation and slippage control of an object in a multi-robot cooperative system
Authors: Jazi Shahram Hadian , Keshmiri Mehdi , Sheikholeslam Farid , Shahreza Mostafa Ghobadi , Keshmiri Mohammad
Published: December 2013

Considering undesired slippage between manipulated object and finger tips of a multi-robot system, adaptive control synthesis of the object grasping and manipulation is addressed in this paper. Although many studies can be found in the literature dealing with grasp analysis and grasp synthesis, most assume no slippage between the finger tips and the object. Slippage can occur for many reasons such as disturbances, uncertainties in parameters, and dynamics of the system. In this paper, system dynamics is analyzed using a new presentation of friction and slippage dynamics. Then an adaptive control law is proposed for trajectory tracking and slippage control of the object as well as compensation for parameter uncertainties of the system, such as mass properties and coefficients of friction. Stability of the proposed adaptive controller is studied analytically and the performance of the system is studied numerically.
Design and kinematic characterization of a surgical manipulator with a focus on treating osteolysis
Authors: Murphy Ryan J. , Kutzer Michael D. M. , Segreti Sean M. , Lucas Blake C. , Armand Mehran
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a cable-driven dexterous manipulator with a large, open lumen. One specific application for the manipulator is the treatment of the degeneration of bone tissue (osteolysis) during a less-invasive hip revision surgery. Rigid tools used in traditional approaches limit the surgeons' ability to comprehensively treat the osteolysis due to the complex geometries of the lesion. The surgical scenario, testing, kinematic modeling, and image-based inverse kinematics are described. Testing shows 94% coverage of a lesion wall; the kinematic model describes manipulator notch positions within 0.15 mm, while the image-based inverse kinematics has 0.36 mm error. This manipulator is potentially useful in treating osteolytic lesions through (1) effective lesion exploration compared to conventional techniques, and (2) rapidly performing inverse kinematics from visual feedback.
Existence of a global smooth solution to the initial boundary-value problem for the p-system with nonlinear damping
Authors: Jiang Mina , Li Dong , Ruan Lizhi
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with the initial boundary-value problem for the p-system with nonlinear damping. We prove the existence of a global smooth solution under the assumption that only the C0-norm of the derivative of the initial data is sufficiently small, while the C0-norm of the initial data is not necessarily small. The proof is based on several key a priori estimates, the maximum principle and the characteristic method.
Asymptotics of steady states of a selection–mutation equation for small mutation rate
Authors: Calsina Àngel , Cuadrado Sílvia , Desvillettes Laurent , Raoul Gaël
Published: December 2013

We consider a selection–mutation equation for the density of individuals with respect to a continuous phenotypic evolutionary trait. We assume that the competition term for an individual with a given trait depends on the traits of all the other individuals, therefore giving an infinite-dimensional nonlinearity. Mutations are modelled by means of an integral operator. We prove existence of steady states and show that, when the mutation rate goes to zero, the asymptotic profile of the population is a Cauchy distribution.
Compatibility phenomena in singular problems
Authors: Yijing Sun
Published: December 2013

We derive a compatible condition between coefficients and negative exponents, which is optimal for H01-solutions of strongly singular problems. This allows us to establish the existence of H01-solutions for p ≥ 3. Our proof is based on a variational argument.
Discrete Fourier multipliers and cylindrical boundary-value problems
Authors: Denk Robert , Nau Tobias
Published: December 2013

We consider operator-valued boundary-value problems in (0, 2π)n with periodic or, more generally, ν-periodic boundary conditions. Using the concept of discrete vector-valued Fourier multipliers, we give equivalent conditions for the unique solvability of the boundary-value problem. As an application, we study vector-valued parabolic initial boundary-value problems in cylindrical domains (0, 2π)n × V with ν-periodic boundary conditions in the cylindrical directions. We show that, under suitable assumptions on the coefficients, we obtain maximal Lq-regularity for such problems. For symmetric operators such as the Laplacian, related results for mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions on (0, 2π)n × V are deduced.
Unsustainable zip-bifurcation in a predator–prey model involving discrete delay
Authors: Ferreira Jocirei D. , Rao V. Sree Hari
Published: December 2013

A third-order system of ordinary differential equations, modelling two predators competing for a single prey species, is analysed in this paper. A delay term modelling the delayed logistic growth of the prey is included. Fixed points of the system are identified, and a linearized stability analysis is carried out. For some parameter regime, there exists a continuum of equilibria and these equilibria may undergo a zip bifurcation. The main results presented herein are that this zip bifurcation is ‘unsustainable’ for certain ranges of values of the time-delay parameter. Finally, spatial diffusion is incorporated in the delay differential equation model, and it is shown that the zip bifurcation remains unsustainable.
Estimates for lower bounds of eigenvalues of the poly-Laplacian and the quadratic polynomial operator of the Laplacian
Authors: Cheng Qing-Ming , Sun He-Jun , Wei Guoxin , Zeng Lingzhong
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we investigate the Dirichlet eigenvalue problems of the poly-Laplacian with any order and the quadratic polynomial operator of the Laplacian. We give some estimates for lower bounds of the sums of their first k eigenvalues.
Associations between host characteristics and antimicrobial resistance ofSalmonellaTyphimurium
Authors: RUDDAT I. , TIETZE E. , ZIEHM D. , KREIENBROCK L.
Published: December 2013

