bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Acute, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Crossover Study of 320 mg and 640 mg Doses of a Special Extract of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on Sustained Cognitive Performance
Authors: Downey Luke A. , Kean James , Nemeh Fiona , Lau Angela , Poll Alex , Gregory Rebecca , Murray Margaret , Rourke Johanna , Patak Brigit , Pase Matthew P. , Zangara Andrea , Lomas Justine , Scholey Andrew , Stough Con
Published: December 2012

Standardized extracts of the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri (BM) (Brahmi) have been recently shown to have cognitive enhancing effects in chronic administration studies. Pre‐clinical work has also identified a number of acute anxiolytic, nootropic, and cardiovascular effects of BM. There has, however, been little research on the acute effects of BM on cognitive function. The current study aimed to assess the acute effects of a specific extract of BM (KeenMind® ‐ CDRI 08) in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in normal healthy participants who completed a cognitively demanding series of tests. Twenty‐four healthy volunteers completed six repetitions of the Cognitive Demand Battery (CDB) after consuming a placebo, 320 mg BM or 640 mg of BM in a cross‐over design and provided cardiovascular and mood assessments before and after treatment. Change from baseline scores indicated that the 320 mg dose of BM improved performance at the first, second, and fourth repetition post‐dosing on the CDB, and the treatments had no effect upon cardiovascular activity or in attenuating task‐induced ratings of stress and fatigue. It was concluded that assessment of an earlier pharmacological window and use of less memory‐specific cognitive tests together with more temporally sensitive measures of brain activity may improve our understanding of the acute neurocognitive properties of BM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Metabonomic Approach to a Unique Detoxification Effect of Co‐use of Euphorbia kansui and Zizyphus jujuba
Authors: Liu Yu‐Mei , Hui Rong‐Rong , He Cui‐Cui , Duan Jin‐Ao , Tang Yu‐Ping , Li Jian‐Xin
Published: December 2012

Euphorbia kansui (EK) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, it possesses toxic effects. The fruits of Zizyphus jujuba (ZJ) are frequently co‐used with EK to reduce EK's toxicity. The present study is to clarify the toxicity of water extract of EK and explore the detox effect of ZJ using 1H NMR‐based metabonomic approach. The water extracts of ZJ, EK and the co‐use of EK and ZJ (CEZ) were orally administered to SD rats at designed doses for 1 week, respectively, and one more week observation was further conducted. Histopathological studies of liver samples from all groups showed no negative impacts. In metabonomic analyses of urines, ZJ showed no toxicity, while significant changes of metabolites indicating liver damages, kidney lesions and imbalance of gut microbes were clearly observed during the second week in EK‐treated rats. Very meaningfully, CEZ clearly indicated that the toxicities appeared at the first week and became weaker, and furthermore, was recovered during the second week. These results clearly demonstrated the rationality of traditional co‐use of EK together with ZJ, and the metabonomic approach should be a promising tool to research the toxicity of TCM. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the behaviours of chromate and sol–gel coatings on aluminium
Authors: Liu Y. , Feng Z. , Walton J. , Thompson G. E. , Skeldon P. , Zhou X.
Published: December 2012

Differences between chromate conversion coatings and sol–gel coatings formed on aluminium and aluminium–copper alloys are highlighted with respect to the formation of cracks, the effect of the substrate composition on coating thickness and the influence of curing in air on coating re‐growth. For sol–gel coatings, it is shown that (i) cracking can be eliminated by inclusion of a sufficient amount of organic moieties, (ii) the coating thickness is unaffected by copper and (iii) coating re‐growth occurs readily after curing. These attributes are shown to contrast with the significantly different behaviours of chromate conversion coatings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A linear mixed model approach to compare the evolution of multiple biological rhythms
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Copetti Massimiliano , Mazzoccoli Gianluigi , Kypraios Theodore , Pellegrini Fabio
Published: December 2012

The assessment and comparison of multiple biological rhythms represent an important challenge in chronobiology. They allow the investigation of whether a well‐defined time‐qualified relationship between biorhythms of the same frequency range is maintained in the presence of functional alterations, which may lead to chronodisruption or internal desynchronization. We propose a multivariate linear mixed model approach where functions of several biorhythms are jointly modeled in a multivariate longitudinal fashion, handling both the correlation between biorhythms of multiple outcomes and the correlation between measurements collected over time within the same biological entity. Furthermore, between‐subject heterogeneity is also taken into account with the inclusion of random effects. Pairwise comparisons between biorhythms are performed by means of proper contrasts. As an example, we define contrasts which allow us testing whether or not two biorhythms are identical or opposing, providing additional support in clinical practice. Moreover, we illustrate the proposed method using both simulated and biological real data, concerning the comparison of three specific lymphocytes profiles which modulate the function of immune system between healthy subjects and non‐small lung cancer patients. Finally, the corresponding SAS syntax is provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjusting to BRICs in Glass Houses: Replacing Obsolete Institutions and Business Models
Authors: Aggarwal Raj
Published: December 2012

