bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convective Instability Associated with the Eastward-Propagating Rainfall Episodes over Eastern China during the Warm Season
Authors: Chen Guixing , Yoshida Ryuhei , Sha Weiming , Iwasaki Toshiki , Qin Huiling
Published: December 2013

Analysis of the latest satellite rainfall and reanalysis datasets from 1998 to 2012 demonstrates that eastward-propagating rainfall episodes, which typically occur in late night and morning, are determinant factors for the rainfall diurnal cycle and climate anomalies over eastern China. The episode growth and propagation are facilitated by an elevated layer of conditionally unstable air in a mesoscale zone at their eastern leading edge. The convective available potential energy (CAPE), despite convection consumption and nocturnal cooling, decreases only from a high value to a moderate one during episode duration. An estimate of the CAPE generation budget suggests that low-level horizontal advection and vertical lifting of the warm moist air can produce sufficient CAPE to balance other stabilization effects, sustaining the mesoscale maximum of convective instability ahead of rainfall episodes. These instability geneses are pronounced at the convection growth stage and linked closely to a mesoscale nocturnal low-level jet. Thus, a proper representation of them in forecast models is essential for improved prediction of the warm-season rainfall.
Augustus W.N. Pugin: Restless Genius
Authors: Sil Narasingha P.
Published: December 2013

A.W.N. Pugin, arguably a leading architect and a distinguished engraver and designer of the Gothic Revival movement in Regency England, was a controversial theorist and builder of church who reinvented and refined the ornate Gothic architectural style of pre-modern times by creatively combining it with the rational concept of utility and functionality of the developing industrial civilization and artistic taste of his day. His theoretical writings and church buildings elicited praise as well as ridicule and rancour from fellow professionals and church leaders alike. The predicament of his tumultuous public life complicated by his conversion to the Catholic faith was further exacerbated by his declining health and tragic personal life, resulting in his death at a relatively young age of 40. Yet his relentless struggle to defend his theory and practice of ecclesiastical architecture demonstrates not only his adamant resolve and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds but also his genius as the originator of a reformed artistic and architectural style that elevates him to the rank of the avant-garde intellectuals of early Victorian England.
Costs of mandatory international financial reporting standards: Evidence of reduced accrual reliability
Authors: Lai Cheng Y , Li Yang , Shan Yaowen , Taylor Stephen
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the impact of mandatory adoption of international financial reporting standards on accrual reliability. Using a large sample of Australian firm-years drawn from before and after the mandatory adoption of international financial reporting standards, we find that accrual reliability declined significantly after mandatory international financial reporting standards implementation. Working capital, non-current operating, and financing accruals all contribute to this decline. We also find that brand name audit firms (i.e. the Big four) are able to significantly attenuate any decrease in accrual reliability during the post international financial reporting standards period. Our results contrast with evidence identifying benefits of mandatory international financial reporting standards, such as increased value relevance, but are consistent with at least some degree of trade-off between relevance and reliability. Such trade-offs seem to have been largely ignored in prior examinations of the impact of mandatory international financial reporting standards.
Making Torture Possible
Authors: Barnes Jamal
Published: December 2013

The escalation of the violent conflict in Sri Lanka since 2006 has put the spotlight on the role torture played as a military strategy against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Despite Sri Lanka being a State Party to major United Nations treaties on human rights, the Sri Lankan government secretly used torture to gain confessions, intelligence and to punish the LTTE. Torture techniques were brutal, including burnings with soldering irons, beatings and electric shocks. How was this use of torture possible? Using a discursive practices approach, I examine how a ‘reality’ was constructed that placed the LTTE outside moral boundaries and made the use of torture possible.
The Role of Social Capital in Risk-Sharing
Authors: Petrikova Ivica , Chadha Dhruv
Published: December 2013

This article evaluates the role of social capital as a risk-coping device in India’s Andhra Pradesh state. Focusing on children’s nutritional outcomes, we test whether social capital serves as an informal insurance mechanism and helps households minimize the negative effect of shocks. We examine the impact of two kinds of income shocks, idiosyncratic and covariant, and the potentially risk-mitigating role of two types of social capital, structural and cognitive, measured first at the individual and second at the community level. The econometric methods we employ include fixed effects, random effects, and a Hausman-Taylor specification. We find that individual-level structural and community-level cognitive social capital significantly mitigate the negative effect of idiosyncratic shocks, suggesting that persons with stronger social networks and/or living in more closely-knit communities are better informally insured against individual income shocks. On the other hand, community-level structural social capital appears to fulfil a similar role in the aftermath of covariant shocks. The underlying rationale might be that communities with more social organization are better able to negotiate with public authorities to receive help after community-wide disasters. We conclude by considering the findings within the local context of Andhra Pradesh and drawing relevant policy recommendations.
Is Manufacturing an Engine of Growth in India in the Post-Nineties?
Authors: Kathuria Vinish , Natarajan Rajesh Raj
Published: December 2013

This article tests whether manufacturing has acted as an ‘engine of growth’ for the Indian states in the post-1990s.Our methodology involves regressing the state domestic product (SDP) growth rates on growth rates of manufacturing. If the coefficient of manufacturing growth is higher than the share of manufacturing in SDP, this is interpreted as supporting the engine of growth hypothesis. The results indicate that manufacturing has acted as an engine of growth in the post-nineties despite its declining share over the period. However, our study rules out the role of scale economies propelling productivity growth in the sector. Our analysis also suggests that it is primarily factor accumulation and not productivity growth that is driving output. Our characterisation of states based on output growth, TFP growth and employment growth suggests that for some states the current trend of growing without creating employment and improving TFP will not be sustainable.
Research across cultures, within countries: Hidden ethics tensions in research with children and families?
Authors: Boddy Janet
Published: December 2013

There is a substantial academic literature on ethics in research with children and young people in low income or economically developing countries, emphasizing the need to be aware of special cultural and social considerations. However, considerations of culture and ethnicity are not particular to development studies. This article draws on examples from my own UK research with children, young people and families, alongside a wider academic literature, to reflect on the need to address ethics considerations in relation to culture and ethnicity when working within ethnically and culturally diverse societies.
Book Review: The People vs the State: Reflections on US Authority, US Power and the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Gehrmann Richard
Published: December 2013

Thakur, R. 2011: The People vs the State: Reflections on US Authority, US Power and the Responsibility to Protect. Tokyo and New York: United Nations University Press. xvii + 242 pp. £12.75. ISBN 978-92-808-12077 (paperback).
De novo copy number variations in cloned dogs from the same nuclear donor
Authors: Jung Seung-Hyun , Yim Seon-Hee , Oh Hyun Ju , Park Jung Eun , Kim Min Jung , Kim Geon A , Kim Tae-Min , Kim Jin-Soo , Lee Byeong Chun , Chung Yeun-Jun
Published: December 2013

Background

Somatic mosaicism of copy number variants (CNVs) in human body organs and de novo CNV event in monozygotic twins suggest that de novo CNVs can occur during mitotic recombination. These de novo CNV events are important for understanding genetic background of evolution and diverse phenotypes. In this study, we explored de novo CNV event in cloned dogs with identical genetic background.

Results

We analyzed CNVs in seven cloned dogs using the nuclear donor genome as reference by array-CGH, and identified five de novo CNVs in two of the seven clones. Genomic qPCR, dye-swap array-CGH analysis and B-allele profile analysis were used for their validation. Two larger de novo CNVs (5.2 Mb and 338 Kb) on chromosomes X and 19 in clone-3 were consistently validated by all three experiments. The other three smaller CNVs (sized from 36.1 to76.4 Kb) on chromosomes 2, 15 and 32 in clone-3 and clone-6 were verified by at least one of the three validations. In addition to the de novo CNVs, we identified a 37 Mb-sized copy neutral de novo loss of heterozygosity event on chromosome 2 in clone-6.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of de novo CNVs in the cloned dogs which were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer technology. To study de novo genetic events in cloned animals can help understand formation mechanisms of genetic variants and their biological implications.
A detailed gene expression study of the Miscanthusgenus reveals changes in the transcriptome associated with the rejuvenation of spring rhizomes
Authors: Barling Adam , Swaminathan Kankshita , Mitros Therese , James Brandon T , Morris Juliette , Ngamboma Ornella , Hall Megan C , Kirkpatrick Jessica , Alabady Magdy , Spence Ashley K , Hudson Matthew E , Rokhsar Daniel S , Moose Stephen P
Published: December 2013

Background

The Miscanthus genus of perennial C4 grasses contains promising biofuel crops for temperate climates. However, few genomic resources exist for Miscanthus, which limits understanding of its interesting biology and future genetic improvement. A comprehensive catalog of expressed sequences were generated from a variety of Miscanthus species and tissue types, with an emphasis on characterizing gene expression changes in spring compared to fall rhizomes.

Results

Illumina short read sequencing technology was used to produce transcriptome sequences from different tissues and organs during distinct developmental stages for multiple Miscanthus species, including Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and their interspecific hybrid Miscanthus × giganteus. More than fifty billion base-pairs of Miscanthus transcript sequence were produced. Overall, 26,230 Sorghum gene models (i.e., ~ 96% of predicted Sorghum genes) had at least five Miscanthus reads mapped to them, suggesting that a large portion of the Miscanthus transcriptome is represented in this dataset. The Miscanthus × giganteus data was used to identify genes preferentially expressed in a single tissue, such as the spring rhizome, using Sorghum bicolor as a reference. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify examples of preferential expression predicted via RNA-Seq. Contiguous consensus transcript sequences were assembled for each species and annotated using InterProScan. Sequences from the assembled transcriptome were used to amplify genomic segments from a doubled haploid Miscanthus sinensis and from Miscanthus × giganteus to further disentangle the allelic and paralogous variations in genes.

Conclusions

This large expressed sequence tag collection creates a valuable resource for the study of Miscanthus biology by providing detailed gene sequence information and tissue preferred expression patterns. We have successfully generated a database of transcriptome assemblies and demonstrated its use in the study of genes of interest. Analysis of gene expression profiles revealed biological pathways that exhibit altered regulation in spring compared to fall rhizomes, which are consistent with their different physiological functions. The expression profiles of the subterranean rhizome provides a better understanding of the biological activities of the underground stem structures that are essentials for perenniality and the storage or remobilization of carbon and nutrient resources.
Comparative transcriptional profiling analysis of olive ripe-fruit pericarp and abscission zone tissues shows expression differences and distinct patterns of transcriptional regulation
Authors: Parra Ruben , Paredes Miguel A , Sanchez-Calle Isabel M , Gomez-Jimenez Maria C
Published: December 2013

Background

In fleshy fruit, abscission of fully ripe fruit is a process intimately linked to the ripening process. In many fruit-tree species, such as olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Picual), there is a coupling of the full ripening and the activation of the abscission-zone (AZ). Although fully ripe fruit have marked physiological differences with respect to their AZs, dissimilarities in gene expression have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study examines the transcriptome of olive fruit and their AZ tissues at the last stage of ripening, monitored using mRNA-Seq.

Results

Roche-454 massive parallel pyrosequencing enabled us to generate 397,457 high-quality EST sequences, among which 199,075 were from ripe-fruit pericarp and 198,382 from AZ tissues. We assembled these sequences into 19,062 contigs, grouped as 17,048 isotigs. Using the read amounts for each annotated isotig (from a total of 15,671), we identified 7,756 transcripts. A comparative analysis of the transcription profiles conducted in ripe-fruit pericarp and AZ evidenced that 4,391 genes were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in fruit and AZ. Functional categorization of the DEGs revealed that AZ tissue has an apparently higher response to external stimuli than does that of ripe fruit, revealing a higher expression of auxin-signaling genes, as well as lignin catabolic and biosynthetic pathway, aromatic amino acid biosynthetic pathway, isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, protein amino acid dephosphorylation, amino acid transport, and photosynthesis. By contrast, fruit-enriched transcripts are involved in ATP synthesis coupled proton transport, glycolysis, and cell-wall organization. Furthermore, over 150 transcripts encoding putative transcription-factors (TFs) were identified (37 fruit TFs and 113 AZ TFs), of which we randomly selected eight genes and we confirmed their expression patterns using quantitative RT-PCR.

Conclusion

We generated a set of EST sequences from olive fruit at full ripening, and DEGs between two different olive tissues, ripe fruit and their AZ, were also identified. Regarding the cross-talk between fruit and AZ, using qRT-PCR, we confirmed a set of TF genes that were differentially expressed, revealing profiles of expression that have not previously been reported, this offering a promising beginning for studies on the different transcription regulation in such tissues.
Cathepsin K inhibitors increase distal femoral bone mineral density in rapidly growing rabbits
Authors: Pennypacker Brenda L , Oballa Renata M , Levesque Sonia , Kimmel Donald B , Duong Le T
Published: December 2013

Background

Selective and reversible inhibitors of human Cathepsin K (CatK), including odanacatib (ODN), have been developed as potential therapeutics for the treatment of osteoporosis. Inhibitors of human CatK show significantly less potency for the rodent enzymes compared with that for the human or rabbit enzymes; thus the Schenk model in growing rabbit was developed as a screening assay for the in vivo activity of CatK inhibitors in blocking bone resorption.

Methods

In this study, the efficacy of the selective inhibitors L-833905, L-006235, L-873724, and L-1037536 (ODN) of human CatK in the rapidly growing rabbit ‘Schenk’ model (age seven weeks) was compared to vehicle, using the bisphosphonate, alendronate (ALN), as a positive control, to assess inhibition of bone resorption. An enzyme inhibition assay (EIA) and an in vitro bone resorption assay using rabbit osteoclasts on bovine cortical bone slices were performed to evaluate the potency of these CatK inhibitors. Bone mineral density of the distal femur (DFBMD) was measured after ten days of treatment using ex vivo DXA densitometry.

Results

Results of the EIA using rabbit CatK and the rabbit bone resorption assay showed that three of the four compounds (L-006235, L-873724, and ODN) had similar potencies in the reduction of collagen degradation. L-833905 appeared to be a weaker inhibitor of CatK. Taking into account the respective in vitro potencies and pharmacokinetic profiles via oral administration, the efficacy of these four CatK inhibitors was demonstrated in a dose-related manner in the growing rabbit. Significant increases in DFBMD in animals dosed with the CatK inhibitors compared to vehicle were seen.

Conclusions

Efficacy of the CatK inhibitors in the Schenk rabbit correlated well with that in the in vitro rabbit bone resorption assay and in the ovariectomized rabbit model as previously published. Hence, these studies validated the rabbit Schenk assay as a rapid and reliable in vivo model for prioritizing human CatK inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
Antioxidant activity of Coriandrum sativum and protection against DNA damage and cancer cell migration
Authors: Tang Esther LH , Rajarajeswaran Jayakumar , Fung Shin Yee , Kanthimathi MS
Published: December 2013

Background

Coriandrum sativumis a popular culinary and medicinal herb of the Apiaceae family. Health promoting properties of this herb have been reported in pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies.However, studies onC. sativumhave always focused on the aerial parts of the herb and scientific investigation on the root is limited. The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities ofC. sativumroot, leaf and stem, including its effect on cancer cell migration, and its protection against DNA damage, with special focus on the roots.

Methods

Powdered roots, leaves and stems ofC. sativumwere extracted through sequential extraction using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Total phenolic content, FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activities were measured. Anti-proliferative activitiy on the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, was assayed using the MTT assay. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and of the caspases-3, -8 and -9 were assayed on treatment with the extract. Cell cycle progression was analysed using flow cytometry. The scratch motility assay was used to assess inhibition of MCF-7 cell migration. DNA damage in 3 T3-L1 fibroblasts was evaluated by the comet assay. The components in the extract were identified by HPLC and GC-MS.

Results

The ethyl acetate extract of C. sativumroots showed the highest antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 200.0 ± 2.6 μg/mL) and had the highest phenolic content, FRAP and DPPH scavenging activities among the extracts.C. sativumroot inhibited DNA damage and prevented MCF-7 cell migration induced by H2O2, suggesting its potential in cancer prevention and inhibition of metastasis. The extract exhibited anticancer activity in MCF-7 cells by affecting antioxidant enzymes possibly leading to H2O2accumulation, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptotic cell death by the death receptor and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.

Conclusions

This study is the first report on the antioxidant and anticancer properties ofC. sativumroot. The herb shows potential in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases and would be useful as supplements used in combination with conventional drugs to enhance the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
Promoting effect of neutrophils on lung tumorigenesis is mediated by CXCR2 and neutrophil elastase
Authors: Gong Lei , Cumpian Amber M , Caetano Mauricio S , Ochoa Cesar E , De la Garza Maria Miguelina , Lapid Daniel J , Mirabolfathinejad Seyedeh Golsar , Dickey Burton F , Zhou Qinghua , Moghaddam Seyed Javad
Published: December 2013

Background

Tumor cells produce various cytokines and chemokines that attract leukocytes. Leukocytes can amplify parenchymal innate immune responses, and have been shown to contribute to tumor promotion. Neutrophils are among the first cells to arrive at sites of inflammation, and the increased number of tumor-associated neutrophils is linked to poorer outcome in patients with lung cancer.

Results

We have previously shown that COPD-like airway inflammation promotes lung cancer in a K-ras mutant mouse model of lung cancer (CC-LR). This was associated with severe lung neutrophilic influx due to the increased level of neutrophil chemoattractant, KC. To further study the role of neutrophils in lung tumorigenesis, we depleted neutrophils in CC-LR mice using an anti-neutrophil antibody. This resulted in a significant reduction in lung tumor number. We further selectively inhibited the main receptor for neutrophil chemo-attractant KC, CXCR2. Similarly, this resulted in suppression of neutrophil recruitment into the lung of CC-LR mice followed by significant tumor reduction. Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a potent elastolytic enzyme produced by neutrophils at the site of inflammation. We crossed the CC-LR mice with NE knock-out mice, and found that lack of NE significantly inhibits lung cancer development. These were associated with significant reduction in tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Conclusion

We conclude that lung cancer promotion by inflammation is partly mediated by activation of the IL-8/CXCR2 pathway and subsequent recruitment of neutrophils and release of neutrophil elastase. This provides a baseline for future clinical trials using the IL-8/CXCR2 pathway or NE inhibitors in patients with lung cancer.
Toll-like receptor signaling adapter proteins govern spread of neuropathic pain and recovery following nerve injury in male mice
Authors: Stokes Jennifer A , Cheung Jonathan , Eddinger Kelly , Corr Maripat , Yaksh Tony L
Published: December 2013

Background

Spinal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and signaling intermediaries have been implicated in persistent pain states. We examined the roles of two major TLR signaling pathways and selected TLRs in a mononeuropathic allodynia.

Methods

L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was performed in wild type (WT, C57BL/6) male and female mice and in maleTlr2-/-Tlr3-/-,Tlr4-/-,Tlr5-/-,Myd88-/-,Triflps2,Myd88/Triflps2,Tnf-/-, andIfnar1-/-mice. We also examined L5 ligation inTlr4-/-female mice. We examined tactile allodynia using von Frey hairs. Iba-1 (microglia) and GFAP (astrocytes) were assessed in spinal cords by immunostaining. Tactile thresholds were analyzed by 1- and 2-way ANOVA and the Bonferronipost hoctest was used.

Results

In WT male and female mice, SNL lesions resulted in a persistent and robust ipsilateral, tactile allodynia. In males with TLR2, 3, 4, or 5 deficiencies, tactile allodynia was significantly, but incompletely, reversed (approximately 50%) as compared to WT. This effect was not seen in femaleTlr4-/-mice. Increases in ipsilateral lumbar Iba-1 and GFAP were seen in mutant and WT mice. Mice deficient in MyD88, or MyD88 and TRIF, showed an approximately 50% reduction in withdrawal thresholds and reduced ipsilateral Iba-1. In contrast, TRIF and interferon receptor null mice developed a profound ipsilateral and contralateral tactile allodynia. In lumbar sections of the spinal cords, we observed a greater increase in Iba-1 immunoreactivity in the TRIF-signaling deficient mice as compared to WT, but no significant increase in GFAP. Removing MyD88 abrogated the contralateral allodynia in the TRIF signaling-deficient mice. Conversely, IFNβ, released downstream to TRIF signaling, administered intrathecally, temporarily reversed the tactile allodynia.

Conclusions

These observations suggest a critical role for the MyD88 pathway in initiating neuropathic pain, but a distinct role for the TRIF pathway and interferon in regulating neuropathic pain phenotypes in male mice.
Risk factors for locoregional recurrence in patients with resected N1 non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study to identify patterns of failure and implications for adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Gao Shugeng , Hui Zhouguang , Liang Jun , Lv Jima , Wang Xiaozhen , He Jie , Wang Luhua
Published: December 2013

Background

Meta-analysis of randomized trials has shown that postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) had a detrimental effect on overall survival (OS) in patients with resected N1 non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Conversely, the locoregional recurrence (LR) rate is reported to be high without adjuvant PORT in these patients. We have evaluated the pattern of failure, actuarial risk and risk factors for LR in order to identify the subset of N1 NSCLC patients with the highest risk of LR. These patients could potentially benefit from PORT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on 199 patients with pathologically confirmed T1–3N1M0 NSCLC who underwent surgery. None of the patients had positive surgical margins or received preoperative therapy or PORT. The median follow-up was 53.8 months. Complete mediastinal lymph node (MLN) dissection and examination was defined as ≥3 dissected and examined MLN stations; incomplete MLN dissection or examination (IMD) was defined as <3 dissected or examined MLN stations. The primary end point of this study was freedom from LR (FFLR). Differences between patient groups were compared and risk factors for LR were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

LR was identified in 41 (20.6%) patients, distant metastasis (DM) was identified in 79 (39.7%) patients and concurrent LR and DM was identified in 25 (12.6%) patients. The 3- and 5-year OS rates in patients with resected N1 NSCLC were 78.4% and 65.6%, respectively. The corresponding FFLR rates were 80.8% and 77.3%, respectively. Univariate analyses identified that nonsmokers, ≤23 dissected lymph nodes, visceral pleural invasion and lymph node ratio >10% were significantly associated with lower FFLR rates (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses further confirmed positive lymph nodes at station 10 and IMD as risk factors for LR (P < 0.05). The 5-year LR rate was highest in patients with both these risk factors (48%).

Conclusions

The incidence of LR in patients with surgically resected T1–3N1M0 NSCLC is high. Patients with IMD and positive lymph nodes at station 10 have the highest risk of LR, and may therefore benefit from adjuvant PORT. Further investigations of PORT in this subset of patients are warranted.
Induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with human fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva show increased mineralization and cartilage formation
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Hayashi Yohei , Schlieve Christopher R , Ikeya Makoto , Kim Hannah , Nguyen Trieu D , Sami Salma , Baba Shiro , Barruet Emilie , Nasu Akira , Asaka Isao , Otsuka Takanobu , Yamanaka Shinya , Conklin Bruce R , Toguchida Junya , Hsiao Edward C
Published: December 2013

Background

Abnormal activation of endochondral bone formation in soft tissues causes significant medical diseases associated with disability and pain. Hyperactive mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type 1 receptor ACVR1 lead to fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive ossification in soft tissues. However, the specific cellular mechanisms are unclear. In addition, the difficulty obtaining tissue samples from FOP patients and the limitations in mouse models of FOP hamper our ability to dissect the pathogenesis of FOP.

Methods

To address these challenges and develop a “disease model in a dish”, we created human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) derived from normal and FOP dermal fibroblasts by two separate methods, retroviral integration or integration-free episomal vectors. We tested if the ability to contribute to different steps of endochondral bone formation was different in FOPvs.control iPS cells.

Results

Remarkably, FOP iPS cells showed increased mineralization and enhanced chondrogenesisin vitro. The mineralization phenotypes could be suppressed with a small-molecule inhibitor of BMP signaling, DMH1. Our results indicate that the FOP ACVR1 R206H mutation favors chondrogenesis and increases mineral depositionin vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings establish a FOP disease cell model forin vitroexperimentation and provide a proof-of-concept for using human iPS cell models to understand human skeletal disorders.
Agronomic and genetic analysis of Suweon 542, a rice floury mutant line suitable for dry milling
Authors: Mo Young-Jun , Jeung Ji-Ung , Shin Young-Seop , Park Chul Soo , Kang Kyung-Ho , Kim Bo-Kyeong
Published: December 2013

Background

Producing rice flour of good quality by dry milling is necessary to reduce milling costs and promote the processed rice food industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the dry milling properties of Suweon 542, a floury endosperm mutant, and identify the chromosomal region responsible for the floury endosperm characteristics.

Results

Compared with the wild type, after dry milling process, the grain hardness of Suweon 542 was significantly lower because of its round and loosely packed starch granules. Also, the flour of Suweon 542 had significantly smaller particles and less damaged starch than Namil and other rice cultivars and its particle size distribution was similar to a commercial wheat cultivar. Considering that the yield loss of Suweon 542 due to its floury endosperm was largely compensated for by an increased number of spikelets per panicle, Suweon 542 has potential value as a raw material for rice flour production. Association analysis using 70 genome-wide SSR markers and 94 F2 plants derived from Suweon 542/Milyang 23 showed that markers on chromosome 5 explained a large portion of the variation in floury grains percentage (FGP). Further analysis with an increased number of SSR markers revealed that the floury endosperm of Suweon 542 was directed by a major recessive locus, flo7(t), located in the 19.33–19.86 Mbp region of chromosome 5, with RM18639 explaining 92.2% of FGP variation in the F2 population.

Conclusions

The floury endosperm of Suweon 542 is suitable for dry milling, with a small flour particle size and low damaged starch content. Further physical mapping of flo7(t), the floury endosperm locus of Suweon 542, would facilitate efficient breeding of rice cultivars with proper dry milling adaptability that can be used in the processed rice food industry.
Epicatechin-induced conformational changes in β-lactoglobulin B monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy
Authors: Nucara Alessandro , Maselli Paola , Giliberti Valeria , Carbonaro Marina
Published: December 2013

The interaction between whey carrier protein β-lactoglobulin B and (-)-epicatechin, a major dietary flavonoid with a wide range of health-promoting biological activities, was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in physiological conditions. Amide I spectra of epicatechin - β-lactoglobulin complexes, in D2O buffer solutions, pD= 6.8, at molar ratios from 0.5:1 to 15:1, were measured by using a cell device specifically created. Changes in secondary structure elements at increasing epicatechin concentrations were quantified. Two different trends were observed for the intensities of β-sheet, random coil, and side chain contributions.

At molar ratios ≤2 the β-exposed strand contributions (1625 cm−1) increased at the expence of the β-antiparallel sheet band (1637 cm−1). At molar ratios >2 the intensities of both β structures slightly decreased. The same behaviour was observed for the side chain contributions (band around 1610 ÷ 1620 cm−1). In addition, a conformational transition to a slightly opened structure, followed by aggregate formation at the highest molar ratios, were revealed. The results suggest that binding of epicatechin to β-lactoglobulin in physiological conditions occurs at the surface of the protein molecule, resulting in protein dissociation at molar ratios ≤2 with minor changes in secondary structure. This finding provides further evidence for the possibility of successful use of the protein as a carrier of flavonoids, epicatechin included.
The impact of parental income and education on the schooling of their children
Authors: Chevalier Arnaud , Harmon Colm , O’ Sullivan Vincent , Walker Ian
Published: December 2013

We investigate the relationship between early school-leaving and parental education and paternal income using UK Labour Force Survey data. OLS estimation reveals modest effects of income, stronger effects of maternal education relative to paternal, and stronger effects on sons than daughters. Using IV to simultaneously model the endogeneity of parental education and income, the maternal education effect disappears, while paternal education remains significant but only for daughters. In our favourite specification, which proxy for permanent income, paternal income becomes insignificant. Thus policies alleviating income constraints to alter schooling decisions may not be as effective as policies which increase permanent income.

JEL codes

I20; J62
An increase in red blood cell distribution width from baseline predicts mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock
Authors: Kim Chan Ho , Park Jung Tak , Kim Eun Jin , Han Jae Hyun , Han Ji Suk , Choi Jun Yong , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kim Young Sam , Kang Shin Wook , Oh Hyung Jung
Published: December 2013

Introduction

A potential independent association was recently demonstrated between high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the risk of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients, although the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. Little is known about the impact changes in RDW may have on survival in critically ill patients. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic significance of changes in RDW during hospital stay in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 329 patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) and received a standardized resuscitation algorithm (early-goal directed therapy) for severe sepsis or septic shock. The relationship between the changes in RDW during the first 72 hours after ED admission and all-cause mortality (28-day and 90-day) were analyzed by categorizing the patients into four groups according to baseline RDW value and ΔRDW72hr-adm (RDW at 72 hours – RDW at baseline).

Results

The 28-day and 90-day mortality rates were 10% and 14.6%, respectively. Patients with increased RDW at baseline and ΔRDW72hr-adm >0.2% exhibited the highest risks of 28-day and 90-day mortality, whereas the patients with normal RDW level at baseline and ΔRDW72hr-adm ≤0.2% (the reference group) had the lowest mortality risks. For 90-day mortality, a significantly higher mortality risk was observed in the patients whose RDW increased within 72 hours of ED admission (normal RDW at baseline and ΔRDW72hr-adm >0.2%), compared to the reference group. These associations remained unaltered even after adjusting for age, sex, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, renal replacement therapy, albumin, hemoglobin, lactate, C-reactive protein and infection sites in multivariable models.

Conclusions

We found that an increase in RDW from baseline during the first 72 hours after hospitalization is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, a combination of baseline RDW value and an increase in RDW can be a promising independent prognostic marker in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
Melting Point Elevation of Tetramethylsilane Confined in a Zn-Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Ushimi Takehiko , Miyakubo Keisuke , Eguchi Taro , Ueda Takahiro
Published: December 2013

The thermal anomaly and molecular motion of tetramethylsilane (TMS) confined in a metal–organic framework, [Zn4O(O2CC6H4CO2)3]n (IRMOF-1), have been examined by differential thermal analysis and solid-state wide-line 1H NMR. Endothermic peaks were observed at 198 and 227 K, which were attributed to the disordered intermediate phase and molten phase, respectively, employing the temperature dependence of 1H NMR line width. This result suggests an elevation of the melting point of TMS confined in IRMOF-1.
Highly Coplanar (E)-1,2-Di(1-naphthyl)disilene Involving a Distinct CH–π Interaction with the Perpendicularly Oriented Protecting Eind Group
Authors: Kobayashi Megumi , Hayakawa Naoki , Nakabayashi Koichi , Matsuo Tsukasa , Hashizume Daisuke , Fueno Hiroyuki , Tanaka Kazuyoshi , Tamao Kohei
Published: December 2013

An air-stable emissive di(1-naphthyl)disilene protected by the bulky Eind groups (Eind: 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octaethyl-s-hydrindacen-4-yl) has been obtained by reducing the corresponding dibromosilane (Eind)(1-Naph)SiBr2 with lithium naphthalenide. The X-ray crystallography shows a highly coplanar (E)-1,2-di(1-naphthyl)disilene skeleton, favorable for the efficient π-conjugation involving the Si=Si unit, together with a distinct CH–π interaction between the peri-H atom of 1-naphthyl groups and the aromatic ring of the perpendicularly oriented Eind groups.
THE PRESENCE OF THE ARAGONESE IN ROMANIA BASED ON 14TH-CENTURY ARAGONESE DOCUMENTS
Authors: DOUROU-ELIOPOULOU MARIA
Published: December 2013

Η παρούσα ανακοίνωση αποτελεί τμήμα ευρύτερης μελέτης για τις δυτικέςεγκαταστάσεις στις λατινικές κυριαρχίες της Ρωμανίας την περίοδο τωνσταυροφοριών, βάσει ανέκδοτου, κυρίως από το Αραγωνικό Αρχείο τηςΒαρκελώνης, αλλά και δημοσιευμένου αρχειακού υλικού. Όπως προκύπτειοι Αραγώνιοι και οι Καταλανοί ανέπτυξαν φιλόδοξη εξωτερική πολιτική μεσυνθήκες και επιγαμίες στην ανατολική Μεσόγειο, προκειμένου να κατοχυρώσουντη θέση τους στην περιοχή ως πολιτική και οικονομική δύναμη. Ιδιαίτεραανέπτυξαν έντονη δραστηριότητα μετά την κατάκτηση του βουρ-γουνδικού δουκάτου των Αθηνών τον 14ο αιώνα, όπου αξιοσημείωτες ήτανοι επεμβάσεις των Αραγωνίων βασιλέων σε ό,τι αφορούσε τους υπηκόουςτους στο δουκάτο, όπως προστασία, διοίκηση ή πολιτική προς τις άλλεςδυνάμεις (Ανδεγαυούς, Βενετούς, Γενουάτες). Επίσης, πληροφορίες παρέχονταιγια Καταλανούς εγκατεστημένους σε άλλες περιοχές, κυρίως βενετικές,ως έμποροι ή επαγγελματίες και για τη συμμετοχή τους στην κοινωνικοοικονομικήζωή των τοπικών κοινωνιών.
Η ΧΕΙΡΟΓΡΑΦΗ ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΝΕΚΔΟΤΩΝ ΦΙΛΟΣΟΦΙΚΩΝ ΕΡΓΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ ΠΑΧΥΜΕΡΗ
Authors: ΜΠΑΛΤΑΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟΣ Β.
Published: December 2013

Dans cette étude on donne un catalogue des manuscrits de Georges Pachymères(1240-1310), qui ont un contenu philosophique et qui restent encore inédits. Plusexactement, le philosophe byzantin présente, avec des notes principalement, laphilosophie aristotélicienne. Alors, il serait necessaire d'éditer ces oeuvres pourmieux connaître l'aristotélisme du xiii siècle.
ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΗ ΝΕΩΝ ΒΙΒΛΙΩΝ
Authors: Ευαγγελάτου-Νοταρά Φλιορεντία , Δελλής Ι. Γ. , Μπόμπου-Σταμάτη Βασιλική , Μπίρταχας Στάθης , Τσελέντη Νίκη , Μέντζου-Μεϊμάρη Κωνσταντίνα , Μανιάτη-Κοκκίνη Τριανταφυλλίτσα , Κουταβά-Δεληβοριά Βαρβάρα
Published: December 2013

Twenty two book presentations and reviewes.
ΤΑ ΛΗΞΙΑΡΧΙΚΑ ΒΙΒΛΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΒΕΝΕΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΥΜΕΝΟΥ ΧΑΝΔΑΚΑ (1632-1642). ΣΤΕΓΑΝΑ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΚΤΥΑ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ ΜΕΤΑΞΥ ΤΩΝ ΑΝΩΤΕΡΩΝ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΩΝ ΣΤΡΩΜΑΤΩΝ
Authors: ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΙΔΟΥ ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΑ
Published: December 2013

Lo sviluppo di una base elettronica di dati per la registrazione di testimonianzed'archivio derivanti dai registri di matrimonio, nascita e battesimodei nobili veneti di Handaka durante il dominio veneziano, nel quadro dellostudio del funzionamento dei consigli comunali e della mobiità degli stratisociali superiori a Creta (XVI-XVII secolo), costituiscono la prima parte delpresente studio. La seconda parte si propone come obbiettivo l'indagine delleforti chiusure e delle reti di comunicazione fra i membri di questo stratosociale, tramite il materiale d'archivio schedato. Come periodo indicativodello studio si è scelto il decennio 1632-1642: gli ultimi anni pacifici per Cretaprima dell'inizio della guerra tra Venezia e Impero Ottomano e, parallelamente,periodo di cristallizzazione delle formazioni sociali. Nel quadro diqueste circostanze si esaminano i rapporti tra i nobili veneti e i nobili cretesidell'isola, compiendo un'indagine meticolosa su centoventotto atti di matrimonio,nascita e battesimo. In linea generale, si accerta che i nobili veneti e inobili cretesi, a prescindere dalle particolari differenze ο anche dagli scontri,agiscono come una casta sociale chiusa. Il clima dell'introversione sociale, inalcuni casi perfino dell'introversione all'interno del nucleo familiare, vienesostenuta dalla fitta rete di rapporti che si sviluppa sui fulcri dei matrimoni,delle nascite e dei battesimi. Più specificatamente, l'estrazione sociale dei dueconiugi, così come la scelta dei testimoni ο dei padrini, denota la tendenza alrafforzamento dei legami tra gli strati superiori di Creta, nell'ambito dei quali,intesi come unità, si manifestano forti chiusure.
ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΕΣΒΕΙΕΣ ΣΤΙΣ ΒΕΝΕΤΟΚΡΑΤΟΥΜΕΝΕΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΕΣ ΠΕΡΙΟΧΕΣ. ΟΨΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΘΕΣΜΩΝ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΗΣ ΜΕΡΙΜΝΑΣ
Authors: ΜΟΥΣΑΔΑΚΟΥ ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΑ
Published: December 2013

The embassies of communities of Greek regions under Venetian rule werean institution of the Serenissima Republic of Saint Mark, via which the localsocieties communicated with Venice. In the frame of the research programPYTHAGORAS II, titled «Greek Communities and European World (13th-19th c). Patterns of self-administration, social organization, identities'formation», were chosen the embassies that were included in the work ofConstantinos Sathas, «Monuments of Greek History», and more specifically,those from the IV and V volumes. The registration of a total of 94 embassiesof the 15th and 16th century from various Greek regions under Venetian rule,excluding Crete, and the presentation of short summaries of the content ofdemands and answers, in the data base that was created, offer information forthe study of a wide thematic field of Venetian and Greek history.

As an example of using the data base, this article describes aspects ofinstitutions of social concern, focusing on the demands that were related tocereal supply policy, education and medical care.

The requests of communities for the construction of barns and the missionof money for the supply of cereals reveal the vital problems of provisioningaccording to community and time. From another angle, the insistent demandsof communities for the employment of schoolteachers and for their paymentfrom Venice provide clues about the educational activities of Hellenism underVenetian rule. We also draw information about medical care as thecommunities asked from the Metropolis a community doctor and hisfinancing from Venice.

The examination of these three aspects of social policy reveals to us thecontinuous efforts of local communities for the organization of a network ofsocial benefits, as well as the correspondence of Venice, positive or negative,in accordance always with the various economic, political and social factors ofeach time and place. Care for the different institutions of social concern appeared particularly important, to the extent that it served the catholicconcern of the Serenissima Republic of Saint Mark for the maintenance of hersocial status.
STAFF LOYALTY AS A FACTOR OF ORGANIZATION EFFECTIVE ACTIVITY
Authors: Архипова  , Arkhipova Nadezhda
Published: December 2013

The questions of loyalty increasing as most important condition of organization

eff ective activity and key employees keeping are considered

in this article. Distinctions in staff motivation at various areas of economy

are revealed. Questions of personnel safety are considered. Various

techniques of personnel loyalty diagnostics, and the programs of loyalty

development in the organization are given, the role of HR services

in the loyalty management is analyzed. It is off ered to unite eff orts of HR

services, security services, marketing divisions in the loyalty management.
PERSONNEL STIMULATION BY MEANS OF GRANTING THE SABBATICAL
Authors: Маймистов  , Maymistov Denis
Published: December 2013

It is considered a new — “portfolio” — type of educational institutions

teachers behavior. It is noted that if earlier the educational institutions

personnel aspired to be fi xed, as a rule, in one higher education institution

on all life, in today’s conditions it in parallel realizes some various

strategy at the same time. Educational institutions teachers still have a primary place of employment (where payment is carried out proceeding

from spent operating time, and risks are assumed by the employer),

however this place isn’t considered any more as lifelong. Thus

risks for the teacher, mainly the risks that a contract will not be renewed,

considerably increase.
PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CONDITIONS OF DOMESTIC ECONOMY INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Парахина  , Parakhina Valentina , Калюгина  , Kalyugina Svetlana
Published: December 2013

The main problems at the sphere of industrial enterprises human resource

management are investigated, their interrelation with labor

productivity growth is shown; principal directions of industrial companies

personnel management processes development in conditions

of economy innovative development are revealed.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AS COMPONENT OF PRODUCTION ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Authors: Свистунов  , Svistunov Vasiliy
Published: December 2013

During the crisis periods the organizations survive, managed to

catch a tendency of changes and quickly to adapt to them, including

at the expense of their strategy high-quality development. In

this regard within strategic behavior of production organization the

practical interest is represented by functions of its strategy. The

analysis of domestic organizations strengths and weaknesses testifi

es that many of them have personnel services rather made on the

organization, but often used ineffi ciently. It gives the grounds to

speak about the need to improve the work with organization personnel

in conditions of organization strategy development formation

and realization.
Is it possible to acquaint the primary schoolchild to research activity?
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: December 2013

The paper contains further information about

the methods of enriching the sensual experience of primary

schoolchildren, the role of perception in development of

students` thinking and coherent speech. Examples of research

work with participation of primary schoolchildren are

presented.
Local history component in teaching mathematics to primary schoolchildren
Authors: Чиранова  , Chiranova Olga
Published: December 2013

Potential of including national-regional component

of general education in the mathematics learning system

of primary schoolchildren is considered. Attention is given

to the chronological analysis of theoretical development

and practice experience of local history materials in

education.
Expanding the “Foreign language” subject educational space in the primary with regional content
Authors: Ромашина  , Romashina Svetlana , Погорелая  , Pogorelaya Galina
Published: December 2013

Educational potential of using the regional content

in the course of teaching foreign language to primary

schoolchildren in the RF are discussed. Special attention is

given to the contents of foreign language textbooks, satisfying requirements needed for implementation of the Federal State

Educational Standard for the Primary General Education.