bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Variation in Foliar Constituents of Sunflower on Development and Reproduction ofDiacrisia casignetumKollar (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: Roy Nayan , Barik Anandamay
Published: July 2012

Effects of feeding on young, mature, and senescent sunflower leaves were studied under laboratory conditions (27±0.5°C, 12L : 12D,65±5% RH) to evaluate the impact of variation of nutrients on larval food utilization efficiency, larval and pupal development and survival, longevity, and fecundity ofDiacrisia casignetumKollar. The growth rate, which is the ratio between the dry weight gain of insect and duration of experimental period, ofD. casignetumwas in the order of mature leaf > young leaf > senescent leaf of sunflower. This was correlated with nutrient constituents of three kinds of sunflower leaves, which was measured by various biochemical analyses described elsewhere in the text. Total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, amino acids, and water content are in greater amount in mature leaves when compared to young and senescent leaves, whereas phenol content was highest in young leaves than mature leaves. Hence, higher amount of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nitrogen, amino acids including water and lower amount of total phenol content in mature leaves have influenced higher growth rate, less developmental time, and higher fecundity ofD. casignetum.
Ways of Coping and Biomarkers of an Increased Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elderly Individuals
Authors: von Känel Roland , Mausbach Brent T. , Dimsdale Joel E. , Mills Paul J. , Patterson Thomas L. , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Ziegler Michael G. , Roepke Susan K. , Allison Matthew , Grant Igor
Published: July 2012

Objective. To investigate the relationship between coping and atherothrombotic biomarkers of an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the elderly. Methods. We studied 136 elderly caregiving and noncaregiving men and women who completed the Ways of Coping Checklist to assess problem-focused coping, seeking social support (SSS), blamed self, wishful thinking, and avoidance coping. They had circulating levels of 12 biomarkers measured. We also probed for potential mediator and moderator variables (chronic stress, affect, health behavior, autonomic activity) for the relation between coping and biomarkers. Results. After controlling for demographic and CVD risk factors, greater use of SSS was associated with elevated levels of serum amyloid A (P=0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P=0.002), vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 (P=0.021), and D-dimer (P=0.032). There were several moderator effects. For instance, greater use of SSS was associated with elevated VCAM-1 (P<0.001) and CRP (P=0.001) levels in subjects with low levels of perceived social support and positive affect, respectively. The other coping styles were not significantly associated with any biomarker. Conclusions. Greater use of SSS might compromise cardiovascular health through atherothrombotic mechanisms, including elevated inflammation (i.e., serum amyloid A, CRP, VCAM-1) and coagulation (i.e., D-dimer) activity. Moderating variables need to be considered in this relationship.
Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis: A Review of 3 Cases
Authors: Mevio Emilio , Sbrocca Michele , Mullace Mauro , Viglione Silvia , Mevio Niccolò
Published: July 2012

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis, or Madelung's disease, is a rare disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by the presence of loose adipose tissue deposits localized in the cervical region and in the upper body. The neoformations grow slowly and their initial consequence is purely esthetic. They can, however, lead to compression of the laryngotacheal area and of the esophagus. This disease usually affects middle-aged males from the Mediterranean area with a history of alcohol abuse. Although most cases have been sporadic, a few authors have indicated that the disorder may be hereditary. It is thought that this pathology originates from an alteration in lipid metabolism. Since the patients were asymptomatic temperance and diet was proposed, surgical removal of the lipomatose mass is the treatment of choice in case of complications due to fat mass compression on upper aerodigestive tract. The authors present three cases of Madelung's disease with different and particular manifestations.
Oncologic Safety of Skin-Sparing and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Discussion and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tokin Christopher , Weiss Anna , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Blair Sarah L.
Published: July 2012

Breast conservation therapy has been the cornerstone of the surgical treatment of breast cancer for the last 20 years; however, recently, the use of mastectomy has been increasing. Mastectomy is one of the most frequently performed breast operations, and with novel surgical techniques, preservation of the skin envelope and/or the nipple-areolar complex is commonly performed. The goal of this paper is to review the literature on skin-sparing mastectomy and nipple-sparing mastectomy and to evaluate the oncologic safety of these techniques. In addition, this paper will discuss the oncologic importance of margin status and type of mastectomy as it pertains to risk of local recurrence and relative need for adjuvant therapy.
Evaluation of Electronic Effects in the Solvolyses of p‐Methylphenyl and p‐Chlorophenyl Chlorothionoformate Esters
Authors: D’Souza Malcolm J. , Hampton Olivia N. , Sansbury Brett M. , Kevill Dennis N.
Published: July 2012

