bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physics based lumped element circuit model for nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Underwood Thomas , Roy Subrata , Glaz Bryan
Published: February 2013

This work presents a physics based circuit model for calculating the total energy dissipated into neutral species for nanosecond pulsed direct current (DC) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas. Based on experimental observations, it is assumed that the nanosecond pulsed DBD's which have been proposed for aerodynamic flow control can be approximated by two independent regions of homogeneous electric field. An equivalent circuit model is developed for both homogeneous regions based on a combination of a resistor, capacitors, and a zener diode. Instead of fitting the resistance to an experimental data set, a formula is established for approximating the resistance by modeling plasmas as a conductor with DC voltage applied to it. Various assumptions are then applied to the governing Boltzmann equation to approximate electrical conductivity values for weakly ionized plasmas. The developed model is then validated with experimental data of the total power dissipated by plasmas.
Magnetic properties and X-ray absorption spectra of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Phan The-Long , Yang D. S. , Zhang Y. D. , Zhang P. , Yu S. C.
Published: February 2013

The magnetic properties and structural characterization of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by mechanical milling were investigated. By changing the milling time (tm) from 1 to 24 h, we obtained NPs with average crystallite sizes of 10–40 nm. The magnetic studies reveal that the Curie temperature (TC), magnetization, and maximum magnetic-entropy change of NPs decrease rapidly with increasing tm. Concurrently, there is a transformation of the first-order to second-order magnetic phase transition. The structural analyses based on X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopy prove the tm increase leading to a slight shift of the Mn K-shell absorption edge towards lower energies of Mn3+. It means more Mn3+ ions introduced to NPs as increasing tm, making the concentration ratio of Mn3+/Mn4+ in NPs greater than 7/3 if comparing to the as-prepared sample with tm = 0 h. Particularly, in the first region of extended XAS fine structure spectra, there is a shift of a hump towards higher energies. This is different from the situation observed in the Mn K-edge absorption, and thus assigned to surface-related effects, where a high density of lattice defects and/or distortions is present. Such the circumstances lead to ferromagnetic interactions in NPs become weaker than that in the as-prepared sample.
Dehumanisation in language and thought
Authors: Stollznow Karen
Published: February 2013

Dehumanisation is a central tool of propaganda, war and oppression, but could it also be an everyday phenomenon? This paper attempts to demonstrate that dehumanisation is not invariably deviant behaviour, but often grounded in normal cognition. Dehumanisation is often defined as to make less human (Encarta) or to deprive of human character (Oxford English Dictionary). Are these adequate definitions? Is there evidence of polysemy, and a more salient sense? How can we explain the meaning and enactment of this process? This paper investigates the linguistic and behavioural representation of dehumanisation, with reference to modern and historical events. This semantic analysis considers aspects of pragmatics, semiotics, cognition and metaphor. The framework used in this examination is the Natural Semantic Metalanguage method of Reductive Paraphrase (Wierzbicka & Goddard 2002; Wierzbicka 1972).
Does Sharecropping Affect Long‐term Investment? Evidence from West Bengal's Tenancy Reforms
Authors: Deininger Klaus , Jin Songqing , Yadav Vandana
Published: February 2013

Although transfer of agricultural land ownership through land reform had positive impacts on productivity, investment, and political empowerment in many cases, institutional arrangements in West Bengal—which made tenancy heritable and imposed a prohibition on subleasing—imply that early land reform benefits may not be sustained and gains from this policy remain well below potential. Data from a listing of 96,000 households in 200 villages, complemented by a detailed survey of 2,000 owner‐cum‐tenants, point toward enormous excess demand for land rental and suggest that a continued inefficiency of sharecropping is exacerbated by strong disincentives to investment in soil fertility and irrigation. These reduce profits by at least 20%, making schemes to pay out landlord interests economically and financially viable.
Is everyone Irish on St Patrick's Day? Divergent expectations and experiences of collective self‐objectification at a multicultural parade
Authors: Pehrson Samuel , Stevenson Clifford , Muldoon Orla T. , Reicher Steve
Published: February 2013

We examine experiences of collective self‐objectification (CSO) (or its failure) among participants in a ‘multicultural’ St Patrick's Day parade. A two‐stage interview study was carried out in which 10 parade participants (five each from ethnic majority and minority groups) were interviewed before and after the event. In pre‐event interviews, all participants understood the parade as an opportunity to enact social identities, but differed in the category definitions and relations they saw as relevant. Members of the white Irish majority saw the event as being primarily about representing Ireland in a positive, progressive, light, whereas members of minority groups saw it as an opportunity to have their groups' identities and belonging in Ireland recognized by others. Post‐event interviews revealed that, for the former group, the event succeeded in giving expression to their relevant category definitions. The latter group, on the other hand, cited features of the event such as inauthentic costume design and a segregated structure as reasons for why the event did not provide the group recognition they sought. The accounts revealed a variety of empowering and disempowering experiences corresponding to the extent of enactment. We consider the implications in terms of CSO, the performative nature of dual identities, as well as the notion of multicultural recognition.
Blood pressure‐lowering effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide: a meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Wang B. , Zhong J. , Lin H. , Zhao Z. , Yan Z. , He H. , Ni Y. , Liu D. , Zhu Z.
Published: February 2013

Aims

Aside from lowering blood glucose, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) attract much attention because of their cardioprotective effects. The aim of this study was to assess the blood pressure‐lowering effects of the GLP‐1 RAs exenatide and liraglutide compared with other common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including data describing complete blood pressure (BP) changes from baseline.

