bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Pitavastatin Inhibits Atherosclerotic Plaque Destabilization/Rupture in Mice by Regulating the Recruitment of Inflammatory Monocytes
Authors: Katsuki Shunsuke , Matoba Tetsuya , Nakashiro Soichi , Sato Kei , Koga Jun-ichiro , Nakano Kaku , Nakano Yasuhiro , Egusa Shizuka , Sunagawa Kenji , Egashira Kensuke
Published: December 2013

Background—

Preventing atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture is the most reasonable therapeutic strategy for acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that (1) inflammatory monocytes play a causative role in plaque destabilization and rupture and (2) the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of pitavastatin into circulating inflammatory monocytes inhibits plaque destabilization and rupture.

Methods and Results—

We used a model of plaque destabilization and rupture in the brachiocephalic arteries of apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice fed a high-fat diet and infused with angiotensin II. The adoptive transfer of CCR2
+/+
Ly-6C
high
inflammatory macrophages, but not CCR2
−/−
leukocytes, accelerated plaque destabilization associated with increased serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), monocyte-colony stimulating factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. We prepared poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles that were incorporated by Ly-6G
−
CD11b
+
monocytes and delivered into atherosclerotic plaques after intravenous administration. Intravenous treatment with pitavastatin-incorporated nanoparticles, but not with control nanoparticles or pitavastatin alone, inhibited plaque destabilization and rupture associated with decreased monocyte infiltration and gelatinase activity in the plaque. Pitavastatin-incorporated nanoparticles inhibited MCP-1–induced monocyte chemotaxis and the secretion of MCP-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 from cultured macrophages. Furthermore, the nanoparticle-mediated anti–MCP-1 gene therapy reduced the incidence of plaque destabilization and rupture.

Conclusions—

The recruitment of inflammatory monocytes is critical in the pathogenesis of plaque destabilization and rupture, and nanoparticle-mediated pitavastatin delivery is a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit plaque destabilization and rupture by regulating MCP-1/CCR2–dependent monocyte recruitment in this model.
Seeking Prestige and Survival: Gift-exchange Practices between the Portuguese Estado da Índia and Asian Rulers
Authors: Melo João
Published: December 2013

Abstract

The relations between the Portuguese Estado da India and other Indian powers were based on several forms of interaction from embassies to commercial exchanges. One important channel of communication was the exchange of gifts. The Estado often used gifts to consolidate its ties with local powers, to ward off the hostility of potential enemies, and to maintain allies or find new ones. This article analyses how the gifts offered and received by the Portuguese served the interests of the Portuguese Crown in India, and lead to the adoption of local ritual practices by the Estado da Índia.
The Beçin Coin Hoard and Ottoman Monetary History in the Late 16th/Early 17th Century
Authors: Pfeiffer-Taş Şule , Schindel Nikolaus
Published: December 2013

Abstract

It is generally accepted that debasement greatly contributed to the economic and consequently also social problems of the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th/early 17th century. The numismatic data derived from the Beçin coin hoard, closing under sultan Ahmed (1603-1617) greatly challenges this view. Metal analysis has shown that only the overall weights of the coins were reduced; the fineness of silver remained unchanged at least until the 1610s.
The Poll Tax and the Decline of the Christian Presence in the Palestinian Countryside in the 17th Century
Authors: Tramontana Felicita
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Between 13 and 23 March 1650 a number of documents related to the annual collection of thejizya(poll tax) were recorded in the Islamic (sharīʿa) court of Jerusalem. Two concern “disputes” between the appointed tax collector and some villagers who refused to pay thejizyabecause they had recently converted to Islam. It is these documents that this article analyses. Besides their intrinsic interest as records about the payment of the poll tax, they are a valuable source of information on conversion to Islam among Christian villagers in Ottoman Palestine.
Creating, sharing and reusing learning objects to enhance information literacy
Authors: Russell Philip , Ryder Gerard , Kerins Gillian , Phelan Margaret
Published: December 2013

From June 2010 until the present, a suite of online reusable learning objects (RLOs) has been created by staff at the Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT Dublin) library covering a range of information literacy (IL) competencies. These RLOs have helped to facilitate student transition from second to third level, advance IL and enrich the student learning experience. The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of these RLOs and how the resources have been shared, reused and repurposed to enhance IL progression. A review of recent literature explores some of the key issues around the creation of digital learning resources and best practice, as well as the pedagogical foundations on which the learning objects are built. The design, development and implementation of the RLOs and the collaborative working arrangements that the digital resources have helped to foster are also outlined and the authors examine the issues and challenges experienced by the project team during the course of the RLO development. The significant usage and substantial impact that the learning objects have had on student-centred education and the various evaluative mechanisms used to measure the effectiveness of the RLOs is discussed, as well as future development plans. These learning tools have promoted best practice in innovative delivery methods and added value to the wider higher education (HE) community in the Republic of Ireland through their sharing, dissemination and reuse as open educational resources (OERs) via the National Digital Learning Resources (NDLR) service. The paper is likely to be of particular relevance to academic library practitioners and teaching staff in Irish HE as it provides an overview and links to a suite of digital learning tools that can be used or adapted in other academic settings. In terms of originality, there is no evidence of any published literature within the context of Irish HE sector covering the development of RLOs to support IL initiatives and will inform future research on how learning objects can be used to support learning and teaching practice both in the Republic of Ireland and further afield. This article is based on a poster presentation at LILAC 201
Being an embedded research librarian:
Authors: Mcluskey Clare
Published: December 2013

This article outlines an action research investigation into the role of an academic librarian in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector. It is the view of the author that a key way of supporting research as a librarian is to engage in the practice oneself, to partake in knowledge creation rather than simply providing information. It investigates the notion of the embedded librarian in relation to research support via a literature review. It then uses data recordings from meetings of the Higher Education Action Research in Teaching (HEART) group at York St John University, of which the librarian is a member, to provide evidence to support the idea that sharing expertise in such an arena also provides information literacy (IL) support to researchers. The theoretical basis employed is that of communities of practice (Wenger 1998), as it is the assertion of the author that all members of the said group are part of a community of practice, based upon shared aims of improving pedagogic practice
Entropy Evolution Characteristics Associated with the Development of the South Asian Monsoon
Authors: Li Jiangnan , Li Tim
Published: December 2013

The structure and evolution characteristics of atmospheric entropy production associated with the climatologic monsoon onset and evolution were investigated using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. The entropy balance equation contains two parts. The first part is internal entropy production that corresponds to natural dissipation. The second part is external entropy production that is associated with lower-boundary entropy supply. It is shown that the dissipation process represented by internal entropy production can be used to describe the thermal and dynamical structures of the monsoon. The thermal dissipation due to turbulent vertical diffusion and convection is highly correlated to precipitation. The dynamic dissipation due to wind stress becomes very strong over the Arabian Sea and southwestern part of India in boreal summer, and dynamic dissipation can describe the monsoon structure more clearly than variables such as wind shear. The correlation between surface entropy supply and internal entropy production is so large that the surface entropy supply can also be used to evaluate the monsoon. Over the desert region of Rajasthan, the dissipation is relatively weaker than its surroundings owing to descending large-scale eddy flow and a weak convective flux. The analysis of atmospheric entropy provides a new way to describe the monsoon development characteristics, which differs from those derived from a traditional analysis method.
The Antarctic Sea Ice Response to the Ozone Hole in Climate Models
Authors: Sigmond Michael , Fyfe John C.
Published: December 2013

It has been suggested that the increase of Southern Hemisphere sea ice extent since the 1970s can be explained by ozone depletion in the Southern Hemisphere stratosphere. In a previous study, the authors have shown that in a coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice model the ozone hole does not lead to an increase but to a decrease in sea ice extent. Here, the robustness of this result is established through the analysis of models from phases 3 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5). Comparison of the mean sea ice trends in CMIP3 models with and without time-varying stratospheric ozone suggests that ozone depletion is associated with decreased sea ice extent, and ozone recovery acts to mitigate the future sea ice decrease associated with increasing greenhouse gases. All available historical simulations with CMIP5 models that were designed to isolate the effect of time-varying ozone concentrations show decreased sea ice extent in response to historical ozone trends. In most models, the historical sea ice extent trends are mainly driven by historical greenhouse gas forcing, with ozone forcing playing a secondary role.
Energetics of Semienclosed Basins with Two-Layer Flows at the Strait
Authors: Cessi Paola , Pinardi Nadia , Lyubartsev Vladislav
Published: December 2013

Examination of the energy budget for semienclosed seas with two-layer exchange flow at the strait shows that the energy flux at the open portion of the boundary (the strait) is proportional to the surface buoyancy flux integrated over the basin area, with the constant of proportionality given by the interface depth. When the surface buoyancy flux is positive, the energy flux is negative: these types of basins have an estuarine circulation. Antiestuarine basins have a negative surface buoyancy flux, which provides a positive energy flux, augmenting the wind work in powering the circulation. The energy budget for the semienclosed seas with vertically separated flows at the strait is examined using reanalysis products for four major semienclosed basins: the Mediterranean and Red Seas (antiestuarine) and the Black and Baltic Seas (estuarine). Important differences in the relative contribution to the energy budget of the wind work versus the surface buoyancy flux are found within basins of the same type, and these differences help explain some qualitative aspects of the basins’ flow.
On the Importance of Surface Forcing in Conceptual Models of the Deep Ocean
Authors: Stewart Andrew L. , Ferrari Raffaele , Thompson Andrew F.
Published: December 2013

In the major ocean basins, diapycnal mixing upwells dense Antarctic Bottom Water, which returns southward and closes the deepest cell of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). This cell ventilates the deep ocean and regulates the partitioning of CO2 between the atmosphere and the ocean. The oceanographic community's conceptual understanding of the deep stratification and MOC has evolved from classic “abyssal recipes” arguments to a more recent appreciation of along-isopycnal upwelling in the Southern Ocean, consistent with a weakly mixed ocean interior. Both the deep stratification and the deep MOC are shown here to be sensitive to the form of the surface buoyancy forcing in a two-dimensional model that includes a circumpolar channel and northern basin. For a fixed surface buoyancy condition, the deep stratification is essentially prescribed, whereas for a fixed surface buoyancy flux, the deep stratification varies by orders of magnitude over the range of diapycnal diffusivity κ observed in the ocean. These cases also produce different scalings for the deep MOC with κ, in both weak and strong κ regimes. In addition, these scalings are shown to be sensitive not only to the type of surface boundary condition, but also to the latitudinal structure of the surface fluxes. This latter point is crucial as buoyancy budgets and dynamical features of the circulation are poorly constrained along the Antarctic margins. This study emphasizes the need for caution in the interpretation of simple conceptual models that, while useful, may not include all mechanisms that contribute to the MOC’s strength and structure.
Scanning ARM Cloud Radars. Part II: Data Quality Control and Processing
Authors: Kollias Pavlos , Jo Ieng , Borque Paloma , Tatarevic Aleksandra , Lamer Katia , Bharadwaj Nitin , Widener Kevin , Johnson Karen , Clothiaux Eugene E.
Published: December 2013

The scanning Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program cloud radars (SACRs) are the primary instruments for documenting the four-dimensional structure and evolution of clouds within a 20–30-km radius of the ARM fixed and mobile sites. Here, the postprocessing of the calibrated SACR measurements is discussed. First, a feature mask algorithm that objectively determines the presence of significant radar returns is described. The feature mask algorithm is based on the statistical properties of radar receiver noise. It accounts for atmospheric emission and is applicable even for SACR profiles with few or no signal-free range gates. Using the nearest-in-time atmospheric sounding, the SACR radar reflectivities are corrected for gaseous attenuation (water vapor and oxygen) using a line-by-line absorption model. Despite having a high pulse repetition frequency, the SACR has a narrow Nyquist velocity limit and thus Doppler velocity folding is commonly observed. An unfolding algorithm that makes use of a first guess for the true Doppler velocity using horizontal wind measurements from the nearest sounding is described. The retrieval of the horizontal wind profile from the hemispherical sky range–height indicator SACR scan observations and/or nearest sounding is described. The retrieved horizontal wind profile can be used to adaptively configure SACR scan strategies that depend on wind direction. Several remaining challenges are discussed, including the removal of insect and second-trip echoes. The described algorithms significantly enhance SACR data quality and constitute an important step toward the utilization of SACR measurements for cloud research.
Mesoscale Data Assimilation for a Local Severe Rainfall Event with the NHM–LETKF System
Authors: Kunii Masaru
Published: December 2013

This study seeks to improve forecasts of local severe weather events through data assimilation and ensemble forecasting approaches using the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) implemented with the Japan Meteorological Agency’s nonhydrostatic model (NHM). The newly developed NHM–LETKF contains an adaptive inflation scheme and a spatial covariance localization scheme with physical distance, and it permits a one-way nested analysis in which a finer-resolution LETKF is conducted by using the output of an outer model. These new features enhance the potential of the LETKF for convective-scale events. The NHM–LETKF was applied to a local severe rainfall event in Japan during 2012. Comparison of the root-mean-square errors between the model first guess and analysis showed that the system assimilated observations appropriately. Analysis ensemble spreads indicated a significant increase around the time torrential rainfall occurred, implying an increase in the uncertainty of environmental fields. Forecasts initialized with LETKF analyses successfully captured intense rainfalls, suggesting that the system could work effectively for local severe weather events. Investigation of probabilistic forecasts by ensemble forecasting indicated that this could become a reliable data source for decision making in the future. A one-way nested data assimilation scheme was also tested. The results demonstrated that assimilation with a finer-resolution model improved the precipitation forecasting of local severe weather conditions.
An Evaluation of the Impact of Horizontal Resolution on Tropical Cyclone Predictions Using COAMPS-TC
Authors: Jin Hao , Peng Melinda S. , Jin Yi , Doyle James D.
Published: December 2013

A series of experiments have been conducted using the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System–Tropical Cyclone (COAMPS-TC) to assess the impact of horizontal resolution on hurricane intensity prediction for 10 Atlantic storms during the 2005 and 2007 hurricane seasons. The results of this study from the Hurricane Katrina (2005) simulations indicate that the hurricane intensity and structure are very sensitive to the horizontal grid spacing (9 and 3 km) and underscore the need for cloud microphysics to capture the structure, especially for strong storms with small-diameter eyes and large pressure gradients. The high resolution simulates stronger vertical motions, a more distinct upper-level warm core, stronger upper-level outflow, and greater finescale structure associated with deep convection, including spiral rainbands and the secondary circulation. A vortex Rossby wave (VRW) spectrum analysis is performed on the simulated 10-m winds and the NOAA/Hurricane Research Division (HRD) Real-Time Hurricane Wind Analysis System (H*Wind) to evaluate the impact of horizontal resolution. The degree to which the VRWs are adequately resolved near the TC inner core is addressed and the associated resolvable wave energy is explored at different grid resolutions. The fine resolution is necessary to resolve higher-wavenumber modes of VRWs to preserve more wave energy and, hence, to attain a more detailed eyewall structure. The wind–pressure relationship from the high-resolution simulations is in better agreement with the observations than are the coarse-resolution simulations for the strong storms. Two case studies are analyzed and overall the statistical analyses indicate that high resolution is beneficial for TC intensity and structure forecasts, while it has little impact on track forecasts.
Lessons from Stafford
Authors: QC Robert Francis
Published: December 2013

A Public Inquiry into deficiencies at an acute hospital trust revealed not only many experiences of appalling care suffered by patients. Although it had been claimed that there were no warning signs of the poor state of affairs prevalent at the trust the Inquiry found evidence that staff, whistle-blowers and external bodies had been raising concerns the impact on patients of which were ignored or insufficiently understood. Mortality data was not accepted as showing a need to review standards of care. There was found to be a negative culture focussed on doing the system's business not that of the patients. Suggestions are made as to what trust boards should do to avoid similar issues arising in the future.
From monopoly power to deregulated markets
Authors: Subramanian Dilip
Published: December 2013

India’s policymakers justified the introduction of neoliberal economic reforms by advancing one of the main grounds that it would help optimise the performance of state-controlled enterprises. This article argues, on the contrary, that the reform process had an extremely deleterious effect on these enterprises’ operations. Based on a detailed ethno-historical case study of ITI, a large public sector manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, the article highlights the contradictory nature of neoliberalisation. Even as public sector companies were exposed to new rules of competition, they continued to be subjected to a web of bureaucratic constraints. The article then proceeds to contest the official narrative of the transition from a command economy to a market economy as a gradualist and pain-free process. For public sector managers and workers, in fact, the rupture with the past proved to be a precipitous and fairly violent experience. The article concludes by examining a key strategic measure adopted by the ITI management to enable it to adjust to the changed business climate, voluntary retirement and workers’ responses to this scheme.
Counting on Coworkers
Authors: Sloan Melissa M. , Evenson Newhouse Ranae J. , Thompson Ashley B.
Published: December 2013

Recent research suggests that supportive relationships between coworkers benefit worker well-being. Less is known about the distribution of social support among different groups of workers. In this article, we use data from a random sample of state employees to examine whether black and white workers differ in the number of ties they have to coworkers, the quality of these ties, and the effects of social support on workplace emotional experiences. Our findings suggest that compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are disadvantaged in terms of workplace social ties and perceived coworker support. Race differences in job characteristics do not explain these differences; however, there is some evidence that the racial composition of the workplace may influence the formation of workplace social ties. In addition, both black and white workers experience similar emotional benefits of social support.
Adolescents’ Reports of Physical Violence by Peers in Residential Care Settings
Authors: Khoury-Kassabri Mona , Attar-Schwartz Shalhevet
Published: December 2013

Physical victimization by peers was examined among 1,324 Jewish and Arab adolescents, aged 11 to 19, residing in 32 residential care settings (RCS) for children at-risk in Israel. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was used to examine the relationships between physical victimization and adolescents’ characteristics (age, gender, self-efficacy, adjustment difficulties, maltreatment by staff, and perceived social climate) as well as institution-level characteristics (care setting type, size, structure, and ethnic affiliation). For this study, we define physical violence as being grabbed, shoved, kicked, punched, hit with a hand, or hit with an object. Over 50% (56%) of the adolescents surveyed reported having experienced at least one form of physical violence by peers. Boys and younger adolescents were more likely to be victimized than girls and older adolescents. The results show that adolescents with adjustment difficulties or low social self-efficacy, and adolescents who perceive an institution’s staff as strict and/or had experienced maltreatment by staff, are vulnerable groups for peer victimization. Lower levels of victimization were found in RCS with a familial element than in traditional group settings. Institutions with high concentrations of young people with adjustment difficulties and violent staff behaviors had higher levels of violence among residents. Applying an ecological perspective to an investigation of peer victimization in RCS enables the identification of risk factors at adolescent and institution levels. This type of examination has implications for child welfare practice and policy that can help in the development of prevention and intervention methods designed to tackle the involvement in violence of youth in care.
Hospital Discharge Bags and Breastfeeding at 6 Months
Authors: Sadacharan Radha , Grossman Xena , Matlak Stephanie , Merewood Anne
Published: December 2013

Background:

Distribution of industry-sponsored formula sample packs to new mothers undermines breastfeeding.

Objective:

Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (IFPS II), we aimed to determine whether receipt of 4 different types of bags was associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life.

Methods:

We extracted data from IFPS II questionnaires. Type of discharge bag received was categorized as “formula bag,” “coupon bag,” “breastfeeding supplies bag,” or “no bag”. We examined exclusive breastfeeding status at 10 weeks (post hoc) and at 6 months using univariate descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for sociodemographic and attitudinal variables.

Results:

Overall, 1868 (81.4%) of women received formula bags, 96 (4.2%) received coupon bags, 46 (2.0%) received breastfeeding supplies bags, and 284 (12.4%) received no bag. By 10 weeks, recipients of breastfeeding supplies bags or no bag were significantly more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding than formula bag recipients. In the adjusted model, compared to formula bag/coupon bag recipients, recipients of breastfeeding supplies bag/no bag were significantly more likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.36).

Conclusion:

The vast majority of new mothers received formula sample packs at discharge, and this was associated with reduced exclusive breastfeeding at 10 weeks and 6 months. Bags containing breastfeeding supplies or no bag at all were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 10 weeks and 6 months.
Energy Security: A Multivariate Analysis of Emerging Trends and Implications for South Asia
Authors: Kurian Anju Lis , Vinodan C.
Published: December 2013

Energy security is considered to be a universal issue in the twenty-first century. It denotes the right to use reliable sources of energy at competitive prices produced in an environmentally sustainable and safe means as well as the security of supply and demand. The strategic significance of energy security has been stirred by the political and economic events since 1970. The purpose of energy security is to guarantee adequate, reliable supplies of energy at reasonable prices in ways that do not endanger major national values and objectives. Energy security has different dimensions that vary from economic, environmental, social, foreign and technological progress which differ from country to country, and also from one period to another. To meet the growing aspirations of the people and the economies of South Asia, countries are under massive social and political strain to secure reliable, sustainable and reasonably priced energy supplies to meet the escalating demand for commercial energy. Energy security is thus no longer merely a catchword but an irrefutable reality for vital economic development throughout South Asia. And energy security will remain a high priority issue all over the world and the duty of ensuring energy security to the people and the state is not only confined to national governments but also to regional and international regime. This article analyses the emerging trends of energy security through the most debated contemporary issues such as climate change, sustainable development and globalisation.
Book Review: Sudan’s Oil Diplomacy, 1991–2003
Authors: Badetia Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2013

Dash, Sandipani, Sudan’s Oil Diplomacy, 1991–2003 (New Delhi: Manak Publications Pvt. Ltd, 2012). Pp. 317. Price: ₹536.
A Pilot Trial of Mindfulness Meditation Training for ADHD in Adulthood: Impact on Core Symptoms, Executive Functioning, and Emotion Dysregulation
Authors: Mitchell John T. , McIntyre Elizabeth M. , English Joseph S. , Dennis Michelle F. , Beckham Jean C. , Kollins Scott H.
Published: December 2013

Objective: Mindfulness meditation training is garnering increasing empirical interest as an intervention for ADHD in adulthood, although no studies of mindfulness as a standalone treatment have included a sample composed entirely of adults with ADHD or a comparison group. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of mindfulness meditation for ADHD, executive functioning (EF), and emotion dysregulation symptoms in an adult ADHD sample. Method: Adults with ADHD were stratified by ADHD medication status and otherwise randomized into an 8-week group-based mindfulness treatment ( n = 11) or waitlist group ( n = 9). Results: Treatment feasibility and acceptability were positive. In addition, self-reported ADHD and EF symptoms (assessed in the laboratory and ecological momentary assessment), clinician ratings of ADHD and EF symptoms, and self-reported emotion dysregulation improved for the treatment group relative to the waitlist group over time with large effect sizes. Improvement was not observed for EF tasks. Conclusion: Findings support preliminary treatment efficacy, though require larger trials.
School choice for transnational parents in Tokyo
Authors: Velliaris Donna M , Willis Craig R
Published: December 2013

School choice is centred on parents deciding where and how their children will be educated, and this issue is similar – to varying degrees – for parents all around the world. Parental school choice is the authority that parents exercise in making decisions about where their children will attend school, and choosing a particular educational pathway signifies their capacity to respond on behalf of their children and to address concerns about their development. Most parents have a deep commitment to their children’s education since childhood opportunities provide the basis for cognitive learning, health and happiness. Transnational parents want to support their children to the best of their ability. However, cultural, linguistic, economic and other barriers may limit their ability to choose a school in an unfamiliar context. To advance scholarship on transnational families, this article presents a review of the school choice options available to transnational parents residing in Tokyo, Japan.
It’s not only English: Effects of other individual factors on English language learning and academic learning of ESL international students in Australia
Authors: Phakiti Aek , Hirsh David , Woodrow Lindy
Published: December 2013

Geographic mobility and favourable educational policies have resulted in a rapid expansion in international education in recent decades. International education not only provides significant economic benefits and intellectual progression at the national level but also equips individuals with a good understanding of the educational, linguistic, social and cultural diversities that characterize our world. For international students, being successful academically and socially requires more than just a high level of English language proficiency. Personal factors such as motivation, self-efficacy, personal values and self-regulation are also significant factors in student success. This article addresses the importance of such personal factors, using a structural equation modelling approach that allows us to examine the complex relationship between personal factors, students’ English language proficiency and academic achievement. The participants were 341 English as a second language (ESL) international students who were attending the final semester of their Foundation Studies programme which prepared them for undergraduate entry at an Australian university. It was found that motivation, self-regulation, self-efficacy and English language proficiency were significant learner factors explaining not only English language learning but also academic achievement. The study suggests the need for language classroom teaching and university support that incorporates such personal factors with academic language content as a way to maximize students’ learning outcomes.
Central and peripheral effects of Sutherlandia frutescens on the response to acute psychological stress
Authors: Smith Carine , van Vuuren Marthinus Janse
Published: December 2013

Sutherlandia frutescens is widely used in indigenous medicine for the treatment of stress- and anxiety-related disorders, and although anecdotal evidence has been scientifically confirmed, relatively little data are available on its potential mechanisms of action. We manipulated a rodent model of acute psychological stress by acutely administering a low dose (4 mg/kg body mass) of S. frutescens extract 30 min prior to stress exposure (1 h restraint), to elucidate both its central and peripheral mechanisms of action in the context of acute stress. After 1 h of exposure to stress, acute restraint resulted in a significant increase in plasma corticosterone levels (56 ± 33 versus 499 ± 50 ng/ml; P < 0.0001) and anterior pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels (0.066 ± 0.017 versus 0.202 ± 0.033% fluorescent area; P = 0.07), while decreasing hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A)α1 receptor levels (both P < 0.05). While the low dose of S. frutescens administered did not seem to have an effect on the down-stream stress response, it abolished the stress-induced down-regulation of GR, in a manner independent of GABA(A)α1 receptor. Results suggest a non-sedative effect of low-dose S. frutescens and points to central mechanisms of action that is in support of the anecdotal claims for its effectiveness as complimentary treatment in chronic stress-associated diseases.
Changing trends in antibiotic resistance for urinary E. coli infections over five years in a university hospital
Authors: Teoh Penelope , Basarab Adriana , Pickering Ruth , Ali Ahmed , Hayes Matthew , Somani Bhaskar K
Published: December 2013

Objective

We wanted to look at the antibiotic resistance patterns in our university teaching hospital for E. coli cultured from urine to assess the resistance profiles to common antibiotics used in the hospital.

Patients and methods

Results were obtained of all positive urine cultures between January 2007 and December 2011 both from the hospital and urology department. Trends in susceptibility and resistance data for E. coli to trimethoprim, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and nitrofurantoin were examined.

Results

A total of 40,722 hospital urine specimens were culture positive in the five-year period, of which 15,311 (37.6%) grew E. coli. Across the hospital there was no evidence of change in resistance to trimethoprim over the five-year period (38.1% in 2007 compared to 36.6% in 2011; p = 0.313). The percentage resistance to amoxicillin rose slightly (52.6% to 54.4%), and this was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Overall there was a statistically significant fall in resistance to ciprofloxacin but resistance has remained stable for the last three years (15.5% to 13.5%, p = 0.013). A trend of increasing resistance to gentamicin (p = 0.002) resulted from the 2007 baseline of 3.4% to 4.9% in 2008, but resistance remained stably low thereafter. Resistance to nitrofurantoin fell significantly (from 10.4% to 1.6%; p ≤ 0.0005).

Conclusions

The number of E. coli-positive urine cultures from hospital in-patients remained broadly stable over this five-year period. Resistance to trimethoprim and amoxicillin remains high. Gentamicin resistance remains low, but the statistically significant rise over the five-year period suggests resistance rates should continue to be carefully monitored. Nitrofurantoin resistance is very low and has significantly decreased. This narrow-spectrum antibiotic should be considered the mainstay for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in females.
The Immediate Effect of Lateral Wedge Insoles, With and Without a Subtalar Strap, on the Lateral Trunk Lean Motion in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Esfandiari Elham , Kamyab Mojtaba , Yazdi Hamid Reza , Foroughi Nasim , Sanjari Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2013

Background:

Orthotic interventions for knee osteoarthritis (OA) aim to reduce mechanical loading on the medial compartment of the knee and may lessen the lateral trunk lean as the most important compensatory gait strategy. The lateral wedge insole is a known orthotic intervention for knee OA. However, the question whether the addition of a subtalar strap to the wedge improves its effect has not been addressed in the literature.

Objective:

To compare the effects of lateral wedge insoles, with and without a subtalar strap, on the lateral trunk lean in patients with knee OA.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients aged over 40 years, with grade I or II OA of the medial compartment of one knee, based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria, were included in this study. The patients were diagnosed with OA based on a clinical examination, and the diagnosis was confirmed with radiographs. A 3-dimensional motion measurement system was used to collect the gait data for 3 different conditions: (1) with no insole, (2) with a lateral wedge insole, and (3) with a lateral wedge insole and a subtalar strap. The immediate effect of the 3 test conditions on the lateral trunk lean was compared during a gait cycle a stance phase and at the point of midstance.

Results:

Based on the laboratory coordinate system, the 3 conditions had no significant effect on the lateral trunk lean during a gait cycle and a stance phase and at the point of midstance in patients with knee OA.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrated that the lateral wedge insoles, with and without a subtalar strap, had no immediate effect on the lateral trunk lean in patients with knee OA. However, the long-term effect of lateral wedge insoles on the lateral trunk lean in these patients requires further investigation.
Early response with dasatinib or imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia: 3-year follow-up from a randomized phase 3 trial (DASISION)
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Saglio Giuseppe , Steegmann Juan Luis , Shah Neil P. , Boqué Concepción , Chuah Charles , Pavlovsky Carolina , Mayer Jiří , Cortes Jorge , Baccarani Michele , Kim Dong-Wook , Bradley-Garelik M. Brigid , Mohamed Hesham , Wildgust Mark , Hochhaus Andreas
Published: December 2013

Key Points

In a 3-year follow-up of the DASatinib versus Imatinib Study In treatment-Naive CML patients trial, first-line dasatinib resulted in faster and deeper responses compared with imatinib. Deeper responses at 3, 6, and 12 months were associated with better 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival.
Pyroptosis and adaptive immunity mechanisms are promptly engendered in mesenteric lymph-nodes during pig infections with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Martins Rodrigo Prado , Aguilar Carmen , Graham James E , Carvajal Ana , Bautista Rocío , Claros M Gonzalo , Garrido Juan J
Published: December 2013

In this study, we explored the transcriptional response and the morphological changes occurring in porcine mesenteric lymph-nodes (MLN) along a time course of 1, 2 and 6 days post infection (dpi) with Salmonella Typhimurium. Additionally, we analysed the expression of some Salmonella effectors in tissue to complete our view of the processes triggered in these organs upon infection. The results indicate that besides dampening apoptosis, swine take advantage of the flagellin and prgJ expression by Salmonella Typhimuriun to induce pyroptosis in MLN, preventing bacterial dissemination. Furthermore, cross-presentation of Salmonella antigens was inferred as a mechanism that results in a rapid clearance of pathogen by cytotoxic T cells. In summary, although the Salmonella Typhimurium strain employed in this study was able to express some of its major virulence effectors in porcine MLN, a combination of early innate and adaptive immunity mechanisms might overcome virulence strategies employed by the pathogen, enabling the host to protect itself against bacterial spread beyond gut-associated lymph-nodes. Interestingly, we deduced that clathrin-mediated endocytosis could contribute to mechanisms of pathogen virulence and/or host defence in MLN of Salmonella infected swine. Taken together, our results are useful for a better understanding of the critical protective mechanisms against Salmonella that occur in porcine MLN to prevent the spread of infection beyond the intestine.
Soybean peroxidase-mediated degradation of an azo dye– a detailed mechanistic study
Authors: Ali Liaquat , Algaithi Rowdha , Habib Hosam M , Souka Usama , Rauf Muhammad A , Ashraf S Salman
Published: December 2013

Background

Peroxidases are emerging as an important class of enzymes that can be used for the efficient degradation of organic pollutants. However, detailed studies identifying the various intermediates produced and the mechanisms involved in the enzyme-mediated pollutant degradation are not widely published.

Results

In the present study, the enzymatic degradation of an azo dye (Crystal Ponceau 6R, CP6R) was studied using commercially available soybean peroxidase (SBP) enzyme. Several operational parameters affecting the enzymatic degradation of dye were evaluated and optimized, such as initial dye concentration, H2O2 dosage, mediator amount and pH of the solution. Under optimized conditions, 40 ppm dye solution could be completely degraded in under one minute by SBP in the presence of H2O2 and a redox mediator. Dye degradation was also confirmed using HPLC and TOC analyses, which showed that most of the dye was being mineralized to CO2 in the process.

Conclusions

Detailed analysis of metabolites, based on LC/MS results, showed that the enzyme-based degradation of the CP6R dye proceeded in two different reaction pathways- via symmetric azo bond cleavage as well as asymmetric azo bond breakage in the dye molecule. In addition, various critical transformative and oxidative steps such as deamination, desulfonation, keto-oxidation are explained on an electronic level. Furthermore, LC/MS/MS analyses confirmed that the end products in both pathways were small chain aliphatic carboxylic acids.
Differential marker expression by cultures rich in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wetzig Andrew , Alaiya Ayodele , Al-Alwan Monther , Pradez Christian Benedict , Pulicat Manogaran S , Al-Mazrou Amer , Shinwari Zakia , Sleiman Ghida Majed , Ghebeh Hazem , Al-Humaidan Hind , Gaafar Ameera , Kanaan Imaduddin , Adra Chaker
Published: December 2013

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells have properties that make them amenable to therapeutic use. However, the acceptance of mesenchymal stem cells in clinical practice requires standardized techniques for their specific isolation. To date, there are no conclusive marker (s) for the exclusive isolation of mesenchymal stem cells. Our aim was to identify markers differentially expressed between mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures. We compared and contrasted the phenotype of tissue cultures in which mesenchymal stem cells are rich and rare. By initially assessing mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, we established that bone marrow and breast adipose cultures are rich in mesenchymal stem cells while, in our hands, foreskin fibroblast and olfactory tissue cultures contain rare mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, olfactory tissue cells represent non-stem cell mesenchymal cells. Subsequently, the phenotype of the tissue cultures were thoroughly assessed using immuno-fluorescence, flow-cytometry, proteomics, antibody arrays and qPCR.

Results

Our analysis revealed that all tissue cultures, regardless of differentiation potential, demonstrated remarkably similar phenotypes. Importantly, it was also observed that common mesenchymal stem cell markers, and fibroblast-associated markers, do not discriminate between mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures. Examination and comparison of the phenotypes of mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures revealed three differentially expressed markers – CD24, CD108 and CD40.

Conclusion

We indicate the importance of establishing differential marker expression between mesenchymal stem cells and non-stem cell mesenchymal cells in order to determine stem cell specific markers.
The precise timeline of transcriptional regulation reveals causation in mouse somitogenesis network
Authors: Fongang Bernard , Kudlicki Andrzej
Published: December 2013

Background

In vertebrate development, the segmental pattern of the body axis is established as somites, masses of mesoderm distributed along the two sides of the neural tube, are formed sequentially in the anterior-posterior axis. This mechanism depends on waves of gene expression associated with the Notch, Fgf and Wnt pathways. The underlying transcriptional regulation has been studied by whole-transcriptome mRNA profiling; however, interpretation of the results is limited by poor resolution, noisy data, small sample size and by the absence of a wall clock to assign exact time for recorded points.

Results

We present a method of Maximum Entropy deconvolution in both space and time and apply it to extract, from microarray timecourse data, the full spatiotemporal expression profiles of genes involved in mouse somitogenesis. For regulated genes, we have reconstructed the temporal profiles and determined the timing of expression peaks along the somite cycle to a single-minute resolution. Our results also indicate the presence of a new class of genes (including Raf1 and Hes7) with two peaks of activity in two distinct phases of the somite cycle. We demonstrate that the timeline of gene expression precisely reflects their functions in the biochemical pathways and the direction of causation in the regulatory networks.

Conclusions

By applying a novel framework for data analysis, we have shown a striking correspondence between gene expression times and their interactions and regulations during somitogenesis. These results prove the key role of finely tuned transcriptional regulation in the process. The presented method can be readily applied to studying somite formation in other datasets and species, and to other spatiotemporal processes.
Description of durum wheat linkage map and comparative sequence analysis of wheat mapped DArT markers with rice and Brachypodium genomes
Authors: Colasuonno Pasqualina , Maria Mastrangelo Anna , Blanco Antonio , Gadaleta Agata
Published: December 2013

Background

The importance of wheat to the world economy, together with progresses in high-throughput next-generation DNA sequencing, have accelerated initiatives of genetic research for wheat improvement. The availability of high density linkage maps is crucial to identify genotype-phenotype associations, but also for anchoring BAC contigs to genetic maps, a strategy followed for sequencing the wheat genome.

Results

Here we report a genetic linkage map in a durum wheat segregating population and the study of mapped DArT markers. The linkage map consists of 126 gSSR, 31 EST-SSR and 351 DArT markers distributed in 24 linkage groups for a total length of 1,272 cM. Through bioinformatic approaches we have analysed 327 DArT clones to reveal their redundancy, syntenic and functional aspects. The DNA sequences of 174 DArT markers were assembled into a non-redundant set of 60 marker clusters. This explained the generation of clusters in very small chromosome regions across genomes. Of these DArT markers, 61 showed highly significant (Expectation < E-10) BLAST similarity to gene sequences in public databases of model species such asBrachypodiumand rice. Based on sequence alignments, the analysis revealed a mosaic gene conservation, with 54 and 72 genes present in rice andBrachypodiumspecies, respectively.

Conclusions

In the present manuscript we provide a detailed DArT markers characterization and the basis for future efforts in durum wheat map comparing.