bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of porosity of a biphasic ceramic scaffold on human skeletal stem cell growth and differentiation in vivo
Authors: Aarvold Alexander , Smith James O. , Tayton Edward R. , Lanham Stuart A. , Chaudhuri Julian B. , Turner Irene G. , Oreffo Richard O. C.
Published: April 2013

Skeletal stem cell (SSC) growth on a novel porous HA/TCP scaffold has been investigated in vivo. The effect of porosity on osteogenic differentiation was assessed by comparing two groups of scaffolds with differing porosity but controlled pore size. Histology, microCT, scanning electron microscopy, and biochemical analysis were used to assess SSC proliferation and differentiation. The 45 pores per inch (ppi) scaffold demonstrated a greater increase in density than the 30 ppi scaffold following in vivo culture, and a reduction in dimensions of the pores and channels of the higher porosity scaffold was observed, indicating generation of new tissue within the pores. All scaffolds supported SSC proliferation but the higher scaffold porosity augmented osteogenic differentiation. ALP specific activity was enhanced on the 45 ppi scaffold compared to the 30 ppi scaffold. These studies demonstrate the importance of porosity in scaffold design and impact therein for tissue engineering application. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3431–3437, 2013.
A novel derivatization reagent possessing a bromoquinolinium structure for biological carboxylic acids in HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Mochizuki Yuko , Inagaki Shinsuke , Suzuki Mayu , Min Jun Zhe , Inoue Koichi , Todoroki Kenichiro , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: April 2013

A novel bromoquinolinium reagent, i.e. 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐3‐bromoquinolinium bromide (APBQ), was synthesized for the analysis of carboxylic acids. A simple and practical precolumn derivatization procedure using the APBQ in RP chromatography and MS (HPLC‐MS) has been developed using bile acids and free fatty acids, as the representative carboxylic acids in biological samples. The APBQ efficiently reacted with carboxylic acids at 60°C for 60 min in the presence of N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and pyridine as the activation reagents. Because the APBQ possesses a bromine atom in the structure, the identification of a series of carboxylic acids was easily achieved due to the characteristic bromine isotope pattern in the mass spectra. The APBQ also has a quaternary amine structure, thus the positively charged derivatives are predominate for the highly sensitive detection of carboxylic acids. The APBQ was successfully applied to the selective determination of biological carboxylic acids in human plasma. The bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) and several saturated (stearic acid and palmitic acid) and unsaturated free fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) were reasonably determined by HPLC‐MS under the proposed procedure. Based on the results of analyses of human plasma and saliva, the proposed procedure using APBQ seems to be applicable for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a series of carboxylic acids in biological samples.
Fabrication of large‐sized silica monolith exceeding 1000 mL with high structural homogeneity
Authors: Miyamoto Riichi , Ando Yukiko , Kurusu Chie , Bai Hong‐zhi , Nakanishi Kazuki , Ippommatsu Masamichi
Published: April 2013

Reproducible fabrication of the hierarchically porous monolithic silica in a large volume exceeding 1000 mL has been established. By the hydrothermal enlargement of the fully accessible small pores to exceed 50 nm in diameter, the capillary force emerged on solvent evaporation was dramatically reduced, which allowed the preparation of crack‐free monoliths with evaporative solvent removal under an ambient pressure. The local temperature inhomogeneity within a reaction vessel in a large volume was precisely controlled to cancel the heat evolved by the hydrolysis reaction of tetramethoxysilane and that consumed to melt ice cubes dispersed in the solution, resulting in large monolithic silica pieces with improved structural homogeneity. Homogeneity of the pore structure was confirmed, both on macro‐ and mesoscales, using SEM, mercury intrusion, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. Furthermore, the deviations in chromatographic performance were examined by evaluating multiple smaller monolithic columns prepared from the monolithic silica pieces cut from different parts of a large monolith. All the daughter columns thus prepared exhibited comparable performances to each other to prove the overall homogeneity of the mother monolith. Preliminary results on high‐speed separation of peptides and proteins by the octadecylsilylated silica monolith of the above production have also been demonstrated.
Rapid analysis of the essential oil components of dried Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim by Fe2O3‐magnetic‐microsphere‐assisted microwave distillation and simultaneous headspace single‐drop microextraction followed by GC–MS
Authors: Ye Qing
Published: April 2013

