bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Bonferroni, BIC and AIC to assess evidence for alternative biological pathways: covariate selection for the multilevel Embryo-Uterus model
Authors: Stylianou Christos , Pickles Andrew , Roberts Stephen A
Published: June 2013

Background

IVF treatments for infertility involve the transfer of multiple embryos in any one treatment cycle. When data is available on individual embryos the outcomes of each embryo are only partially observed, as treatment outcome (live birth) is assessed at the patient level. Two-level Embryo-Uterus (EU) models have been developed which assume a biologically plausible mechanism and assume that effects are mediated directly through the embryo (E) and also through the uterine environment (U), represented by two sub-models. This approach potentially allows inference as to the association of patient variables with outcome. However, when the variable is measured at the patient level either additional decisions have to be made in the modelling process as to in which sub-model the variable should be included or some model selection algorithm has to be invoked. These uncertainties have limited the practical application of these models.

Methods

We have conducted simulation studies based around realistic parameter values of situations where a putative patient-level variable is being considered for inclusion in an EU model and/or the mechanistic interpretation from the sub-model assignment is of interest. Firstly we explore various strategies for inference for a variable of interest where the sub-model is either pre-specified or considered unknown. Secondly we explore the use of information criteria to select the appropriate sub-model and the strength of evidence for that assignment. These are demonstrated in a reanalysis of a previously published dataset.

Results

In the absence of prior evidence for potential prognostic factors measured at the patient level, two single degree-of-freedom likelihood ratio tests with a Bonferroni correction including the variable of interest in first the E then the U sub-model performs well as a statistical test for association with outcome. For model building the information criteria can be used, but large differences are required (⪆6) to provide reasonable evidence of sub-model assignment. Previous interpretations have been over-optimistic.

Conclusions

These results suggest simple strategies and should enable these models to be used more confidently in practical applications.
Designing the next generation of medicines for malaria control and eradication
Authors: Burrows Jeremy N , Hooft van Huijsduijnen Rob , Möhrle Jörg J , Oeuvray Claude , Wells Timothy NC
Published: June 2013

In the fight against malaria new medicines are an essential weapon. For the parts of the world where the current gold standard artemisinin combination therapies are active, significant improvements can still be made: for example combination medicines which allow for single dose regimens, cheaper, safer and more effective medicines, or improved stability under field conditions. For those parts of the world where the existing combinations show less than optimal activity, the priority is to have activity against emerging resistant strains, and other criteria take a secondary role. For new medicines to be optimal in malaria control they must also be able to reduce transmission and prevent relapse of dormant forms: additional constraints on a combination medicine. In the absence of a highly effective vaccine, new medicines are also needed to protect patient populations. In this paper, an outline definition of the ideal and minimally acceptable characteristics of the types of clinical candidate molecule which are needed (target candidate profiles) is suggested. In addition, the optimal and minimally acceptable characteristics of combination medicines are outlined (target product profiles). MMV presents now a suggested framework for combining the new candidates to produce the new medicines. Sustained investment over the next decade in discovery and development of new molecules is essential to enable the long-term delivery of the medicines needed to combat malaria.
The effects of increased dietary protein yogurt snack in the afternoon on appetite control and eating initiation in healthy women
Authors: Ortinau Laura C , Culp Julie M , Hoertel Heather A , Douglas Steve M , Leidy Heather J
Published: June 2013

Background

A large portion of daily intake comes from snacking. One of the increasingly common, healthier snacks includes Greek-style yogurt, which is typically higher in protein than regular yogurt. This study evaluated whether a 160 kcal higher-protein (HP) Greek-style yogurt snack improves appetite control, satiety, and delays subsequent eating compared to an isocaloric normal protein (NP) regular yogurt in healthy women. This study also identified the factors that predict the onset of eating.

Findings

Thirty-two healthy women (age: 27 ± 2y; BMI: 23.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2) completed the acute, randomized crossover-design study. On separate days, participants came to our facility to consume a standardized lunch followed by the consumption of the NP (5.0 g protein) or HP (14.0 g protein) yogurt at 3 h post-lunch. Perceived hunger and fullness were assessed throughout the afternoon until dinner was voluntarily requested; ad libitum dinner was then provided. Snacking led to reductions in hunger and increases in fullness. No differences in post-snack perceived hunger or fullness were observed between the NP and HP yogurt snacks. Dinner was voluntarily requested at approximately 2:40 ± 0:05 h post-snack with no differences between the HP vs. NP yogurts. Ad libitum dinner intake was not different between the snacks (NP: 686 ± 33 kcal vs. HP: 709 ± 34 kcal; p = 0.324). In identifying key factors that predict eating initiation, perceived hunger, fullness, and habitual dinner time accounted for 30% of the variability of time to dinner request (r = 0.55; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The additional 9 g of protein contained in the high protein Greek yogurt was insufficient to elicit protein-related improvements in markers of energy intake regulation.
The value of chest CT for prediction of breast tumor size: comparison with pathology measurement
Authors: Ahn Su Joa , Kim Young Saing , Kim Eun Young , Park Heung Kyu , Cho Eun Kyung , Kim Yoon Kyung , Sung Yon Mi , Choi Hye-Young
Published: June 2013

Background

Little information is available on the use of chest computed tomography (CT) to predict breast tumor size in breast cancer, despite the fact that chest CT examinations are being increasingly used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of chest CT for predicting breast tumor size using pathology measurements as reference standards.

