bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexavalent Molybdenum Reduction to Mo-Blue by a Sodium-Dodecyl-Sulfate-DegradingKlebsiella oxytocaStrain DRY14
Authors: Halmi M. I. E. , Zuhainis S. W. , Yusof M. T. , Shaharuddin N. A. , Helmi W. , Shukor Y. , Syed M. A. , Ahmad S. A.
Published: December 2013

Bacteria with the ability to tolerate, remove, and/or degrade several xenobiotics simultaneously are urgently needed for remediation of polluted sites. A previously isolated bacterium with sodium dodecyl sulfate- (SDS-) degrading capacity was found to be able to reduce molybdenum to the nontoxic molybdenum blue. The optimal pH, carbon source, molybdate concentration, and temperature supporting molybdate reduction were pH 7.0, glucose at 1.5% (w/v), between 25 and 30 mM, and 25°C, respectively. The optimum phosphate concentration for molybdate reduction was 5 mM. The Mo-blue produced exhibits an absorption spectrum with a maximum peak at 865 nm and a shoulder at 700 nm. None of the respiratory inhibitors tested showed any inhibition to the molybdenum-reducing activity suggesting that the electron transport system of this bacterium is not the site of molybdenum reduction. Chromium, cadmium, silver, copper, mercury, and lead caused approximately 77, 65, 77, 89, 80, and 80% inhibition of the molybdenum-reducing activity, respectively. Ferrous and stannous ions markedly increased the activity of molybdenum-reducing activity in this bacterium. The maximum tolerable concentration of SDS as a cocontaminant was 3 g/L. The characteristics of this bacterium make it a suitable candidate for molybdenum bioremediation of sites cocontaminated with detergent pollutant.
Anti‐Inflammatory Property of the Ethanol Extract of the Root and Rhizome of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth
Authors: Li Chu-Wen , Wu Xiao-Li , Zhao Xiao-Ning , Su Zu-Qing , Chen Hai-Ming , Wang Xiu-Fen , Zhang Xiao-Jun , Zeng Hui-Fang , Chen Jian-Nan , Li Yu-Cui , Su Zi-Ren
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory property of the ethanol extract of the root and rhizome of Pogostemon cablin (ERP). The anti‐inflammatory effect was evaluated using four animal models including xylene‐induced mouse ear edema, acetic acid‐induced mouse vascular permeability, carrageenan‐induced mouse pleurisy, and carrageenan‐induced mouse hind paw edema. Results indicated that oral administration of ERP (120, 240, and 480 mg/kg) significantly attenuated xylene‐induced ear edema, decreased acetic acid‐induced capillary permeability, inhibited carrageenan‐induced neutrophils recruitment, and reduced carrageenan‐induced paw edema, in a dose‐dependent manner. Histopathologically, ERP (480 mg/kg) abated inflammatory response of the edema paw. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated that ERP decreased the level of MPO and MDA, increased the activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GRd), attenuated the productions of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, PGE2 and NO, and suppressed the activities of COX‐2 and iNOS. This work demonstrates that ERP has considerable anti‐inflammatory potential, which provided experimental evidences for the traditional application of the root and rhizome of Pogostemon cablin in inflammatory diseases.
Effects of Muscarinic Acetylcholine 3 Receptor208-227Peptide Immunization on Autoimmune Response in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yang Lin , Ju Jinzhe , Zhang Wei , Lv Fengfeng , Pang Chunyan , Yang Guoan , Wang Yongfu
Published: December 2013

The second extracellular loop (LFWQYFVGKRTVPPGECFIQFLSEPTITFGTAI, aa 205–237) of muscarinic acetylcholine 3 receptor (M3R) has been reported to be an epitope for autoantibodies generated during certain autoimmune disorders, including Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Autoantibodies against M3R228–237have been shown to interfere with the function of M3R. However, few studies have been performed on the M3R205–227peptide of the second extracellular loop. In the current study, we sought to investigate the effect of M3R208–227peptide immunization on autoimmune response in NOD/LtJ mice. We synthesized the M3R208–227peptide and immunized NOD/LtJ mice to investigate whether peptide-specific antibodies could be generated and whether immunization would lead to changes in autoimmune response in NOD/LtJ mice. Our results demonstrate that the secretions of Th-1, Th-2, and Th-17 cytokines are downregulated and lymphocytic infiltration is improved in the salivary glands and lacrimal glands following immunization with M3R208–227peptide in NOD/LtJ mice, suggesting that peptide immunotherapy using the M3R208–227peptide may represent a potential therapeutic alternative.
Genotoxin Induced Mutagenesis in the Model PlantPhyscomitrella patens
Authors: Holá Marcela , Kozák Jaroslav , Vágnerová Radka , Angelis Karel J.
Published: December 2013

The mossPhyscomitrella patensis unique for the high frequency of homologous recombination, haploid state, and filamentous growth during early stages of the vegetative growth, which makes it an excellent model plant to study DNA damage responses. We used single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay to determine kinetics of response to Bleomycin induced DNA oxidative damage and single and double strand breaks in wild type and mutantlig4 Physcomitrellalines. Moreover,APTgene when inactivated by induced mutations was used as selectable marker to ascertain mutational background at nucleotide level by sequencing of theAPTlocus. We show that extensive repair of DSBs occurs also in the absence of the functional LIG4, whereas repair of SSBs is seriously compromised. From analysis of induced mutations we conclude that their accumulation rather than remaining lesions in DNA and blocking progression through cell cycle is incompatible with normal plant growth and development and leads to sensitive phenotype.
Fatigue Life Prediction Using Simplified Endurance Function Model
Authors: Kamal M. , Rahman M. M. , Sani M. S. M.
Published: December 2013

A methodology is proposed to apply an endurance function model with a genetic algorithm to estimate the fatigue life of notched or smooth components. The endurance function model is based on stress tensor invariants and deviatoric stress invariants. In the proposed methodology, FEA is used to simplify the application of the endurance function model. Experimental results from published literature are considered for the case studies to evaluate the proposed methodology. The results show that the proposed methodology simplified the application of the endurance function model, particularly by reducing the need for notch sensitivity factors, and the stress invariants can be calculated directly from the stresses at the critical point. The comparison with experimental results shows that, with proper calibration, the model can predict fatigue life accurately.
Measurements of the Characteristics of Transparent Material Using Digital Holography
Authors: Yu Ding , Wenbin Shang , Hong Yang , Yan Yang
Published: December 2013

Digital holography is applied to measure the characteristics of transparent material. A digital hologram recording system to measure the surface of transparent material was established, and the digital holograms of transparent object were obtained in high quality. For postprocessing of hologram, the least-squares phase unwrapping algorithm was used in phase unwrapping, and the phase reconstruction image of transparent object was obtained. The information of material surfaces was measured and the characteristic was presented in 3D visualization. The validation experiment was conducted by NanoMap 500LS system; the results of validation experiment are well satisfied with the measurement by digital holography, which proved the feasibility of digital holographic technology as a good measurement tool for transparent material.
Investigation on the Structure and Electrochemical Properties of La‐Ce‐Mg‐Al‐Ni Hydrogen Storage Alloy
Authors: Qiao Yuqing , Xi Jianyi , Zhao Minshou , Shao Guangjie , Luo Yongchun , Wang Limin
Published: December 2013

Structure and electrochemical characteristics of La0.96Ce0.04Mg0.15Al0.05Ni2.8 hydrogen storage alloy have been investigated. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that the La0.96Ce0.04Mg0.15Al0.05Ni2.8 hydrogen storage alloy consisted of a (La, Mg)Ni3 phase with the rhombohedral PuNi3‐type structure and a LaNi5 phase with the hexagonal CaCu5‐type structure. TEM shows that the alloy is multicrystal with a lattice space 0.187 nm. EDS analyse shows that the content of Mg is 3.48% (atom) which coincide well with the designed composition of the electrode alloy. Electrochemical investigations show that the maximum discharge capacity of the alloy electrode is 325 mAh g−1. The alloy electrode has higher discharge capacity within the discharge current density span from 60 mA g−1 to 300 mA g−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements indicate that the charge transfer resistance RT on the alloy electrode surface and the calculated exchange current density I0 are 0.135 Ω and 1298 mA g−1, respectively; the better eletrochemical reaction kinetic of the alloy electrode may be responsible for the better high‐rate dischargeability.
Arthroscopic Treatment of a Case with Concomitant Subacromial and Subdeltoid Synovial Chondromatosis and Labrum Tear
Authors: Aydogan Nevres Hurriyet , Kocadal Onur , Ozmeric Ahmet , Aktekin Cem Nuri
Published: December 2013

Synovial chondromatosis is a disease that seldomly seen in shoulder joint and is related to benign synovial proliferation and synchronous chondral tissue formation within the joint cavity. Patients suffer from progressive restriction of range of motion and shoulder pain. Extra-articular involvement is an extremely rare condition. Degenerative osteoarthritis, joint subluxation, and bursitis are common complications in untreated patients. Open or arthroscopic surgery is suitable while there is no consensus related to superiority of different approaches. We presented an arthroscopic treatment of a male patient, 48 years old with labrum tear and synovial chondromatosis localized in subacromial and subdeltoid region. Advantages of arthroscopic surgery in the presence of intra- and extra-articular combined pathologies are also discussed.
Improvement of Charge‐Discharge Characteristics of the Mg‐Ni Powder Electrodes at 55°C
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Xiao Ren-Syuan
Published: December 2013

Magnesium‐nickel (Mg‐Ni) powders are used as the anode materials for secondary lithium (Li) ion batteries. Mg‐Ni powders with ratios of 1 : 1 (Mg : Ni) are prepared and their structure and electrochemical behavior at room temperature and 55°C are investigated. The results show that adding Ni powders to Mg powders can reduce the charge‐discharge capacities and improve cycling life. In charge‐discharge cycle testing at 55°C, the Li ion concentration gradually increased with increasing the duration of electrochemical reactions, indicating that the charge‐discharge capacities increase with increment of cycling number. The formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer restrains Mg ions from dissolving into the electrolyte and thus improves the charge‐discharge capacities at high temperature.
Inhibitive Action of Ferrous Gluconate on Aluminum Alloy in Saline Environment
Authors: Popoola Patricia Abimbola Idowu , Omotayo Sanni , Loto Cleophas A. , Popoola Olawale Muhammed
Published: December 2013

The corrosion of aluminum in saline environment in the presence of ferrous gluconate was studied using weight loss and linear polarization methods. The corrosion rates were studied in different concentrations of ferrous gluconate 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/mL at 28°C. Experimental results revealed that ferrous gluconate in saline environment reduced the corrosion rate of aluminum alloy at the different concentrations studied. The minimum inhibition efficiency was obtained at 1.5 g/mL concentration of inhibitor while the optimum inhibition efficiency was achieved with 1.0 g/mL inhibitor concentration. The results showed that adsorption of ferrous gluconate on the aluminium alloy surface fits Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The potentiodynamic polarization results showed that ferrous gluconate is a mixed type inhibitor. Ferrous gluconate acted as an effective inhibitor for aluminium alloy within the temperature and concentration range studied. The data obtained from weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods were in good agreement.
Natural Convection Flow over Wavy Horizontal Surface
Authors: Siddiqa S. , Hossain Md. Anwar
Published: December 2013

In this paper boundary layer analysis is performed over a heated horizontal wavy surface. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into parabolic partial differential equations with the help of appropriate coordinate transformation. Parabolic partial differential equations are then solved numerically with finite difference scheme, seeking details of the momentum and energy fields. Step by step computations are done for the upstream, downstream, and entire regimes. The numerical results are thoroughly discussed in terms of local skin friction and local Nusselt number coefficients for various parameters, like phase shift parameter, φ, and amplitude of the wavy surface, a. In addition, streamlines and isotherms are also drawn in order to visualize velocity and temperature distributions, respectively, within the boundary layer region.
Lack ofTEKGene Mutation in Patients with Cutaneomucosal Venous Malformations from the North-Western Region of Algeria
Authors: Brahami Nabila , Aribi Mourad , Sari Badr-Eddine , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Touitou Isabelle , Lefranc Gérard , Barat-Houari Mouna
Published: December 2013

Background. Venous malformations (VM) result from an error in vascular morphogenesis. The first gene suspected in their development is theTEKgene (tyrosine kinase, endothelial). Mutations of this gene have been identified in several Belgian families with a dominant form of the disease. Therefore, we investigated whether mutations in thisTEKgene could explain the MV development in patients of families from Tlemcen region (north-western Algeria).Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from leucocytes of ten patients. The search for mutations in all the 23 exons and in the 5′ and 3′ intronic sequences flanking theTEKgene was performed using PCR amplification and direct sequencing of amplified genomic DNA. Additionally, a search for somatic mutations of the geneTEKwas performed on a biopsy of the venous malformation from one of the ten eligible patients.Results. The sequencing of the 23 exons of theTEKgene revealed neither germinal mutation in our ten patients nor somatic mutation in the tissue of the biopsy.Conclusion. The absence of mutation in theTEKgene in the population studied suggests that theTEKgene is not necessarily involved in the onset of VM; its association with these malformations may differ from one population to another.
Assessment of Normal Sagittal Alignment of the Spine and Pelvis in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ghandhari Hasan , Hesarikia Hamid , Ameri Ebrahim , Noori Abolfazl
Published: December 2013

Aim. We aimed to determine spinopelvic balance in 8–19-year-old-people in order to assess pelvic and spinal parameters in sagittal view.Methods. Ninety-eight healthy students aged 8–19 years, who lived in the central parts of Tehran, were assessed. Demographic data, history of present and past diseases, height (cm), and weight (kg) were collected. Each subject was examined by an orthopedic surgeon and spinal radiographs in lateral view were obtained. Eight spinopelvic parameters were measured by 2 orthopedic spine surgeons.Results. Ninety-eight subjects, among which 48 were girls (49%) and 50 boys (51%), with a mean age of13.6±2.9years (range: 8–19) were evaluated. Mean height and weight of children were153.6±15.6cm and49.9±13.1kgs, respectively. Mean TK, LL, TT, LT, and PI of subjects were 37.1 ± 9.9°, 39.6 ± 12.4°, 7.08 ± 4.9°, 12.0 ± 5.9°, and 45.37 ± 10.7°, respectively.Conclusion. Preoperation planning for spinal fusion surgeries via applying PI seems reasonable. Predicating “abnormal” to lordosis and kyphosis values alone without considering overall sagittal balance is incorrect. Mean of SS and TK in our population is slightly less than that in Caucasians.
Fetal Fraction Estimate in Twin Pregnancies Using Directed Cell-Free DNA Analysis
Authors: Struble Craig A. , Syngelaki Argyro , Oliphant Arnold , Song Ken , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2013

Objective: To estimate fetal fraction (FF) in monozygotic and dizygotic twin pregnancies. Methods: Maternal plasma samples were obtained from 35 monochorionic twin pregnancies with male fetuses (monozygotic) and 35 dichorionic pregnancies discordant for fetal sex (dizygotic) at 11-13 weeks' gestation. Cell-free DNA was extracted and chromosome-selective sequencing with digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR™) was carried out. The fetal-fraction optimized risk of trisomy evaluation (FORTE™) algorithm was used to estimate FF using polymorphic alleles. In dizygotic twins the FORTE algorithm was modified to estimate the smallest FF contribution of the 2 fetuses. In both types of twins, FF was also determined by analysis of Y-chromosome sequences. Results: In monozygotic twins, the median total FF was 14.0% (range 8.2-27.0%) and in dizygotic twins the median smallest FF was 7.9% (4.9-14.0%). There were significant associations in FF between the methods using polymorphic alleles and Y-chromosome sequences for both monozygotic (r = 0.951, p < 0.0001) and dizygotic (r = 0.743, p < 0.0001) twins. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the feasibility of an approach for cfDNA testing in twin pregnancies. This involves estimation of total FF in monozygotic twins and estimation of the lower FF of the 2 fetuses in dizygotic twins.
The Role of Complement in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Heparan Sulphate, a ZIP Code for Complement Factor H?
Authors: Langford-Smith Alex , Keenan Tiarnan D.L. , Clark Simon J. , Bishop Paul N. , Day Anthony J.
Published: December 2013

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed nations and has been associated with complement dysregulation in the central retina. The Y402H polymorphism in the complement regulatory protein factor H (CFH) can confer a >5-fold increased risk of developing AMD and is present in approximately 30% of people of European descent. CFH, in conjunction with other factors, regulates complement activation in host tissues, and the Y402H polymorphism has been found to alter the protein's specificity for heparan sulphate (HS) - a complex polysaccharide found ubiquitously in mammals. HS, which is present on the cell surface and also in the extracellular matrix, exhibits huge structural diversity due to variations in the level/pattern of sulphation, where particular structures may act as ‘ZIP codes' for different tissue/cellular locations. Recent work has demonstrated that CFH contains two HS-binding domains that each recognize specific HS ZIP codes, allowing differential recognition of Bruch's membrane (in the eye) or the glomerular basement membrane (in the kidney). Importantly, the Y402H polymorphism impairs the binding of CFH to the HS in Bruch's membrane, which could result in increased complement activation and chronic local inflammation (in 402H individuals) and thereby contribute to AMD pathology.
A Parallel Dual Matrix Method for Blind Signal Separation
Authors: Zeng T. J. , Feng Q. Y.
Published: December 2013

A parallel dual matrix method that considers all cases of numerical relations between a mixing matrix and a separating matrix is proposed in this letter. Different constrained terms are used to construct cost function for every subalgorithm. These constrained terms reflect numerical relation. Therefore, a number of undesired solutions are excluded, the search region is reduced, and the convergence efficiency of the algorithm is ultimately improved. Moreover, any parallel subalgorithm is proven to converge to a desired separating matrix only if its cost function converges to zero. Computer simulations indicate that the algorithm efficiently performs blind signal separation.
Guaranteed Classification via Regularized Similarity Learning
Authors: Guo Zheng-Chu , Ying Yiming
Published: December 2013

Learning an appropriate (dis)similarity function from the available data is a central problem in machine learning, since the success of many machine learning algorithms critically depends on the choice of a similarity function to compare examples. Despite many approaches to similarity metric learning that have been proposed, there has been little theoretical study on the links between similarity metric learning and the classification performance of the resulting classifier. In this letter, we propose a regularized similarity learning formulation associated with general matrix norms and establish their generalization bounds. We show that the generalization error of the resulting linear classifier can be bounded by the derived generalization bound of similarity learning. This shows that a good generalization of the learned similarity function guarantees a good classification of the resulting linear classifier. Our results extend and improve those obtained by Bellet, Habrard, and Sebban ( 2012 ). Due to the techniques dependent on the notion of uniform stability (Bousquet & Elisseeff, 2002 ), the bound obtained there holds true only for the Frobenius matrix-norm regularization. Our techniques using the Rademacher complexity (Bartlett & Mendelson, 2002 ) and its related Khinchin-type inequality enable us to establish bounds for regularized similarity learning formulations associated with general matrix norms, including sparse L1-norm and mixed (2,1)-norm.
Feature Selection for Ordinal Text Classification
Authors: Baccianella Stefano , Esuli Andrea , Sebastiani Fabrizio
Published: December 2013

Ordinal classification (also known as ordinal regression) is a supervised learning task that consists of estimating the rating of a data item on a fixed, discrete rating scale. This problem is receiving increased attention from the sentiment analysis and opinion mining community due to the importance of automatically rating large amounts of product review data in digital form. As in other supervised learning tasks such as binary or multiclass classification, feature selection is often needed in order to improve efficiency and avoid overfitting. However, although feature selection has been extensively studied for other classification tasks, it has not for ordinal classification. In this letter, we present six novel feature selection methods that we have specifically devised for ordinal classification and test them on two data sets of product review data against three methods previously known from the literature, using two learning algorithms from the support vector regression tradition. The experimental results show that all six proposed metrics largely outperform all three baseline techniques (and are more stable than these others by an order of magnitude), on both data sets and for both learning algorithms.
Application of Satellite Data for Evaluating the Cold Climate Performance of the Canadian Regional Climate Model over Québec, Canada
Authors: Wang Libo , MacKay Murray , Brown Ross , Bartlett Paul , Harvey Richard , Langlois Alexandre
Published: December 2013