In this work, microwave distillation assisted by Fe2O3 magnetic microspheres (FMMS) and headspace single‐drop microextraction were combined, and developed for determination of essential oil compounds in dried Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBM). The FMMS were used as microwave absorption solid medium for dry distillation of dried ZBM. Using the proposed method, isolation, extraction, and concentration of essential oil compounds can be carried out in a single step. The experimental parameters including extraction solvent, solvent volume, microwave power, irradiation time, and the amount of added FMMS, were studied. The optimal analytical conditions were: 2.0 μL decane as the extraction solvent, microwave power of 300 W, irradiation time of 2 min, and the addition of 0.1 g FMMS to ZBM. The method precision was from 4 to 10%. A total of 52 compounds were identified by the proposed method. The conventional steam distillation method was also used for the analysis of essential oil in dried ZBM and only 31 compounds were identified by steam distillation method. It was found that the proposed method is a simple, rapid, reliable, and solvent‐free technique for the determination of volatile compounds in Chinese herbs.
Free concha flap for sensitive nasal reconstruction using the infraorbital artery and nerve as a recipient vessel and a recipient nerve
Authors: Narushima Mitsunaga , Iida Takuya , Kadono Takafumi , Hara Hisako , Yamamoto Yusuke , Todokoro Takeshi , Mihara Makoto , Koshima Isao
Published: April 2013

Free auricular flap transplantation is one of the treatments for nasal reconstruction. This report presents a case of nasal reconstruction where the infraorbital artery was used as a recipient vessel, and the infraorbital nerve as a recipient sensory nerve. A 75‐year‐old female underwent resection of malignant melanoma of the right nasal ala. A free ear concha flap was used for the reconstruction. The facial artery could not be found intraoperatively; instead, the infraorbital artery was identified and anastomosed with the posterior auricular artery. The great auricular nerve was coapted with the infraorbital nerve. The results of the sensory examination were the same as those of the unaffected side. This procedure not only achieves a good aesthetic outcome, but also restores sufficient sensory function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Diet versus exercise in “the biggest loser” weight loss competition
Authors: Hall Kevin D.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Obesity experts have criticized The Biggest Loser television show for its portrayal of an unrealistic intervention that raises false expectations for weight loss. However, the magnitude of the diet and exercise intervention has not been previously quantified.

Design and Methods:

Using a validated computational model of metabolism, I quantified the diet and exercise intervention by integrating data on energy expenditure, body weight and fat mass collected during The Biggest Loser competition.

Results:

Participant body mass index, weight, and percent body fat at baseline were 48.7 ± 10.1 kg/m2, 144.9 ± 39.4 kg, and 49 ± 6% (mean ± SD), respectively. During the first phase of the competition when the contestants were isolated in a boot camp environment, the average rate of weight loss was 0.4 ± 0.1 kg/d and decreased to 0.19 ± 0.1 kg/d after returning home. Total weight loss was 58.2 ± 26 kg with 81.6 ± 8.4% coming from body fat. The computer simulations closely matched these data and calculated that average energy intake decreased by 65% during the first phase to 1300 kcal/d while participating in 3.1 h/d of vigorous exercise. After returning home, energy intake increased to 1900 kcal/d and vigorous exercise decreased to 1.1 h/d. Simulation of diet alone resulted in 34 kg of weight loss with 65% coming from body fat, whereas exercise alone resulted in a loss of 27 kg with 102% from fat.

Conclusion:

The intense diet and exercise intervention during The Biggest Loser competition were not sustainable. However, a relatively modest permanent lifestyle intervention of 20% caloric restriction and 20 min/d of vigorous exercise could maintain the massive weight loss.
To RAS or Not to RAS? The Evidence for and Cautions with Renin‐Angiotensin System Inhibition in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: St. Peter Wendy L. , Odum Lauren E. , Whaley‐Connell Adam T.
Published: April 2013

Substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs are associated with progressive diabetic kidney disease (DKD). A goal of Healthy People 2020 is to reduce kidney disease attributable to diabetes mellitus and increase the proportion of patients who receive agents that interrupt the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), such as angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The mechanisms that contribute to progressive loss of kidney function in patients with diabetes are disrupted by inhibition of the RAS. ACEIs, ARBs and direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) all reduce the effect of angiotensin II, yet each works through a different mechanism and displays properties that may or may not be replicated by the others. As single agents, RAS inhibitors and blockers have been shown to slow the rate of progression of DKD and to reduce new cases of end‐stage renal disease in various subsets of patients with diabetes and proteinuria (e.g., albuminuria). However, even with contemporary use of ACEIs, ARBs, and, more recently, DRIs, the burden of kidney disease remains high. Thus investigators sought to explore the utility of combining agents (e.g., dual RAS therapy) in various regimens for cardiovascular and kidney end points. Recent data from the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) and Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardio‐Renal Endpoints (ALTITUDE) studies suggest that kidney‐related outcomes (composite of dialysis initiation, doubling serum creatinine concentration, or death) were increased with ACEI plus ARB or DRI plus ARB combinations. Consequently, dual therapy should not be routinely prescribed in patients with diabetes until further data become available from other future studies. This review provides an introduction to DKD and a rationale for using RAS inhibition; discusses screening, detection, and monitoring of patients with DKD; and summarizes results from meta‐analyses and critical reviews and from recent large randomized controlled studies published since the meta‐analyses or reviews. Finally, we suggest a clinical approach for using RAS agents in patients with DKD.
Ecofriendly Route for the Synthesis of Highly Conductive Graphene Using Extremophiles for Green Electronics and Bioscience
Authors: Raveendran Sreejith , Chauhan Neha , Nakajima Yoshikata , Toshiaki Higashi , Kurosu Shunji , Tanizawa Yuji , Tero Ryugo , Yoshida Yasuhiko , Hanajiri Tatsuro , Maekawa Toru , Ajayan Pulickel. M. , Sandhu Adarsh , Kumar D. Sakthi
Published: April 2013