The solvolyses of p‐tolyl chlorothionoformate and p‐chlorophenyl chlorothionoformate are studied in a variety of organic mixtures of widely varying nucleophilicity and ionizing power values. This solvolytic data is accumulated at 25.0°C using the titration method. An analysis of the rate data using the extended (two‐term) Grunwald‐Winstein equation and the concept of similarity of substrates based on their l/m ratios shows the occurrence of simultaneous side‐by‐side addition‐elimination and unimolecular SN1 mechanisms.
Effects of Tannin Extract from Gongronema latifolium Leaves on Lipoxygenase Cucumeropsis manii Seeds
Authors: Eze Sabinus O. O. , Nwanguma Bennett C.
Published: July 2012

Lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11.12) was partially purified from germinated seeds of Cucumeropsis manii to a purification fold of 47.14, enzyme activity recovery of 72.18%, and specific activity of 326.25 units/mg protein, using a three‐step process of centrifugation, ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration. Kinetic properties show maximum activity at pH 6.0 and at optimum temperature of 40°C. Inhibitory effects of the extract from Gongronema latifolium and two other known antioxidants: ascorbic acid and propyl gallate on lipoxygenase from Cucumeropsis manii were studied. Result shows presence of inhibition with IC50 of 4.2 × 10−3 ± 0.09 × 10−3 g/L, 4.3 × 10−2 ± 0.11 × 10−2 g/L and 7.9 × 10−2 ± 0.11 × 10−2 g/L for the extract from ascorbic acid and propyl gallate, respectively. The extract when compared to the other antioxidants exhibits a competitive mechanism of inhibition. This tannin extract could be included during food processing as preservative against food deterioration that might be caused by oxidative enzymes such as lipoxygenase.
Patterns of Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Blood and Brain Tissues of a Transgenic Mouse Model of Machado-Joseph Disease
Authors: Kazachkova Nadiya , Raposo Mafalda , Montiel Rafael , Cymbron Teresa , Bettencourt Conceição , Silva-Fernandes Anabela , Silva Sara , Maciel Patrícia , Lima Manuela
Published: July 2012

Background: Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a CAG tract expansions in the ATXN3 gene. Patterns of mitochondrial damage associated with pathological findings of brain tissues could provide molecular biomarkers of this disorder. Objective: The potential of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage as a biomarker of MJD progression was investigated using a transgenic mouse model. Methods: DNA was obtained from affected (pontine nuclei) and nonaffected tissues (hippocampus and blood) of transgenic animals of three distinct age groups: 8 weeks, before onset of the phenotype; 16 weeks, at onset, and 24 weeks, at well-established phenotype. Wild-type littermate mice, serving as controls, were analyzed for the same tissues and age groups. mtDNA damage was studied by fluorescence-based quantitative PCR in 84 transgenic and 93 wild-type samples. Results: A clear pattern of decrease in mtDNA copy number with age and accumulation of 3,867-bp deletions at the initial stages (both being more pronounced in transgenic mice) was observed. Pontine nuclei, the affected tissue in transgenic mice, displayed 1.5 times less copies of mtDNA than nonaffected brain tissue hippocampus (odds ratio = 1.21). Pontine nuclei displayed the highest percentage of mtDNA deletions (6.05% more in transgenic mice). Conclusion: These results suggest that mtDNA damage is related to the initiation of the phenotype in transgenic mice; mtDNA 3,867-bp deletions may be a biomarker of the initial stages of the disease.
Changes in Object Recognition and Anxiety-Like Behaviour in Mice Expressing a Cx47 Mutation That Causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-Like Disease
Authors: Zlomuzica Armin , Tress Oliver , Binder Sonja , Rovira Catherine , Willecke Klaus , Dere Ekrem
Published: July 2012

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease is characterized by impaired psychomotor development, ataxia, progressive spasticity and mental retardation. It is induced by mutations in the gap junction gene GJC2 that encodes for the gap junction protein connexin 47. Mice bearing a human Cx47M283T missense mutation have been generated as a transgenic mouse model of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. Homozygous expression of the mutant connexin 47 gene in oligodendrocytes resulted in a complex and variable neuropathologic phenotype, which was associated with impairments in motor coordination in juvenile, but not adult mice. In the present study, we have investigated anxiety-like behaviour and spatial working memory in juvenile (P23) and adult (3-month-old) Cx47M282T mutant mice. Adult Cx47M282T mice were also evaluated in terms of neuromotor functions and in the novel object recognition test. Juvenile Cx47M282T mutant mice exhibited an increase in anxiety-like behaviour in the open field test, but no changes in spatial working memory performance. No significant changes in anxiety-like behaviour, spatial working memory or neuromotor functions were observed in the adult Cx47M282T mutant mice. However, novel object recognition was significantly impaired in adult Cx47M282T mice. Our results suggest that the expression of the human Cx47M282T mutation in the mouse causes changes in anxiety-like behaviour in juvenile and novel object recognition impairments in adult mice. It appears that the distortion of panglial gap junction coupling in white and grey matter tissue in the Cx47M282T mice is associated with a complex age-dependent behavioural phenotype including changes in psychomotor, emotional and memory functions.
Transthoracic Ultrasonography for the Respiratory Physician
Authors: Koegelenberg Coenraad F.N. , von Groote-Bidlingmaier Florian , Bolliger Chris T.
Published: July 2012

Transthoracic ultrasonography is still not utilized to its full potential by respiratory physicians, despite being a well-established and validated imaging modality. It allows for an immediate and mobile assessment that can potentially augment the physical examination of the chest. Ultrasound (US)-assisted procedures can be performed by a single clinician with no sedation and with minimal monitoring, even outside of theatre. The main indications for the use of transthoracic US are: the qualitative and quantitative description of pleu-ral effusions, pleural thickening, diaphragmatic dysfunction and chest-wall and pleural tumours. It may also be used to visualise lung tumours and other parenchymal pulmonary processes provided they abut the pleura. It is at least as sensitive as chest radiographs as far as the detection of a pneumothorax is concerned. It is the ideal tool to assist with thoracocentesis and drainage of effusions. The US-assisted fine-needle aspiration and/or cutting-needle biopsy of extrathoracic lymph nodes, lesions arising from the chest wall, pleura, peripheral lung and mediastinum, are safe and have a high yield in the hands of chest physicians. US may also guide the aspiration and biopsy of diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, consolidations and lung abscesses, provided the chest wall is abutted. Advanced applications of transthoracic US include the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
MicroRNA-101 Inhibited Postinfarct Cardiac Fibrosis and Improved Left Ventricular Compliance via the FBJ Osteosarcoma Oncogene/Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Pathway
Authors: Pan Zhenwei , Sun Xuelin , Shan Hongli , Wang Ning , Wang Jinghao , Ren Jinshuai , Feng Shuya , Xie Liangjun , Lu Chunying , Yuan Ye , Zhang Yang , Wang Ying , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: July 2012

Background—

Cardiac interstitial fibrosis is a major cause of the deteriorated performance of the heart in patients with chronic myocardial infarction. MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently been proven to be a novel class of regulators of cardiovascular diseases, including those associated with cardiac fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-101 in cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

Four weeks after coronary artery ligation of rats, the expression of miR-101a and miR-101b (miR-101a/b) in the peri-infarct area was decreased. Treatment of cultured rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts with angiotensin II also suppressed the expression of miR-101a/b. Forced expression of miR-101a/b suppressed the proliferation and collagen production in rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts, as revealed by cell counting, MTT assay, and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The effect was abrogated by cotransfection with AMO-101a/b, the antisense inhibitors of miR-101a/b. c-Fos was found to be a target of miR-101a because overexpression of miR-101a decreased the protein and mRNA levels of c-Fos and its downstream protein transforming growth factor-β1. Silencing c-Fos by siRNA mimicked the antifibrotic action of miR-101a, whereas forced expression of c-Fos protein canceled the effect of miR-101a in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Strikingly, echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements indicated remarkable improvement of the cardiac performance 4 weeks after adenovirus-mediated overexpression of miR-101a in rats with chronic myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the interstitial fibrosis was alleviated and the expression of c-Fos and transforming growth factor-β1 was inhibited.

Conclusion—

Overexpression of miR-101a can mitigate interstitial fibrosis and the deterioration of cardiac performance in postinfarct rats, indicating the therapeutic potential of miR-101a for cardiac disease associated with fibrosis.
Exploring the potential of electronic commerce tools in South African SME tourism service providers
Authors: Mbatha Blessing
Published: July 2012

The World Wide Web, together with other ICT enabling technologies, offers a platform for organizations to arrange their business processes, address their marketplaces, and partner with other enterprises. This paper reports on the diffusion and adoption of electronic commerce tools by small and medium enterprise (SME) tourism service providers in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. In order to achieve the stated aim, the following research questions were addressed: What types of e-commerce tools have been adopted in the SMEs? What were the reasons for the adoption of e-commerce? What benefits do e-commerce tools provide to SMEs? What are the barriers that SMEs face with the adoption of e-commerce? What are the e-commerce training needs of SMEs service providers? Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations framework was found to be useful as the study sought to examine the diffusion and use of modern ICTs by SME tourism service providers. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in which a systematic sampling technique is used. The data was analysed by using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that a variety of e-commerce tools have been adopted in the SMEs studied. E-commerce tools are also very effective in reaching new customers, increasing sales and improving marketing. It is therefore important that SMEs have access to relevant e-commerce tools in order to enjoy and reap the benefits of ICTs. SMEs should ensure that they offer their staff adequate varieties and levels of ICT competence.
The impact of occupational therapy in Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Sturkenboom Ingrid H , Graff Maud J , Borm George F , Veenhuizen Yvonne , Bloem Bastiaan R , Munneke Marten , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W
Published: July 2012

Aim:

To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial including process and potential impact of occupational therapy in Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Process and outcome were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated in an exploratory multicentre, two-armed randomized controlled trial at three months.

Participants:

Forty-three community-dwelling patients with Parkinson’s disease and difficulties in daily activities, their primary caregivers and seven occupational therapists.

Intervention:

Ten weeks of home-based occupational therapy according to the Dutch guidelines of occupational therapy in Parkinson’s disease versus no occupational therapy in the control group.

Main measures:

Process evaluation measured accrual, drop-out, intervention delivery and protocol adherence. Primary outcome measures of patients assessed daily functioning: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills. Primary outcome for caregivers was caregiver burden: Zarit Burden Inventory. Participants’ perspectives of the intervention were explored using questionnaires and in-depth interviews.

Results:

Inclusion was 23% (43/189), drop-out 7% (3/43) and unblinding of assessors 33% (13/40). Full intervention protocol adherence was 74% (20/27), but only 60% (71/119) of baseline Canadian Occupational Performance Measure priorities were addressed in the intervention. The outcome measures revealed negligible to small effects in favour of the intervention group. Almost all patients and caregivers of the intervention group were satisfied with the results. They perceived: ‘more grip on the situation’ and used ‘practical advices that make life easier’. Therapists were satisfied, but wished for a longer intervention period.

Conclusions:

The positive perceived impact of occupational therapy warrants a large-scale trial. Adaptations in instructions and training are needed to use the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure as primary outcome measure.
Messerschmidt v. Millender
Authors: Ross Darrell L.
Published: July 2012

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether police officers are entitled to qualified immunity when their conduct does not violate any clearly established right of which a reasonable person would have known when requesting a search warrant. The Court found that the officers acted in a reasonable manner consistent with the Fourth Amendment requirements for securing a valid search warrant. The Court’s decision expanded the scope of probable cause and restricted liability of officers, holding that officers are entitled to qualified immunity when obtaining a valid search warrant.
Red Cell Distribution Width and Outcome in Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Sadaka Farid , O’Brien Jacklyn , Prakash Sumi
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is reflective of systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between RDW (on day 1 of development of septic shock) and mortality. Methods: A total of 279 patients with septic shock were included. We categorized the patients into quintiles based on RDW as follows: <13.5%, 13.5% to 15.5%, 15.6% to 17.5%, 17.5% to 19.4%, and >19.4%. Results: Red cell distribution width  was a strong predictor of hospital mortality with a significant risk gradient across RDW quintiles after multivariable adjustment: RDW 13.5% to 15.5% (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-23.4; P = .06); RDW 15.6% to 17.5% (OR, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.5-41.6; P = .01); RDW 17.6% to 19.4% (OR, 25.3; 95% CI, 4.3-149.2; P < .001); and RDW >19.4% (OR, 12.3; 95% CI, 2.1-73.3; P = .006), all relative to patients with RDW <13.5%. Similar significant robust associations were present for intensive care unit mortality. Estimating the receiver–operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) showed that RDW has very good discriminative power for hospital mortality (AUC = 0.74). The AUC was 0.69 for Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and 0.69 for sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). When adding RDW to APACHE II, the AUC increased from 0.69 to 0.77. Conclusions: Red cell distribution width  on day 1 of septic shock is a robust predictor of mortality. The RDW is inexpensive and commonly measured. The RDW fared better than either APACHE II or SOFA, and the sum of RDW and APACHE II was a stronger predictor of mortality than either one alone.
Men’s Reactions to Participating in Interpersonal Violence Research
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Gidycz Christine A. , Desai Angeli D.
Published: July 2012

This study assessed college men’s reactions immediately following and 2 months after completing self-report measures of interpersonal violence. Results showed that 4.3% of men experienced immediate negative emotional reactions. Greater immediate negative reactions were related to personal benefits to research participation, anticipation of future distress, experiences of childhood physical abuse and psychological abuse/neglect, and physical abuse perpetration either in adolescence or adulthood. Attrition from the study over the 2-month follow-up was predicted by fewer perceived personal benefits to study participation but not by negative emotional reactions. None of the participants who returned for the 2-month follow-up reported experiencing negative emotional reactions to research participation over the interim.
A linear-actuated torsional device to replicate clinically relevant spiral fractures in long bones
Authors: Edwards W Brent , Troy Karen L
Published: July 2012

To better understand the mechanisms underlying spiral fracture we would like to carry out biomechanical tests of long bones loaded in torsion to failure. A device was fabricated to perform torsional tests of long bones using a single-axis linear actuator. The principal operation of the device was to transform the vertical displacement of a material testing machine’s linear actuator into rotational movement using a spur gear and rack system. Accuracy and precision of the device were quantified using cast-acrylic rods with known torque–rotation behavior. Cadaveric experimentation was used to replicate a clinically relevant spiral fracture in eleven human proximal tibiae; strain-gage data were recorded for a single specimen. The device had an experimental error of less than 0.2 Nm and was repeatable to within 0.3%. Strain gage data were in line with those expected from pure torsion and the cadaveric tibiae illustrated spiral fractures at ultimate torque and rotation values of 130.6 ± 53.2 Nm and 8.3 ± 1.5°, respectively. Ultimate torque was highly correlated with DXA assessed bone mineral density (r = 0.87; p < 0.001). The device presented is applicable to any torsional testing of long bone when only a single-axis linear actuator is available.
Bound by Norms and Out of Bounds: Experiences of PAGFB (Persons Assigned Gender Female at Birth) Within the Formal Education System: Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA)
Authors: Nevatia Smriti , Raj  , Mahajan Shalini , Shah Chayanika ,   Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA)
Published: July 2012