This study evaluates key aspects of the snow cover, cloud cover, and radiation budget simulated by the Canadian Regional Climate Model, version 4 (CRCM4), coupled with two versions of the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS). CRCM4 coupled with CLASS version 2.7 has been used operationally at Ouranos since 2006, while, more recently, CRCM4 has been coupled experimentally with CLASS 3.5, which includes a number of improvements to the representation of snow cover processes. The simulations showed evidence of a systematic cold temperature bias. Evaluation of cloud cover and radiation fluxes with satellite data suggests this bias is related to insufficient cloud radiative forcing from a combination of underestimated cloud cover, excessive cloud albedo, and too low cloud emissivity in the model. This cold bias is reinforced by a positive snow albedo feedback manifest through earlier snow cover onset in the fall and early winter period. Snow albedo was found to be very sensitive to the treatment of albedo refresh but insignificantly influenced by the partitioning of solid precipitation in CLASS. This study demonstrates that atmospheric forcing can exert a significant impact on the simulation of snow cover and surface albedo. The results highlight the need to evaluate parameterizations in land surface models designed for climate models in fully coupled mode.
What was she thinking?1 Women who sexually offend against children − implications for probation practice
Authors: Goldhill Rachel
Published: December 2013

Female child sex abusers have tended to form a neglected area of study and the significance for professional practice in understanding this group of offenders has only recently achieved recognition. This article traces the burgeoning research literature on the characteristics of women perpetrators and those they abuse and finds that the damage caused to victims is severe, affecting every area of their lives throughout their lives. Although there are relatively few female sex offenders in the Criminal Justice System this article highlights that many more prisoners and probationers will have suffered at the receiving end of this type of abuse. The implications for good practice in probation work are discussed.
Missing Women and India’s Religious Demography
Authors: Iyer Sriya , Joshi Shareen
Published: December 2013

This article explores the relationship between religion, caste, infant mortality and fertility across Hindus and Muslims in India using recent data from the 2006 National Family Health Survey. The analysis shows that Muslims exhibit lower infant mortality rates relative to Hindus, and that this difference is not adequately explained by socio-economic status, location and policy variables. We argue that the combination of gender preference and heterogeneity in desired fertility across religious groups offers one potential explanation for the observed differences in mortality rates. Our data support this view; the difference in infant mortality between Muslims and Hindus is concentrated at higher birth order and among girls, irrespective of their birth order. We also show that there are differences in mortality between lower-caste Hindus and higher caste Hindus in our sample.
Local and regional development in the Global North and South
Authors: Pike Andy , Rodríguez-Pose Andrés , Tomaney John
Published: December 2013

Local and regional development has characteristically focused upon localities and regions in the historically industrialized and urbanized countries of the Global North. Development Studies has been concerned with more recently industrializing and urbanizing nations in the Global South. Each strand has continued to have only limited interaction but such disconnection constrains explanation and policy formulation in addressing global development challenges. This article argues for stronger connection and deeper interaction concerning local and regional development between and within the Global North and South. The basis for stimulating dialogue is situated in the critique of developmentalism, defining development regionally and locally, common issues and context sensitivity and place.
Entrepreneurship education for youth in sub-Saharan Africa: A capabilities approach as an alternative framework to neoliberalism’s individualizing risks
Authors: DeJaeghere Joan , Baxter Aryn
Published: December 2013

Entrepreneurship education is widely promoted as an approach to addressing youth unemployment. Contrasting neoliberal and human capabilities frameworks, this article draws attention to the problematic way in which much of the discourse surrounding entrepreneurship conflates programmes designed to spur economic development through business and job creation with those designed to alleviate poverty. Providing examples from the case of one NGO implementing a youth livelihood programme in sub-Saharan Africa, the authors discuss how a capabilities approach illuminates the importance of attending to youth values and addressing the social, material and institutional conditions that mediate how youths’ skills and resources are transformed into livelihood opportunities and choices.
Big retail and sustainable coffee: A new development studies research agenda
Authors: Elder Sara D. , Lister Jane , Dauvergne Peter
Published: December 2013

Over the past five years, global retail chains such as Walmart, McDonald’s and Starbucks have accelerated their efforts to source and sell coffee ‘sustainably’. Whereas ethical and environmental concerns were the intended drivers of fair trade and organic coffee uptake among the big coffee roasters, now multinational retailers are strategically embracing ‘sustainable coffee’ to build brand reputation and consumer trust as well as enhance quality and profitability. This new trend among mass retailers is transforming the social and environmental governance of coffee production and revealing several critical emerging areas of development studies research regarding the impact of big retail power.
Book Review: Understanding India’s New Political Economy: A Great Transformation?
Authors: Kapadia Karin
Published: December 2013