Methods

Tumor sizes (defined as greatest diameter) were retrospectively measured on the preoperative chest CT images of 285 patients with surgically proven unifocal, invasive breast carcinoma. Greatest tumor diameters as determined by chest CT and pathologic examinations were compared by linear regression and Spearman’s rho correlation analysis. Concordance between CT and pathology results was defined as a diameter difference of <5 mm. Subgroup analyses were also performed with respect to tumor size (<20 mm or ≥20 mm) and histological subtype (invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC) or non-IDC).

Results

CT and pathology measured diameters were found to be linearly related (size at pathology = 1.086 × CT determined tumor size - 1.141; Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient = 0.84, P<0.001). Most tumors (n = 228, 80.0%) were concordant by chest CT and pathology, but 36 tumors (12.7%) were underestimated by CT (average underestimation, 11 mm; range, 6–36 mm) and 21 tumors (7.4%) were overestimated (average overestimation by CT, 10 mm; range, 6–19 mm). The concordance rate between the two sets of measurements was greater for tumor of <20 mm and for IDC (P<0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively).

Conclusions

Tumor size by chest CT is well correlated with pathology determined tumor size in breast cancer patients, and the diameters of the majority of tumors by chest CT and pathology differed by <5 mm. In addition, the concordance rate was higher for breast tumors of <20 mm and for tumors of the IDC histologic subtype.
Identification of thresholds for dichotomizing DNA methylation data
Authors: Liu Yihua , Ji Yuan , Qiu Peng
Published: June 2013

DNA methylation plays an important role in many biological processes by regulating gene expression. It is commonly accepted that turning on the DNA methylation leads to silencing of the expression of the corresponding genes. While methylation is often described as a binary on-off signal, it is typically measured using beta values derived from either microarray or sequencing technologies, which takes continuous values between 0 and 1. If we would like to interpret methylation in a binary fashion, appropriate thresholds are needed to dichotomize the continuous measurements. In this paper, we use data from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. For a total of 992 samples across five cancer types, both methylation and gene expression data are available. A bivariate extension of the StepMiner algorithm is used to identify thresholds for dichotomizing both methylation and expression data. Hypergeometric test is applied to identify CpG sites whose methylation status is significantly associated to silencing of the expression of their corresponding genes. The test is performed on either all five cancer types together or individual cancer types separately. We notice that the appropriate thresholds vary across different CpG sites. In addition, the negative association between methylation and expression is highly tissue specific.
Origins of increased airway smooth muscle mass in asthma
Authors: Berair Rachid , Saunders Ruth , Brightling Christopher E
Published: June 2013

Asthma is characterized by both chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. Remodeling - the structural changes seen in asthmatic airways - is pivotal in the pathogenesis of the disease. Although significant advances have been made recently in understanding the different aspects of airway remodeling, the exact biology governing these changes remains poorly understood. There is broad agreement that, in asthma, increased airway smooth muscle mass, in part due to smooth muscle hyperplasia, is a very significant component of airway remodeling. However, significant debate persists on the origins of these airway smooth muscle cells. In this review article we will explore the natural history of airway remodeling in asthma and we will discuss the possible contribution of progenitors, stem cells and epithelial cells in mesenchymal cell changes, namely airway smooth muscle hyperplasia seen in the asthmatic airways.
Solitary myofibroma of the sigmoid colon: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kim Mi-Jung , Lee Suk Hee , Youk Eui Gon , Lee Sojin , Choi Joon Hyuk , Cho Kyung-Ja
Published: June 2013

A 58-year-old woman presented with a solitary myofibroma that arose in the sigmoid colon. Computed tomography revealed a highly enhanced intramural mass (1.3-cm maximum diameter) in the proximal sigmoid colon. Histologically, the tumor exhibited a biphasic growth pattern, which comprised haphazardly arranged, interwoven fascicles of plump, myoid-appearing spindle cells with elongated nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, and more cellular areas of primitive-appearing polygonal cells that were arranged in a hemangiopericytomatous pattern. The tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA), and negative for desmin, h-caldesmon, CD34, cytokeratin, S100 protein, and CD117. The Ki-67 labeling index was not high (up to 7%). Based on these histologic and immunohistochemical features, our patient was diagnosed with a myofibroma of the sigmoid colon. The presence of solitary myofibroma in the intestine of an adult requires attention to avoid misdiagnosis as a more aggressive mesenchymal tumor.

Virtual Slides

The virtual silde(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2096403796957687
The binding characteristics of isoniazid with copper–zinc superoxide dismutase and its effect on enzymatic activity
Authors: Du Nana , Sheng Liangquan , Liu Zhaodi , Hu Xiaojuan , Xu Huajie , Chen Shuisheng
Published: June 2013

Background

Isoniazid (INH) is front-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, which are usually prescribed to TB patients for a total period of 6 months. Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) is a serious adverse reaction of TB treatment. It is reported that INH-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) is the key enzyme for the protection of oxidative stress, which catalyzes the removal of superoxide radical anion, thereby raising the need to better understand the interaction between INH and SOD.

Results

The experimental results showed that the fluorescence intensity of Cu/Zn-SOD regularly decreased owing to form a 1:1 INH-SOD complex. According to the corresponding association constants (K
SV) between INH and SOD obtained from Stern–Volmer plot, it is shown that values of K
A are 1.01 × 104, 5.31 × 103, 3.33 × 103, 2.20 × 103 L · mol−1 at four different temperatures, respectively. The binding constants, binding sites and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (Δ
H, Δ
G and Δ
S) were calculated. A value of 3.93 nm for the average distance between INH and chromophore of Cu/Zn-SOD was derived from Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The conformational investigation showed that the presence of INH resulted in the microenvironment and conformational changes of Cu/Zn-SOD. In addition, Effects of INH on superoxide dismutase activity was examined.

Conclusions

The results show that the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces play major roles in stabilizing the 1:1 INH-SOD complex. After addition of INH during the range of the experiment, the conformation and microenvironment of Cu/Zn-SOD are changed, but the activity of Cu/Zn-SOD is not changed.
In vitro and in vivo properties of CD133 expressing cells from human lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Wang Ping , Suo Zhenhe , Wang Mengyu , Høifødt Hanne K , Fodstad Øystein , Gaudernack Gustav , Kvalheim Gunnar
Published: June 2013

Background

Tumor development is recently hypothesized to depend on a rare cell population with stem cell properties, such cells are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells (TICs). From various cancer tissues or cancer cell lines, CD133 expressing cells were found to define a unique CSC/TIC phenotype. To study whether that also could be the case in lung cancer, we examined different lung cancer cell lines for CD133 expression.

Results

Among the 4 cell lines studied, only the cell line LC-42 expressed CD133. Therefore, LC-42 was further characterized and studied with special emphasis on identifying the presence of CD133+ CSCs/TICs. FACS sorted CD133high and CD133dim subpopulations from LC-42 showed no differences in soft agar colony-forming capacity and spheres-forming capacity in serum-free cultures. LC-42 cells contained Side Population (SP), and only SP cells were able to form spheres. Furthermore, Nanog expression was significantly higher in SP than in non-SP. However, no difference was observed of CD133 expression in SP and non-SP. When CD133high and CD133dim cells were serially xeno-transplanted in NOD/SCID mice, both formed tumours similar to their parental LC-42 cells. There were no expression differences for NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 examined immunohistochemically in the xenografts from both cell fractions.

Conclusion

Our data do not show a difference in tumorigenic potential of CD133high and CD133dim cells with respect to any of the parameters analyzed in vitro and in viv o, suggesting that CD133 expression is not restricted to cancer-initiating cells in the human lung cancer cell line LC-42.
Foundation News
Authors: Blythe Natalie
Published: June 2013

SEG continues to develop a first-class offering of online education courses and state-of-the-art online lectures to better serve our members around the world. High-quality online education must be available to SEG members no matter where they live and work, and when their work requires the most up-to-date geophysical knowledge. Our success over the past five years would not have been possible without the leadership support and investment of CNPC.
Introduction to this special section: Nonreflection seismic and inversion of surface waves and guided waves
Authors: Haney Matthew M. , Miller Rick
Published: June 2013

Seismic imaging need not be synonymous with or rely on the presence of reflectors in the Earth. Much can be gleaned from the nonreflected wavefield. For example, direct waves map out smooth velocity variations in crosswell seismic tomography, wide-angle refracted waves play a crucial role in full waveform inversion (Hole et al., 2005), and surface waves provide unmatched sensitivity to near-surface shear-wave velocity structure. Guided waves exist in both cracks (Korneev, 2008) and boreholes, the latter referred to as tube waves. The famous Biot slow wave is itself a guided-wave phenomenon akin to a tube wave (Norris, 1987). Surface-wave dispersion has a long history in seismology and was the first seismic characteristic to be subjected to an automated inversion procedure (Dorman and Ewing, 1962).
Surface-wave observations after integrating active and passive source data
Authors: Xu Yixian , Zhang Baolong , Luo Yinhe , Xia Jianghai
Published: June 2013

Empirical Green's function (EGF) retrieval and turning ambient noise into useful signal by crosscorrelation or seismic interferometry (Curtis et al., 2006) has been a popular topic in recent years in the seismological community. Many have discussed how the interstation distance or its equivalent affects the accuracy of the Green's function that can be retrieved by crosscorrelation of long-range noise between two stations (e.g., Snieder, 2004; Bensen et al., 2007; Halliday and Curtis, 2008; Tsai, 2009; Kimman and Trampert, 2010). It is generally accepted that the necessary or optimum interstation distance strongly depends on source distribution, length of records (and, hence, is naturally related to source distribution), and the duration of the Green's function to be retrieved. Noise generated by a surface source can be efficiently used to reconstruct the Green's function of surface waves if we focus on the accuracy of the phase, and not be too concerned with the amplitude accuracy of the retrieved Green's function (Halliday and Curtis, 2008; Kimman and Trampert, 2010).
MASW for geotechnical site investigation
Authors: Park Choon
Published: June 2013

