bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydatid cyst of the cardiac interventricular septum
Authors: Naeem Syed Nadir , Burhan Hira , Khan Ghufranullah
Published: November 2013

Hydatid cysts of the cardiac interventricular septum are rare and present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman who was successfully treated with cyst excision and capitonnage.
Clinical Outcomes of Revision Meniscal Repair
Authors: Imade Shinji , Kumahashi Nobuyuki , Kuwata Suguru , Kadowaki Masaru , Ito Syuji , Uchio Yuji
Published: November 2013

Background:

Meniscal preservation results in better clinical outcomes than meniscectomy; however, no studies have evaluated the results of revision meniscal repair.

Hypothesis:

Revision meniscal repair can achieve good clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study participants were 16 patients with symptomatic meniscal retears of a total of 96 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic meniscal repair. Fifteen of these 16 patients underwent revision meniscal repair. The mean age at revision was 27 years, and the mean duration between the primary operation and revision was 27 months. Eight patients had degenerative changes of the meniscus at revision. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score and the Tegner sports activity score, and image assessment was performed using magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Five patients had re-retears of a resutured meniscus, and the mean duration between revision and the re-retear was 25 months (range, 8-68 months). The mean follow-up of patients without re-retears was 41 months (range, 24-74 months), and the mean Lysholm score in those without re-retears significantly improved from 81.4 points (range, 73-89 points) at pre-revision to 97.4 points (range, 90-100 points) at the final survey ( P = .0001). Degenerative changes of the meniscus at the revision site were observed in all 5 patients with re-retears but in only 3 of the 10 patients without re-retears.

Conclusion:

Revision meniscal repair should be considered in the setting of a retorn meniscus without degenerative changes.
A Systematic Review of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Watson Jonathan N. , McQueen Peter , Hutchinson Mark R.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow has become increasingly more frequent among elite overhead athletes. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review comparing the clinical outcomes and biomechanical results of the Jobe, modified Jobe, docking, modified docking, Endobutton, and interference screw techniques for UCL reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

The docking technique will have significantly fewer complications and improved return-to-play rate.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Using the Medline PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases, a search was performed of all published articles, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series, examining UCL reconstructions performed using one of the above noted techniques and excluding case reports and hybrid techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using a χ2 test of independence and 2-proportion Z test.

Results:

A total of 21 studies, 7 biomechanical and 14 clinical, met the inclusion criteria. There were 1368 patients. The overall complication rate was 18.6% (255/1368), further subdivided into 21 for the Jobe technique (29.2%), 203 for the modified Jobe technique (19.1%), 2 for the interference screw technique (10.0%), 2 (4.3%) for the modified docking technique, and 10 for the docking technique (6.0%). The most common complication across all studies was ulnar nerve neurapraxia in 176 patients (12.9%). The overall rate of return to play was 78.9%.

Conclusion:

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction utilizing the docking technique results in a significantly higher rate of return to play and a lower complication rate when compared with the Jobe and modified Jobe techniques.

Clinical Relevance:

A lower complication rate can lead to increased rates of return to play and better outcomes postoperatively.
Evidence-Based Program Replication
Authors: Primetica Branka , Menne Heather L. , Bollin Salli , Teri Linda , Molea Marc
Published: November 2013

With a growing number of evidence-based programs, it is necessary to understand the translation activities, experiences, and challenges of program replication in a community setting. This article reviews the implementation tasks necessary for agencies to implement the Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease (RDAD) intervention. It presents the importance of using original evidence-based program protocols and enhancing them to best fit service settings by reviewing the translation and implementation activities of (a) selecting and training program and supervisory staff; (b) recruiting, screening, and consenting participants to enroll in the program; and (c) developing a manual to guide community-based program replication. Furthermore, the process revealed that the replication of an evidence-based program can take place within the realities of a community setting with input from program oversight, implementation, and evaluation staff and the original researcher.
The determination of an optimal waste management scenario for Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Oyoo Richard , Leemans Rik , Mol Arthur PJ
Published: November 2013

The quality of the environment in the city of Kampala is deteriorating. The city needs a novel waste management approach to improve the environmental quality in its heterogeneous settlement patterns. Earlier, an integrated urban waste flow model (IUWFM) was applied to project the future waste flows and their impacts on the environment of Kampala using four waste management scenarios. These scenarios were ‘business-as-usual’, ‘more enforcement’, ‘more collection’ and ‘proper management’. The robustness of the scenario results was determined by using a multi-criteria decision analysis. Twenty-four criteria were identified and grouped as environmental, economic, social, technological and general. Equal weights were assigned to these five sets of criteria. The four scenarios were evaluated against all criteria, and a sensitivity analysis was performed on the role of the equal weights on the choice of the scenarios. The results showed that ‘proper management’ scenario, which integrates diverse technologies and management programs matching with the local context, is the optimal approach to improve Kampala’s environmental quality. Scenarios that emphasized more waste collection, but less resource recovery were ranked in the middle. The scenario of maintaining the status quo performed worst. Application of a mix of diverse technologies and management programs matching the local conditions is the most optimal solution to improve Kampala’s environmental quality.
Performance Management for Academic Researchers
Authors: Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher , Andersen Lotte Bøgh
Published: November 2013

Using performance management systems that motivate employees to high performance is central for many public leaders. Command systems, which are based on the threat of sanctions, are typically used in public organizations, but we have little knowledge about the effects of such systems. Principal agent theory expects that harder command systems improve performance, and motivation crowding theory agrees that this will be the case, if agents perceive the command system as supportive. However, motivation crowding theory expects that a command system perceived as controlling will be less effective and perhaps even harm the performance due to crowding out effects. The expectation is confirmed in this study, which builds on register and survey panel data from 101 researchers over 10 years (2000-2009) combined with 19 interviews. Although research institutions are not typical public organizations, the results imply that public leaders should take employee perceptions of command systems very seriously.
Dextran/Albumin hydrogel sealant for Dacron® vascular prosthesis
Authors: Lisman Anna , Butruk Beata , Wasiak Iga , Ciach Tomasz
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the authors describe a novel type of hydrogel coating prepared from the copolymer of human serum albumin and oxidized dextran. The material was designed as a hydrogel sealant for polyester (Dacron®)-based vascular grafts. Dextran was chosen as a coating material due to its anti-thrombogenic properties. Prepared hydrogels were compared with similar, already known biomaterial made from gelatine with the same cross-linking agent. Obtained hydrogels, prepared from various ratios of oxidized dextran/albumin or oxidized dextran/gelatine, showed different cross-linking densities, which caused differences in swelling, degradation rate and mechanical properties. Permeability tests confirmed the complete tightness of the hydrogel-modified prosthesis. Results showed that application of the hydrogel coating provided leakage-free prosthesis and eliminated the need of pre-clotting.
Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and a Christian Upbringing
Authors: Levy Denise L. , Edmiston Autumn
Published: November 2013

This article compares the results of two qualitative studies, the first examining conflict between sexual identity and a Christian upbringing and the second examining conflict between gender identity and a Christian upbringing. After briefly reviewing the theoretical frameworks, methodology, and results of these two studies, similarities and differences will be discussed. Finally, this article will offer implications for theory and practice as well as recommendations for future research.
Vicarious Resilience
Authors: Pack Margaret
Published: November 2013

The original framework used by McCann and Pearlman, 1990 was reviewed for relevance by 22 counsellors registered as trauma therapists in New Zealand. As predicted by the vicarious traumatization theory, the counsellors who were interviewed were profoundly impacted by their work with trauma survivors, particularly within the first five years of practice. The experience of vicarious traumatization generated a search for meaning which enabled the counselors to evolve strategies and ways of being that effectively fostered personal and professional resilience. This immersion in trauma, paradoxically, enhanced the participants' ability to `bounce back' or buffer the more negative effects of the work. Clinical supervision, the use of support, humour, spirituality, and ongoing training were variables identified by the participants as ameliorating vicarious traumatization.
Design and analysis of a novel robotic gripper integrated with a three-phalanx finger
Authors: Lee Wei-chen , Wu Chih-Wei
Published: November 2013

The paper describes the development of an innovative robotic gripper. To increase grasping stability without using too much space or causing control complexity, a three-phalanx underactuated finger is embedded in the gripper. This research mainly focuses on the mechanical design, kinematic, and static analyses of the robotic gripper. The results obtained through both simulation and experiments show good correlation with the analytical results. The preliminary experimental grasping results demonstrate that this robotic gripper with an embedded finger can successfully perform various activities of daily living.
War’s Enduring Effects on the Development of Egalitarian Motivations and In-Group Biases
Authors: Bauer Michal , Cassar Alessandra , Chytilová Julie , Henrich Joseph
Published: November 2013

In suggesting that new nations often coalesce in the decades following war, historians have posed an important psychological question: Does the experience of war generate an enduring elevation in people’s egalitarian motivations toward their in-group? We administered social-choice tasks to more than 1,000 children and adults differentially affected by wars in the Republic of Georgia and Sierra Leone. We found that greater exposure to war created a lasting increase in people’s egalitarian motivations toward their in-group, but not their out-groups, during a developmental window starting in middle childhood (around 7 years of age) and ending in early adulthood (around 20 years of age). Outside this window, war had no measurable impact on social motivations in young children and had only muted effects on the motivations of older adults. These “war effects” are broadly consistent with predictions from evolutionary approaches that emphasize the importance of group cooperation in defending against external threats, though they also highlight key areas in need of greater theoretical development.
The Ground Side of an Object
Authors: Sanguinetti Joseph L. , Allen John J. B. , Peterson Mary A.
Published: November 2013

