bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lupus in Africa: can we dispel the myths and face the challenges?
Authors: Tiffin N , Hodkinson B , Okpechi I
Published: October 2013

The epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Africa is largely undetermined, and the perception persists that the incidence of SLE on the continent is very low. Recent studies as well as our own experience, however, suggest that this is not the case. We have conducted a survey amongst medical practitioners in Africa to determine their experiences of diagnosing and treating SLE patients, and the results suggest that significant numbers of African patients are presenting with SLE. The apparent low incidence rate in Africa may be the result of underdiagnosis due to poor access to health care, low disease recognition within primary health care settings, limited access to diagnostic tools and inadequate numbers of specialist physicians. Treatment of SLE in Africa is also restricted by availability and affordability of immunosuppressive drugs. We have established the African Lupus Genetics Network (ALUGEN), an informal network of clinicians and researchers in Africa who have an interest in SLE, in order to facilitate combined clinical and research efforts towards improved outcomes for African SLE patients.
Does the Experience of Discrimination Affect Health? A Cross-Sectional Study of Korean Elders
Authors: Chun Heeran , Kang Minah , Cho Sung-il , Jung-Choi Kyunghee , Jang Soong-Nang , Khang Young-Ho
Published: October 2013

This study was conducted among 992 Koreans aged 60 to 89 to examine the effects of perceived discrimination on the health of an ethnically homogenous older population. Perceived discrimination was measured with a self-report instrument. Health outcomes included depressive symptoms, poor self-rated health, and chronic diseases. Of the elderly Koreans surveyed, 23.5% reported having experienced discrimination based on education, age, birthplace, birth order, or gender. Among women, 23.1% reported experiencing gender discrimination, compared to 0.9% among men. Men reported education and age discrimination most frequently—9.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Those who reported experiencing any discrimination were 2.19 times more likely to report depressive symptoms (95% confidence interval = 1.50-3.22) and 1.40 times more likely to report poor self-rated health (95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.93). The health effects of educational discrimination appeared most prominent. This study supports the positive associations between perceived discrimination and poorer health, particularly mental health, in later life.
Wave guiding and wave modulation using phononic crystal defects
Authors: Shelke Amit , Banerjee Sourav , Habib Anowarul , Rahani Ehsan K , Ahmed Riaz , Kundu Tribikram
Published: October 2013

In this article, we address the effect of regular and irregular distribution of phononic lattices on acoustic wave and investigate wave bending and refraction phenomena for some specific patterns of phononic crystals consisting of a square array of polyvinylchloride cylindrical rods in air matrix using finite element model. Bucay et al. have demonstrated that for a given configuration, the striking acoustic beam angle varying between 20° and 40° at 14.1 kHz central frequency shows positive, negative, and zero angle refraction inside phononic crystal and exhibits beam splitting after exiting the phononic crystal. These results are used as the benchmark in this article to validate the proposed model. Transmission spectrum in the phononic crystal has been studied for complete acoustic band gap as well as for positive and negative dispersion bands at frequencies ranging from 1 to 18 kHz. Using this established theory, in this article, the acoustic beam propagation through irregular phononic crystal structures and waveguides are investigated. It can be seen that small irregularity produces significant change in the acoustic field. It is shown that with a localized defect, resonating cavity waveguide is formed in the proposed acoustic metamaterials.
Coupled optimization of tuned-mass energy harvesters accounting for host structure dynamics
Authors: Bisegna Paolo , Caruso Giovanni , Vairo Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

A tuned-mass electromagnetic energy harvester mounted on a vibrating structure is studied here, accounting for the dynamic coupling between harvester and host structure. The latter is modeled as a modal mass–spring–dashpot system, whereas the harvester device is composed of an electromagnetic transducer and a tunable secondary mass–spring–dashpot system. A thorough analytical coupled optimization of the harvested power with respect to the harvester components is presented here. Closed-form design formulas are supplied for the optimal values of the electromagnetic damping coefficient and tuning frequency, as functions of the excitation frequency, mass ratio, and mechanical damping coefficients. The optimized parameters yield a wide effective harvesting bandwidth when proper values of the mass ratio and device mechanical damping are chosen. It is shown that neglecting in the design process the dynamic coupling between harvesting device and vibrating host structure, that is, treating the latter as a mere vibration source as generally assumed in the literature, leads to a significant degradation of the harvesting performance.
The Musical Experiences, Career Aspirations, and Attitudes Toward the Music Education Profession of All-State Musicians
Authors: Henry Michele L.
Published: October 2013

Gaining insight into reasons student musicians choose or do not choose to pursue music education as a career is invaluable to our efforts to sustain and strengthen our discipline. This study sought to determine the musical experiences and motivating factors for outstanding high school musicians who might pursue a career in music education. A 21-question survey seeking demographic information, musical experiences, and future plans was administered to 1,205 all-state ensemble members. The results suggest that these student musicians are receiving many varied musical experiences and leadership opportunities. Whereas 65% anticipate majoring in some field of music, no fewer than 18% are specifically considering a career in music education. These students reported significantly greater involvement in summer music camps and musical leadership opportunities. Comments—both positive and negative—concerning the music education field reveal further differences between those interested and not interested in music education as a potential career path.
Local Zoning and Environmental Justice
Authors: Campbell Heather E. , Kim Yushim , Eckerd Adam
Published: October 2013

This article presents an agent-based computational analysis of the effects of externality zoning on environmental justice (EJ). We experiment with two ideal types of externality zoning: proactive and reactive. In the absence of zoning, environmental injustice emerges and minority agents have lower average environmental quality than majority agents. With proactive zoning, which allows polluting firms only in designated zones, EJ problems are less severe and appear more tractable. With reactive zoning, which creates buffering zones around polluting firms, environmental injustice tends to emerge more quickly as compared with proactive zoning but tends to decline over time. This analysis examines a possible policy tool available for cities to ameliorate environmental injustice.
I can never be normal: A conversation about race, daily life practices, food and power
Authors: Andreassen Rikke , Ahmed-Andresen Uzma
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on the doing and undoing of race in daily life practices in Denmark. It takes the form of a dialogue between two women, a heterosexual Muslim woman of colour and a lesbian white woman, who discuss and analyze how their daily life, e.g. interactions with their children’s schools and daycare institutions, shape their racial and gendered experiences. Drawing upon black feminist theory, postcolonial theory, critical race and whiteness studies, the two women illustrate inclusions and exclusions in their society based on gender, race, class and sexuality – and especially pinpoint to how these categories intersect in processes of inclusion and exclusion. The article argues that the lack of a Nordic vocabulary for the term ‘race’ – as ‘race’ is associated with biological racism which dominated in the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century, and hence is viewed as a historical phenomenon left behind – prevents contemporary people from addressing existing patterns of racial discrimination, inclusion and exclusion in their daily lives, as well as from connecting their contemporary struggles to historical struggles and inequalities. Furthermore, they illustrate how food, class and race intersect with an analysis of the so-called New Nordic Kitchen, exemplified by the world famous Copenhagen restaurant NOMA. The article interprets the New Nordic Kitchen, which has become very popular in the Nordic countries in recent years, as a culinary project performing whiteness, and connects the New Nordic Kitchen’s obsession with ‘the authentic Nordic’ with historical race science in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
Indoor air quality audit and evaluation on thermal comfort in a school in Portugal
Authors: Pereira L. Dias , Cardoso Edna , da Silva M. Gameiro
Published: October 2013

Given the Portuguese national programme for rehabilitation of school buildings and the new regulations for thermal comfort and air quality in Portugal, whose demands contribute to increase energy costs, it became relevant to study a case before any refurbishment intervention, in order to assess the potential of different methods of actions and to improve results. It was also intended with this study to evaluate the indoor thermal quality and the indoor air quality experienced by the school occupants. From a practical case, a school in Coimbra, the procedure passed through the measurement of some environmental physical parameters [dry bulb temperature and relative humidity and the concentrations of chemical indicators, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide]. Contributing to the indoor environment characterization, it was developed a survey directed to the occupants, in parallel with the measurements taken inside a classroom during a period in the heating season and another period in the ‘pre-cooling’ season. An estimation of the predicted percentage of dissatisfied and predicted mean vote comfort indices was done based on the school measured data. The results were compared with those obtained from the questionnaire. In the end, an analysis was also done based on CO2 concentration values.
‘Community control’ in CBPR: Challenges experienced and questions raised from the Trans PULSE project
Authors: Travers Robb , Pyne Jake , Bauer Greta , Munro Lauren , Giambrone Brody , Hammond Rebecca , Scanlon Kyle
Published: October 2013

Newer forms of community-based participatory research (CBPR) prioritize community control over community engagement, and articles that outline some of the challenges inherent in this approach to CBPR are imperative in terms of advancing knowledge and practice. This article outlines the community control strategy utilized by Trans PULSE, an Ontario-wide research initiative devoted to understanding the ways in which social exclusion, cisnormativity (the belief that transgender (trans) identities or bodies are less authentic or ‘normal’), and transphobia shape the provision of services and affect health outcomes for trans people in Ontario, Canada. While we have been successful in building and supporting a solid model of community control in research, challenges have emerged related to: power differentials between community and academic partners, unintentional disempowerment of community members through the research process, the impact of community-level trauma on team dynamics, and differing visions about the importance and place of anti-racism work. Challenges are detailed as ‘lessons learned’ and a series of key questions for CBPR teams to consider are offered.
Care providers learning to deal with troubled conscience through participatory action research
Authors: Ericson-Lidman Eva , Strandberg Gunilla
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to identify a process to assist care providers in dealing constructively with their troubled conscience generated by a difficult situation in elderly care relating to spitting behaviour. Our idea was, with help from participatory action research (PAR), that sharing and reflecting with others upon the voice of conscience, may support care providers to find ways to deal constructively with troubled conscience. Care providers in municipal elderly care participated in intervention sessions over one year, and with support from PAR, they were able to learn to ease the burden of a troubled conscience. They dealt with their troubled conscience constructively by sharing their thoughts and feelings, and gaining more knowledge about behavioural symptoms. They were trying to take relevant measures when caring for the resident, and perceiving the behaviour as unintentional. In this study PAR contributes with increased understanding of the necessity to listen to one’s conscience and of the possibility of using conscience as a driving force, to develop clinical practice. This contribution of PAR may in the long run increase quality of care and work-related health.
Patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had positive experiences exercising from the beginning of their hospital stay
Authors: Tang Clarice Y , Taylor Nicholas F , Blackstock Felicity C
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of inpatients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who participated in a very early exercise programme while acutely unwell. This qualitative study analysed responses from participant interviews as part of a mixed method trial whereby participants were randomly allocated into three groups: low intensity, moderate to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercises or a control group who received routine physiotherapy. Everyone allocated to the exercise groups were invited to participate in the qualitative study. Interviews were within a week post discharge and the results were analysed thematically. A total of 19 participants were interviewed and described their experience as positive and beneficial and reported an increased motivation towards exercising. These findings converged with the high levels of exercise adherence (83%) and within-group improvements in walking capacity observed in both exercise groups. Participants also reported commencement of a home exercise programme after discharge but intention to participate in community pulmonary rehabilitation remained low. Participation in a very early exercise programme while acutely unwell can lead to positive attitude towards exercise. The results converge with the quantitative results that provided preliminary evidence of programme feasibility and within-group improvement in exercise tolerance.
The Geography of Intimate Partner Abuse Experiences and Clinical Responses
Authors: DePrince Anne P. , Buckingham Susan E. , Belknap Joanne
Published: October 2013

Existing intimate partner abuse (IPA) research has focused on individual differences that affect women’s risk of exposure and posttraumatic symptoms with little consideration of the influence of proximal environments. In this study, we examine links between geographic context and characteristics of clinical reactions to IPA. We used raster analyses, which address methodological limitations in many geographic information system studies in the social sciences (e.g., reliance on arbitrary boundaries), to examine links between proximal environments and women’s ( N = 192) reports of IPA characteristics, posttraumatic symptoms, and social support. Psychological-aggression severity varied spatially, which suggests that communities differ in tolerance of this form of IPA. Observed links between spatial characteristics, posttraumatic stress disorder/depression symptom severity, and social support were consistent with the so-called Latino paradox. Women living in areas with greater concentrations of Latinos reported less severe clinical symptoms and greater social support. Living in Latino communities was advantageous in terms of lower depression symptoms regardless of women’s own ethnic group membership.
Non-wetting behaviour of tungsten carbide powders in nickel weld pool: new loss mechanism in GMAW overlays
Authors: Guest S. D. , Chapuis J. , Wood G. , Mendez P. F.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new mechanism, observed directly for the first time, to explain low carbide fractions in Ni–WC overlays produced with GMAW. In this loss mechanism, a significant amount of powder loss is a consequence of the non-wetting behaviour of tungsten carbide. High speed videography and quantitative metallography of weld deposits are used to identify this mechanism. The non-wetting mechanism found acts simultaneously with the carbide dissolution mechanism, which until now was the only suggested cause of low carbide fraction in GMAW Ni–WC overlays. The non-wetting behaviour is observed in both short circuit and free flight metal transfer, accounting for carbide losses between 20 and 70% in the experiments performed. Low carbide fraction has prevented the mainstream use of GMAW for Ni–WC overlays, despite the advantages of simplicity, capability of in situ repair, and low capital costs. The findings presented here have a potential large impact for further consumable and process development.
New generation ultrahigh strength boron steel for automotive hot stamping technologies
Authors: Taylor T. , Fourlaris G. , Evans P. , Bright G.
Published: October 2013

The automotive industry is under increasing pressure to: (1) reduce the weight of vehicles and (2) improve crash performance. ‘Hot stamped’ mild carbon–manganese–boron steel 22MnB5 has become common place in the body structure of the European vehicle over the past decade. The ultrahigh strength martensitic microstructure resulting from hot stamping (proof strength ∼1200 MPa and ultimate tensile strength ∼1500 MPa) enables down gauging while not compromising crash performance. However, with demands for yet higher strength in the final component so to enable further down gauging, novel grades must be developed. In this paper, development of the novel grade 38MnB5 was reported. Following hot stamping, 38MnB5 demonstrated proof strength in excess of 1400 MPa and ultimate tensile strength in excess of 2000 MPa. Owing to the immense strength, the novel grade 38MnB5 was considered to offer significant down gauging and weight reduction opportunities to the automotive industry.
Effect of grain boundary behaviour on ductility dip cracking mechanism
Authors: Chen J. Q. , Lu H. , Cui W. , Chen J. M. , Huang Y. F.
Published: October 2013

Alloy 690 is a typical Ni–Cr–Fe alloy widely used in nuclear power application. However, the companion welding filler metal 52M (FM-52M) is susceptible to an intergranular hot cracking referred to as ductility dip cracking (DDC). To investigate the effect of grain boundary (GB) characteristics on cracking mechanism of FM-52M, the extent of GB sliding and cracking was recorded based on strain-to-fracture test. By the results, it was concluded that the strength of GBs mainly affected the cracking resistance, which could be improved by increase of intergranular precipitates. During hot tensile, GB sliding was observed inducing DDC in mainly two ways: initiate cracking where GB sliding was inhibited by inflexion or triple point, and assist in developing microcrack by skipping hard propagation part of GB. Moreover, cracking was found to have a clear relation to GB misorientation. The results gave an understanding of GB sliding to DDC mechanism.
In vivo leukemogenic potential of an interleukin 7 receptor α chain mutant in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Yokoyama Kazuaki , Yokoyama Nozomi , Izawa Kiyoko , Kotani Ai , Harashima Akira , Hozumi Katsuto , Tojo Arinobu
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Gain-of function mutation of IL7Rα induces lymphoid leukemia as well as myeloproliferative disease. In vivo oncogenicity of mutant IL7Rα is influenced by the differentiation stage at which it occurs.
Angiogenic capacity of M1- and M2-polarized macrophages is determined by the levels of TIMP-1 complexed with their secreted proMMP-9
Authors: Zajac Ewa , Schweighofer Bernhard , Kupriyanova Tatyana A. , Juncker-Jensen Anna , Minder Petra , Quigley James P. , Deryugina Elena I.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Acquisition of high angiogenesis-inducing capacity by human and murine macrophages requires their polarization toward the M2 phenotype. M2-polarized macrophages shutdown their TIMP1 gene expression and initiate production of highly angiogenic TIMP-deficient proMMP-9.
Human and viral interleukin-6 and other cytokines in Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Polizzotto Mark N. , Uldrick Thomas S. , Wang Victoria , Aleman Karen , Wyvill Kathleen M. , Marshall Vickie , Pittaluga Stefania , O’Mahony Deirdre , Whitby Denise , Tosato Giovanna , Steinberg Seth M. , Little Richard F. , Yarchoan Robert
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Human IL-6 and a viral IL-6 homolog encoded by KSHV/HHV8 can independently or together lead to flares of KSHV-associated MCD. KSHV-MCD disease flares were more severe where both human and viral IL-6 were elevated, suggesting they jointly contribute to severity.
Association between winter season and risk of death from cardiovascular diseases: a study in more than half a million inpatients in Beijing, China
Authors: Xu Beibei , Liu Hui , Su Naifang , Kong Guilan , Bao Xiaoyuan , Li Jiong , Wang Jing , Li Yi , Ma Xiemin , Zhang Jun , Yu Guo-Pei , Zhao Lueping
Published: October 2013

Background

Seasonal associations of cardiovascular mortality have been noted in most populations of European origin years ago, but are not well evaluated in Asian populations recently.

Methods

Utilizing the electronic Hospitalization Summary Reports (HSRs) from 32 top-ranked hospitals in Beijing, China, we evaluated the association between winter season and the risk of cardiovascular death among hospitalized individuals. General additive models and logistic regression models were adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Older patients who were admitted to the hospital in the winter months (January, February, November and December) had a death risk that was increased by approximately 30% to 50% (P < 0.01) over those who were admitted in May. However, younger patients did not seem to experience the same seasonal variations in death risk. The excess winter deaths among older patients were associated with ischemic heart disease (RR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.31), pulmonary heart disease (RR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.83), cardiac arrhythmias (RR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.05), heart failure (RR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.54), ischemic stroke (RR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.43), and other cerebrovascular diseases (RR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.40 to 2.25). The risks of mortality were higher in winter months than in the month of May, regardless of the presence or absence of respiratory disease.

Conclusions

Winter season was associated with a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular death among older Chinese cardiovascular inpatients.
Distraction test of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint arthropathy
Authors: Werner Clément M L , Hoch Armando , Gautier Lucienne , König Matthias A , Simmen Hans-Peter , Osterhoff Georg
Published: October 2013

Background

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a frequently underestimated cause of lower back (LBP). A simple clinical test of sufficient validity would be desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a new PSIS distraction test for the clinical detection of SIJ arthropathy and to compare it to several commonly used clinical tests.

Methods

Consecutive patients, where a SIJ pathology had been confirmed by an SIJ infiltration were enrolled (case group, 61 SIJs in 46 patients). Before infiltration, patients were tested for pain with PSIS distraction by a punctual force on the PSIS in medial-to-lateral direction (PSIS distraction test), pain with pelvic compression, pelvic distraction, Gaenslen test, Thigh Thrust, and Faber (or Patrick’s) test. In addition, these clinical tests were applied to both SIJs of a population of individuals without history of LBP (control group, 64 SIJs in 32 patients).

Results

Within the investigated cohort, the PSIS distraction test showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 89% for SIJ pathology. The accuracy of the test was 94%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 90% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Pelvic compression, pelvic distraction, Gaenslen test, Thigh Thrust, and Faber test were associated with a good specificity (> 90%) but a poor sensitivity (< 35%).

Conclusions

Within our population of patients with confirmed SIJ arthropathy the PSIS distraction test was found to be of high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. In contrast, common clinical tests showed a poor sensitivity. The PSIS distraction test seems to be an easy-to-perform and clinically valuable test for SIJ arthropathy.
Socioeconomic and psychosocial predictors of dental healthcare use among Brazilian preschool children
Authors: Machry Rômulo Vaz , Tuchtenhagen Simone , Agostini Bernardo Antonio , da Silva Teixeira Carlos Roberto , Piovesan Chaiana , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Ardenghi Thiago Machado
Published: October 2013

Background

Disparities in utilization of oral healthcare services have been attributed to socioeconomic and individual behavioral factors. Parents’ socioeconomic status, demographics, schooling, and perceptions of oral health may influence their children’s use of dental services. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationships between socioeconomic and psychosocial factors and the utilization of dental health services by children aged 1–5 years.

Methods

Data were collected through clinical exams and a structured questionnaire administered during the National Day of Children’s Vaccination. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Data were collected from a total of 478 children. Only 112 (23.68%) were found to have visited a dentist; 67.77% of those had seen the dentist for preventive care. Most (63.11%) used public rather than private services. The use of dental services varied according to parental socioeconomic status; children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those whose parents rated their oral health as “poor” used dental services less frequently. The reason for visiting the dentist also varied with socioeconomic status, in that children of parents with poor socioeconomic status and who reported their child’s oral health as “fair/poor” were less likely to have visited the dentist for preventive care.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that psychosocial and socioeconomic factors are important predictors of the utilization of dental care services.
Functional conservation of HIV-1 Gag: implications for rational drug design
Authors: Li Guangdi , Verheyen Jens , Rhee Soo-Yon , Voet Arnout , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Theys Kristof
Published: October 2013

Background

HIV-1 replication can be successfully blocked by targeting gag gene products, offering a promising strategy for new drug classes that complement current HIV-1 treatment options. However, naturally occurring polymorphisms at drug binding sites can severely compromise HIV-1 susceptibility to gag inhibitors in clinical and experimental studies. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of gag natural diversity is needed.

Findings

We analyzed the degree of functional conservation in 10862 full-length gag sequences across 8 major HIV-1 subtypes and identified the impact of natural variation on known drug binding positions targeted by more than 20 gag inhibitors published to date. Complete conservation across all subtypes was detected in 147 (29%) out of 500 gag positions, with the highest level of conservation observed in capsid protein. Almost half (41%) of the 136 known drug binding positions were completely conserved, but all inhibitors were confronted with naturally occurring polymorphisms in their binding sites, some of which correlated with HIV-1 subtype. Integration of sequence and structural information revealed one drug binding pocket with minimal genetic variability, which is situated at the N-terminal domain of the capsid protein.

Conclusions

This first large-scale analysis of full-length HIV-1 gag provided a detailed mapping of natural diversity across major subtypes and highlighted the considerable variation in current drug binding sites. Our results contribute to the optimization of gag inhibitors in rational drug design, given that drug binding sites should ideally be conserved across all HIV-1 subtypes.
HIV-TAT mediated protein transduction of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) protects skin cells from ionizing radiation
Authors: Gu Qing , Feng Tienan , Cao Han , Tang Yiting , Ge Xin , Luo Judong , Xue Jiao , Wu Jinyong , Yang Hongying , Zhang Shuyu , Cao Jianping
Published: October 2013

Background

Radiation-induced skin injury remains a serious concern during radiotherapy. Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD, SOD1) is a conserved enzyme for scavenging superoxide radical in cells. Because of the integrity of cell membranes, exogenous molecule is not able to be incorporated into cells, which limited the application of natural SOD1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of HIV-TAT protein transduction domain mediated protein transduction of SOD1(TAT-SOD1) against ionizing radiation.

Methods

The recombinant TAT-SOD1and SOD1were obtained by prokaryotic–based protein expression system. The transduction effect and biological activity of TAT-SOD1was measured by immunofluorescence and antioxidant capability assays in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Mito-Tracker staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay, cell apoptosis analysis and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay were used to access the protective effect of TAT- SOD1.

Results

Uptake of TAT-SOD1by HaCaT cells retained its biological activity. Compared with natural SOD1, the application of TAT-SOD1significantly enhanced the viability and decreased the apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation. Moreover, TAT-SOD1reduced ROS and preserved mitochondrial integrity after radiation exposure in HaCaT cells. Radiation-induced γH2AX foci, which are representative of DNA double strand breaks, were decreased by pretreatment with TAT-SOD1. Furthermore, subcutaneous application of TAT-SOD1resulted in a significant decrease in 45 Gy electron beam-induced ROS and MDA concentration in the skins of rats.

Conclusions

This study provides evidences for the protective role of TAT-SOD1in alleviating radiation-induced damage in HaCaT cells and rat skins, which suggests a new therapeutic strategy for radiation-induced skin injury.
Translation of SBGN maps: Process Description to Activity Flow
Authors: Vogt Torsten , Czauderna Tobias , Schreiber Falk
Published: October 2013

Background

The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) provides standard graphical languages for representing cellular processes, interactions, and biological networks. SBGN consists of three languages: Process Descriptions (PD), Entity Relationships (ER), and Activity Flows (AF). Maps in SBGN PD are often large, detailed, and complex, therefore there is a need for a simplified illustration.

Results

To solve this problem we define translations of SBGN PD maps into the more abstract SBGN AF maps. We present a template-based translation which allows the user to focus on different aspects of the underlying biological system. We also discuss aspects of laying out the AF map and of interactive navigation between both the PD and the AF map. The methods developed here have been implemented as part of SBGN-ED (http://www.sbgn-ed.org).

Conclusions

SBGN PD maps become much smaller and more manageable when translated into SBGN AF. The flexible translation of PD into AF and related interaction methods are an initial step in translating the different SBGN languages and open the path to future research for translation methods between other SBGN languages.
Health-related quality of life and functional ability in patients with early arthritis during remission steered treatment: results of the IMPROVED study
Authors: Heimans Lotte , Boer Kirsten VC Wevers-de , Koudijs KK Michel , Visser Karen , Goekoop-Ruiterman Yvonne P , Harbers Joop B , Steup-Beekman Gerda M , Lard Leroy R , Grillet Bernard AM , Huizinga Tom WJ , Allaart Cornelia F
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate patient reported outcomes (PROs) of functional ability and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with early (rheumatoid) arthritis during one year of remission steered treatment.

Methods

In this study, 610 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or undifferentiated arthritis (UA) were treated with methotrexate (MTX) and tapered high dose of prednisone. Patients in early remission (Disease Activity Score (DAS) <1.6 after 4 months) tapered prednisone to zero and when in persistent remission, also tapered MTX. Patients not in early remission were randomized to either MTX + hydroxychloroquine + sulphasalazine + prednisone (arm 1) or to MTX + adalimumab (arm 2). Every 4 months, patients filled out the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the McMaster Toronto Arthritis Patient Preference Questionnaire (MACTAR), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and visual analogue scales (VAS). Change scores were compared between treatment groups. The association with achieving remission was analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results

During year 1, patients who achieved early remission had the most improvement in PROs with scores comparable to the general population. Patients in the randomization arms showed less improvement. Scores were comparable between the arms. There was a significant association between achieving remission and scores of HAQ, MACTAR and physical HRQoL.

Conclusions

In early arthritis, PROs of functional ability and HRQoL after one year of remission steered treatment reach normal values in patients who achieved early remission. In patients not in early remission, who were randomized to two strategy arms, PROs improved less, with similar scores in both treatment arms.

Trial registrations

ISRCTN11916566 and EudraCT2006-006186-16
Transcriptional landscapes of emerging autoimmunity: transient aberrations in the targeted tissue’s extracellular milieu precede immune responses in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Delaleu Nicolas , Nguyen Cuong Q , Tekle Kidane M , Jonsson Roland , Peck Ammon B
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Our understanding of autoimmunity is skewed considerably towards the late stages of overt disease and chronic inflammation. Defining the targeted organ’s role during emergence of autoimmune diseases is, however, critical in order to define their etiology, early and covert disease phases and delineate their molecular basis.

Methods

Using Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) as an exemplary rheumatic autoimmune disease and temporal global gene-expression profiling, we systematically mapped the transcriptional landscapes and chronological interrelationships between biological themes involving the salivary glands’ extracellular milieu. The time period studied spans from pre- to subclinical and ultimately to onset of overt disease in a well-defined model of spontaneous SS, the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 strain. In order to answer this aim of great generality, we developed a novel bioinformatics-based approach, which integrates comprehensive data analysis and visualization within interactive networks. The latter are computed by projecting the datasets as a whole on a priori-defined consensus-based knowledge.

Results

Applying these methodologies revealed extensive susceptibility loci-dependent aberrations in salivary gland homeostasis and integrity preceding onset of overt disease by a considerable amount of time. These alterations coincided with innate immune responses depending predominantly on genes located outside of the SS-predisposing loci Aec1 and Aec2. Following a period of transcriptional stability, networks mapping the onset of overt SS displayed, in addition to natural killer, T- and B-cell-specific gene patterns, significant reversals of focal adhesion, cell-cell junctions and neurotransmitter receptor-associated alterations that had prior characterized progression from pre- to subclinical disease.

Conclusions

This data-driven methodology advances unbiased assessment of global datasets an allowed comprehensive interpretation of complex alterations in biological states. Its application delineated a major involvement of the targeted organ during the emergence of experimental SS.
Molecular characterization and in vitro differentiation of feline progenitor-like amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Rutigliano Lucia , Corradetti Bruna , Valentini Luisa , Bizzaro Davide , Meucci Aurora , Cremonesi Fausto , Lange-Consiglio Anna
Published: October 2013

Introduction

While amniotic mesenchymal cells have been isolated and characterized in different species, amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) have been found only in humans and horses and are recently considered valid candidates in regenerative medicine. The aim of this work is to obtain and characterize, for the first time in the feline species, presumptive stem cells from the epithelial portion of the amnion (AECs) to be used for clinical applications.

Methods

In our study, we molecularly characterized and induced in vitro differentiation of feline AECs, obtained after enzymatic digestion of amnion.

Results

AECs displayed a polygonal morphology and the mean doubling time value was 1.94 ± 0.04 days demonstrating the high proliferating capacity of these cells. By RT-PCR, AECs expressed pluripotent (Oct4, Nanog) and some mesenchymal markers (CD166, CD44) suggesting that an epithelial-mesenchymal transition may occur in these cells that lack the hematopoietic marker CD34. Cells also showed the expression of embryonic marker SSEA-4, but not SSEA-3, as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Moreover, the possibility to use feline AECs in cell therapies resides in their low immunogenicity, due to the absence of MHC-II antigen expression. After induction, AECs differentiated into the mesodermic and ectodermic lineages, demonstrating high plasticity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, feline AECs appear to be a readily obtainable, highly proliferative, multipotent and non-immunogenic cell line from a source that may represent a good model system for stem cell biology and be useful in allogenic cell-based therapies in order to treat tissue lesions, especially with loss of substance.
Editorial: New tricks for innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Sonnenberg Gregory F
Published: October 2013

Discussion on recently identified properties of innate lymphoid cells that may implicate novel functions in health and disease.
L-functions ofp-adic characters
Authors: Davis Christopher , Wan Daqing
Published: October 2013

We define ap-adic character to be a continuous homomorphism fromForp> 2, we use the ring of big Witt vectors overto exhibit a bijection betweenp-adic characters and sequences (ci)(i,p)=1of elements inindexed by natural numbers relatively prime top, and for which. To such ap-adic character we associate anL-function, and we prove that thisL-function isp-adic meromorphic if the corresponding sequence (ci) is overconvergent. If more generally the sequence isClog-convergent, we show that the associatedL-function is meromorphic in the open disk of radiusqC. Finally, we exhibit examples ofClog-convergent sequences with associatedL-functions which are not meromorphic in the disk of radiusqC+∊for any∊> 0.
Dynamic feedback circuits function as a switch for shaping a maturation-inducing steroid pulse in Drosophila
Authors: Moeller Morten E. , Danielsen E. Thomas , Herder Rachel , O’Connor Michael B. , Rewitz Kim F.
Published: October 2013

Steroid hormones trigger the onset of sexual maturation in animals by initiating genetic response programs that are determined by steroid pulse frequency, amplitude and duration. Although steroid pulses coordinate growth and timing of maturation during development, the mechanisms generating these pulses are not known. Here we show that the ecdysone steroid pulse that drives the juvenile-adult transition in Drosophila is determined by feedback circuits in the prothoracic gland (PG), the major steroid-producing tissue of insect larvae. These circuits coordinate the activation and repression of hormone synthesis, the two key parameters determining pulse shape (amplitude and duration). We show that ecdysone has a positive-feedback effect on the PG, rapidly amplifying its own synthesis to trigger pupariation as the onset of maturation. During the prepupal stage, a negative-feedback signal ensures the decline in ecdysone levels required to produce a temporal steroid pulse that drives developmental progression to adulthood. The feedback circuits rely on a developmental switch in the expression of Broad isoforms that transcriptionally activate or silence components in the ecdysone biosynthetic pathway. Remarkably, our study shows that the same well-defined genetic program that stimulates a systemic downstream response to ecdysone is also utilized upstream to set the duration and amplitude of the ecdysone pulse. Activation of this switch-like mechanism ensures a rapid, self-limiting PG response that functions in producing steroid oscillations that can guide the decision to terminate growth and promote maturation.
Corruption Dynamics: The Golden Goose Effect
Authors: Niehaus Paul , Sukhtankar Sandip
Published: October 2013

Theoretical work on disciplining corrupt agents has emphasized the role of expected future rents—for example, efficiency wages. Yet taken seriously this approach implies that illicit future rents should also deter corruption. We study this “golden goose” effect in the context of a statutory wage increase in India's employment guarantee scheme, comparing official microrecords to original household survey data to measure corruption. We estimate large golden goose effects that reduced the total impact of the wage increase on theft by roughly 64 percent. In short, rent expectations matter. (JEL D73, D82, H83, J41, K42, O17, O21)
Absorptive Capacity and the Growth and Investment Effects of Regional Transfers: A Regression Discontinuity Design with Heterogeneous Treatment Effects
Authors: Becker Sascha O , Egger Peter H , von Ehrlich Maximilian
Published: October 2013

Researchers often estimate average treatment effects of programs without investigating heterogeneity across units. Yet, individuals, firms, regions, or countries vary in their ability to utilize transfers. We analyze Objective 1 transfers of the EU to regions below a certain income level by way of a regression discontinuity design with systematically varying heterogeneous treatment effects. Only about 30 percent and 21 percent of the regions—those with sufficient human capital and good-enough institutions—are able to turn transfers into faster per capita income growth and per capita investment, respectively. In general, the variance of the treatment effect is much bigger than its mean. (JEL C21, F35, H23, H77, R11)
The Economic and Policy Consequences of Catastrophes
Authors: Pindyck Robert S , Wang Neng
Published: October 2013

How likely is a catastrophic event that would substantially reduce the capital stock, GDP, and wealth? How much should society be willing to pay to reduce the probability or impact of a catastrophe? We answer these questions and provide a framework for policy analysis using a general equilibrium model of production, capital accumulation, and household preferences. Calibrating the model to economic and financial data, we estimate the mean arrival rate of shocks and their size distribution, the tax on consumption society would accept to limit the maximum size of a catastrophic shock, and the cost to insure against its impact. (JEL D81, E22, E23, E32, G22, H25, Q54)
Projective metric number theory
Authors: Ghosh Anish , Haynes Alan
Published: October 2013

In this paper we consider the probabilistic theory of Diophantine approximation in projective space over a completion of ℚ. Using the projective metric studied in [Ann. Sc. Norm. Super. Pisa Cl. Sci. (4) 23 (1996), no. 2, 211–248] we prove the analogue of Khintchine's theorem in projective space. For finite places and in higher dimension, we are able to completely remove the condition of monotonicity and establish the analogue of the Duffin–Schaeffer conjecture.
Microbial xylitol production from culm of Sasa kurilensis using the yeast Candida magnoliae
Authors: Miura Masahiro , Seo Tomoaki , Shimotori Yasutaka , Aoyama Masakazu , Nakatani Hisayuki , Nishikoori Masatomo
Published: October 2013

A sugar solution containing 31 g l-1 xylose was prepared from the culm of Sasa kurilensis by hydrolysis with 2% sulfuric acid with a liquor-to-solid ratio of 6 (g g-1) at 121°C for 1 h. During acid hydrolysis, also some byproducts were generated, such as acetic acid, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfral, and low molecular weight phenolics, which inhibit bioconversion of xylose to xylitol. Except for acetic acid, these inhibitors were successfully removed from the hydrolysate by contacting with a steam-activated charcoal (15 g l-1 dose) for 24 h. Bioconversion of the detoxified hydrolysate to xylitol by the yeast, Candida magnoliae, was investigated under various microaerobic conditions. The oxygen transfer rate (OTR) varied from 8.4 to 27.6 mmol-O2 l-1 h-1. The maximum xylitol yield (0.62 g-xylitol g-xylose-1) was attained at the OTR of 1.2 mmol-O2 l-1 h-1. An additional increase in the OTR brought about cell growth, which consumed xylose. A proper control of the oxygen supply is necessary to produce efficiently xylitol from the culm hydrolysate.
Analysis of the Flicker Level Produced by a Fixed-Speed Wind Turbine
Authors: Suppioni Vinicius , P. Grilo Ahda
Published: October 2013

In this article, the analysis of the flicker emission during continuous operation of a mid-scale fixed-speed wind turbine connected to a distribution system is presented. Flicker emission is investigated based on simulation results, and the dependence of flicker emission on short-circuit capacity, grid impedance angle, mean wind speed, and wind turbulence is analyzed. The simulations were conducted in different programs in order to provide a more realistic wind emulation and detailed model of mechanical and electrical components of the wind turbine. Such aim is accomplished by using FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) to simulate the mechanical parts of the wind turbine, Simulink/MatLab to simulate the electrical system, and TurbSim to obtain the wind model. The results show that, even for a small wind generator, the flicker level can limit the wind power capacity installed in a distribution system.
Inverse problems for the ground penetrating radar
Authors: Kabanikhin S. I. , Nurseitov D. B. , Shishlenin M. A. , Sholpanbaev B. B.
Published: October 2013

We consider the continuation problem from the time-like surface for the 2D Maxwell equation. The problem is formulated in an operator form . We describe and justify gradient methods for minimizing the cost functional for the continuation and coefficient inverse problems. The results of a computational experiment are presented.
Kopitiams in Singapore
Authors: Chan Ying-Kit
Published: October 2013

This article, a preliminary observation of the kopitiam (coffee shop) in Singapore, argues that the informal and seemingly apolitical kopitiam has engendered a form of political resistance that we have often failed to see. Using a case study, the article examines how local practices could reflect a hitherto neglected understanding of Singaporean politics.