Multichannel anaylsis of surface waves (MASW) is a seismic surface-wave technique developed specifically for near-surface applications at depths usually shallower than a few tens of meters (Park et al., 1999). Since its introduction in the late 1990s, use of the technique has rapidly increased for two reasons: (1) it provides the shear-wave velocity (VS) of ground materials, which is one of the most important geotechnical parameters in civil engineering, and (2) it is easier to use than other common seismic approaches (e.g., refraction, reflection, and surface-wave surveys).
Polycomb repressive complex PRC2 regulates Xenopus retina development downstream of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Aldiri Issam , Moore Kathryn B. , Hutcheson David A. , Zhang Jianmin , Vetter Monica L.
Published: June 2013

The histone methyltransferase complex PRC2 controls key steps in developmental transitions and cell fate choices; however, its roles in vertebrate eye development remain unknown. Here, we report that in Xenopus, PRC2 regulates the progression of retinal progenitors from proliferation to differentiation. We show that the PRC2 core components are enriched in retinal progenitors and downregulated in differentiated cells. Knockdown of the PRC2 core component Ezh2 leads to reduced retinal progenitor proliferation, in part due to upregulation of the Cdk inhibitor p15Ink4b. In addition, although PRC2 knockdown does not alter eye patterning, retinal progenitor gene expression or expression of the neural competence factor Sox2, it does cause suppression of proneural bHLH gene expression, indicating that PRC2 is crucial for the initiation of neural differentiation in the retina. Consistent with this, knocking down or blocking PRC2 function constrains the generation of most retinal neural cell types and promotes a Müller glial cell fate decision. We also show that Wnt/β-catenin signaling acting through the receptor Frizzled 5, but independent of Sox2, regulates expression of key PRC2 subunits in the developing retina. This is consistent with a role for this pathway in coordinating proliferation and the transition to neurogenesis in the Xenopus retina. Our data establish PRC2 as a regulator of proliferation and differentiation during eye development.
Neuropilin-1 biases dendrite polarization in the retina
Authors: Kita Elizabeth M. , Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Hehr Carrie L. , Johnston Jillian , McFarlane Sarah
Published: June 2013

The majority of neurons in the nervous system exhibit a polarized morphology, with multiple short dendrites and a single long axon. It is clear that multiple factors govern polarization in developing neurons, and the biased accumulation of intrinsic determinants to one side of the cell, coupled with responses to asymmetrically localized extrinsic factors, appears to be crucial. A number of intrinsic factors have been identified, but surprisingly little is known about the identity of the extrinsic signals. Here, we show in vivo that neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) and its co-receptor plexinA1 (Plxna1) are necessary to bias the extension of the dendrites of retinal ganglion cells to the apical side of the cell, and ectopically expressed class III semaphorins (Sema3s) disrupt this process. Importantly, the requirement for Nrp1 and Plxna1 in dendrite polarization occurs at a developmental time point after the cells have already extended their basally directed axon. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism whereby an extrinsic factor, probably a Sema3, acts through Nrp1 and Plxna1 to promote the asymmetric outgrowth of dendrites independently of axon polarization.
Highly Crosslinkable and Proton-conducting Polyelectrolytes of Pore-filling Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Park Jin-Soo , Choi Young-Woo
Published: June 2013

In this study, new polyelectrolytes with highly crosslinkable and proton-conducting properties for pore filling membranes with no external solvents were introduced. It was found that the liquid monomers show more facile copolymerization as well as crosslinking than solid monomers dissolved in a solvent. Moreover, the membranes exhibited better durability due to extensive crosslinking and proton conductivity due to facile copolymerization. The resulting membrane exhibits proton conductivity of 0.09 S cm−1 at room temperature with stable fuel cell operation for 1000 h.
A One-pot Preparation of 1,3-Diarylisobenzofuran
Authors: Hamura Toshiyuki , Nakayama Ryosuke
Published: June 2013

A simple, practical, and efficient method for one-pot synthesis of symmetric and unsymmetrical 1,3-diarylisobenzofurans has been developed by sequential reactions of methyl 2-formylbenzoate with two identical or different aryl metal species.
Basicity of N-Terminal Amine in ATCUN Peptide Regulates Stability Constant of Albumin-like Cu2+ Complex
Authors: Miyamoto Takaaki , Kamino Shinichiro , Odani Akira , Hiromura Makoto , Enomoto Shuichi
Published: June 2013

We quantitatively investigated the coordination ability of ATCUN peptides possessing various amino acid residues on the N-terminal side of the third histidine, toward Cu2+. We discovered that the stability of the Cu2+–ATCUN complex was governed by the acidity of the N-terminal amino nitrogen in the peptides.
Cold Crystallization in Bis[1-(3-methylphenyl)iminomethylnaphthalen-2-olato]nickel(II) Studied by Thermal Analysis and X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Iwase Katsunori , Houjou Hirohiko , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya
Published: June 2013

Bis[1-(3-methylphenyl)iminomethylnaphthalen-2-olato]nickel(II) was synthesized to see a potential use of this type of compounds as heat-storage materials utilizing cold crystallization. Its thermal, structural, and energetic properties were investigated by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and DFT calculation. Some principles in designing complexes for this purpose are deduced.
Discrimination of Xylose O-Glycosylation Sites in Mammalian Proteins
Authors: Etchuya Kenji , Nambu Ryohei , Mukai Yuri
Published: June 2013

A method for discriminating xylose (Xyl) O-glycosylation sites from other sugar modification sites was proposed. Xyl modification sites were detected by position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) with 97.9 and 87.5% success rates in self-consistency and 5-fold cross-validation test, respectively. Glycosyltransferases concerned with Xyl modification were thought to recognize amino acid sequences around modification sites.
In Situ Detection of Liver Cancer Biomarkers with Atomic Force Microscopy at a Single-molecule Level
Authors: Tang Bochong , Li Min , Zhang Xiao , Wang Jiaojiao , Xie Peng , Zhao Yuliang , Wei Zhongqing
Published: June 2013

α-Fetoprotein (AFP), a surveillance biomarker of liver cancer, was directly detected via immunoassay at a single-molecule level using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM size measurements confirmed the successful capture of single AFP molecules by monoclonal antibody molecules on a one-to-one basis.
Clinical applications of microRNAs
Authors: Hydbring Per , Badalian-Very Gayane
Published: June 2013

MicroRNAs represent a class of small RNAs derived from polymerase II controlled transcriptional regions. The primary transcript forms one or several bulging double stranded hairpins which are processed by Drosha and Dicer into hetero-duplexes. The targeting microRNA strand of the duplex is incorporated into the RNA Induced Silencing Complex from where it silences up to hundreds of mRNA transcript by inducing mRNA degradation or blocking protein translation. Apart from involvement in a variety of biological processes, microRNAs were early recognized for their potential in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Due to their stability, microRNAs could be used as biomarkers. Currently, there are microRNA panels helping physicians determining the origins of cancer in disseminated tumors. The development of microRNA therapeutics has proved more challenging mainly due to delivery issues. However, one drug is already in clinical trials and several more await entering clinical phases. This review summarizes what has been recognized pre-clinically and clinically on diagnostic microRNAs. In addition, it highlights individual microRNA drugs in running platforms driven by four leading microRNA-therapeutic companies.
Lessons Learned from Implementing Web-Based Simulations to Teach Operations Management Concepts
Authors: Snider Brent , Balakrishnan Jaydeep
Published: June 2013

The usage of Web-based computer simulations to facilitate experiential learning of operations management concepts continues to increase; however, successfully administering and incorporating them into a curriculum can be challenging. Littlefield Technologies is a popular simulation used in operations management education; however, there is limited literature providing guidance on how to successfully implement the simulation into a postsecondary course. Based on years of experience employing Littlefield and other computer-based simulations to over 2,500 students, we provide five keys specifically for implementing Littlefield and guidance on administering computer-based simulations in general. Student survey results reveal that over 86% recommend the continued usage of Littlefield, and that over two-thirds of students report increased interest in operations management because of the simulation. A comparison of results by course type indicates that MBA students outperformed undergraduate students, and that performance appears to improve when results-based marks are incorporated into their final grade rather than bonus marks. Finally, we discuss some forthcoming improvements to the Littlefield simulation and provide some additional improvement recommendations.
Voyeur, sponger, flâneur, etc.: The figures of the author and strategies of displacement and disfigurement in Katherine Mansfield’s stories
Authors: Lepaludier Laurent
Published: June 2013

In Katherine Mansfield’s stories, writers and artists are far from idealized. She portrays fictional authors as obnoxious (Raoul Duquette in ‘Je ne parle pas français’); spongers and would-be artists or writers in ‘Marriage à la mode’ or in
‘Bliss’; voyeurs cannibalizing on others’ lives like the eponymous protagonist in ‘Miss Brill’ (a sort of immobile flâneur; see Walter Benjamin); or repressed authors as the male novel writer and the female playwright in ‘Psychology’. This article
analyses these figures of the author not mainly in reference to autobiographical questions, but essentially to elucidate Mansfield’s conception of the author, her satire of the decadents and questions related to Bloomsbury, to modernist ethics and to what her strategies of displacement
of authorial issues through distorted figures of authorship reveal of her concerns and anxieties.
Why many authors like short stories and many readers do not
Authors: May Charles E.
Published: June 2013

Drawing on the comments of over 100 short story writers, this article argues that many authors like short stories largely for the same reasons that many readers do not – primarily because what constitutes the ‘life’ of the short story is not merely reflected by its
content, but created by its pattern and form. Most writers agree that the short story’s poem-like emphasis on language and form and its concern with basic human mystery rather than time-bound social issues makes different demands on readers than the novel does.
Preferences in media use and perception of inter-generational differences among age groups in Estonia: A cultural approach to media generations
Authors: Kalmus Veronika , Masso Anu , Lauristin Marju
Published: June 2013

This article adopts a cultural approach in order to provide an empirical grounding to the multidimensional concept of media generations. Data from the representative survey ‘Me. The World. The Media’, conducted in autumn 2011 among members of the Estonian population aged
15–74 (N=1510), are used to map similarities and distinctions among four age groups with regard to the use of media technologies and channels, format and topic preferences, spatial orientations of media use, and attitudes towards the Internet. The findings demonstrate significant and
multifaceted differences between the age cohorts, suggesting that in addition to the ascent of new media technologies, broader social and cultural changes need to be considered in interpreting generational groups’ relations with the media. The study partially confirms the hypothesis
that media experiences shared with members of another media generation are related to a weaker perception of inter-generational gaps.
Contested Narratives, Fragmented Spaces, and Subalternity
Authors: Dutta Mohan Jyoti
Published: June 2013

As a Third World subject in U.S. academe, I became aware of my Third Worldliness in the very first semester of graduate coursework and was socialized into the position of being a silent observer of stories circulated about the Third World by first world people. As I looked for opportunities for questioning the dominant logic in communication scholarship that operated on the first-Third dichotomy, the traditional practices of literature reviews and graduate coursework into which I was socialized taught me that the discipline of communication is historically situated within the rubric of US-based systems of knowledge production, maintaining its West-centric hegemony through articulations of discursive configurations that construct and limit the possibilities for engaging with subaltern voices from the global South. Drawing from postcolonial and subaltern studies theories, I seek to perform scholarship in subalternity in this essay by engaging with the erasures, silences, and omissions propagated through the epistemological and ontological tools of US-based communication knowledge production systems.
More than Just Good Grades
Authors: Carmack Heather J. , Galanes Gloria J.
Published: June 2013

Student success in college is undoubtedly contingent on students effectively enacting their college student role, making it important for faculty to understand how students construct this role. This study explored the dialectical tensions that students grapple with as they construct and enact the roles of good and bad students. Three tensions emerged from students’ focus group discussions of construction and enactment of their student identities: (a) structure and agency, (b) individuation and solidarity, and (c) good-bad student and good-bad person. These tensions move beyond identifying successful good student strategies and focus on the contradictions negotiated by students as they (re)produce and share behaviors associated with good and bad student identities.
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in the reproductive system of male mice may be involved in the sperm–oocyte fusion
Authors: Li Kun , Liu Yue , Xia Xiaoyu , Wang Li , Lu Meige , Hu Yanqin , Xu Chen
Published: June 2013

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is a 455-residue (∼55 kDa) protein found mainly in the primary (azurophilic) granules of human neutrophils. BPI is an endogenous antibiotic protein that belongs to the family of mammalian lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding and lipid transport proteins. Its major function is to kill Gram-negative bacteria, thereby protecting the host from infection. In addition, BPI can inhibit angiogenesis, suppress LPS-mediated platelet activation, increase DNA synthesis, and activate ERK/Akt signaling. In this study, we found thatBpiwas expressed in the testis and epididymis but not in the seminal vesicles, prostate, and solidification glands. BPI expression in the epididymis increased upon upregulation of testosterone, caused by injection of GNRH. In orchidectomized mice, BPI expression was significantly reduced, but its expression was restored to 30% of control levels in orchidectomized mice that received supplementary testosterone. The number of sperm fused per egg significantly decreased after incubation with anti-BPI antiserum. These results suggest that BPI may take part in the process of sperm–oocyte fusion and play a unique and significant role in reproduction.
Child Work in Agriculture in West Bengal, India: Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Health Problems
Authors: Das Banibrata , Ghosh Tirthankar , Gangopadhyay Somnath
Published: June 2013

Child Work in Agriculture in West Bengal, India: Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Health Problems: Banibrata DAS, et al. Department of Physiology, South Calcutta Girls' College University of Calcutta, India—

Objective

Children are universally considered to be the most important asset for any nation. The main aims of the present study were 1) to investigate the causation of discomfort related to working postures 2) to assess the physiological strain among the child farmers and 3) to assess the thermal stress during work in an agricultural field.

Methods

For this study, 120 child agricultural workers and 120 control subjects aged 10−16 years were selected randomly, and a detailed posture analysis was performed among them by REBA and OWAS methods. The Modified Nordic Questionnaire was applied to assess the discomfort felt among both groups of workers. Physiological assessment of workload was carried out by recording the heart rate and blood pressure of the workers prior to work and just after work in the field.

Results

Child agricultural workers suffered from pain especially in the low back (98%), knees (88%), hands (82%), shoulder (77%) and neck (68%). Among the agricultural activities in potato cultivation, the child potato workers, felt discomfort during spading (99%), sprinkling water (90%) and picking crops (87%). The post‐activity heart rate of the child agricultural workers was 170.1 beats/min, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 129.0 and 67.0 mm/Hg respectively.

Conclusions

Most of the agricultural activities in potato cultivation were strenuous ones that affect the children, who suffered from acute pain and discomfort for a long period of time, which mainly hampers and restricts their education.
Work‐to‐family Conflict and Family‐to‐work Conflict among Japanese Dual‐earner Couples with Preschool Children: A Spillover‐Crossover Perspective
Authors: Shimazu Akihito , Kubota Kazumi , Bakker Arnold , Demerouti Eva , Shimada Kyoko , Kawakami Norito
Published: June 2013

Work‐to‐family Conflict and Family‐towork Conflict among Japanese Dual‐earner Couples with Preschool Children: A Spillover‐Crossover Perspective: Akihito SHIMAZU, et al. Department of Mental Health, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Japan—

Objectives

This study among Japanese dual‐earner couples examined the independent and combined associations of work‐tofamily conflict (WFC) and family‐to‐work conflict (FWC) with psychological health of employees and their partners and the relationship quality between partners.

Methods

The matched responses of 895 couples were analyzed with logistic regression analysis to examine whether there were differences among the four work‐family conflict groups (i.e., no conflict, WFC, FWC and both conflicts groups) in terms of own psychological distress, social undermining (i.e., negative behaviors directed toward the target person) reported by partners and partner's psychological distress. The no conflicts group was used as the reference group.

Results

The both conflicts group had the highest odds ratios for own psychological distress and social undermining towards the partner for both genders. In addition, for husbands, the both conflicts group had the highest odds ratio for partner's psychological distress, whereas for wives, it did not.

Conclusions

Dual experiences of WFC and FWC have adverse associations with psychological health of employees and relationship quality between partners of both genders. In addition, dual experiences in husbands have an adverse association with psychological health of their partners (i.e., wives), whereas this is not the case for wives.
Three-Dimensional Nanoarchitectured Transparent Conducting Oxides: Synthesis, Characterization and Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Yang Zhenzhen , Xu Tao
Published: June 2013

The photovoltaic materials in solar cells take multiple tasks including absorbing lights, separating the light-induced electron-hole pairs, and consequently transport charges to the corresponding metallic electrodes. These tasks, however, are often mutually conflicting. In particular, a thick PV layer is desired to absorb enough light for creating sufficient light-induced charges, while a thin PV layer is also desired to shorten the charge transport path length insider the PV layer in order to suppress recombination. Using dye-sensitized solar cells as an exploratory platform, this dilemma is mitigated using a non-traditional 3-dimensional (3-D) highly doped fluorinated SnO2 (FTO, core)-TiO2(shell) nanostructured photoanodes. The FTO core serves as conductive core for low-resistance and drift-assisted electron extraction. The thin, conformal and low-doped TiO2 shell layer is coated by atomic layer deposition, which provides a large area for anchoring dyes and maintains a large resistance against recombination.
Tip-Sample Forces in Atomic Force Microscopy: Interplay between Theory and Experiment
Authors: Belikov Sergey , Alexander John , Wall Craig , Magonov Sergei
Published: June 2013

Several examples of Atomic Force Microscopy imaging in the oscillatory resonant and non-resonant modes are analyzed with a theoretical description of tip-sample force interactions. The problems of high-resolution imaging and compositional mapping of heterogeneous polymers are considered. The interplay with theory helps the experiment optimization and rational understanding of the image contrast.
Behavior of Magnetic Domains in Single Magnetic Nanowire with Shallow Trench along Length Direction Observed by Magnetic Force Microscopy
Authors: Okuda Mitsunobu , Miyamoto Yasuyoshi , Miyashita Eiichi , Hayashi Naoto
Published: June 2013

We have proposed new magnetic memories using parallel-aligned nanowires without mechanical moving parts, in order to achieve the ultra high transfer rate of more than 144 Gbps for Super Hi-Vision TV. In the magnetic memory using nanowires, the data are stored as the magnetic domains with up or down magnetization in magnetic nanowires, and the domains are shifted quite faster by applying optimum current along the nanowire direction for data writing and reading purpose. Since the electric circuits and the insulation space between the neighbor nanowires are necessary for moving the magnetic domain walls, the areal recording density is essentially reduced as compared with that of conventional hard disk drives. In this study, in order to increase the areal recording density of magnetic nanowire memory, we have tried to act one magnetic nanowire as the virtual multiple data tracks. The shallow scratched trench was introduced using scanning probe microscopy along the length direction on the surface of a single nanowire to form multiple internal tracks, and we have succeeded in realizing a couple of virtual tracks states.
Hybrid SWCNT - NiO Composites for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Alston Jeffrey R. , Brokaw Dylan , Overson Colton , Schmedake Thomas A. , Poler Jordan C.
Published: June 2013

Supercapacitor devices promise to be an effective means of storing energy, and delivering power for personal electronics, remote sensors, and transportation.1, 2 Rare earth metals, such as ruthenium, have been used and report high value of capacitance, specific power, and energy.4 Nevertheless, the rarity of such metals prevent their practical use. In this study we utilize an earth-abundant nickel and a controlled microwave synthesis to create nickel oxide (NiO) with an optimal nanostructure for capacitance. To surpass the lofty series resistance associated with metal oxides such as NiO, we exploit the conductive properties of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes and NiO can benefit from the presence of each other by preventing unnecessary aggregation.
Detección del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo por captura híbrida II® según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de cuello uterino, período 2006/2010
Authors: Mongelós Pamela , Páez Malvina , Rodriguez-Riveros Isabel , Giménez Graciela , Castro Amalia , Mendoza Laura
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia del virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico (HR-HPV) por captura híbrida II (r) (CH II(r)) según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales (SIL) de cuello uterino. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de corte transverso de una serie de casos, en donde se incluyeron 122 mujeres tratadas, 79 (65%) por SIL de bajo grado (LSIL) y 43 (35%) por SIL de alto grado (HSIL) que concurrieron al Laboratorio de HPV del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, para realizarse un control post-tratamiento, periodo 2006/2010. RESULTADOS: Se observó un total del 28% (34/122) de mujeres tratadas por SIL positivas para HR-HPV, detectándose infección viral en un 20% de las mujeres con ausencia de SIL (NSIL) (22/108), 83% de las mujeres con LSIL (10/12) y 100% de las mujeres con HSIL (2/2). De las 34 mujeres positivas para HR-HPV, 10 mujeres (29%) presentaron valores altos (100 pg/mL o más) de carga viral relativa, detectándose un aumento de casos positivos con la severidad de la lesión (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: La detección de HR-HPV por CH II(r), así como los valores de carga viral relativa altos, en especial en mujeres con NSIL podrían ayudar a identificar mujeres tratadas con riesgo a desarrollar recidivas, contribuyendo así a fortalecer el programa de prevención de cáncer de cuello uterino.
Consumo de álcool e risco para doença coronariana na região metropolitana de São Paulo: uma análise do Projeto GENACIS
Authors: Lima Maria Cristina Pereira , Kerr-Côrrea Florence , Rehm Jurgen
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVOS: Examinar a associação entre consumo de álcool e risco para doença coronariana em amostra populacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, conduzido de janeiro/2006 a junho/2007, na região metropolitana de São Paulo, como parte do estudo internacional (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study). Os sujeitos (1.501, sendo 609 homens e 892 mulheres) eram residentes da região metropolitana de São Paulo, tinham 30 anos ou mais de idade e foram selecionados aleatoriamente, a partir de amostragem complexa por conglomerados. Todos os indivíduos consentiram em participar da pesquisa. A variável dependente foi risco cardíaco avaliado através do WHO Rose Angina Questionnaire. A análise multivariada consistiu em regressão logística, tendo sido realizado ajuste para uso de tabaco e índice de massa corpórea. RESULTADOS: A taxa de resposta foi 75%. Ser mulher, ter mais idade, ser negro, fumante e ter um índice de massa corpórea elevado, foram associados a maior risco para doença coronariana. Indivíduos que nunca beberam na vida (OR = 2,22) e ex-bebedores (OR = 2,42) tiveram maior risco de doença cardíaca do que aqueles que informaram beber até 19 g de álcool por dia, sem episódios de beber excessivo. Entre os que tiveram episódios de embriaguês observou-se uma tendência a maior risco (OR = 3,95, p = 0,09). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos achados sugerem um menor risco para doença coronariana entre os bebedores moderados. Destaca-se que os estudos que avaliam o impacto do álcool sobre doença cardíaca precisam identificar o padrão de uso de álcool dos sujeitos, visto que este aspecto pode modificar o risco. Políticas públicas são necessárias para reduzir o uso nocivo de álcool e a morbidade a ele relacionada no país.
Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas sobre tuberculose em prisões e no serviço público de saúde
Authors: Ferreira Júnior Sérgio , Oliveira Helenice Bosco de , Marin-Léon Letícia
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar o conhecimento, atitudes e práticas sobre a TB em uma unidade prisional e na rede pública de saúde (RPS). METODOLOGIA: Foi realizado estudo transversal com aplicação do questionário KAP (knowledge, atittudes and practices) na coleta de dados. Participaram 141 detentos, 115 funcionários do presídio e 158 da RPS. O programa Epi-Info versão 6.04 foi utilizado para comparação de proporções com significância estatística para p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram observados conceitos equivocados sobre a doença entre os três grupos pesquisados. Na RPS foram detectados erros básicos sobre o conhecimento da TB, concluindo-se que há falhas nos treinamentos. O KAP mostrou-se eficaz na coleta de dados gerais sobre conhecimento, porém foi limitado e frágil nas informações sobre práticas e atitudes, não sendo aconselhável a sua utilização como instrumento único na coleta de dados sobre conhecimento, práticas e atitudes em TB. É sugerida sua utilização periódica como auxiliar nas atividades educativas e, considerando a elevada prevalência de TB entre detentos, aponta-se para a necessidade do envolvimento das Secretarias de Saúde na supervisão destas atividades educativas no sistema prisional