Methods

We searched the major databases for published or unpublished RCTs that had been performed in patients with T2DM and compared the effects of exenatide and liraglutide to those of other common drugs used to treat T2DM. The RCTs that included data describing BP changes between the baseline and the end of the study were selected for further analysis.

Results

A total of 16 RCTs that enrolled 3443 patients in the GLP‐1 RA treatment group and 2417 subjects in the control group were included in this meta‐analysis. The GLP‐1 RA exenatide reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) when compared with both placebo and insulin glargine, with mean differences of −5.24 and −3.46 mmHg, respectively, and with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of −6.88 to −3.59, p < 0.00001 and −3.63 to −3.29, p < 0.00001, respectively. Meanwhile, in the exenatide‐treated group, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was reduced by −5.91 mmHg, with a 95% CI of −7.53 to −4.28, p < 0.00001 compared with the placebo group, and −0.99 mmHg with a 95% CI of −1.12 to −0.87, p < 0.00001 compared with the sitagliptin group. SBP changes in this meta‐analysis were assessed in the groups treated with 1.2 or 1.8 mg liraglutide per day. In the 1.2 mg‐treated group, liraglutide treatment reduced SBP compared with placebo and glimepiride treatment, with mean differences of −5.60 and −2.38 mmHg, and 95% CIs of −5.84 to −5.36, p < 0.00001 and −4.75 to −0.01, p = 0.05, respectively. In the 1.8‐mg‐treated group, liraglutide also reduced SBP compared with placebo and glimepiride treatment with mean differences of −4.49 and −2.62 mmHg, and a 95% CI of −4.73 to −4.26, p < 0.00001, and −2.91 to −2.33, p < 0.00001, respectively.

Conclusion

Treatment with the GLP‐1 RAs exenatide and liraglutide reduced SBP and DBP by 1 to 5 mmHg compared with some other anti‐diabetic drugs including insulin, glimepiride and placebo for patients with T2DM. GLP‐1 RAs may offer an alternative therapy for these patients and will help provide extra cardiovascular benefits.
Phenotypic and functional traits of peripheral blood mononuclear cells retained by controlled cryopreservation: implications for reliable sequential studies of dynamic interactions with endothelial cells
Authors: Lockmann Anike , Schön Michael P.
Published: February 2013

Many immunological experiments would be greatly facilitated if peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) preserved important functional properties over longer periods of time. Regarding adhesive interactions with endothelial cells, a crucial step of inflammatory processes, this had not been investigated yet. We demonstrate that PBMC subsets subjected to controlled cryopreservation retain their phenotypic traits inasmuch as the proportion of viable T cells, monocytes/macrophages and B cells was comparable with their freshly isolated counterparts. More importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that the procedure does not impede crucial adhesion‐mediated dynamic interactions with endothelial cells. Using a flow chamber system, freshly isolated and cryopreserved PBMC showed similar rolling and firm adhesion on TNF‐α‐activated endothelial cells under shear flow as compared to freshly isolated PBMC from the same donors. Thus, our observation is an important prerequisite for functional studies of leucocyte recruitment when sequential investigations with material from the same patients are required.
Effect of solvent evaporation strategies on regional bond strength of one‐step self‐etch adhesives to root canal dentine
Authors: Thitthaweerat S. , Nakajima M. , Foxton R. M. , Tagami J.
Published: February 2013

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of different solvent evaporation strategies on bonding of one‐step self‐etch adhesives to root canal dentine.

Methodology

Two dual‐cure resin core systems (Clearfil DC Bond/Clearfil DC Core Automix and Clearfil Tri‐S Bond Plus/Clearfil DC Core Plus; Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan) were equally applied in 24 post spaces from extracted human mandibular premolars. After the adhesive application, specimens were randomly assigned into four water/solvent evaporation strategies as follows (I) insertion of absorbent paper point for 10 s: P, (II) 10 s air‐blowing: A, (III) as (II) followed by insertion of absorbent paper point: AP, (IV) as (III) followed by 10 s additional air‐blowing: APA. Then, the adhesives were light cured, and resin core materials were placed into the post space, followed by light curing for 60 s. After water storage for 24 h, 0.6 × 0.6 mm‐thick beams were prepared to measure the regional μTBS. The mode of failure was also observed. The μTBS values were statistically analysed using three‐way anova and Duncan HSD test (α = 0.05).