Ruparelia, Sanjay, Reddy, Sanjay, Harriss, John and Corbridge, Stuart, editors. 2011: Understanding India’s New Political Economy: A Great Transformation? London and New York: Routledge. xv + 269pp. £82.97 hardback, £25.51 paperback. ISBN13: 978-0-415-59810-1 hardback. ISBN13: 978-0-415-59811-8 paperback. ISBN13: 978-0-203-82960-8 ebook.
Features and treatment modality of iliopsoas abscess and its outcome: a 6-year hospital-based study
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Shun , Huang Shih-Che , Loh El-Wui , Tsai Che-An , Hung Ying-Ying , Tsan Yu-Tse , Huang Jin-An , Wang Lee-Min , Hu Sung-Yuan
Published: December 2013

Background

Percutaneous drainage (PCD) and surgical intervention are two primary treatment options for iliopsoas abscess (IPA). However, there is currently no consensus on when to use PCD or surgical intervention, especially in patients with gas-forming IPA. This study compared the characteristics of patients with gas-forming and non-gas forming IPA and their mortality rates under different treatment modalities. An algorithm for selecting appropriate treatment for IPA patients is proposed based on our findings.

Methods

Eighty-eight IPA patients between July 2007 and February 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients < 18 years of age or with an incomplete course of treatment were excluded. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of different treatment approaches were compared between gas-forming IPA and non-gas forming IPA patients.

Results

Among the 88 enrolled patients, 27 (31%) had gas-forming IPA and 61 (69%) had non-gas forming IPA. The overall intra-hospital mortality rate was 25%. The gas-forming IPA group had a higher intra-hospital mortality rate (12/27, 44.0%) than the non-gas forming IPA group (10/61, 16.4%) (P < 0.001). Only 2 of the 13 patients in the gas-forming IPA group initially accepting PCD had a good outcome (success rate = 15.4%). Three of the 11 IPA patients with failed initial PCD expired, and 8 of the 11 patients with failed initial PCD accepted salvage operation, of whom 5 survived. Seven of the 8 gas-forming IPA patients accepting primary surgical intervention survived (success rate = 87.5%). Only 1 of the 6 gas-forming IPA patients who accepted antibiotics alone, without PCD or surgical intervention, survived (success rate = 16.7%). In the non-gas forming IPA group, 23 of 61 patients initially accepted PCD, which was successful in 17 patients (73.9%). The success rate of PCD was much higher in the non-gas forming group than in the gas-forming group (P <0.01).

Conclusions

Based on the high failure rate of PCD and the high success rate of surgical intervention in our samples, we recommend early surgical intervention with appropriate antibiotic treatment for the patients with gas-forming IPA. Either PCD or primary surgical intervention is a suitable treatment for patients with non-gas forming IPA.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of antibiotics: a questionnaire study among 2500 Chinese students
Authors: Huang Ying , Gu Jiarui , Zhang Mingyu , Ren Zheng , Yang Weidong , Chen Yang , Fu Yingmei , Chen Xiaobei , Cals Jochen WL , Zhang Fengmin
Published: December 2013

Background

Recently, many scientists including bacteriologists have begun to focus on social aspects of antibiotic management especially the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among the general population regarding antibiotic use. However, relatively few works have published on the relationship between KAP and medical education. In this study, we analyze the present status of Chinese medical (MS)- and non-medical (NS) students’ KAP on the use of antibiotics, and examine the influence of Chinese medical curriculum on the appropriate usage of antibiotics among medical students.

Methods

In this study, 2500 students from 3 universities (including one medical university) in Northeastern China participate in the questionnaire survey on students’ knowledge, attitude and practice toward antibiotic usage. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Chi square test were used to analyze questionnaire-related discrete and categorical variables respectively, in order to assess the impact of the medical curriculum on students’ KAP towards antibiotics.

Results

2088 (83.5%) respondents (MS-1236 and NS-852) were considered valid for analysis. The level of knowledge of MS on the proper use of antibiotics was significantly higher than that of NS (p < 0.0001). However, based on their responses on actual practice, MS were found to rely on antibiotics more than NS (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the knowledge and attitude of MS towards antibiotic use improved with the increase in grade with discriminate use of antibiotics concurrently escalating during the same period.

Conclusions

This study indicates that Chinese medical curriculum significantly improves students’ knowledge on antibiotics and raises their attention on antibiotic resistance that may result from indiscriminate use of antibiotics. The study also shows an excessive use of antibiotics especially among the more senior medical students, signifying a deficiency of antibiotics usage instruction in their curriculum. This might explain why there are frequent abuses of antibiotics in both hospital and community settings from a certain angle.
Neurophobia among medical students and non-specialist doctors in Sri Lanka
Authors: Matthias Anne Thushara , Nagasingha Poorna , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Gunatilake Saman B
Published: December 2013

Background

Neurophobia is the fear of neurosciences held by medical students and doctors. The present study aims to identify whether Neurology is considered a difficult subject by medical students and non-specialist doctors from Sri Lanka and evaluate reasons for such perceived difficulties.

Methods

The study was conducted from May-June 2008. One hundred non-specialist doctors from the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and 150 medical students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were invited for the study. Data were collected by a pre-tested expert-validated self-administered questionnaire, designed to assess the degree of perceived difficulty, confidence, interest and knowledge of Neurology as compared to other subjects. It also evaluated reasons and probable strategies to overcome the perceived difficulties and/or lack of interests.

Results

All non-specialist doctors and 148 medical students responded to the questionnaire (response rate–99.2%). The most favourite subject among medical students and non-specialist doctors were Cardiology and Endocrinology respectively, while Neurology was ranked third. In all participants the current level of interest was most for Cardiology (3.52±1.36), while Neurology was the least interesting specialty for majority of medical students (18.5%) and non-specialist doctors (25.0%). The current level of knowledge among medical students was most for Cardiology (3.12±0.86), while Neurology (2.53±0.96) was ranked fifth. The most difficult specialty for majority of medical students (50.0%) and non-specialist doctors (41.7%) was Neurology. All the participants were least confident when dealing with patients with headache (2.20±0.81), numbness of feet (2.07±0.79) and dizziness (2.07±0.78) when compared to dealing with other non-neurological complaints. The commonest reasons ‘why Neurology was felt to be a difficult subject’ were; the need to know basic neuro-anatomy and having a complex clinical examination. Participants’ felt that clinical/hospital based teaching (3.49±0.65), case discussions (3.45±0.68) and teaching aids (3.10±0.89) would be the most important teaching strategies to improve their competency in Neurology.

Conclusion

Neurology is considered a difficult subject by undergraduates and non-specialist doctors of Sri Lanka. The main reason for the perceived difficulty was the lack of understanding of basic sciences and deficiencies in clinical teaching. This lack of confidence could have a significant impact on patient care.
Regulation of PMP22 mRNA by G3BP1 affects cell proliferation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Winslow Sofia , Leandersson Karin , Larsson Christer
Published: December 2013

Background

Regulation of mRNAs is one way to control protein levels and thereby important cellular processes such as growth, invasion and apoptosis. G3BPs constitute a family of mRNA-binding proteins, shown to be overexpressed in several cancer types, including breast, colon and pancreas cancer. G3BP has been reported to both stabilize and induce degradation of specific mRNAs.

Results

Here, we show that G3BP1, but not G3BP2, supports proliferation of several breast cancer cell lines. Global gene expression analyses of G3BP1- and G3BP2-depleted cells indicate that primarily G3BP1, and much less G3BP2, influences mRNA expression levels. Peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) was one gene that was significantly influenced by G3BP1 depletion which led to a 2–3 fold increased expression. Depletion of PMP22 resulted in increased proliferation and the G3BP1-mediated effect on proliferation was not seen upon PMP22-depletion.

Conclusions

This indicates a novel role for G3BP1 in the regulation of cell proliferation in breast cancer cells, perhaps via a regulatory effect on PMP22 expression.
The mTOR Signaling Pathway Regulates Pain-Related Synaptic Plasticity in Rat Entorhinal-Hippocampal Pathways
Authors: Lyu Dan , Yu Wenli , Tang Ning , Wang Ruirui , Zhao Zhenyu , Xie Fang , He Yongjin , Du Hongyin , Chen Jun
Published: December 2013

Background

Our previous work demonstrated that persistent peripheral nociception (PPN) leads to synaptic plasticity and functional changes in the rat hippocampus. The protein kinase mTOR is a critical regulator of protein synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus as well as synaptic plasticity associated with central and peripheral pain sensitization. We examined the role of mTOR signaling in pain-associated entorhinal cortex (EC) - hippocampal synaptic plasticity to reveal possible cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic pain on cognition and emotion.

Results

Subcutaneous injection of bee venom (BV) into one hind paw to induce PPN resulted in sustained (> 8 h) mTOR phospho-activation and enhanced phosphorylation of the mTOR target p70 S6 kinase (S6K) in the hippocampus. The magnitude and duration of long-term potentiation (LTP) in both EC - dentate gyrus (DG) and EC - CA1 synaptic pathways were elevated in BV-treated rats as measured by microelectrode array recording. Moreover, the number of potentiated synapses in the hippocampus was markedly upregulated by BV-induced PPN. Both elevated mTOR-S6K signaling and enhanced LTP induced by BV injection were reversed by systemic injection of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (RAPA). Rats injected with BV exhibited markedly reduced ambulation and exploratory activity in the open field (signs of depression and anxiety) compared to controls, and these effects were also reversed by RAPA.

Conclusion

We suggest that PPN-induced enhancement of synaptic plasticity in EC - hippocampal pathways and the behavioral effects of PPN are dependent on mTOR-S6K signaling.
Early loading of hydrophilic titanium implants inserted in low-mineralized (D3 and D4) bone: one year results of a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Held Uwe , Rohner Dennis , Rothamel Daniel
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Pure titanium is the material of choice for contemporary dental implants. However, superficial reaction of the moderately rough titanium surface with atmospheric components decreases its hydrophilicity. INICELL® represents a chemical alteration and hydrophilization of a moderately rough i. e. sand-blasted and acid-etched titanium surface. The hydrophilicity leads to a more homogenous adsorption of proteins on the implant surface in-vitro, supporting the activation of a higher number of platelets and the generation of a homogenous, complete fibrin matrix in the early phases of osseointegration. This in turn helps to reduce the healing time and enhances the predictability of osseointegration in compromised bony situations.

The objective of this case series trial was therefore to investigate if early loading (after 8 weeks) of hydrophilic INICELL implants is feasible in patients with reduced bone quality.

Methods

In 10 patients, 35 hydrophilic implants were placed in sites revealing bone quality class 3 and 4, and uncovered after 4 weeks. Eight weeks later implants were released for loading if the tactile resistance was ≥35 Ncm. Lower resistances resulted in 12 weeks initial healing period. Insertion torque, ISQ, tactile resistance and vertical bone level were evaluated at implant installation, after 4 weeks (uncovering), 8 or 12 weeks (loading), and 12 weeks and one year after loading.

Results

Mean implant insertion torque was 21 Ncm. 31 (88.6%) showed a tactile resistance of >35 Ncm after eight weeks and were released for prosthetic loading. Eight weeks after insertion, one implant (2.9%) had to be removed following a soft tissue complication. One implant had to be removed after 4 weeks due to a technical complication (fractured Osstell-abutment), it was therefore excluded from the analysis.

33 of 34 implants (97%) were loaded to occlusion and were in situ/functional one year after implantation. ISQs increased from 43 at baseline to 63 at eight weeks, and 72 at three months after loading. Then, ISQ remained constant until one year after loading.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this prospective case series, hydrophilic implants may allow for shortening of the initial healing period even in bone with compromised density.
Dietary fructose enhances the incidence of precancerous hepatocytes induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine in rat
Authors: Kumamoto Ryo , Uto Hirofumi , Oda Kohei , Ibusuki Rie , Tanoue Shirou , Arima Shiho , Mawatari Seiichi , Kumagai Kotaro , Numata Masatsugu , Tamai Tsutomu , Moriuchi Akihiro , Fujita Hiroshi , Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: December 2013

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the association between a high-fructose diet and HCC is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated whether a high-fructose diet affects hepatocarcinogenesis induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine (DEN).

Methods

Seven-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed standard chow (controls), a high-fat diet (54% fat), or a high-fructose diet (66% fructose) for 8 weeks. All rats were given DEN at 50 μg/L in drinking water during the same period. Precancerous hepatocytes were detected by immunostaining of the placental form of glutathione-S-transferase (GST-P). The number of GST-P-positive hepatocytes was assessed in liver specimens.

Results

Serum levels of total cholesterol were similar among the three groups, but serum triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels were higher in the high-fructose group compared to the high-fat group. In contrast, hepatic steatosis was more severe in the high-fat group compared with the high-fructose and control groups, but the incidence of GST-P-positive specimens was significantly higher in the high-fructose group compared to the other two groups. The average number of GST-P-positive hepatocytes in GST-P positive specimens in the high-fructose group was also higher than those in the other two groups. This high prevalence of GST-P-positive hepatocytes was accompanied by higher levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in serum and liver tissue.

Conclusions

These results indicate that dietary fructose, rather than dietary fat, increases the incidence of precancerous hepatocytes induced by administration of DEN via insulin resistance and oxidative stress in rat. Thus, excessive fructose intake may be a potential risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Galectin-9 prolongs the survival of septic mice by expanding tim-3-expressing natural killer T cells and PDCA-1+ CD11c+macrophages
Authors: Kadowaki Takashi , Morishita Asahiro , Niki Toshiro , Hara Junko , Sato Miwa , Tani Joji , Miyoshi Hisaaki , Yoneyama Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu , Hattori Toshio , Matsukawa Akihiro , Hirashima Mitsuomi
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Galectin-9 ameliorates various inflammatory conditions including autoimmune diseases by regulating T cell and macrophage/dendritic cell (DC) functions. However, the effect of galectin-9 on polymicrobial sepsis has not been assessed.

Methods

We induced polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. The survival rate was compared between galectin-9- and PBS-treated CLP mice. An ELISA was used to compare the levels of various cytokines in the plasma and culture supernatants. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was further performed to compare the frequencies of subpopulations of spleen cells.

Results

Galectin-9 exhibited a protective effect in polymicrobial sepsis as demonstrated in galetin-9 transgenic mice and therapeutic galectin-9 administration. In contrast, such effect was not observed in nude mice, indicating the involvement of T cells in galectin-9-mediated survival prolongation. Galectin-9 decreased TNFα, IL-6, IL-10 and, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and increased IL-15 and IL-17 plasma and spleen levels. Galectin-9 increased the frequencies of natural killer T (NKT) cells and PDCA-1+ CD11c+ macrophages (pDC-like macrophages) but did not change the frequency of CD4 or CD8 T cells, γδT cells or conventional DC. As expected, galectin-9 decreased the frequency of Tim-3+ CD4 T cells, most likely Th1 and Th17 cells. Intriguingly, many spleen NK1.1+ NKT cells and pDC-like macrophages expressed Tim-3. Galectin-9 increased the frequency of Tim-3-expressing NK1.1+ NKT cells and pDC-like macrophages. Galectin-9 further increased IL-17+ NK1.1+ NKT cells.

Conclusion

These data suggest that galectin-9 exerts therapeutic effects on polymicrobial sepsis, possibly by expanding NKT cells and pDC-like macrophages and by modulating the production of early and late proinflammatory cytokines.