bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal differences in fire activity and intensity in tropical savannas of northern Australia using satellite measurements of fire radiative power
Authors: Oliveira Sofia L. J. , Maier Stefan W. , Pereira José M. C. , Russell-Smith Jeremy
Published: March 2015

Earth observation sensors play an important role in quantifying the energy released by fires and capturing their spatial and temporal dynamics. Using estimates of MODIS-derived fire radiative power (FRP) we characterised bushfire activity and intensity in tropical savannas of northern Australia, by season and vegetation type, over the period 2004–2012. Our results indicate that fire activity was highest in the Northern Territory and lowest in Queensland. Mean daily number of fire detections was almost twice as high in the late dry season (August–November) compared to the early dry season (May–July). Fire season was bimodal with fire activity peaks in May and October. Median fire intensity was lower for early dry season fires (29 MW) than late dry season fires (56 MW), and was positively correlated with the number of fire detections. Vegetation types with sparse canopy structure showed lower fire activity and higher intensity. Remote sensing of FRP provides frequent estimates of fire intensity over broad areas, allowing the comparison of this key fire behaviour metric across ecosystems and throughout the fire season. FRP estimates may also be used to draw inferences regarding fire effects, once the complexity and ecosystem-specificity of the relationships between fire intensity and fire severity is acknowledged.
Two-dimensional IR spectroscopy of the anti-HIV agent KP1212 reveals protonated and neutral tautomers that influence pH-dependent mutagenicity
Authors: Peng Chunte Sam , Fedeles Bogdan I. , Singh Vipender , Li Deyu , Amariuta Tiffany , Essigmann John M. , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: March 2015

Significance

The anti-HIV drug KP1212 was designed to intentionally increase the mutation rate of HIV, thereby causing viral population collapse. Its mutagenicity and thus antiviral activity was proposed to be the result of tautomerization. We used 2D IR spectroscopy to identify rapidly interconverting tautomers under physiological conditions. The traditionally rare enol–imino tautomer for nucleobases was found to be the major species for KP1212, providing a structural support for the tautomer hypothesis. We further found that KP1212 is significantly protonated at physiological pH with a pK
a
of 7. The protonated KP1212 was shown to be mutagenic, revealing a bimodal mutagenic property of KP1212. The results could prove instrumental in developing the next-generation antiviral treatments.
Pollinator recognition by a keystone tropical plant
Authors: Betts Matthew G. , Hadley Adam S. , Kress W. John
Published: March 2015

Significance

By using structural characteristics, such as long tubular flowers, plants are known to achieve selective visitation by certain pollinator species. These morphological traits typically arise over evolutionary timescales. We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that at least one plant has also evolved the capacity to recognize pollinator species immediately after visitation, thereby increasing the likelihood that a flower visitor has delivered high-quality pollen. This novel responsiveness by the plant leads to functional specialization in an apparently generalized tropical plant–pollinator network. Such specialized linkages likely facilitate coevolution but also, render pollination mutualisms more vulnerable to environmental change.
TALE nickase-mediatedSP110knockin endows cattle with increased resistance to tuberculosis
Authors: Wu Haibo , Wang Yongsheng , Zhang Yan , Yang Mingqi , Lv Jiaxing , Liu Jun , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2015

Significance

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that affects a broad range of mammalian hosts. It is a serious threat to agriculture in many less-developed countries. In this study, we introduced a mutation to the FokI of the right hand of wild-type transcription activator-like effector nuclease and established a transcription activator-like effector nickase system that creates single-strand breaks in the genome. Then we used this system to add the mouse geneSP110to a specific location in the bovine genome and created transgenic cattle with increased resistance to tuberculosis. Our results contribute to the control and prevention of bovine tuberculosis and provide a previously unidentified insight into breeding animals for disease resistance.
Spray-combustion synthesis: Efficient solution route to high-performance oxide transistors
Authors: Yu Xinge , Smith Jeremy , Zhou Nanjia , Zeng Li , Guo Peijun , Xia Yu , Alvarez Ana , Aghion Stefano , Lin Hui , Yu Junsheng , Chang Robert P. H. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Ferragut Rafael , Marks Tobin J. , Facchetti Antonio
Published: March 2015

Significance

Although impressive progress in solution-processed metal-oxide (MO) electronics has been achieved, fundamental science challenges remain concerning whether solution-processed MO materials and particularly technologically relevant, indium-gallium-tin-oxide (IGZO), can achieve efficient and stable charge transport characteristics when processed at low temperatures for short times and how IGZO film density, porosity, carrier mobility, and charge trapping can be manipulated. Here, we report a coating technique, spray-combustion synthesis, and demonstrate IGZO semiconductor thickness, densification, nanoporosity, electron mobility, trap densities, and bias stress stability approaching the quality of sputtered films.
Perceived intent motivates people to magnify observed harms
Authors: Ames Daniel L. , Fiske Susan T.
Published: March 2015

Significance

This paper examines how detecting harmful intent creates downstream consequences for assessing damage, magnifying its cost. If intentional harms seem worse, society may spend more money on them than on objectively more damaging unintentional harms or on naturally occurring harms. Why might this occur? Various psychological theories identify the cause as motivation; however, the presence of this motivation has been inferred indirectly. Drawing on animal-model research, we present more direct evidence for blame motivation, and discuss how it may help to explain the magnification of intentional harms. This approach acknowledges the nonrational biases in damage estimates and potential policy priorities.
Epithelial NAIPs protect against colonic tumorigenesis
Authors: Allam Ramanjaneyulu , Maillard Michel H. , Tardivel Aubry , Chennupati Vijaykumar , Bega Hristina , Yu Chi Wang , Velin Dominique , Schneider Pascal , Maslowski Kendle M.
Published: March 2015

NLR family apoptosis inhibitory proteins (NAIPs) belong to both the Nod-like receptor (NLR) and the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) families. NAIPs are known to form an inflammasome with NLRC4, but other in vivo functions remain unexplored. Using mice deficient for all NAIP paralogs (Naip1-6Δ/Δ), we show that NAIPs are key regulators of colorectal tumorigenesis. Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice developed increased colorectal tumors, in an epithelial-intrinsic manner, in a model of colitis-associated cancer. Increased tumorigenesis, however, was not driven by an exacerbated inflammatory response. Instead, Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice were protected from severe colitis and displayed increased antiapoptotic and proliferation-related gene expression. Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice also displayed increased tumorigenesis in an inflammation-independent model of colorectal cancer. Moreover, Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice, but not Nlrc4-null mice, displayed hyper-activation of STAT3 and failed to activate p53 18 h after carcinogen exposure. This suggests that NAIPs protect against tumor initiation in the colon by promoting the removal of carcinogen-elicited epithelium, likely in a NLRC4 inflammasome-independent manner. Collectively, we demonstrate a novel epithelial-intrinsic function of NAIPs in protecting the colonic epithelium against tumorigenesis.
On twisted higher-rank graph 𝐶*-algebras
Authors: Kumjian Alex , Pask David , Sims Aidan
Published: March 2015

We define the categorical cohomology of a

k
k

-graph

Λ
\Lambda

and show that the first three terms in this cohomology are isomorphic to the corresponding terms in the cohomology defined in our previous paper. This leads to an alternative characterisation of the twisted

k
k

-graph

C
∗

C^*

-algebras introduced there. We prove a gauge-invariant uniqueness theorem and use it to show that every twisted

k
k

-graph

C
∗

C^*

-algebra is isomorphic to a twisted groupoid

C
∗

C^*

-algebra. We deduce criteria for simplicity, prove a Cuntz-Krieger uniqueness theorem and establish that all twisted

k
k

-graph

C
∗

C^*

-algebras are nuclear and belong to the bootstrap class.
A KAP1 phosphorylation switch controls MyoD function during skeletal muscle differentiation
Authors: Singh Kulwant , Cassano Marco , Planet Evarist , Sebastian Soji , Jang Suk Min , Sohi Gurjeev , Faralli Hervé , Choi Jinmi , Youn Hong-Duk , Dilworth F. Jeffrey , Trono Didier
Published: March 2015

The transcriptional activator MyoD serves as a master controller of myogenesis. Often in partnership with Mef2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2), MyoD binds to the promoters of hundreds of muscle genes in proliferating myoblasts yet activates these targets only upon receiving cues that launch differentiation. What regulates this off/on switch of MyoD function has been incompletely understood, although it is known to reflect the action of chromatin modifiers. Here, we identify KAP1 (KRAB [Krüppel-like associated box]-associated protein 1)/TRIM28 (tripartite motif protein 28) as a key regulator of MyoD function. In myoblasts, KAP1 is present with MyoD and Mef2 at many muscle genes, where it acts as a scaffold to recruit not only coactivators such as p300 and LSD1 but also corepressors such as G9a and HDAC1 (histone deacetylase 1), with promoter silencing as the net outcome. Upon differentiation, MSK1-mediated phosphorylation of KAP1 releases the corepressors from the scaffold, unleashing transcriptional activation by MyoD/Mef2 and their positive cofactors. Thus, our results reveal KAP1 as a previously unappreciated interpreter of cell signaling, which modulates the ability of MyoD to drive myogenesis.
Resistance to therapy in BRCA2 mutant cells due to loss of the nucleosome remodeling factor CHD4
Authors: Guillemette Shawna , Serra Ryan W. , Peng Min , Hayes Janelle A. , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Green Michael R. , Cantor Sharon B.
Published: March 2015

Hereditary cancers derive from gene defects that often compromise DNA repair. Thus, BRCA-associated cancers are sensitive to DNA-damaging agents such as cisplatin. The efficacy of cisplatin is limited, however, by the development of resistance. One cisplatin resistance mechanism is restoration of homologous recombination (HR), which can result from BRCA reversion mutations. However, in BRCA2 mutant cancers, cisplatin resistance can occur independently of restored HR by a mechanism that remains unknown. Here we performed a genome-wide shRNA screen and found that loss of the nucleosome remodeling factor CHD4 confers cisplatin resistance. Restoration of cisplatin resistance is independent of HR but correlates with restored cell cycle progression, reduced chromosomal aberrations, and enhanced DNA damage tolerance. Suggesting clinical relevance, cisplatin-resistant clones lacking genetic reversion of BRCA2 show de novo loss of CHD4 expression in vitro. Moreover, BRCA2 mutant ovarian cancers with reduced CHD4 expression significantly correlate with shorter progression-free survival and shorter overall survival. Collectively, our findings indicate that CHD4 modulates therapeutic response in BRCA2 mutant cancer cells.
The yin and yang of kidney development and Wilms’ tumors
Authors: Hohenstein Peter , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Charlton Jocelyn
Published: March 2015

Wilms’ tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common pediatric renal cancer. The tumors morphologically resemble embryonic kidneys with a disrupted architecture and are associated with undifferentiated metanephric precursors. Here, we discuss genetic and epigenetic findings in Wilms’ tumor in the context of renal development. Many of the genes implicated in Wilms’ tumorigenesis are involved in the control of nephron progenitors or the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Whereas the first group of genes has been extensively studied in normal development, the second finding suggests important roles for miRNAs in general—and specific miRNAs in particular—in normal kidney development that still await further analysis. The recent identification of Wilms’ tumor cancer stem cells could provide a framework to integrate these pathways and translate them into new or improved therapeutic interventions.
Control of a neuronal morphology program by an RNA-binding zinc finger protein, Unkempt
Authors: Murn Jernej , Zarnack Kathi , Yang Yawei J. , Durak Omer , Murphy Elisabeth A. , Cheloufi Sihem , Gonzalez Dilenny M. , Teplova Marianna , Curk Tomaž , Zuber Johannes , Patel Dinshaw J. , Ule Jernej , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Tsai Li-Huei , Walsh Christopher A. , Shi Yang
Published: March 2015

Cellular morphology is an essential determinant of cellular function in all kingdoms of life, yet little is known about how cell shape is controlled. Here we describe a molecular program that controls the early morphology of neurons through a metazoan-specific zinc finger protein, Unkempt. Depletion of Unkempt in mouse embryos disrupts the shape of migrating neurons, while ectopic expression confers neuronal-like morphology to cells of different nonneuronal lineages. We found that Unkempt is a sequence-specific RNA-binding protein and identified its precise binding sites within coding regions of mRNAs linked to protein metabolism and trafficking. RNA binding is required for Unkempt-induced remodeling of cellular shape and is directly coupled to a reduced production of the encoded proteins. These findings link post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression with cellular shape and have general implications for the development and disease of multicellular organisms.
Innoz Technologies: the powerhouse of innovation
Authors: Puri Roma , Kumar Amit
Published: March 2015

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing and strategy.

Study level/applicability

Master's, postgraduate and executive level programs.

Case overview

Deepak Ravindran, an engineering student at LBS College, Kerala, India, was attempting to launch Innoz. The company flagship product SMSGyan will allow users to access information on low-end mobile devices with no Internet connectivity. With the improvement in the Internet standards and rapidly growing smartphone users, selling SMSGyan never came easy to Innoz. The case explores challenges faced during the transformation of a start-up into a profit-generating business. The case describes the dilemma faced by Deepak Ravindran and key role players of Innoz to sustain in business in the scenario of dynamic technologies. Should they re-innovate the technology that was limited for low-end mobile users? Innoz being at the bottom of the pyramid innovation is the key competitive advantage. Low-cost or niche market or differentiation connects this case to the basic business strategy concepts. Through this case, students learn about many practical issues related to technology development in the global competitive environment. They are also exposed to broader trends and facets of start-ups and globalization. The Innoz case is designed to stimulate discussion of broad array of issues encountered by the early start-ups. In particular, it deals with introducing innovation and entrepreneurship skills leading to social change.

Expected learning outcomes

To identify new business opportunities for non-Internet mobile users. To explore various possibilities of application services for low-end mobile users. Evaluate the advantages and liabilities of expanding globally at a very early start-up stage. The case focuses on Innoz's early development with only concept in hand and transforming it into a profit-generating business. To develop and give exposure to entrepreneurship skill set in students. To understand learning and strategies behind setting up of start-ups and the motivating self-driven skills. Discussion on innovative use of technology as a stream of business. Silicon valley culture adaptation into Indian context. To highlight use of mobile technology for teaching and learning. To showcase how entrepreneur skill in business can lead to social transformation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Different approximate models of the sectional method for nanoparticle Brownian coagulation
Authors: Chen Zhongli , Yuan Fangyang , Jiang R.J.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The original v2-based sectional method assumes that the selected property quantity of particles is uniformly distributed in each section, which makes particle size distribution (PSD) fluctuate dramatically in the entire size range. The number concentration in each section as well as the zeroth moment of PSD also cannot be correctly predicted in case there are not enough sections used in calculation. In order to provide a more appropriate representation of PSD, different approximate models are used to close the conservation equations. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The uniform distribution of the selected property quantity of particles in each section is not necessarily satisfied. Instead, the distribution is approximated using an expression with an approximation factor. Different models are investigated on recovering the initial size distribution and predicting the time evolution of size distribution as well as the first three moments so that the advantages and disadvantages of each model can be compared.

Findings

– The approximate model with an approximation factor of 0.8 is capable of predicting the time evolution of the zeroth moment accurately no matter how many sections are used in simulations. The original v2-based model is recommended to calculate the first and second moments as long as the section number is larger than 50, otherwise, the model with an approximation factor of 0.15 would be a preferred choice.

Originality/value

– Different approximate models can be used to improve the accuracy of the results supposing we know which moment is of great importance in calculation.
Thermal decomposition of unsteady non-Newtonian MHD Couette flow with variable properties
Authors: Makinde Daniel Oluwole , Franks Oswald
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Couette flow of an electrically conducting incompressible non-Newtonian third grade reactive fluid with temperature-dependent variable viscosity and thermal conductivity properties under isothermal surface conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The coupled non-linear partial differential equations for momentum and energy balance governing the transient problem are obtained and tackled numerically using a semi-discretization finite difference technique.

Findings

– The effects of various embedded thermophysical parameters on the velocity and temperature fields including skin friction, Nusselt number and thermal stability conditions are presented graphically and discussed quantitatively.

Practical implications

– The approach is applicable to modelling the complex physical phenomenon in MHD lubrications that occurs in numerous areas of engineering and industrial processes.

Originality/value

– This paper may be of industrial and engineering interest especially in understanding the combined effects of unsteadiness, variable thermophysical properties and magnetic field on the thermal stability condition for a reactive non-Newtonian third grade fluid under Couette flow scenario.
Boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past a permeable exponentially shrinking surface with convective boundary condition using Buongiorno’s model
Authors: Rahman M.M. , Rosca Alin V. , Pop I.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to numerically solve the problem of steady boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past a permeable exponentially shrinking surface with convective surface condition. The Buongiorno’s mathematical nanofluid model has been used.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using appropriate similarity transformations, the basic partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations. These equations have been solved numerically for different values of the governing parameters, stretching/shrinking parameter λ, suction parameter s, Prandtl number Pr, Lewis number Le, Biot number, the Brownian motion parameter Nb and the thermophoresis parameter Nt, using the bvp4c function from Matlab. The effects of these parameters on the reduced skin friction coefficient, heat transfer from the surface of the sheet, Sherwood number, dimensionless velocity, and temperature and nanoparticles volume fraction distributions are presented in tables and graphs, and are in details discussed.

Findings

– Numerical results are obtained for the reduced skin-friction, heat transfer and for the velocity and temperature profiles. The results indicate that dual solutions exist for the shrinking case (λ<0). A stability analysis has been performed to show that the upper branch solutions are stable and physically realizable, while the lower branch solutions are not stable and, therefore, not physically possible. In addition, it is shown that for a regular fluid (Nb=Nt=0) a very good agreement exists between the present numerical results and those reported in the open literature.

Research limitations/implications

– The problem is formulated for an incompressible nanofluid with no chemical reactions, dilute mixture, negligible viscous dissipation, negligible radiative heat transfer and a new boundary condition is imposed on nanoparticles and base fluid locally in thermal equilibrium. The analysis reveals that the boundary layer separates from the plate. Beyond the turning point it is not possible to get the solution based on the boundary-layer approximations. To obtain further solutions, the full basic partial differential equations have to be solved.

Originality/value

– The present results are original and new for the boundary-layer flow and heat transfer past a shrinking sheet in a nanofluid. Therefore, this study would be important for the researchers working in the relatively new area of nanofluids in order to become familiar with the flow behavior and properties of such nanofluids. The results show that in the presence of suction the dual solutions may exist for the flow of a nanofluid over an exponentially shrinking as well as stretching surface.
Was it worth it? An empirical analysis of over-education among PhD recipients in Italy
Authors: Gaeta Giuseppe Lucio
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical examination of factors associated with over-education among PhD graduates in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The investigation is based on recently released data collected by the Italian National Institute of Statistics by means of interviews with a large sample of PhD recipients, carried out a few years after they obtained their PhD degree. The author measured the mismatch between the current job and previous PhD studies using two direct subjective evaluations of over-education, which distinguish between the usefulness of the PhD title to get the current job position and to perform the current work activities. Even if the incidence of over-education varies according to the measurement applied, the author found that it is highly widespread among PhD recipients. The econometric analyses are aimed at identifying factors associated with over-education and are based on the standard probit model and the bivariate probit model with sample selection which allows to control for self selection into employment.

Findings

– The results show that over-education is significantly correlated with: first, a number of PhD-related variables, such as the scientific field of study, having attended courses or visiting periods abroad; second, some job-related characteristics, such as working in the academia or being mainly involved in research-related activities; third, the channel of access to the job; and fourth, residential location.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature focusing on job-education mismatch by providing, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the first empirical analysis of over-education among PhD recipients in Italy; moreover, it provides some useful insights to evaluate the professional doctoral graduates in Italy.
α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Fatty Acids Purified from the Internal Organ of Sea Cucumber Stichopus japonicas
Authors: Nguyen T. H. , Kim S. M.
Published: March 2015

α‐Glucosidase inhibitory activities of the various solvent fractions (n‐hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc, BuOH, and water) of sea cucumber internal organ were investigated. 1,3‐Dipalmitolein (1) and cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid (2) with potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity were purified from the n‐hexane fraction of sea cucumber internal organ. IC50 values of compounds 1 and 2 were 4.45 and 14.87 μM against Saccharomyces cerevisiae α‐glucosidase. These compounds mildly inhibited rat‐intestinal α‐glucosidase. In addition, both compounds showed a mixed competitive inhibition against S. cerevisiae α‐glucosidase and were very stable at pH 2 up to 60 min. The KI values of compounds 1 and 2 were 0.48 and 1.24 μM, respectively. Therefore, the internal organ of sea cucumber might be a potential new source of α‐glucosidase inhibitors suitably used for prevention of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
The growth effects of tax rates in the OECD
Authors: Gemmell Norman , Kneller Richard , Sanz Ismael
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the merits of macro‐ and micro‐based tax rate measures within an open economy “fiscal policy and growth” model. Using annual data for 15 OECD countries we find statistically small, non‐robust long‐run growth effects of macro‐based average tax rates on capital income and consumption, but some evidence for average labour income tax effects. Changes in “micro” marginal income tax rates at both the personal and corporate levels yield statistically robust GDP responses of modest size. Both domesticandforeign corporate taxes appear relevant. In general, tax effects on GDP operate largely via factor productivity rather than factor accumulation.
Incentivizing biodiversity conservation in artisanal fishing communities through territorial user rights and business model innovation
Authors: Gelcich Stefan , Donlan C. Josh
Published: March 2015

Territorial user rights for fisheries are being promoted to enhance the sustainability of small‐scale fisheries. Using Chile as a case study, we designed a market‐based program aimed at improving fishers’ livelihoods while incentivizing the establishment and enforcement of no‐take areas within areas managed with territorial user right regimes. Building on explicit enabling conditions (i.e., high levels of governance, participation, and empowerment), we used a place‐based, human‐centered approach to design a program that will have the necessary support and buy‐in from local fishers to result in landscape‐scale biodiversity benefits. Transactional infrastructure must be complex enough to capture the biodiversity benefits being created, but simple enough so that the program can be scaled up and is attractive to potential financiers. Biodiversity benefits created must be commoditized, and desired behavioral changes must be verified within a transactional context. Demand must be generated for fisher‐created biodiversity benefits in order to attract financing and to scale the market model. Important design decisions around these 3 components—supply, transactional infrastructure, and demand—must be made based on local social‐ecological conditions. Our market model, which is being piloted in Chile, is a flexible foundation on which to base scalable opportunities to operationalize a scheme that incentivizes local, verifiable biodiversity benefits via conservation behaviors by fishers that could likely result in significant marine conservation gains and novel cross‐sector alliances.

Incentivar la Conservación de la Biodiversidad con Comunidades de Pesca Artesanal por medio de Derechos de Uso Territorial y la Innovación de Modelos de Negocio
Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Ventricular Septal Defect—A Rare Combination
Authors: Das Sambhunath , Ladha Suruchi , Airan Balram
Published: March 2015

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies that may be acquired or congenital. We describe the case of a patient who had an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing right ventricular outflow obstruction, with an associated subaortic ventricular septal defect. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms rarely present until rupture occurs. However, the unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva caused significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, resulting in exertional dyspnea. Intraoperative multiplane transesophageal echocardiography and color Doppler helped in precise identification of structural anomalies, shunt location, and definitive surgical repair.
Imaging Tuberous Sclerosis: The Incremental Benefit of Three‐Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Musa Tarique A. , Ripley David P.
Published: March 2015

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurocutaneous syndrome and multisystem disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance and variable penetrance. Cardiac rhabdomyomas have been reported in 50–64% of patients with TSC and transthoracic echocardiography is established as the primary imaging modality for their detection. The precise functional assessment of the left ventricle in these patients requires clarification. We report a case of a 19‐year‐old male with known TSC who was referred for outpatient transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to investigate for the presence of cardiac rhabdomyomas. TTE demonstrated multiple rhabdomyomas with a normal ejection fraction but altered global and regional deformation on speckle tracking. The regional longitudinal strain was notably reduced in the anterior septum (−11%) and inferior septum (−15%). The global circumferential strain (GCS) was significantly reduced at −15.6%. The distribution of regional circumferential strain reduction for the mid‐ventricular segment correlated with the location of cardiac rhabdomyomas.
Should the EU Protect Democracy and the Rule of Law inside Member States?
Authors: Müller Jan‐Werner
Published: March 2015

Against the background of recent developments in Hungary, the article discusses the question whether the European Union ought to play a role in protecting liberal democracy in Member States. First, it is argued that the EU has the authority to do so, both in a broad normative sense and in a narrower legal sense (though the latter is more likely to be disputed). The article then asks whether the EU has the capacity to establish a supranational militant democracy; here it is argued that at the moment both appropriate legal instruments and plausible political strategies are missing. To remedy this situation, the article proposes a new democracy watchdog, analogous to, but more powerful than, the Venice Commission. Finally, it is asked whether EU interventions would provoke a nationalist backlash. There is insufficient evidence to decide this question, but the danger of such a backlash probably tend to be overestimated.
Habitat requirements of the violet click beetle (Limoniscus violaceus), an endangered umbrella species of basal hollow trees
Authors: Gouix Nicolas , Sebek Pavel , Valladares Lionel , Brustel Hervé , Brin Antoine
Published: March 2015

Organisms associated with dead wood (i.e. saproxylic species) are threatened by intensified forest and agricultural management. For a majority of saproxylic beetles the detailed information on their habitat requirements is still lacking, thus hindering efficient conservation information. This also applies to the violet click beetle (Limoniscus violaceus), one of the umbrella species of European saproxylic beetle fauna. This specie needs basal tree hollows for its larval development.

We studied habitat preferences of L. violaceus in basal tree hollows using emergence traps installed on 208 trees located in five sites in France. We used logistic regressions and recursive partitioning methods to understand the species–habitat relationships and to identify key environmental variables to predict the occurrence of L. violaceus.

The probability of occurrence of L. violaceus in basal hollows increases with increased tree circumference at 30 cm above ground and with increased hollow decay stage. The analysis of threshold values shows that the occurrence of the beetle is relatively high in trees that have a circumference greater than 360 cm, uncertain for those between 235 and 360 cm, and improbable for circumferences lower than 235 cm. Similarly, the occurrence of L. violaceus was probable in advanced stages of hollow decomposition and improbable in early stages.

Our results provide non‐specialists with helpful habitat features of an umbrella species which is hard to detect. This will increase the ability of conservation managers to identify sites that deserve protection and better monitor the habitat of many saproxylic species associated with basal hollow trees.
Does the BRAFV600E mutation herald a new treatment era for Erdheim–Chester disease? A case‐based review of a rare and difficult to diagnose disorder
Authors: Bosco J. , Allende A. , Varikatt W. , Lee R. , Stewart G. J.
Published: March 2015

Erdheim–Chester disease is a multi‐system histiocyte disorder characterised by histological xanthogranulomatous inflammation. We report a 67‐year‐old man who had fatal multi‐systemic Erdheim–Chester disease involvement, including retroperitoneal fibrosis, dilated cardiomyopathy and bone pain that was diagnosed late in its course and was refractory to interferon‐alfa. A pathogenic BRAFV600E mutation, identified after death in this patient, provides insights into pathogenesis and opens potential lines of treatment.
Pectinase Immobilization on a Chitosan‐Coated Chitin Support
Authors: Ramirez Hector L. , Gómez Brizuela Leissy , Úbeda Iranzo Juan , Arevalo‐Villena María , Briones Pérez Ana Isabel
Published: March 2015

Pectinase extracted from Aspergillus niger was immobilized on a chitosan‐coated chitin support using various methods: immobilization by adsorption (P‐QQSA), adsorption on supports activated by 0.5 and 15% glutaraldehyde (w/v) (P‐QQSA 0.5 and P‐QQSA 15) and covalent attachment to this support using 1% glutaraldehyde (P‐QQSA 1). The optimum conditions selected for immobilization were pH 4.5, incubation time of 4 h and protein concentration of 340 μg/mL. Various characteristics of the immobilized pectinase such as optimum pH, heat stability and reusability were evaluated. As a result of immobilization the enzyme's T50 increased, the best being achieved with immobilization using 15% glutaraldehyde and covalent attachment. The optimum pH of the free and immobilized enzymes were 5 (free), 4.5 (P‐QQSA), 4.5–5.0 (P‐QQSA 0.5) and 4–5 (P‐QSA 1 and P‐QQSA 15), respectively. The biocatalysts prepared retained 100% of their original catalytic activity after nine cycles of reuse.

Practical Applications

Pectinases hydrolyze pectin and/or pectic acid. These enzymes have widespread applications in the food industry (processing of fruits), wastewater treatment, textile industries, fruit softening and plant infection processes. The stability of these enzymes depends on the aqueous medium and is easily disrupted to the point where the enzymes cannot function appropriately. Immobilization techniques provide a promising approach to retain their stability. Various methods for immobilization of this enzyme have been described: entrapping in alginate, physical adsorption on anion resin, γ‐alumina, particles and nanoparticles of silica and covalent attachment to carriers such as porous glass and nylon. However, the development of new methods and supports for immobilizing enzymes is of special importance in enzyme technology. The present article describes several methods for immobilization of pectinase in chitosan‐coated chitin for use in the juice and wine industries.
Effects of Drying Methods on the Aroma Components and Quality of Capsella Bursa‐Pastoris L
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Tengfei , Xue Yanjun , Liu Chen , Ru Hua , Dong Minghui , Yu Zhifang
Published: March 2015

Capsella bursa‐pastoris L. (C. bursa‐pastoris) was treated by hot air drying, microwave drying, vacuum drying and freeze‐drying, respectively, to analyze the influences on aroma components using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The results showed that the freeze‐dried product enjoyed significantly alleviated color changes, short rehydration time, high rehydration ratio and retention rates of chlorophyll and vitamin C. Vacuum drying functioned inferior to freeze‐drying but superior to hot air drying and microwave drying. As for aroma components, both vacuum drying and freeze‐drying managed to preserve the characteristic aroma components in C. bursa‐pastoris. In summary, vacuum drying and freeze‐drying retained the color, texture, morphology as well as grass and leaf aromas of C. bursa‐pastoris in maximum, but the former method, which lasts a shorter time and consumes less energy, should be given first priority in large‐scale industrial practice.

Practical Applications

C. bursa‐pastoris suffers from a plummet of nutritional value and loss of economic benefits even within short harvest and storage periods. Drying newly harvested C. bursa‐pastoris with appropriate techniques can both meet different consumer demands and effectively prolong the shelf life of products. Various drying techniques are bound to affect sensory attributes and retention rates of nutrients and aroma components significantly. We treated fresh C. bursa‐pastoris by vacuum drying, hot air drying, microwave drying and freeze‐drying, and compared the quality of final products, aiming to find out the optimum drying method and parameters and while providing valuable practical evidence for industrial drying of this vegetable.
Determination of Certain Microbiological Quality Characteristics of Ice Cream, Detection of Salmonella by Conventional and Immunomagnetic Separation Methods and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Salmonella spp. Isolates
Authors: Kavaz Yüksel Arzu , Yüksel Mehmet
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to evaluate certain microbiological quality characteristics, titration acidity and pH values, Staphylococcus aureus counts, presence of Salmonella spp. in ice cream by conventional and immunomagnetic separation (IMS) methods. Also, the antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolates was demonstrated by 10 different antibiotic disks. For this purpose, 55 ice cream samples were collected from markets and pastries and analyzed in terms of the specified parameters. The results showed that 3/55 ice cream samples were positive in terms of S. aureus, while 2/55 sample were found positive by the IMS method with respect to Salmonella. The Salmonella isolates were confirmed as 100% Salmonella spp. by the conventional methods and API 20E test kit. The carried out antibiotic susceptibility test results indicated that these two isolates showed susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim and tetracycline at 100% level, while their resistance to streptomycin, ampicillin and kanamycin were at 100% level.

Practical Applications

Ice cream is a popular frozen dairy product made with milk, cream, water and other ingredients. The quality of ice cream is affected by some factors, including wide variety of ingredients, production practices, transportation, storage conditions and temperature fluctuations. Although the potentially hazardous pathogenic microorganisms are rarely encountered in ice cream due to unsuitable conditions, they can be contaminated by the various types of microorganisms. The use of sensitive and specific methods for the isolation and identification of pathogen microorganisms is very important. Immunomagnetic separation system has been used for the selective capture and concentration of Salmonella from various foods. On the contrary, the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens has a critical importance for human health. For this reason, it is thought that determination of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of isolated and identified Salmonella spp. is very important in terms of food safety and human health.
The challenges in developing effective canine infectious respiratory disease vaccines
Authors: Mitchell Judy A , Brownlie Joe
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is a disease of multifactorial aetiology, where multiple pathogens act sequentially or synergistically to cause disease. It is common within large dog populations, such as those in re-homing or training kennels. Vaccines are vital in its management of CIRD, but they often fail to prevent disease. Recently, a number of novel pathogens have been identified in CIRD outbreaks and represent new targets for vaccination.

Key findings

Innate immune responses provide a vital first line of defence against the infectious agents involved in the development of CIRD. Once breeched, adaptive mucosal immunity is necessary to prevent infection and limit spread. Current vaccines target only a few of the agents involved in CIRD. Evidence, from the limited amount of published data, indicates that although vaccinating against these agents reduces infection rates, duration of shedding and severity of disease, it does not induce sterilising immunity; and this has important consequences for the management of the disease, and the future of CIRD vaccine development.

In the process of considering the development of novel CIRD vaccines, this paper focuses on the immunological mechanisms that provide protection for the respiratory tract, the current recommendations for canine vaccination, and the challenges surrounding existing CIRD vaccines, and their future development.
People With Intellectual Disability and Social–Political Life Participation: A Commitment to Inclusive Policies in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Memari Amir Hossein , Hafizi Sina
Published: March 2015

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience numerous poor health and social outcomes. Interestingly, in the last few decades, efforts to enhance condition of people with disability were focused on the social model of disability rather than the medical model of disability. However, the case was different for less developed countries (LDCs). Cultural differences could undermine efforts to promote social inclusion of people with ID in less developed societies. The authors consider the conceptualization of ID from the perspective of developed and LDCs and consider how marginalization can be lessened by approaching ID as a human rights issue. They note that the social life and political participation of people with ID are now becoming more characteristic of modern social policies around the world. While the current social model of disability originally evolved in developed countries, the authors contend that LDCs should make some adaptation according to their cultural features before putting them into practice. They present a path toward inclusive policy in LDCs and posit that greater social and political participation will change the acceptance and social condition of people with ID.
Modified semitendinosus muscle transposition to repair ventral perineal hernia in 14 dogs
Authors: Morello E. , Martano M. , Zabarino S. , Piras L. A. , Nicoli S. , Bussadori R. , Buracco P.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVES

To describe a modified technique of semitendinosus muscle transposition for the repair of ventral perineal hernia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of case records of dogs with ventral perineal hernia that were treated by transposing the medial half of the longitudinally split semitendinosus muscle of one limb. The transposition of the internal obturator muscle was used when uni‐ or bilateral rectal sacculation was also present in addition to ventral perineal hernia; colopexy and vas deferens pexy were also performed.

RESULTS

Fourteen dogs were included. In addition to ventral perineal hernia, unilateral and bilateral perineal hernia was also present in five and six of the dogs, respectively. The mean follow‐up time was 890 days. Ventral perineal hernia was successfully managed by the modified semitendinosus muscle transposition with minor complications in all the dogs included in the study.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Despite the small number of dogs included, the unilateral transposition of the medial half of the longitudinally split semitendinosus muscle consistently supported the ventral rectal enlargement in perineal hernia without obvious adverse effects.
Evaluation of regional cerebral blood flow in patient with atypical senile dementia with asymmetrical calcification
Authors: Shoyama Masaru , Ukai Satoshi , Shinosaki Kazuhiro
Published: March 2015

We report an 83‐year‐old woman with atypical senile dementia with Fahr‐type calcification. Brain computed tomography demonstrated asymmetrical calcification predominant in the basal ganglia on the right side and pronounced diffuse cortical atrophy in the frontotemporal areas. The patient was clinically diagnosed with diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification. Brain single photon emission computed tomography findings revealed that cerebral blood flow was reduced on the right side, as compared with the left side, in widespread areas. Hemispheric asymmetry in both calcification and cerebral blood flow suggests a relationship between calcification and vascular changes.
Increased libido associated with donepezil treatment: a case report
Authors: Segrec Nusa , Zaman Rashid , Pregelj Peter
Published: March 2015

Inappropriate verbal and physical sexual behaviour is not common among individuals with dementia, but when it does occur, it can have profound consequences. We report a case of 79‐year‐old woman with dementia of the Alzheimer's type who complained of increased libido after an increased dose of donepezil, which was being used along with tianeptine. Donepezil withdrawal led to the resolution of increased libido, but when it was reintroduced, increased libido reappeared once again (Naranjo score: 7). Increased libido was not reported by the patient during the 6‐year follow‐up period after donepezil withdrawal. A potential mechanism of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor‐induced increased libido and the current literature on hypersexuality as a side‐effect of donepezil treatment are discussed.
Do Household Surveys Give a Coherent View of Disability Benefit Targeting?: a Multisurvey Latent Variable Analysis for the Older Population in Great Britain
Authors: Hancock Ruth , Morciano Marcello , Pudney Stephen , Zantomio Francesca
Published: March 2015

We compare three major UK surveys, the British Household Panel Survey, Family Resources Survey and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, in terms of the picture that they give of the relationship between disability and receipt of the attendance allowance benefit. Using the different disability indicators that are available in each survey, we use a structural equation approach involving a latent concept of disability in which probabilities of receiving attendance allowance depend on disability. Despite major differences in design, once sample composition has been standardized through statistical matching, the surveys deliver similar results for the model of disability and receipt of attendance allowance. Provided that surveys offer a sufficiently wide range of disability indicators, the detail of disability measurement appears relatively unimportant.