bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Mechanisms of CCL22-Mediated Attenuation of Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Bischoff Loraine , Alvarez Sigrid , Dai Derek L. , Soukhatcheva Galina , Orban Paul C. , Verchere C. Bruce
Published: March 2015

Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells in type 1 diabetes and islet transplantation involves a variety of immune pathways but is primarily mediated by self-reactive T cells. Chemokines can modulate local immune responses in inflammation and tumors by recruiting immune cells. We have reported that expression of the chemokine CCL22 in pancreatic β cells in the NOD mouse prevents autoimmune attack by recruiting T regulatory cells (Tregs), protecting mice from diabetes. In this study we show that invariant NKT cells are also recruited to CCL22-expressing islet transplants and are required for CCL22-mediated protection from autoimmunity. Moreover, CCL22 induces an influx of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which correlates with higher levels of IDO in CCL22-expressing islet grafts. In addition to its chemotactic properties, we found that CCL22 activates Tregs and promotes their ability to induce expression of IDO by dendritic cells. Islet CCL22 expression thus produces a tolerogenic milieu through the interplay of Tregs, invariant NKT cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which results in suppression of effector T cell responses and protection of β cells. The immunomodulatory properties of CCL22 could be harnessed for prevention of graft rejection and type 1 diabetes as well as other autoimmune disorders.
TLR7- and TLR9-Responsive Human B Cells Share Phenotypic and Genetic Characteristics
Authors: Simchoni Noa , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte
Published: March 2015

B cells activated by nucleic acid–sensing TLR7 and TLR9 proliferate and secrete immune globulins. Memory B cells are presumably more responsive due to higher TLR expression levels, but selectivity and differential outcomes remain largely unknown. In this study, peripheral blood human B cells were stimulated by TLR7 or TLR9 ligands, with or without IFN-α, and compared with activators CD40L plus IL-21, to identify differentially responsive cell populations, defined phenotypically and by BCR characteristics. Whereas all activators induced differentiation and Ab secretion, TLR stimulation expanded IgM+ memory and plasma cell lineage committed populations, and favored secretion of IgM, unlike CD40L/IL-21, which drove IgM and IgG more evenly. Patterns of proliferation similarly differed, with CD40L/IL-21 inducing proliferation of most memory and naive B cells, in contrast with TLRs that induced robust proliferation in a subset of these cells. On deep sequencing of the IgH locus, TLR-responsive B cells shared patterns of IgHV and IgHJ usage, clustering apart from CD40L/IL-21 and control conditions. TLR activators, but not CD40L/IL-21, similarly promoted increased sharing of CDR3 sequences. TLR-responsive B cells were characterized by more somatic hypermutation, shorter CDR3 segments, and less negative charges. TLR activation also induced long positively charged CDR3 segments, suggestive of autoreactive Abs. Testing this, we found culture supernatants from TLR-stimulated B cells to bind HEp-2 cells, whereas those from CD40L/IL-21–stimulated cells did not. Human B cells possess selective sensitivity to TLR stimulation, with distinctive phenotypic and genetic signatures.
Psychosocial, psychiatric, and clinical implications of diabetic foot ulceration: A prospective analysis
Authors: Neeru Bala , Gagandeep Kaur , Pal Attri , Bajwa Sukhminder , Harbandna Sawney , Rajesh Kumar
Published: March 2015

Background: Foot ulceration is very common complication of diabetes. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders is considered to be more in patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers. Aim: The present study was carried out to observe and evaluate the various psychiatric disorders experienced by patients with diabetic foot ulceration, management of these disorders, and the metabolic abnormalities associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, 293 patients in the age group of 25-70 years of either sex, who visited this hospital for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, were included after taking informed consent. They were prospectively followed for a period of 24 months. A phenomenological approach using semi-structured, conversational interviews was used. They were interviewed for the type of diabetes, duration of diabetes and duration of foot ulcer and other complications, type of treatment for diabetes and diabetic foot, psychosocial effects of foot ulceration on their daily The Hamilton rating scale for depression, questionnaire was used for assessing depression while the Hamilton anxiety rating scale questionnaire was used to rate the severity of anxiety. The data collected and analyzed for the type of psychiatric disorder, treatment options, type of drugs given and any side effects or complications occur as a result of these drugs. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcer is associated with an increased incidence of various psychiatric disorders, depression being the most common among these. Drugs used to treat depression and associated with metabolic disturbances. Hyperglycemia associated with the use of antidepressants and antipsychotics further worsens the foot ulceration. Coordination between different specialties is important to manage the clinical, biological, and psychosocial aspects of this critical illness.
Where are they? The inclusion of African-American men in empirical studies of type 2 diabetes self-care management
Authors: Sherman Ledric , McKyer E.
Published: March 2015

Background: African-American Men experience higher rates of serious complications of diabetes, due in part to poor disease management. Yet it is unclear to what extent research been devoted to type 2 diabetes management in this population. Purpose: A need exists to clarify the extant literature on self-care management (SCM) practices of African-American Men with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature and methodological quality scoring (MQS) using the Garrard matrix method was performed. Low scores (0-1) indicate low representation of African-American men; highest score (3) indicate high inclusion of African-American men in the samples. The search targeted articles focused on type 2 diabetes self-care management, and which included samples of African-American Men. Each publication was reviewed and assigned a MQS by the researchers, who reached 100% concordance with the MQS. Results: Initial screening yielded 122 articles, but only 41 met full study inclusion criteria. These studies represent a combined sample size of 9,171 participants of which less than one-third (3,007; 32.8%) were clearly identifiable as African-American men. Only 7 studies had samples consisting 100% of African-American Men. Mixed methods approaches were used least (n = 9 studies), followed by quantitative approaches (n = 15 studies). Qualitative approaches was most commonly used (n = 17 studies). Most (n = 24) studies scored low (0 to 1 score), indicating low-level of inclusion of African-American Men in their sample. Discussion: In spite of the growing body of literature on managing type 2 diabetes, there is a paucity of information focused on a high-need and high-risk group - African-American Men. The exclusion of this population can result in adverse health consequences, given the high comorbidities associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Conclusion: Including more African-American Men in self-care management studies can help determine the factors affecting research participation among this group as well as to further understand the complexity that these men face regarding managing their diabetes.
Conversion Percentage of Tryptophan to Nicotinamide is Higher in Rice Protein Diet than in Wheat Protein Diet in Rats
Authors: Shibata Katsumi , Fukuwatari Tsutomu , Kawamura Tomoyo
Published: March 2015

We reported previously that the pellagragenic property of corn protein is not only low L-tryptophan concentration but also the lower conversion percentage of L-tryptophan to nicotinamide; the amino acid composition greatly affected the conversion percentage. The amino acid value of wheat protein is lower than that of rice protein. In the present study, we compare the conversion percentages of L-tryptophan to nicotinamide between wheat protein and rice protein diets in growing rats. The body weight gain for 28 days in rats fed with a 10% amino acid mixture diet with wheat protein was lower than that of rats fed with a 10% amino acid diet with rice protein (68.1 ± 1.6 g vs 108.4 ± 1.9 g; P < 0.05). The conversion percentage of L-tryptophan to nicotinamide was also lower for the wheat protein diet compared with the rice protein diet (1.44 ± 0.036% vs 2.84 ± 0.19%; P < 0.05). The addition of limiting amino acids (L-isoleucine, L-lysine, L-tryptophan, L-methionine, L-threonine) to the wheat protein diet improved growth and the conversion percentage. In conclusion, our result supports the thinking that the composition of amino acids affects the conversion ratio of L-tryptophan to nicotinamide.
Scalar oscillatory integrals in smooth spaces of homogeneous type
Authors: Gressman Philip T.
Published: March 2015

We consider a generalization of the notion of spaces of homogeneous type, inspired by recent work of Street (2011) on the multi-parameter Carnot–Carathéodory geometry, which endows such spaces with differential structure. The setting allows one to formulate estimates for scalar oscillatory integrals on these spaces which are uniform and respect the underlying geometry of both the space and the phase function. As a corollary we obtain a generalization of a theorem of Bruna, Nagel, and Wainger (1988) on the asymptotic behavior of scalar oscillatory integrals with smooth, convex phase of finite type.
Anatomical description of double left suprarenal vein and its implications on renal transplantation surgeries
Authors: Assis T. , Fernandes L. , Araújo Filho J.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Left suprarenal vein (LSRV) is a tributary of the left renal vein in more than 95% of the population. In a research carried out by Mas, Arango, Guzmán et al. (1987), the double suprarenal vein appeared on 2.7% of the 110 nephrectomies done. The suprarenal vein (SRV) was unique on the 34 bodies analyzed by Duques, Rodrigues, Silva Neto et al. (2002). Therefore, the anatomical variations of the LSRV are rare, but its study is a subject of clinic and surgical importance for renal transplants. The objective of this study was to describe the dissection of the double LSRV. Material and Methods: A caliper rule was used to measure the length of the studied veins. The dissection of the left kidney and adrenal was done according to standard technique. Results: The different origins and trajectories of the double LSRV (normal and variant), tributaries and left renal vein were verified. The normal LSRV measured 3 cm up to the renal vein whereas the variant SRV, with 7.5 cm and thinner, went out of the lateral suprarenal border, went down adjacent to the kidney face to end in the left renal vein around 1.8 cm distal to the first. Conclusions: The variant SRV showed double the normal length, lower diameter and difficult visualization in situ because of its trajectory between the superior pole of the kidney and the suprarenal anterior face. This trajectory evokes extra care during surgical procedures of renal transplantation, mostly to avoid hypotension and hypovolemia after SRV ligation.
Morphologic aspects of the genital tract from Nellore cows undergoing gynecological screening to insertion in the fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) program
Authors: Mello R. , Mello M. , Abidu-Figueiredo M. , Scherer P. , Palhano H.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the genital tract from 98 Nellore cows by rectal palpation and combine them with the functional aspects for inclusion in a fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) program. Methods: Were evaluated the ovaries, cervix and vulva, as well as the body condition score (BCS scale 1-5). Results: In relation to the ovaries, there were palpable structures found in 51 (17 CL and 34 FL) in the rights ovarian and 37 palpable structures (06 CL and 31 FL) in the left ovary. Asymmetry was found in 17.3% and uterine cervicitis in 20.4% of examined females. Changes were noted in vulva in 51.0% (40 to 10 papules and hyperemia) and the average of BCS was 3.15. On the basis of morphological aspects founded, 29 females with an average of BCS 2.7 and 01 with metritis were excluded and 07 (BCS-3, 5) inseminated immediately after the exam, with 61 included in the TAI program. These data support the conclusion that of all ovulations occurred, characterized by the presence of CL, most occurred in the right ovary (73.9%). The prevalence rate (51%) of vulvar aspects found, indicate a need for research of reproductive diseases in their flock. Conclusion: The BCS may impacts on the cyclicity and in the pregnancy rate of females included in the program.
The Language of Early Childhood
Authors: Halliday M. A. K.
Published: March 2015

For nearly half a century, Professor M. A. K. Halliday has been enriching the discipline of linguistics with his keen insights into the social semiotic phenomenon we call language. This ten-volume series presents the seminal works of Professor Halliday. This fourth volume contains sixteen papers that look at the development of early childhood language. They are presented in three parts: infancy and protolanguage; the transition from child tongue to mother tongue; and early language and learning. The sociolinguistic account of the early development of the mother tongue presented by Professor Halliday is based on his intensive study of the language of one particular child, Nigel, for the period from nine- to eighteen months.
New concepts for the comparison of tropospheric NO2 column densities derived from car-MAX-DOAS observations, OMI satellite observations and the regional model CHIMERE during two MEGAPOLI campaigns in Paris 2009/10
Authors: Shaiganfar R. , Beirle S. , Petetin H. , Zhang Q. , Beekmann M. , Wagner T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We compare tropospheric column densities (vertically integrated concentrations) of NO2 from three data sets for the metropolitan area of Paris during two extensive measurement campaigns (25 days in summer 2009 and 29 days in winter 2010) within the European research project MEGAPOLI. The selected data sets comprise a regional chemical transport model (CHIMERE) as well as two observational data sets: ground based mobile Multi-AXis-Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (car-MAX-DOAS) measurements and satellite measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). On most days, car-MAX-DOAS measurements were carried out along large circles (diameter ~35 km) around Paris. The car-MAX-DOAS results are compared to coincident data from CHIMERE and OMI. All three data sets have their specific strengths and weaknesses, especially with respect to their spatio-temporal resolution and coverage as well as their uncertainties. Thus we compare them in two different ways: first, we simply consider the original data sets. Second, we compare modified versions making synergistic use of the complementary information from different data sets. For example, profile information from the regional model is used to improve the satellite data, observations of the horizontal trace gas distribution are used to adjust the respective spatial patterns of the model simulations, or the model is used as a transfer tool to bridge the spatial scales between car-MAX-DOAS and satellite observations. Using the modified versions of the data sets, the comparison results substantially improve compared to the original versions. In general, good agreement between the data sets is found outside the emission plume, but inside the emission plumes the tropospheric NO2 VCDs are systematically underestimated by the CHIMERE model and the satellite observations (compared to the car-MAX-DOAS observations). One major result from our study is that for satellite validation close to strong emission sources (like power plants or megacities) detailed information about the intra-pixel heterogeneity is essential. Such information may be gained from simultaneous car-MAX-DOAS measurements using multiple instruments or by combining (car-) MAX-DOAS measurements with results from regional model simulations.
Ice sheet model dependency of the simulated Greenland Ice Sheet in the mid-Pliocene
Authors: Koenig S. J. , Dolan A. M. , de Boer B. , Stone E. J. , Hill D. J. , DeConto R. M. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Lunt D. J. , Pollard D. , Quiquet A. , Saito F. , Savage J. , van de Wal R.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The understanding of the nature and behavior of ice sheets in past warm periods is important for constraining the potential impacts of future climate change. The Pliocene warm period (between 3.264 and 3.025 Ma) saw global temperatures similar to those projected for future climates; nevertheless, Pliocene ice locations and extents are still poorly constrained. We present results from the efforts to simulate mid-Pliocene Greenland Ice Sheets by means of the international Pliocene Ice Sheet Modeling Intercomparison Project (PLISMIP). We compare the performance of existing numerical ice sheet models in simulating modern control and mid-Pliocene ice sheets with a suite of sensitivity experiments guided by available proxy records. We quantify equilibrated ice sheet volume on Greenland, identifying a potential range in sea level contributions from warm Pliocene scenarios. A series of statistical measures are performed to quantify the confidence of simulations with focus on inter-model and inter-scenario differences. We find that Pliocene Greenland Ice Sheets are less sensitive to differences in ice sheet model configurations and internal physical quantities than to changes in imposed climate forcing. We conclude that Pliocene ice was most likely to be limited to the highest elevations in eastern and southern Greenland as simulated with the highest confidence and by synthesizing available regional proxies; however, the extent of those ice caps needs to be further constrained by using a range of general circulation model (GCM) climate forcings.
Using results from the PlioMIP ensemble to investigate the Greenland Ice Sheet during the mid-Pliocene Warm Period
Authors: Dolan A. M. , Hunter S. J. , Hill D. J. , Haywood A. M. , Koenig S. J. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Bragg F. , Chan W.-L. , Chandler M. A. , Contoux C. , Jost A. , Kamae Y. , Lohmann G. , Lunt D. J. , Ramstein G. , Rosenbloom N. A. , Sohl L. , Stepanek C. , Ueda H. , Yan Q. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. During an interval of the Late Pliocene, referred to here as the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP; 3.264 to 3.025 million years ago), global mean temperature was similar to that predicted for the end of this century, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations were higher than pre-industrial levels. Sea level was also higher than today, implying a significant reduction in the extent of the ice sheets. Thus, the mPWP provides a natural laboratory in which to investigate the long-term response of the Earth's ice sheets and sea level in a warmer-than-present-day world. At present, our understanding of the Greenland ice sheet during the mPWP is generally based upon predictions using single climate and ice sheet models. Therefore, it is essential that the model dependency of these results is assessed. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) has brought together nine international modelling groups to simulate the warm climate of the Pliocene. Here we use the climatological fields derived from the results of the 15 PlioMIP climate models to force an offline ice sheet model. We show that mPWP ice sheet reconstructions are highly dependent upon the forcing climatology used, with Greenland reconstructions ranging from an ice-free state to a near-modern ice sheet. An analysis of the surface albedo variability between the climate models over Greenland offers insights into the drivers of inter-model differences. As we demonstrate that the climate model dependency of our results is high, we highlight the necessity of data-based constraints of ice extent in developing our understanding of the mPWP Greenland ice sheet.
Attribution of high resolution streamflow trends in Western Austria – an approach based on climate and discharge station data
Authors: Kormann C. , Francke T. , Renner M. , Bronstert A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The results of streamflow trend studies are often characterized by mostly insignificant trends and inexplicable spatial patterns. In our study region, Western Austria, this applies especially for trends of annually averaged runoff. However, analysing the altitudinal aspect, we found that there is a trend gradient from higher-altitude to lower-altitude stations, i.e. a pattern of mostly positive annual trends at higher stations and negative ones at lower stations. At mid-altitudes, the trends are mostly insignificant. Here we hypothesize that the streamflow trends are caused by the following two main processes: on the one hand, melting glaciers produce excess runoff at higher-altitude watersheds. On the other hand, rising temperatures potentially alter hydrological conditions in terms of less snowfall, higher infiltration, enhanced evapotranspiration, etc., which in turn results in decreasing streamflow trends at lower-altitude watersheds. However, these patterns are masked at mid-altitudes because the resulting positive and negative trends balance each other. To support these hypotheses, we attempted to attribute the detected trends to specific causes. For this purpose, we analysed trends of filtered daily streamflow data, as the causes for these changes might be restricted to a smaller temporal scale than the annual one. This allowed for the explicit determination of the exact days of year (DOYs) when certain streamflow trends emerge, which were then linked with the corresponding DOYs of the trends and characteristic dates of other observed variables, e.g. the average DOY when temperature crosses the freezing point in spring. Based on these analyses, an empirical statistical model was derived that was able to simulate daily streamflow trends sufficiently well. Analyses of subdaily streamflow changes provided additional insights. Finally, the present study supports many modelling approaches in the literature which found out that the main drivers of alpine streamflow changes are increased glacial melt, earlier snowmelt and lower snow accumulation in wintertime.
Quantifying groundwater dependence of a sub-polar lake cluster in Finland using an isotope mass balance approach
Authors: Isokangas E. , Rozanski K. , Rossi P. M. , Ronkanen A.-K. , Kløve B.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. A stable isotope study of 67 kettle lakes and ponds situated on an esker aquifer (90 km2) in northern Finland was carried out to determine the role and extent of groundwater inflow in groundwater-dependent lakes. Distinct seasonal fluctuations in the δ18O and δ2H values of lakes are the result of seasonal ice cover prohibiting evaporation during the winter. An iterative isotope mass balance approach was used to calculate the inflow-to-evaporation ratios (ITOT/E) of all 67 lakes during the summer of 2013 when the isotopic compositions of the lakes were approaching a steady-state. The balance calculations were carried out independently for 2H and 18O data. Since evaporation rates were derived independently of any mass balance considerations, it was possible to determine the total inflow (ITOT) and mean turnover time (MTT) of the lakes. Furthermore, the groundwater seepage rates to all studied lakes were calculated. A quantitative measure was introduced for the dependence of a lake on groundwater (G index) that is defined as the percentage contribution of groundwater inflow to the total inflow of water to the given lake. The G index values of the lakes studied ranged from ca. 39 to 98%, revealing generally large groundwater dependency among the studied lakes. This study shows the effectiveness of applying an isotope mass balance approach to quantify the groundwater reliance of lakes situated in a relatively small area with similar climatic conditions.
14C in cropland soil of a long-term field trial – in-field variability and implications for estimating carbon turnover
Authors: Leifeld J. , Mayer J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Because of their controlled nature, the presence of independent replicates, and their known management history long-term field experiments are key to the understanding of factors controlling soil carbon. Together with isotope measurements, they provide profound insight into soil carbon dynamics. For soil radiocarbon, an important tracer for understanding these dynamics, in-field variability across replicates is usually not accounted for, hence, a relevant source of uncertainty for quantifying turnover rates is missing. Here, for the first time, radiocarbon measurements of independent field replicates, and for different layers, of soil from the 60 years old controlled field experiment ZOFE in Zurich, Switzerland, is used to address this issue. 14C variability was the same across three different treatments and for three different soil layers between surface and 90 cm depths. On average, in-field variability in 14C content was 12 times the analytical error but still, on a relative basis, smaller than that of in-field soil carbon concentration variability. Despite a relative homogeneous variability across the field and along the soil profile, the curved nature of the relationship between radiocarbon content and modelled carbon mean residence time suggests that the absolute error, without consideration of in-field variability, introduced to soil carbon turnover time calculations increases with soil depth. In our field experiment findings on topsoil carbon turnover variability would, if applied to subsoil, tend to underweight turnover variability even if in-field variability of the subsoil isotope concentration is not higher. Together, in-field variability in radiocarbon is an important component in an overall uncertainty assessment of soil carbon turnover.
A macroscale mixture theory analysis of deposition and sublimation rates during heat and mass transfer in snow
Authors: Hansen A. C. , Foslien W. E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The microstructure of a dry alpine snowpack is a dynamic environment where microstructural evolution is driven by seasonal density profiles and weather conditions. Notably, temperature gradients on the order of 10–20 K m−1, or larger, are known to produce a faceted snow microstructure exhibiting little strength. However, while strong temperature gradients are widely accepted as the primary driver for kinetic growth, they do not fully account for the range of experimental observations. An additional factor influencing snow metamorphism is believed to be the rate of mass transfer at the macroscale. We develop a mixture theory capable of predicting macroscale deposition and/or sublimation in a snow cover under temperature gradient conditions. Temperature gradients and mass exchange are tracked over periods ranging from 1 to 10 days. Interesting heat and mass transfer behavior is observed near the ground, near the surface, as well as immediately above and below dense ice crusts. Information about deposition (condensation) and sublimation rates may help explain snow metamorphism phenomena that cannot be accounted for by temperature gradients alone. The macroscale heat and mass transfer analysis requires accurate representations of the thermal conductivity and the effective mass diffusion coefficient for snow. We develop analytical models for these parameters based on first principles at the microscale. The expressions derived contain no empirical adjustments, and further, provide self consistent values for thermal conductivity and the effective diffusion coefficient for the limiting cases of air and solid ice. The predicted values for these macroscale material parameters are also in excellent agreement with numerical results based on microscale finite element analyses of representative volume elements generated from X-ray tomography.
Anonymity, pseudonymity, and the agency of online identity: Examining the social practices of r/Gonewild
Authors: Van der Nagel Emily , Frith Jordan
Published: March 2015

A debate is currently raging regarding the value of anonymity online. On one side of the debate is Facebook, the world’s largest social network site. Facebook demands that people use their real names and is one of the leading forces behind the push towards a “real name” Internet. On the other side of the debate are scholars such as danah boyd and Bernie Hogan and sites such as 4chan and Reddit that view anonymity and pseudonymity as important to how people construct identity online. While much has been written about the benefits of anonymity and pseudonymity, there is a lack of published research examining specific practices enabled by pseudonyms. This paper provides a detailed account of the behaviors enabled through pseudonymous identity construction through a case study of the subreddit r/gonewild. The main contribution of the article is to provide a specific account of the costs of a totalizing embrace of the “real name” Internet.
Where are the ‘key’ words? Optimizing multimedia textual attributes to improve viewership
Authors: Pontes Tatiana , Santos-Neto Elizeu , Almeida Jussara , Ripeanu Matei
Published: March 2015

Multimedia content is central to our experience on the Web. Specifically, users frequently search and watch videos online. The textual features that accompany such content (e.g., title, description, and tags) can generally be optimized to attract more search traffic and ultimately to increase the advertisement-generated revenue.This study investigates whether automating tag selection for online video content with the goal of increasing viewership is feasible. In summary, it shows that content producers can lower their operational costs for tag selection using a hybrid approach that combines dedicated personnel (often known as ‘channel managers’), crowdsourcing, and automatic tag suggestions. More concretely, this work provides the following insights: first, it offers evidence that existing tags for a sample of YouTube videos can be improved; second, this study shows that an automated tag recommendation process can be efficient in practice; and, finally it explores the impact of using information mined from various data sources associated with content items on the quality of the resulting tags.
China's Cultural Revolution and Japan's Intelligentsia:
Authors: Ge Shi
Published: March 2015

This article is intended to analyze the impacts of China's Cultural Revolution on Japan, from the social, political, literary and cultural perspectives in an attempt to demonstrate the characteristic of the Japanese intelligentsia's response, as well as to prove that the Cultural Revolution is a global revolutionary storm. This article also focuses on Kazumi Takahashi, who was a litterateur as well as one of the witnesses of the Cultural Revolution. He regarded Cultural Revolution as the “moral movement” from the approach of “as a human being,” which was quite different from the other intelligentsia.
Simone de Beauvoir Abroad:
Authors: Van Houten Christina
Published: March 2015

A critical analysis of Simone de Beauvoir's The Long March, this article argues that de Beauvoir's experience of Maoism, social realist literature, and socialist feminism influenced her political theory and practice during the cold war. What differentiated de Beauvoir among French Maoists in the 1960s and 1970s was her attention to Chinese socialist feminists and the ways in which their activism advocated for gender and class equality, putting pressure on cultural articulations of women's productive and nonproductive labor. In turn, I argue that de Beauvoir's focus on Chinese socialist feminism informed her relationship with the women's liberation movement, both in the United States and in France.
Evolución de las competencias científicas en las carreras de Bioquímica y Biotecnología de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina. Un estudio longitudinal
Authors: Falicoff Claudia Beatriz
Published: March 2015

Este estudio está fundamentado en el marco de las pruebas PISA 2006 (OCDE, 2008), sobre competencia científica. En la presente tesis se indagó en qué medida una muestra de alumnos de las carreras de Bioquímica y Biotecnología de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (Argentina) adquieren y/o desarrollan dicha competencia durante los tres primeros años del nivel universitario (ciclo básico). Se realizó el seguimiento de los resultados durante los tres años de investigación. Se analizaron los alcances y variaciones de los niveles del rendimiento total en la competencia científica (RTCC) y de las tres subcompetencias científicas que constituyen el RTCC (identificar cuestiones científicas, ICC; explicar fenómenos científicos, EFC, y utilizar pruebas científicas, UPC).
Materia optativa de diseño propio de centro: uso ético y adecuado de las nuevas tecnologías
Authors: Pacheco Carrión Isidro José
Published: March 2015

El mundo de la adolescencia no se ordena hoy de la misma manera que hace décadas. Influyen, entre otros factores, las tecnologías disponibles, que son bastante distintas, dado el acelerado ritmo de cambio tecnológico de los últimos años. Esta aceleración tecnológica ha aumentado la brecha digital entre las generaciones, es decir, entre padres e hijos, al menos en algunos aspectos. Los adolescentes han ido creciendo mientras hacían uso de tecnologías que sus padres han empezado a conocer como adultos y, por tanto, las viven con mucho menos entusiasmo que sus hijos.
Phytochemical Studies and Antimicrobial Screening of Non/Less-Polar Fraction of Psoralea corylifolia by Using GC-MS
Authors: Syed Tariq Ali  , Hina Anwar  , Syed Kashif Ali  , Sobiya Perwaiz  , Talat Yasmeen Mujahid  , Abdul Wahab  , Syed Abdus Subhan
Published: March 2015

Psoralea corylifolia is a well-known medicinal plant, traditionally used against several diseased conditions. The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of P. corylifolia seeds. Non/less-polar fraction of methanolic seed extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for phytochemical analysis. A total of fourteen compounds were identified which include aromatic, sesquiterpenes, furocoumarins, sterols, fatty acid and their methyl esters. The predominant compounds were epoxycaryophyllene (3), isopsoralen (6), psoralen (7) and bakuchiol (9). Identification of these compounds was also strongly supported by Kovat’s Retention Indices. Furthermore, the n-hexane soluble fraction showed significant antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains. P. corylifolia seeds represented a unique chemical composition with considerable antimicrobial activity which not only validates their traditional medicinal uses but also indicates their potential as a source of natural antimicrobial compounds.
Comparison of Wind Energy Potential for Coastal Locations: Pasni and Gwadar
Authors: Junaid K. Khan  , Muhammad Shoaib  , Zaheer Uddin  , Imran Ahmad Siddiqui  , Asim Aijaz  , Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui  , Ehtesham Hussain
Published: March 2015

A comparative study for the wind power density of the two investigated coastal sites viz. Pasni and Gwadar is presented in this paper. Pasni and Gwadar are located along the coast belt of Balochistan in Arabian Sea. Investigations are performed on daily wind speed data recorded at 12:00 UTC, obtained from Pakistan Meteorological | department (PMD) for a period five years, i.e. from 2003 to 2007. The recorded wind speed data distribution is fitted to the Weibull distribution function described by two fitting parameters i.e. scale (c) and shape (k). The Weibull parameters are numerically calculated using the Method of Moment (MoM). Monthly mean wind speeds for the two stations are predicted and wind power densities are calculated for the two stations. Comparison of the wind power densities of the investigated sites reveals a higher wind energy yield for Pasni as compared to Gwadar. The highest wind power density is predicted for the month of May.
Isolation and Characterization of Hydrocarbon Degrading Bacteria from Petrol Contaminated Soil
Authors: Talat Yasmeen Mujahid  , Abdul Wahab  , Safia Hashim Padhiar  , Syed Abdus Subhan  , Muneera Naz Baloch  , Zaid A. Pirzada
Published: March 2015

Hydrocarbon degrading bacteria were isolated from the petrol contaminated soil of Karachi to determine their biodegradation capabilities of aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, biphenyl and anthracene. Twelve bacterial strains were isolated by culture enrichment technique in Bushnell Hass medium in the presence of petrol. Hydrocarbon degradation capabilities of bacterial strains were assessed by means of enumeration using spread-plate technique. Current study revealed that all of the twelve isolated bacterial strains were able to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly Pseudomonas sp. SA044, degraded all the tested five aromatic hydrocarbons while Burkholderia sp., Ralstonia sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. degraded three or more aromatic hydrocarbons.Naphthalene and phenanthrene were the most degraded aromatic hydrocarbons.
Determination of Chemical Stability of Various Famotidine Dosage Forms by UV –Visible Spectrophotometric Method and Data Analysis by R-GUI Stability Software
Authors: Sohail Hassan  , Erum Zaheer  , Iyad Naeem Muhammad  , Amir Hassan  , Mohsin Ali  , Masooda Qadri
Published: March 2015

H2 receptor antagonists are still the first line of therapy in treating gastro esophageal reflux diseases as well as other ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Accelerated stability studies of different brands of Famotidine tablets (20mg) and suspension(10mg/5ml),both liquid and dry, were carried out at 40 oC ± 2 oC (Temperature) and 75% R.H. ± 5% R.H. The assay of tablets was conducted by both HPLC and UV/Visible Spectrophotometric methods whereas for suspensions only UV/Visible Spectrophotometric method was used. The tests were conducted at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months as per guidelines of ICH for accelerated studies. The results of physical tests indicated that the dissolution of tablet decreases in all cases with time whereas disintegration of all brands was found within 15 minutes throughout the course of study while the hardness demonstrated to be decline with time. Kinetic treatment to determine rate constants and shelf lives indicated that dry suspension was more stable than liquids while the tablets showed stability for three years which was parallel to their claimed expiry. Among tablets, brand A was the most stable and among suspensions, brand C showed the longest stability. The stability studies were also carried out by using a software R-Gui (version 2.13) and results were compared with manually calculated results.
Les stratégies d’enrichissement de produits sont-elles toujours pertinentes dans le secteur de l’automobile ?
Authors: Rivière Arnaud
Published: March 2015

Après avoir ajouté, pendant des années, toujours plus d’équipements dans leurs véhicules, le succès du low-cost amène les constructeurs automobiles à s’interroger sur l’efficacité d’une telle sophistication. Afin d’aider les managers dans leur réflexion, l’article montre que si les stratégies d’enrichissement de biens complexes peuvent accroître la valeur émotionnelle perçue d’un produit automobile, elles conduisent parfois à une dégradation de ses valeurs économique et sociale perçues d’origine. Ces effets s’expliquent, en partie, par le prix et l’avantage fonctionnel perçus du nouvel attribut ajouté. Toutefois, ses coûts d’apprentissage perçus n’exercent aucun rôle.
Comment cibler et toucher les consommateurs les plus faiblement acculturés à la culture française ?
Authors: Benabdallah Mounia , Jolibert Alain
Published: March 2015

Cet article met en évidence l’importance du phénomène d’acculturation dans les décisions marketing portant sur les populations immigrées. Au regard du nombre croissant de travaux portés sur l’acculturation et les différents modèles qui existent pour l’étudier, la première partie consiste en une analyse critique des fondements de ces modèles. La seconde partie présente une méthode de segmentation permettant d’identifier les personnes faiblement acculturées. Elle met aussi en évidence les conséquences managériales de cette segmentation.
Sustaining an International Partnership: An Evolving Collaboration
Authors: Pierson Melinda R. , Myck-Wayne Janice , Stang Kristin K. , Basinska Anna
Published: March 2015

Universities across the United States have an increasing interest in international education. Increasing global awareness through educational collaborations will promote greater cross-cultural understanding and build effective relationships with diverse communities. This paper documents one university's effort to build an effective international partnership to support the education of people with disabilities in Poland and details common goals and strategies for the overall sustainability of an international partnership between two universities.
Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of HGF gene therapy in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Kessler John A. , Smith A. Gordon , Cha Bong‐Soo , Choi Sung Hee , Wymer James , Shaibani Aziz , Ajroud‐Driss Senda , Vinik Aaron ,   VM202 DPN‐II Study Group
Published: March 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a plasmid (VM202) containing two human hepatocyte growth factor isoforms given by intramuscular injections in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, patients were randomized to receive injections of 8 or 16 mg VM202 per leg or placebo. Divided doses were administered on Day 0 and Day 14. The prospective primary outcome was change in the mean pain score measured by a 7 day pain diary. Secondary outcomes included a responder analysis, quality of life and pain measures, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density.

Results

There were no significant adverse events attributable to VM202. Eighty‐four patients completed the study. Patients receiving 8 mg VM202 per leg improved the most in all efficacy measures including a significant (P = 0.03) reduction at 3 months in the mean pain score and continued but not statistically significant reductions in pain at 6 and 9 months. Of these patients, 48.4% experienced a ≥50% reduction in pain compared to 17.6% of placebo patients. There were also significant improvements in the brief pain inventory for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the questionnaire portion of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Patients not on pregabalin or gabapentin had the largest reductions in pain.

Interpretation

VM202 was safe, well tolerated and effective indicating the feasibility of a nonviral gene therapy approach to painful diabetic neuropathy. Two days of treatment were sufficient to provide symptomatic relief with improvement in quality of life for 3 months. VM202 may be particularly beneficial for patients not taking gabapentin or pregabalin.
Regulation of the Stem Cell–Host Immune System Interplay Using Hydrogel Coencapsulation System with an Anti‐Inflammatory Drug
Authors: Moshaverinia Alireza , Chen Chider , Xu Xingtian , Ansari Sahar , Zadeh Homayoun H. , Schricker Scott R. , Paine Michael L. , Moradian‐Oldak Janet , Khademhosseini Ali , Snead Malcolm L. , Shi Songtao
Published: March 2015

The host immune system is known to influence mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐mediated bone tissue regeneration. However, the therapeutic capacity of hydrogel biomaterial to modulate the interplay between MSCs and T‐lymphocytes is unknown. Here it is shown that encapsulating hydrogel affects this interplay when used to encapsulate MSCs for implantation by hindering the penetration of pro‐inflammatory cells and/or cytokines, leading to improved viability of the encapsulated MSCs. This combats the effects of the host pro‐inflammatory T‐lymphocyte‐induced nuclear factor kappaB pathway, which can reduce MSC viability through the CASPASE‐3 and CASPASE‐8 associated proapoptotic cascade, resulting in the apoptosis of MSCs. To corroborate rescue of engrafted MSCs from the insult of the host immune system, the incorporation of the anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin into the encapsulating alginate hydrogel further regulates the local microenvironment and prevents pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that the encapsulating hydrogel can regulate the MSC‐host immune cell interplay and direct the fate of the implanted MSCs, leading to enhanced tissue regeneration.
Ileosigmoidal knotting, an unusual form of acute intestinal obstruction
Authors: Cakir Murat , Tekin Ahmet , Kucukkartallar Tevfik , Kartal Adil
Published: March 2015

Aim

Ileosigmoidal knotting is an unusual form of acute intestinal obstruction characterized by closed‐loop obstruction of both ileum and sigmoid colon. We present 36 cases of ileosigmoidal knotting.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was designed to examine preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings of the 36 patients with ileosigmoidal knotting who were surgically treated in Necmettin Erbakan University's Meram Medical Faculty (Konya, Turkey) throughout a 26‐year period.

Results

The mean age was 55 (range, 47–61) years. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, distention, obstipation, and vomiting, and the most common signs were abdominal tenderness and distention. The preoperative diagnosis was acute obstructed bowel in all patients. After resuscitation, all patients underwent emergency laparotomy. The most common type of ileosigmoidal knotting was type IA, in which the active ileum encircled the passive sigmoid in a clockwise manner. There was gangrene in both ileum and sigmoid colon in all patients. All ischemic bowels including ileum and sigmoid colon were resected and the continuity was carried out using primary anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure.

Conclusions

Ileosigmoidal knotting is a rare disease but its preoperative diagnosis is difficult. In cases of knotting there is no form of conservative treatment. Resective surgery is absolutely necessary.
Genetically expanded cell‐free protein synthesis using endogenous pyrrolysyl orthogonal translation system
Authors: Chemla Yonatan , Ozer Eden , Schlesinger Orr , Noireaux Vincent , Alfonta Lital
Published: March 2015

Cell‐free protein synthesis offers a facile and rapid method for synthesizing, monitoring, analyzing, and purifying proteins from a DNA template. At the same time, genetic code expansion methods are gaining attention due to their ability to site‐specifically incorporate unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins via ribosomal translation. These systems are based on the exogenous addition of an orthogonal translation system (OTS), comprising an orthogonal tRNA, and orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (aaRS), to the cell‐free reaction mixture. However, these components are unstable and their preparation is labor‐intensive, hence introducing a major challenge to the system. Here, we report on an approach that significantly reduces the complexity, effort and time needed to express UAA‐containing proteins while increasing stability and realizing maximal suppression efficiency. We demonstrate an endogenously introduced orthogonal pair that enables the use of the valuable yet insoluble pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase in a cell‐free system, thereby expanding the genetic repertoire that can be utilized in vitro and enabling new possibilities for bioengineering. With the high stability and efficiency of our system, we offer an improved and accessible platform for UAA incorporation into proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1663–1672. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.