bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between DnaA Protein, the Initiator of Escherichia coli Chromosomal Replication, and Acidic Phospholipids Present in Bacterial Membranes
Authors: Saxena Rahul , Fingland Nicholas , Patil Digvijay , Sharma Anjali , Crooke Elliott
Published: April 2013

Anionic (i.e., acidic) phospholipids such as phosphotidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL), participate in several cellular functions. Here we review intriguing in vitro and in vivo evidence that suggest emergent roles for acidic phospholipids in regulating DnaA protein-mediated initiation of Escherichia coli chromosomal replication. In vitro acidic phospholipids in a fluid bilayer promote the conversion of inactive ADP-DnaA to replicatively proficient ATP-DnaA, yet both PG and CL also can inhibit the DNA-binding activity of DnaA protein. We discuss how cellular acidic phospholipids may positively and negatively influence the initiation activity of DnaA protein to help assure chromosomal replication occurs once, but only once, per cell-cycle. Fluorescence microscopy has revealed that PG and CL exist in domains located at the cell poles and mid-cell, and several studies link membrane curvature with sub-cellular localization of various integral and peripheral membrane proteins. E. coli DnaA itself is found at the cell membrane and forms helical structures along the longitudinal axis of the cell. We propose that there is cross-talk between acidic phospholipids in the bacterial membrane and DnaA protein as a means to help control the spatial and temporal regulation of chromosomal replication in bacteria.
Structural and Immunochemical Studies of the Lipopolysaccharide from the Fish Pathogen, Aeromonas bestiarum Strain K296, Serotype O18
Authors: Turska-Szewczuk Anna , Lindner Buko , Komaniecka Iwona , Kozinska Alicja , Pekala Agnieszka , Choma Adam , Holst Otto
Published: April 2013

Chemical analyses and mass spectrometry were used to study the structure of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from Aeromonas bestiarum strain K296, serotype O18. ESI-MS revealed that the most abundant A. bestiarum LPS glycoforms have a hexa-acylated or tetra-acylated lipid A with conserved architecture of the backbone, consisting of a 1,4′-bisphosphorylated β-(1→6)-linked d-GlcN disaccharide with an AraN residue as a non-stoichiometric substituent and a core oligosaccharide composed of Kdo1Hep6Hex1HexN1P1. 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy revealed that the O-specific polysaccharide (OPS) of A. bestiarum K296 consists of a branched tetrasaccharide repeating unit containing two 6-deoxy-l-talose (6dTalp), one Manp and one GalpNAc residues; thus, it is similar to that of the OPS of A. hydrophila AH-3 (serotype O34) in both the sugar composition and the glycosylation pattern. Moreover, 3-substituted 6dTalp was 2-O-acetylated and additional O-acetyl groups were identified at O-2 and O-4 (or O-3) positions of the terminal 6dTalp. Western blots with polyclonal rabbit sera showed that serotypes O18 and O34 share some epitopes in the LPS. The very weak reaction of the anti-O34 serum with the O-deacylated LPS of A. bestiarum K296 might have been due to the different O-acetylation pattern of the terminal 6dTalp. The latter suggestion was further confirmed by NMR.
Brominated Skeletal Components of the Marine Demosponges, Aplysina cavernicola and Ianthella basta: Analytical and Biochemical Investigations
Authors: Kunze Kurt , Niemann Hendrik , Ueberlein Susanne , Schulze Renate , Ehrlich Hermann , Brunner Eike , Proksch Peter , Pée Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2013

Demosponges possess a skeleton made of a composite material with various organic constituents and/or siliceous spicules. Chitin is an integral part of the skeleton of different sponges of the order Verongida. Moreover, sponges of the order Verongida, such as Aplysina cavernicola or Ianthella basta, are well-known for the biosynthesis of brominated tyrosine derivates, characteristic bioactive natural products. It has been unknown so far whether these compounds are exclusively present in the cellular matrix or whether they may also be incorporated into the chitin-based skeletons. In the present study, we therefore examined the skeletons of A. cavernicola and I. basta with respect to the presence of bromotyrosine metabolites. The chitin-based-skeletons isolated from these sponges indeed contain significant amounts of brominated compounds, which are not easily extractable from the skeletons by common solvents, such as MeOH, as shown by HPLC analyses in combination with NMR and IR spectroscopic measurements. Quantitative potentiometric analyses confirm that the skeleton-associated bromine mainly withstands the MeOH-based extraction. This observation suggests that the respective, but yet unidentified, brominated compounds are strongly bound to the sponge skeletons, possibly by covalent bonding. Moreover, gene fragments of halogenases suggested to be responsible for the incorporation of bromine into organic molecules could be amplified from DNA isolated from sponge samples enriched for sponge-associated bacteria.
Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Macrophages Cell Cultures in Response to Perthamide C Treatment
Authors: Vilasi Annalisa , Monti Maria , Tosco Alessandra , Marino Simona , Margarucci Luigi , Riccio Raffaele , Casapullo Agostino
Published: April 2013

Secondary metabolites contained in marine organisms disclose diverse pharmacological activities, due to their intrinsic ability to recognize bio-macromolecules, which alter their expression and modulate their function. Thus, the identification of the cellular pathways affected by marine natural products is crucial to provide important functional information concerning their mechanism of action at the molecular level. Perthamide C, a marine sponge metabolite isolated from the polar extracts of Theonella swinhoei and endowed with a broad and interesting anti-inflammatory profile, was found in a previous study to specifically interact with heat shock protein-90 and glucose regulated protein-94, also disclosing the ability to reduce cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of this compound on the whole proteome of murine macrophages cells by two-dimensional DIGE proteomics. Thirty-three spots were found to be altered in expression by at least 1.6-fold and 29 proteins were identified by LC ESI-Q/TOF-MS. These proteins are involved in different processes, such as metabolism, structural stability, protein folding assistance and gene expression. Among them, perthamide C modulates the expression of several chaperones implicated in the folding of proteins correlated to apoptosis, such as Hsp90 and T-complexes, and in this context our data shed more light on the cellular effects and pathways altered by this marine cyclo-peptide.
Synthesis, Structure and Cytotoxic Activity of New Acetylenic Derivatives of Betulin
Authors: Boryczka Stanisław , Bębenek Ewa , Wietrzyk Joanna , Kempińska Katarzyna , Jastrzębska Maria , Kusz Joachim , Nowak Maria
Published: April 2013

A new series of betulin derivatives containing one or two pharmacophores bearing an acetylenic and carbonyl function at the C-3 and/or C-28 positions has been synthesized and characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR, MS and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 28-O-propynoylbetulin was determined by X-ray structural analysis. All new compounds, as well as betulin, were tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against human SW707 colorectal, CCRF/CEM leukemia, T47D breast cancer, and against murine P388 leukemia and Balb3T3 normal fibroblasts cell lines. Most of the compounds showed better cytotoxicity than betulin and cisplatin used as reference agent. 28-O-Propynoylbetulin was the most potent derivative, being over 500 times more potent than betulin and about 100 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin against the human leukemia (CCRF/CEM) cell line, with an ID50 value of 0.02 μg/mL.
A Low-Cost, Computer-Interfaced Drawing Pad for fMRI Studies of Dysgraphia and Dyslexia
Authors: Reitz Frederick , Richards Todd , Wu Kelvin , Boord Peter , Askren Mary , Lewis Thomas , Berninger Virginia
Published: April 2013

We have developed a pen and writing tablet for use by subjects during fMRI scanning. The pen consists of two jacketed, multi-mode optical fibers routed to the tip of a hollowed-out ball-point pen. The pen has been further modified by addition of a plastic plate to maintain a perpendicular pen-tablet orientation. The tablet is simply a non-metallic frame holding a paper print of continuously varying color gradients. The optical fibers are routed out of the MRI bore to a light-tight box in an adjacent control room. Within the box, light from a high intensity LED is coupled into one of the fibers, while the other fiber abuts a color sensor. Light from the LED exits the pen tip, illuminating a small spot on the tablet, and the resulting reflected light is routed to the color sensor. Given a lookup table of position for each color on the tablet, the coordinates of the pen on the tablet may be displayed and digitized in real-time. While simple and inexpensive, the system achieves sufficient resolution to grade writing tasks testing dysgraphic and dyslexic phenomena.
Sélection de clientèle et exclusion bancaire
Authors: Eber Nicolas
Published: April 2013

Pour toutes les banques, la sélection de la clientèle est un problème crucial. Il s’agit de déterminer quels clients doivent être servis et quels clients doivent être rationnés ou exclus. Pour cela, il convient de trouver des méthodes permettant une telle sélection. Au plan théorique, la question est de comprendre les origines et les enjeux du problème de la sélection de clientèle. D’une manière évidente, l’origine fondamentale du problème réside dans l’imperfection de l’information concernant le risque des clients. Bien entendu, l’information imparfaite rend difficile pour la banque d’évaluer avec exactitude le risque d’un client et rend donc complexe la procédure de sélection des clients acceptables.

Classification JEL : D82
Application du droit au compte dans un comptoir de la Banque de France : l’exemple de Saint-Denis
Authors: Maymard Brigitte
Published: April 2013

Par la procédure de droit au compte, la législation française instaure le droit pour toute personne de disposer d’un compte et confie à la Banque de France la mission de désigner pour toute personne remplissant des conditions déterminées, un guichet auprès duquel celle-ci pourra obtenir l’ouverture d’un compte de dépôt.

Classification JEL : G21, G28, I30
L’obligation d’information et de conseil du banquier à l’égard des personnes aux revenus modestes
Authors: Dion Sophie , Ghozi Alain
Published: April 2013

Le droit français ne connaît pas le concept de «personnes aux revenus modestes «. Cette catégorie, à la supposer homogène, ne constitue pas le point de focalisation d’un ensemble de règles coordonnées dont elle serait l’objet. D’où la crainte d’un vide juridique, d’une méconnaissance des difficultés propres à une partie du corps social, avec le risque d’une dérive vers des situations dramatiques connues : le surendettement, voire, plus grave encore, l’exclusion. Pourtant notre système juridique connaît des mécanismes de protection qui peuvent bénéficier à ces catégories de personnes : ainsi du droit de la consommation ; ainsi de certaines règles propres à des professionnels ou à des commerçants. De plus la jurisprudence, puisant dans certains principes généraux, a su dégager des règles destinées à protéger des sujets de droit dans des activités qui ne relèvent pas directement des prescriptions légales : de la sorte elle protège des personnes qui se trouvent dans des situations pécuniaires, voire parfois psychologiques, qui justifient une sorte d’aide à la décision.

Classification JEL : K39
The role of Paris in international finance in the19th century
Authors: Arbulu Pedro , Vaslin Jacques-Marie
Published: April 2013

In the XIXth century, Paris is a dominant international financial centre. In the second half of the XIXth century, many foreign projects get financing on the Paris market. This success can be explained by financial reasons.

JEL Classification : N23
Paris as a financial centre within an integrated European financial market
Authors: de Bresson Arnaud
Published: April 2013

This article presents the three advantages which could allow Paris to attract international financial activities : improvement of fiscal and regulatory environment, strong implication in the building of a European financial market, and development of the « New Economy ».

JEL Classification : G10
London as a financial center
Authors: Laslett Robert
Published: April 2013

In economic terms, a financial centre is a location where value is added to financial products, in the form of the wages paid, and the returns on the capital employed. The financial centre in terms of value added continues to be the major location for high-skill jobs, individual talent, and capital.

For example, in 1998 EUREX, with its superior screen-based technology, « captured » the vital 10-year German government bond future from floor-based LIFFE. While screen-based, cheaper trading allowed the transactions and liquidity to move across to the Frankfurt exchange, the provision of screens in London meant that the traders themselves did not relocate. Frankfurt gained an increase in futures trading, but London retained the jobs, talent and investment.

JEL Classification : G10, R38
Cross Border Mergers of European Listed Companies : The Choice of a Reference Marketplace as a Relevant Criterion
Authors: Caradet Bertrand , Herbet Jérôme
Published: April 2013

The recently observed multiplication of cross-border merger transactions among companies listed on European stock exchanges invites one to wonder about the future of the listing of the stock of the absorbing or newly-created company. In this regard, when entering into a strategic analysis regarding the structure and modalities of a contemplated cross-border merger transaction between listed companies, the choice of the market place to be retained as the future reference market for the stock of the absorbing or newly created entity should not be considered meaningless. Such a choice should be an integral part of the legal and practical elements to be taken into account in order to determine the optimal structure to retain. It appears that the choice of a future reference marketplace itself depends on a number of parameters, among which are the typology of the current or sought after shareholding structure or the general environment of the financial place to be retained. When conducting such an analysis, it appears the Paris market place seems perfectly suited to become the reference market place for a number of recently merged companies.

JEL Classification : K22
Academic Research and Financial Centres : Necessary Relations
Authors: Thiry Bruno
Published: April 2013

First, this articles presents the way the English business school work very closely to the City and the actors of the London financial center, in terms of education and research. Some lessons can be taught for the Paris center : the development of French financial research is a necessity.

JEL Classification : A23
Le secteur européen de la gestion des pensions
Authors: Davis E. Philip
Published: April 2013

Cet article tente d'évaluer l'état actuel et les perspectives futures de la gestion privée des retraites en Europe Continentale, en mettant un accent particulier sur la nature de la concurrence entre les gestionnaires d'actifs. Les aspects industriels de la gestion d'actifs sont présentés dans la première partie, tandis que la deuxième partie fournit des données sur les actifs des fonds de pension en Europe, considérés dans le contexte plus large des investissements institutionnels et de la structure financière globale. Dans les troisième et quatrième parties, nous examinons la situation actuelle sur les marchés « de gros » et « de détail » de la gestion d'actifs en Europe Continentale. Dans la cinquième partie, nous examinons les pressions futures exercées sur les fonds de gestion des retraites en Europe Continentale.

Classification JEL : C22, C23, H55, J26
The response of digestive enzyme activity in the mature Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (Decapoda: Brachyura), to gradual increase of salinity
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Zhuang Ping , Feng Guangpeng , Zhang Longzhen , Huang Xiaorong , Zhao Feng , Wang Yu
Published: April 2013

Mature Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, were exposed to brackish water or seawater as an obligatory part of their reproductive migration. Physiological and biochemical reorganization were needed to adapt them to this migration. To understand the digestive adjustments of Eriocheir sinensis at biochemical level during this transformation from freshwater to seawater, the response of the activity of five digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, pepsin, trypsin and lipase) in the hepatopancreas to salinities increasing gradually from 0 (freshwater) to 35 (seawater) was analysed in mature females and males. Digestive enzymes exhibited significantly higher activities in the hepatopancreas of males than those of females, except lipase. In females, amylase, pepsin and trypsin activities began to decrease significantly as the salinity reached 28, and cellulase activity decreased at 35; in males, a considerable decrease in the activity of digestive enzymes, except lipase, was observed at 21 and higher salinities, while an increase was observed at 14. Reduced enzyme activities at elevated salinities suggest that the digestive capacity of crabs for diets becomes weak, and all these digestive enzymes participated in digestive adjustments during osmoregulation. The initial salinity which induced the decrease of enzyme activity was lower in males than in females, indicating that females were more tolerant to elevated salinities than males from the point of digestive biochemical modulation.
Uncertainties in modelling heterogeneous chemistry and Arctic ozone depletion in the winter 2009/2010
Authors: Wohltmann I. , Wegner T. , Müller R. , Lehmann R. , Rex M. , Manney G. L. , Santee M. L. , Bernath P. , Sumińska-Ebersoldt O. , Stroh F. , von Hobe M. , Volk C. M. , Hösen E. , Ravegnani F. , Ulanovsky A. , Yushkov V.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Stratospheric chemistry and denitrification are simulated for the Arctic winter 2009/2010 with the Lagrangian Chemistry and Transport Model ATLAS. A number of sensitivity runs is used to explore the impact of uncertainties in chlorine activation and denitrification on the model results. In particular, the efficiency of chlorine activation on different types of liquid aerosol versus activation on nitric acid trihydrate clouds is examined. Additionally, the impact of changes in reaction rate coefficients, in the particle number density of polar stratospheric clouds, in supersaturation, temperature or the extent of denitrification is investigated. Results are compared to satellite measurements of MLS and ACE-FTS and to in-situ measurements onboard the Geophysica aircraft during the RECONCILE measurement campaign. It is shown that even large changes in the underlying assumptions have only a small impact on the modelled ozone loss, even though they can cause considerable differences in chemical evolution of other species and in denitrification. Differences in column ozone between the sensitivity runs stay below 10% at the end of the winter. Chlorine activation on liquid aerosols alone is able to explain the observed magnitude and morphology of the mixing ratios of active chlorine, reservoir gases and ozone. This is even true for binary aerosols (no uptake of HNO3 from the gas-phase allowed in the model). Differences in chlorine activation between sensitivity runs are within 30%. Current estimates of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) number density and supersaturation imply that, at least for this winter, NAT clouds play a relatively small role compared to liquid clouds in chlorine activation. The change between different reaction rate coefficients for liquid or solid clouds has only a minor impact on ozone loss and chlorine activation in our sensitivity runs.
A case study of the highly time-resolved evolution of aerosol chemical and optical properties in urban Shanghai, China
Authors: Huang Y. , Li L. , Li J. , Wang X. , Chen H. , Chen J. , Yang X. , Gross D. S. , Wang H. , Qiao L. , Chen C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Characteristics of the chemical and optical properties of aerosols in urban Shanghai and their relationship were studied over a three-day period in October 2011. A suite of real-time instruments, including an Aerosol Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ATOFMS), a Monitor for AeRosols and GAses (MARGA), a Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer (CRDS), a nephelometer and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), was employed to follow the quick changes of the aerosol properties within the 72 h sampling period. The origin of the air mass arriving in Shanghai during this period shifted from the East China Sea to the northwest area of China, offering a unique opportunity to observe the evolution of aerosols influenced by regional transport from the most polluted areas in China. According to the meteorological conditions and temporal characterizations of the chemical and optical properties, the sampling period was divided into three periods. During Period 1 (00:00–23:00 LT, 13 October), the aerosols in urban Shanghai were mainly fresh and the single scattering albedo varied negatively with the emission of elemental carbon, indicating that local sources dominated. Period 2 (23:00 LT on 13 October to 10:00 LT on 15 October) was impacted by regionally transported pollutants and had the highest particulate matter (PM) mass loading and the lowest particle acidity, characterized by large fractions of aged particles and high secondary ion (nitrate, sulfate and ammonium) mass concentrations. Comparison between ATOFMS particle acidity and quantitative particle acidity by MARGA indicated the significance of semi-quantitative calculation in ATOFMS. Two sub-periods were identified in Period 2 based on the scattering efficiency of PM1 mass. Period 3 (from 10:00 LT on 15 October to 00:00 LT on 16 October) had a low PM1/PM10 ratio and a new particle formation event. The comparison of these sub-periods highlights the influence of particle mixing state on aerosol optical properties. We directly observed the influence of regionally transported pollutants on local aerosol properties and demonstrate that the PM mass extinction efficiency is largely determined by the mixing states of the aerosol.
Accurate measurements of carbon monoxide in humid air using the cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique
Authors: Chen H. , Karion A. , Rella C. W. , Winderlich J. , Gerbig C. , Filges A. , Newberger T. , Sweeney C. , Tans P. P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Accurate measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) in humid air have been made using the cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique. The measurements of CO mole fractions are determined from the strength of its spectral absorption in the near-infrared region (~1.57 μm) after removing interferences from adjacent carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) absorption lines. Water correction functions that account for the dilution and pressure-broadening effects as well as absorption line interferences from adjacent CO2 and H2O lines have been derived for CO2 mole fractions between 360–390 ppm and for reported H2O mole fractions between 0–4%. The line interference corrections are independent of CO mole fractions. The dependence of the line interference correction on CO2 abundance is estimated to be approximately −0.3 ppb/100 ppm CO2 for dry mole fractions of CO. Comparisons of water correction functions from different analyzers of the same type show significant differences, making it necessary to perform instrument-specific water tests for each individual analyzer. The CRDS analyzer was flown on an aircraft in Alaska from April to November in 2011, and the accuracy of the CO measurements by the CRDS analyzer has been validated against discrete NOAA/ESRL flask sample measurements made on board the same aircraft, with a mean difference between integrated in situ and flask measurements of −0.6 ppb and a standard deviation of 2.8 ppb. Preliminary testing of CRDS instrumentation that employs improved spectroscopic model functions for CO2, H2O, and CO to fit the raw spectral data (available since the beginning of 2012) indicates a smaller water vapor dependence than the models discussed here, but more work is necessary to fully validate the performance. The CRDS technique provides an accurate and low-maintenance method of monitoring the atmospheric dry mole fractions of CO in humid air streams.
Household water use and conservation models using Monte Carlo techniques
Authors: Cahill R. , Lund J. R. , DeOreo B. , Medellín-Azuara J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The increased availability of water end use measurement studies allows for more mechanistic and detailed approaches to estimating household water demand and conservation potential. This study uses, probability distributions for parameters affecting water use estimated from end use studies and randomly sampled in Monte Carlo iterations to simulate water use in a single-family residential neighborhood. This model represents existing conditions and is calibrated to metered data. A two-stage mixed integer optimization model is then developed to estimate the least-cost combination of long- and short-term conservation actions for each household. This least-cost conservation model provides an estimate of the upper bound of reasonable conservation potential for varying pricing and rebate conditions. The models were adapted from previous work in Jordan and are applied to a neighborhood in San Ramon, California in eastern San Francisco Bay Area. The existing conditions model produces seasonal use results very close to the metered data. The least-cost conservation model suggests clothes washer rebates are among most cost-effective rebate programs for indoor uses. Retrofit of faucets and toilets is also cost effective and holds the highest potential for water savings from indoor uses. This mechanistic modeling approach can improve understanding of water demand and estimate cost-effectiveness of water conservation programs.
Dynamic risk simulation to assess risk along roads
Authors: Voumard J. , Caspar O. , Derron M.-H. , Jaboyedoff M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Risk generated by natural hazards on roads is usually calculated with equations integrating various parameters related to hazard and traffic. These are static variables, like a rockfall hazard estimation for a road section or the average number of vehicles crossing this section every day. This methodology cannot take into account dynamic variations of traffic and interactions between vehicles such as speed modifications due to the sinuosity, slowdowns resulting of saturated traffic or vehicles columns forming in front of traffic lights. The influence of traffic dynamics on the risk estimation is not assessed with standard methodologies. Here we show, by mean of a dynamic traffic simulator, that the traffic variations may greatly influence the risk estimation over time. The risk is analysed on several alpine road sections in Switzerland using a dynamic vehicles approach and compared with the results of the static methodology. It demonstrates that risk significantly increases on sinuous sections because of the decreasing of vehicles speed. A more realistic risk can be obtained from a dynamic approach especially on mountain roads. A dynamic traffic simulator, modelling interactions between vehicles is a helpful tool to support decision making to reduce risk on roads.
Strain localisation in mechanically layered rocks beneath detachment zones: insights from numerical modelling
Authors: Le Pourhiet L. , Huet B. , Labrousse L. , Yao K. , Agard P. , Jolivet L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We have designed a series of fully dynamic numerical simulations aimed at assessing how the orientation of mechanical layering in rocks controls the orientation of shear bands and the depth of penetration of strain in the footwall of detachment zones. Two parametric studies are presented. In the first one, the influence of stratification orientation on the occurrence and mode of strain localisation is tested by varying initial dip of inherited layering in the footwall with regard to the orientation of simple shear applied at the rigid boundary simulating a rigid hanging wall, all scaling and rheological parameter kept constant. It appears that when Mohr–Coulomb plasticity is being used, shear bands are found to localise only when the layering is being stretched. This corresponds to early deformational stages for inital layering dipping in the same direction as the shear is applied, and to later stages for intial layering dipping towards the opposite direction of shear. In all the cases, localisation of the strain after only γ=1 requires plastic yielding to be activated in the strong layer. The second parametric study shows that results are length-scale independent and that orientation of shear bands is not sensitive to the viscosity contrast or the strain rate. However, decreasing or increasing strain rate is shown to reduce the capacity of the shear zone to localise strain. In the later case, the strain pattern resembles a mylonitic band but the rheology is shown to be effectively linear. Based on the results, a conceptual model for strain localisation under detachment faults is presented. In the early stages, strain localisation occurs at slow rates by viscous shear instabilities but as the layered media is exhumed, the temperature drops and the strong layers start yielding plastically, forming shear bands and localising strain at the top of the shear zone. Once strain localisation has occured, the deformation in the shear band becomes extremely penetrative but the strength cannot drop since the shear zone has a finite thickness.
Current Understanding of Guanylin Peptides Actions
Authors: Sindic Aleksandra
Published: April 2013

Guanylin peptides (GPs) family includes guanylin (GN), uroguanylin (UGN), lymphoguanylin, and recently discovered renoguanylin. This growing family is proposed to be intestinal natriuretic peptides. After ingestion of a salty meal, GN and UGN are secreted into the intestinal lumen, where they inhibit sodium absorption and induce anion and water secretion. At the same conditions, those hormones stimulate renal electrolyte excretion by inducing natriuresis, kaliuresis, and diuresis and therefore prevent hypernatremia and hypervolemia after salty meals. In the intestine, a well-known receptor for GPs is guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) whose activation increases intracellular concentration of cGMP. However, in the kidney of GC-C-deficient mice, effects of GPs are unaltered, which could be by new cGMP-independent signaling pathway (G-protein-coupled receptor). This is not unusual as atrial natriuretic peptide also activates two different types of receptors: guanylate cylcase A and clearance receptor which is also G-protein coupled receptor. Physiological role of GPs in other organs (liver, pancreas, lung, sweat glands, and male reproductive system) needs to be discovered. However, it is known that they are involved in pathological conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma, intestinal tumors, kidney and heart failure, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Methods for Meta‐Analysis of Genetic Data
Authors: Lunetta Kathryn L.
Published: April 2013

Modern genetic association studies, using genome‐wide genotype data, are often underpowered. Meta‐analyses of multiple studies performing genome‐wide genotyping improve power and have led to the identification of thousands of genotype‐trait associations. This unit provides an overview of the key concepts required for genetic meta‐analyses, and presents strategic approaches and key decisions that must be made in the process of performing genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analyses. The commentary discusses the interpretation of GWAS meta‐analysis results, complications, and some of the possible next steps once a GWAS meta‐analysis has successfully identified regions associated with a trait. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 77:1.24.1‐1.24.8. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Whole Genome Sequencing: A Considered Approach to Clinical Implementation
Authors: Dimmock David
Published: April 2013

The recent entry of “whole” exome/“whole” genome sequencing into limited clinical practice has led to a progression of the availability of genome‐scale testing beyond deletion/duplication copy number arrays. This unit provides a considered approach to the implementation of such testing in routine clinical practice. Specifically, we will highlight the challenges in patient selection and consent, and the technical issues surrounding test interpretation and reporting. The unit will then provide practical solutions that allow for genome‐wide sequencing to be implemented in current clinical practice. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 77:9.22.1‐9.22.7. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative Recovery of Magnetic Nanoparticles from Flowing Blood: Trace Analysis and the Role of Magnetization
Authors: Schumacher Christoph M. , Herrmann Inge K. , Bubenhofer Stephanie B. , Gschwind Sabrina , Hirt Ann‐Marie , Beck‐Schimmer Beatrice , Günther Detlef , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: April 2013

Magnetic nanomaterials find increasing application as separation agents to rapidly isolate target compounds from complex biological media (i.e., blood purification). The responsiveness of the used materials to external magnetic fields (i.e., their saturation magnetization) is one of the most critical parameters for a fast and thorough separation. In the present study, magnetite (Fe3O4) and non‐oxidic cementite (Fe3C) based carbon‐coated nanomagnets are characterized in detail and compared regarding their separation behavior from human whole blood. A quantification approach for iron‐based nanomaterials in biological samples with strong matrix effects (here, salts in blood) based on platinum spiking is shown. Both materials are functionalized with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) to improve cytocompatibility (confirmed by cell toxicity tests) and dispersability. The separation performance is tested in two setups, namely under stationary and different flow‐conditions using fresh human blood. The results reveal a superior separation behavior of the cementite based nanomagnets and strongly suggest the use of nanomaterials with high saturation magnetizations for magnetic retention under common blood flow conditions such as in veins.
Structural variations and morphological features of polyethylene/carbon black conductive composites after processing in an internal mixer
Authors: Huang Chien‐Lin , Chen Yu‐Chen , Wang Chi , Tu Ching‐Fang , Liao Fu‐Sen
Published: April 2013

Polyethylene (PE) composites filled with carbon black (CB) were prepared using an internal mixer. Several analytical techniques, including rheometry, gel permeation chromatography, electrical conductivity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to reveal the structural variations, thermal degradation, morphological features, and crystallization of the PE/CB conductive composites. It was found that the PE polymer chains were degraded, forming long‐chain branching structures after over 30 min of internal mixing. The electrical conduction of the PE/CB composites was determined by the filler content and distribution. The electrical percolation threshold of the PE/CB composites was determined to be between 20 and 30 wt %. The addition of CB had no significant influence on the crystallinity of the PE/CB composites. In contrast, the electron‐beam radiation dose had a significant effect on crystallinity. TEM micrographs of the PE/CB composites exhibit a random four‐phase morphology, including PE lamellae, PE amorphous, CB particles, and voids at the PE/CB interface. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1038‐1046, 2013
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Cu(II) complex anion exchange membranes prepared using chemical fiber for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Xu Pei Yu , Zhao Chun Hui , Liu Qing Lin
Published: April 2013

PVA/Cu (II) complex anion exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared for direct methanol fuel cells. The complex was for the first time used as membrane material of AEMs. Glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent was introduced to control water uptake and swelling of the membranes. The membranes with thickness of 1 μm were fabricated using chemical fibers based on the solution surface tension. The complex membranes show good ionic conductivity and low methanol permeability in the magnitude of 10−2 S · cm−1 and 10−7 cm−2 · S−1, respectively. This is a facile, efficient, green, and fast way to prepare new AEMs for direct methanol fuel cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1172‐1178, 2013
Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Education for UK Trainee Teachers in Higher Education
Authors: Tarr Jane , Whittle Maggie , Wilson Janet , Hall Liz
Published: April 2013

Knowledge and expertise about safeguarding children and child protection are both essential skills for schoolteachers. Since 2004, specific learning about these topics has been included in the curricula for undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers. This article explores the development of child protection education and learning for trainee teachers at the University of the West of England, and reflects on some of our experiences, learning to date and student feedback. Child protection education is a feature of all undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teacher courses at this university. Our model differs from others as it is embedded in face‐to‐face learning which is led by four professionals from relevant disciplines: education, health, police and social work. Evaluations have been mostly positive, and it is intended that such reflections might be helpful to other higher education institutions, local authorities and schools in informing the development of their curricula. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Our model is embedded in face‐to‐face learning which is led by four professionals from relevant disciplines’

Key Practitioner Messages

Safeguarding and child protection training is a vital aspect of education for trainee teachers.

An interprofessional team including a teacher, children's nurse, police officer and social worker is able to model respectful collaboration and communication required for professional practice in this area.

Trainee teachers appreciated meeting the range of professionals in the training context as it enabled them to discuss issues of concern in a safe environment.
Bringing Community Colleges to Tunisia
Authors: Hagedorn Linda Serra , Mezghani Wafa Thabet
Published: April 2013

This chapter focuses on the country of Tunisia and explores the possibility of bringing aspects of the American community college to the country to bring about needed reform and relief from unemployment.
Self‐Tuning PI Control Using Adaptive PSO of a Web Transport System with Overlapping Decentralized Control
Authors: Nishida Takeshi , Sakamoto Tetsuzo , Giannoccaro Nicola Ivan
Published: April 2013

Web transport systems for transporting films, textile material, paper, etc., are usually large‐scale systems. The velocity and the tension of the web are controlled by dividing the systems into several subsystems in which strong coupling exists between the velocity and tension control. A self‐tuning PI (STPI) controller with an estimator based on a novel adaptive particle swarm optimization method is constructed, and it is applied for controlling an actual web transport system. The controllers are designed on the basis of the methodology of the overlapping decentralized control by taking into consideration online executions performed by a general computer. The effectiveness of the constructed control system is verified on the basis of several experimental results obtained by using an actual experimental web transport system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(1): 56–65, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22366
Association Rules for Fraud Detection
Authors: Tackett James A.
Published: April 2013

A recent study reported that businesses normally lose 5% of their revenues to fraud each year—with the median loss for occupational fraud set at $140,000. But finding fraud is tough: 87% of the perpetrators have never been previously charged with a fraud‐related offense. And budgetary cutbacks are another obstacle for internal auditors, who are continuously being asked to do more with less. Computerized records offer greater accuracy and efficiency, but investigators can find themselves drowning in a sea of digital data. So fraud investigators need a practical way of finding the proverbial “needle in a haystack” clue that will lead them to the perpetrators. The author suggests one solution: association rules (AR), a data‐mining technique that can help auditors find fraud when they are not sure where to search. He explains how auditors can use AR to find patterns and relationships that would otherwise go unnoticed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Auditor Disciplinary Orders
Authors: Weirich Thomas R. , Reinstein Alan
Published: April 2013

The authors of this article look at recent disciplinary actions against auditors—summarizing key cases and lessons learned for the auditing profession. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dried cervical spots for human papillomaviruses identification
Authors: Charbonneau Valérie , Garrigue Isabelle , Jaquet Antoine , Horo Apollinaire , Minga Albert , Recordon‐Pinson Patricia , Dabis François , Fleury Hervé
Published: April 2013

Financial and operational constraints limit low‐resource countries in the screening of high‐risk genital human papillomaviruses (HR‐HPV), the etiological agents of cervical cancer. With its simple storage, conservation and shipping, dried cervical sample (DCS) could represent an efficient tool. The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of HPV genotyping from DCS. Cervical samples were obtained from 50 women infected with HIV‐1 in Côte d'Ivoire. After DNA extraction from both DCS and matched liquid cervical samples (LCS), HPV genotyping was performed and the concordance of genotyping results was evaluated. HPV prevalence was 88% in LCS and 78% in DCS. Kappa statistic was 0.51 for the presence of any genotype (95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.77) and 0.73 for HR‐HPV (0.45–0.99). Out of 50 samples, 45 were HPV‐positive for DCS and/or LCS, and HR‐HPV were detected in 37 samples (74%) with 36 HR‐HPV multiple infections. Any genotype and HR genotype identification was concordant/compatible in 86% (43/50) and 88% (44/50) of samples, respectively. In most instances, kappa statistics for detection of type‐specific HPV was over 0.6 (including HPV‐16, ‐18, ‐31, ‐33). An excellent agreement (kappa statistic ≥ 0.81) was found for eight genotypes (HPV‐6, ‐31, ‐35, ‐40, ‐56, ‐58, ‐66, and ‐82). In spite of interfering factors (multiple infections, different HPV loads, amplification competition, different inputs), DCS and LCS led to concordant/compatible results in most cases. DCS could represent an efficient tool for epidemiological field studies in resource‐limited settings, and more importantly for improving the screening coverage and care management in women infected with HPV. J. Med. Virol. 85:1222–1228, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic diversity of genotype D3 in acute hepatitis B
Authors: Alestig Erik , Söderström Ann , Norkrans Gunnar , Lindh Magnus
Published: April 2013

Acute hepatitis B related to injection drug use is often caused by HBV‐D3, a subgenotype that probably was introduced in Western Europe in the 1960s. The aim of this study was to describe genetic change over time in injection drug use‐related HBV‐D3 in one geographic area. Fourteen complete genomes and partial genomic regions of 17 HBV strains of subgenotype D3 causing acute (n = 30) or chronic (n = 1) hepatitis B at different time points between 1975 and 2009 were investigated. The 14 complete genomes clustered in phylogenetic trees on a sub‐branch of HBV‐D3 along with a few published sequences with high bootstrap values. In contrast, the phylogenetic tree topology based on nucleotides coding for surface antigen or core was uncertain with bootstrap values below 70% or lower. Variation of nucleotides coding for amino acids 125, 136, and 143 in the a determinant of HBsAg was however linked to complete genome phylogeny, indicating that these codons might be useful as markers for clades. The results show that knowledge about circulating strains is critical for the interpretation of molecular epidemiology investigations. The low degree of genetic change over time of HBV‐D3 in the studied groups suggests that outbreaks of acute hepatitis B in injection drug users might originate from a limited number of individuals with chronic infection. Classification based on core or S region phylogeny obtained poor support from bootstrap values, but the presence of clade‐specific amino acid substitutions suggests that the S region may be useful for subgenomic molecular epidemiology of HBV. J. Med. Virol. 85:1148–1154, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of vegetarian diets on zinc status: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies in humans
Authors: Foster Meika , Chu Anna , Petocz Peter , Samman Samir
Published: April 2013

Plant‐based diets contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and more folate, fibre and phytochemicals than omnivorous diets, but some micronutrients, especially zinc, are poorly bioavailable. The findings of studies exploring the zinc intake and zinc status in populations that habitually consume vegetarian diets are inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the effects of plant‐based diets on dietary zinc intake and status in humans using systematic review and meta‐analysis techniques. Thirty‐four studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 26 studies (reporting 48 comparisons) compared males and/or females consuming vegetarian diets with non‐vegetarian groups and were included in meta‐analyses. Dietary zinc intakes and serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower (−0.88 ± 0.15 mg day−1, P < 0.001 and −0.93 ± 0.27 µmol L−1, P = 0.001 respectively; mean ± standard error) in populations that followed habitual vegetarian diets compared with non‐vegetarians. Secondary analyses showed greater impact of vegetarian diets on the zinc intake and status of females, vegetarians from developing countries and vegans. Populations that habitually consume vegetarian diets have low zinc intakes and status. Not all vegetarian categories impact zinc status to the same extent, but a lack of consistency in defining vegetarian diets for research purposes makes dietary assessment difficult. Dietary practices that increase zinc bioavailability, the consumption of foods fortified with zinc or low‐dose supplementation are strategies that should be considered for improving the zinc status of vegetarians with low zinc intakes or serum zinc concentrations at the lower end of the reference range. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry