bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Men, Sexual Ethics and Sexual Negotiation
Authors: Carmody Moira
Published: June 2013

This paper explores a research and education project seeking positive ways to engage young men in respectful and ethical negotiation within sexual relationships. The experiences of young men aged 16–25 years of age are explored who took part in the Sex & Ethics Violence Prevention Program which was developed in 2006 and continues to be run in several Australian states and in New Zealand. The Program was designed to assist both young women and men to develop enhanced ethical sexual subjectivity and in the process help them to explore diverse gender possibilities in their intimate relationships. This study is located within the international field of violence prevention education. It considers how the young men who took part in this Program between 2009–2011 responded to the opportunity to reflect on their practices within the context of casual and ongoing sexual relationships. The implications of the study for our understandings of masculinities and gender are explored and how sexual ethics may provide a useful approach to assist young people as they navigate their sexual lives.
Flows of Affect in the Olympic Stadium
Authors: Fox Nick J.
Published: June 2013

I explore the contribution that emotions made to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but from a perspective that downplays individualised or embodied analysis of emotion, and oppositions between the ‘emotional’ and the ‘rational’. Instead, emotions are understood as one component within a broader ‘flow of affect’ within an Olympic assemblage of physical, biological, cultural, social and economic relations. I supply an ‘affective’ sociology of the Games, focusing upon the capacities produced in competitors, audiences, media, spaces and physical entities such as the stadia and Olympic Park, and how these together produced the Games and their legacy.
The Hidden Dimensions of the Musical Field and the Potential of the New Social Data
Authors: Beer David , Taylor Mark
Published: June 2013

This article seeks to highlight what might be thought of as the hidden dimensions of the musical field and explores the potential of digital by-product data for illuminating the aspects of musical taste and preference that are difficult to see with traditional social science methods. It suggests that the limitations of existing field analysis create what might be thought of as darkened areas of music consumption that may remain outside of the gaze of the interested social scientist. The paper briefly discusses some of the analytical problems associated with this lack of visibility. In response this article focuses upon the specific example of Last.fm and looks to make use of the by-product data that this particular website accumulates about individuals’ everyday music listening practices. From this specific example the article provides some substantive observations about the contemporary musical field and uses these to offer insights into the potentials and limitations of using by-product data in the analysis of (the musical) field. This article specifically questions the boundaries drawn around genre in the study of field, and looks at how these might be reported upon in alternative ways using new forms of data.
‘The Girl Effect’: Exploring Narratives of Gendered Impacts and Opportunities in Neoliberal Development
Authors: Shain Farzana
Published: June 2013

This paper explores representations of girls in current discourses of neoliberal development through an analysis of a range of texts that promote the global Girl Effect movement. These representations are situated in the context of theoretical debates about gender mainstreaming and policy developments that construct girls and women's ‘empowerment’ as ‘smart economics’. The paper draws on postcolonial and transnational feminist analyses that critique market-led approaches to development and their complicities in the dynamics of neo-colonialism and uneven development, to contextualise the Girl Effect movement. It is argued that the Girl Effect movement draws on colonial stereotypes of girls as sexually and culturally constrained, but reworks these through the discourses of neoliberal development to construct girls as good investment potential. In doing so, it reproduces a dominant narrative that highlights the cultural causes of poverty but obscures structural relations of exploitation and privilege.
The Role of Nationalism in the Olympics: Reflecting on the 2012 London Games
Authors: Tang Lijun
Published: June 2013

The Olympic Games aim to promote the unity and friendship of humankind. By examining a number of stakeholders of the Games, this paper however demonstrates that the Olympics instigate nationalistic sentiments, provide an opportunity for a global audience to experience and express such feelings, and enable nation states and commercial sponsors to harness this. It argues that ironically, it is nationalistic sentiments rather than internationalism that serve the interests of stakeholders and underpin the Games’ popularity, commercial success and state investment.
Coming of (Old) Age in the Digital Age: ICT Usage and Non-Usage among Older Adults
Authors: Neves Barbara Barbosa , Amaro Fausto , Fonseca Jaime R. S.
Published: June 2013

Most developed countries are in the midst of two significant societal trends: the first is an aging population; the second is the uptake of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by large segments of society. But research shows a strong association between age and the so-called digital divide: older adults are less likely to use ICT when compared to other age groups. If we consider the social affordances of the Internet and the online migration of several public and private services, the lack of access or of digital literacy might be increasing age-related inequality. Consequently, we studied adoption, usage, and non-usage of ICT (mobile phones, computers, and the Internet) by Portuguese older adults. For that, we surveyed a random stratified sample of 500 individuals over 64 years of age living in Lisbon. Of this sample, 77% owned a mobile phone, 13% used computers, and 10% used the Internet. The main reasons for non-usage were functional and attitudinal, rather than physical or associated with age. But usage of mobile phones and computers was predicted by age and education, whereas the usage of the Internet was only predicted by education. We followed up the survey with 10 qualitative interviews, using a mixed methods strategy. The qualitative data showed a general positive perception of ICT as well as the importance of family and intergenerational relationships for technology adoption and use.
Restricting the Public in Public Space: The London 2012 Olympic Games, Hyper-Securitization and Marginalized Youth
Authors: Kennelly Jacqueline , Watt Paul
Published: June 2013

In contrast to Olympic organizers’ claims about the London 2012 Games as a celebration for all, we recount the experiences of low-income and marginally housed young people as experiencing exclusion from the benefits of the Games being held in their neighbourhood. Drawing on qualitative methods with young people living in the ethnically diverse and economically deprived Olympic host borough of Newham, we focus on public space and its limitations in the context of the 2012 Games. The article discusses the sense conveyed by young people of their neighbourhood being made beautiful for visitors, but of themselves being overly policed and subject to Olympic-related dispersal orders. We conclude by querying for whom is public space made available during the Olympic Games, suggesting that the benefactors are not economically marginalized young people living in the shadow of the Games.
Race, Multiculturalism and the ‘Progressive’ Politics of London 2012: Passing the ‘Boyle Test’
Authors: Winter Aaron
Published: June 2013

This paper will examine the ways in which race, multiculturalism and nation have been constructed, used and evoked in the London 2012 Olympics bid, branding and promotion. The paper will focus on the two-pronged strategy promoting modern, diverse, multicultural Britain and the more conservative traditional, historic Britain, and the tensions and contradictions between these. These are tensions and contradictions which have been exposed and exacerbated by 7/7, recession and riots, as well as the shift in government from New Labour to the Tory-led coalition. The paper will examine the ways in which race and nation have played a role historically and politically in the Olympics, and then examine the place and use of race in three aspects of the 2012 Games: the bid and branding, the opening ceremony and the representation of the athletes themselves. The paper will argue that far from being progressive and inclusive as has been promoted and claimed, what has occurred around London 2012 has been a conservative hegemonic re-articulation of a ‘Britishness’ that is ‘progressive’ and includes immigrants and black and minority ethnic individuals based on a logic of integration and performance that does not threaten, criticise or make demands of more traditional visions of Britishness. Moreover, athletes such as Mo Farah have been positioned in such a way as to challenge racism and xenophobia and re-brand Britain as inclusive in narrow terms and at the same time serve as aspirational individual role models through which to set expectations for and make demands of immigrant, black and minority ethnic youth and wider communities.
Passive, Heterosexual and Female: Constructing Appropriate Childhoods in the ‘Sexualisation of Childhood’ Debate
Authors: Clark Jessica
Published: June 2013

The proliferation of debates surrounding the sexualisation of childhood in the late 20th and early 21st century has led to the commission of a range of investigations into the role of sex and consumer culture in the lives of children and young people. This paper sets out to analyse the dominant ‘sexual scripts’ embedded within four international examples of such reports. It finds that a broad-brush approach to sexualisation appears to render all fashion, consumption, nudity and seemingly embodiment itself, as ‘sexualised’ and therefore inherently problematic. In what is overwhelmingly a negative reading of contemporary media and consumer cultures, the concepts of gender and sexuality remain un-problematised. Within these official discourses girls are constructed as vulnerable and passive whilst boys are ignored, presumably viewed as either unaffected or unimportant. Sexuality as an issue is palpable by its absence and throughout there is a lack of attention to the voices of children in an international debate which should place them at the centre of enquiry. The paper concludes by urging more in-depth consideration of value positions, lacunae and definitions of key concepts in such reports and consultation processes since such critiques have the potential to inform policy making and the gendered and embodied worlds we seek to explore.
To Build a Notion: US State Department Nation Building Expertise and Postwar Settlements in 20th Century East Central Europe
Authors: Riga Liliana , Kennedy James
Published: June 2013

This article offers a contribution to the sociology of social science knowledge practices and expertise through the empirical lens of US nation building policies. Drawing on archival materials, including the State Department's Freedom of Information Act documents, and interviews with key policymakers we offer a comparative historical sociology of the US State Department as a site of nation building knowledge and expertise. In examining the evolving character of nation building expertise in three key moments across the twentieth century, we find that as nation building expertise and its attendant knowledge practices were redefined and institutionally relocated, the essential character of the expertise and data collection practices that were valorized shifted from social scientism in the 1910s to geopolitical empiricism in the 1940s to liberal legalism in the 1990s. This changing character of nation building knowledge practices at the State Department had an effect on the substance of US nation building policy.
Estimation of nocturnal 222Rn soil fluxes over Russia from TROICA measurements
Authors: Berezina E. V. , Elansky N. F. , Moiseenko K. B. , Belikov I. B. , Shumsky R. A. , Safronov A. N. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In TROICA (TRanscontinental Observations Into the Chemistry of the Atmosphere) experiments (1999–2008) simultaneous observations of near surface 222Rn concentrations and atmospheric boundary layer thermal structure were performed across North Eurasia including the central part of Russia, South Siberia and the Far East. The data on 222Rn and temperature vertical distribution are used to estimate regional scale 222Rn soil fluxes basing on calculations of nocturnal 222Rn accumulation rates in the surface layer under inversion conditions. An effect of seasonal soil thawing on 2–4 times surface 222Rn concentration increase from summer 1999 to autumn 2005 is observed. The 222Rn flux estimated from our experiments varies over Russia from 0.01 to 0.15 Bq m−2 s−1 with the highest 222Rn fluxes being derived in the mountain regions of South Siberia and the Far East.
Applying receptor models Unmix and PMF on real data set of elements in PM for sources evaluation of the sea coastal side region (Southeast Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Đorđević D. , Petrović S. , Relić D. , Mihajlidi-Zelić A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Two receptor modeling techniques were applied to a common data set of daily measurements of 11 elements in particulate matter (PM). Samples of PM were collected in the 5 yr period at an urban site located at the sea coast. In the vicinity of the sampling site traffic is a permanent but not significant anthropogenic source. In this study we used both the Unmix and PMF receptor models for evaluation of the sources contribution. Unmix found thirteen solutions for several combinations of species, but four solutions satisfy the criteria Min R2 > 0.8 and Min S/N > 2. Unmix identified three and four sources in satisfactory solutions. The PMF model has given 3 possible solutions and by further analysis the best solution of four sources was selected. F peak refinement enabled finding a more realistic solution that includes re-suspension and traffic as dominant source contributions. The results given in this study are in accordance with the results of Enrichment Factors analysis presented in our previous work.
Response of bacterioplankton community structure to an artificial gradient of pCO2 in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Zhang R. , Xia X. , Lau S. C. K. , Motegi C. , Weinbauer M. G. , Jiao N.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In order to test the influences of ocean acidification on the ocean pelagic ecosystem, so far the largest CO2 manipulation mesocosm study (European Project on Ocean Acidification, EPOCA) was performed in Kings Bay (Kongsfjorden), Spitsbergen. During a 30 day incubation, bacterial diversity was investigated using DNA fingerprinting and clone library analysis of bacterioplankton samples. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the PCR amplicons of the 16S rRNA genes revealed that general bacterial diversity, taxonomic richness and community structure were influenced by the variation of productivity during the time of incubation, but not the degree of ocean acidification. A BIOENV analysis suggested a complex control of bacterial community structure by various biological and chemical environmental parameters. The maximum apparent diversity of bacterioplankton (i.e., the number of T-RFs) in high and low pCO2 treatments differed significantly. A negative relationship between the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and pCO2 levels was observed for samples at the end of the experiment by the combination of T-RFLP and clone library analysis. Our study suggests that ocean acidification affects the development of bacterial assemblages and potentially impacts the ecological function of the bacterioplankton in the marine ecosystem.
Nerve Fibers are Absent in Disease-Free and Eutopic Endometrium, but Present in Endometriotic (Especially Deep) Lesions
Authors: Donnez Olivier , Soares Michelle , Defrère Sylvie , Van Kerk Olivier , Van Langendonckt Anne , Donnez Jacques , Dolmans Marie-Madeleine , Colette Sébastien
Published: June 2013

Objective

Detection of nerve fibers in endometrial biopsies was recently proposed as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis. However, their occurrence in the functional layer of endometrium still remains controversial. Nerve fibers were found to be present in endometriotic lesions themselves, which may account for some of the pain experienced by patients, but their origin is not clear. The objective of the present study was to reevaluate the presence of nerve fibers in endometrium and in different types of endometriotic lesions.

Patients and Methods

Nerve fiber density (PGP9.5 immunohistochemical analysis), unmyelinated nerve fiber presence (neurofilament immunohistochemical detection) and nerve growth factor expression were evaluated in endometrial (disease free: n = 20; endometriotic: n = 26) and endometriotic (peritoneal lesions: n = 11; ovarian lesions: n = 16; rectovaginal lesions: n = 27) samples.

Results

Endometrial biopsies were found to be mostly negative for nerve fibers. Nerve fiber density was higher in deep nodular lesions than in peritoneal (p<0.01) or ovarian (p<0.001) lesions. Around 30% of PGP9.5-positive nerve fibers were confirmed by neurofilament staining. Nerve growth factor expression was detected at higher levels in the stroma of deep-infiltrating lesions (p<0.05).

Conclusions

No nerve fibers were detected in endometrial biopsies (from healthy or endometriosis patients). However, nerve fibers were detected in endometriotic lesions. Most of them were found to be unmyelinated, suggesting they could be implicated in pain. Deep nodular lesions may be more neuroattractive through the action of nerve growth factor.
Advertising, Price and Hotel Service Quality: A Signalling Perspective
Authors: Chiu Hsien-Hung , Chen Chiang-Ming
Published: June 2013

This study investigates two main issues: the relationship between advertising expenditure and service quality, and the relationship between price and service quality in the hotel industry. The authors consider an asymmetric-information environment, in which consumers are uncertain about service quality, and address the above issues from a signalling perspective. Building on signalling and counter-signalling theory in economics, the authors propose a number of testable hypotheses and conduct an empirical study using data for Taiwanese international tourist hotels. The empirical results support the hypothesis that the advertising–quality relationship is inverted-U shaped, whereas the price–quality relationship is positive and monotonic. Hence, higher prices may signal higher service quality, whereas higher advertising expenditure does not necessarily signal higher service quality.
An overview of farming system typology methodologies and its use in the study of pasture-based farming system: a review
Authors: Mądry W. , Mena Y. , Roszkowska-Mądra B. , Gozdowski D. , Hryniewski R. , Castel J. M.
Published: June 2013

The main objective of the paper is to do a critic study of the use of typology methodologies within pasture-based farming systems (PBFS), especially those situated in less favoured areas, showing in each case the more relevant variables or indicators determining the farming system classification. Another objective is to do an overview of the most used farming system typology methodologies in general. First some considerations about the concept of farming system and approaches to its study have been done. Next, the farming system typology methodologies have been showed in general to different farming systems, but addressed preferably to PBFS. The different tools integrated in these methodologies have been considered: sampling methods, sources of data, variables or indicators obtained from available data and techniques of analysis (statistical or not). Methods for farming system classification have been presented (expert methods, analytical methods or a combination of both types). Among the statistical methods, the multivariate analysis has been overall treated, including the principal component analysis and the cluster analysis. Finally, the use of farming system typology methodologies on different pasture-based farming systems has been presented. The most important aspects considered are following: the main objective of the typology, the main animal species, the employed methods of classification and the main variables involved in this classification.
NIRS determination of non-structural carbohydrates, water soluble carbohydrates and other nutritive quality traits in whole plant maize with wide range variability
Authors: Campo L. , Monteagudo A. B. , Salleres B. , Castro P. , Moreno-Gonzalez J.
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work was to study the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), in vitro organic dry matter digestibility (IVOMD), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and starch in samples of whole plant maize with a wide range of variability. The samples were analyzed in reflectance mode by a spectrophotometer FOSS NIRSystems 6500. Four hundred and fifty samples of wide spectrum from different origin were selected out of 3000 scanned for the calibration set, whereas 87 independent random samples were used in the external validation. The goodness of the calibration models was evaluated using the following statistics: coefficient of determination (R2), standard error of cross-validation (SECV), standard error of prediction for external validation (SEP) and the RPDCV and RPDP indexes [ratios of standard deviation (SD) of reference analysis data to SECV and SEP, respectively]. The smaller the SECV and SEP and the greater the RPDCV and RPDP, the predictions are better. Trait measurement units were g/100g of dry matter (DM), except for IVOMD (g/100g OM). The SECV and RPDCV statistics of the calibration set were 1.34 and 3.2 for WSC, 2.57 and 3 for NSC and 2.3 and 2.2 for IVOMD, respectively. The SEP and RPDP statistics for external validation were 0.74 and 4.7 for WSC, 2.14 and 2.5 for NSC and 1.68 and 1.6 for IVOMD respectively. It can be concluded that the NIRS technique can be used to predict WSC and NSC with good accuracy, whereas prediction of IVOMD showed a lesser accuracy. NIRS predictions of OM, CP, NDF, ADF and starch also showed good accuracy.
Utilization of milk minerals by Iberian suckling piglets
Authors: Castellano R. , Aguinaga M. A. , Nieto R. , Aguilera J. F. , Haro A. , Seiquer I.
Published: June 2013

Little information is available concerning mineral metabolism in suckling piglets. The utilization of milk minerals and the mineral composition of Iberian (IB) suckling piglets were studied in two consecutive experiments at different ambient temperatures (trial 1, 27 ± 2°C; trial 2, 22 ± 2°C). Milk composition and the piglets’ performance were determined weekly over a 34 days lactation period and, at the end, body mineral contents were analyzed and mineral retention and bioavailability were calculated. The ash content in IB sows’ milk and in suckling IB piglets was found to be higher than that reported for lean genotypes. During lactation, mean ash content per unit of body weight gain in IB piglets (40.6 g kg-1) was 42% higher than that observed for lean breeds, and weaned IB piglets contained 60% more Ca (11-12.7 g kg-1 empty body weight) and P (7-7.5 g kg-1 empty body weight), compared with conventional pigs. Minerals from milk were retained by the IB piglet with an overall efficiency of 78.3%, 66.3% and 48.7% for Ca, P and Mg, respectively. Significant differences between trials were observed in the mineral fraction composition of the milk, which were reflected in piglet body composition at weaning, presumably due to differences in ambient temperature. Present findings underline genotype differences in mineral composition of sow’s milk and suckling piglets and may provide a useful starting point for formulating milk-replacer diets for IB piglets.
The Relationship between Intellectual Capital and Income Smoothing and Stock Returns
Authors: Vakilifard Hamidreza , Rasouli Masoumeh Sadat
Published: June 2013

This article examines the relationship between intellectual capital, income smoothing and stock returns. We are capturing income smoothing through total accruals. Income smoothing firms have significantly higher abnormal returns around earnings announcement. In the knowledge economy, intellectual capital has become one of the primary sources of competitive advantage for a firm. Given the remarkable shift in the underlying production factors of a business within the new knowledge economy, it is important for firms to be aware of the elements of intellectual capital that would lead to value creation. So we associated relationship between intellectual capital and income smoothing and stock returns. The sample includes 108 firm-year observations from 2006 to 2011.We have used five variables
DESEMPENHO PRODUTIVO E COMPORTAMENTO INGESTIVO DE OVINOS SUBMETIDOS A DIFERENTES ESTRATÉGIAS DE SUPLEMENTAÇÃO
Authors: Macena de Araújo Luciano , Alves Dorismar David , Viana Porto Édson Marcos , Dos Santos Soares Franklin Delano , Antunes Simões Danilo , Lopes Silva Marcus Vinícius , Ferreira da Silva Marcos , Santos de Souza David Andréia Márcia
Published: June 2013

O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos submetidos a diferentes estratégias de suplementação nutritiva. Utilizaram-se 24 ovinos machos inteiros oriundos de cruzamentos da raça Santa Inês com animais sem raça definida, com peso vivo médio inicial de 20,58 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições por tratamento. O período experimental teve duração de 83 dias, sendo 20 dias de adaptação ao ambiente e às dietas e 63 dias do período experimental propriamente dito. Todos os animais receberam ad libitum feno de capim-Tifton 85 e os tratamentos consistiram no oferecimento de distintos suplementos: tratamento mineral = suplemento mineral; tratamento mineral com ureia = suplemento mineral + ureia + sulfato de amônio; tratamento proteinado = suplemento proteinado; tratamento concentrado = suplemento concentrado. O tratamento concentrado, com suplementação dos ovinos na base de 0,8% do peso vivo, apesar de reduzir o consumo da forragem, em porcentagem do peso vivo, possibilitou maior peso vivo final e ganho médio diário em peso vivo (GMD), apresentando valores médios de GMD de 9,84; 9,21; 11,11 e 48,89 g/dia, respectivamente para os tratamentos mineral; mineral com ureia; proteinado e concentrado. O tratamento proteinado implicou maior tempo com a atividade de alimentação, ao passo que, para a atividade de ruminação, houve maior dispêndio de tempo para o tratamento ureia em relação aos demais tratamentos. [P]
AVALIAÇÃO DOS PARÂMETROS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS DE MANTEIGAS DO TIPO COMUM
Authors: De Barros Fernandes Regiane Victória , Alvarenga Botrel Diego , De Souza Vivian Raquel , Vieira Rocha Vitangela , Souza Ramires Celise
Published: June 2013

As análises físico-químicas de manteiga revelam se a fase oleosa apresenta alterações decorrentes de hidrólise, rancificação ou adulteração e são dados importantes na caracterização da qualidade de manteiga. Para avaliar a qualidade desses produtos, três amostras de oito diferentes marcas de manteigas comercializadas em duas cidades de Minas Gerais (Patos de Minas e Lavras), totalizando 24 amostras, foram submetidas às determinações de umidade, acidez na matéria gorda, substâncias voláteis, sólidos insolúveis e gordura, cinzas, cloretos e reação de Kreis. O teor de umidade das amostras variou entre 13,69 e 30,47%; a acidez, 1,24 e 4,79 mL/100 g de matéria gorda; teor de sólidos insolúveis, 1,95 e 3,65%; teor de gordura, 67,58 e 84,32%; cinzas, 0,13 e 4,63% e cloretos, 0,02 e 0,23%. Algumas amostras apresentaram resultado positivo para a reação de Kreis, indicando possível rancificação dos produtos. Os resultados indicaram a existência de produtos no mercado sendo comercializados com especificações fora do exigido pela legislação brasileira.
Passive and active DNA methylation and the interplay with genetic variation in gene regulation
Authors: Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria , Lappalainen Tuuli , Montgomery Stephen B , Buil Alfonso , Ongen Halit , Yurovsky Alisa , Bryois Julien , Giger Thomas , Romano Luciana , Planchon Alexandra , Falconnet Emilie , Bielser Deborah , Gagnebin Maryline , Padioleau Ismael , Borel Christelle , Letourneau Audrey , Makrythanasis Periklis , Guipponi Michel , Gehrig Corinne , Antonarakis Stylianos E , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T
Published: June 2013

DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mark whose role in gene regulation and its dependency on genomic sequence and environment are not fully understood. In this study we provide novel insights into the mechanistic relationships between genetic variation, DNA methylation and transcriptome sequencing data in three different cell-types of the GenCord human population cohort. We find that the association between DNA methylation and gene expression variation among individuals are likely due to different mechanisms from those establishing methylation-expression patterns during differentiation. Furthermore, cell-type differential DNA methylation may delineate a platform in which local inter-individual changes may respond to or act in gene regulation. We show that unlike genetic regulatory variation, DNA methylation alone does not significantly drive allele specific expression. Finally, inferred mechanistic relationships using genetic variation as well as correlations with TF abundance reveal both a passive and active role of DNA methylation to regulatory interactions influencing gene expression.
MCU encodes the pore conducting mitochondrial calcium currents
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipayan , Sancak Yasemin , Mootha Vamsi K , Clapham David E
Published: June 2013

Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) import is a well-described phenomenon regulating cell survival and ATP production. Of multiple pathways allowing such entry, the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is a highly Ca2+-selective channel complex encoded by several recently-discovered genes. However, the identity of the pore-forming subunit remains to be established, since knockdown of all the candidate uniporter genes inhibit Ca2+ uptake in imaging assays, and reconstitution experiments have been equivocal. To definitively identify the channel, we use whole-mitoplast voltage-clamping, the technique that originally established the uniporter as a Ca2+ channel. We show that RNAi-mediated knockdown of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) gene reduces mitochondrial Ca2+ current (IMiCa), whereas overexpression increases it. Additionally, a classic feature of IMiCa, its sensitivity to ruthenium red inhibition, can be abolished by a point mutation in the putative pore domain without altering current magnitude. These analyses establish that MCU encodes the pore-forming subunit of the uniporter channel.
Modified solution technique for preparing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and a Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/silver nanocomposite: Optical and thermal behavior
Authors: Behniafar Hossein , Moaref Hossein
Published: June 2013

In this study, we prepared poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) via the chemical oxidation of the 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene monomer in a system consisting of miscible binary organic solvents, that is, acetonitrile (CH3CN) and chloroform (CHCl3). This successful technique was then used to synthesize a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/silver (Ag) nanocomposite as well. In this facile and efficient technique, a higher solubility of the oxidizing reagent, which originated from a relative enhancement in the polarity of the reaction medium, led to significant changes in the optical and thermal behaviors of the resulting products. To investigate the degree of validity of the technique applied, a pure sample of PEDOT (PEDOT I) was also synthesized with CHCl3 alone, and this was then compared with a sample prepared in CH3CN/CHCl3 binary solvents (PEDOT II). To prepare the PEDOT/Ag nanocomposite, first the PEDOT synthesized in binary solvents was thoroughly dissolved in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. Next, Ag nanopowder was uniformly dispersed in the previous solution of PEDOT with sonication. The PEDOT/Ag nanocomposite was then precipitated through the addition of a methanol nonsolvent. The approximate size of nano‐Ag within the polymer matrix was found to be about 40 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images of the pure PEDOT II and PEDOT/Ag nanocomposite exhibited an agglomerated sponge and nanospherical homogeneity, respectively. In comparison with PEDOT I, considerable redshifts in the ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra of the pure PEDOT II and PEDOT/Ag nanocomposite were observed. In addition, the thermostability order was found to be PEDOT/Ag > PEDOT II > PEDOT I at all temperatures above 300°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2707–2712, 2013
Preparation and characterization of acrylic acid/itaconic acid hydrogel coatings containing silver nanoparticles
Authors: Rodríguez‐Delgado M. Guadalupe , Yáñez‐Flores Isaura G. , Sánchez‐Valdes Saul , Rodriguez‐Fernandez Oliverio S. , Betancourt‐Galindo Rebecca , Lozano‐Ramirez Tomas , Ramirez‐Vargas Eduardo , Ortega‐Ortiz Hortencia
Published: June 2013

Hydrogel silver nanocomposites have been used in applications with excellent antibacterial performance. Acrylic acid (AA)/itaconic acid (IA) hydrogels silver nanocomposites were prepared and applied as a coating on a textile substrate. Hydrogel matrices were synthesized first by the polymerization of an AA/IA aqueous (80/20 v/v) solution and mixed with 2‐2‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamide) diclorohydrate and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide until the hydrogel was formed. Silver nanoparticles were generated throughout the hydrogel networks with an in situ method via the incorporation of the silver ions and subsequent reduction with sodium borohydride. Cotton (C) and cotton/polyester (CP) textile fibers were then coated with these hydrogel silver nanocomposites. The influence of these nanocomposite hydrogels on the properties of the textile fiber were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (attenuated total reflectance), scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and antibacterial tests against Pseudomona aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The better conditions, in which no serious aggregation of the silver nanoparticles occurred, were determined. It was proven that the textiles coated with hydrogels containing nanosilver had an excellent antibacterial abilities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2713–2721, 2013
Effect of zinc phenylphosphonate on the crystallization behavior of poly(l‐lactide)
Authors: Wu Ningjing , Wang Honghao
Published: June 2013

The effect of zinc phenylphosphonate (PPZn) on the crystallization behavior of poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) measurements. The non‐isothermal cold crystallization results showed that the addition of PPZn obviously decreased the cold crystallization temperature of PLLA and increased the degree of crystallinity of PLLA. The isothermal crystallization kinetics results showed that the crystallization rate of PLLA with small amount of PPZn was much higher than that of neat PLLA, and the half‐time (t1/2) of PLLA/PPZn sample is far less than that of neat PLLA. As an effective nucleating agent, PPZn particles had also some influence on nucleation mechanism and crystal growth of PLLA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2744–2752, 2013
MUSCLE‐SPECIFIC OVEREXPRESSION OF THE CATALYTIC SUBUNIT OF DNA POLYMERASE γ INDUCES PUPAL LETHALITY IN Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Martínez‐Azorín Francisco , Calleja Manuel , Hernández‐Sierra Rosana , Farr Carol L. , Kaguni Laurie S. , Garesse Rafael
Published: June 2013

We show the physiological effects and molecular characterization of overexpression of the catalytic core of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase (pol γ‐α) in muscle of Drosophila melanogaster. Muscle‐specific overexpression of pol γ‐α using the UAS/GAL4 (where UAS is upstream activation sequence) system produced more than 90% of lethality at the end of pupal stage at 25°C, and the survivor adult flies showed a significant reduction in life span. The survivor flies displayed a decreased mtDNA level that is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the levels of the nucleoid‐binding protein mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA). Furthermore, an increase in apoptosis is detected in larvae and adults overexpressing pol γ‐α. We suggest that the pupal lethality and reduced life span of survivor adult flies are both caused mainly by massive apoptosis of muscle cells induced by mtDNA depletion.
Traumatic ventricular septal defect and flail tricuspid valve: Successful management by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator–supported hybrid approach
Authors: Ling Frederick S. , Massey H. Todd
Published: June 2013

We report the successful management of a critically ill patient with a traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) and flail tricuspid valve sustained in a motorcycle accident. Multiple orthopedic injuries prevented emergency cardiac surgery. The patient was stabilized by venous arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support which allowed initial orthopedic repair. Repair of his cardiac injuries was then accomplished using a hybrid approach of percutaneous VSD closure using an Amplatzer post myocardial infarction VSD occluder which was also coil embolized followed by surgical tricuspid valve replacement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transseptal antegrade transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with no other access approach—A contemporary experience
Authors: Cohen Mauricio G. , Singh Vikas , Martinez Claudia A. , O'Neill Brian P. , Alfonso Carlos E. , Martinezclark Pedro O. , Heldman Alan W. , O'Neill William W.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the feasibility and outcomes in patients undergoing transvenous transseptal (TS) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

TS approach for TAVR was abandoned in favor of retrograde transfemoral, transaortic, or transapical approaches. TS TAVR may still be warranted in patients for whom no other approach is feasible.

Methods

Observational consecutive case series at a single center, to evaluate technical outcomes in inoperable patients with aortic stenosis who had contraindications for other approaches and who underwent TAVR via a transvenous TS antegrade approach using the Edwards–Sapien (ES) valve.

Results

Over a 4‐month period, 9 patients underwent TS TAVR with 26 mm (n = 4) and 23 mm (n = 5) ES valves. Mean age was 84.5 ± 6.6 years and Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was 7.8 ± 2.8%. Specific contraindications for other access included iliofemoral arterial diameter <7 mm in 9 (100%), porcelain aorta in 6 (66%) patients, multiple (≥2) sternotomies in 2 (22%) patients, severe pulmonary disease in 3 (33%), extreme frailty in 1 (11%), spinal stenosis with impaired ability to rehabilitate postsurgery in 1 (11%) and apical left ventricular thrombus in 1 (11%) patient. Antegrade deployment of the ES prosthetic valve was technically feasible in 8 patients. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients, two patients suffered acute kidney injury without need for dialysis and one patient required a permanent pacemaker. The median (25th, 75th percentiles) fluoroscopy time was 49 (34, 81) minutes and contrast volume was 150 (120, 225) ml. No patient had hemodynamically significant post‐TAVR aortic insufficiency nor damage to the mitral valve. At 6 months follow‐up, there were no cerebrovascular events or rehospitalizations and mean NYHA Class improved from 3.4 to 1.7.

Conclusions

The antegrade TS approach to TAVR is a technically feasible option for “no‐access” patients. Prospective assessment of the safety and efficacy of this approach in the current era warrants further study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pre‐emptive positioning of a coronary stent in the left anterior descending artery for left main protection: A prerequisite for transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implantation for failing stentless bioprostheses?
Authors: Chakravarty Tarun , Jilaihawi Hasan , Nakamura Mamoo , Kashif Mohammad , Kar Saibal , Cheng Wen , Makkar Raj
Published: June 2013

Transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve (VIV) implantation in high‐risk patients with degenerative surgical bioprosthetic aortic valves is a novel application of transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology. Although transcatheter aortic VIV procedure is clinically effective in most patients, it is a more demanding procedure in terms of the technical aspects of procedural planning. VIV carries a higher risk of coronary occlusion which is associated with a higher rate of in‐hospital mortality. We hereby report a technique of pre‐emptive left main (LM) protection, by positioning a coronary stent in the proximal left anterior descending artery prior to VIV implantation. The patient treated was considered to be at an increased risk of LM occlusion as a result of the procedure. The technique was performed in anticipation of emergent bailout stenting of the LM. As predicted, the LM occluded during the procedure and LM protection facilitated the safe and effective treatment of an otherwise life‐threatening procedure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Glider registry
Authors: Secco Gioel Gabrio , Rittger Harald , Hoffmann Stefan , Richardt Gert , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , Reinecke Holger , Lotan Chaim , Werner Gerald , Sievert Horst , Foin Nicolas , Di Mario Carlo
Published: June 2013

Background

Provisional stenting of the side‐branch (SB) is the universally accepted gold standard while there is still controversy on the usefulness of routine dilatation of the SB ostium. Recrossing the struts of a previously deployed stent with a wire and a balloon can prove challenging and is occasionally unsuccessful, mainly because the balloon tip hits a stent strut. This prospective multicenter international registry tested the crossing ability procedural results of a new‐dedicated ultrashort balloon specifically designed for side branch dilatation (Glider, TriReme Medical, Pleasanton, CA, USA).

Methods

One hundred and twenty five patients (for a total of 131 bifurcation lesions) were enrolled in the registry between January 2009 and May 2012. The Glider was used as first choice in alternative to conventional balloon (group I, 72%) or as bail‐out after unsuccessful previous attempt at crossing with small conventional low‐profile balloons (group II, 28%). Postprocedural coronary artery dissections and in‐hospital MACE (death, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization) were assessed. Technical success was defined as the ability of the Glider to recross the struts of a previously deployed stent while procedural success was defined as less of residual 50% diameter stenosis at the origin of the SB with a final TIMI 3 and/or freedom from in‐hospital MACE.

Results

Technical success was achieved, respectively, in 92% (group I), and 83% (group II). Clinical and angiographic procedural success was achieved in 98% of the lesions. In Group II, no other balloon of the same size could cross in cases where Glider could not. A total of 13 complications were observed, including nine ostial SB dissection four of which needed a second stent on the SB, one stent loss, two severe coronary spasms, and two by thrombus formation.

Conclusion

The unique possibility offered by this short dedicated balloon to orientate its beveled tip provides an effective strategy for recrossing stent struts when conventional low profile balloons fail achieving greater SB ostial expansion thus reducing the incidence of strut malapposition during provisional treatment of bifurcational lesions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential Heavy Metals Accumulation of Indigenous Plant Species along the Mafic and Ultramafic Terrain in the Mohmand Agency, Pakistan
Authors: Shah Mohammad T. , Ara Jamila , Muhammad Said , Khan Sardar , Asad Saeed A. , Ali Liaqat
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the heavy metals concentration in soils derived from mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Kot Parang Ghar mélange zone in the Bucha Area, Mohmand Agency, Pakistan. Furthermore, plant species grown on these soils are assessed for their bioaccumulation ability. Representative samples (soil and plants) were collected and analyzed for heavy metals concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals concentration in the serpentine soil were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the background soil values. Correlations between plant metal uptake and soil total metal were highly diverse due to different accumulation potential of plant species growing in the habitat. Among the selected plant species, Lycopersicon esculentum and Chrysopogon zizanioides showed manifold higher concentrations of iron, manganese, nickel and chromium and hence capable to uptake and translocate these metals in their tissues to a greater extent. Based on these observations, the local plant species could cause environmental impact in the study area as chromium and nickel contaminations have toxicological concerns. These plants can also be used as bioindicators for exploration of chromite ores.
Mapping of circuit variables into two‐port network variables in basic amplifier structures: identifying new topologies
Authors: Elwakil A. S. , Maundy B. , Murtada M. A.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we report on a unique observation which enables the unification of the analysis for different amplifier structures. In particular, we report that the change from one type of amplifier to the other can be understood via a mapping of source‐load circuit variables (Vs, Rs, Ii, Io, IL, Vo) into two‐port network variables (V1, V2, I1, I2). As such, unified expressions for (Av,Zi,Ai,Zo) are derived. Further, a Matlab code is written to search for all valid mappings out of 38 different possibilities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphogenetic analysis of peri‐implantation development
Authors: Wallingford Mary C. , Angelo Jesse R. , Mager Jesse
Published: June 2013

Background:Although successful implantation is required for development in placental mammals, the molecular and morphogenetic events that define peri‐implantation remain largely unexplored. Results: Here we present detailed morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of mouse embryos between embryonic day 3.75 and 5.25 of gestation, during the implantation process in vivo. We examined expression patterns of key transcription factors (Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, Cdx2, Gata6, Sox17, and Yy1) during pre‐ and postimplantation development. Additionally, we examined morphogenetic changes through analysis of ZO‐1, Laminin, and E‐Cadherin localization. The results presented reveal novel changes in gene expression and morphogenetic events during peri‐implantation in utero. Here we show: (1) molecular and morphological changes in primitive endoderm cells as they transition from a salt and pepper distribution to a sheet covering the inner cell mass; (2) tissue‐specific GATA6 levels; and (3) a striking pattern of SOX17 that is suggestive of a functional role either directing or permitting implantation at specific sites in the uterine epithelium. Conclusions: A growing number of knockout mice display peri‐implantation lethality, and the data presented herein identify key morphogenetic landmarks that can be used to characterize mutant phenotypes, as well as further our basic understanding of peri‐implantation development. Developmental Dynamics 242:1110–1120, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.