bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Endotoxin Tolerance by Pathogenic Neisseria Is Correlated with the Inflammatory Potential of Lipooligosaccharides and Regulated by MicroRNA-146a
Authors: Liu Mingfeng , John Constance M. , Jarvis Gary A.
Published: January 2014

In this article, we report that retreatment of human monocytic THP-1 cells and primary monocytes with pathogenic Neisseria or with purified lipooligosaccharides (LOS) after previous exposure to LOS induced immune tolerance, as evidenced by reduced TNF-α and IL-1β cytokine expression. LOS that we have previously shown to vary in their potential to activate TLR4 signaling, which was correlated with differences in levels of lipid A phosphorylation, had similarly variable ability to induce tolerance. Efficacy for induction of tolerance was proportional to the level of lipid A phosphorylation, as LOS from meningococcal strain 89I with the highest degree of phosphorylation was the most tolerogenic following retreatment with LOS or whole bacteria, compared with LOS from gonococcal strains 1291 and GC56 with reduced levels of phosphorylation. Hydrogen fluoride treatment of 89I LOS to remove phosphates rendered the LOS nontolerogenic. Tolerance induced by the more highly inflammatory meningococcal LOS was correlated with significantly greater downregulation of p38 activation, greater induction of the expression of A20 and of microRNA-146a, and greater reductions in IL-1R–associated kinase 1 and TRAF6 levels following LOS retreatment of cells. The role of miR-146a in regulation of induction of TNF-α was confirmed by transfecting cells with an inhibitor and a mimic of miR-146a. Our results provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the variable pathophysiology of meningococcal and gonococcal infections given that after an initial exposure, greater upregulation of microRNA-146a by more highly inflammatory LOS conversely leads to the suppression of immune responses, which would be expected to facilitate bacterial survival and dissemination.
Flagellin Induces Antibody Responses through a TLR5- and Inflammasome-Independent Pathway
Authors: López-Yglesias Américo Harry , Zhao Xiaodan , Quarles Ellen K. , Lai Marvin A. , VandenBos Tim , Strong Roland K. , Smith Kelly D.
Published: January 2014

Flagellin is a potent immunogen that activates the innate immune system via TLR5 and Naip5/6, and generates strong T and B cell responses. The adaptor protein MyD88 is critical for signaling by TLR5, as well as IL-1Rs and IL-18Rs, major downstream mediators of the Naip5/6 Nlrc4-inflammasome. In this study, we define roles of known flagellin receptors and MyD88 in Ab responses generated toward flagellin. We used mice genetically deficient in flagellin recognition pathways to characterize innate immune components that regulate isotype-specific Ab responses. Using purified flagellin from Salmonella, we dissected the contribution of innate flagellin recognition pathways to promote Ab responses toward flagellin and coadministered OVA in C57BL/6 mice. We demonstrate IgG2c responses toward flagellin were TLR5 and inflammasome dependent; IgG1 was the dominant isotype and partially TLR5 and inflammasome dependent. Our data indicate a substantial flagellin-specific IgG1 response was induced through a TLR5-, inflammasome-, and MyD88-independent pathway. IgA anti-FliC responses were TLR5 and MyD88 dependent and caspase-1 independent. Unlike C57BL/6 mice, flagellin-immunized A/J mice induced codominant IgG1 and IgG2a responses. Furthermore, MyD88-independent, flagellin-induced Ab responses were even more pronounced in A/J MyD88−/− mice, and IgA anti-FliC responses were suppressed by MyD88. Flagellin also worked as an adjuvant toward coadministered OVA, but it only promoted IgG1 anti-OVA responses. Our results demonstrate that a novel pathway for flagellin recognition contributes to Ab production. Characterization of this pathway will be useful for understanding immunity to flagellin and the rationale design of flagellin-based vaccines.
Gr1+ Cells Suppress T-Dependent Antibody Responses in (NZB × NZW)F1 Male Mice through Inhibition of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Formation
Authors: Der Evan , Dimo Joana , Trigunaite Abhishek , Jones Justin , Jørgensen Trine N.
Published: January 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by elevated production of autoreactive Abs. The disease has a much higher prevalence in women than in men. Although testosterone has been shown to be protective in the disease, and estrogens exacerbating, the discrepancy in prevalence between men and women is still not well understood and the mechanism behind it is unknown. We have recently described that male (New Zealand black [NZB] × New Zealand white [NZW])F1 mice have higher levels of Gr1+CD11b+ cells, and that these cells suppress autoantibody production in vivo. In this article, we extend our findings to show that similarly to humans, female lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mice also respond with stronger Ab responses to thymus-dependent Ag immunization than male littermates. Furthermore, the presence or absence of Gr1-expressing cells not only control Ag-specific Ab responses in male, but not female, (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, but also significantly alter the activation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. In particular, we found that Gr1+ cells from male (NZB × NZW)F1 mice suppress the differentiation and effector function of CXCR5+PD-1+ T follicular helper cells, thereby controlling germinal center formation and plasma cell differentiation. This new finding strongly supports efforts to develop new drugs that target myeloid cell subsets in a number of T and B cell–mediated diseases with a female predominance.
Casein Kinase 1γ1 Inhibits the RIG-I/TLR Signaling Pathway through Phosphorylating p65 and Promoting Its Degradation
Authors: Wang Yetao , Hu Lei , Tong Xiaomei , Ye Xin
Published: January 2014

The casein kinase 1 (CK1) plays an important role in various biological processes by phosphorylating its target proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that CK1γ1 inhibits RNA virus–mediated activation of retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling by affecting the stability of NF-κB subunit p65. First, we found that ectopic expression of CK1γ1 inhibits RIG-I pathway–mediated activation of IFN-β, whereas knockdown of CK1γ1 potentiates the activation of IFN-β and NF-κB induced by Sendai virus (SeV). We then revealed that CK1γ1 interacts with p65 and specifically enhances its phosphorylation at Ser536 induced by SeV. By using an in vitro kinase assay, we confirmed that CK1γ1 can phosphorylate p65 at Ser536. We also showed that the kinase dead mutants CK1γ1K73A and CK1γ1N169A did not inhibit SeV-induced activation of IFN-β and NF-κB, suggesting that the kinase activity of CK1γ1 is critical for its inhibitory effect on RIG-I signaling. Additionally, we found that CK1γ1 also has the similar effect on TLR signaling. Further analysis indicated that CK1γ1 phosphorylates p65 and consequently promotes its degradation by ubiquitin E3 ligases CUL2 and COMMD1. These results revealed a novel negative regulatory manner of CK1γ1 on innate immune signaling.
CXCL1 but Not IL-6 Is Required for Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis
Authors: West Devin M. , Del Rosso Chelsea R. , Yin Xiao-Tang , Stuart Patrick M.
Published: January 2014

Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is characterized by an inflammatory response that includes neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, and T cells. The factors that are responsible for this inflammation are proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Many of these factors have been defined for primary disease, but relatively few have been investigated during recurrent HSK. The present study was designed to determine the role that two of these factors, IL-6 and CXCL1, play during recurrent HSK. Results clearly indicate that unlike primary disease, IL-6 plays no role in recurrent HSK. However, the presence of CXCL1 is required for recurrent HSK as evidenced by the lack of corneal disease in mice treated with anti-CXCL1 Ab. This was confirmed using mice lacking the primary receptor for CXCL1, CXCR2. Corneal disease in this strain was significantly reduced compared with wild-type C57BL/6 controls. Unexpectedly, lack of disease occurs even though CXCL1 knockout mice display increased viral shedding at the cornea. The primary mechanism that CXCL1 plays during disease is its ability to stimulate neutrophils to infiltrate the cornea following reactivation. This paper provides further evidence that primary HSK and recurrent HSK possess overlapping yet distinct disease mechanisms.
Spectrum of high-resolution computed tomography imaging in occupational lung disease
Authors: Satija Bhawna , Kumar Sanyal , Ojha Umesh Chandra , Gothi Dipti
Published: January 2014

Damage to the lungs caused by dusts or fumes or noxious substances inhaled by workers in certain specific occupation is known as occupational lung disease. Recognition of occupational lung disease is especially important not only for the primary worker, but also because of the implications with regard to primary and secondary disease prevention in the exposed co-workers. Although many of the disorders can be detected on chest radiography, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is superior in delineating the lung architecture and depicting pathology. The characteristic radiological features suggest the correct diagnosis in some, whereas a combination of clinical features, occupational history, and radiological findings is essential in establishing the diagnosis in others. In the presence of a history of exposure and consistent clinical features, the diagnosis of even an uncommon occupational lung disease can be suggested by the characteristic described HRCT findings. In this article, we briefly review the HRCT appearance of a wide spectrum of occupational lung diseases.
Horse-shoe lung-rediscovered via volume rendered images
Authors: Bharati Alpa , Merchant Suleman A , Garekar Swati , Patel Tapan
Published: January 2014

Horseshoe lung, usually associated with pulmonary venolobar syndrome, is a rare congenital anomaly involving the fusion of the postero-basal segments of the right and left lungs across the midline. The fused segment or the isthmus lies posterior to the pericardium and anterior to the aorta.The associated pulmonary venolobar syndrome involves anomalous systemic arterial supply and anomlaous systemic venous drainage of the right lung. With the advent of MDCT imaging, we can diagnose this rare condition as well all its associated anomalies non-invasively. Volume-rendered techniques greatly simplify the complex anatomy and provide easy understanding of the same.
Molecular Detection of Rickettsia felis and Bartonella henselae in Dog and Cat Fleas in Central Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Kumsa Bersissa , Parola Philippe , Raoult Didier , Socolovschi Cristina
Published: January 2014

Fleas are important vectors of several Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. that cause emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. In this study, 303 fleas collected from domestic dogs and cats in Ethiopia and identified morphologically as Ctenocephalides felis felis, C. canis, Pulex irritans, and Echidnophaga gallinacea were tested for Rickettsia and Bartonella DNA by using molecular methods. Rickettsia felis was detected in 21% of fleas, primarily C. felis, with a similar prevalence in fleas from dogs and cats. A larger proportion of flea-infested dogs (69%) than cats (37%) harbored at least one C. felis infected with R. felis. Rickettsia typhi was not detected. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 6% (2 of 34) of C. felis collected from cats. Our study highlights the likelihood of human exposure to R. felis, an emerging agent of spotted fever, and B. henselae, the agent of cat-scratch disease, in urban areas in Ethiopia.
Alteration of the Phenotypic and Pathogenic Patterns of Burkholderia pseudomallei that Persist in a Soil Environment
Authors: Chen Yao-Shen , Shieh Wun-Ju , Goldsmith Cynthia S. , Metcalfe Maureen G. , Greer Patricia W. , Zaki Sherif R. , Chang Hsin-Hou , Chan Hao , Chen Ya-Lei
Published: January 2014

Melioidosis is caused by the soil-borne pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. To investigate whether the distinct phenotypic and virulent characteristics result from environmental adaptations in the soil or from the host body, two pairs of isogenic strains were generated by passages in soil or mice. After cultivation in soil, the levels of 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acid, biofilm formation, flagellar expression, and ultrastructure were altered in the bacteria. Uniformly fatal melioidosis developed as a result of infection with mouse-derived strains; however, the survival rates of mice infected with soil-derived strains prolonged. After primary infection or reinfection with soil-derived strains, the mice developed a low degree of bacterial hepatitis and bacterial colonization in the liver and bone marrow compared with mice that were infected with isogenic or heterogenic mouse-derived strains. We suggest that specific phenotypic and pathogenic patterns can be induced through infection with B. pseudomallei that has been cultured in different (soil versus mouse) environments.
Importance of Cholera and Other Etiologies of Acute Diarrhea in Post-Earthquake Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Authors: Charles Macarthur , Delva Glavdia G. , Boutin Jethro , Severe Karine , Peck Mireille , Mabou Marie Marcelle , Wright Peter F. , Pape Jean W.
Published: January 2014

We estimated the proportion of diarrhea attributable to cholera and other pathogens during the rainy and dry seasons in patients seen in two urban health settings: a cholera treatment center (CTC) and oral rehydration points (ORPs). During April 1, 2011–November 30, 2012, stool samples were collected from 1,206 of 10,845 patients who came to the GHESKIO CTC or to the community ORPs with acute diarrhea, cultured for Vibrio cholerae, and tested by multiplex polymerase reaction. Vibrio cholerae was isolated from 409 (41.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.7–44.9%) of the 979 specimens from the CTC and in 45 (19.8%, 95% CI = 14.8–25.6%) of the 227 specimens from the ORPs. Frequencies varied from 21.4% (95% CI = 16.6–26.7%) during the dry season to 46.8% (95% CI = 42.9–50.7%) in the rainy season. Shigella, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium were frequent causes of diarrhea in children less than five years of age.
Occupational Changes in Caregivers for Spouses with Stroke and Aphasia
Authors: Kniepmann Kathy , Cupler Molly Harlacker
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While health services focus on the needs of diagnosed persons, families provide extensive informal care with diverse effects on daily life and health. Understanding caregivers' experience is critical to support their health and sustained contributions. This exploratory study examined how caring for partners with stroke and aphasia impacts caregivers' activities, identifying possible differences according to race/ethnicity through the lens of occupation.

Method:

Mixed methods identified the occupational impact of caring for a partner with stroke and aphasia. Twelve participants completed the Carer Communication Outcome After Stroke, Occupational Gaps Questionnaire, Activity Card Sort, and a semi-structured interview.

Findings:

The impact of aphasia on caregivers varied greatly. The Occupational Gaps Questionnaire revealed gaps in cultural activities. On the Activity Card Sort, caregivers experienced occupational loss, primarily in low-demand leisure and social activities. Six themes emerged from the interviews: personal factors, finding new equilibrium, participation barriers, compensations for aphasia, uncertainty, and obligations. Trends differed somewhat by race/ethnicity.

Conclusion:

Findings have implications for health professionals working with individuals with stroke and aphasia. The caregivers' experience deserves attention to support their quality of life and wellbeing, which can promote sustained assistance for their relatives with stroke.
Occupational Therapists' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice: A Systematic Review of Published Research
Authors: Upton Dominic , Stephens Danielle , Williams Briony , Scurlock-Evans Laura
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Evidence-based practice is the procedure whereby clinicians incorporate best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to provide best patient care. Recently, there has been a significant push towards occupational therapists' adoption of evidence-based practice. This systematic review aimed to determine occupational therapists' attitudes, knowledge, and utilization of evidence-based practice.

Method:

A search of literature published between 2000–12 was conducted in relation to occupational therapists' practice. Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, PsycARTICLES, Ingenta, Medline, Science Direct, and Journal Storage were systematically searched using MeSH and free-text keywords. Google Scholar and reference lists were also searched.

Findings:

Thirty-two papers were selected for review: 23 were quantitative, 8 were qualitative, and 1 used a mixed methods design. Studies demonstrated that occupational therapists hold positive attitudes towards evidence-based practice. However, these attitudes do not translate into practice, with research indicating a lack of evidence-based practice utilization. Occupational therapists perceive a number of barriers to evidence-based practice, including lack of time, lack of availability and accessibility of research, and having limited research skills.

Conclusion:

It is essential that educational and training initiatives provide therapists with the tools and support they need to engage fully with research evidence and its application within clinical care.
Occupation-Focused Practice: Challenges and Choices
Authors: Gillen Ailsa , Greber Craig
Published: January 2014

Occupational therapy has undergone a paradigm shift from a more mechanistic to an occupation-focused perspective, which has influenced practice as well as the professional education curriculum. However, this shift has not been readily adopted in some practice settings. Anecdotal examples from students, and from practitioner colleagues, have led the authors, as experienced academics and practitioners, to consider what would further assist the profession in moving forward and embracing this change. In keeping with others in the profession, in this opinion piece we would like to support colleagues in practice by suggesting ways of progressing by small ‘nano steps’ along the continuum from medical to occupation-centred practice.
Razvijanje pismenosti v maternem jeziku, ko materni jezik ni uradni jezik: vpliv bralnih in pisnih praks
Authors: Mezgec Maja
Published: January 2014

Prispevek se ukvarja z razvojem pismenosti v materinščini v primerih, ko materni jezik ni uradni jezik okolja, temveč manjšinski jezik. Analiza se osredotoča predvsem na primer Slovencev v Italiji. Postavlja se hipoteza, da so pripadniki manjšine, posebej tisti, ki so dokončali šolo z manjšinskim učnim jezikom, usvojili določen jezikovni standard in stopnjo funkcionalne pismenosti v obeh jezikih, manjšinskem in večinskem. Vendar omejene možnosti rabe slovenščine v javnosti in skromna raba slovenščine na delovnem mestu močno omejujejo rabo in razvoj funkcionalne pismenosti v slovenskem jeziku v prid večinskemu italijanskemu jeziku.
Appraisal in the Public Service, Instrument of Human Resource Management
Authors: Barreix Claude
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this article was to put forward staff appraisal process in the Public Service of advanced countries. Even if British and French Civil Services have different characteristics coming from their specific cultures, even if staff appraisal development has followed different rhythms, they meet together to consider that appraisal is a key instrument to improve public performance and Human Resource Management.Pay related to performance (PRP) triggers international debates because some consider it as ineffective and a source of discord inside a working team. But the two countries have to address the problem to find how to motivate their staff. The British civil servants seem less reluctant to PRP than their French homologues who feel more comfortable with a collective approach of appraisal, even if this system is criticized because some poor contributors may hide themselves behind good performers. The solution that could be prescribed would consist in using a collective approach of appraisal in combination of a system rewarding individual performers, in order to motivate staff individually and collectively as well.
Programa educativo para la prevención de la violencia en el noviazgo
Authors: Vizcarra María Beatriz , Poo Ana María , Donoso Trinidad
Published: January 2014

Se analizan las estrategias de abordaje de la violencia en el noviazgo, con énfasis en los programas de prevención primaria y secundaria que cuentan con evaluación de resultados. Sobre la base de esta información y las investigaciones desarrolladas por las autoras, se diseñó el programa educativo "Construyendo una relación de pareja saludable", destinado al desarrollo de habilidades para la vida que faciliten una relación de pareja que excluya la violencia, en jóvenes universitarios de países hispano parlantes. Se describen la fundamentación teórica y pedagógica, la estructura general del programa, así como algunos resultados preliminares.
Una descripción de la Psicología chilena a partir del análisis de dos revistas nacionales
Authors: González de Requena Juan Antonio
Published: January 2014

El estilo disciplinar de la Psicología se ha tornado cada vez más complejo tanto por la subdivisión de especialidades como por la multiplicación de enfoques. En este artículo se pretende realizar una cartografía de la Psicología chilena actual, a partir de los artículos de investigación de dos publicaciones indexadas: la Revista de Psicología de la Universidad de Chile y la revista Psykhe de la Universidad Católica de Chile. Por medio de un análisis de contenidos se describirán las temáticas, las metodologías, la auto-comprensión disciplinar, la ontología, así como los sujetos y problemas de investigación. Los resultados de este estudio matizan las conclusiones de investigaciones clásicas sobre la percepción de la Psicología en medios académicos estadounidenses (Biglan, 1973; Kolb, 1981), según las cuales se trata de una disciplina blanda y pura, esto es, concreta y reflexiva.
Trade-offs between Catastrophic Assistance and Subsidized Insurance in European Agriculture
Authors: van Asseldonk Marcel A.P.M. , Pietola Kyösti , Niemi Jarkko K.
Published: January 2014

Risk management in agriculture is a major policy issue in current EU agriculture policy reforms. Public support systems may play two different roles, one as a device to deliver disaster assistance and another to enhance insurance for marketable risks. This paper contributes to the literature by analysing the trade-offs between providing catastrophic assistance and subsidizing insurance premiums. The goal of the study is to highlight policy options that are coherent in stabilizing income volatility while limiting distortions of public intervention. In this study, farmer incomes were first modelled using Monte Carlo simulation, and options were then ranked by applying the stochastic efficiency with respect to a function. The results suggest that, if catastrophic assistance is available, even higher insurance support is needed to make it a preferred option. The results highlight the fact that well defined and credible ex ante rules for the use of disaster assistance are essential to enable insurance markets to develop. One possibility would be to make a farmer's eligibility for disaster aid conditional on his or her participation in the insurance programmes.
Women's Labour and Mechanization in Mediterranean Greenhouse Farming
Authors: Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco , García-Cruz Amos , Fernández-Sánchez José Salvador
Published: January 2014

This paper analyses differences in productivity by worker's gender in greenhouse agricultural work, using time-study techniques applied to indoor tomato cultivation in Spain. The results show that women had on average a 107.5% greater efficiency compared with men, and that this was evident across all tasks subject to evaluation. Although they were rarely assigned to them due to gender stereotyping, the performance of female workers in tasks involving machinery operation, such as a motorized elevated platform, was shown to be superior to that of men. If the labour were exclusively female for the tasks studied, it would result in net time savings of 44.8%, or 1,286 hours of work per hectare for tomato cultivation. This analysis contributes to our understanding of the consequences of gender stereotyping in rural employment, and shows how greenhouse agriculture could be more sustainable if these issues were addressed.
Modelling and Mapping Trends in Grain Production Growth in China
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Wu Zhifeng
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a quantitative model for assessing the spatiotemporal patterns in the growth of grain production in China between 1985 and 2008 using provincial panel data and a GIS model. The results show that the pathway for grain production relied mainly on land productivity growth as a rational response to the scarcity of cultivated land and a small peasant-based economy. Large-scale land management is the inevitable trend for agricultural development in China. In Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, promoting labour productivity accords with the requirement for the transition of cultivated land management in the future. The area of cultivated land per agricultural employee (1.33 ha) may be the reference threshold for large-scale land management. Finally, suggestions for regulations against regional cultivated land management are proposed.
From Agricultural Research to ‘Product Development’
Authors: Sumberg James , Heirman Jonas , Raboanarielina Cara , Kaboré Abdoulaye
Published: January 2014

Agricultural research for development (AR4D) is often discussed in terms of abandoning ‘business as usual’. One important element of the reframing of agricultural research is an emphasis on the development of useful ‘products’, which immediately brings ‘users' to centre stage. In this paper the authors review the literature on user involvement from the field of new product development (NPD). They then propose a conceptual model of feedback and feedback loops within AR4D and use this model to analyse examples of feedback generation in rice research in West Africa. On the basis of this initial analysis they conclude that, while there are many ongoing activities that could potentially provide useful feedback, in the majority of cases this potential is probably not being realized. Unless feedback is approached much more systematically, the promise of AR4D as a means of generating useful products for farmers and others will probably remain unfulfilled.
Processes of Modernization in Horticulture Food Value Chains in Rwanda
Authors: Verhofstadt Ellen , Maertens Miet
Published: January 2014

The authors conduct a value chain analysis of horticultural supply chains in Rwanda. They describe the actors, activities and transactions in the chains, using data from stakeholder interviews. They show that a wide variety of horticultural supply chains exists in the country and argue that value chains can be differentiated beyond the current dichotomy of global (modern) chains versus local (traditional) ones. Processes of modernization, especially value-adding, quality differentiation and vertical coordination, also take place in domestic and local horticultural chains. The authors argue that there is a gap in the literature on innovations in these chains and their implications for rural development and poverty alleviation.
Exploring the ‘Organic’ Attribute in the Perception of Iconic Foods
Authors: Vega-Zamora Manuela , Parras-Rosa Manuel , Torres-Ruiz Francisco José
Published: January 2014

One of the strategies that farmers have used to differentiate their products and increase the perceived value in the eye of the consumer has been to sell organic products. Nevertheless, as demand for organic foods has not risen in the same way as for other food products, it is reasonable to suppose that the effectiveness of this strategy is not universal and can vary as a result of other factors. This study explores the impact of the attribute ‘organic’ on typical, culturally strong or iconic products by using focus groups to examine perceptions of olive oil in Spain. The results indicate that the positive connotations of the word ‘organic’ have less effect on the overall appreciation of products that hold richer meanings for consumers (iconic products), as is the case for olive oil in Spain. The results also suggest that the word ‘organic’ has a greater effect (a) the less the product is valued or the less important it is to consumers; (b) the more consumers consider the product and/or its processing to be less complex or sophisticated; and (c) the less cultural richness or identity the product possesses.
An Evaluation System for Arable Land Consolidation Potential and its Application in China
Authors: Zhang Zhengfeng , Yan Jinming , Zhao Wenwu , Zhao Wei
Published: January 2014

Arable land consolidation potential (ALCP) evaluation is an ex ante evaluation, the purpose of which is to select areas that are suitable for land consolidation projects and to support the decision-making processes of the LC Bureau. In this paper, ALCP is divided into two types – theoretical and practical. Theoretical ALCP represents the potential that can be fulfilled from a natural standpoint and has five main categories: (1) increase in available arable land area; (2) increase in agricultural productivity; (3) decrease in agricultural production costs; (4) improvement in the ecological environment; and (5) decrease in land property disputes as a result of ALC. Practical ALCP represents the potential that can be achieved. The transformation from theoretical into practical ALCP is affected by factors such as existing technology and farmer support. Moreover, in this paper an evaluation system for both theoretical and practical ALCP is established, with all evaluation indices having values between 0 and 1. The ALCP for the Daxing district of Beijing is evaluated based on statistical and field survey data, using GIS analysis and a fuzzy synthetic evaluation model.
Structural features of flower trichomes in drug eyebright (Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff EX J. F. Lehm.)
Authors: Haratym Weronika , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2014

Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff ex J. F. Lehm. (Orobanchaceae) is a representative of plants that are widely used in folk medicine, phytomedicine, and homeopathy. The medicinal raw material derived from the drug eyebright is applied primarily in treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The investigations of trichomes in drug eyebright (Euphrasia stricta D. Wolff ex J. F. Lehm) were conducted in 2010–2011. Using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, their location and morphological and anatomical features were identified. Three types of non-glandular trichomes were found: short unicellular, long 1–2 celled, and long 2-celled with wall ornamentation. Additionally, 7 types of glandular trichomes were found; these included: unicellular clavate, 2–3-celled clavate, capitate with a unicellular head and a 3-cel- led stalk, capitate with a unicellular head and a 2-celled stalk, capitate with a 2-celled head, conical papillae, and ribbon-like trichomes with wall thickening.
The effect of rootstocks on the efficiency of a nursery of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees cv. ‘Regina’
Authors: Baryła Piotr , Kapłan Magdalena , Krawiec Marcela , Kiczorowski Piotr
Published: January 2014

During the period 2006–2009 in Lublin, a study was conducted to determine the effect of five rootstocks: ‘Colt’, ‘F12/1’, sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), ‘GiSelA 5’, and ‘Piast’, on bud take in the cultivar ‘Regina’, the quality of budded trees and the efficiency of a sweet cherry tree nursery. The highest percentage of bud take in cherry trees cv. ‘Regina’ and the best efficiency of the sweet cherry tree nursery were obtained for the rootstocks ‘Piast’ and ‘Colt’. In two years during the three-year study period, the rootstock was found to significantly affect the efficiency of the sweet cherry tree nursery. When grafted on the rootstocks ‘Colt’ and ‘Piast’, a significantly higher percentage of trees met the requirements of the Polish Standard PN-R-67010 than on the clonal rootstock ‘GiSelA 5’. Under the tested conditions, the quality of maiden sweet cherry trees cv. ‘Regina’ grafted on the dwarfing rootstock ‘GiSelA 5’ was lowest.
Three-Year Outcomes of Cultured Limbal Epithelial Allografts in Aniridia and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Evaluated Using the Clinical Outcome Assessment in Surgical Trials Assessment Tool
Authors: Shortt Alex J. , Bunce Catey , Levis Hannah J. , Blows Peter , Doré Caroline J. , Vernon Amanda , Secker Genevieve A. , Tuft Stephen J. , Daniels Julie T.
Published: January 2014

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is an eye disorder in which the stem cells responsible for forming the surface skin of the cornea are destroyed by disease. This results in pain, loss of vision, and a cosmetically unpleasant appearance. Many new treatments, including stem cell therapies, are emerging for the treatment of this condition, but assessment of these new technologies is severely hampered by the lack of biomarkers for this disease or validated tools for assessing its severity. The aims of this study were to design and test the reliability of a tool for grading LSCD, to define a set of core outcome measures for use in evaluating treatments for this condition, and to demonstrate their utility. This was achieved by using our defined outcome set (which included the Clinical Outcome Assessment in Surgical Trials of Limbal stem cell deficiency [COASTL] tool) to evaluate the 3-year outcomes for allogeneic ex vivo cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (allo-CLET) in patients who had bilateral total LSCD secondary to aniridia or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The results demonstrate that our new grading tool for LSCD, the COASTL tool, is reliable and repeatable, and that improvements in the biomarkers used in this tool correlate positively with improvements in visual acuity. The COASTL tool showed that following allo-CLET there was a decrease in LSCD severity and an increase in visual acuity up to 12 months post-treatment, but thereafter LSCD severity and visual acuity progressively deteriorated.
Concise Review: Parthenote Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine: Genetic, Epigenetic, and Developmental Features
Authors: Daughtry Brittany , Mitalipov Shoukhrat
Published: January 2014

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the potential to provide unlimited cells and tissues for regenerative medicine. ESCs derived from fertilized embryos, however, will most likely be rejected by a patient's immune system unless appropriately immunomatched. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) genetically identical to a patient can now be established by reprogramming of somatic cells. However, practical applications of PSCs for personalized therapies are projected to be unfeasible because of the enormous cost and time required to produce clinical-grade cells for each patient. ESCs derived from parthenogenetic embryos (pESCs) that are homozygous for human leukocyte antigens may serve as an attractive alternative for immunomatched therapies for a large population of patients. In this study, we describe the biology and genetic nature of mammalian parthenogenesis and review potential advantages and limitations of pESCs for cell-based therapies.
Canine Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells: Characterization and Potential as Therapy Candidate for a Large Animal Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gericota Barbara , Anderson Joseph S. , Mitchell Gaela , Borjesson Dori L. , Sturges Beverly K. , Nolta Jan A. , Sieber-Blum Maya
Published: January 2014

The discovery of multipotent neural crest-derived stem cells, named epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC), that persist postnatally in an easy-to-access location—the bulge of hair follicles—opens a spectrum of novel opportunities for patient-specific therapies. We present a detailed characterization of canine EPI-NCSC (cEPI-NCSC) from multiple dog breeds and protocols for their isolation and ex vivo expansion. Furthermore, we provide novel tools for research in canines, which currently are still scarce. In analogy to human and mouse EPI-NCSC, the neural crest origin of cEPI-NCSC is shown by their expression of the neural crest stem cell molecular signature and other neural crest-characteristic genes. Similar to human EPI-NCSC, cEPI-NCSC also expressed pluripotency genes. We demonstrated that cEPI-NCSC can generate all major neural crest derivatives. In vitro clonal analyses established multipotency and self-renewal ability of cEPI-NCSC, establishing cEPI-NCSC as multipotent somatic stem cells. A critical analysis of the literature on canine spinal cord injury (SCI) showed the need for novel treatments and suggested that cEPI-NCSC represent viable candidates for cell-based therapies in dog SCI, particularly for chondrodystrophic dogs. This notion is supported by the close ontological relationship between neural crest stem cells and spinal cord stem cells. Thus, cEPI-NCSC promise to offer not only a potential treatment for canines but also an attractive and realistic large animal model for human SCI. Taken together, we provide the groundwork for the development of a novel cell-based therapy for a condition with extremely poor prognosis and no available effective treatment.
Diagnostic Performance of Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging in Solid Liver Lesions
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhou Ping , Tian Shuang-Ming , Qian Ying , Li Jia-Le , Li Rui-Zhen
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced sonography and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions.

Methods

A total of 156 patients with liver lesions were included in the study. The images from conventional sonography and contrast‐enhanced sonography and the shear wave velocity values of the liver lesions were obtained. The diagnostic performance of conventional sonography, contrast‐enhanced sonography, and ARFI was assessed by using pathologic examination (needle biopsy or surgery) or clinical imaging inspection as the reference standard.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of conventional sonography for malignant liver lesions were 57.1% and 43.1%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of ARFI were 81.3% and 74.1%. When using contrast‐enhanced sonography for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.9% and 89.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of contrast‐enhanced sonography were significantly higher than those of ARFI and conventional sonography (P < .05).

Conclusions

The differential diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced sonography is most predictive of malignant liver lesions. Contrast‐enhanced sonography and ARFI have complementary effects in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions.
Image Quality Influences the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Grossgasteiger Manuel , Hien Maximilian D. , Graser Bastian , Rauch Helmut , Motsch Johann , Gondan Matthias , Rosendal Christian
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Transesophageal echocardiography has become a standard tool for eval uating left ventricular function during cardiac surgery. However, the image quality varies widely between patients and examinations. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the image quality on 5 commonly used 2‐dimensional methods.

Methods

Transesophageal real‐time 3‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) served as a reference. Left ventricular function was evaluated in 63 patients with sufficient real‐time 3DE image quality. The image quality was rated using the ratio of the visualized border divided by the total endocardial border. These ratings were used to generate groups of poor (0%–40%), fair (41%–70%), and good (71%–100%) image quality. The ejection fraction (EF), end‐diastolic volume, and end‐systolic volume were analyzed by the Simpson method of disks (biplane and monoplane), eyeball method, Teichholz method, and speckle‐tracking method. Furthermore, the fractional area change was determined. Each correlation with real‐time 3DE was evaluated.

Results

Correlations of the EF and volumes, respectively, as determined by long‐axis view methods increased with improving image quality: the Simpson biplane method was found to be the most accurate method, with good image quality for the EF (r = 0.946) and volumes (end‐diastolic volume, r = 0.962; end‐systolic volume, r = 0.989). Correlations of the EF and fractional area change by short‐axis view methods decreased with improving image quality, with the Teichholz EF found to be most accurate with poor (r = 0.928) in contrast to good (r = 0.699) image quality.

Conclusions

With good image quality, the Simpson biplane method is the most accurate 2‐dimensional method for assessing the left ventricular EF. Short‐axis view methods, especially the Teichholz method yield better correlations with poor image quality. The eyeball method was unaffected by image quality.
Potassium Chloride–Induced Fetal Demise
Authors: Sfakianaki Anna K. , Davis Katherine J. , Copel Joshua A. , Stanwood Nancy L. , Lipkind Heather S.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Induction of fetal demise before second‐trimester termination is performed for a number of reasons. One method for inducing fetal demise is via sonographically guided intracardiac potassium chloride (KCl) injection. We performed a retrospective cohort study to determine the efficacy and safety of intracardiac KCl injection as a method of second‐trimester induced fetal demise.

Methods

We reviewed records from patients who were referred for induced fetal demise from October 2002 to October 2011. We excluded patients undergoing selective fetal reduction in multiple gestations. Procedural complications, the dose of KCl, and the number of failed procedures were determined.

Results

Of the 192 completed procedures, 191 were successful (99.5%). The median gestational age at termination was 22 weeks (range, 15.4–24.9 weeks), and most terminations were surgical (68.0%). Major indications for termination were fetal anomalies (41.6%), unwanted pregnancy (20.8%), and aneuploidy (15.7%). The median dose of KCl was 10 mL (range, 3–40 mL). We found a significant correlation between the dose of KCl and estimated fetal weight. There was no significant correlation between the dose of KCl and body mass index or gestational age. We had 1 maternal complication of a seizure after needle placement but before KCl injection.

Conclusions

Intracardiac KCl injection is an effective and safe method for induced fetal demise.
A ubiquitous low‐velocity layer at the base of the mantle transition zone
Authors: Shen Xuzhang , Yuan Xiaohui , Li Xueqing
Published: January 2014

Global stacks of receiver functions clearly exhibit the upper mantle stratification. Besides the most prominent seismic discontinuities, such as the Moho and the 410 and 660 km discontinuities, a negative discontinuity is detected at a depth of ~600 km, indicating a low‐velocity layer at the base of the mantle transition zone. The slant‐slack technique helps to identify the primary conversions from the multiple reverberations. Presence of the negative 600 km discontinuity underneath both continent and ocean island stations, where the crustal thickness significantly differs, also precludes the possible cause of crustal reverberations. We conclude that the negative 600 km discontinuity could be a global feature, possibly resulted from accumulation of ancient subducted oceanic crust. The X‐discontinuity at ~300 km depth is also observed in our global stacks, which can be explained by the coesite‐stishovite phase transformation.
Intense winds and shears in the equatorial lower thermosphere measured by high‐resolution nonspecular meteor radar
Authors: Oppenheim M. M. , Arredondo S. , Sugar G.
Published: January 2014

Large horizontal winds and wind shears have been measured in the lower thermosphere by rockets, lidars, and nonspecular meteor radars. This paper describes a detailed analysis of three multihour nonspecular meteor radar data sets collected at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. This provides some of the highest‐resolution sustained measurements in this part of the atmosphere. These show (1) intense wind speeds, maintaining 180 m/s for half an hour and 160 m/s for another half an hour; (2) winds structured in layers that move up or, more commonly, down in the predawn hours at rates of a few kilometers per hour; (3) intense wind shears that typically persist at around 50 m/s/km but, in one instance, sustains values approaching 100 m/s/km for a few hours.
In situ spatiotemporal measurements of the detailed azimuthal substructure of the substorm current wedge
Authors: Forsyth C. , Fazakerley A. N. , Rae I. J. , J. Watt C. E. , Murphy K. , Wild J. A. , Karlsson T. , Mutel R. , Owen C. J. , Ergun R. , Masson A. , Berthomier M. , Donovan E. , Frey H. U. , Matzka J. , Stolle C. , Zhang Y.
Published: January 2014

The substorm current wedge (SCW) is a fundamental component of geomagnetic substorms. Models tend to describe the SCW as a simple line current flowing into the ionosphere toward dawn and out of the ionosphere toward dusk, linked by a westward electrojet. We use multispacecraft observations from perigee passes of the Cluster 1 and 4 spacecraft during a substorm on 15 January 2010, in conjunction with ground‐based observations, to examine the spatial structuring and temporal variability of the SCW. At this time, the spacecraft traveled east‐west azimuthally above the auroral region. We show that the SCW has significant azimuthal substructure on scales of 100 km at altitudes of 4000–7000 km. We identify 26 individual current sheets in the Cluster 4 data and 34 individual current sheets in the Cluster 1 data, with Cluster 1 passing through the SCW 120–240 s after Cluster 4 at 1300–2000 km higher altitude. Both spacecraft observed large‐scale regions of net upward and downward field‐aligned current, consistent with the large‐scale characteristics of the SCW, although sheets of oppositely directed currents were observed within both regions. We show that the majority of these current sheets were closely aligned to a north‐south direction, in contrast to the expected east‐west orientation of the preonset aurora. Comparing our results with observations of the field‐aligned current associated with bursty bulk flows (BBFs), we conclude that significant questions remain for the explanation of SCW structuring by BBF‐driven “wedgelets.” Our results therefore represent constraints on future modeling and theoretical frameworks on the generation of the SCW.