Traditional theories of perception posit that only objects access semantics; abutting, patently shapeless grounds do not. Surprisingly, this assumption has been untested until now. In two experiments, participants classified silhouettes as depicting meaningful real-world or meaningless novel objects while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. The borders of half of the novel objects suggested portions of meaningful objects on the ground side. Participants were unaware of these meaningful objects because grounds are perceived as shapeless. In Experiment 1, in which silhouettes were presented twice, N400 ERP repetition effects indicated that semantics were accessed for novel silhouettes that suggested meaningful objects in the ground and for silhouettes that depicted real-world objects, but not for novel silhouettes that did not suggest meaningful objects in the ground. In Experiment 2, repetition was manipulated via matching prime words. This experiment replicated the effect observed in Experiment 1. These experiments provide the first neurophysiological evidence that semantic access can occur for the apparently shapeless ground side of a border.
Reframing public service employment relations: The impact of economic crisis and the new EU economic governance
Authors: Bach Stephen , Bordogna Lorenzo
Published: November 2013

This article introduces six national studies covering 11 countries of the EU-15, analysing the impact of government austerity measures on the working conditions of public employees and on public sector employment relations. It stresses how international financial markets and supranational actors have altered the dynamics of employment relations in a sector traditionally considered sheltered from external forces. Nevertheless, public sector employment relations remain distinctive compared to the private sector. There has been increased government unilateralism in the determination of pay and conditions, and public sector trade unions face obvious difficulties.
Collective bargaining and reforms to hospital healthcare provision: A comparison of the UK, Italy and France
Authors: Galetto Manuela , Marginson Paul , Spieser Catherine
Published: November 2013

Reforms inspired by the ‘new public management’ approach have changed the provision of hospital healthcare and challenged established arrangements for governing the workforce. We identify four main reform processes in three countries, and examine their impact on collective bargaining and administrative and statutory mechanisms of workforce governance. Although the extent and nature of reforms play a role in the changes to workforce governance, political choices and the interests and responses of organized employers and trade unions intervene to shape outcomes.
Attenuation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase activity contributes to GABA increase in the cerebral cortex of mice exposed to β-cypermethrin
Authors: Han Y , Cao D , Li X , Zhang R , Yu F , Ren Y , An L
Published: November 2013

The current study investigated the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and GABA metabolic enzymes (GABA transaminase (GABAT) and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)) activities at 2 and 4 h after treatment, using a high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detectors and colorimetric assay, in the cerebral cortex of mice treated with 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg β-cypermethrin by a single oral gavage, with corn oil as vehicle control. In addition, GABA protein (4 h after treatment), GABAT protein (2 h after treatment) and GABA receptors messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. β-Cypermethrin (80 mg/kg) significantly increased GABA levels in the cerebral cortex of mice, at both 2 and 4 h after treatment, compared with the control. Also, GABA immunohistochemistry results suggested that the number of positive granules was increased in the cerebral cortex of mice 4 h after exposure to 80 mg/kg β-cypermethrin when compared with the control. Furthermore, the results also showed that GABAT activity detected was significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex of mice 2 h after β-cypermethrin administration (40 or 80 mg/kg). No significant changes were found in GAD activity, or the expression of GABAT protein and GABAB receptors mRNA, in the cerebral cortex of mice, except that 80 mg/kg β-cypermethrin caused a significant decrease, compared with the vehicle control, in GABAA receptors mRNA expression 4 h after administration. These results suggested that attenuated GABAT activity induced by β-cypermethrin contributed to increased GABA levels in the mouse brain. The downregulated GABAA receptors mRNA expression is most likely a downstream event.
Protective effect of selected calcium channel blockers and prednisolone, a phospholipase-A2 inhibitor, against gentamicin and carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Akindele AJ , Adeneye AA , Olatoye F , Benebo AS
Published: November 2013

The ameliorative effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and a phospholipase-A2 inhibitor in drug-/chemical-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated. Rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats in each group. In the gentamicin model, group I rats were pretreated with normal saline (10 ml kg−1), while groups II–VII rats were pretreated with normal saline (10 ml kg−1), ascorbic acid (10 mg kg−1), nifedipine (0.86 mg kg−1), verapamil (4.3 mg kg−1), diltiazem (3.43 mg kg−1), and prednisolone (0.57 mg kg−1), respectively, perorally 1 h before intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of gentamicin (40 mg kg−1) for 14 days. In the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model, rats were pretreated with CCBs and prednisolone for 7 days before inducing nephrotoxicity with 20% CCl4 (1.5 ml kg−1). Rats were thereafter killed and blood and tissue samples were collected for assessments. I.p. injections of gentamicin and CCl4 caused significant hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hyperchloremic alkalosis and reduced renal tissue levels of antioxidants. Also, significant reductions in the hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, and platelet indices were observed. Pretreatments with nifedipine (0.86 mg kg−1), verapamil (4.3 mg kg−1), diltiazem (3.43 mg kg−1), and prednisolone (0.57 mg kg−1) significantly ameliorated the deleterious effects of gentamicin and CCl4 possibly via antioxidant and anti-lipoperoxidation mechanisms. The results obtained in this study suggest potential clinical usefulness of tested CCBs and prednisolone in drug-/chemical-induced nephrotoxicity.
What Does It Take for Social Work to Evolve to Science Status? Discussing Definition, Structure, and Contextual Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Guerrero Erick G.
Published: November 2013

The emerging discourse on science in social work (SW) has generated much-needed analysis of the profession’s status as a scientific enterprise. Brekke raised critical issues that must be addressed for SW to become a science. This response examines the contextual factors that led to the call for SW science. It also relies on a comparative analysis of attempts by other professions and disciplines to become scientific to discuss critical challenges and opportunities for SW to evolve to science status in the highly contentious scientific environment of the 21st century.
Comparison of Hospice Use by European Americans, African Americans, and Latinos
Authors: Colón Merydawilda , Lyke Jennifer
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the rate of hospice use by Latinos and African Americans relative to their prevalence in the general population between 2004 and 2010 as a follow-up to a previous investigation. Archival data ( N = 2625) were collected on patients' race/ethnicity, gender, marital status, length of stay in hospice, and reason for discharge. In contrast to previous findings, African Americans were more likely to utilize hospice services, but Latinos were less likely to use hospice services compared to the other groups. There were no differences among the racial/ethnic groups in terms of length of stay or disposition at termination. Strengthening efforts to reach a larger racial/ethnic representation in hospice programs may increase the rate of hospice use by some racial/ethnic groups but not others.
Fibroblastic Reticulum Cell Tumor of Spleen
Authors: Karim Zain , Saravana Rajagopal , Shenjere Patrick , Reid Fergus
Published: November 2013

Fibroblastic reticulum cells (FBRCs) belong to a major subtype of stromal support cells in the lymphoid system and rarely give rise to tumors. We report a case of fibroblastic reticulum cell tumor arising in the spleen. The tumor was clinically and radiologically mistaken for a metastatic deposit in the spleen. Microscopically the tumor was composed of spindle cells arranged in fascicles and storiform pattern. The cells had oval to elongated vesicular nuclei and pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with indistinct cell borders. There were admixed inflammatory cells, including large numbers of plasma cells. The tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, desmin, AE1/AE3, and MNF116. They were negative for S100, CD1a, CD21, CD23, CD34, CD31, and CD35 among other markers. The morphological features and immunoprofile of this rare tumor in comparison to the few cases reported in the literature are discussed along with the positive reaction with cytokeratins and their relationship to the smaller subset of FBRCs, the cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cells in the spleen.
Gait Analysis in Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery—Topical Review, Part 1
Authors: Mayich D. Joshua , Novak Alison , Vena Daniel , Daniels Timothy R. , Brodsky James W.
Published: November 2013

Gait analysis, the systematic study of human walking, is a field that has been studied for well over 100 years. With the technological and scientific advancements of the last several decades, there has been substantial improvement in our understanding of the mechanics of human walking. Particularly important has been the advancement in understanding of the differences between normal and pathological gait. The purpose of this paper is to review the principles of gait analysis, with a particular focus on the underlying methods and science. This will assist orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons in better understanding the methods and meaning of gait research and the publications that commonly appear in the orthopedic foot and ankle surgery literature.

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Intelligent proportional-integral (iPI) control of a single link flexible joint manipulator
Authors: Agee John T , Kizir Selcuk , Bingul Zafer
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the design, stability analysis and experimental validation of a computationally non-intensive, model-free, intelligent proportional-integral (iPI) controller for flexible joint manipulators. In order to show the performance of the iPI controller, it is compared with classical proportional-integral and proportional-integral-derivative controllers. Based on this comparison, the iPI-controlled system achieved a better than 60% tracking accuracy for both kane trajectory and sine input tracking. The iPI controller also significantly reduced transient swings in the flexible joint of the manipulator, when tracking a train of pulses. Moreover, the iPI controlled system successfully eliminated both disturbances and noise effects from the dynamics of the manipulator.
Revisiting a Genre
Authors: Toth Christopher
Published: November 2013

Infographics exist on nearly any topic you can imagine, proliferating in the digital age with social media. As this genre continues to explode in the business scene, business and professional communication instructors can no longer ignore showing their students infographics. After first defining the genre and outlining how it situates itself within business and professional communication, this article offers two approaches to increase awareness and exposure of infographics for students. The first focuses on an analysis assignment using infographics; the second focuses on a production assignment.
Finite weakest-link model of lifetime distribution of quasibrittle structures under fatigue loading
Authors: Le Jia-Liang , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: November 2013

The design of various engineering structures, such as buildings, infrastructure, aircraft, ships, as well as microelectronic components and medical implants, must ensure an extremely low probability of failure during their service lifetime. Since such a low probability is beyond the means of histogram testing, we must rely on some physically based probabilistic model for the statistics of structural lifetime. Attention is focused on structures consisting of quasibrittle materials. These are brittle materials with inhomogeneities that are not negligible compared with the structure size, as exemplified by concrete, fiber composites, tough ceramics, rocks, sea ice, bone, wood, and many more at the micro- or nano-scale. This paper presents a finite weakest-link model of the fatigue lifetime of quasibrittle structures that fail at the fracture of one representative volume element (RVE). In this model, the probability distribution of critical stress amplitude is first derived by assuming a prescribed number of loading cycles and a fixed stress ratio. The probability distribution of fatigue lifetime is then deduced from the probability distribution of critical stress amplitude through the Paris law for fatigue crack growth. It is shown that the present theory matches well with the experimentally measured lifetime histograms of various engineering and dental ceramics, which systematically deviate from the two-parameter Weibull distribution. The theory indicates that the mean fatigue lifetime of quasibrittle structures must strongly depend on the structure size and geometry. Finally, the present model indicates that the probability distribution of fatigue lifetime can be determined from the mean size effect analysis.
Above the Message and Beyond Reach: Persuasion Knowledge By A European Teenage Beer Commercial Audience
Authors: Hellman Matilda , Demant Jakob , Rolando Sara , Rossetti Sara , Wothge Jördis , Gosselt Jordy , Bujalski Michał
Published: November 2013

The article accounts for qualitative knowledge on European adolescents’ (n=326) ad literacy, genre scepticism and persuasion knowledge as expressed in group discussions about televised beer commercials. Data was collected from six European countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Poland. A general scepticism regarding the commercials’ tactics of persuasion dominated the material as a whole. There were no significant cross-country, gender or age variations between the materials regarding the level of ad scepticism. The students had great beliefs in their own coping and resisting abilities and attempts of persuasion were generally judged as unlikely to succeed. The study suggests that critical ad-literacy is not culturally bound to the same extent as attitudes towards drinking. The researchers point out an opportunity to use the format of the FGs to stimulate the expression of persuasion knowledge among young people.
Advancing emotionally intelligent justice within public life and popular culture
Authors: Flynn Nick
Published: November 2013

Based on the understanding that traditional forms of justice are characterized by ‘affective authoritarianism’, Lawrence W Sherman has argued that a new system of emotionally intelligent justice is needed to nurture the expression of positive, beneficial emotions; and to control negative, detrimental ones. The policy approach advocated to advance this progressive agenda of penal reform involves critical theory, institutional innovation and empirical research focused primarily on the alternative paradigm of restorative justice. Irrespective of the ‘truth’ or ‘fairness’ of emotionally intelligent justice, this article argues that, because emotions are constructed through socio-cultural circumstances and are integral to ethical judgements which legitimize traditional forms of justice in contemporary public life, managing emotions in criminal justice settings requires reform that is not only critical and experimental, but also public and popular.
Hanging out at home: Laundry as a thread and texture of everyday life
Authors: Pink Sarah , Mackley Kerstin L. , Moroşanu Roxana
Published: November 2013

Laundry, one of the most mundane but most fundamental everyday life activities, has received little attention in cultural studies of everyday life. In contrast it has attracted the analytical attention of sociologists of everyday practices and social relations, and energy and health researchers. Here we suggest that an approach which attends to theoretical turns towards phenomenology, spatiality and materiality can offer a new interpretation of the significance and implications of laundry in everyday life. Drawing on research in 20 UK households, we focus on the example of indoor laundry drying to interpret laundry through a theory of place and materiality. We suggest that such an approach offers new understandings of how home is made and has implications for how cultural studies research into everyday life might be engaged in applied research relating to climate change and the environment.
Onerous consumption: The alternative hedonism of off-grid domestic water use
Authors: Vannini Phillip , Taggart Jonathan
Published: November 2013

In the contemporary, industrialized, urban world practices of domestic water usage typically transcend the physical boundaries of the home as indoor plumbing connects with municipal sewer lines and water mains.

These infrastructural connections sever the sites of individual water consumption from the sites of its collection, storage, purification, and distribution. But what happens when individual homeowners become self-sufficient for gathering, conserving, and recycling water? Drawing from ethnographic research conducted amidst off-grid homeowners this paper examines how practices of domestic water conservation and usage unfold when individuals become self-sufficient for water. We find that off-grid homeowners engage in what we call “onerous consumption”—a type of alternatively hedonistic consumption characterized by burdensome involvement in the gathering, conserving, channeling, utilization, and disposal of resources. We argue that “onerous consumption” results in a profound awareness of resource utilization and consequently leads to greater resource conservation. We reflect on the value of the concept of onerous consumption for research and theorizing on sustainable and ethical consumption.
Parental influences on the diets of 2- to 5-year-old children: Systematic review of qualitative research
Authors: Peters Jacqueline , Parletta Natalie , Campbell Karen , Lynch John
Published: November 2013

Parents have a major influence on young children’s diets, food choices and habit formation. However, research concerning parental influence on children’s diets is limited. Qualitative research informs quantitative research with a narrative of ‘what works’ and is a valuable tool to inform intervention design and practice. This article presents a systematic review of qualitative research with parents of preschool children and their influence on their child’s diet. Nine studies were identified. Findings highlight the need to promote culturally tailored programmes to combat specific cultural differences such as attitudes; perceptions and concerns; address common barriers to providing healthy foods and challenges faced by lower income families; the use of food to shape a child’s behaviour; that children will grow out of excess weight; common misconceptions such as a heavier child is healthier and depriving a child’s food request could result in starvation. Research on parental understanding of healthy diets and feeding practices is lacking. Further insights into how to positively influence children’s diets will come from research examining parent feeding practices and nutrition knowledge.
Pathological pigmentation in cardiac tissues of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) with cardiomyopathy syndrome
Authors: Fagerland Hilde AS , Austbø Lars , Fritsvold Camilla , Alarcon Marta , Rimstad Espen , Falk Knut , Taksdal Torunn , Koppang Erling O
Published: November 2013

It is widely accepted that melanin formation may play an immunologic role in invertebrates and ectothermic vertebrates. In farmed Atlantic salmon, cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) is a common viral disease associated with severe cardiac inflammation that may be accompanied by heavy melanisation of the heart. By the use of histology, laser capture microdissection and transcription analysis of tyrosinase genes, we here show that this melanisation is linked to de novo melanogenesis by melanomacrophages, suggesting an active part in the inflammatory reaction. No general systemic activation of the extracutaneous pigmentary system in response to viral infections with affinity to the heart was observed.
Intra-specific variability and biological relevance of P3N-PIPO protein length in potyviruses
Authors: Hillung Julia , Elena Santiago F , Cuevas José M
Published: November 2013

Background

Pipo was recently described as a new ORF encoded within the genome of the Potyviridae family members (PNAS 105:5897–5902, 2008). It is embedded within the P3 cistron and is translated in the +2 reading frame relative to the potyviral long ORF as the P3N-PIPO fusion protein. In this work, we first collected pipo nucleotide sequences available for different isolates of 48 Potyvirus species. Second, to determine the biological implications of variation in pipo length, we measured infectivity, viral accumulation, cell-to-cell and systemic movements for two Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) variants with pipo alleles of different length in three different susceptible host species, and tested for differences between the two variants.

Results

In addition to inter-specific variation, there was high variation in the length of the PIPO protein among isolates within species (ranging from 1 to 89 amino acids). Furthermore, selection analyses on the P3 cistron did not account for the existence of stop codons in the pipo ORF, but showed that positive selection was significant in the overlapping region for Potato virus Y (PVY) and TuMV. In some cases, variability in length was associated with host species, geographic provenance and/or other strain features. We found significant empirical differences among the phenotypes associated with TuMV pipo alleles, though the magnitude and sign of the effects were host-dependent.

Conclusions

The combination of computational molecular evolution analyses and experiments stemming from these analyses provide clues about the selective pressures acting upon the different-length pipo alleles and show that variation in length may be maintained by host-driven selection.
Expression changes of ribosomal proteins in phosphate- and iron-deficient Arabidopsis roots predict stress-specific alterations in ribosome composition
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Lan Ping , Gao Huimin , Zheng Lu , Li Wenfeng , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: November 2013

Background

Ribosomes are essential ribonucleoprotein complexes that are engaged in translation and thus indispensable for growth. Arabidopsis thaliana ribosomes are composed of 80 distinct ribosomal proteins (RPs), each of which is encoded by two to seven highly similar paralogous genes. Little information is available on how RP genes respond to a shortage of essential mineral nutrients such as phosphate (Pi) or iron (Fe). In the present study, the expression of RP genes and the differential accumulation of RPs upon Pi or Fe deficiency in Arabidopsis roots were comprehensively analyzed.

Results

Comparison of 3,106 Pi-responsive genes with 3,296 Fe-responsive genes revealed an overlap of 579 genes that were differentially expressed under both conditions in Arabidopsis roots. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these 579 genes were mainly associated with abiotic stress responses. Among the 247 RP genes retrieved from the TAIR10 release of the Arabidopsis genome (98 small subunit RP genes, 143 large subunit RP genes and six ribosome-related genes), seven RP genes were not detected in Arabidopsis roots by RNA sequencing under control conditions. Transcripts from 20 and 100 RP genes showed low and medium abundance, respectively; 120 RP genes were highly expressed in Arabidopsis roots. As anticipated, gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that most RP genes were related to translation and ribosome assembly, but some of the highly expressed RP genes were also involved in the responses to cold, UV-B, and salt stress. Only three RP genes derived from three ‘sets’ of paralogous genes were differentially expressed between Pi-sufficient and Pi-deficient roots, all of which were induced by Pi starvation. In Fe-deficient plants, 81 RP genes from 51 ’sets’ of paralagous RP genes were significantly down-regulated in response to Fe deficiency. The biological processes ’translation’ (GO: 0006412), ’ribosome biogenesis (GO: 0042254), and ’response to salt (GO: 0009651), cold (GO: 0009409), and UV-B stresses (GO: 0071493)’ were enriched in this subset of RP genes. At the protein level, 21 and two RPs accumulated differentially under Pi- and Fe-deficient conditions, respectively. Neither the differentially expressed RP genes nor the differentially expressed RPs showed any overlap between the two growth types.

Conclusions

In the present study three and 81 differentially expressed RP genes were identified under Pi and Fe deficiency, respectively. At protein level, 21 and two RP proteins were differentially accumulated under Pi- and Fe-deficient conditions. Our study shows that the expression of paralogous genes encoding RPs was regulated in a stress-specific manner in Arabidopsis roots, presumably resulting in an altered composition of ribosomes and biased translation. These findings may aid in uncovering an unexplored mechanism by which plants adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Genome wide analysis reveals single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fatness and putative novel copy number variants in three pig breeds
Authors: Fowler Katie E , Pong-Wong Ricardo , Bauer Julien , Clemente Emily J , Reitter Christopher P , Affara Nabeel A , Waite Stephen , Walling Grant A , Griffin Darren K
Published: November 2013

Background

Obesity, excess fat tissue in the body, can underlie a variety of medical complaints including heart disease, stroke and cancer. The pig is an excellent model organism for the study of various human disorders, including obesity, as well as being the foremost agricultural species. In order to identify genetic variants associated with fatness, we used a selective genomic approach sampling DNA from animals at the extreme ends of the fat and lean spectrum using estimated breeding values derived from a total population size of over 70,000 animals. DNA from 3 breeds (Sire Line Large White, Duroc and a white Pietrain composite line (Titan)) was used to interrogate the Illumina Porcine SNP60 Genotyping Beadchip in order to identify significant associations in terms of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs).

Results

By sampling animals at each end of the fat/lean EBV (estimate breeding value) spectrum the whole population could be assessed using less than 300 animals, without losing statistical power. Indeed, several significant SNPs (at the 5% genome wide significance level) were discovered, 4 of these linked to genes with ontologies that had previously been correlated with fatness (NTS, FABP6, SST and NR3C2). Quantitative analysis of the data identified putative CNV regions containing genes whose ontology suggested fatness related functions (MCHR1, PPARα, SLC5A1 and SLC5A4).

Conclusions

Selective genotyping of EBVs at either end of the phenotypic spectrum proved to be a cost effective means of identifying SNPs and CNVs associated with fatness and with estimated major effects in a large population of animals.
New approach for fish breeding by chemical mutagenesis: establishment of TILLING method in fugu (Takifugu rubripes) with ENU mutagenesis
Authors: Kuroyanagi Miwa , Katayama Takashi , Imai Tadashi , Yamamoto Yoshihisa , Chisada Shin-ichi , Yoshiura Yasutoshi , Ushijima Tomokazu , Matsushita Tomonao , Fujita Masashi , Nozawa Aoi , Suzuki Yuzuru , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Okamoto Hiroyuki
Published: November 2013

Background

In fish breeding, it is essential to discover and generate fish exhibiting an effective phenotype for the aquaculture industry, but screening for natural mutants by only depending on natural spontaneous mutations is limited. Presently, reverse genetics has become an important tool to generate mutants, which exhibit the phenotype caused by inactivation of a gene. TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN
Genomes) is a reverse genetics strategy that combines random chemical mutagenesis with high-throughput discovery technologies for screening the induced mutations in target genes. Although the chemical mutagenesis has been used widely in a variety of model species and also genetic breeding of microorganisms and crops, the application of the mutagenesis in fish breeding has been only rarely reported.

Results

In this study, we developed the TILLING method in fugu with ENU mutagenesis and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to detect base pair changes in target sequences. Fugu males were treated 3 times at weekly intervals with various ENU concentrations, and then the collected sperm after the treatment was used to fertilize normal female for generating the mutagenized population (F1). The fertilization and the hatching ratios were similar to those of the control and did not reveal a dose dependency of ENU. Genomic DNA from the harvested F1 offspring was used for the HRM analysis. To obtain a fish exhibiting a useful phenotype (e.g. high meat production and rapid growth), fugu myostatin (Mstn) gene was examined as a target gene, because it has been clarified that the mstn deficient medaka exhibited double-muscle phenotype in common with MSTN knockout mice and bovine MSTN mutant. As a result, ten types of ENU-induced mutations were identified including a nonsense mutation in the investigated region with HRM analysis. In addition, the average mutation frequency in fugu Mstn gene was 1 mutant per 297 kb, which is similar to values calculated for zebrafish and medaka TILLING libraries.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the TILLING method in fugu was established. We anticipate that this TILLING approach can be used to generate a wide range of mutant alleles, and be applicable to many farmed fish that can be chemically mutagenized.
Dopaminergic tone regulates transient potassium current maximal conductance through a translational mechanism requiring D1Rs, cAMP/PKA, Erk and mTOR
Authors: Rodgers Edmund W , Krenz Wulf-Dieter , Jiang Xiaoyue , Li Lingjun , Baro Deborah J
Published: November 2013

Background

Dopamine (DA) can produce divergent effects at different time scales. DA has opposing immediate and long-term effects on the transient potassium current (IA) within neurons of the pyloric network, in the Panulirus interruptus stomatogastric ganglion. The lateral pyloric neuron (LP) expresses type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs). A 10 min application of 5-100 μM DA decreases LP IA by producing a decrease in IA maximal conductance (Gmax) and a depolarizing shift in IA voltage dependence through a cAMP-Protein kinase A (PKA) dependent mechanism. Alternatively, a 1 hr application of DA (≥5 nM) generates a persistent (measured 4 hr after DA washout) increase in IA Gmax in the same neuron, through a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) dependent translational mechanism. We examined the dose, time and protein dependencies of the persistent DA effect.

Results

We found that disrupting normal modulatory tone decreased LP IA. Addition of 500 pM-5 nM DA to the saline for 1 hr prevented this decrease, and in the case of a 5 nM DA application, the effect was sustained for >4 hrs after DA removal. To determine if increased cAMP mediated the persistent effect of 5nM DA, we applied the cAMP analog, 8-bromo-cAMP alone or with rapamycin for 1 hr, followed by wash and TEVC. 8-bromo-cAMP induced an increase in IA Gmax, which was blocked by rapamycin. Next we tested the roles of PKA and guanine exchange factor protein activated by cAMP (ePACs) in the DA-induced persistent change in IA using the PKA specific antagonist Rp-cAMP and the ePAC specific agonist 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP. The PKA antagonist blocked the DA induced increases in LP IA Gmax, whereas the ePAC agonist did not induce an increase in LP IA Gmax. Finally we tested whether extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk) activity was necessary for the persistent effect by co-application of Erk antagonists PD98059 or U0126 with DA. Erk antagonism blocked the DA induced persistent increase in LP IA.

Conclusions

These data suggest that dopaminergic tone regulates ion channel density in a concentration and time dependent manner. The D1R- PKA axis, along with Erk and mTOR are necessary for the persistent increase in LP IA induced by high affinity D1Rs.
Does decreasing serum uric acid level prevent hypertension? – a nested RCT in cohort study: rationale, methods, and baseline characteristics of study cohort
Authors: Song Kun , Wang Yuan , Wang Guolin , Zhang Qing , Jiao Huanli , Huang Guowei , Lu Wenli
Published: November 2013

Background

Previous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between uric acid and hypertension. Our objective was to conduct a prospective cohort study with a nested randomised controlled trial (RCT in cohort) that aims to identify the association of hyperuricemia with the development of hypertension and to examine the efficacy of dietary intervention in lowering uric acid level and prevention of hypertension.

Methods/Design

Participants were considered eligible to enrol for this cohort study if they were not diagnosed with hypertension until their last routine health examination. The characteristics of the eligible participants were analyzed. After enrolment, participants with prehypertension and hyperuricemia simultaneously were randomly distributed to either the intervention group or the control group. An education package of dietary intervention for lowering uric acid was delivered to the intervention group. The primary evaluation criterion was the first manifestation of hypertension.

Discussion

Based on the results of their health examination in 2010, 19, 724 subjects met the inclusion criteria and this source population guaranteed the required minimum sample size for this study. The baseline characteristics of the study cohort showed that hyperuricemia was associated with prehypertension, and was independent of age, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal obesity in females; however, in males it was contrary.

The impact of lowering uric acid on the prevention of hypertension is still inconclusive. This RCT in cohort study provides important data on the prevention of hypertension, especially in patients with a high risk for hypertension development. Results are expected to be available in 2015.

Trial registration

The study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-12002925).