Global adjustment to the rise of the BRIC and other emerging economies is an important challenge for firms in the advanced economies. Emerging market firms increasingly trade and invest globally while monetary imbalances continue to rise and hobble advanced economy firms. Advanced country firms feel like they live in glass houses as the tectonic forces of technology, demographics, globalization, sustainability, and climate change force obsolescence in their business models. In this article, this overseas projection of economic power by the rising new economies is illustrated by the Indian and Chinese overseas economic expansion focused on Africa. This analysis shows that noneconomic state‐driven entities are likely to be a significant part of the rise of South‐South economic trade and investment flows and it poses theoretical and practical problems for existing market‐based economic and geopolitical institutions. Global adjustment to these new realities is also challenging as existing multilateral institutions seem to be inadequate. These changes in the global environment have significant implications for policy makers and managers of global companies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trouble Ahead: Derailment Is Alive and Well
Authors: Zhang Yi , Leslie Jean Brittain , Hannum Kelly M.
Published: December 2012

Derailment is a common phenomenon in organizations; however, managers' derailment can be prevented if the phenomenon is well understood. Derailed managers often have impressive track records and are solidly established within their organizations, but something goes wrong along the way. In this article, we review the dynamics and causes of derailment. We then report survey results from over 2,500 respondents across five countries with differences noted by level, industry, and country. Finally, we describe actions to prevent derailment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jet evolution from weak to strong coupling
Authors: Hatta Y. , Iancu E. , Mueller A. H. , Triantafyllopoulos D. N.
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Recent studies, using the AdS/CFT correspondence, of the radiation produced by a decaying system or by an accelerated charge in the
$ \mathcal{N} $
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, led to a striking result: the ‘supergravity backreaction’, which is supposed to describe the energy density at infinitely strong coupling, yields exactly the same result as at zero coupling, that is, it shows no trace of quantum broadening. We argue that this is not a real property of the radiation at strong coupling, but an artifact of the backreaction calculation, which is unable to faithfully capture the space-time distribution of the radiation. This becomes obvious in the case of a decaying system (‘virtual photon’), for which the backreaction is tantamount to computing a three-point function in the conformal gauge theory, which is independent of the coupling since protected by symmetries. Whereas this non-renormalization property is specific to the conformal
$ \mathcal{N} $
= 4 SYM theory, we argue that the failure of the three-point function to provide a local measurement is in fact generic: it holds in any field theory with non-trivial interactions. To properly study a localized distribution, one should rather compute a four-point function, as standard in deep inelastic scattering. We substantiate these considerations with studies of the radiation produced by the decay of a time-like photon at both weak and strong coupling. We show that by computing four-point functions, in perturbation theory at weak coupling and, respectively, from Witten diagrams at strong coupling, one can follow the quantum evolution and thus demonstrate the broadening of the energy distribution. This broadening is slow when the coupling is weak but it proceeds as fast as possible in the limit of a strong coupling.
Alzheimer's Association recommendations for operationalizing the detection of cognitive impairment during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit in a primary care setting
Authors: Cordell Cyndy B. , Borson Soo , Boustani Malaz , Chodosh Joshua , Reuben David , Verghese Joe , Thies William , Fried Leslie B. ,   Medicare Detection of Cognitive Impairment Workgroup
Published: December 2012

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act added a new Medicare benefit, the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), effective January 1, 2011. The AWV requires an assessment to detect cognitive impairment. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) elected not to recommend a specific assessment tool because there is no single, universally accepted screen that satisfies all needs in the detection of cognitive impairment. To provide primary care physicians with guidance on cognitive assessment during the AWV, and when referral or further testing is needed, the Alzheimer's Association convened a group of experts to develop recommendations. The resulting Alzheimer's Association Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Algorithm for Assessment of Cognition includes review of patient Health Risk Assessment (HRA) information, patient observation, unstructured queries during the AWV, and use of structured cognitive assessment tools for both patients and informants. Widespread implementation of this algorithm could be the first step in reducing the prevalence of missed or delayed dementia diagnosis, thus allowing for better healthcare management and more favorable outcomes for affected patients and their families and caregivers.
HDAC1‐mSin3a‐NCOR1, Dnmt3b‐HDAC1‐Egr1 and Dnmt1‐PCNA‐UHRF1‐G9a regulate the NY‐ESO1 gene expression
Authors: Cartron Pierre-François , Blanquart Christophe , Hervouet Eric , Gregoire Marc , Vallette François M.
Published: December 2012

The NY‐ESO1 gene is a cancer/testis antigen considered to be suitable target for the immunotherapy of human malignancies. Despite the identification of the epigenetical silencing of the NY‐ESO1 gene in a large variety of tumors, the molecular mechanism involved in this phenomenon is not fully elucidated. In two non epithelial cancers (glioma and mesothelioma), we found that the epigenetic regulation of the NY‐ESO1 gene requires the sequential recruitment of the HDAC1‐mSin3a‐NCOR, Dnmt3b‐HDAC1‐Egr1 and Dnmt1‐PCNA‐UHRF1‐G9a complexes. Thus, our data illustrate the orchestration of a sequential epigenetic mechanism including the histone deacetylation and methylation, and the DNA methylation processes.
Non-residual Sr of the sediments in Daihai Lake as a good indicator of chemical weathering
Authors: Zeng Yan , Chen Jingan , Xiao Jule , Qi Liang
Published: December 2012

The Rb/Sr ratio of lake sediments has been demonstrated to be a potential indicator of chemical weathering by increasing work. However, Rb and Sr in lake sediments are derived from both chemical weathering and physical erosion. Rb and Sr of different forms in lake sediments may record different environmental processes and information. In this study, the variation patterns of Rb and Sr of different forms in sediments of Daihai Lake were investigated. The results show that Rb and Sr of different forms display noticeably different variation patterns due to their different sources and associated environmental processes. Using the Rb/Sr ratios of bulk lake sediments to reflect chemical weathering is not accurate. The non-residual Sr of the sediments without detrital carbonates, representing the Sr leached from the catchment, can be used as an index of chemical weathering because the weathering of Sr minerals is very sensitive to climate change, and the non-residual Sr content of the sediment is determined more by Sr2 + influx than by the physicochemical conditions of lake water. The correspondence between the non-residual Sr and TIC/TOC in Daihai Lake also indicates that the non-residual Sr of the sediments is a good indicator of chemical weathering in the catchment.
Evidence for large-amplitude biome and climate changes in Atlantic Canada during the last interglacial and mid-Wisconsinan periods
Authors: Fréchette Bianca , de Vernal Anne
Published: December 2012

Last interglacial and mid Wisconsinan pollen data from sedimentary sequences of Cape Breton Island in Atlantic Canada were analyzed to reconstruct biome and climate conditions. Our results show warm and humid climate with mean annual temperature 6–7°C higher than today, up to 15–20% more sunshine and significantly longer growing season that fostered growth of temperate trees during the optimum of the last interglacial. The northern limit of the deciduous forest biome was then about 500 km north of its modern limit. Towards the end of the interglacial the deciduous forest was replaced by conifer/hardwood forest and boreal forest. Climate was then similar to modern. The transition from interglacial to glacial was marked by a change towards coniferous forest related to colder and dryer conditions. During the mid Wisconsinan, the development of forest tundra to boreal forest reflects migration of the Arctic Front and significant cooling with mean annual temperature anomalies of − 8 to − 12°C. The overall time series reflect large amplitude climate changes that point to high sensitivity of the southeastern Canadian margins, likely as a response to latitudinal shifts of the Gulf Stream and variable strength of the Labrador Current together with changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern.
The Emerging Predominant Party System in Turkey
Authors: Gumuscu Sebnem
Published: December 2012

In the Turkish national elections of 12 June 2011 the ruling Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi (AKP, Justice and Development Party) registered an exceptional success in Turkish democracy. For the first time, an incumbent party had managed to increase its votes for three elections in a row and established its predominance. This article argues that the AKP, like the Christian Democrats in Italy, Liberal Democrats in Japan or Social Democrats in Sweden, has established a cycle of dominance that includes initial mobilization, expansion of core support through material benefits, delegitimization of the opposition and selective use of ideological rigidity and flexibility. It is through this cycle that the AKP consolidated its position as a right-wing party, unifying centre-right and Islamic constituencies and thereby accomplishing what the other right-wing parties in Turkey had failed to do in the past.
A Simple Method for Contact modelling in an Arbitrary frame of Reference within multi-Physics Software
Authors: Espino D. M. , Shepherd D.E.T. , Hukins D.W.L.
Published: December 2012

A method to simulate contact between two boundaries of structures which are not aligned to predefined axes when using Comsol Multi-physics (v3.3, Comsol Ltd, Cambridge, UK) is presented. This method was developed because of limitations in the existing default contact modelling. Some of these limitations were recently addressed in a separate study; however, the method exploited symmetry across an axis of the coordinate system. The method presented here enables contact modelling with arbitrarily aligned structures within such a coordinate system. The contact method presented is then applied to a simple model with two deformable structures that come into contact, and compared over a range of positions. Results show a minimal variation in peak stress and contact pressure with model orientation, demonstrating that results are independent of orientation. Therefore, the contact method enables contact simulations in Comsol Multi-physics without assuming symmetry about an axis for contract. The method is compatible with the true transient contact method defined.
GRAIN FILLING OF DURUM WHEAT THROUGH ASSIMILATE REMOBILISATION UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS
Authors: LATIRI K. , LHOMME J. P. , LAWLOR D. W.
Published: December 2012

In a context of understanding the physiological mechanisms and cultivar traits which could improve durum wheat (Triticum durum) yield in water limited conditions, the paper focuses on the contribution of stored assimilates to grain growth and yield. A conceptual model describing the different fluxes of assimilate during the grain filling period is used together with a dataset from field experiments made in northern Tunisia during two growing seasons and under different conditions of water and nitrogen supply. Three types of behaviour have been encountered in relation to the balance between demand for assimilate and supply. Remobilisation of stored assimilates provides a buffer enabling grain growth to be maintained. Conditions at anthesis play an important role in determining the type of fluxes of assimilates. Grain number also plays a major role in short- or long-term remobilisation and grain number per ear increases short-term remobilisation. In rain-fed conditions, short-term remobilisation allows faster grain growth.
Multicultural voices: attitudes of older adults in the United States of America about elder mistreatment
Authors: ENGUIDANOS SUSAN M. , DELIEMA MARGUERITE , AGUILAR IRIS , LAMBRINOS JORGE , WILBER KATHLEEN H.
Published: December 2012

Despite international growth in policies to increase the identification and response to elder abuse and neglect, there remain considerable barriers to treating the problem. Some of these barriers may be attributed to how older adults from different racial/ethnic backgrounds define, experience and seek to remedy elder mistreatment. Using focus group discussions based on case vignettes, this paper examines how older adults from different racial and ethnic backgrounds in the United States of America perceive elder mistreatment. Five focus groups were conducted with African Americans, English-speaking Latinos, Spanish-speaking Latinos, non-Latino Whites and African American care-givers for older adults. While similar definitions and meanings of elder abuse were expressed across the different racial/ethnic groups, Latino participants introduced additional themes ofmachismo, respect, loveandearly interventionto stop abuse, suggesting that perceptions/beliefs about elder mistreatment are determined by culture and degree of acculturation in addition to race/ethnicity. Most differences in attitudes occurredwithingroups, demonstrating that perceptions vary by individual as well as by culture. In identifying scenarios that constitute elder mistreatment, some participants felt that certain cases of abuse are actually the persistence of intimate partner violence into old age. Participants also indicated that victims may prefer to tolerate mistreatment in exchange for other perceived benefits (e.g.companionship, security); and out of fear that they could be placed in an institution if mistreatment is reported. Findings suggest the need for person-centred intervention and prevention models that integrate the cultural background, care needs and individual preferences of older adults.
Coaxing Climate Policy Leadership
Authors: Vanderheiden Steve
Published: December 2012

The United States and China have recently been called upon to exercise more leadership in developing an effective international policy response to climate change, but without giving attention to either the risks inherent in taking on such a role or the mechanism by which leading can mobilize others to act in response. Here, I understand leadership as action by a sufficiently powerful actor in a cooperative scheme that is capable of triggering reciprocal actions by followers on behalf of that scheme, and argue that such leadership can be coaxed by potential followers through pledges of reciprocal action that are made conditional upon prior action undertaken by a leader. In the context of the current international impasse over post-Kyoto climate change mitigation commitments, I identify means by which leadership by the U.S. or China might be induced by such conditional pledges, potentially allowing some obstacles to international collective action on climate change mitigation to be overcome.
Avoiding Arrays of Odd Order by Latin Squares
Authors: ANDRÉN LINA J. , CASSELGREN CARL JOHAN , ÖHMAN LARS-DANIEL
Published: December 2012

We prove that there is a constantcsuch that, for each positive integerk, every (2k+ 1) × (2k+ 1) arrayAon the symbols (1,. . .,2k+1) with at mostc(2k+1) symbols in every cell, and each symbol repeated at mostc(2k+1) times in every row and column isavoidable; that is, there is a (2k+1) × (2k+1) Latin squareSon the symbols 1,. . .,2k+1 such that, for eachi,j∈ {1,. . .,2k+1}, the symbol in position (i,j) ofSdoes not appear in the corresponding cell inA. This settles the last open case of a conjecture by Häggkvist. Using this result, we also show that there is a constant ρ, such that, for any positive integern, if each cell in ann×narrayBis assigned a set ofm≤ ρnsymbols, where each set is chosen independently and uniformly at random from {1,. . .,n}, then the probability thatBis avoidable tends to 1 asn→ ∞.
Communicating with the Public Following Radiological Terrorism: Results from a Series of Focus Groups and National Surveys in Britain and Germany
Authors: Pearce Julia M. , Rubin G. James , Selke Piet , Amlôt Richard , Mowbray Fiona , Rogers M. Brooke
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Incidents involving the exposure of large numbers of people to radiological material can have serious consequences for those affected, their community and wider society. In many instances, the psychological effects of these incidents have the greatest impact. People fear radiation and even incidents which result in little or no actual exposure have the potential to cause widespread anxiety and behavior change. The aim of this study was to assess public intentions, beliefs and information needs in the UK and Germany in response to a hidden radiological exposure device. By assessing how the public is likely to react to such events, strategies for more effective crisis and risk communication can be developed and designed to address any knowledge gaps, misperceptions and behavioral responses that are contrary to public health advice.

Methods

This study had three stages. The first stage consisted of focus groups which identified perceptions of and reactions to a covert radiological device. The incident was introduced to participants using a series of mock newspaper and broadcast injects to convey the evolving scenario. The outcomes of these focus groups were used to inform national telephone surveys, which quantified intended behaviors and assessed what perceptions were correlated with these behaviors. Focus group and survey results were used to develop video and leaflet communication interventions, which were then evaluated in a second round of focus groups.

Results

In the first two stages, misperceptions about the likelihood and routes of exposure were associated with higher levels of worry and greater likelihood of engaging in behaviors that might be detrimental to ongoing public health efforts. The final focus groups demonstrated that both types of misunderstanding are amenable to change following targeted communication.

Conclusion

Should terrorists succeed in placing a hidden radiological device in a public location, then health agencies may find that it is easier to communicate effectively with the public if they explicitly and clearly discuss the mechanisms through which someone could be affected by the radiation and the known geographical spread of any risk. Messages which explain how the risk from a hidden radiological device “works” should be prepared and tested in advance so that they can be rapidly deployed if the need arises.

PearceJM, RubinGJ, SelkeP, AmlôtR, MowbrayF, RogersMB. Communicating with the public following radiological terrorism: results from a series of focus groups and national surveys in Britain and Germany. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-10.
Amount of Usage and Involvement in Explosions Not Associated with Increased Contamination of Prehospital Vehicles with Multi-drug-resistant Organisms
Authors: Lesho Emil , Ake Julie , Huang Xiao-Zhe , Cash Dana M. , Nikolich Mikeljon , Barber Melissa , Robens Kathleen , Garnett Eric , Lindler Luther , Scott Paul
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The role of explosions and patient transport vehicles as sources and vectors of Gram-negative, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) that predominate infections following lengthy evacuations after disasters due to natural hazards and in current war-trauma patients is unknown.

Hypothesis/Problem

Damaged or heavily-used vehicles could be sources of the MDROs subsequently linked to nosocomial infections.

Methods

From January through May 2008 in Iraq, inside surfaces of heavily-used, tactical vehicles (Experimental Group) were sampled with sterile, pre-moistened swabs. Swabs, along with positive and negative controls, were shipped to the reference laboratory in Washington, DC, where they underwent culture, identification and susceptibility testing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multidrug-resistant organisms were defined according to the standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. High risk organisms (HROs) were defined as susceptible E. coli, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp, or Klebsiella spp. Concurrently, new counterparts (Control Group) were similarly surveyed in a storage lot in Georgia, USA. Groups were compared using the Chi-squared test.

Results

One hundred thirty-nine consecutive vehicles including all available ambulances were sampled, yielding 153 swabs. Nineteen were lost or damaged during shipping. Seventy-nine swabs yielded growth of one or more Gram-negative bacteria. The amount and genotype of MDROs in heavily-used vehicles, including those involved in roadside bombings, were compared to control vehicles and to strains isolated from wounds and environmental surfaces at the base hospital. Predominant organisms included P. agglomerans (34%), S. flexneri (8%), E. vulneris (6%), Pseudomonas sp. (6%), and K. pneumonia (6%). No MDROs were isolated. Thirteen vehicles (eight of 94 experimental and five of 45 control) yielded HRO. There was no difference in contamination rates (P = .63). No HROs were isolated from ambulances. No clonal association existed between vehicle and hospital strains.

Conclusion

Given the implications that this knowledge gap has on military and civilian prehospital reservoirs of infection, further study is warranted to confirm these findings and identify targets for preventive intervention throughout civilian disaster and military casualty evacuation chains.

LeshoE, AkeJ, HuangX, CashDM, NikolichM, BarberM, RobensK, GarnettE, LindlerL, ScottP. Amount of usage and involvement in explosions not associated with increased contamination of prehospital vehicles with multi-drug-resistant organisms. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-3..
More Colorful than Ever!
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W.
Published: December 2012

In nature, color can be imparted to a feature either by a pigment or a structure that selectively reflects a part of the visible spectrum. The latter is called structural color, and it may be brighter than a pigment. Structural color is often used by animals for signaling, mimicry, and/or mate choice. In plants, mainly fruits, structural color is probably used for mimicry. Silvia Vignolini, Paula Rudall, Alice Rowland, Alison Reed, Edwidge Moyroud, Robert Faden, Jeremy Baumberg, Beverley Glover, and Ullrich Steiner described the anatomical arrangement within the outer layers (epicarp) of a blue fruit found in equatorial Africa that results in a blue color more intense than that of any previously described biological material! Although this fruit (Figure 1) has no nutritional value, by imitating the appearance of a fresh nutritious fruit, it avoids the energy cost of producing pulp yet can be dispersed by birds. And not only can it imitate a food source, it is probably also dispersed by birds who use it to decorate their nests in order to attract mates.
Birth weight predicts both proteinuria and overweight/obesity in a rural population of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians
Authors: Oster R. T. , Luyckx V. A. , Toth E. L.
Published: December 2012

The risk for many chronic diseases appears to be mediated in part by birth weight. Among Aboriginal Canadians, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular disease risk is disproportionately high, largely because of elevated diabetes prevalence. The relationships between birth weight (and other potential risk factors) and diabetes, hypertension, proteinuria and overweight/obesity were explored in 1439 rural Albertans (Canada), of whom 67.3% were Aboriginal. At voluntary outreach screening programs, demographic and clinical data were measured and recalled birth weights recorded. Statistical modeling using logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationships. In the final adjusted models, associations remained for low birth weight and proteinuria [odds ratio (OR) 2.36; 95% CI 1.24–4.49], as well as for high birth weight and overweight/obesity (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.00–2.53). These findings emphasize the need to strive for healthy pregnancies, with appropriate weight gains in these and other disadvantaged populations around the world.
Oocyte maturation and embryo survival in nulliparous female pigs (gilts) is improved by feeding a lupin-based high-fibre diet
Authors: Weaver A. C. , Kelly J. M. , Kind K. L. , Gatford K. L. , Kennaway D. J. , Herde P. J. , van Wettere W. H. E. J.
Published: December 2012

Inclusion of high levels of the high-fibre ingredient sugar-beet pulp in pre-mating diets has been shown to increase gonadotrophin concentrations and improve oocyte quality in nulliparous pigs (gilts). This study evaluated the effects of two alternative fibre sources on reproductive performance in gilts. Gilts received one of three diets from 3 weeks before puberty stimulation until Day 19 of the first oestrous cycle: control (39 g kg–1 fibre), bran (500 g kg–1 wheat bran, 65 g kg–1 fibre) or lupin (350 g kg–1 lupin, 118 g kg–1 crude fibre). Diet did not affect circulating LH concentrations or ovarian follicle size. However, a higher percentage of oocytes collected from lupin-supplemented gilts reached metaphase II in vitro compared with those collected from bran-fed or control gilts (89 ± 5% versus 72 ± 5% and 66 ± 5%, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, in a second experiment, gilts fed the same lupin-based diet before mating had improved embryo survival (92 ± 5%) on Day 28 after mating compared with control gilts (76 ± 4%; P < 0.05). Therefore, feeding a high-fibre diet before mating can improve oocyte quality in gilts without changes in circulating LH, but this effect is dependent on the fibre source.
InCroMAP: integrated analysis of cross-platform microarray and pathway data
Authors: Wrzodek Clemens , Eichner Johannes , Büchel Finja , Zell Andreas
Published: December 2012

Summary: Microarrays are commonly used to detect changes in gene expression between different biological samples. For this purpose, many analysis tools have been developed that offer visualization, statistical analysis and more sophisticated analysis methods. Most of these tools are designed specifically for messenger RNA microarrays. However, today, more and more different microarray platforms are available. Changes in DNA methylation, microRNA expression or even protein phosphorylation states can be detected with specialized arrays. For these microarray technologies, the number of available tools is small compared with mRNA analysis tools. Especially, a joint analysis of different microarray platforms that have been used on the same set of biological samples is hardly supported by most microarray analysis tools. Here, we present InCroMAP, a tool for the analysis and visualization of high-level microarray data from individual or multiple different platforms. Currently, InCroMAP supports mRNA, microRNA, DNA methylation and protein modification datasets. Several methods are offered that allow for an integrated analysis of data from those platforms. The available features of InCroMAP range from visualization of DNA methylation data over annotation of microRNA targets and integrated gene set enrichment analysis to a joint visualization of data from all platforms in the context of metabolic or signalling pathways.

Availability: InCroMAP is freely available as Java™ application at www.cogsys.cs.uni-tuebingen.de/software/InCroMAP, including a comprehensive user’s guide and example files.

Contact:  clemens.wrzodek@uni-tuebingen.de or andreas.zell@uni-tuebingen.de
Trafficking of regulatory T cells in the intestinal immune system
Authors: Pabst Oliver
Published: December 2012

Intestinal tolerance toward dietary antigens and the microbiota critically depends on regulatory T cells (Treg cells). To exert their function, Treg cells need to get into the proximity of their target cells foremost within lymphoid organs and the lamina propria in the small and large intestines. Thus, Treg-cell-mediated immunosuppression is intrinsically linked to cell migration and localization. However, the gut lamina propria not only constitutes an effector site but also actively influences Treg-cell function. In particular, gut-resident macrophages take an active role in shaping the Treg-cell pool. Here, the author summarizes recent observations to suggest that Treg-cell migration not only directs cells to sites of immunosuppression but also allows for the coordinated shaping of the Treg-cell population.
Monster potential meets potential monster: pros and cons of deploying genetically modified microalgae for biofuels production
Authors: Flynn K. J. , Mitra A. , Greenwell H. C. , Sui J.
Published: December 2012

Biofuels production from microalgae attracts much attention but remains an unproven technology. We explore routes to enhance production through modifications to a range of generic microalgal physiological characteristics. Our analysis shows that biofuels production may be enhanced
ca
fivefold through genetic modification (GM) of factors affecting growth rate, respiration, photoacclimation, photosynthesis efficiency and the minimum cell quotas for nitrogen and phosphorous (N : C and P : C). However, simulations indicate that the ideal GM microalgae for commercial deployment could, on escape to the environment, become a harmful algal bloom species par excellence, with attendant risks to ecosystems and livelihoods. In large measure, this is because an organism able to produce carbohydrate and/or lipid at high rates, providing stock metabolites for biofuels production, will also be able to attain a stoichiometric composition that will be far from optimal as food for the support of zooplankton growth. This composition could suppress or even halt the grazing activity that would otherwise control the microalgal growth in nature. In consequence, we recommend that the genetic manipulation of microalgae, with inherent consequences on a scale comparable to geoengineering, should be considered under strict international regulation.
An exploratory investigation of barriers and enablers affecting investment in renewable companies and technologies in the UK
Authors: Wells Victoria , Greenwell Felicity , Covey Judith , Rosenthal Harriet E. S. , Adcock Mike , Gregory-Smith Diana
Published: December 2012

The last few years have seen considerable research expenditure on renewable fuel technologies. However, in many cases, the necessary sustained and long-term funding from the investment community has not been realized at a level needed to allow technologies to become reality. According to global consulting firm Deloitte's recent renewable energy report (
http://www.deloitte.com/energypredictions2012
), many renewable energy projects stalled or were not completed because of issues including the global economy, the state of government finances, difficulties in funding and regulatory uncertainty. This investigation concentrates on the funding aspect and explores the perceived barriers and enablers to renewable technologies within the investment and renewables community. Thematic analysis of 14 in-depth interviews with representatives from renewable energy producers, banks and investment companies identified key factors affecting the psychology of investor behaviour in renewables. Eight key issues are highlighted, including a range of barriers and enablers, the role of the government, balance between cost/risk, value/return on investment, investment time scales, personality/individual differences of investors and the level of innovation in the renewable technology. It was particularly notable that in the findings the role of the government was discussed more than other themes and generally in quite critical terms, highlighting the need to ensure consistency in government funding and policy and a greater understanding of how government decision-making happens. Specific findings such as these illustrate the value of crossing disciplinary boundaries and highlight potential further research. Behavioural science and economic psychology in particular have much to offer at the interface of other disciplines such as political science and financial economics.
Biofuels: balancing risks and rewards
Authors: Thornley Patricia , Gilbert Paul
Published: December 2012

This paper describes a framework that can be used to evaluate the environmental risks and benefits associated with biofuel production. It uses the example of biodiesel produced from Argentinean soy to show how such a framework can be used to conceptualize trade-offs between different environmental, social and economic impacts of biofuel production. Results showing the greenhouse-gas savings and overall life-cycle impact of different ‘soy-biodiesel’ production methods are presented. These impacts and the significance of uncertainty in overall assessments of key parameters, such as greenhouse-gas savings, are discussed. It is shown that, even where sufficient knowledge exists to be able to quantify these impacts, the sustainability of supply of a particular biofuel is inextricably linked to values and ethical judgements. However, tailoring certification efforts to the issues that are most likely to make a significant difference to the overall sustainability could improve the effectiveness of certification efforts. The potential for a framework to guide and focus certification efforts is discussed and future research and policy priorities suggested.
Croton megalocarpus
oil-fired micro-trigeneration prototype for remote and self-contained applications: experimental assessment of its performance and gaseous and particulate emissions
Authors: Wu Dawei , Roskilly Anthony P. , Yu Hongdong
Published: December 2012

According to the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2011, 60 per cent of the population in Africa, some 587 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, lacked access to electricity in 2009. We developed a 6.5 kWe micro-trigeneration prototype, on the basis of internal combustion engine with pure
Croton megalocarpus
oil (CMO) fuelling, which configures a distributed energy system to generate power, heating and cooling from a single sustainable fuel source for remote users.
Croton megalocarpus
is an indigenous tree in East and South Africa which has recently attracted lots of interests as a biofuel source because of its high oil-yield rate. The direct and local use of CMO, instead of CMO biodiesel converted by the transesterification process, minimizes the carbon footprints left behind because of the simple fuel production of CMO. The experimental assessment proves that the prototype fuelled with CMO achieves similar efficiency as with diesel. Also, with the elevation of the oil injection temperature, the gaseous and particulate emissions of CMO could be ameliorated to some extent as improvement of the atomization in the spray and the combustion in the engine cylinder.
Effect of osmolarity and viscosity on the motility of pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira
Authors: Takabe Kyosuke , Nakamura Shuichi , Ashihara Masamichi , Kudo Seishi
Published: December 2012

The motility of bacteria is an important factor in their infectivity. In this study, the motility of Leptospira, a member of the spirochete family that causes a zoonotic disease known as leptospirosis, was analyzed in different viscous or osmotic conditions. Motility assays revealed that both pathogenic and saprophytic strains increase their swimming speeds with increasing viscosity. However, only pathogenic Leptospira interrogans maintained vigorous motility near physiological osmotic conditions. This suggests that active motility in physiological conditions is advantageous when Leptospira enters hosts and when it migrates toward target tissues.
Factors that influence the professional resilience of occupational therapists in mental health practice
Authors: Ashby Samantha E. , Ryan Susan , Gray Mel , James Carole
Published: December 2012

Background/aim

Mental health practice can create challenging environments for occupational therapists. This study explores the dynamic processes involved in the development and maintenance of professional resilience of experienced mental health occupational therapy practitioners. It presents thePRIOrity model that summarises the dynamic relationship between professional resilience, professional identity and occupation‐based practice.

Methods

A narrative inquiry methodology with two phases of interviews was used to collect the data from nine experienced mental health practitioners. Narrative thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results

Professional resilience was linked to: (i) professional identity which tended to be negatively influenced in contexts dominated by biomedical models and psychological theories; (ii) expectations on occupational therapists to work outside their professional domains and use generic knowledge; and (iii) lack of validation of occupation‐focussed practice. Professional resilience was sustained by strategies that maintained participants' professional identity. These strategies included seeking ‘good’ supervision, establishing support networks and finding a job that allowed a match between valued knowledge and opportunities to use it in practice.

Conclusion

For occupational therapists professional resilience is sustained and enhanced by a strong professional identity and valuing an occupational perspective of health. Strategies that encourage reflection on the theoretical knowledge underpinning practice can sustain resilience. These include supervision, in‐service meetings and informal socialisation. Further research is required into the role discipline‐specific theories play in sustaining professional values and identity. The development of strategies to enhance occupational therapists' professional resilience may assist in the retention of occupational therapists in the mental health workforce.
Barriers to the use of Information and Communication Technology by occupational therapists working in a rural area of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Chedid Rebecca Jean , Dew Angela , Veitch Craig
Published: December 2012

Background/aim

This qualitative study formed part of a large‐scale, multi‐phase study into the delivery of therapy services to people with a disability, living in one rural area of New South Wales, Australia. The study's purpose was to identify the impact of Information and Communication Technology on the workforce practices of occupational therapists' working in a rural area of New South Wales.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 13 occupational therapists working in disability, health and private practice in a rural area of New South Wales. Participants were asked about access to, skills and limitations of using Information and Communication Technology. A modified grounded theory approach, based on thematic analysis and constant comparison, was used to analyse the interview transcripts.

Results

This study found widespread use of technology by rurally based occupational therapists working in the disability sector in New South Wales. However, Information and Communication Technology was primarily used for client contact, professional development and professional networking rather than therapy provision. The study identified individual, workplace and community barriers to greater uptake of Information and Communication Technology by this group. The individual barriers included: age cohort, knowledge and personal preferences. The workplace barriers included: support and training and availability of resources. The community barriers included: infrastructure and perceptions of clients' acceptance.

Conclusion

The potential exists for Information and Communication Technology to supplement face‐to‐face therapy provision, enhance access to professional development and reduce professional isolation thereby addressing the rural challenges of large distances, travel times and geographic isolation. To overcome these challenges, individual, workplace and community Information and Communication Technology barriers should be addressed concurrently.