A collection ofSalmonellaTyphimurium isolates obtained from sporadic salmonellosis cases in humans from Lower Saxony, Germany between June 2008 and May 2010 was used to perform an exploratory risk-factor analysis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using comprehensive host information on sociodemographic attributes, medical history, food habits and animal contact. Multivariate resistance profiles of minimum inhibitory concentrations for 13 antimicrobial agents were analysed using a non-parametric approach with multifactorial models adjusted for phage types. Statistically significant associations were observed for consumption of antimicrobial agents, region type and three factors on egg-purchasing behaviour, indicating that besides antimicrobial use the proximity to other community members, health consciousness and other lifestyle-related attributes may play a role in the dissemination of resistances. Furthermore, a statistically significant increase in AMR from the first study year to the second year was observed.
Almost Every Tree With m Edges Decomposes K2m,2m
Authors: DRMOTA M. , LLADÓ A.
Published: December 2013

We show that asymptotically almost surely a tree with m edges decomposes the complete bipartite graph K2m,2m, a result connected to a conjecture of Graham and Häggkvist. The result also implies that asymptotically almost surely a tree with m edges decomposes the complete graph with O(m2) edges. An ingredient of the proof consists in showing that the bipartition classes of the base tree of a random tree have roughly equal size.
The Yogīs’ Latest Trick
Authors: MALLINSON JAMES
Published: December 2013

David Gordon White's wide-ranging scholarship on tantra, yoga and alchemy has inspired many students and scholars to undertake research in those fields. White worked as an assistant to Mircea Eliade and his doctorate from the University of Chicago was in History of Religions. His research methodology, true to this scholastic heritage, is not as deeply rooted in textual criticism as that of the current vanguard of scholars working on tantra and yoga, whose philological studies rarely reference his work. The accessibility of his books and articles, however, together with his engaging writing style and the excitement that imbues his scholarship, mean that indologists specialising in other fields, and authors addressing non-scholarly audiences, frequently draw on his publications. White's prominence in the study of yoga and tantra requires all scholars working on those subjects to address his work.
Luftschadstoffe und Asthma im Kindesalter
Authors: Latzin Philipp
Published: December 2013

Exposition gegenüber Luftschadstoffen wie Tabakrauch oder Luftverschmutzung sind weltweit häufige, aber eigentlich vermeidbare Risikofaktoren für Morbidität und Mortalität der Menschen. Neben gut bekannten Effekten von Luftschadstoffen auf das Herz-Kreislaufsystem und die Krebsentstehung wurde in den letzten Jahren auch der Zusammenhang zwischen Luftschadstoffen und respiratorischer Morbidität zunehmend klar. Nicht nur bei Erwachsenen, sondern gerade auch bei Kindern mit Asthma sowie bei gesunden Kindern konnte klar gezeigt werden, dass Exposition gegenüber Luftschadstoffen zu mehr und länger dauernden respiratorischen Symptomen, häufigeren Exazerbationen, mehr Medikamentengebrauch, schlechterer Lungenfunktion und häufigeren Krankenhausaufenthalten führt. Während diese Daten eindeutig sind, ist die Datenlage für den Zusammenhang zwischen Luftschadstoffen und Asthma-Entstehung etwas weniger klar. Einige Studien konnten zeigen, dass vermehrte Exposition gegenüber Tabakrauch und Luftverschmutzung zu einer Erhöhung der Asthma-Inzidenz und Prävalenz führt, andere Studien konnten keinen solchen Zusammenhang finden. Mögliche Gründe für diese Diskrepanz sind unterschiedliche Definitionen von Asthma, qualitativ unterschiedlich gute Methoden zur Schätzung der Exposition und verschiedene Populationen mit unterschiedlichem genetischen Hintergrund. Unabhängig davon wurden bereits mehrere Mechanismen identifiziert, die über die Luftschadstoffe die Asthma-Entstehung beeinflussen, wie z. B. Lungenwachstum und Lungenentwicklung, Veränderungen im Immunsystem, genetische und epigenetische Effekte oder vermehrte Allergie-Entstehung. Welches die genauen Mechanismen sind und ob bestimmte Asthma-Phänotypen eher betroffen sind, wird sich in Zukunft zeigen. Dieses Wissen kann dann auch entsprechend dazu dienen, vorbeugende Maßnahmen zu treffen.