bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Self-Reported and Measured Autostereogram Skills with Clinical Indicators of Vergence and Accommodative Function
Authors: Cisarik Patricia , Davis Neal , Kindy Erin , Butterfield Bret
Published: September 2012

Failure to perceive the disparity-defined form in autostereograms by those with clinically normal stereoacuity can occur when achieving or maintaining the precise vergence angle required to place the intended left and right images on corresponding areas of the two retinas is difficult. Since vergence and accommodation must be maintained at different depth planes to permit sensory fusion of an autostereogram, poor autostereogram skill has been suggested by different investigators to be related either to the presence of a binocular vision anomaly (ie a poorly tuned binocular system) or to a binocular system that is well-coordinated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between binocular visual performance and autostereogram skill.
The effect of manipulation of pellet size (diameter and length) on pellet quality and performance, apparent metabolisable energy and ileal nutrient digestibility in broilers fed maize-based diets
Authors: Abdollahi M. R. , Ravindran V. , Wester T. J. , Ravindran G. , Thomas D. V.
Published: September 2012

A 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the effect of pellet diameter (3 and 4.76 mm) and pellet length (3 and 6 mm) on pellet quality and performance, apparent metabolisable energy and ileal digestibility of nitrogen and starch in broilers. From 0 to 9 days of age, all birds were offered a common starter diet. Broiler grower (Days 10–21) and finisher (Days 22–42) diets, based on maize, were formulated and then allocated to the four different treatments. All diets were steam-conditioned at 60°C before pelleting. In grower diets, increasing pellet diameter and pellet length reduced (P < 0.001) the gelatinised starch content of the diets. In finisher diets, gelatinised starch content of pellets was not influenced (P > 0.05) by main effects or the interaction. In grower and finisher diets, increments in pellet durability index and pellet hardness with increasing pellet length were greater in pellets with a 3-mm diameter than those with a 4.76-mm diameter. During the grower period (Days 10–21), birds fed the 3-mm-diameter pellets had lower (P < 0.01) feed per gain than those fed pellets with a 4.76-mm diameter. During the finisher (Days 22–42) and whole trial (Days 10–42) periods, neither main effects nor the interaction were significant (P > 0.05) for weight gain, feed intake and feed per gain. Increasing pellet diameter from 3 to 4.76 mm decreased (P < 0.001) apparent metabolisable energy values. Neither main effects nor the interaction were significant (P > 0.05) for the coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility of nitrogen. Increasing pellet length from 3 to 6 mm decreased (P < 0.05) relative weight of gizzard in 3-mm-diameter pellets but not in the 4.76-mm-diameter pellets (P > 0.05). Overall, when low conditioning temperatures are used to optimise nutrient availability, small diameter die holes and longer pellet lengths can favour creating high physical quality pellets. The present study also showed that feeding lower diameter pellets to broilers during the grower period (Days 10–21) only improved feed per gain, a response which disappeared as the birds grew older.
Role of isostaticity and load-bearing microstructure in the elasticity of yielded colloidal gels
Authors: Hsiao Lilian C. , Newman Richmond S. , Glotzer Sharon C. , Solomon Michael J.
Published: September 2012

We report a simple correlation between microstructure and strain-dependent elasticity in colloidal gels by visualizing the evolution of cluster structure in high strain-rate flows. We control the initial gel microstructure by inducing different levels of isotropic depletion attraction between particles suspended in refractive index matched solvents. Contrary to previous ideas from mode coupling and micromechanical treatments, our studies show that bond breakage occurs mainly due to the erosion of rigid clusters that persist far beyond the yield strain. This rigidity contributes to gel elasticity even when the sample is fully fluidized; the origin of the elasticity is the slow Brownian relaxation of rigid, hydrodynamically interacting clusters. We find a power-law scaling of the elastic modulus with the stress-bearing volume fraction that is valid over a range of volume fractions and gelation conditions. These results provide a conceptual framework to quantitatively connect the flow-induced microstructure of soft materials to their nonlinear rheology.
Regulation of endothelial MAPK/ERK signalling and capillary morphogenesis by low-amplitude electric field
Authors: Sheikh Abdul Q. , Taghian Toloo , Hemingway Bryan , Cho Hongkwan , Kogan Andrei B. , Narmoneva Daria A.
Published: September 2012

Low-amplitude electric field (EF) is an important component of wound-healing response and can promote vascular tissue repair; however, the mechanisms of action on endothelium remain unclear. We hypothesized that physiological amplitude EF regulates angiogenic response of microvascular endothelial cells via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway. A custom set-up allowed non-thermal application of EF of high (7.5 GHz) and low (60 Hz) frequency. Cell responses following up to 24 h of EF exposure, including proliferation and apoptosis, capillary morphogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and MAPK pathways activation were quantified. A db/db mouse model of diabetic wound healing was used forin vivovalidation. High-frequency EF enhanced capillary morphogenesis, VEGF release, MEK-cRaf complex formation, MEK and ERK phosphorylation, whereas no MAPK/JNK and MAPK/p38 pathways activation was observed. The endothelial response to EF did not require VEGF binding to VEGFR2 receptor. EF-induced MEK phosphorylation was reversed in the presence of MEK and Ca2+inhibitors, reduced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition, and did not depend on PI3K pathway activation. The results provide evidence for a novel intracellular mechanism for EF regulation of endothelial angiogenic response via frequency-sensitive MAPK/ERK pathway activation, with important implications for EF-based therapies for vascular tissue regeneration.
Macroscale adhesion of gecko setae reflects nanoscale differences in subsurface composition
Authors: Loskill Peter , Puthoff Jonathan , Wilkinson Matt , Mecke Klaus , Jacobs Karin , Autumn Kellar
Published: September 2012

Surface energies are commonly used to determine the adhesion forces between materials. However, the component of surface energy derived from long-range forces, such as van der Waals forces, depends on the material's structure below the outermost atomic layers. Previous theoretical results and indirect experimental evidence suggest that the van der Waals energies of subsurface layers will influence interfacial adhesion forces. We discovered that nanometre-scale differences in the oxide layer thickness of silicon wafers result in significant macroscale differences in the adhesion of isolated gecko setal arrays. Si/SiO
2
bilayer materials exhibited stronger adhesion when the SiO
2
layer is thin (approx. 2 nm). To further explore how layered materials influence adhesion, we functionalized similar substrates with an octadecyltrichlorosilane monolayer and again identified a significant influence of the SiO
2
layer thickness on adhesion. Our theoretical calculations describe how variation in the SiO
2
layer thickness produces differences in the van der Waals interaction potential, and these differences are reflected in the adhesion mechanics. Setal arrays used as tribological probes provide the first empirical evidence that the ‘subsurface energy’ of inhomogeneous materials influences the macroscopic surface forces.
Defining economic obstacles to the adoption of food safety systems in table olive processing firms
Authors: Tunalioglu Renan , Cobanoglu Ferit , Demet Karaman Ayse
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The concept of food safety systems is increasing worldwide among farmers, manufactures, and processors and is also affecting consumer perspectives. This trend primarily impacts food businesses and table olive processing firms. The study seeks to explore the major economic obstacles to the adoption of food safety systems in table olive processing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

All 59 table olive businesses in the Aydın Province of Turkey were included in the survey. In an effort to remove extraneous items and demonstrate internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was calculated for each variable. To better specify the economic obstacles to food safety system implementation, data were examined with exploratory factor analysis using principal component extraction and varimax rotation.

Findings

Major economic obstacles that most prominently emerged from analyses may explain several key indicators including difficulties in employing well‐trained personnel required for food safety systems, insufficient training facilities for employees intended to aid in the implementation of food safety systems, deficiency of infrastructure and other physical conditions, and deficient financial support from government and non‐government organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigated only table olive processors. Future research should include analyses of consumer behaviors.

Practical implications

The Turkish government must ensure implementation of food safety systems to increase public knowledge and accelerate government funds for the establishment of such systems in the food business industry.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the positive perceptions of managers and their behaviors towards implementation of food safety systems in table olive processing firms. Since the paper is one of only a few dealing with this topic, it provides key clues for dissemination of food safety systems adoption at the firm level.
Factors relating to effectiveness data use in healthcare management
Authors: Simonen Outi , Viitanen Elina , Blom Marja
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study is to produce information concerning factors which may hamper or promote the use of effectiveness data in secondary health care middle and upper management. Additionally, the study aims to acquire knowledge of the ways in which the managers would generate effectiveness data for use in their own work.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by interviewing department directors, chief medical officers and directors of nursing (n=38) in the surgical, medical and psychiatric divisions of the five largest hospital districts in Finland.

Findings

The use of effectiveness data in management was hampered by factors relating to research, managerial work and the organization. Factors relating to the production of effectiveness data, managerial behaviour and a universal demand for evidence‐based operations were considered conducive to the use of such information. Managers would cultivate the use of effectiveness data by improving its accessibility, usability and visibility.

Practical implications

The findings may help healthcare organizations in developing the use of effectiveness data in their decision‐making.

Originality/value

The paper addresses managers’ willingness to apply effectiveness data in decision‐making although the present quality, reliability and accessibility of effectiveness data do not meet the managers’ needs. The use of effectiveness data in management can be influenced by enhancing organizational patterns of action and supporting managerial decision‐making.
Total quality management in Sri Lankan service organizations
Authors: Yapa Saman
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an investigation on the use of total quality management (TQM) tools, techniques and concepts among Sri Lankan service organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research consisted of a literature review and a questionnaire survey done among 99 service organizations in Sri Lanka. First, the factors that are commonly used by TQM organizations were identified through the literature review.

Findings

The analysis revealed that there is an enthusiasm among managers in implementing TQM in their organizations. According to the respondents, 41 per cent of the organizations have already implemented TQM. However, deeper analysis of data revealed that there is a lack of thorough understanding of TQM philosophies and techniques among the managers.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper will provide information to the practitioners to implement TQM in their organizations and to academics to design courses in TQM.

Originality/value

It is important to implement the related tools and techniques in full to realize the benefits of TQM. This paper reveals the level of use and understanding of these tools and techniques by the service sector managers in Sri Lanka.
Attributions for youth crime, accountability and legal competence
Authors: Pfeffer Karen , Maxwell Maureen , Briggs Amie
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The aims of this study are to examine the influence of offender age, offender abuse history, crime outcome and attributions for crime on judgments about young offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 240 British undergraduates was asked to respond to a scenario about a young person who committed a crime, recommend a sentence, and rate the young offender's criminal accountability and legal understandings. Their attributions for crime were measured using the CDS‐II, adapted for observer attributions. The age of the young offender (ten years, 14 years, or 17 years), abuse history (abused or not abused) and crime outcome (victim death or injury) were varied systematically.

Findings

Internal attributions predicted participants' beliefs about punishment and sentencing recommendations. Although participants considered the youngest offenders to be less criminally accountable and unlikely to understand the legal process, this did not affect recommended punishment. Attributions of personal control were influenced by abuse history; the behavior of offenders with a history of abuse was considered less within the offender's personal control.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate the types of attributions and information that influence the opinions of jury‐eligible British adults when asked to make decisions about serious offences committed by young offenders.
Social marketing and alcohol misuse prevention in German-speaking countries
Authors: Wettstein Dominic , Suzanne Suggs L. , Lellig Christiane
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– Despite social marketing being widely adopted in English-speaking countries, there is limited evidence of it being adopted in German language countries. Alcohol misuse is a social problem that has been the topic of health campaigns globally. The purpose of this paper is to understand the level of knowledge and adoption of social marketing among alcohol misuse prevention campaign planners, to understand current practices in campaigns, and to examine the use adoption of social marketing in such campaigns in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

– Campaigns were identified through bibliographic databases, online search engines, and expert inquiry. A survey was administered to campaign planners to retrieve primary data about campaigns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Practices were compared to social marketing using Andreasen's six social marketing benchmark criteria.

Findings

– In total, 31 campaigns were included in the review. Some 55 per cent of planners reported knowing about social marketing and 52 per cent reported using it in the reviewed campaign. Relative to the benchmark criteria, social marketing was rarely adopted, with one campaign attaining all six criteria and eight meeting at least four of them.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first to provide an overview of the use of social marketing in alcohol misuse prevention campaigns in German language countries. It generates information on knowledge and adoption of social marketing and contributes to understanding the diffusion of social marketing in a sample of European countries.
Exploration and characterization of genes involved in the synthesis of diterpene defence secretion in nasute termite soldiers
Authors: Hojo M. , Maekawa K. , Saitoh S. , Shigenobu S. , Miura T. , Hayashi Y. , Tokuda G. , Maekawa H.
Published: September 2012

Nasutitermes takasagoensis soldiers defend their colonies using characteristic diterpenes. Diterpenes are thought to be synthesized in the frontal gland cells surrounding the gland reservoir. To identify the genes involved in diterpene synthesis, a cDNA library was prepared from the frontal gland cells and exhaustively sequenced using a 454 pyrosequencer (GS Junior; Roche, Branford, CT, USA). A total of 50 290 clean sequences were assembled into 1111 contigs, which were grouped into 774 genes (isogroups). Based on sequence similarity with known proteins, we identified seven genes encoding the following four enzymes associated with diterpene synthesis: 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) synthase (HMGS), HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGR), farnesyl diphosphate synthase, and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases. The expression levels of two enzymes, HMGS and HMGR, involved in the mevalonate pathway were examined, assuming that the site of the defensive terpenoid synthesis strongly activates the mevalonate pathway, which produces a precursor of terpenoids. Real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcriptase PCR confirmed significantly higher expression of HMGS and HMGR in the heads of soldiers. We then divided the head into three parts and found that the expression levels of HMGS and HMGR were significantly higher in the part containing class 1 secretory cells of the frontal gland. Overall, the results suggested that the mevalonate pathway for diterpene synthesis occurs in class 1 cells around the frontal gland reservoir.
The impact of training and delivering alcohol brief intervention on the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists: A before and after study
Authors: Dhital Ranjita , Whittlesea Cate M. , Milligan Peter , Khan Natasha S. , Norman Ian J.
Published: September 2012

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol misuse is the third leading cause of ill health in the UK. Alcohol brief intervention can identify risky drinkers and motivate individuals to take action. Community pharmacists have been identified as having a role in providing brief interventions. This study aimed to evaluate: pharmacists' attitudes towards hazardous/harmful drinkers and knowledge before training and after delivering brief intervention; and their experience of training.

Design and Methods

Pharmacists' attitudes to alcohol problems were assessed using Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questions before training and after brief intervention delivery. Alcohol misuse knowledge was assessed by questionnaire prior to and immediately after training, and after the delivery period. Following brief intervention delivery, pharmacists' experience of training was obtained using a questionnaire and focus groups. Qualitative thematic analysis identified experiences of brief intervention training. Quantitative data were analysed using spss.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐nine alcohol interventions were delivered by 19 pharmacists over five months (recruiters). Ten pharmacists completed no interventions (non‐recruiters). Both groups improved their alcohol knowledge between baseline and immediately following training; and their knowledge decreased between the end of training and following service delivery. Pharmacists who were initially more motivated recruited more participants and increased their work satisfaction.

Discussion and Conclusions

This confirmed findings of previous studies that pharmacists unfamiliar with brief intervention could be trained to deliver this service. Pharmacists with positive attitude towards drinkers delivered a greater number of alcohol interventions and experienced increased work satisfaction than those pharmacists with less positive attitudes.
Lepadiform and scalpelliform barnacles from the Oligocene and Miocene of the Paratethys sea
Authors: HARZHAUSER MATHIAS , SCHLÖGL JAN
Published: September 2012

Abstract: A review on the Oligocene and Miocene stalked barnacles of the Paratethys Sea is presented. The fauna comprises two lepadiform and eight scalpelliform species. Only two species are known from Oligocene deposits, four are documented from Lower Miocene formations, and another four species occur in the Middle Miocene. Only one Oligocene and one Miocene species occur in two different Paratethyan basins in roughly coeval environments, and only a single Middle Miocene species is also known from the adjacent Mediterranean Sea. This low degree of biogeographical similarity is probably a result from the still low number of publications dealing with this group. Stalked barnacles are often indicating bathyal or at least deep sublittoral environments. Especially, the abundance of the benthic deep‐water lepadiformPoecilasmain evaporitic deposits of the Middle Miocene Badenian Salinity Crisis may serve as new evidence for a deeper marine depositional environment.Scalpellum paratethyianumsp. nov. andLepas sattmannisp. nov. are described as new species;Arcoscalpellum renevieri(Mayer and GümbelinGümbel, 1861) is introduced as new combination.
Bedroom Politics: The Vexed Spaces of Late Medieval Public Making
Authors: Wilson Bronwen
Published: September 2012

In theSecret History of Domesticity, Michael McKeon explores the process through which the private and public realms were wrought by tracing changes in literary, architectural, and pictorial forms. One example is the Curtain Lecture, illustrated in 17th‐century prints, in which earlier expressions of wifely authority, familiar from thetoposof the woman‐on‐top, have been reduced to bedroom rants to oblivious husbands. This essay extends the geographical purview of McKeon’s framework to painted fresco decorations in a late 14th‐century bedroom in Florence, the Sala della Castellana in the Palazzo Davizzi‐Davanzati. Secrecy, seduction, betrayal, blackmail, suicide and revenge are themes from a 13th‐century chivalric romance played out in a narrative frieze in which a verdant landscape with castellated structures is set within a continuous arcaded loggia. The female protagonists, and the threat of female authority and desire, are associated with the crenellated buildings in the frescoes, and thus the old order of magnates who had been expelled from Florence, but whose feudal values were making a resurgence. The loggia instead echoes recent urban developments designed to foster loyalties to new and more egalitarian forms of political representation. Bedrooms were not yet private spaces, but the frescoes anticipate the later English pamphlets by deflecting anxieties about masculine authority and loyalty onto the figure of the aggressive and philandering wife, thereby underscoring emerging but still entangled family and civic allegiances.
Model for the Part Manufacturing and Vehicle Assembly Component of the Vehicle Life Cycle Inventory
Authors: Sullivan John Lorenzo , Burnham Andrew , Wang Michael Q.
Published: September 2012

A model is presented for calculating the environmental burdens of the part manufacturing and vehicle assembly (VMA) stage of the vehicle life cycle. The model is based on a process‐level approach, accounting for all significant materials by their transformation processes (aluminum castings, polyethylene blow molding; etc.) and plant operation activities (painting; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning [HVAC], etc.) germane to VMA. Using quantitative results for these material/transformation process pairings, a percent‐by‐weight material/transformation distribution (MTD) function was developed that permits the model to be applied to a range of vehicles, both conventional and advanced (e.g., hybrid electric, light weight, aluminum intensive). Upon consolidation of all inputs, the model reduces to two terms: one proportional to vehicle mass and a plant overhead per vehicle term. When the model is applied to a materially well‐characterized conventional vehicle, reliable estimates of cumulative energy consumption (34 gigajoules/vehicle) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (2 tonnes/vehicle) with coefficients of variation are computed for the VMA life cycle stage. Due to the more comprehensive coverage of manufacturing operations, our energy estimates are on the higher end of previously published values. Nonetheless, they are still somewhat underestimated due to a lack of data on overhead operations in part manufacturing facilities and transportation of parts and materials between suppliers and vehicle manufacturing operations. For advanced vehicles, the material/transformation process distribution developed above needs some adjusting for different materials and components. Overall, energy use and CO2 emissions from the VMA stage are about 3.5% to 4.5% of total life cycle values for vehicles.
Acquiescence and the Willingness to Pay for Environmental Protection: A Comparison of the ISSP, WVS, and EVS*
Authors: Franzen Axel , Vogl Dominikus
Published: September 2012

Objectives

This study examines the effect of countries’ wealth on individuals’ willingness to pay for environmental protection. Former studies using the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) report a positive effect, while studies using the World Values Survey (WVS) or the European Values Study (EVS) find the opposite. In this article, we explain and reconcile these opposing findings.

Methods

First, we analyze the three data sets (ISSP, WVS, and EVS) separately by applying multilevel analyses and replicate the different findings. Second, we take respondents’ acquiescence into account and demonstrate that wealth has a positive effect on the willingness to pay in the combined data set.

Results

Respondents in poorer nations in Asia and Eastern Europe have higher levels of acquiescence than respondents in richer Western nations. This difference conceals the wealth effect of studies analyzing the WVS or EVS. If acquiescence is properly taken into account, the wealth effect is confirmed.

Conclusion

Theory predicts that wealth and the willingness to protect the environment should be positively associated. This wealth effect is confirmed by our analyses of the ISSP, WVS, and EVS.
Understanding the Effects of Corruption and Political Trust on Willingness to Make Economic Sacrifices for Environmental Protection in a Cross‐National Perspective
Authors: Harring Niklas
Published: September 2012

Objective

This study investigates, from a cross‐national perspective, the determinants of public willingness to make economic sacrifices for environmental protection. Departing from the argument that corrupt institutions diminish the potential for social cooperation, it argues that earlier studies fail to stress the effect of corruption and political trust on people's attitudes.

Methods

A multilevel regression analysis is performed using data from the International Social Survey Programme.

Results

The study shows that the willingness to make economic sacrifices for environmental protection is affected by individual political trust while it is hard to actually disentangle any contextual effects of corruption from other contextual effects.

Conclusion

Acknowledging the effects of political trust and corruption improves the discussion on country differences in willingness to make economic sacrifices for environmental protection.
Enhancement of immune response induced by DNA vaccine cocktail expressing complete LACK and TSA genes against Leishmania major
Authors: Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Jorjani Ogholniaz , Sharifi Zohreh , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Hassan Zuhair M. , Tabatabaie Fatemeh , Khoshzaban Fariba , Hezarjaribi Hajar Ziaei
Published: September 2012

Leishmaniasis is an important disease in humans. Leishmania homologue of receptor for Activated C Kinase (LACK) and thiol specific antioxidant (TSA) as immuno‐dominant antigens of Leishmania major are considered the most promising molecules for a DNA vaccine. We constructed a DNA cocktail, containing plasmids encoding LACK and TSA genes of Leishmania major and evaluated the immune response and survival rate in BALB/c mice. IgG and Interferon gamma values were noticeably increased in the immunized group with DNA cocktail vaccine, which were significantly higher than those in the single‐gene vaccinated and control groups (p < 0.05) following the immunization and after challenging with Leishmania major. Interleukin 4 values were decreased in all immunized groups, but only in DNA vaccine cocktail and single‐gene vaccination with pc‐LACK there were statistical differences with control groups (p > 0.05). The immunized mice with the cocktail DNA vaccine presented a considerable reduction in diameter of lesion compared to other groups and a significant difference was observed (p < 0.05) in this regard. The survival time of the immunized mice with the cocktail DNA vaccine was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.05) after their being challenged with Leishmania major. The findings of this study indicated that the cocktail DNA vaccine increased the cellular response and survival rate and induced protection against infection with Leishmania in the mice.
DISTRIBUTION AND ISOMERIZATION OF TERPANES IN PYROLYZATES OF LIGNITE AT HIGH PRESSURES AND TEMPERATURES
Authors: Wang Chuanyuan , Du Jianguo , Wang Wanchun , Wu Baoxiang , Zhou Xiaocheng
Published: September 2012

Experimental pyrolysis of Eocene lignite in the presence of water was conducted in a closed system for a heating duration of 120 min at temperatures of 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C and pressures of 1 to 3 GPa (equivalent to burial depths of about 30 to 100 km). The distribution of terpanes in the resulting pyrolysates was analyzed in order to investigate the effects of pressure and temperature on maturation of organic matter for this heating time at mantle depths. The results indicate that terpanes show more mature characteristics with increasing temperature at a given pressure. However, high pressures significantly retarded the thermal evolution of organic matter. Also, high pressures had a non‐linear effect on maturation, resulting in anomalous variations of maturity parameters and ratios (tricyclics / hopanes, Ts/Tm, C3122S / (22S+22R), and βα‐moretane /αβ‐hopanes). In addition, the isomerization of hopanes at the C‐22 position did not reach typical end‐point values, even at 700°C. These results are a preliminary step towards a better understanding of organic matter maturation and oil and gas exploration in high temperature and pressure regimes.
Single‐incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy at Viet Duc University Hospital
Authors: Tran Giang Binh , Nguyen Tien Duc , Le Khanh Viet
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the technique of choice in the treatment of adrenal tumors. SILS has recently been introduced in this field and applied in Viet Duc University Hospital. Herein, we report our experience with single‐incision transperitoneal adrenalectomy.

Methods

Between August 2010 and January 2012, 61 patients (23 men, 38 women) underwent SILS adrenalectomy at our institution. The diagnoses consisted of 20 patients with pheochromocytoma, 17 with nonfunctioning adenoma, 16 with Conn syndrome, 4 with Cushing syndrome and 4 with adrenal cysts. The mean age was 47.8 years (range, 21–68 years). There were 29 right‐sided and 32 left‐sided tumors; their mean diameter was 30.7 mm (range, 8–59 mm). Patients were in the flank position with the operated side up. A 2.5‐cm pararectal incision at the level of the umbilicus was made to insert the SILS Port.

Results

The mean operating time was 78 min (range, 50–120 min), and mean blood loss was approximately 70 mL. Left‐sided tumors were excised entirely with the SILS technique. Right‐sided lesions sometimes required an additional trocar (hybrid technique). No drainage was needed at the operating site. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, but one case was converted to the conventional three‐port technique. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days (range, 2–6 days).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results show that SILS adrenalectomy is safe and technically feasible. It should be considered among the surgical managements for selected patients with adrenal tumors.
Identification and validation of differentially expressed genes from pig skeletal muscle
Authors: Verardo L.L. , Nascimento C.S. , Silva F.F. , Gasparino E. , Martins M.F. , Toriyama E. , Faria V.R. , Botelho M.E. , Costa K.A. , Lopes P.S. , Guimarães S.E.F.
Published: September 2012

Pig is an important animal for meat production; this is generally associated with characteristics determined prenatally during myogenesis. Expressed sequence tags (EST) can provide direct information on the transcriptome and indirect information on the relation between the genome and phenotype, giving information about differentially expressed genes (DEG). In this work, the identification and annotation of DEG from EST libraries of three pig breeds (Duroc, Large White and Local Breed Piau) were performed followed by real‐time PCR analyses during pre‐ and postnatal stages (21, 40, 70 and 90 days of pregnancy and 107, 121 and 171 days postnatal) from commercial breed animals for analysis of genes expression levels. Therefore, 34 genes differentially expressed were identified, of which 21 grouped in a network related with muscle development. From this, the expression profile of 13 genes was measured, to confirm their relationship with myogenesis like ANKRD2, MYBPC1, NEB and MYL2. These genes showed a prenatal high expression in this study. Besides, novels candidates for muscle development (TP53 and DCTN1) were listed. These findings can contribute to better explaining gene function mechanism and are helpful in uncovering the pathways that mediate pre‐ and postnatal skeletal muscle development in vertebrates.
Crop breeding for salt tolerance in the era of molecular markers and marker‐assisted selection
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Foolad Majid R.
Published: September 2012

Crop salt tolerance (ST) is a complex trait affected by numerous genetic and non‐genetic factors, and its improvement via conventional breeding has been slow. Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of more efficient selection tools to substitute phenotype‐based selection systems. Molecular markers associated with genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting important traits are identified, which could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve breeding efficiency via marker‐assisted selection (MAS). While the use of MAS for manipulating simple traits has been streamlined in many plant breeding programmes, MAS for improving complex traits seems to be at infancy stage. Numerous QTLs have been reported for ST in different crop species; however, few commercial cultivars or breeding lines with improved ST have been developed via MAS. We review genes and QTLs identified with positive effects on ST in different plant species and discuss the prospects for developing crop ST via MAS. With the current advances in marker technology and a better handling of genotype by environment interaction effects, the utility of MAS for breeding for ST will gain momentum.
Dissecting SNARE Zippering
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: September 2012

Zippering of a single SNARE complex generates high force and energy that can potentially drive synaptic membrane fusion.
Sports medicine, confidentiality and the press
Authors: Ribbans Bill , Ribbans Hannah , Nightingale Craig , McNamee Michael
Published: September 2012

Objective

To analyse athletes' medical information disclosed by English newspapers.

Methods

Ten daily national newspapers, nine Sunday newspapers and one local newspaper were studied during March 2010 for media releases relating to the medical conditions of athletes.

Results

Three hundred and thirty-three newspapers were reviewed revealing 5640 specific bulletins regarding athletes' health. Daily national newspapers averaged 18.72 daily bulletins, Sunday newspapers 11.86 and one local newspaper reviewed 6.07. The frequency with which various sports had their athletes' medical details published was analysed. Football accounted for 83.78%. The information source in 77.32% of articles is not clearly stated. The patient was only responsible in 6.10% of cases, where the source of attribution is clear.

Conclusions

English newspapers are replete with athletes' medical details, with football dominant. A significant risk to clinicians' professional status exists if they collude to release the un-consented confidential medical information to those with no direct involvement in athletes' medical care. Athletes' education as to their rights as patients and to sports medicine professionals as to their obligations are urgently required.
The Origins and Ideals of Water Resource Economics in the United States
Authors: Griffin Ronald C.
Published: September 2012

An abbreviated history of water resource economics is reported within the context of coevolving water issues and the emerging institutions of the United States' past two centuries. Notable principles of water economics and their US origins are discussed. Some of the long-standing wisdom of the field is recalled. Landmarks for the founding doctrines of water marketing and efficient water pricing are identified.
Physical Activity and Blood Lipids and Lipoproteins in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Imamura Hiroyuki , Mizuuchi Keiko , Oshikata Reika
Published: September 2012

The relationship between physical activity and blood lipids and lipoproteins in dialysis patients is reviewed in the context of the potentially confounding factors such as nutritional intake, cigarette smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, and physical activity levels in the general population and additional confounding factors such as mode of dialysis and diabetes in dialysis patients. The known associations in the general population of physical activity with high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and apolipoprotein A-I are more pronounced in hemodialysis patients than in peritoneal dialysis patients even after adjusting for these confounding factors. Examining studies on the effects of physical activity on blood lipids and lipoproteins, the most consistent observation is the noted decrease in triglycerides and increase in high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity in hemodialysis patients. The changes in lipids and lipoproteins in hemodialysis patients could be caused by changes in activity levels of lipoprotein lipase, insulin sensitivity, and/or glucose metabolism. Future research investigating the relationship between physical activity and blood lipids and lipoproteins in dialysis patients should direct research towards the underlying mechanisms for changes in blood lipids and lipoproteins.
Posttraumatic Fat Necrosis Presented as Cellulitis of the Leg
Authors: Haikin Herzberger Einat , Aviner Shraga , Cherniavsky Evgenia
Published: September 2012

Cellulitis, a diffuse inflammation of connective tissue with severe inflammation of dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin, is a common lesion in children, usually responsive to systemic antibiotic therapy. However, an unusual course of healing or some nontypical features should call the treating physician to consider and investigate for other diagnoses that might prevent unnecessary treatment and alleviate parental stress. We present a case of posttraumatic fat necrosis, demonstrating some pitfalls in the process of diagnosis.
Hemodynamic Interactions in the Eye: A Review
Authors: Golzan S. Mojtaba , Avolio Alberto , Graham Stuart L.
Published: September 2012

The ocular circulation provides readily visible information about the state of the systemic circulation, as well as being potentially of relevance to the pathogenesis of ocular disorders such as glaucoma. The interaction between intraocular pressure, retinal vessels and cerebrospinal fluid pressure located at the retrolaminar portion of the eye has been of great interest for both ophthalmic and neurological clinicians and researchers. Understanding the relationship between these physiological parameters can explain phenomena such as spontaneous retinal venous pulsatility, and characterize the effects of the translaminar pressure gradient. It may be feasible to use measurable changes in venous pulsatility to enhance clinical assessment in different diseases. In this article we review recent findings on ocular hemodynamics and the relevance of these parameters in the diagnosis of ophthalmic and neurological diseases.
Most Important Outcomes Research Papers on Anticoagulation for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bikdeli Behnood , Gupta Aakriti , Mody Purav , Lampropulos Julianna F. , Dharmarajan Kumar ,   for the Editor
Published: September 2012

The following are highlights from the new series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Topic Review.
This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the Editor, that have been published in the Circulation portfolio. The objective of this new series is to provide our readership with a timely, comprehensive selection of important papers that are relevant to the quality and outcomes, and general cardiology audience. The studies included in this article represent the most significant research in the area of anticoagulation for cardiovascular disease.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Koyak Zeliha , Harris Louise , de Groot Joris R. , Silversides Candice K. , Oechslin Erwin N. , Bouma Berto J. , Budts Werner , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Mulder Barbara J.M.
Published: September 2012

Background—

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major cause of mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to determine the adult CHD population at risk of SCD and the clinical parameters associated with SCD.

Methods and Results—

We performed a multicenter case-control study. Patients who died suddenly as a result of proven or presumed arrhythmia were included (cases). For each case, 2 controls matched on diagnosis, type of surgical intervention, age, and gender were included. From 3 databases including 25 790 adults with CHD, 1189 deaths (5%) were identified, of whom 213 patients (19%) died suddenly. Arrhythmic death occurred in 171 of 1189 patients. The underlying cardiac lesions were mild, moderate, and severe CHD in 12%, 33%, and 55% of the SCD cases, respectively. Clinical variables associated with SCD were supraventricular tachycardia (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–7.9;
P=
0.004), moderate to severe systemic ventricular dysfunction (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1–10.4;
P=
0.034), moderate to severe subpulmonary ventricular dysfunction (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1–10.2;
P=
0.030), increased QRS duration (OR, 1.34 [per 10-ms increase]; 95% CI, 1.10–1.34;
P
=0.008), and QT dispersion (OR, 1.22 [per 10-ms increase]; 95% CI, 1.22–1.48;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—

The clinical parameters found to be associated with SCD in adults with a broad spectrum of CHD, including systemic right ventricles, are similar to those in ischemic heart disease. Moreover, even those patients with mild cardiac lesions are potentially at risk for SCD. This highlights the need for further prospective studies as well as vigilant ongoing follow-up of the adult with CHD.
School Wellness Policy Implementation
Authors: Sánchez Victoria , Hale Ron , Andrews Mark , Cruz Yolanda , Bettencourt Vonnell , Wexler Perdita , Halasan Corazon
Published: September 2012

Although school wellness policies have the potential to transform school environments, relatively little has been written about postadoption policy implementation and evaluation (policy to practice). The authors report results of a research study that examined the implementation of school wellness policies in two school districts in northern New Mexico. Through nine key informant interviews with administrators and two focus groups with students, they found that physical activity and nutrition policies were implemented inconsistently in both districts. Study participants identified facilitating factors (e.g., champions, grant funding) and barriers (e.g., competitive food sales, lack of clarity about responsibility for policy enforcement) to policy implementation. Participants also provided recommendations to improve policy implementation, including wellness policy training for school personnel and parents, improving the taste, nutritional value of, and choices in cafeteria food; and involving the community health council to promote community understanding and support of the policies. This study underscores the need to identify and address factors involved in the successful implementation of school wellness policies, looking at schools in the larger context of their communities. It also serves as an example of the potential for communities, schools, and others to work together to address a locally identified health priority.
Cigarette smoke-induced accumulation of lung dendritic cells is interleukin-1α-dependent in mice
Authors: Botelho Fernando M , Nikota Jake K , Bauer Carla MT , Morissette Mathieu C , Iwakura Yoichiro , Kolbeck Roland , Finch Donna , Humbles Alison A , Stämpfli Martin R
Published: September 2012

Background

Evidence suggests that dendritic cells accumulate in the lungs of COPD patients and correlate with disease severity. We investigated the importance of IL-1R1 and its ligands IL-1α and β to dendritic cell accumulation and maturation in response to cigarette smoke exposure.

Methods

Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke using a whole body smoke exposure system. IL-1R1-, TLR4-, and IL-1α-deficient mice, as well as anti-IL-1α and anti-IL-1β blocking antibodies were used to study the importance of IL-1R1 and TLR4 to dendritic cell accumulation and activation.

Results

Acute and chronic cigarette smoke exposure led to increased frequency of lung dendritic cells. Accumulation and activation of dendritic cells was IL-1R1/IL-1α dependent, but TLR4- and IL-1β-independent. Corroborating the cellular data, expression of CCL20, a potent dendritic cells chemoattractant, was IL-1R1/IL-1α-dependent. Studies using IL-1R1 bone marrow-chimeric mice revealed the importance of IL-1R1 signaling on lung structural cells for CCL20 expression. Consistent with the importance of dendritic cells in T cell activation, we observed decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation in cigarette smoke-exposed IL-1R1-deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our findings convey the importance of IL-1R1/IL-1α to the recruitment and activation of dendritic cells in response to cigarette smoke exposure.
Novel PRRT2 mutation in an African-American family with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia
Authors: Hedera Peter , Xiao Jianfeng , Puschmann Andreas , Momčilović Dragana , Wu Steve W , LeDoux Mark S
Published: September 2012

Background

Recently, heterozygous mutations in PRRT2 (Chr 16p11.2) have been identified in Han Chinese, Japanese and Caucasians with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. In previous work, a paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia locus was mapped to Chr 16p11.2 - q11.2 in a multiplex African-American family.

Methods

Sanger sequencing was used to analyze all four PRRT2 exons for sequence variants in 13 probands (9 Caucasian, 1 Caucasian-Thai, 1 Vietnamese and 2 African-American) with some form of paroxysmal dyskinesia.

Results

One patient of mixed Caucasian-Thai background and one African-American family harbored the previously described hotspot mutation in PRRT2 (c.649dupC, p.R217Pfs*8). Another African-American family was found to have a novel mutation (c.776dupG, p.E260*). Both of these variants are likely to cause loss-of-function via nonsense-mediated decay of mutant PRRT2 transcripts. All affected individuals had classic paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia phenotypes.

Conclusions

Heterozygous PRRT2 gene mutations also cause paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia in African-Americans. The c.649dupC hotspot mutation in PRRT2 is common across racial groups.