Highly conductive biocompatible graphene is synthesized using ecofriendly reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Two strains of non‐pathogenic extremophilic bacteria are used for reducing GO under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Degree of reduction and quality of bacterially reduced graphene oxide (BRGO) are monitored using UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Structural morphology and variation in thickness are characterized using electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Electrical measurements by three‐probe method reveal that the conductivity has increased by 104–105 fold from GO to BRGO. Biocompatibility assay using mouse fibroblast cell line shows that BRGO is non‐cytotoxic and has a tendency to support as well as enhance the cell growth under laboratory conditions. Hereby, a cost effective, non‐toxic bulk reduction of GO to biocompatible graphene for green electronics and bioscience application is achieved using halophilic extremophiles for the first time.
The future of the global financial services industry
Authors: Grosse Robert
Published: April 2013

There are three fundamental technological shifts that are defining the competitive landscape of the early 21st century in financial service provision. First and foremost is distributed service provision: both deposit taking and credit provision are becoming more and more dispersed geographically, with less and less need for service providers and service users to meet face to face. The principal enabling technology is in advanced telecommunications, which allows for operation of widely dispersed automatic teller machines, videoconferencing, and internet operations. The second huge technological change that is underway concerns internal management information systems. Financial institutions are now able to put relevant data from affiliates and activities around the world into real‐time globally accessible form. The third technological change is financial engineering, which involves creation of new financial products, often derived from existing credit or deposit‐type instruments. This article explores the implications of these dramatic changes in the competitive landscape of financial service provision and suggests strategies for survival into the 21st century.
Two New Trinuclear MII (M = Mn, Co) Complexes Based on 2,4‐Dichlorobenzoic Acid: Synthesis, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Xu Yun , Che Yun‐Xia , Zheng Ji‐Min
Published: April 2013

Two new isostructural complexes, [Mn3(L)6(bipy)2] (1) and [Co3(L)6(bipy)2] (2) (L = 2,4‐dichlorobenzoate, bipy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine) were synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, EA (elemental analysis), and magnetic measurements. The two complexes are found to contain a trinuclear (M3) unit that opens up a possibility of being magnetic materials. The magnetic measurements reveal that 1 exhibits the antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between metal ions and 2 presents a weak ferromagnetic interactions between the CoII ions.
Enhanced Significance of Donor–Recipient Age Gradient as a Prognostic Factor of Graft Outcome in Living Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Shin Milljae , Park Jae Berm , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Joh Jae‐Won , Lee Suk‐Koo , Kim Sung‐Joo
Published: April 2013

Background

Successful kidney transplantation (KT) increases survival and improves quality of life for patients with end‐stage renal disease. Donor age is an important factor influencing graft outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between the donor–recipient age gradient (DRAG) and graft outcomes after living‐donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). Additionally, we analyzed graft survival in patients receiving kidneys from age‐mismatched donors.

Methods

From February 1995 to March 2011, a series of 968 consecutive adult LDKT recipients were enrolled in our study. Graft survival and laboratory data for each patient were retrospectively collected. DRAG values were divided into four groups: ≤−21, −20 to −1, 0−20, and ≥21 years.

Results

Higher DRAG had negative effects on graft rejection episodes and serum creatinine levels beyond the first month post‐transplantation. A DRAG of more than 20 years was significantly correlated with worse 10‐year graft survival. Kidneys from donors older than 55 years of age showed significantly compromised graft outcomes when transplanted into recipients younger than 30 years of age, but not in older recipients. Graft survival in transplants using old‐to‐old allocation was not different from that of young‐to‐young allocation. In cases of older donors, a lower DRAG between older donors and older recipients showed more favorable graft outcomes than a higher DRAG between older donors and younger recipients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that DRAG may serve as a prognostic factor for predicting graft outcomes after LDKT. Additionally, we showed that transplantation of older donor kidneys via living donation is justified in appropriately chosen age‐matched recipients.
Paleomagnetism of Bhander Sediments from Bhopal Inlier, Vindhyan Supergroup
Authors: Venkateshwarlu M. , Rao J. Mallikarjuna
Published: April 2013

Paleomagnetic investigations have been carried out on poorly determined radiometric age controls of Bhander sandstones within the vicinity of Bhopal Inlier of the Upper Vindhyan Supergroup. Available ages assigned to the Upper Vindhyan sequence range from Cambrian to the Mesoproterozoic and are derived from a variety of sources and methods. Paleomagnetic data generated from the Bhander Group of Bhopal Inlier yielded a mean declination of 357° and mean inclination of 58° (k=17.69, α95 = 16.38) with a Virtual Geomagnetic Pole (VGP) at 74° N, 69.0° E. This pole position is falling close to the Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) mean palaeomagnetic pole of 67.8° N and 72.5° E (A95=8.8°) by Gregory et al. (2009). The results obtained from this study and previous work on the 1073 Ma Majhgawan kimberlite, as well as detrital zircon geochronology of the Upper Bhander sandstone suggest that the Upper Vindhyan sequence may be older than is commonly thought earlier.
A Brief Account of the Continuum from Karakoram and Himalayan Ranges to Foreland and Ocean Basins
Authors: Raiverman V.
Published: April 2013

Himalayan orogeny in relation to Global Tectonics is a hotly debated subject. Orogeny can result either from collision of continental plates or by an endogenic process of mantle upwelling along pre-existing fracture zones in the crust. This paper describes a new technique of frequency analysis of radiometric ages of crystalline rocks in the mountain ranges straddling the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ), the supposed line of collision between India and Asia, and shows that all the ranges from Karakoram to Lesser Himalaya across the ITSZ got uplifted simultaneously in a particular sequence. This contradicts the concept of suturing, places the ITSZ in the category of one of the intracrustal thrusts of the Himalayan orogenic system and establishes the family affinity between the Karakoram and the Himalaya. Analysis of stratigraphic and structural data points out that this family affinity is not confined to the ranges only but extends beyond into the foreland and oceanic basins as well. This paper also explains a number of apparent contradictions in terrain geomorphology, ophiolites in suture zones, thickness anomaly of Himalaya-derived sediments in eastern and western wings of terrestrial and oceanic basins to the south of the ranges, the status of Mid-oceanic Ridges in global tectonics, convergence aspect between Himalaya and India, nature of Foothills Fault and metamorphism of early Tertiary sediments in the Himalayan foreland basin.
Additional Late Middle Cambrian Trilobites from Karsha Formation (Haimanta Group) Zanskar Region of Zanskar-Spiti Basin, Northwest Himalaya
Authors: Singh Birendra P.
Published: April 2013

Additional latest Middle Cambrian polymerid trilobites are recorded from the Teta Member (Karsha Formation) along the Tangze-Yogma-Kuru section, Kurgiakh Valley, southeastern Zanskar, Northwest Himalaya. It includes record of a new genus Pianspis Saito & Sakakuru, 1936 of family Lisianiidae and others associated fauna comprises of Neoanomocarella asiatica (Lisianiidae), Parablackwelderia sp., (Damesellidae) and two undetermined pygidium and one unidentified cranidia. All these specimens are collected from the level representing the Lejopyge acantha Zone of Guzhangian Stage (Cambrian Series 3) of the Middle Cambrian. The fauna is mainly correlated with the South China, North Korea, Kazakhastan, Uzbekistan, Siberia and Australia.
Factor and Cluster Analysis of Water Quality Data of the Groundwater Wells of Kushtia, Bangladesh: Implication for Arsenic Enrichment and Mobilization
Authors: Hossain MD.Golzar , Reza A.H.M. Selim , Lutfun-Nessa MST , Ahmed Syed Samsuddin
Published: April 2013

The study area is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. Twenty-six groundwater samples were collected from both shallow and deep tube wells ranging in depth from 20 to 60 m. Multivariate statistical analyses including factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling were applied to the hydrogeochemical data. The results show that a few factors adequately represent the traits that define water chemistry. The first factor of Fe and HCO3is strongly influenced by bacterial Fe (III) reduction which would raise both Fe and HCO3 concentrations in water. Na, Cl, Ca, Mg and PO4 are grouped under the second factor representing the salinity sources of waters. The third factor, represented by As, Mn, SO4 and K is related to As mobilization processes. Cluster analysis has been applied for the interpretation of the groundwater quality data. Initially Piper methods have been employed to obtain a first idea on the water types in the study area. Hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out for further classification of water types in the study area. Twelve components, namely, pH, Fe, Mn, As, Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, Cl, SO4 and NO3 have been used for this purpose. With hierarchical clustering analysis the water samples have been classified into 3 clusters. They are very high, high and moderately As-enriched groundwater as well as groundwater with elevated SO4.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Air and Heavy Metal Concentration in Groundwater of Maheshwaram Watershed, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Purushotham D. , Rashid Mehnaz , Lone Mahjoor Ahmad , Rao A. Narsing , Ahmed Shakeel , Nagaiah E. , Dar Farooq A.
Published: April 2013

Anthropogenic activities in Maheshwaram watershed have deteriorated water, air and soil quality during the last ten years due to rapid urbanisation and industrial development. Maheshwaram watershed experienced drastic changes in land use pattern, being very close to the Hyderabad city. Base-line data was collected during post monsoon season (October-November) of 2010 in Maheshwaram watershed to assess the impacts of change in land use, urbanisation and industrialisation on air, water and soil quality for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Air samples were analysed for Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM). Groundwater samples were analysed for pH; EC; TDS; TH; cations, anions and heavy metals viz., Fe, Mn, Al, Si, V, Cr, As, Sr, Rb, Se, Ba, Li, B, Be, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Pb using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analysed data were compared with the National and International Standards and subjected to Factor Analysis (FA) for six chemical variables to assess and characterise hydro-chemical processes. A comparison of the results of groundwater samples with WHO and BIS guidelines show that most of the groundwater samples are heavily contaminated with heavy metals like lead, chromium, nickel, barium, aluminium, boron and selenium, which was quantified and presented in the form of spatial variation diagrams prepared using ArcGIS. 9.3.1. Similarly the results of air samples compared with the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India guidelines show that most of the air samples for residential, rural and industrial areas are contaminated by SPM and RSPM.
The Wan-An Fault and its Relationship with the Wan-An Basin, Western South China Sea
Authors: Zhifeng* Wan , Bin Xia , Qiuhua Shi , Feng Guo , Song Cai
Published: April 2013

The Wan An Basin, a major basin located in the southwestern part of the South China Sea, is suggested to be closely related to the extrusion of the Indo-China Block. But the published documentation about the Wan An Basin is very sparse. High-resolution seismic reflection profiles obtained by the petroleum industry along the southwestern margin of the South China Sea provide us a chance to study the characteristics of the Wan-An fault and its relationship to the Wan-An Basin. The Wan-An Fault staggered strata in the Wan-An Basin and formed negative flower structures. The deformation related to the Wan-An fault is localized along the fault, while the strata away from the strike-slip fault were not affected. The characteristics of strike-slip extensional basin are not obvious in the Wan-An Basin. However, this basin has obvious characteristics of rift basin. Initial analysis shows that the Wan-An Basin should be a continental margin rift basin.
Unlocking Possibility of Blasting Near Residential Structure Using Electronic Detonators
Authors: Mishra Arvind K.
Published: April 2013

Ever since development of human civilization, mining and agriculture has been the backbone of growth. Today the most developed countries of the world are the ones focused on core economical development, be it power generation, steel making, oil and gas production, or agriculture. Mining has been gaining importance over the years both from the economic perspective and as an area of sustained research. With the advent of globalization, things have changed very fast and today it is an industry that is driving the economies of several nations. Global competition has propelled countries to reach higher production levels through better techniques of drilling and blasting, excavation and mineral processing. We now have bigger and faster drill machines and excavators. In Explosives technology too significant progress has been made towards having safer explosives and accurate initiating systems that have increased overall control over blasting in terms of vibration, fragmentation, throw, fly rock and overall blast economics.

Explosives and Rock Blasting Technology has advanced so much in the last few decades that blasting can now be precisely performed, controlled and predicted. Development of new tools like electronic blasting systems and advanced simulation software has made it possible to customize blasting results as per requirement. These developments have helped mining engineer worldwide in reaping huge productivity benefits besides making it possible to meet the environmental norms even in most demanding conditions.

Inability to blast large size shots on account of proximity of mines to human habitation have always constrained mine management in fully leveraging the strength of large size production equipments. Mine managers have been forced to conduct small blasts on increased frequency to provide feed to large capacity shovels while compromising on Shovel productivity on account of undesirable movement of shovels during blasting. This paper deals with a case study at SEB quarry of Tata Steel wherein it was difficult to fire a big blast due to existing nearby structures. A critical scientific study was conducted before successfully firing of one of the biggest shot of 83 tonnes in the history of quarry. The paper discusses the issues being faced, alternate solutions opted and the final outcome.
THE COMMON EUROPEAN SALES LAW, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND OVERRIDING MANDATORY PROVISIONS IN PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW
Authors: Bisping Christopher
Published: April 2013

This article analyses the relationship of the proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL) and the rules on mandatory and overriding provisions in private international law. The author argues that the CESL will not achieve its stated aim of taking precedence over these provisions of national law and therefore not lead to an increase in cross-border trade. It is pointed out how slight changes in drafting can overcome the collision with mandatory provisions. The clash with overriding mandatory provisions, the author argues, should be taken as an opportunity to rethink the definition of these provisions.
BUILDING A GLOBAL REDRESS SYSTEM FOR LOW-VALUE CROSS-BORDER DISPUTES
Authors: Cortés Pablo , de la Rosa Fernando Esteban
Published: April 2013

This article examines UNCITRAL's draft Rules for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and argues that in low-value e-commerce cross-border transactions, the most effective consumer protection policy cannot be based on national laws and domestic courts, but on effective and monitored ODR processes with swift out-of-court enforceable decisions. The draft Rules propose a tiered procedure that culminates in arbitration. Yet, this procedure neither ensures out-of-court enforcement, nor does it guarantee compliance with EU consumer mandatory law. Accordingly, this article argues that the draft Rules may be inconsistent with the European approach to consumer protection.
The Maisierian, at the Edge of the Gravettian
Authors: Pesesse Damien , Flas Damien
Published: April 2013

The development of the Gravettian complex is still largely unknown. In this context, the lithic assemblage from Maisières-Canal, 14C dated around 28,000 bp, is particularly interesting. We propose here a new study of this collection, based on technological, typological, and functional approaches, particularly focused on the tanged pieces and ‘Maisières points’, some of which are likely projectile points. This new study leads us to discussion of the position of this assemblage in the context of the western European Early Gravettian. The Maisierian appears to be a specific industry, different from the typical Early Gravettian, and studying it thus permits new light to be shed on the complexity of the first phases of the Gravettian, a complex that is perhaps less consistent than it would seem.
The Greater Stonehenge Cursus – the Long View
Authors: Loveday Roy
Published: April 2013

The WSW–ENE alignment of the Greater Stonehenge Cursus appears to have been prefigured by the line of Mesolithic post-holes found in the Stonehenge car park. If this is not a coincidence, a means of transmission must be hypothesised since the posts could not have survived the 4000 years separation. The fact that a significant number of henges in western lowland Britain adopt the same broad alignment hints at a very long-lived mental template. That, it is argued, is likely to have been celestially triggered and tied to seasonal rhythms. Simple luni-solar calculation (akin to that determining events as disparate as the ancient Olympic festival and present day Easter) rather than precisely measureable astronomical events, would create such azimuth clustering. The focus on April sunrises or October sunsets argues for an association with the pastoral cycle.
THE INFLUENCE OF INCREASING LIFE EXPECTANCY ON THE DYNAMICS OF SIRS SYSTEMS WITH IMMUNE BOOSTING
Authors: DAFILIS M. P. , FRASCOLI F. , WOOD J. G. , MCCAW J. M.
Published: April 2013

Endemic infectious diseases constantly circulate in human populations, with prevalence fluctuating about a (theoretical and unobserved) time-independent equilibrium. For diseases for which acquired immunity is not lifelong, the classic susceptible–infectious–recovered–susceptible (SIRS) model provides a framework within which to consider temporal trends in the observed epidemiology. However, in some cases (notably pertussis), sustained multiannual fluctuations are observed, whereas the SIRS model is characterized by damped oscillatory dynamics for all biologically meaningful choices of model parameters. We show that a model that allows for “boosting” of immunity may naturally give rise to undamped oscillatory behaviour for biologically realistic parameter choices. The life expectancy of the population is critical in determining the characteristic dynamics of the system. For life expectancies up to approximately$50$years, we find that, even with boosting, damped oscillatory dynamics persist. For increasing life expectancy, the system may sustain oscillatory dynamics, or even exhibit bistable behaviour, in which both stable point attractor and limit cycle dynamics may coexist. Our results suggest that rising life expectancy may induce changes in the characteristic dynamics of infections for which immunity is not lifelong, with potential implications for disease control strategies.
Reliability and Construct Validity of a Child Self-Report Instrument
Authors: Kuijpers Rowella C. W. M. , Otten Roy , Vermulst Ad A. , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: April 2013

Both clinicians and researchers agree on the value of self-report in child mental health assessment. The pictorial format of the computerized Dominic Interactive is an addition to the existing questionnaires, specifically concerning young children. Although prior studies on the Dominic Interactive reported favorable psychometric properties, the reliability was not always satisfactory for every scale, and no studies confirmed the proposed DSM-IV factor structure of the Dominic Interactive. This study examines these two psychometric aspects using a sample of 1,504 Dutch primary-school children aged 6–13 years. α was computed and compared with ω, an alternative index of reliability. CFA was conducted as was the measurement invariance at a configural, scalar, and metric level across both age and sex. The results showed that ω values were above .80, indicating good to high reliability for all scales. The DSM-IV factor structure was confirmed and proved to be identical across age groups and among both boys and girls in this sample. These findings lay the foundation for the meaningful use of the norms needed in clinical practice. They also contribute to the increasing value of the Dominic Interactive as a self-report instrument in child mental health screening.
Intergenerational Family Relations in Luxembourg
Authors: Albert Isabelle , Ferring Dieter , Michels Tom
Published: April 2013

According to the intergenerational solidarity model, family members who share similar values about family obligations should have a closer relationship and support each other more than families with a lower value consensus. The present study first describes similarities and differences between two family generations (mothers and daughters) with respect to their adherence to family values and, second, examines patterns of relations between intergenerational consensus on family values, affectual solidarity, and functional solidarity in a sample of 51 mother-daughter dyads comprising N = 102 participants from Luxembourgish and Portuguese immigrant families living in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Results showed a small generation gap in values of hierarchical gender roles, but an acculturation gap was found in Portuguese mother-daughter dyads regarding obligations toward the family. A higher mother-daughter value consensus was related to higher affectual solidarity of daughters toward their mothers but not vice versa. Whereas affection and value consensus both predicted support provided by daughters to their mothers, affection mediated the relationship between consensual solidarity and received maternal support. With regard to mothers, only affection predicted provided support for daughters, whereas mothers’ perception of received support from their daughters was predicted by value consensus and, in the case of Luxembourgish mothers, by affection toward daughters.
Using Personal Cell Phones for Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Kuntsche Emmanuel , Labhart Florian
Published: April 2013

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is a way of collecting data in people’s natural environments in real time and has become very popular in social and health sciences. The emergence of personal digital assistants has led to more complex and sophisticated EMA protocols but has also highlighted some important drawbacks. Modern cell phones combine the functionalities of advanced communication systems with those of a handheld computer and offer various additional features to capture and record sound, pictures, locations, and movements. Moreover, most people own a cell phone, are familiar with the different functions, and always carry it with them. This paper describes ways in which cell phones have been used for data collection purposes in the field of social sciences. This includes automated data capture techniques, for example, geolocation for the study of mobility patterns and the use of external sensors for remote health-monitoring research. The paper also describes cell phones as efficient and user-friendly tools for prompt manual data collection, that is, by asking participants to produce or to provide data. This can either be done by means of dedicated applications or by simply using the web browser. We conclude that cell phones offer a variety of advantages and have a great deal of potential for innovative research designs, suggesting they will be among the standard data collection devices for EMA in the coming years.
Attachment the Italian Way
Authors: Cassibba Rosalinda , Sette Giovanna , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: April 2013

In the present meta-analysis 627 Strange Situation Procedures (SSP; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978 ) from 17 Italian infant attachment studies and 2,258 Adult Attachment Interviews (AAI; Main, Kaplan, & Cassidy, 1985 ) from 50 Italian adult attachment studies were included. All studies were published between 1990 and 2009. Our aim was to test the universality hypothesis of attachment theory in this Italian database. Results indicated that the majority of nonclinical Italian infants were classified as securely attached (53%); similarly, the majority of nonclinical Italian adults were secure (60%). Although cross-cultural similarities provide evidence for the universality hypothesis of attachment theory, our meta-analysis revealed also interesting cultural specificities. First, nonclinical Italian infants’ distribution showed an overrepresentation of avoidant attachments compared to the normative distribution. Second, the underrepresentation of unresolved loss among Italian nonclinical adults was noteworthy.
Modulating T regulatory cells in cancer: how close are we?
Authors: Banerjee Ashish , Vasanthakumar Ajithkumar , Grigoriadis George
Published: April 2013

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4 T cells that have an indispensable role in maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance. Although studies in mice and humans have clearly highlighted that the absence of these cells results in severe autoimmunity and inflammation, increased Treg numbers and/or function is not always beneficial. This is best exemplified in certain cancers where increased Tregs promote cancer progression by interfering with immune surveillance. Conversely, in other types of cancers that have an inflammatory component, Tregs can inhibit cancer progression by dampening inflammation. In this review article, we provide a historical perspective of the discovery of Tregs, followed by a summary of the existing literature on the role of Tregs in malignancy.
Diabetes mellitus at the time of diagnosis ofcirrhosis is associated with higher incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, but not with increased mortality
Authors: Wlazlo Nick , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. , Curvers Joyce , Schoon Erik J. , Friederich Pieter , Twisk Jos W. R. , Bravenboer Bert , Stehouwer Coen D. A.
Published: April 2013

DM (diabetes mellitus) is present in 20–40% of patients with liver cirrhosis, but its prognostic impact is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether the presence of DM in patients with cirrhosis was associated with increased mortality, and/or with increased incidence of SBP (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis). We reviewed medical and laboratory data of 230 patients with cirrhosis from the period 2001–2011, for whom data were complete in n=226. Follow-up for the outcomes mortality and SBP was performed until May 2012, with only 13 patients lost to follow-up. DM was present at baseline in 78 patients (35%). Median follow-up was 6.2 (interquartile range, 3.1–9.3) years, during which 118 patients died [47 out of 78 with DM (60%), and 71 out of 148 without DM (48%)]. The presence of DM at baseline was not associated with increased mortality after adjustment for age {HR (hazard ratio), 1.00 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.67–1.50]}. Further adjustment for sex, aetiology of cirrhosis, platelet count and the Child–Pugh or MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) score did not change this finding. During follow-up, 37 patients developed incident SBP (19 with DM and 18 without DM). DM at baseline was associated with incident SBP, even after adjustment for age, sex, aetiology, platelet count and the Child–Pugh [HR, 2.39 (95% CI, 1.10–5.18)] or MELD score [HR, 2.50 (95% CI, 1.16–5.40)]. In conclusion, the presence of DM at baseline in patients with cirrhosis was associated with an increased risk of SBP, which may represent an increased susceptibility to infections. On the other hand, DM was not clearly associated with increased mortality in these patients.
Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny
Authors: Fisher A. D. , Webster J. R.
Published: April 2013

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.
Properties of the halophyte microbiome and their implications for plant salt tolerance
Authors: Ruppel Silke , Franken Philipp , Witzel Katja
Published: April 2013

Saline habitats cover a wide area of our planet and halophytes (plants growing naturally in saline soils) are increasingly used for human benefits. Beside their genetic and physiological adaptations to salt, complex ecological processes affect the salinity tolerance of halophytes. Hence, prokaryotes and fungi inhabiting roots and leaves can contribute significantly to plant performance. Members of the two prokaryotic domains Bacteria and Archaea, as well as of the fungal kingdom are known to be able to adapt to a range of changes in external osmolarity. Shifts in the microbial community composition with increasing soil salinity have been suggested and research in functional interactions between plants and micro-organisms contributing to salt stress tolerance is gaining interest. Among others, microbial biosynthesis of polymers, exopolysaccharides, phytohormones and phytohormones-degrading enzymes could be involved.
Environmental and community controls on plant canopy chemistry in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem
Authors: Dahlin Kyla M. , Asner Gregory P. , Field Christopher B.
Published: April 2013

Understanding how and why plant communities vary across space has long been a goal of ecology, yet parsing the relative importance of different influences has remained a challenge. Species-specific models are not generalizable, whereas broad plant functional type models lack important detail. Here we consider plant trait patterns at the local scale and ask whether plant chemical traits are more closely linked to environmental gradients or to changes in species composition. We used the visible-to-shortwave infrared (VSWIR) spectrometer of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory to develop maps of four plant chemical traits—leaf nitrogen per mass, leaf carbon per mass, leaf water concentration, and canopy water content—across a diverse Mediterranean-type ecosystem (Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, CA). For all four traits, plant community alone was the strongest predictor of trait variation (explaining 46–61% of the heterogeneity), whereas environmental gradients accounted for just one fourth of the variation in the traits. This result emphasizes the critical role that species composition plays in mediating nutrient and carbon cycling within and among different communities. Environmental filtering and limits to similarity can act strongly, simultaneously, in a spatially heterogeneous environment, but the local-scale environmental gradients alone cannot account for the variation across this landscape.
Activation of PI3K/Akt pathway by CD133-p85 interaction promotes tumorigenic capacity of glioma stem cells
Authors: Wei Yuanyan , Jiang Yizhou , Zou Fei , Liu Yingchao , Wang Shanshan , Xu Nuo , Xu Wenlong , Cui Chunhong , Xing Yang , Liu Ying , Cao Benjin , Liu Chanjuan , Wu Guoqiang , Ao Hong , Zhang Xiaobiao , Jiang Jianhai
Published: April 2013

The biological significance of a known normal and cancer stem cell marker CD133 remains elusive. We now demonstrate that the phosphorylation of tyrosine-828 residue in CD133 C-terminal cytoplasmic domain mediates direct interaction between CD133 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) 85 kDa regulatory subunit (p85), resulting in preferential activation of PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in glioma stem cell (GSC) relative to matched nonstem cell. CD133 knockdown potently inhibits the activity of PI3K/Akt pathway with an accompanying reduction in the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of GSC. The inhibitory effects of CD133 knockdown could be completely rescued by expression of WT CD133, but not its p85-binding deficient Y828F mutant. Analysis of glioma samples reveals that CD133 Y828 phosphorylation level is correlated with histopathological grade and overlaps with Akt activation. Our results identify the CD133/PI3K/Akt signaling axis, exploring the fundamental role of CD133 in glioma stem cell behavior.
Bacillus subtilisbiofilm induction by plant polysaccharides
Authors: Beauregard Pascale B. , Chai Yunrong , Vlamakis Hera , Losick Richard , Kolter Roberto
Published: April 2013

Significance

The plant growth-promoting bacteriumBacillus subtilisis frequently found associated with plant roots where it protects plants from infection. Here, we demonstrate thatB. subtilisroot attachment depends on production of an extracellular matrix that holds the cells together in multicellular communities termed biofilms. We found that plant polysaccharides (major components of the plant’s cell wall) act as an environmental cue that triggers biofilm formation by the bacterium. Furthermore, these plant polysaccharides can serve as a carbon source used to produce the extracellular matrix. This work sheds light on how plants stimulate their colonization by this plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium.