bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Temperature on Pressurised Hot Water Extraction of Pharmacologically Important Metabolites as Analysed by UPLC‐qTOF‐MS and PCA
Authors: Khoza B. S. , Chimuka L. , Mukwevho E. , Steenkamp P. A. , Madala N. E.
Published: October 2014

Metabolite extraction methods have been shown to be a critical consideration for pharmacometabolomics studies and, as such, optimization and development of new extraction methods are crucial. In the current study, an organic solvent‐free method, namely, pressurised hot water extraction (PHWE), was used to extract pharmacologically important metabolites from dried Moringa oleifera leaves. Here, the temperature of the extraction solvent (pure water) was altered while keeping other factors constant using a homemade PHWE system. Samples extracted at different temperatures (50, 100, and 150°C) were assayed for antioxidant activities and the effect of the temperature on the extraction process was evaluated. The samples were further analysed by mass spectrometry to elucidate their metabolite compositions. Principal component analysis (PCA) evaluation of the UPLC‐MS data showed distinctive differential metabolite patterns. Here, temperature changes during PHWE were shown to affect the levels of metabolites with known pharmacological activities, such as chlorogenic acids and flavonoids. Our overall findings suggest that, if not well optimised, the extraction temperature could compromise the “pharmacological potency” of the extracts. The use of MS in combination with PCA was furthermore shown to be an excellent approach to evaluate the quality and content of pharmacologically important extracts.
P6 Electroacupuncture Improved QTc Interval Prolongation by Upregulation of Connexin43 in Droperidol Treated Rats
Authors: Zhao Feng , Cui Suyang , Huang Libing
Published: October 2014

Aim. This study investigated the effect of P6 EA on droperidol‐induced QTc interval prolongation and Cx43 expression in ventricular muscle of rats. Methods. Twenty‐four rats were randomly divided into control group (C), droperidol group (D), or EA group (E). C group rats were injected with normal saline. D group rats were injected with droperidol 0.13 mg/kg. E group rats were pretreated with EA at left P6 acupoint for 30 min and then injected with droperidol (0.13 mg/kg). QTc intervals were recorded at lead II in ECG within 120 min. Cx43 expression was measured by RT‐PCR and western blotting. Result. Droperidol significantly prolonged QTc intervals compared with controls at 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min (P < 0.05). P6 EA could significantly abbreviate the prolongation of QTc interval compared with droperidol group at 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min (P < 0.05). Cx43 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased by P6 EA compared with droperidol group at 120 min (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Cx43 mRNA and protein expression between droperidol and control group at 120 min (P > 0.05). Conclusion. P6 EA could improve QTc interval prolongation induced by droperidol, which may relate to upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and protein. Antiemetic dose of droperidol had minor effects on Cx43 mRNA and protein expression at 120 min.
Compressed Sensing MR Image Reconstruction Exploiting TGV and Wavelet Sparsity
Authors: Zhao Di , Du Huiqian , Han Yu , Mei Wenbo
Published: October 2014

Compressed sensing (CS) based methods make it possible to reconstruct magnetic resonance (MR) images from undersampled measurements, which is known as CS-MRI. The reference-driven CS-MRI reconstruction schemes can further decrease the sampling ratio by exploiting the sparsity of the difference image between the target and the reference MR images in pixel domain. Unfortunately existing methods do not work well given that contrast changes are incorrectly estimated or motion compensation is inaccurate. In this paper, we propose to reconstruct MR images by utilizing the sparsity of the difference image between the target and the motion-compensated reference images in wavelet transform and gradient domains. The idea is attractive because it requires neither the estimation of the contrast changes nor multiple times motion compensations. In addition, we apply total generalized variation (TGV) regularization to eliminate the staircasing artifacts caused by conventional total variation (TV). Fast composite splitting algorithm (FCSA) is used to solve the proposed reconstruction problem in order to improve computational efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can not only reduce the computational cost but also decrease sampling ratio or improve the reconstruction quality alternatively.
Immunomodulation byTrypanosoma cruzi: Toward Understanding the Association of Dendritic Cells with Infecting TcI and TcII Populations
Authors: da Costa Thiago Alvares , Silva Marcos Vinicius , Mendes Maria Tays , Carvalho-Costa Tamires Marielem , Batista Lara Rocha , Lages-Silva Eliane , Rodrigues Virmondes , Oliveira Carlo Jose , Ramirez Luis Eduardo
Published: October 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) are major immune components, and depending on how these cells are modulated, the protective host immune response changes drastically.Trypanosoma cruziis a parasite with high genetic variability and modulates DCs by interfering with their capacity for antigen recognition, migration, and maturation. Despite recent efforts, the association between DCs andT. cruziI (TcI) and TcII populations is unknown. Herein, it was demonstrated that AQ1.7 and MUTUM TcI strains present low rates of invasion of bone marrow-derived DCs, whereas the 1849 and 2369 TcII strains present higher rates. Whereas the four strains similarly induced the expression of PD-L1, the production and expression of IL-10 and TLR-2, respectively, in DCs were differentially increased. The production of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6, and CCL2 and the expression of CD40, CD80, MHC-II, CCR5, and CCR7 changed depending on the strain. The 2369 strain yielded the most remarkable results because greater invasion correlated with an increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory molecules IL-10 and PD-L1 but not with a change in the levels of TNF-α, MHC-II, or CD40 molecules. These results suggest thatT. cruzistrains belonging to different populations have evolved specific evasion strategies that subvert DCs and consequently the host response.
Study on Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Some Tanzanian Rivers as a Basis for Developing Biomonitoring Index for Assessing Pollution in Tropical African Regions
Authors: Elias Julius D. , Ijumba Jasper N. , Mgaya Yunus D. , Mamboya Florence A.
Published: October 2014

Macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters were assessed at 15 sites along five rivers in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, with the aim of understanding their ecological status and setting a base to the development of a biological index for tropical regions. Investigated rivers that occur within Pangani basin include Karanga, Rau, Lumbanga, Sere, and Umbwe. Sampling sites were categorized according to the level of water and habitat quality as follows: reference or least impacted (4 sites), moderately impacted (5 sites), and highly impacted (6 sites) sites. A total of 12,527 macroinvertebrates belonging to 13 orders and 48 families were recorded. The highest total abundance of 4,110 individuals per m2 was found in Karanga river, while Umbwe river had the lowest with 1,203 individuals per m2. Chironomidae was the most abundant family (2,588 individuals per m2) and the least were Hydridae and Thiaridae, each having 5 individuals per m2. High numbers of taxa were noted among the orders: Ephemeroptera (8), Odonata (8), Diptera (7), and Trichoptera (6). In conclusion, orders with greater diversity of macroinvertebrate families offer a wide range of tolerance to pollution and, thus can potentially be used to develop a biomonitoring index for evaluating pollution in tropical African rivers.
Elder Self-Neglect Is Associated with an Increased Rate of 30-Day Hospital Readmission: Findings from the Chicago Health and Aging Project
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa A.
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim: Elder self-neglect is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to examine the prospective relationship between reported elder self-neglect and the rate of 30-day hospital readmission in a community population. Methods: We conducted a prospective population-based study of community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Of the 7,219 participants in the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a subset of 1,228 participants was reported to the social services agency for suspected elder self-neglect. The primary predictor was elder self-neglect reported to the social services agency. The outcome of interest was the annual rate of 30-day hospital readmission calculated from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid System hospitalization data from 1993 to 2009. Poisson regression models were used to assess these relationships. Results: The average annual rate of 30-day hospital readmission for those without elder self-neglect was 0.2 (SD 0.7) and for those with reported elder self-neglect 0.9 (SD 2.8). After adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, medical comorbidities, cognitive function, physical function, and psychosocial well-being, elders who self-neglect had a significantly higher rate of 30-day hospital readmission (rate ratio 2.50, 95% confidence interval 2.02-3.10). Greater self-neglect severity [mild: parameter estimate (PE) 1.09, standard error (SE) 0.19, p < 0.001; moderate: PE 0.84, SE 0.13, p < 0.001; severe: PE 1.24, SE 0.40, p = 0.002] was associated with increased annual rates of 30-day hospital readmission after considering the same confounders. Interaction term analyses suggest that the significant relationship between self-neglect and 30-day hospital readmission was not moderated by medical conditions, cognitive impairment, physical disability, or psychosocial well-being. Conclusion: Reported elder self-neglect was associated with increased rates of 30-day hospital readmission in this community population. Greater self-neglect severity was associated with a greater increase in the rate of 30-day hospital readmission.
Bisphosphonate-Induced Cutaneous Adverse Events: The Difficulty of Assessing Imputability through Patch Testing
Authors: Barrantes-González Melisa , Espona-Quer Mercè , Salas Esther , Giménez-Arnau Ana María
Published: October 2014

Background: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) due to bisphosphonates (BPs) have been scarcely described in the literature. Objective: To discuss the diagnostic value and limitations of cutaneous provocation tests with BPs. Methods: A descriptive case series study with a control group of CADRs due to BPs studied using patch testing from 2005 to 2010 is presented. Results: Patient 1 showed a positive D4++ with alendronate at 1% in petrolatum and D4+++ with alendronate at 1 and 0.1% in water. Patient 2 showed a positive intradermal test D3++ with alendronate at 0.1% in water. Patient 3 showed a positive patch test D4+ with ibandronate at 1% in petrolatum and D4++ with ibandronate at 1% in water, and a positive intradermal test D3+++ with ibandronate at 0.1% in water. Conclusion: Establishing a correct interpretation of a patch test reaction is difficult based just on cutaneous test results. Too high concentrations of the drug can cause irritation and too low concentrations can be responsible of false-negative test reactions.
Exogenous Cushing Syndrome: A Lesson of Diaper Rash Cream
Authors: Ho Cindy Wei-Li , Loke Kah Yin , Lim Yvonne Yi-Juan , Lee Yung Seng
Published: October 2014

A prolonged use of topical corticosteroids can result in Cushing syndrome, though this is less common than with oral or parenteral steroids. Most pediatric cases were due to application of topical steroids for diaper dermatitis. Adverse cardiovascular effects can occur in Cushing syndrome with significant long-term morbidity and mortality, though so far there have been no reports of cardiovascular complications due to excessive usage of topical steroids. We report a 2.5-month-old boy who rapidly developed severe Cushing syndrome induced by the misuse of topical clobetasol, a very potent steroid, without a doctor's prescription as a diaper rash cream, and developed moderate left ventricular hypertrophy and pericardial effusion.
Functional and Morphological Changes after Macular Pucker Surgery: An Optical Coherence Tomography and Microperimetric Study
Authors: Santarelli Martina , Veritti Daniele , Dal Mas Gloria , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To investigate the relationship among functional and morphological findings before and after macular pucker surgery. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes with idiopathic macular pucker that underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy and infracyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling were prospectively enrolled. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings and MP-1 microperimetry findings. Results: Mean BCVA improvement was 0.34 logMAR (p < 0.0001). Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) reduction was 50 µm (p = 0.0041). Mean retinal sensitivity improvement was 0.9. Patients with a greater improvement of postoperative BCVA showed worse baseline BCVA (p < 0.001), shorter final inner/outer segment (IS/OS) interruption length (p = 0.039) and thinner final CRT (p = 0.035). Furthermore, final BCVA was correlated with baseline IS/OS interruption length (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Baseline BCVA, CRT and IS/OS integrity can be used to predict the functional outcomes after macular pucker surgery.
Bathysa cuspidata Extract Modulates the Morphological Reorganization of the Scar Tissue and Accelerates Skin Wound Healing in Rats: A Time-Dependent Study
Authors: Gonçalves Reggiani V. , Novaes Rômulo D. , Cupertino Marli C. , Araújo Bruna M. , Vilela Emerson F. , Machado Aline T. , Leite João P.V. , Matta Sérgio L.P.
Published: October 2014

The technological development of pharmaceutical products based on plant extracts is currently responsible for a large number of recent innovations in healthcare. The objective of this study was to develop and investigate the effect and potential applicability of an ointment-based Bathysa cuspidata extract (BCE) for the management of skin wounds in rats. Three skin wounds of 12 mm in diameter were made on the backs of the animals, which were randomized into 4 groups according to the application received, i.e. the SAL group: 0.9% saline solution, the LAN group: lanolin, the BCE 2.5% group: 2.5% BCE emulsified in lanolin and the BCE 5% group: 5% BCE emulsified in lanolin. The applications were made daily over 21 days, and every 7 days tissue from different wounds was removed. On days 7, 14 and 21, the BCE 2.5% and BCE 5% groups showed the best results in relation to wound closure, and a higher proportion (in length, density and volume) of blood vessels and fibroblasts compared to the other groups. On days 7 and 14, there was a significant increase in the number of mast cells in these 2 groups when compared to the SAL and LAN groups. On day 21, they also had a higher proportion of collagen I than collagen III. B. cuspidata in an ointment base was effective in stimulating tissue cellularity, mast cell recruitment, neoangiogenesis, synthesis and maturation of collagen, epidermal thickness and surface area in scar tissue. These events were potentially related to the best quality and speed for skin regeneration in the rats treated with the BCE ointment.
Adenosine Triphosphate-Induced Rabbit Corneal Endothelial Cell Proliferation in vitro via the P2Y2-PI3K/Akt Signaling Axis
Authors: Chen Junzhao , Shao Chunyi , Lu Wenjuan , Yan Chenxi , Yao Qinke , Zhu Mengyu , Chen Ping , Gu Ping , Fu Yao , Fan Xianqun
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the ATP-P2Y2-PI3K/Akt signaling axis on promoting rabbit corneal endothelial cell (RCEC) proliferation in vitro. Methods: Five concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; 1, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μM) were added to RCECs, and the cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining. Other P2Y2 receptor agonists and antagonists were added to the cells, and the proliferation effect was evaluated using CCK8 to determine the involvement of the P2Y2 receptor. Changes in the expression of phosphorylated Akt in RCECs treated with different concentrations of extracellular ATP and the duration of extracellular ATP on Akt phosphorylation were investigated using Western blotting. The pharmacological profiles with or without the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors were also determined using Western blotting. Results: We found that 10 μM ATP strongly promoted RCEC proliferation in vitro. Additionally, 25 μM ATP had a proliferation effect, whereas other concentrations (1, 50 and 100 μM) had no effect compared with the control group. Selective P2Y2 receptor agonists (UTP, ATPγS and Ap4A) showed the same promotion effect, while P2Y2 antagonists and PI3K/Akt inhibitors inhibited the effect of ATP. Moreover, phosphorylated Akt could be induced by the addition of extracellular ATP at all five concentrations and lasted for 1 h. This phosphorylation was prevented by PI3K/Akt inhibitors and a P2Y2 antagonist. Conclusions: These findings showed that 10 μM ATP markedly promoted RCEC proliferation via the P2Y2-PI3K/Akt signaling axis.
Successful Treatment of Nail Lichen Planus with Alitretinoin: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alsenaid Adel , Eder Irina , Ruzicka Thomas , Braun-Falco Markus , Wolf Ronald
Published: October 2014

Background: Treatment of nail lichen planus (LP) is difficult and an optimal therapy is lacking. Objective: To report additional cases to the scant existing literature to learn more about therapeutic options for nail LP. Methods: A regimen of 30 mg alitretinoin daily in 2 cases of nail LP over a period of 9 and 8 months, respectively. Results: In either case, nail changes showed marked improvement under oral alitretinoin therapy within 2 and 4 months, respectively. In both patients, affected nails with end-stage destructive pterygium were resistant to any previously applied therapy. Conclusion: Alitretinoin is an effective treatment option for nail LP. We recommend early diagnosis of nail LP and early initiation of systemic therapy with alitretinoin to prevent the development of pterygium and permanent nail damage. However, further clinical studies are needed to establish reliable guidelines for nail LP therapy.
Fine-Needle Aspiration of Low-Grade Adenosquamous Carcinomas of the Breast: A Report of Three New Cases
Authors: Bataillon Guillaume , Collet Jean-François , Voillemot Nicole , Menet Emmanuelle , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: October 2014

Objectives: To describe cytology patterns in low-grade adenosquamous carcinomas (LGASCs) of the breast. Study Design: Low-grade adenosquamous carcinomas of the breast are a recently described rare variant of primary metaplastic carcinomas characterized by clinical indolence, slow evolution and excellent survival. To date, only 7 cases of LGASC were studied cytologically, and it was demonstrated that LGASC identification was difficult because its cellular components exhibited unspecific and nonsuspicious features. They consisted of irregularly clustered cells without prominent cytonuclear atypia, mitosis or necrosis. The presence of metaplastic cells or keratin debris was helpful in accurate tumor typing. We report here 3 additional cases of LGASC that were initially studied by fine-needle aspiration. Results: We have also encountered diagnostic difficulties and misdiagnosed tumors, since 2 cases were underdiagnosed as ‘suspicious' and only 1 was accurately diagnosed as malignancy. Conclusion: The review of our cases and the literature confirms that, despite its putative metaplastic origin, LGASC is an entity which is difficult to diagnose using classical cytological methods. Moreover, core-needle biopsy as well as frozen sections may also misdiagnose LGASC as a benign breast lesion.
A new species of Chleuastochoerus (Artiodactyla: Suidae) from the Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China
Authors: HOU SUKUAN , DENG TAO
Published: October 2014

The Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China, is known for its abundant and well-preserved fossils. Here a new species, Chleuastochoerus linxiaensis sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from the upper Miocene deposits of the Linxia Basin, distinguishable from C. stehlini by the relatively long facial region, more anteromedial-posterolaterally compressed upper canine and more complicated cheek teeth. A cladistics analysis placed Chleuastochoerus in the subfamily Hyotheriinae, being one of the basal taxa of this subfamily. Chleuastochoerus linxiaensis and C. stehlini are considered to have diverged before MN 10. C. tuvensis from Russia represents a separate lineage of Chleuastochoerus, which may have a closer relationship to C. stehlini but bears more progressive P4/p4 and M3.
Marine Macrostomorpha (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora) from the Algarve (Southern Portugal)
Authors: SCHOCKAERT ERNEST R.
Published: October 2014

Ten species of Macrostomorpha were found in marine environments of the Algarve (Portugal). Six of them were found in the Ria Formosa, a vast intertidal euryhaline lagoon system that dominates the most Eastern coast of the Algarve: two unidentified species of Microstomum Schmidt, 1848, Macrostomum cf. rubrocinctum Ax, 1951 and two unidentified species of Macrostomum Schmidt, 1848, Paromalostomum dubium (de Beauchamps, 1927), Paromalostomum minutum Rieger, 1971 and Cylindromacrostomum faroensis n.sp.. Comparison of this species with C. mediterraneum (Ax, 1955) and the species from Venice, considered to be C. mediterraneum by Rieger (1977), leads to the conclusion that the individuals studied by Rieger are in fact representatives of a separate species, C. riegeri n.sp.. Acanthomacrostomum spiculiferum Papi & Swedmark, 1959 was found in the Atlantic, 10–15 m deep, near the western coast of the Algarve. Haplopharynx papii n. sp. occurs on the beach exposed to the Atlantic as well as in the Ria Formosa. All identified and previously known (marine) species found in the Algarve had been found before, either in the Atlantic or in the Mediterranean basin.
4. History as Heritage: Producing the Present in Post-War Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nira
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the consolidation by a patriotic post-conflict state of a notion of history reinvented as national heritage. The distinction between history as an analysis of the past and heritage was rarely made explicit in the public discourse. After the war ended the distinction disappeared entirely except in some rare university history departments. Heritage as we understand it, is present centred and is created, shaped and managed by and in response to, the demands of the present. It is to follow Lowenthal, not history at all. While it borrows from and enlivens historical study, it is not an enquiry into the past but a celebration of it. The distinction between heritage and history is one of motive. Heritage is best understood as a claim, a special pleading. History in post war Sri Lanka has abandoned specialized journals to inhabit and flourish in theatre, film, videos and pamphlets encouraged by the patriotic state. Professional historians too have either left the public sphere or acquiesced in the production of a history/heritage. A minority of critical historians remain however committed to exploring how memory is constructed over time, how facts are actually encoding of memories and how when you peel off layers of memories, you can unravel the politics that lay behind the construction of the standard story. This study will draw from an array of sources and practices to assess the feasibility of devising alternative strategies in the production of historical knowledge that contest the blurring of boundaries between history and heritage and address a series of questions that haunt the historical enterprise.
6. South Asian Heritage and Archaeological Practices
Authors: Guha Sudeshna
Published: October 2014

Archaeological practices have been consistently deployed within South Asia for over two hundred years for establishing truths about civilisational origins and legacies. This paper focuses on histories of civilisational tradition that have been unearthed for India through seemingly disparate archaeological practices during the colonial and post-colonial times, but with historiographic crossings and mutations. My aims are to sow seeds of caution towards all forms of valorisation of civilisational ethos within disciplinary archaeology, and to situate the importance of critiquing such constructs in an academic milieu that shows an increasing concern towards archaeological productions of tangible ‘heritage-industries’. My case studies are the nineteenth-century creations of a Buddhist Banaras, and recent interpretations regarding the cultural legacies of the Indus Civilisation, South Asia’s unique Bronze Age phenomenon.
7. The Ethics of Digging
Authors: Scarre Geoffrey
Published: October 2014

How should archaeologists select their research material, and should they make their choices on the basis of academic considerations alone? Whose interests should archaeological research be serving (the profession’s? those of local ethnic or indigenous groups? those of the general public? the good of mankind?), and how should these be prioritised? What permissions (and whose) do archaeologists need to obtain if their digging is to be ethical? Is excavation which permanently damages or changes a site ethically acceptable? Should archaeologists, in Lockean vein, take care to leave ‘as much and as good’ material for later researchers, and avoid depleting the archaeological resource? What duties do archaeologists have following excavation in regard to recording, publication, dissemination and display? Is archaeological digging ethically consistent with the principle of stewardship to which most archaeologists pay lip-service? Would stewardship, strictly construed, imply a ‘hands-off’ approach to the archaeological resource, and permit excavation only in the case of endangered sites? What special ethical responsibilities do archaeological researchers have in regard to human remains and grave-sites?
8. ‘National’ Heritage and Scholarship
Authors: Boardman John
Published: October 2014

While many ‘source’ countries take their responsibilities seriously, there are many shortcomings. To understand the past, we need access to all the evidence, in corpore or in publication. Yet, for the classical world, both Greece and Italy have very poor records, indeed in the matter of publication of their own excavations. They have been in places highly restrictive of access to evidence for scholars. They are not alone in this, however. In fact, there are still western museums who choose to be selective of whom they allow to study their material, on nationalistic grounds. This is not simply a matter of laziness or indifference, and the remark that ‘they want to steal our material’ can still be heard, as well as manifest examples of national scholars ‘sitting on’ material indefinitely, indifferent to whatever regulations there may be about the period for which they might claim priority. Jealousy seems a very strong motive in many cases, often abetted by extreme views about what ‘copyright’ entails. Any concept of ‘ownership’ of the past does, no doubt, need closer definition, not least of the responsibilities which it carries with it. These responsibilities include to display and educate, with recognition that scholarship should be one human activity that should, on no account, be subject to censorship or suppression.
12. Values in World Heritage Sites
Authors: Belcher Geoffrey
Published: October 2014

World Heritage sites vary greatly, from the symbols of Auschwitz and Hiroshima to the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef. All sites are selected by the Conservation Committee at UNESCO. Even though the management of the sites is formally undertaken by the national state party (DCMS in the case of the United Kingdom), in practice it falls to local organisations. The chain of responsibility from international to local levels creates various tensions, the concept of World Heritage being understood very differently at the universal level (according to the 10 UNESCO criteria) than it is according to national and local aspirations. In order to rationalise this, statements of 'outstanding universal values’ are produced for each site, identifying the special qualities and also their ‘authenticity’ and ‘integrity’. The ‘attributes’ of outstanding universal values are defined. Attributes of national and also local significance are also identified. Management plans are produced for each World Heritage site and these need to assess changes and their implications for the protection of the attributes. Without a precise system of rules at international level, local agencies have to rely on national and local systems including town planning legislation for protection. At present this legislation in the UK does not wholly embody the inscription and management of World Heritage Sites. The result is that the simple, popular concept of world heritage is being challenged through its application and administration. Without the necessary clarity changes can occur, including disastrous development. This paper flushes out some of the areas of difficulty and identifies opportunities for a more satisfactory future.
Literacy instruction in the brave new world of technology
Authors: McKenna Michael C.
Published: October 2014

Technology integration into language arts instruction has been slow and tentative, even as information technologies have evolved with frightening speed. Today’s teachers need to be aware of several extant and unchanging realities: Technology is now indispensable to literacy development; reading with technology requires new skills and strategies; technology can support struggling students; technology can transform writing; technology offers a means of motivating students; and waiting for research is a losing strategy.
Wondering + online inquiry = learning
Authors: Sekeres Diane Carver , Coiro Julie , Castek Jill , Guzniczak Lizabeth A.
Published: October 2014

Digital information sources can form the basis of effective inquiry-based learning if teachers construct the information and exercises in ways that will promote collaboration, communication, and problem solving.
Tapping technology’s potential to motivate readers
Authors: Conradi Kristin
Published: October 2014

Technology isn’t inherently motivational to students, but teachers can employ a variety of strategies that can harness technology to promote student engagement. In so doing, teachers can focus on students’ self-concept as well as their attitudes as particularly important levers of motivating students to engage in reading.
The Editor’s Note
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: October 2014

James Herndon spent over 300 hours working on sculpting a 10,000-year-old rock. Today’s technology tools allow us to do many things faster, like rock carving or even accessing a plethora of information. But technology aside, we still must take the time to untangle the thoughts and ideas conveyed when we read and write.
Washington View
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: October 2014

The outcome of the November elections in Washington for House and Senate seats, along with the 36 governor offices up for votes means that there may be a very different political landscape come January. But perhaps the greatest promise of the results of the upcoming elections is that Congress and state houses could find some common ground and new leaders may emerge to move the nation toward addressing sorely neglected education issues.
Exploring visual dysphemisms in pieces of news related to immigrant minors in a Spanish newspaper
Authors: Martinez Lirola Maria
Published: October 2014

This article describes the main visual characteristics used in different multimodal pieces of news related to immigrant minors in the newspaper El País, which is one of the most important newspapers in Spain. The corpus of examples consists of all the pieces of news dealing with immigrant children published from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011. For the framework of analysis, the study draws on visual grammar and critical discourse analysis. The study reveals that immigrant minors are represented dysphemistically in the multimodal texts analysed so that the most pejorative side of their reality is portrayed. The author thus aims to provide a visual analysis of the way in which immigrant minors are represented visually in a serious Spanish newspaper. In doing so, she aims to show visual ways of manipulation and reinforcing of stereotypes related to immigrants, in general, and immigrant minors in particular.
Visual meaning-making in an underprivileged neighbourhood landscape: milieus and atmospheres
Authors: Kasemets Kadri
Published: October 2014

By bringing together the spatially oriented ‘milieu’ and ‘atmosphere’ approach with the method of self-generated photo elicitation, this visual essay examines the possibility of the mediation of new meanings in urban neighbourhood representation and spatial organization. The milieu/atmosphere relationship offers a methodological background for visual communication in landscape, where, besides common and conscious interpretations, expression is given to non-graspable, sometimes inexplicable internal atmospheric experiences that have great potential to shift acknowledged understandings and interpretations of landscape aesthetics. A reflexive self-generated photo elicitation is introduced to bringing into communication unfamiliar atmospheric visual landscape experiences. This method is used in the underprivileged parts of the Kopli neighbourhood of North-Tallinn, Estonia. Some of the participants’ representations were handled as atmospheric pictures, which, although different from the acknowledged milieu approach, brought into communication the milieu character of a strong neighbourhood.
The capacity of activated kaolins to remove colour pigments from rice bran oil: the effects of acid concentration and pre-heating prior to activation
Authors: Aung L. L. , Tertre E. , Worasith N. , Suksabye P. , Thiravetyan P.
Published: October 2014

This study focuses on the effects of both thermal treatment (between 80 and 700°C) and chemical activation (concentration of sulfuric acid between 0.3 and 2 M) of natural Ranong kaolins (ground or not) from Thailand to remove the undesirable colour of rice bran oil. The mineralogical, physical and physicochemical properties of the initial and activated kaolins are discussed in relation with the bleaching effectiveness of the activated sample investigated. Generally, the greater the temperature used before the activation step and the concentration of sulfuric acid used during activation, the greater the structural degradation of the kaolinite; Al is removed from the octahedral sheet of kaolinite and amorphous SiO2 dominates the samples. The measured maximum bleaching capacity is not necessarily obtained when using the activated kaolin having the highest specific surface area and pore volume; rather, the bleaching capacity is dependent on both alumina contents and proportion of kaolinite in the samples. Indeed, the partial preservation of the kaolinite structure is crucial to obtain a good bleaching capacity of kaolin in relation to the preservation of the aluminol sites which are likely to be involved in the adsorption of unsaturated molecules present in the rice bran oil. Moreover, as previously demonstrated, a partial leaching of Al from octahedral sheets of kaolin is also an important factor in order to obtain good bleaching capacities. Finally, the optimal preheating temperature and concentration of sulfuric acid which permit the best bleaching capacity of kaolin are reported.
The effect of oxalic acid activation on the bleaching properties of a bentonite from Milos Island, Greece
Authors: Taxiarchou M. , Douni I.
Published: October 2014

A bentonite from Milos, Greece, was activated with oxalic acid and the effect of acid activation conditions on bleaching of sunflower oil was investigated. The activation parameters studied were temperature, retention time and oxalic acid to bentonite mass ratio. The activated materials produced had good bleaching properties and were suitable for industrial use as bleaching earths. Optimum bleaching properties could be achieved using a variety of combinations of acid to bentonite ratios and activation times. Bleaching efficiency tests indicated that 24 h activation at 100°C with 1m oxalic acid and 25% pulp density (w/v) gave results equivalent to that of a commercial bleaching earth (Tonsil Optimum 210 FF). The combination that is likely to be more preferable on an industrial scale was 100°C, 25% pulp density (w/v), 1m initial oxalic acid concentration, 60% recycling of the oxalate solution (making up an acid to bentonite ratio 0.2 w/w) and 6 h activation time. The materials produced under these conditions have acceptable bleaching properties, corresponding to bleaching capacity greater than 78% compared to commercial Tonsil, and colour index (in red and yellow units) equal or even better than Tonsil.
Silylation of mechanically ground kaolinite
Authors: Tao Q. , Su L. , Frost R.L. , Zhang D. , Chen M. , Shen W. , He H.
Published: October 2014

Silylated kaolinites were synthesized at 80°C without the use of inert gas protection. The method presented started with mechanical grinding of kaolinite, followed by grafting with 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The mechanical grinding treatment destroyed the ordered sheets of kaolinite, formed fine fragments and generated broken bonds (undercoordinated metal ions). These broken bonds served as new sites for the condensation with APTES. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the existence of −CH2 from APTES. 29Si cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (29Si CP/MAS NMR) showed that the principal bonding mechanism between APTES and kaolinite fitted a tridentate silylation model (T3) with a chemical shift at −66.7 ppm. The silane loadings of the silylated samples were estimated from the mass loss obtained by TG-DTG curves. The results showed that the 6-hour ground kaolinite could be grafted with the most APTES (7.0%) using cyclohexane as solvent. The loaded amount of APTES in the silylated samples obtained in different solvents decreased in the order as: nonpolar solvent > polar solvent with low dielectric constant (toluene) > polar solvent with high dielectric constant (ethanol).
High incidence and remission of reported food hypersensitivity in Swedish children followed from 8 to 12 years of age – a population based cohort study
Authors: Winberg Anna , Strinnholm Åsa , Hedman Linnea , West Christina E , Perzanowski Matthew S , Rönmark Eva
Published: October 2014

Background

Few population‐based cohort studies have examined reported food hypersensitivity longitudinally. We investigated prevalence, incidence and remission of perceived food hypersensitivity among schoolchildren from 8 to 12 years of age, and risk factors associated with incidence and remission.

Methods

A population‐based cohort including all 7–8 year‐old children in three Swedish towns was recruited in 2006. A total of 2,585 (96% of invited) children participated in a parental questionnaire. The children in two of the towns, n = 1,700 (90% of invited) also participated in skin‐prick‐testing with airborne allergens. The cohort was followed using the same methods at 11–12 years of age. At study follow up, specific IgE to foods was analyzed in a randomized subset of children (n = 652).

Results

The prevalence of perceived food hypersensitivity increased from 21% at 8 years to 26% at 12 years of age. During this four‐year‐period, the cumulative incidence of food hypersensitivity was high (15%), as was remission (33%). This pattern was particularly evident for hypersensitivity to cow´s milk, while the incidence of hypersensitivity to other foods was lower. Female sex, allergic heredity, current rhinitis and allergic sensitization were associated with the incidence of food hypersensitivity and allergic sensitization was negatively associated with remission. Risk‐factor‐patterns for both incidence and remission were different for hypersensitivity to milk compared with hypersensitivity to other foods. Generally, the agreement between reported food hypersensitivity and IgE‐sensitization to the implicated food was poor.

Conclusions

In this longitudinal, population‐based cohort‐study perceived food hypersensitivity was common among children between ages 8 and 12, often transient and not well correlated with food‐specific IgE. While these findings suggest an overestimated prevalence of food hypersensitivity, the public‐health‐significance remains high as they reflect the perceived reality to which the children adapt their life and food intakes.
miRNA Temporal Analyzer (mirnaTA): a bioinformatics tool for identifying differentially expressed microRNAs in temporal studies using normal quantile transformation
Authors: Cer Regina Z , Herrera-Galeano J Enrique , Anderson Joseph J , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A , Mokashi Vishwesh P
Published: October 2014

Background

Understanding the biological roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a an active area of research that has produced a surge of publications in PubMed, particularly in cancer research. Along with this increasing interest, many open-source bioinformatics tools to identify existing and/or discover novel miRNAs in next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads become available. While miRNA identification and discovery tools are significantly improved, the development of miRNA differential expression analysis tools, especially in temporal studies, remains substantially challenging. Further, the installation of currently available software is non-trivial and steps of testing with example datasets, trying with one's own dataset, and interpreting the results require notable expertise and time. Subsequently, there is a strong need for a tool that allows scientists to normalize raw data, perform statistical analyses, and provide intuitive results without having to invest significant efforts.

Findings

We have developed miRNA Temporal Analyzer (mirnaTA), a bioinformatics package to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in temporal studies. mirnaTA is written in Perl and R (Version 2.13.0 or later) and can be run across multiple platforms, such as Linux, Mac and Windows. In the current version, mirnaTA requires users to provide a simple, tab-delimited, matrix file containing miRNA name and count data from a minimum of two to a maximum of 20 time points and three replicates. To recalibrate data and remove technical variability, raw data is normalized using Normal Quantile Transformation (NQT), and linear regression model is used to locate any miRNAs which are differentially expressed in a linear pattern. Subsequently, remaining miRNAs which do not fit a linear model are further analyzed in two different non-linear methods 1) cumulative distribution function (CDF) or 2) analysis of variances (ANOVA). After both linear and non-linear analyses are completed, statistically significant miRNAs (P?<?0.05) are plotted as heat maps using hierarchical cluster analysis and Euclidean distance matrix computation methods.

Conclusions

mirnaTA is an open-source, bioinformatics tool to aid scientists in identifying differentially expressed miRNAs which could be further mined for biological significance. It is expected to provide researchers with a means of interpreting raw data to statistical summaries in a fast and intuitive manner.
Peptaibols from Trichoderma asperellum TR356 strain isolated from Brazilian soil
Authors: Brito João PC , Ramada Marcelo HS , de Magalhães Mariana TQ , Silva Luciano P , Ulhoa Cirano J
Published: October 2014

The Trichoderma genus consists of a group of free-living filamentous fungi, including species able to act as biological control agents (BCAs) against pathogenic fungi. It is believed that this ability is due to synergy between several mechanisms, including the production of a wide variety of secondary metabolites by these organisms. Among these, we highlight the production of peptaibols, an antibiotic peptide group characterized by the presence of non-proteinogenic amino acids such as α-aminoisobutyrate (Aib), as well as by N-terminal modifications and amino alcohols in the C-terminal region. This study aimed to outline a profile of peptaibol production and to identify secreted peptaibols from the Trichoderma asperellum TR356 strain, described as an efficient BCA against S. sclerotiorum. The fungus was grown on TLE 0.3% glucose medium for 5 days, with agitation at 120 rpm in the dark. Liquid medium filtrate was used as the metabolite source. These extracts were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and subsequent analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The results indicate the production of two classes of peptaibols for this T. asperellum strain. Primary structures of two asperelines (A and E) and five trichotoxins (T5D2, T5E, T5F, T5G and 1717A) have been elucidated. Most of these peptaibols had been previously described in T. viride and T. asperellum marine strains. This is the first report of some of these compounds being produced by a T. asperellum strain from soil. Future analyses will be necessary to elucidate the three-dimensional structures and their activities against pathogens.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation: treatments for cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the neurodegenerative dementias?
Authors: Elder Greg J , Taylor John-Paul
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Two methods of non-invasive brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have demonstrable positive effects on cognition and can ameliorate neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression. Less is known about the efficacy of these approaches in common neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we evaluate the effects of TMS and tDCS upon cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the major dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as the potential pre-dementia states of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

PubMed (until 7 February 2014) and PsycINFO (from 1967 to January Week 3 2014) databases were searched in a semi-systematic manner in order to identify relevant treatment studies. A total of 762 studies were identified and 32 studies (18 in the dementias and 14 in PD populations) were included.

Results

No studies were identified in patients with PDD, FTD or VaD. Of the dementias, 13 studies were conducted in patients with AD, one in DLB, and four in MCI. A total of 16 of the 18 studies showed improvements in at least one cognitive or neuropsychiatric outcome measure. Cognitive or neuropsychiatric improvements were observed in 12 of the 14 studies conducted in patients with PD.

Conclusions

Both TMS and tDCS may have potential as interventions for the treatment of symptoms associated with dementia and PD. These results are promising; however, available data were limited, particularly within VaD, PDD and FTD, and major challenges exist in order to maximise the efficacy and clinical utility of both techniques. In particular, stimulation parameters vary considerably between studies and are likely to subsequently impact upon treatment efficacy.