This article is based on a study undertaken by LABIA (Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action), a queer feminist collective in Mumbai, titled ‘Breaking the binary: Understanding the concerns and realities of queer persons assigned gender female at birth across a spectrum of lived gender identities’. We look at how the queer and gender-transgressive existence of our respondents impacts their access to education, and subsequently their livelihood opportunities. Education, specifically formal education (and educational institutions), has an important role in violently producing a gender-normative world. However, education is also a passport to an independent economic existence. In this article, we look at these varied experiences as well as how our feminisms need to take these concerns into account as we grapple with the issue of engendering a new kind of education. We draw upon the stories of queer PAGFB (persons assigned gender female at birth) within the formal education system to posit critical interventions in education, ranging from changing the structures in both gender-segregated and co-educational institutions to building awareness and making changes in syllabi.
The use of Enhancing Quality Use of Medication Self-Reported Questionniare (EQUIM-SRQ) among mental health consumers: a pilot study
Authors: Ashoorian Deena , Salter Sandra , Denton Tatiana , Nguyen Flavia , Crisp Lucinda , Boase Lauren , Roberts Malcolm , O’Hara Peter , Davidson Rowan , Clifford Rhonda
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To assess the applicability, interpretability and potential limitations of an adverse event screening questionnaire (the Enhancing Quality Use of Medication Self-Reported Questionnaire [EQUIM-SRQ]) in an Australian mental health outpatient population.

Method:

Questionnaires were distributed amongst two Australian adult mental health clinics for completion either at the clinic (onsite), or externally (postal option), during March – May 2011. Assistance was offered to participants completing the questionnaire onsite. Clients who were visited in their homes by clinic staff were invited to participate as external participants.

Results:

Of 160 questionnaires distributed, 29 (18%) were completed. Of those, 22 were completed onsite, and seven were completed externally. Of the questionnaires completed onsite, 11 were fully completed, with 4 participants requiring assistance. A further 11 questionnaires were partially completed, with 2 participants requiring assistance. Of the questionnaires completed externally, 5 were fully completed.

Conclusion:

Although the response rate was low, the EQUIM-SRQ was applicable, interpretable and acceptable when completed or partially completed questionnaires were assessed. The potential exists to apply the EQUIM-SRQ in further research, and thereafter, clinical practice.
Geographic Differences in Physical Education and Adolescent BMI
Authors: Anderson Laura M. , Aycock Katherine E. , Mihalic Caitlin A. , Kozlowski Darcie J. , Detschner Angela M.
Published: July 2012

The school environment is an ideal setting for healthy weight programming with adolescents. The federal government has reinforced the importance of school-based health promotion. The current study examined the preliminary influence of the 2006 school wellness policy requirement of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (CNWICRA) on adolescent Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical education participation. Nationally representative data from the 2003 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) were used. The authors examined BMI percentile and physical education participation based on survey year and geographic region. Results suggest a slight decrease in BMI with no changes in physical education participation. A main effect for geographic region was found for both physical education participation and BMI percentile, while a geographic region-by-survey year interaction was discovered when analyzing BMI percentiles. Results suggest a need for continued investigation and may inform future healthy weight programming and geographically tailored wellness policies.
A Guttman-Based Approach to Identifying Cumulativeness Applied to Chimpanzee Culture
Authors: Graber Robert Bates , De Cock Dean R. , Burton Michael L.
Published: July 2012

Human culture appears to build on itself—that is, to be to some extent cumulative. Whether this property is shared by culture in the common chimpanzee is controversial. The question previously has been approached, qualitatively (and inconclusively), by debating whether any chimpanzee culture traits have resulted from individuals building on one another’s work (“ratcheting”). The fact that the chimpanzees at different sites have distinctive repertoires of traits affords a different avenue of approach: determining whether the traits accumulate, site to site, in a structure more orderly than would be expected by chance. Here we use Guttman scalograms and a gamma-type statistic to bring the first quantitative evidence to bear on the question. We show that while traditional methods provide apparent support for a cumulative tendency, our more rigorous methods do not. This may be because cumulativeness requires human-like social-learning mechanisms, or because culture generally is not sufficiently unidimensional to scale well. A cumulative tendency would be expected, however, under rather weak assumptions; therefore it seems more likely that chimpanzee culture is cumulative, but this data set is simply too small to evidence it.
The best there is? Communication, objectivity and the future of Critical International Relations Theory
Authors: Fluck Matthew
Published: July 2012

Jürgen Habermas’s theory of communicative action has provided the inspiration for a school of Critical International Relations Theory which looks to communication as a source of praxis, and therefore a means of emancipation. This article argues that Critical International Relations Theorists have been too ready to accept Habermas’s claims about the emancipatory power of communication. In particular, it is not clear that a Habermasian Critical International Relations Theory can address the concerns of more sophisticated materialists — not least those of Habermas’s predecessors in the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory. One of the most original of these predecessors, Theodor Adorno, argued that the pursuit of communication between subjects would result in the betrayal of Critical Theory to the requirements of instrumental reason. The article suggests that similar concerns are apparent in International Relations: in Marxian criticisms of the turn to communication; in accusations of ‘anthropocentrism’ aimed at post-positivists by Critical Realists; and in Andrew Linklater’s emphasis on the common human capacity to experience and recognize bodily suffering. Adorno’s Critical Theory points to the need for a reorientation of Critical International Relations Theory towards an account of praxis which draws upon the experiences and needs of corporeal, vulnerable human beings who are part of a material world. In this way, critical International Relations theorists can carry forward the critique of global socio-political forces which the majority of the world’s inhabitants experience as an arbitrary constraint.
Transparency in the Council of the European Union: Why journalists don’t get the full picture
Authors: Laursen Bo
Published: July 2012

The Council of the European Union is often described as the least transparent of the three big EU institutions although steps have been taken to improve the transparency of its activities during the last couple of decades. This article focuses on the Council’s press officers who provide journalists with information and thereby act as day-to-day facilitators of transparency of the Council’s activities. Although these communicators see themselves as contributing substantially to the transparency of the Council’s work and thereby as enabling the media to provide EU citizens with information about one of the most powerful political forums in Europe, transparency in the Council has its limits. This study explores institutional factors which hinder Council press officers from being as transparent as journalists would like them to be. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with Council press officers, participant observation and document analysis provided the data for the study.
atBioNet– an integrated network analysis tool for genomics and biomarker discovery
Authors: Ding Yijun , Chen Minjun , Liu Zhichao , Ding Don , Ye Yanbin , Zhang Min , Kelly Reagan , Guo Li , Su Zhenqiang , Harris Stephen C , Qian Feng , Ge Weigong , Fang Hong , Xu Xiaowei , Tong Weida
Published: July 2012

Background

Large amounts of mammalian protein-protein interaction (PPI) data have been generated and are available for public use. From a systems biology perspective, Proteins/genes interactions encode the key mechanisms distinguishing disease and health, and such mechanisms can be uncovered through network analysis. An effective network analysis tool should integrate different content-specific PPI databases into a comprehensive network format with a user-friendly platform to identify key functional modules/pathways and the underlying mechanisms of disease and toxicity.

Results

atBioNet integrates seven publicly available PPI databases into a network-specific knowledge base. Knowledge expansion is achieved by expanding a user supplied proteins/genes list with interactions from its integrated PPI network. The statistically significant functional modules are determined by applying a fast network-clustering algorithm (SCAN: a Structural Clustering Algorithm for Networks). The functional modules can be visualized either separately or together in the context of the whole network. Integration of pathway information enables enrichment analysis and assessment of the biological function of modules. Three case studies are presented using publicly available disease gene signatures as a basis to discover new biomarkers for acute leukemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and breast cancer. The results demonstrated that atBioNet can not only identify functional modules and pathways related to the studied diseases, but this information can also be used to hypothesize novel biomarkers for future analysis.

Conclusion

atBioNet is a free web-based network analysis tool that provides a systematic insight into proteins/genes interactions through examining significant functional modules. The identified functional modules are useful for determining underlying mechanisms of disease and biomarker discovery. It can be accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/BioinformaticsTools/ucm285284.htm.
Transcript profiling reveals complex auxin signalling pathway and transcription regulation involved in dedifferentiation and redifferentiation during somatic embryogenesis in cotton
Authors: Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong , Yuan Daojun , Jin Fangyan , Zhang Yunchao , Xu Jiao
Published: July 2012

Background

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), by which somatic cells of higher plants can dedifferentiate and reorganize into new plants, is a notable illustration of cell totipotency. However, the precise molecular mechanisms regulating SE remain unclear. To characterize the molecular events of this unique process, transcriptome analysis, in combination with biochemical and histological approaches, were conducted in cotton, a typical plant species in SE. Genome-wide profiling of gene expression allowed the identification of novel molecular markers characteristic of this developmental process.

Results

RNA-Seq was used to identify 5,076 differentially expressed genes during cotton SE. Expression profile and functional assignments of these genes indicated significant transcriptional complexity during this process, associated with morphological, histological changes and endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) alteration. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the genes were enriched for basic processes such as metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Unigenes were abundant for the functions of protein binding and hydrolase activity. Transcription factor–encoding genes were found to be differentially regulated during SE. The complex pathways of auxin abundance, transport and response with differentially regulated genes revealed that the auxin-related transcripts belonged to IAA biosynthesis, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) metabolism, IAA conjugate metabolism, auxin transport, auxin-responsive protein/indoleacetic acid-induced protein (Aux/IAA), auxin response factor (ARF), small auxin-up RNA (SAUR), Aux/IAA degradation, and other auxin-related proteins, which allow an intricate system of auxin utilization to achieve multiple purposes in SE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on selected genes with different expression patterns and functional assignments were made to demonstrate the utility of RNA-Seq for gene expression profiles during cotton SE.

Conclusion

We report here the first comprehensive analysis of transcriptome dynamics that may serve as a gene expression profile blueprint in cotton SE. Our main goal was to adapt the RNA-Seq technology to this notable development process and to analyse the gene expression profile. Complex auxin signalling pathway and transcription regulation were highlighted. Together with biochemical and histological approaches, this study provides comprehensive gene expression data sets for cotton SE that serve as an important platform resource for further functional studies in plant embryogenesis.
Flow cytometric readout based on Mitotracker Red CMXRos staining of live asexual blood stage malarial parasites reliably assesses antibody dependent cellular inhibition
Authors: Jogdand Prajakta S , Singh Susheel K , Christiansen Michael , Dziegiel Morten H , Singh Subhash , Theisen Michael
Published: July 2012

Background

Functional in vitro assays could provide insights into the efficacy of malaria vaccine candidates. For estimating the anti-parasite effect induced by a vaccine candidate, an accurate determination of live parasite count is an essential component of most in vitro bioassays. Although traditionally parasites are counted microscopically, a faster, more accurate and less subjective method for counting parasites is desirable. In this study mitochondrial dye (Mitotracker Red CMXRos) was used for obtaining reliable live parasite counts through flow cytometry.

Methods

Both asynchronous and tightly synchronized asexual blood stage cultures of Plasmodium falciparum were stained with CMXRos and subjected to detection by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The parasite counts obtained by flow cytometry were compared to standard microscopic counts obtained through examination of Giemsa-stained thin smears. A comparison of the ability of CMXRos to stain live and compromised parasites (induced by either medium starvation or by anti-malarial drug treatment) was carried out. Finally, parasite counts obtained by CMXRos staining through flow cytometry were used to determine specific growth inhibition index (SGI) in an antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) assay.

Results

Mitotracker Red CMXRos can reliably detect live intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. Comparison between staining of live with compromised parasites shows that CMXRos predominantly stains live parasites with functional mitochondria. Parasite counts obtained by CMXRos staining and flow cytometry were highly reproducible and can reliably determine the ability of IgG from hyper-immune individuals to inhibit parasite growth in presence of monocytes in ADCI assay. Further, a dose-dependent parasite growth inhibitory effect could be detected for both total IgG purified from hyper-immune sera and affinity purified IgGs against the N-terminal non-repeat region of GLURP in ADCI assays coupled with determination of parasite counts through CMXRos staining and flow cytometry.

Conclusions

A flow cytometry method based on CMXRos staining for detection of live parasite populations has been optimized. This is a rapid and sensitive method with high inter-assay reproducibility which can reliably determine the anti-parasite effect mediated by antibodies in functional in vitro assays such as ADCI assay.
Strong and weak convergence theorems for an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings and applications
Authors: Ceng LC , Wong NC , Yao JC
Published: July 2012

In this paper, let E be a reflexive and strictly convex Banach space which either is uniformly smooth or has a weakly continuous duality map. We consider the hybrid viscosity approximation method for finding a common fixed point of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in E. We prove the strong convergence of this method to a common fixed point of the infinite family of nonexpansive mappings, which solves a variational inequality on their common fixed point set. We also give a weak convergence theorem for the hybrid viscosity approximation method involving an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space.

MSC:47H17, 47H09, 47H10, 47H05.
Non-Archimedean Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of m-variable functional equation
Authors: Azadi Kenary H , Rezaei H , Sharifzadeh M , Shin DY , Lee JR
Published: July 2012

The main goal of this paper is to study the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of the following Euler-Lagrange type additive functional equation:

∑

j
=
1

m

f

(
−

r
j

x
j

+

∑

1
≤
i
≤
m
,
i
≠
j

r
i

x
i

)

+
2

∑

i
=
1

m

r
i

f
(

x
i

)
=
m
f

(

∑

i
=
1

m

r
i

x
i

)

,

where

r
1

,
…
,

r
m

∈
R

,

∑

i
=
k

m

r
k

≠
0

, and

r
i

,

r
j

≠
0

for some

1
≤
i
<
j
≤
m

, in non-Archimedean Banach spaces.

MSC:39B22, 39B52, 46S10.
ESPRIT with multiple-angle subarray beamforming
Authors: Xu Wen , Jiang Ying , Zhang Huiquan
Published: July 2012

This article presents a new approach of implementing signal direction-of-arrival estimation, in which subarray beamforming is applied prior to estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT). Different from the previous approaches, the beam-domain data from multiple adjacent pointing angles are combined in a way that the displacement invariance structure required by ESPRIT is maintained. It is intended to further obtain a sub-beamwidth resolution for a conventional multi-beam system already having small beamwidths. Computer simulations show that for typical multi-beam system applications the new approach provides improved estimation mean-square errors over the original ESPRIT, on top of reduced requirements for signal-to-noise ratio, number of snapshots, and computational time.
Risk factors for contacts between wild boar and outdoor pigs in Switzerland and investigations on potential Brucella suis spill-over
Authors: Wu Natacha , Abril Carlos , Thomann Andreas , Grosclaude Eleonore , Doherr Marcus G , Boujon Patrick , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre
Published: July 2012

Background

Due to the parallel increase of the number of free-ranging wild boar and domestic pigs reared outdoor, the risk that they interact has become higher. Contacts with wild boar can be the origin of disease outbreaks in pigs, as it has been documented for brucellosis in some European countries. This study aimed at quantifying the occurrence of contacts between wild boar and outdoor domestic pigs in Switzerland, and identifying risk factors for these contacts. Furthermore, exposed pigs were tested for pathogen spill-over, taking Brucella suis as an example because B. suis is widespread in Swiss wild boar while domestic pigs are officially free of brucellosis.

Results

Thirty-one percent of the game-wardens and 25% of the pig owners participating to a country-wide questionnaire survey reported contacts, including approaches of wild boar outside the fence, intrusions, and mating. Seventeen piggeries (5%) reported the birth of cross-bred animals. Risk factors for contacts identified by a uni- and multivariable logistic regression approach were: distance between pigs enclosure and houses, proximity of a forest, electric fences, and fences ≤ 60 cm. Pigs of the Mangalitza breed were most at risk for mating with wild boar (births of cross-bred animals). Blood and tissues of 218 outdoor pigs from 13 piggeries were tested for an infection with Brucella suis, using rose bengal test, complement fixation test, and an IS711-based real-time PCR. One piggery with previous wild boar contacts was found infected with B. suis, however, epidemiological investigations failed to identify the direct source of infection.

Conclusions

Results show that interactions between wild boar and outdoor pigs are not uncommon, pointing at the existing risk of pathogen spill-over. Provided data on risk factors for these interactions could help the risk-based implementation of protection measures for piggeries. The documentation of a brucellosis outbreak in pigs despite the freedom-of-disease status underlines the importance of improving pathogen surveillance strategies and increasing disease awareness of farmers and veterinary practitioners.
Integrated analysis of hydrothermal flow through pretreatment
Authors: Archambault-Leger Veronique , Shao Xiongjun , Lynd Lee R
Published: July 2012

Background

The impact of hydrothermal flowthrough (FT) pretreatment severity on pretreatment and solubilization performance metrics was evaluated for three milled feedstocks (corn stover, bagasse, and poplar) and two conversion systems (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using yeast and fungal cellulase, and fermentation by Clostridium thermocellum).

Results

Compared to batch pretreatment, FT pretreatment consistently resulted in higher XMG recovery, higher removal of non-carbohydrate carbon and higher glucan solubilization by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). XMG recovery was above 90% for FT pretreatment below 4.1 severity but decreased at higher severities, particularly for bagasse. Removal of non-carbohydrate carbon during FT pretreatment increased from 65% at low severity to 80% at high severity for corn stover, and from 40% to 70% for bagasse and poplar.

Solids obtained by FT pretreatment were amenable to high conversion for all of the feedstocks and conversion systems examined. The optimal time and temperature for FT pretreatment on poplar were found to be 16 min and 210°C. At these conditions, SSF glucan conversion was about 85%, 94% of the XMG was removed, and 62% of the non carbohydrate mass was solubilized. Solubilization of FT-pretreated poplar was compared for C. thermocellum fermentation (10% inoculum), and for yeast-fungal cellulase SSF (5% inoculum, cellulase loading of 5 and 10 FPU/g glucan supplemented with β-glucosidase at 15 and 30 U/g glucan). Under the conditions tested, which featured low solids concentration, C. thermocellum fermentation achieved faster rates and more complete conversion of FT-pretreated poplar than did SSF. Compared to SSF, solubilization by C. thermocellum was 30% higher after 4 days, and was over twice as fast on ball-milled FT-pretreated poplar.

Conclusions

XMG removal trends were similar between feedstocks whereas glucan conversion trends were significantly different, suggesting that factors in addition to XMG removal impact amenability of glucan to enzymatic attack. Corn stover exhibited higher hydrolysis yields than bagasse or poplar, which could be due to higher removal of non-carbohydrate carbon. XMG in bagasse is more easily degraded than XMG in corn stover and poplar. Conversion of FT-pretreated substrates at low concentration was faster and more complete for C. thermocellum than for SSF.