Results

In the coronal region, there were no significant differences in μTBS between each evaporation strategy (P > 0.05), except P group. However, in the apical region, APA and AP groups significantly increased in μTBS compared with A and P groups (P < 0.05). Only in the APA group of Clearfil Tri‐S Bond Plus/Clearfil DC Core Plus, was there no significant difference in μTBS between the coronal and apical regions (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of paper points with additional air‐blowing for removing excessive adhesive and evaporating residual water/solvent would be effective in producing higher bond strength for the tested one‐step self‐etch adhesives and fewer blister formations in deeper regions of the post space.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, corticotropin‐releasing factor, and hypothalamic neuronal histamine interact to regulate feeding behavior
Authors: Gotoh Koro , Masaki Takayuki , Chiba Seiichi , Ando Hisae , Fujiwara Kansuke , Shimasaki Takanobu , Mitsutomi Kimihiko , Katsuragi Isao , Kakuma Tetsuya , Sakata Toshiie , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: February 2013

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), and hypothalamic neuronal histamine are anorexigenic substances within the hypothalamus. This study examined the interactions among BDNF, CRF, and histamine during the regulation of feeding behavior in rodents. Food intake was measured after treatment with BDNF, α‐fluoromethyl histidine (FMH; a specific suicide inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase that depletes hypothalamic neuronal histamine), or CRF antagonist. We measured food intake in wild‐type mice and mice with targeted disruption of the histamine H1 receptor (H1KO mice) after central BDNF infusion. Furthermore, we investigated CRF content and histamine turnover in the hypothalamus after BDNF treatment, and conversely, BDNF content in the hypothalamus after histamine treatment. We used immunohistochemical staining for histamine H1 receptors (H1‐R) in BDNF neurons. BDNF‐induced feeding suppression was partially attenuated in rats pre‐treated with FMH or a CRF antagonist, and in H1KO mice. BDNF treatment increased CRF content and histamine turnover in the hypothalamus. Histamine increased BDNF content in the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that H1‐Rs were expressed on BDNF neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. These results indicate that CRF and hypothalamic neuronal histamine mediate the suppressive effects of BDNF on feeding behavior and body weight.
Assessing the Impact of Indian Gaming on American Indian Nations: Is the House Winning?
Authors: Conner Thaddieus W. , Taggart William A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

The objective of this article is to examine the impact of Indian gaming on reservation conditions in the contiguous American states following passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988.

Methods

Utilizing 1990 and 2000 Census data for 330 Indian nations, a pretest/posttest design permits a comparison of nongaming nations to three different types of gaming nations on eight economic measures, while controlling for multiple tribal characteristics and considering the effects of certain state contextual factors confronting nations due to location.

Results

The analysis reveals (1) that the overall impact of gaming, while generally positive, is not as extensive after controlling for certain tribal features, (2) that there are differential effects evident across the three types of gaming nations, and (3) that the state context makes a difference in influencing the relationship between gaming and reservation conditions. The most substantial impacts are for a small subset of nations with Class III gaming and making per capita payments to their members in larger, wealthier states prohibiting non‐Indian casinos.

Conclusion

These results challenge some of the core assumptions about Indian gaming radically changing the poor economic conditions endemic to Indian country.
Twenty‐First‐Century Trends in Black Migration to the U.S. South: Demographic and Subjective Predictors
Authors: Hunt Matthew O. , Hunt Larry L. , Falk William W.
Published: February 2013

Objective

We examine (1) whether black migration trends from the final few decades of the 20th century continued during the first decade of the 21st century, (2) whether the black southern migration stream continues to be demographically distinctive, and (3) whether incorporating subjective/motivational factors into our models advances our understanding of race and interregional migration.

Methods

Using data from the 2000 to 2010 Current Population Surveys, we employ descriptive and inferential statistics to (1) map recent patterns of interregional migration in the United States by race and (2) estimate the effects of race, other sociodemographics, and subjective/motivational factors on people's propensity to migrate to the United States South.

Results

We find that the rate of black migration to the South continues to exceed that of whites, and that black migrants differ from their white counterparts both demographically and motivationally. We also observe selected gender differences within the black southern migration stream.

Conclusions

Our results underscore the need for more research on race, gender, and interregional migration in the United States. We suggest directions for such work, with particular focus on possibilities for further inquiry when 2010 census materials become more widely available.
Numerical Investigation of Air Cavity Formation During the High-Speed Vertical Water Entry of Wedges
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Faltinsen Odd M.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a nonlinear boundary element method (BEM) is developed for investigating air cavity formation during the high-speed water entry of wedges. A technique is proposed for dynamic re-gridding of free surface boundaries. This technique applies to both equally and nonequally spaced grids, and it is able to suppress the numerical instabilities encountered using a BEM for simulating free surface flows. The authors also develop a purely numerical method to simulate nonviscous flow separation, which occurs when the flow reaches the knuckle of the wedge. The present nonlinear BEM has been verified by comparisons with similarity solutions. We also compare numerical results with experimental results. Finally, we give a numerical prediction of the evolution of the cavity until the closure of the cavity, and the influence of the initial entry velocity, wedge mass, and deadrise angle on the characteristics of the transient cavities is investigated.
Prediction of Burst in Flexible Pipes
Authors: Neto Alfredo Gay , Martins Clóvis de Arruda , Pesce Celso Pupo , Meirelles Christiano Odir C. , Malta Eduardo Ribeiro , Neto Teofilo Ferreira Barbosa , Godinho Carlos Alberto Ferreira
Published: February 2013

