bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil‐specific response functions of organic matter mineralization to the availability of labile carbon
Authors: Paterson Eric , Sim Allan
Published: January 2013

Soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization processes are central to the functioning of soils in relation to feedbacks with atmospheric CO2 concentration, to sustainable nutrient supply, to structural stability and in supporting biodiversity. Recognition that labile C‐inputs to soil (e.g. plant‐derived) can significantly affect mineralization of SOM (‘priming effects’) complicates prediction of environmental and land‐use change effects on SOM dynamics and soil C‐balance. The aim of this study is to construct response functions for SOM priming to labile C (glucose) addition rates, for four contrasting soils. Six rates of glucose (3 atm% 13C) addition (in the range 0–1 mg glucose g−1 soil day−1) were applied for 8 days. Soil CO2 efflux was partitioned into SOM‐ and glucose‐derived components by isotopic mass balance, allowing quantification of SOM priming over time for each soil type. Priming effects resulting from pool substitution effects in the microbial biomass (‘apparent priming’) were accounted for by determining treatment effects on microbial biomass size and isotopic composition. In general, SOM priming increased with glucose addition rate, approaching maximum rates specific for each soil (up to 200%). Where glucose additions saturated microbial utilization capacity (>0.5 mg glucose g−1 soil), priming was a soil‐specific function of glucose mineralization rate. At low to intermediate glucose addition rates, the magnitude (and direction) of priming effects was more variable. These results are consistent with the view that SOM priming is supported by the availability of labile C, that priming is not a ubiquitous function of all components of microbial communities and that soils differ in the extent to which labile C stimulates priming. That priming effects can be represented as response functions to labile C addition rates may be a means of their explicit representation in soil C‐models. However, these response functions are soil‐specific and may be affected by several interacting factors at lower addition rates.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Urban Areas
Authors: Hardin Perry , Hardin Andrew
Published: January 2013

The use of airborne hyperspectral sensors for urban analysis represents a significant advance in remote sensing. The greatest challenges to effectively using urban hyperspectral imagery include (i) managing the natural spectral complexity of urban fabrics, (ii) selecting optimal feature sets from an enormous number of candidate features, (iii) designing classifiers that are minimally affected by the curse of dimensionality, and (iv) reducing the computational burden of hyperspectral algorithms on large images. To address these challenges, there have been several promising methodological advances in urban hyperspectral analysis. Examples include multiclassifier systems, decision fusion processes, support vector machine algorithms, object oriented approaches to classification, and discrimination via morphological profiles. Unfortunately, few of these advances are leveraged in commercial software packages, thus limiting their practical utility to the practitioner.
Spaces of security, surveillance and food safety: interrogating perceptions of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's governing technologies, power and performance
Authors: Devaney Laura
Published: January 2013

Set within a discourse of biosecurity and biopolitics, and noting the rise of neoliberal approaches in food safety governance processes, this paper examines the landscape of Irish food risk governance 10 years on from the formation of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Utilising a theoretical lens predicated on the interplay between neoliberal and biosecurity ideals and empirical data from qualitative research conducted with food industry stakeholders, the role, motivations, impact and performance of this institution of security are interrogated and assessed. Adding an institutional dimension to broader environmental security debates, this focus on the FSAI also allows the exploration of a complex geography of power and constraints through a discussion of the Authority's scalar relations to other actors in the food risk arena. Expanding existing FSA literature from a focus on establishment to a qualitative evaluation of FSA operating logics, performance and impact, the FSAI appears to represent an institution that is neither wholly neoliberal in its approach nor solely preoccupied with biosecurity concerns. Instead, findings suggest an institution that operates at the interface of these ideals, demonstrating (and fluctuating between) characteristics of both security logics. The paper concludes outlining the need for further comparative research regarding the conditions under which different security logics are employed in (and impact on) food safety securitisation regimes.
Organization, barrier function and antimicrobial lipids of the oral mucosa
Authors: Dawson D. V. , Drake D. R. , Hill J. R. , Brogden K. A. , Fischer C. L. , Wertz P. W.
Published: January 2013

Synopsis

As one moves from the skin across the vermilion region of the lip and into the oral cavity, the oral mucosa is encountered. The oral mucosa consists of connective tissue known as the lamina propria covered by a stratified squamous epithelium. In the regions of the hard palate and gingiva, the epithelium is keratinized like the epidermis. In the buccal region, the floor of the mouth and the underside of the tongue, the epithelium is non‐keratinized. The epithelium on the dorsum of the tongue is a specialized epithelium, but can be approximated as a mosaic of keratinized and non‐keratinized epithelia. The non‐keratinized epithelial regions do not produce a stratum corneum. Nuclei with intact DNA are retained in the superficial cells. In all regions, the outer portions of the epithelium provide a protective permeability barrier, which varies regionally. Antimicrobial lipids at the surfaces of the oral mucosa are an integral part of innate immunity.
A preliminary comparison of the effect of 0.3% versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse on de novo plaque formation: a monocentre randomized double‐blind crossover trial
Authors: Pilloni A , Zeza B , Mongardini C , Dominici F , Cassini MA , Polimeni A
Published: January 2013

Objective

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is considered the gold standard against gram‐negative microorganisms. Little has been written about the simultaneous influence that both time and concentration could have on antiplaque formation effectiveness of CHX. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of two different CHX concentrations and time applications in a 4‐day plaque regrowth study model.

Material and methods

Twenty volunteers were enrolled in a randomized double‐blind crossover study comparing the effectiveness of CHX 0.3% and CHX 0.2% mouth rinses applied for 15 and 30 s, respectively. Plaque index (PII), total bacterial counts and the detection of specific periopathogens were measured at the 5th day of each mouth rinse application. Taste acceptance was evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results

Chlorhexidine 0.3% resulted in a statistically greater reductions (10%) in PIl and periopathogens compared to CHX 0.2%. Furthermore, patients reported comparable taste acceptance in both groups.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine is an effective oral antiseptic. The CHX 0.3% mouth rinse formulation used for 15 s resulted in superior clinical and microbiological outcomes compared to the CHX 0.2% formulation, used for 30 s.
Comparison of irrigant penetration up to working length and into simulated lateral canals using various irrigating techniques
Authors: Spoorthy E. , Velmurugan N. , Ballal S. , Nandini S.
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate the effect of an apical negative pressure system, a passive ultrasonic irrigation system and a combination of both apical negative pressure and passive ultrasonic irrigation on the penetration of the irrigating contrast solution (ICS) up to working length and into simulated lateral canals.

Methodology

The root canals of 64 single‐rooted teeth were instrumented using the ProTaper rotary system. In each sample, three simulated lateral canals were created at 2, 4 and 6 mm levels from the root apex using a 06‐size C+ file (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Samples were randomly assigned into 4 experimental groups (n = 16): group I ‐ conventional needle irrigation, group II ‐ passive ultrasonic irrigation, group III ‐ apical negative irrigation system and group IV ‐ combination of passive ultrasonic irrigation and apical negative pressure irrigation system. To examine irrigating solution penetration, Indian ink was mixed with 5.25% NaOCl and delivered into the root canals. Samples were then assessed by direct observation of the images taken using Canon EOS rebel T3. The depth of penetration of ICS up to the working length and into the simulated lateral canals was analysed using chi‐squared tests.

Results

The combination (ANP and PUI) and ANP group had significantly deeper ICS penetration up to the working length (P < 0.001). The combination (ANP and PUI) and the PUI group exhibited significantly greater ICS penetration into lateral canals at the 6 mm level (P < 0.001). At the 4 and 2 mm levels, the combination of ANP and PUI had significantly greater ICS penetration into the lateral canals than the other groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of ANP and PUI was the only group able to achieve irrigating contrast solution penetration both up to the working length and into lateral canals.
Effect of plant polyphenols and ascorbic acid on lipid oxidation, residual nitrite and N‐nitrosamines formation in dry‐cured sausage
Authors: Li Ling , Shao Junhua , Zhu Xudong , Zhou Guanghong , Xu Xinglian
Published: January 2013

The effects of green tea,grape seed polyphenols and ascorbic acid on pH, water activity (aw), microbiological counts, TBARS, residual nitrite and N‐nitrosamines were determined in dry‐cured sausages during the ripening period. Results showed that TBARS increased gradually during ripening (P < 0.05), but were significantly reduced with plant polyphenols and ascorbic acid (P < 0.05). Green tea polyphenol (GTP) was most effective (P < 0.05) in reducing TBARS. Plant polyphenols and ascorbic acid significantly decreased residual nitrite, ascorbic acid being most effective (P < 0.05). The amount of N‐nitrosamines increased during ripening, but was significantly reduced with plant polyphenols and ascorbic acid (P < 0.05). Plant polyphenols had no significant effects on moisture content, aw, pH or microbiological counts in dry‐cured sausage during ripening (P > 0.05). It was concluded that plant polyphenols and ascorbic acid were effective in maintaining the quality and safety of dry‐cured sausages.
Effect of refining on the lignan content and oxidative stability of oil pressed from roasted sesame seed
Authors: Wu Shimin , Wang Lin , Shu Feiya , Cao Wenming , Chen Fengxiang , Wang Xingguo
Published: January 2013

Oxidative stability of pressed and refined sesame oils during seven consecutive months of storage at room temperature was studied comparatively. Lignans, peroxide value (PV), p‐anisidine value (AV) and total oxidation value (TOTOX) were determined as evaluation indices. PV, AV and TOTOX of sunflower, corn and peanut oils were simultaneously monitored to compare their oxidative storage stabilities with the sesame oils. The total amount of lignans in the pressed and refined sesame oils were 1103 and 790 mg per 100 g respectively. The contents of sesamin and sesemolin in the pressed sesame oil were 734 and 369 mg per 100 g respectively. Sesamin and sesamolin content were reduced by 256 and 159 mg per 100 g, respectively, after refining. Nearly 40% of the sesamin epimerised to asarinin after oil refining. The results indicate that sesame oils pressed from roasted seed have far superior storage stability to oxidation than the other vegetable oils. This difference may be due to much higher sesamin and sesamolin contents in the pressed sesame oils. The results suggest lignan compositions and levels could be used as key indicators for evaluating the oxidative storage stability of sesame oil products as well as to differentiate between pressed and refined sesame oils.
Characterisation of osmotically dehydrated papaya with further hot air drying and microwave vacuum drying
Authors: Nimmanpipug Nutthanun , Therdthai Nantawan , Dhamvithee Pisit
Published: January 2013

Papaya was subjected to osmotic dehydration (OD) prior to hot air drying (HA; 70 °C) and microwave vacuum drying (MVD; 3.75 W g−1 and 13.3 kPa). An increase in immersion time in a sucrose solution [65/100 g (w/w)] at 40 ± 2 °C from 0 to 4 h decreased moisture content from 7.5802 to 1.2215 kg water kg dry solid−1. During HA and MVD, effective moisture diffusivity was in the range 7.09 × 10−8 to 9.13 × 10−8 m2 s−1 and 2.85 × 10−6 to 3.50 × 10−6 m2 s−1, respectively, depending on immersion time. The hue angle of HA samples was 0.83–0.91, whereas that of MVD samples was 48.55–50.32. Both drying methods decreased springiness. Porosity was clearly observed in MVD samples. Rehydration rate was enhanced by increased immersion time and MVD (P ≤ 0.05). From preference mapping, MVD samples were more preferable than HA samples. Moreover, MVD samples with 1–3 h OD were more preferable than those with 4 h OD.
Alginate‐based and protein‐based materials for probiotics encapsulation: a review
Authors: Dong Qiu‐Yue , Chen Meng‐Yan , Xin Yang , Qin Xue‐Yan , Cheng Zhuo , Shi Lu‐E , Tang Zhen‐Xing
Published: January 2013

Owing to their considerable beneficial effects on human health, probiotics have been increasingly incorporated into food products. However, many findings have demonstrated that their survival and stability are very sensitive to processing and host gastrointestinal tract. To solve these problems, encapsulation techniques have been received considerable attention these days. So, in this review paper, methods for probiotics encapsulation, alginate‐based and protein‐based materials for probiotics encapsulation and application of encapsulated probiotics in food industry were discussed.
Effects of frying on polar material and free fatty acids in soybean oils
Authors: Wang Fang , Jiang Lianzhou , Zhu Xiuqing , Hou Juncai
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality deterioration of pressed soybean oil (PSBO), first grade solvent extracted soybean oil (FG‐SESBO) and third grade solvent extracted soybean oil (TG‐SESBO) with respect to time at 180 °C. It was found that there was a significant increase in total polar material (PM; P < 0.01) and free fatty acids (FFA; P < 0.05) in PSBO, FG‐SESBO and TG‐SESBO with increased time of frying. After forty‐five frying cycles, the final concentration of total PM was significantly higher in TG‐PSBO (30.39%) than in PSBO (21.10%) and FG‐SESBO (25.93%; P < 0.05). During frying cycles, the final acid value (AV) was significantly higher in PSBO (0.84 ± 0.02 mg KOH/g fat) than in TG‐SESBO (0.59 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g fat) and FG‐SESBO (0.56 ± 0.03 (mgKOH/g oil; P < 0.05). The content of saturated fatty acids in the three types of frying oils was significantly increased after forty‐five cycles of frying. However, even larger changes were observed in the content of unsaturated fatty acids, with decreases in C18:2, 9 c 12 c and C18:3, 9c 12c 15c and increase in C18:1, 9 c. The highest increasing slopes of PM and AV were observed in the TG‐SESBO.
A new approach to modelling the shelf life of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Giuffrida Alessandro , Valenti Davide , Giarratana Filippo , Ziino Graziella , Panebianco Antonio
Published: January 2013

A total of 217 Gilthead seabreams were subdivided in four groups, according to four different storage conditions. All fish were evaluated by both Quality Index Method (QIM) and microbiological analysis, sampling skin, gills and flesh, separately. A QIM score predictive system was set by modelling the growth of microflora of skin, gills and flesh and coupling these predictions to each related partial QIM score (QIMSkin, QIMGills, QIMFlesh). The expression of QIM score as a function of bacterial behaviour was carried out by the employment of two coefficients. The predicted mean bacterial concentrations corresponding to the QIM score at 14 days were always near to Log 8 CFU g−1 in the case of ‘S’ (skin) and ‘G’ (gills) series. Moreover, predicted QIM scores were in a good agreement with observed data, reproducing the observed mean time of rejection as well as the bacterial spoilage level (Log 8 CFU g−1), for all kinds of storage condition.
Antibody repertoire development in fetal and neonatal piglets. XVI. Influenza stimulates adaptive immunity, class switch and diversification of the IgG repertoire encoded by downstream Cγ genes
Authors: Butler John E. , Sun XiuZhu , Wertz Nancy , Vincent Amy L. , Zanella Eraldo L. , Lager Kelly M.
Published: January 2013

Infection of germ‐free isolator piglets with swine influenza (S‐FLU) that generates dsRNA during replication causes elevation of immunoglobulins in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage, a very weak response to trinitrophenyl conjugates but an immune response to S‐FLU. The increased immunoglobulin levels result mainly from the polyclonal activation of B cells during the infection, but model antigen exposure may contribute. The 10‐fold increase in local and serum IgG accompanies a 10‐fold decrease in the transcription of IgG3 in the tracheal–bronchial lymph nodes and in the ileal Peyer's patches. Infection results in class switch recombination to downstream Cγ genes, which diversify their repertoire; both features are diagnostic of adaptive immunity. Meanwhile the repertoires of IgM and IgG3 remain undiversified suggesting that they encode innate, natural antibodies. Whereas IgG3 may play an initial protective role, antibodies encoded by downstream Cγ genes with diversified repertoires are predicted to be most important in long‐term protection against S‐FLU.
A new genus of the family Panfiloviidae (Insecta, Neuroptera) from the Middle Jurassic of China
Authors: YANG QIANG , MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , REN DONG
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Epipanfilovia oviformis gen. et sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Panfiloviidae) is described from the Middle Jurassic locality of Daohugou (Inner Mongolia, China) based on six specimens. A revised diagnosis of this family is provided. It includes two genera, Panfilovia Makarkin and Epipanfilovia gen. nov.; Osmylogramma Ponomarenko is removed from the family. Panfiloviidae is most closely related to another Jurassic family Grammolingiidae, and both are provisionally assigned to the superfamily Osmyloidea.
A new miocene lacustrine mollusc fauna of the Dinaride Lake System and its palaeobiogeographic, palaeoecologic and taxonomic implications
Authors: NEUBAUER THOMAS A. , MANDIC OLEG , HARZHAUSER MATHIAS , HRVATOVIĆ HAZIM
Published: January 2013

Abstract: The Dinaride Lake System, as one of the largest freshwater systems in the Neogene of Europe, is widely known for its exceptional mollusc fauna. During the Early and Middle Miocene, it displayed a major evolutionary hotspot resulting in a high level of endemicity. Despite advanced investigations in that region, comprehensive knowledge on the mollusc fauna of the Kupres basin is largely lacking. The herein presented results give insight into this outstandingly preserved fauna and are the base for a systematic revision of several supraspecific taxa among the Hydrobiidae. Because their phylogeny is poorly known, this study may serve as starting point for an overall systematic revision of this highly diverse family. Moreover, the faunal composition allows inferences on palaeobiogeography and hydrological connections within the Dinaride Lake System during the early Middle Miocene. About one‐third of the described taxa are restricted to the Kupres basin. The other taxa document faunistic relations to the coeval faunas of the Sinj, Drniš and Džepi basins. Phases of hydrological isolation, indicated by carbonate dominated lithology, coincide with a high frequency of sculptured morphologies within the gastropods. Phases of increased aridity led to high evaporation, a lowered lake level and enhanced carbonate production which seem to have promoted strongly calcified shells. The stratigraphic ranges of the species imply a depositional age of 15.5 ± 0.2 Ma (earliest Middle Miocene; Langhian). Among the HydrobiidaeCyclothyrellagen. nov. andPseudodianellagen. nov. are introduced as new genera.Bania obliquaecostatasp. nov.,Melanopsis coricisp. nov.,Nematurella vrabacisp. nov.,Prososthenia diaphorossp. nov. andPrososthenia undocostatasp. nov. are described as new species. For the secondary homonymMelanopsis bittneri(Neumayr, 1880), the new nameMelanopsis medinaenom. nov. is proposed.
The role of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis
Authors: Padgett Lindsey E. , Broniowska Katarzyna A. , Hansen Polly A. , Corbett John A. , Tse Hubert M.
Published: January 2013

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell–mediated autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin‐secreting pancreatic β cells. In humans with T1D and in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice (a murine model for human T1D), autoreactive T cells cause β‐cell destruction, as transfer or deletion of these cells induces or prevents disease, respectively. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells use distinct effector mechanisms and act at different stages throughout T1D to fuel pancreatic β‐cell destruction and disease pathogenesis. While these adaptive immune cells employ distinct mechanisms for β‐cell destruction, one central means for enhancing their autoreactivity is by the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐1. In addition to their production by diabetogenic T cells, proinflammatory cytokines are induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) via redox‐dependent signaling pathways. Highly reactive molecules, proinflammatory cytokines are produced upon lymphocyte infiltration into pancreatic islets and induce disease pathogenicity by directly killing β cells, which characteristically possess low levels of antioxidant defense enzymes. In addition to β‐cell destruction, proinflammatory cytokines are necessary for efficient adaptive immune maturation, and in the context of T1D they exacerbate autoimmunity by intensifying adaptive immune responses. The first half of this review discusses the mechanisms by which autoreactive T cells induce T1D pathogenesis and the importance of ROS for efficient adaptive immune activation, which, in the context of T1D, exacerbates autoimmunity. The second half provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of (1) the mechanisms by which cytokines such as IL‐1 and IFN‐γ influence islet insulin secretion and apoptosis and (2) the key free radicals and transcription factors that control these processes.
Climate Vulnerability and Adaptive Strategies Along the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Border of Mexico and the United States
Authors: Hurd Brian
Published: January 2013

Climate change and growing populations are dual stresses that are particularly challenging to communities along the US/Mexican border where adaptive capacity is limited, infrastructure is lacking, and economic resources are scarce. Although regional precipitation projections vary significantly in both timing and amount, projections of temperature changes produce a more robust signal of raised temperatures. A summary look is provided that highlights the climatic changes that are projected, identifies key systems and sectors that are vulnerable to climate change, describes and summarizes the role of adaptation and the development of adaptation strategies. A promising look at binational co‐adaptation is highlighted and illustrates the potential for building regional adaptive capacity.
Measuring three‐dimensional strain distribution in tendon
Authors: KHODABAKHSHI G. , WALKER D. , SCUTT A. , WAY L. , COWIE R.M. , HOSE D.R.
Published: January 2013

Tendons are tough fibrous tissues that facilitate skeletal movement by transferring muscular force to bone. Studies into the effects of mechanical stress on tendons have shown that these can either accelerate healing or cause tendon injuries depending on the load applied. It is known that local strain magnitude and direction play an important role in tendon remodelling and also failure, and different techniques to study strain distribution have been proposed. Image registration and processing techniques are among the recently employed methods. In this study, a novel three‐dimensional image processing technique using the Sheffield Image Registration Toolkit is introduced to study local strain and displacement distribution in tendon. The results show that the local normal strain values in the loading axis are smaller than the global applied load, and fibre sliding was detected as a dominant mechanism for transferring the applied load within tendon. However, results from different samples suggest three distinct modes of deformation during loading, as some show only parallel sliding of fibres in respect to the loading axis, whereas others are twisted or deflected in directions transverse to the loading axis. The proposed 3D image registration method is essential for analysing this out‐of‐plane movement, which cannot be detected using a standard 2D method.
Assessing the Accuracy and Reproducibility of Computer‐Assisted Analysis of 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT Using BasGan (V2)
Authors: Skanjeti A. , Angusti T. , Iudicello M. , Dazzara F. , Delgado Yabar G. M. , Trevisiol E. , Podio V.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Over the last two decades 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT, has been used to discriminate neurodegenerative Parkinsonian syndrome from other diseases. BasGan is a freely available software that assists 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT evaluation by estimating semiquantitative values for each basal nucleus and compares the results to a database of healthy subjects. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the accuracy of qualitative analysis and of semiquantitative, BasGan‐assisted evaluations of 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT; (2) to compare the accuracy of both methods when applied to “doubtful” cases; (3) to appreciate the reproducibility of the BasGan‐assisted evaluations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy‐eight patients were included in this 4‐year follow‐up study. The diagnostic cut‐off for semiquantitative uptake values of each basal nucleus was determined based on ROC curves analysis. Accuracy scores were calculated for the entire population and for “doubtful” cases. Intra‐ and interoperator reproducibility was assessed.

RESULTS

Accuracy of the software‐assisted analyses was high for data from each nucleus. In “doubtful” exams accuracy was higher when using BasGan as opposed to relying solely on visual assessment. Intra‐ and interoperator reproducibility of the BasGan‐assisted evaluations was good to excellent.

CONCLUSION

BasGan‐assisted evaluations of 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT were very useful, particularly in “doubtful” cases. Multicenter studies are mandatory before routine use of BasGan.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant focal liver lesions: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Friedrich‐Rust Mireen , Klopffleisch Tom , Nierhoff Julia , Herrmann Eva , Vermehren Johannes , Schneider Maximilian D. , Zeuzem Stefan , Bojunga Joerg
Published: January 2013

Background

International guidelines of Ultrasound recommend the performance of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as the first method of choice after conventional ultrasound for the diagnostic work‐up of focal liver lesions. However, these recommendations are based on the results of multiple single studies and only few large multicentre studies.

Aims

The rationale of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the overall sensitivity and specificity ofCEUSfor the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions.

Methods

Literature databases were searched up to March 2012. Inclusion criteria were evaluation ofCEUS, assessment of sensitivity and specificity ofCEUSfor the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. The meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model based on the DerSimonian Laird method. Quality analyses were carried out to assess sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 45 studies with 8147 focal liver lesions were included in the analysis. Overall sensitivity and specificity ofCEUSfor the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions was 93% (95%‐CI: 91–95%) and 90% (95%‐CI: 88–92%) respectively. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies. However, subanalysis revealed no significant difference when evaluating studies using histology for all liver lesions, when comparing high‐quality and low‐quality studies, and blinded vs non‐blinded studies.

Conclusion

The results of this meta‐analysis support the international recommendations onCEUSfor the diagnostic work‐up of focal liver lesions selecting patients who need further diagnostics.
Polymorphisms in Kallikrein7 and 10 genes and oral cancer risks in Taiwan betel quid chewers and smokers
Authors: Wang Y‐Y , Lin Y‐C , Hung H‐C , Tien W‐Y , Shieh T‐Y
Published: January 2013

Objectives

We investigated the association between mRNA levels, polymorphisms of Kallikrein7 (KLK7) and Kallikrein10 (KLK10), and the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods

We recruited 217 OSCC patients and 138 healthy controls. All were men, betel quid chewers, cigarette smokers, and Minnan ethnicity. Genotyping was performed using a TaqMan® probe genotyping assay. Gene expression levels were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for 20 pairs of cancerous and non‐cancerous tissues.

Results

Kallikrein10 rs3745535G>T polymorphisms were significantly associated with OSCC development [adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.02–2.59], but KLK7 polymorphisms were not. The KLK7 rs10581213(wt/ins + ins/ins) genotypes were significantly associated with early‐stage cancer (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.14–0.78), but KLK10 polymorphisms were not. Relative expression analysis indicated that an increase in KLK7 and KLK10 mRNA levels was found in cancerous tissues (2−ΔΔCT = 25.23 ± 8.85 and 10.89 ± 4.97, respectively). A significantly higher level of KLK7 was expressed in early‐stage cancer with the rs10581213(wt/ins + ins/ins) genotypes, but there was no significant difference in the mRNA levels of KLK7 and KLK10 between early‐ and advanced‐stage cancers.

Conclusions

This is the first correlation of OSCC with KLK10 rs3745535G>T polymorphisms. Early‐stage OSCC and high KLK7 mRNA levels were correlated with the rs10581213(wt/ins + ins/ins) genotypes. More studies with large sample sizes are needed to verify our findings.
People with dementia and the hospital environment: the view of patients and family carers
Authors: Digby Robin , Bloomer Melissa J.
Published: January 2013

Background

A metropolitan geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) facility inAustralia was undergoing expansion, and consideration for the needs of individuals with dementia and their family carers was identified as important in planning the new facility. Existing literature revealed that people in hospital value privacy, minimal noise, family amenities and homeliness, but these findings did not consider the perspectives of the person with dementia specifically.

Aim

The aim was to elicit the perspectives of current inpatients with dementia, and their family carers, about the environment/design features that they believe are necessary for people with dementia, and their family carers.

Method and design

This qualitative study utilised in‐depth semi‐structured interviews to obtain information from current inpatients with dementia and their family carers.

Results

Participants described how the care received was more important than the physical environment; however, participants also valued homeliness, privacy for the patient and for conversations, a shared space without a television and a connection to the outside. Participants described how accommodating carers, providing quiet spaces and appropriate amenities were also important.

Conclusions

While participants valued care over the physical surroundings, they also offered valuable information about their experience in the ward environment. Despite cognitive difficulties, people with dementia were able to provide useful information about the environment within which they were being cared.

Implications for practice

Consumer opinions about hospital design/environment should be considered as an important source of data. Privacy and personal space for people with dementia and their family carers, a connection with the outside environment , and the needs of carers and visitors are all important considerations when designing healthcare environments.
Secondary Corpora Lutea Induced by hCG Treatment Enhanced Demi‐Embryo Survival in Lactating High‐Yielding Dairy Cows
Authors: Torres A , Silva J Chagas e , Deloche MC , Humblot P , Horta AEM , Lopes‐da‐Costa L
Published: January 2013

Contents

Using a novel in vivo model considering a low developmental competence embryo (demi‐embryo) and a subnormal fertility recipient (lactating high‐yielding dairy cow), this experiment evaluated the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) treatment at embryo transfer (ET) on embryonic size at implantation, embryonic survival and recipient plasma progesterone (P4) and bovine pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations until day 63 of pregnancy. Embryos were bisected and each pair of demi‐embryos was bilaterally transferred to recipients (n = 61) on day 7 of the oestrous cycle. At ET recipients were randomly assigned to treatment with 1500 IU hCG or to untreated controls. Higher (p < 0.01) pregnancy rates on days 25, 42 and 63, and embryo survival rate on day 63 were observed in hCG‐treated cows with secondary CL than in hCG‐treated cows without secondary CL and in untreated cows. Pregnancy rates and embryo survival rate were similar in hCG‐treated cows without secondary CL and untreated cows. Embryonic size on day 42 was not affected by treatment with hCG, presence of secondary CL and type of pregnancy (single vs twin). Presence of secondary CL increased (p < 0.05) plasma P4 concentrations of pregnant cows on days 14, 19 and 25 but not thereafter and of non‐pregnant cows on days 14–21. Treatment with hCG and presence of secondary CL had no effect on plasma PSPB concentrations, which were higher (p < 0.05) in twin than in single pregnancies. In conclusion, secondary CL induced by hCG treatment at ET significantly increased plasma P4 concentrations, the survival rate of demi‐embryos and the pregnancy rate of high‐yielding lactating dairy cows. Embryos were rescued beyond maternal recognition of pregnancy, but later embryonic survival, growth until implantation and placental PSPB secretion until day 63 of pregnancy were not affected by treatment or presence of secondary CL.
Clinical Efficacy of the GnRH Agonist (Deslorelin) in Dogs Affected by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Evaluation of Prostatic Blood Flow by Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Polisca A , Orlandi R , Troisi A , Brecchia G , Zerani M , Boiti C , Zelli R
Published: January 2013

Contents

In six German Shepherds dogs, GnRH agonist implants (Deslorelin) were inserted subcutaneously one month after histological confirmation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostatic volume (PV), characteristics of ejaculate, serum testosterone concentrations and Doppler parameters of prostatic and subcapsular arteries were detected at different time intervals, for 6 month. The prostatic volume showed a significantly reduction starting at day 37. The decrease in sperm concentration, motility and increase in morphological abnormal sperm were observed from day 22 to day 37, when it was no longer possible to obtain the ejaculate. The values of peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity in prostatic and subcapsular arteries showed from day 11 a gradual decrease, significant at day 22 until day 37 and reaching the lowest values at day 52 until the end of observation. The power Doppler pixel intensity of both arteries showed a gradual decrease from day 5 until day 52. In particular, a significant decrease was observed for both arteries from day 11. Testosterone serum concentration decreased to undetectable levels by day 11 until the end of the observations. All these Doppler parameters and testosterone values were positively correlated with the prostatic volume. Furthermore, testosterone values were positively correlated with peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and pixel numbers. The use of implants containing GnRH analogues, even in asymptomatic subjects, is effective for the control of BPH and the application of Doppler exam of prostatic blood flow represent an non‐invasive tool for monitoring the response of medical treatment.
Public Health and Bathing in Late Imperial Russia: A Statistical Approach
Authors: KASHIN KONSTANTIN , POLLOCK ETHAN
Published: January 2013

Going to the Russian bathhouse (bania) helped people preserve their health, at least according to common idioms and many medical doctors at the end of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. Yet the thousands of public bathhouses across the empire were often damp, dank, and overcrowded places conducive to the spread of infectious diseases. Were Russian Imperial bathhouses healthy or dangerous? Did they prevent and cure ailments or did they foster the spread of sickness and in turn increase mortality and incidence of disease? Qualitative reports from the period are inconclusive: some cite the benefits of bathhouses, others cite their threat to public health, and many note both. In this paper we use data from reports produced in the 1890s and early 1900s to undertake a statistical analysis of the health effects of public bathhouses in late Imperial Russia. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to apply modern statistical techniques to questions of Russian health and hygiene in this period. We find no evidence to support doctors' claims that banias were beneficial to public health and instead find some evidence that banias were associated with higher incidence of disease.
Nationalist War Commentary as Russian Religious Thought: The Religious Intelligentsia's Politics of Providentialism
Authors: STROOP CHRISTOPHER
Published: January 2013

Exploring the prominent role that the concept of Providence played in the worldview of Russian religious philosophers including Nikolai Berdiaev, Sergei Bulgakov, Vladimir Ern, Prince Evgenii Trubetskoi, and the Symbolist Vyacheslav Ivanov, this article demonstrates that their Christian Providentialist thinking was inherently political. One significant expression of these intellectuals' “politics of Providentialism” was the controversial commentary they produced on the First World War, which must be confronted and construed as operating within the discourse of Russian religious philosophy. Examining the concept of Providence represents a new approach to the study of Russian religious philosophy as Christian ideology, one that highlights the social significance of Russian religious philosophy in late imperial Russian civil society and that allows us to situate Russian religious thought in international and interconfessional comparative perspective, as one part of a broader twentieth‐century European and American manifestation of politicized traditionalist Christianity that arose in response to the perceived cultural threat of nihilism.
Avatars of Whiteness: Racial Expression in Video Game Characters
Authors: Dietrich David R.
Published: January 2013

Video games are an enormous segment of popular media today, comparable to television and movies. Moreover, video games represent a new form of media distinguished from previous forms due to the interactive element, where game players have the ability to change and influence the game world. This paper contributes to the study of race and popular media by examining how race is presented in role‐playing video games through the feature of avatar creation. Capabilities for avatar creation are analyzed in over sixty massively multiplayer online role‐playing games (MMORPGs) in service as of early 2010 and twenty offline role‐playing games (RPGs) published over the past 10 years. The analysis shows that the vast majority of games, both online and offline, do not allow for the creation of avatars with a non‐white racial appearance. Forcing an Anglo appearance on avatars that purport to represent the player has the potential to reinforce a sense of normative whiteness as well as shape the social composition of online worlds into all‐white virtual spaces, contributing to the creation of a virtual “white habitus.”
Seeking Legitimacy: The Professionalization of Life Coaching
Authors: George Molly
Published: January 2013

This article uses life coaching as a case study for understanding the attempts of one occupational group to define their work as a profession and themselves as professional people. Life coaches' efforts to legitimate their work are examined within the context of the economic downturn and exemplify an emerging employment trend in theAmerican labor market: college‐educated workers pursuing non‐standard work as independent contractors in personalized service occupations. Using in‐depth interviews with life coaches, I focus on the collective and individual strategies workers use in their attempts to carve out new occupational jurisdictions for their services and bolster their professional status. I explore how gender shapes life coaches' experiences and professionalization tactics; further, I predict that these gendered processes will ultimately influence the trajectory of the life coaching industry more generally. My findings highlight the complexity of current employment relations and offer empirical insights into the study of work, occupations, and gender.
Analysis of ER Resident Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Implementation of H/KDEL Retrieval Sequences
Authors: Young Carissa L. , Raden David L. , Robinson Anne S.
Published: January 2013

An elaborate quality control system regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis by ensuring the fidelity of protein synthesis and maturation. In budding yeast, genomic analyses and high‐throughput proteomic studies have identified ER resident proteins that restore homeostasis following local perturbations. Yet, how these folding factors modulate stress has been largely unexplored. In this study, we designed a series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based modules including codon‐optimized epitopes and fluorescent protein (FP) variants complete with C‐terminal H/KDEL retrieval motifs. These conserved sequences are inherent to most soluble ER resident proteins. To monitor multiple proteins simultaneously, H/KDEL cassettes are available with six different selection markers, providing optimal flexibility for live‐cell imaging and multicolor labeling in vivo. A single pair of PCR primers can be used for the amplification of these 26 modules, enabling numerous combinations of tags and selection markers. The versatility of pCY H/KDEL cassettes was demonstrated by labeling BiP/Kar2p, Pdi1p and Scj1p with all novel tags, thus providing a direct comparison among FP variants. Furthermore, to advance in vitro studies of yeast ER proteins, Strep‐tag II was engineered with a C‐terminal retrieval sequence. Here, an efficient purification strategy was established for BiP under physiological conditions.
Identifying mild and severe preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women by levels of cell‐free fetal DNA
Authors: Jakobsen Tanja Roien , Clausen Frederik Banch , Rode Line , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld , Tabor Ann
Published: January 2013

Background

The objective was to investigate whether women who develop preeclampsia can be identified in a routine analysis when determining fetal RHD status at 25 weeks' gestation in combination with PAPP‐A levels at the first‐trimester combined risk assessment for Trisomy 21.

Study Design and Methods

D– women participating in the routine antenatal RHD screening program in the capital region of Denmark were retrospectively studied. We used a standard dilution curve to quantify the amounts of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) and divided women into groups according to cffDNA levels. PAPP‐A was measured at 11 to 14 weeks. Information about pregnancy outcome and complications was obtained from the National Fetal Medicine Database, medical charts, and discharge letters.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) of developing severe preeclampsia given a cffDNA level above the 90th percentile compared to cffDNA below the 90th percentile was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6‐25.5). The OR of developing mild preeclampsia given a cffDNA level below the 5th percentile compared to cffDNA levels above the 5th percentile was 3.6 (95% CI, 1.1‐11.7). PAPP‐A levels below the 5th percentile were associated with mild preeclampsia, but adding it to the analysis did not increase the detection rate (DR).

Conclusion

Women with cffDNA levels below the 5th percentile and above the 90th percentile quantified at 25 weeks' gestation are at increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Adding PAPP‐A levels to the analysis did not increase the DR of preeclampsia.
Mind the Gender Wage Gap – the Impact of Trade and Competition on Sectoral Wage Differences
Authors: Wolszczak‐Derlacz Joanna
Published: January 2013

This paper examines differences between women’s and men’s wages in 18 selected OECD countries in the period 1970 to 2005. The study is based on 12 manufacturing sector‐ and skill‐specific sets of panel data on the gender wage gap. We apply a system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator to the extended version of the conditional gender wage gap convergence equation, controlling for sector concentration and industry‐specific measures of openness using a difference‐in‐difference approach: trade‐affected concentrated sectors versus trade‐affected competitive sectors. The results indicate that: (i) an increase in sector concentration is associated with wage gap growth; (ii) both import and export penetration are associated with a reduction of the high‐skill gender wage gap growth in concentrated industries; (iii) there is evidence of a widening impact of trade on the medium and low‐skill occupational gender wage gap growth in less competitive industries; (iv) institutional regulations of the labour market have an impact on the development of the gender wage gap: for highly‐skilled labour an increase in labour market regulation raises the growth of the gender wage gap, while for medium‐ and low‐skilled workers, it lowers it.
Fireworks on the 4th of July
Authors: Barnett R. Michael
Published: January 2013

After half a century of waiting, the drama was intense. Physicists slept overnight outside the auditorium to get seats for the seminar at the CERN lab in Geneva, Switzerland. Ten thousand miles away on the other side of the planet, at the world's most prestigious international particle physics conference, hundreds of physicists from every corner of the globe lined up to hear the seminar streamed live from Geneva (see Fig. 1). And in universities from North America to Asia, physicists and students gathered to watch the streaming talks.
Walking Through the Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Authors: Haugland Ole Anton
Published: January 2013

Modern force platforms are handy tools for investigating forces during human motion. Earlier they were very expensive and were mostly used in research laboratories. But now even platforms that can measure in two directions are quite affordable. In this work we used the PASCO 2-Axis Force Platform. The analysis of the data can serve as a nice illustration of qualitative or quantitative use of the impulse-momentum theorem p - p0 = ∫t0t Fdt = I. The most common use of force platforms is to study the force from the base during the push-off period of a vertical jump. I think this is an activity of great value, and I would recommend it. The use of force platforms in teaching is well documented in research literature.1–4