Usually when a large internal fluid pressure acts on the inner walls of flexible pipes, the carcass layer is not loaded, as the first internal pressure resistance is given by the internal polymeric layer that transmits almost all the loading to the metallic pressure armor layer. The last one must be designed to ensure that the flexible pipe will not fail when loaded by a defined value of internal pressure. This paper presents three different numerical models and an analytical nonlinear model for determining the maximum internal pressure loading withstood by a flexible pipe without burst. The first of the numerical models is a ring approximation for the helically rolled pressure layer, considering its actual cross section profile. The second one is a full model for the same structure, considering the pressure layer laying angle and the cross section as built. The last numerical model is a two-dimensional (2D) simplified version, considering the pressure layer as an equivalent ring. The first two numerical models consider contact nonlinearities and a nonlinear elastic-plastic material model for the pressure layer. The analytical model considers the pressure armor layer as an equivalent ring, taking into account geometrical and material nonlinear behaviors. Assumptions and results for each model are compared and discussed. The failure event and the corresponding stress state are commented.
Investigation of the Flow Structures in Supersonic Free and Impinging Jet Flows
Authors: Chin C. , Li M. , Harkin C. , Rochwerger T. , Chan L. , Ooi A. , Risborg A. , Soria J.
Published: February 2013

A numerical study of compressible jet flows is carried out using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence models such as k-ɛ and k-ω-SST. An experimental investigation is performed concurrently using high-speed optical methods such as Schlieren photography and shadowgraphy. Numerical and experimental studies are carried out for the compressible impinging at various impinging angles and nozzle-to-wall distances. The results from both investigations converge remarkably well and agree with experimental data from the open literature. From the flow visualizations of the velocity fields, the RANS simulations accurately model the shock structures within the core jet region. The first shock cell is found to be constraint due to the interaction with the bow-shock structure for nozzle-to-wall distance less than 1.5 nozzle diameter. The results from the current study show that the RANS models utilized are suitable to simulate compressible free jets and impinging jet flows with varying impinging angles.
Loss Coefficients for Periodically Unsteady Flows in Conduit Components: Illustrated for Laminar Flow in a Circular Duct and a 90 Degree Bend
Authors: Schmandt Bastian , Herwig Heinz
Published: February 2013

Losses in a flow through conduit components of a pipe system can be accounted for by head loss coefficients K. They can either be determined experimentally or from numerical solutions of the flow field. The physical interpretation is straight forward when these losses are related to the entropy generation in the flow field. This can be done based on the numerical solutions by the second law analysis (SLA) successfully applied for steady flows in the past. This analysis here is extended to unsteady laminar flow, exemplified by a periodic pulsating mass flow rate with the pulsation amplitude and the frequency as crucial parameters. First the numerical model is validated by comparing it to results for unsteady laminar pipe flow with analytical solutions for this case. Then K-values are determined for the benchmark case of a 90 deg bend with a square cross section which is well-documented for the steady case already. It turns out that time averaged values of K may significantly deviate from the corresponding steady values. The K-values determined for steady flow are a good approximation for the time-averaged values in the unsteady case only for small frequencies and small amplitudes.
Application of an Iterative High Order Difference Scheme Along With an Explicit System Solver for Solution of Stream Function-Vorticity Form of Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Ghadimi Parviz , Fard Mehdi Yousefi , Dashtimanesh Abbas
Published: February 2013

This paper describes the general convection-diffusion equation in 2D domain based on a particular fourth order finite difference method. The current fourth-order compact formulation is implemented for the first time, which offers a semi-explicit method of solution for the resulting equations. A nine point finite difference scheme with uniform grid spacing is also put into action for discretization purpose. The proposed numerical model is based on the Navier–Stokes equations in a stream function-vorticity formulation. The fast convergence characteristic can be mentioned as an advantage of this scheme. It combines the enhanced Fournié's fourth order scheme and the expanded fourth order boundary conditions, while offering a semi-explicit formulation. To accomplish this, some coefficients which do not influence the solutions are also omitted from Fournié's formulation. Consequently, very accurate results can be acquired with a relatively coarse mesh in a short time. The robustness and accuracy of the proposed scheme is proved using the benchmark problems of flow in a driven square cavity at medium and relatively high Reynolds numbers, flow over a backward-facing step, and flow in an L-shaped cavity.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Phylogenetically Closely Related Hydrogenobaculum sp. Isolates from Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Romano Christine , D'Imperio Seth , Woyke Tanja , Mavromatis Konstantinos , Lasken Roger , Shock Everett L. , McDermott Timothy R.
Published: February 2013

We describe the complete genome sequences of four closely relatedHydrogenobaculumsp. isolates (≥99.7% 16S rRNA gene identity) that were isolated from the outflow channel of Dragon Spring (DS), Norris Geyser Basin, in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), WY. The genomes range in size from 1,552,607 to 1,552,931 bp, contain 1,667 to 1,676 predicted genes, and are highly syntenic. There are subtle differences among the DS isolates, which as a group are different fromHydrogenobaculumsp. strain Y04AAS1 that was previously isolated from a geographically distinct YNP geothermal feature. Genes unique to the DS genomes encode arsenite [As(III)] oxidation, NADH-ubiquinone-plastoquinone (complex I), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain, a DNA photolyase, and elements of a type II secretion system. Functions unique to strain Y04AAS1 include thiosulfate metabolism, nitrate respiration, and mercury resistance determinants. DS genomes contain seven CRISPR loci that are almost identical but are different from the single CRISPR locus in strain Y04AAS1. Other differences between the DS and Y04AAS1 genomes include average nucleotide identity (94.764%) and percentage conserved DNA (80.552%). Approximately half of the genes unique to Y04AAS1 are predicted to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Fragment recruitment analysis and marker gene searches demonstrated that the DS metagenome was more similar to the DS genomes than to the Y04AAS1 genome, but that the DS community is likely comprised of a continuum ofHydrogenobaculumgenotypes that span from the DS genomes described here to an Y04AAS1-like organism, which appears to represent a distinct ecotype relative to the DS genomes characterized.
Multiple Propionyl Coenzyme A-Supplying Pathways for Production of the Bioplastic Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-
co
-3-Hydroxyvalerate) in Haloferax mediterranei
Authors: Han Jing , Hou Jing , Zhang Fan , Ai Guomin , Li Ming , Cai Shuangfeng , Liu Hailong , Wang Lei , Wang Zejian , Zhang Siliang , Cai Lei , Zhao Dahe , Zhou Jian , Xiang Hua
Published: February 2013

Haloferax mediterranei
is able to accumulate the bioplastic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-
co
-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with more than 10 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) from unrelated carbon sources. However, the pathways that produce propionyl coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA), an important precursor of 3HV monomer, have not yet been determined. Bioinformatic analysis of
H. mediterranei
genome indicated that this strain uses multiple pathways for propionyl-CoA biosynthesis, including the citramalate/2-oxobutyrate pathway, the aspartate/2-oxobutyrate pathway, the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway, and a novel 3-hydroxypropionate pathway. Cofeeding of pathway intermediates and inactivating pathway-specific genes supported that these four pathways were indeed involved in the biosynthesis of 3HV monomer. The novel 3-hydroxypropionate pathway that couples CO
2
assimilation with PHBV biosynthesis was further confirmed by analysis of
13
C positional enrichment in 3HV. Notably,
13
C metabolic flux analysis showed that the citramalate/2-oxobutyrate pathway (53.0% flux) and the 3-hydroxypropionate pathway (30.6% flux) were the two main generators of propionyl-CoA from glucose. In addition, genetic perturbation on the transcriptome of the Δ
phaEC
mutant (deficient in PHBV accumulation) revealed that a considerable number of genes in the four propionyl-CoA synthetic pathways were significantly downregulated. We determined for the first time four propionyl-CoA-supplying pathways for PHBV production in haloarchaea, particularly including a new 3-hydroxypropionate pathway. These results would provide novel strategies for the production of PHBV with controllable 3HV molar fraction.
Atypical Glycolysis in Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Zhou Jilai , Olson Daniel G. , Argyros D. Aaron , Deng Yu , van Gulik Walter M. , van Dijken Johannes P. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: February 2013

Cofactor specificities of glycolytic enzymes in
Clostridium thermocellum
were studied with cellobiose-grown cells from batch cultures. Intracellular glucose was phosphorylated by glucokinase using GTP rather than ATP. Although phosphofructokinase typically uses ATP as a phosphoryl donor, we found only pyrophosphate (PP
i
)-linked activity. Phosphoglycerate kinase used both GDP and ADP as phosphoryl acceptors. In agreement with the absence of a pyruvate kinase sequence in the
C. thermocellum
genome, no activity of this enzyme could be detected. Also, the annotated pyruvate phosphate dikinase (
ppdk
) is not crucial for the generation of pyruvate from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), as deletion of the
ppdk
gene did not substantially change cellobiose fermentation. Instead pyruvate formation is likely to proceed via a malate shunt with GDP-linked PEP carboxykinase, NADH-linked malate dehydrogenase, and NADP-linked malic enzyme. High activities of these enzymes were detected in extracts of cellobiose-grown cells. Our results thus show that GTP is consumed while both GTP and ATP are produced in glycolysis of
C. thermocellum
. The requirement for PP
i
in this pathway can be satisfied only to a small extent by biosynthetic reactions, in contrast to what is generally assumed for a PP
i
-dependent glycolysis in anaerobic heterotrophs. Metabolic network analysis showed that most of the required PP
i
must be generated via ATP or GTP hydrolysis exclusive of that which happens during biosynthesis. Experimental proof for the necessity of an alternative mechanism of PP
i
generation was obtained by studying the glycolysis in washed-cell suspensions in which biosynthesis was absent. Under these conditions, cells still fermented cellobiose to ethanol.
Modular Evolution of Tn
GBS
s, a New Family of Integrative and Conjugative Elements Associating Insertion Sequence Transposition, Plasmid Replication, and Conjugation for Their Spreading
Authors: Guérillot Romain , Da Cunha Violette , Sauvage Elisabeth , Bouchier Christiane , Glaser Philippe
Published: February 2013

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) have a major impact on gene flow and genome dynamics in bacteria. The ICEs Tn
GBS1
and Tn
GBS2
, first identified in
Streptococcus agalactiae
, use a DDE transposase, unlike most characterized ICEs, which depend on a phage-like integrase for their mobility. Here we identified 56 additional Tn
GBS
-related ICEs by systematic genome analysis. Interestingly, all except one are inserted in streptococcal genomes. Sequence comparison of the proteins conserved among these ICEs defined two subtypes related to Tn
GBS1
or Tn
GBS2
. We showed that both types encode different conjugation modules: a type IV secretion system, a VirD4 coupling protein, and a relaxase and its cognate
oriT
site, shared with distinct lineages of conjugative elements of
Firmicutes
. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Tn
GBS
s evolved from two conjugative elements of different origins by the successive recruitment of a transposition module derived from insertion sequences (ISs). Furthermore, Tn
GBS
s share replication modules with different plasmids. Mutational analyses and conjugation experiments showed that Tn
GBS1
and Tn
GBS2
combine replication and transposition upstream promoters for their transfer and stabilization. Despite an evolutionarily successful horizontal dissemination within the genus
Streptococcus
, these ICEs have a restricted host range. However, we reveal that for Tn
GBS1
and Tn
GBS2
, this host restriction is not due to a transfer incompatibility linked to the conjugation machineries but most likely to their ability for transient maintenance through replication after their transfer.
The acute management of haemorrhage, surgery and overdose in patients receiving dabigatran
Authors: Alikhan Raza , Rayment Rachel , Keeling David , Baglin Trevor , Benson Gary , Green Laura , Marshall Scott , Patel Raj , Pavord Sue , Rose Peter , Tait Campbell
Published: February 2013

Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) licensed for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and likely to be soon approved in Europe for treatment of venous thrombosis. Predictable pharmacokinetics and a reduced risk of intracranial haemorrhage do not negate the potential risk of haemorrhage. Unlike warfarin, there is no reversal agent and measurement of the anticoagulant effect is not ‘routine’. The prothrombin time/international normalised ratio response to dabigatran is inconsistent and should not be measured when assessing a patient who is bleeding or needs emergency surgery. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) provides a qualitative measurement of the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. Knowledge of the time of last dose is important for interpretation of the APTT. Commercially available DTI assays provide a quantitative measurement of active dabigatran concentration in the plasma. If a patient receiving dabigatran presents with bleeding: omit/delay next dose of dabigatran; measure APTT and thrombin time (consider DTI assay if available); administer activated charcoal, with sorbitol, if within 2 h of dabigatran ingestion; give tranexamic acid (1 g intravenously if significant bleeding); maintain renal perfusion and urine output to aid dabigatran excretion. Dabigatran exhibits low protein binding and may be removed by dialysis. Supportive care should form the mainstay of treatment. If bleeding is life/limb threatening, consider an additional haemostatic agent. There is currently no evidence to support the choice of one haemostatic agent (FEIBA, recombinant factor VIIa, prothrombin complex concentrates) over another. Choice will depend on access to and experience with available haemostatic agent(s).
Ki67 and proliferation in breast cancer
Authors: Pathmanathan Nirmala , Balleine Rosemary L
Published: February 2013

New approaches to the prognostic assessment of breast cancer have come from molecular profiling studies. A major feature of this work has been to emphasise the importance of cancer cell proliferation as a key discriminative indicator of recurrence risk for oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer in particular. Mitotic count scoring, as a component of histopathological grade, has long formed part of a routine evaluation of breast cancer biology. However, there is an increasingly compelling case to include a specific proliferation score in breast cancer pathology reports based on expression of the cell cycle regulated protein Ki67. Immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 is a widely available and economical test with good tolerance of pre-analytical variations and staining conditions. However, there is currently no evidence based protocol established to derive a reliable and informative Ki67 score for routine clinical use. In this circumstance, pathologists must establish a standardised framework for scoring Ki67 and communicating results to a multidisciplinary team.
John Whitaker Hulke, surgeon and palaeontologist
Authors: Wills Simon
Published: February 2013

John Whitaker Hulke was one of the early pioneers of vertebrate palaeontology whose work is now somewhat forgotten. At various times he was President of the Geological Society, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, President of the Clinical Society and President of the Pathological Society. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and Consulting Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital. His initial research into dinosaurs was based around specimens collected by Mr Mansel Pleydell of Blandford in Dorset. He also developed a close friendship with the Reverend William Fox on the Isle of Wight and for a time Hulke had almost exclusive access to this collection. The sauropod
Ornithopsis hulkei
was named in his honour by his friend Harry Govier
Seeley in 1870
. Hulke described and named a number of dinosaurs including
Eucamerotus
,
Cumnoria
(=
Iguanodon
)
prestwichii
and
Lexovisaurus
(=
Omosaurus
)
durobrivensis
, amongst others. Hulke attempted the first complete skeletal reconstruction of the small ornithopod dinosaur
Hypsilophodon foxii
. He is also credited with the first detailed description of
Polacanthus foxii
. His personal collection was donated to the British Museum by his widow Julia and is now stored in the Natural History Museum, London.
Chemotherapy Alters Monocyte Differentiation to Favor Generation of Cancer-Supporting M2 Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dijkgraaf Eveline M. , Heusinkveld Moniek , Tummers Bart , Vogelpoel Lisa T.C. , Goedemans Renske , Jha Veena , Nortier Johan W.R. , Welters Marij J.P. , Kroep Judith R. , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: February 2013

Current therapy of gynecologic malignancies consists of platinum-containing chemotherapy. Resistance to therapy is associated with increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 2 inflammatory mediators known to skew differentiation of monocytes to tumor-promoting M2 macrophages. We investigated the impact of cisplatin and carboplatin on 10 different cervical and ovarian cancer cell lines as well as on the ability of the tumor cells to affect the differentiation and function of cocultured monocytes in vitro. Treatment with cisplatin or carboplatin increased the potency of tumor cell lines to induce IL-10–producing M2 macrophages, which displayed increased levels of activated STAT3 due to tumor-produced IL-6 as well as decreased levels of activated STAT1 and STAT6 related to the PGE2 production of tumor cells. Blockade of canonical NF-κB signaling showed that the effect of the chemotherapy was abrogated, preventing the subsequent increased production of PGE2 and/or IL-6 by the tumor cell lines. Treatment with the COX-inhibitor indomethacin and/or the clinical monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), tocilizumab, prevented M2-differentiation. Importantly, no correlation existed between the production of PGE2 or IL-6 by cancer cells and their resistance to chemotherapy-induced cell death, indicating that other mechanisms underlie the reported chemoresistance of tumors producing these factors. Our data suggest that a chemotherapy-mediated increase in tumor-promoting M2 macrophages may form an indirect mechanism for chemoresistance. Hence, concomitant therapy with COX inhibitors and/or IL-6R antibodies might increase the clinical effect of platinum-based chemotherapy in otherwise resistant tumors. Cancer Res; 73(8); 2480–92. ©2013 AACR.
Ending the Physical Punishment of Children by Parents in the English-speaking World: The Impact of Language, Tradition and Law
Authors: Saunders Bernadette J.
Published: February 2013

Ending the physical punishment of children remains an enormous challenge. In societies which tolerate even limited physical punishment as discipline or control, it is a response to children that adults may unthinkingly adopt simply because they can. This paper primarily focuses on the language, traditions and law prevailing in English-speaking, common law countries – Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom – that have ratified the CRC but have not yet fully outlawed physical punishment. New Zealand, the first English-speaking country to ban physical punishment, and the United States which has neither ratified the CRC nor fully outlawed physical punishment, are also discussed. Separately, language, traditional attitudes and practices, and laws impacting children’s lives are considered, with a view to envisioning a status quo where adults and children are accorded equal respect as human beings and any degree of physical violence towards children is regarded as an aberration.
Emotion, Ritual, and the Individual: The Production of Community in Evangelicalism*
Authors: Walthert Rafael
Published: February 2013

This paper asks about the production of religious community in modern society: How can the success of a strict Evangelical community in a secularized environment be explained? To find an answer to this question, an approach to emotion based on Randall Collins’ interaction ritual chain theory is applied to data from participant observation in an Evangelical church in Switzerland. The weekly service as a highly orchestrated event characterized by a mutual focus and rhythmic entrainment imbues the communal symbols with emotions and plausibility. Through ritual interaction, three potentially disruptive communal tensions are transformed into solidarity: (1) highly transcendent theological concepts are translated into a simplified form which can be ritualized and gain immanence in the ritual actions of the participants; (2) the Evangelical emphasis on the individual and its religious decision on the semantic side are structurally transformed into the confirmation and reproduction of the community; (3) through the collectively shared emotions the potentially disruptive individual tendency towards immediate emotional gratification becomes aligned with the norms of the community.
The Genomic Revolution and Beliefs about Essential Racial Differences
Authors: Phelan Jo C. , Link Bruce G. , Feldman Naumi M.
Published: February 2013

Could the explosion of genetic research in recent decades affect our conceptions of race? In Backdoor to Eugenics, Duster argues that reports of specific racial differences in genetic bases of disease, in part because they are presented as objective facts whose social implications are not readily apparent, may heighten public belief in more pervasive racial differences. We tested this hypothesis with a multi-method study. A content analysis showed that news articles discussing racial differences in genetic bases of disease increased significantly between 1985 and 2008 and were significantly less likely than non–health-related articles about race and genetics to discuss social implications. A survey experiment conducted with a nationally representative sample of 559 adults found that a news-story vignette reporting a specific racial difference in genetic risk for heart attacks (the Backdoor Vignette) produced significantly greater belief in essential racial differences than did a vignette portraying race as a social construction or a no-vignette condition. The Backdoor Vignette produced beliefs in essential racial differences that were virtually identical to those produced by a vignette portraying race as a genetic reality. These results suggest that an unintended consequence of the genomic revolution may be the reinvigoration of age-old beliefs in essential racial differences.
Fearless Fighters and Submissive Wives
Authors: Baaz Maria Eriksson , Stern Maria
Published: February 2013

This article addresses an underreported aspect of contemporary warring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): the experiences of women soldiers and officers in the Congolese national armed forces (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo [FARDC]). It thus addresses an empirical gap in scholarly and policy knowledge about female soldiers in national armies on the African continent, and the DRC in particular. Based on original interviews, the article explores the way female soldiers in the FARDC understand their identities as “women soldiers” and offers new insight into women soldiers’ role and responsibilities in the widespread violence committed against civilians in the DRC. Moreover, it explores how their understanding of themselves as “women soldiers” both challenges and confirms familiar notions of the army as a masculine sphere. Such insight is important for better understanding the gendered makeup of the military and for contributing to a knowledge base for Security Sector Reform in this violent (post)conflict setting.
The War against the Female Soldier? The Effects of Masculine Culture on Workplace Aggression
Authors: Koeszegi Sabine T. , Zedlacher Eva , Hudribusch René
Published: February 2013

This study intends to analyze the relationship between military culture, masculine norms, attitude toward women, and workplace aggression. By using a paper-pencil survey in the Austrian Armed Forces, we show that overall 6.5 percent of all soldiers in the sample suffer from severe, long-term collective aggression (bullying). The detailed analysis suggests that systematic workplace aggression is associated with a culture with high power orientation and adherence to traditional (masculine) military norms. It occurs most often within socialization processes in training centers as well as in combat units. Conversely, culture in support units has high levels of task orientation with a comparably positive attitude toward female soldiers and less reported workplace aggression. The data reveal the gender dimension of workplace aggression in the Austrian Armed Forces: women are significantly more vulnerable to bullying. Almost every second soldier declares to have observed and every tenth soldier admits to have conducted aggressive acts against women.
Integrating Test-Form Formatting Into Automated Test Assembly
Authors: Diao Qi , van der Linden Wim J.
Published: February 2013

Automated test assembly uses the methodology of mixed integer programming to select an optimal set of items from an item bank. Automated test-form generation uses the same methodology to optimally order the items and format the test form. From an optimization point of view, production of fully formatted test forms directly from the item pool using a simultaneous optimization model is more attractive than any of the current, more time-consuming two-stage processes. The goal of this study was to provide such simultaneous models both for computer-delivered and paper forms, as well as explore their performances relative to two-stage optimization. Empirical examples are presented to show that it is possible to automatically produce fully formatted optimal test forms directly from item pools up to some 2,000 items on a regular PC in realistic times.
Blood conservation strategies reduce the need for transfusions in ascending and aortic arch surgery
Authors: Chu MWA , Losenno KL , Moore K , Berta D , Hewitt J , Ralley F
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Ascending and aortic arch surgery is associated with higher levels of blood loss and subsequent need for allogeneic blood transfusions. We hypothesized that aggressive, comprehensive blood conservation strategies may limit the need for transfusions and, subsequently, improve postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

Over a five-year period, 189 patients underwent proximal aortic surgery at our institution. Fifty-one patients underwent surgery using a comprehensive blood conservation strategy (BCS), including preoperative hemoglobin optimization, antifibrinolytic therapy, intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage and meticulous surgical technique. The remaining 138 patients underwent surgery using conventional techniques (CONV).

Results:

Patients in the BCS group required fewer transfusions during their hospital stay compared to the conventional group (56.9% vs. 72.5%, p=0.041). When examining elective cases, this trend widens, with 40.0% of BCS patients requiring any transfusions compared to 72.9% patients in the conventional group (p=0.001). Red cell (47.1% vs. 62.3%, p=0.06), plasma (43.1% vs. 61.6%, p=0.02) and platelets (27.5% vs. 47.8%, p=0.01) were also less frequently required in the BCS group than the conventional group, respectively. When a transfusion was required, patients in the BCS group received significantly fewer units of red blood cells (2.8 ± 7.0 units) than the conventional group (5.81 ± 9.5 units; p=0.039). Mortality was similar in both groups (BCS 7.8%, conventional 10.9%, p=0.54); however, there was significantly less morbidity in the BCS group, using a composite of any of 10 major postoperative complications (23.5% vs. 39.1%; p=0.046). Median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay were 2 and 7 days in the BCS group and 2 and 8 days in the CONV group (p=0.15), respectively.

Conclusions:

The aggressive use of a comprehensive blood conservation strategy in ascending and aortic arch surgery can significantly reduce the need for blood transfusions and is associated with less postoperative morbidity. Further evaluation with a randomized, controlled trial is warranted.