bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exotic herbivorous insect drives the evolution of resistance in the exotic perennial herb Solidago altissima
Authors: Sakata Yuzu , Yamasaki Michimasa , Isagi Yuji , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: March 2014

Invasive plants often experience rapid changes in biological interactions by escaping from their original herbivores at their new habitats, and sometimes re‐associating with those herbivores afterwards. However, little is known about whether the temporal changes in herbivorous impact work as a selective agent for defensive traits of invaded plants. Solidago altissima (goldenrod) is a North American perennial that has widely invaded abandoned fields in Japan. Recently, an herbivorous insect Corythucha marmorata (lace bug), an exotic insect also from North America, which was first recorded in 2000 in Japan, has been expanding its habitat on S. altissima populations in Japan. In this study, we investigated whether the invasion of C. marmorata had a selective impact on the defensive traits of S. altissima, by conducting a field survey, a common garden experiment and microsatellite analysis. We compared quantitative genetic differentiation of traits (resistance, growth, and reproduction) and neutral molecular differentiation among 16 S. altissima populations with different establishment years of C. marmorata.

The common garden experiment, in which plants were grown in a greenhouse and treated to either C. marmorata herbivory or no herbivory, revealed the presence of higher resistance, sexual reproduction, and asexual (rhizome) reproduction in populations subjected to a longer history of C. marmorata pressure. Such phenotypic variability among establishment years of lace bugs was likely driven by natural selection rather than stochastic events such as genetic drift and founder effects. In addition, when plants were exposed to lace bug herbivory, resistance had a positive relationship with sexual and asexual reproduction, although no relationship was found when plants were free from herbivory. These findings suggest that defensive traits in S. altissima have evolved locally in the last decade in response to the selective pressure of C. marmorata.
Identification of a Small Molecular Insulin Receptor Agonist With Potent Antidiabetes Activity
Authors: Qiang Guifen , Xue Shenghui , Yang Jenny J. , Du Guanhua , Pang Xiaobin , Li Xiaoting , Goswami Devrishi , Griffin Patrick R. , Ortlund Eric A. , Chan Chi Bun , Ye Keqiang
Published: March 2014

Insulin replacement therapy is a widely adopted treatment for all patients with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes. However, injection of insulin has suffered from problems such as tissue irritation, abscesses, discomfort, and inconvenience. The use of orally bioactive insulin mimetics thus represents an ideal treatment alternative. Here we show that a chaetochromin derivative (4548-G05) acts as a new nonpeptidyl insulin mimetic. 4548-G05 selectively activates an insulin receptor (IR) but not insulin-like growth factor receptor-I or other receptor tyrosine kinases. Through binding to the extracellular domain of the IR, 4548-G05 induces activation of the receptor and initiates the downstream Akt and extracellular signal–related kinase pathways to trigger glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. Moreover, it displays a potent blood glucose-lowering effect when administrated orally in normal, type 1 diabetic, and type 2 diabetic mice models. Therefore, 4548-G05 may represent a novel pharmacological agent for antidiabetes drug development.
B-Cell Translocation Gene 2 Regulates Hepatic Glucose Homeostasis via Induction of Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nur77 in Diabetic Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Yong Deuk , Kim Sun-Gyun , Hwang Seung-Lark , Choi Hueng-Sik , Bae Jae-Hoon , Song Dae-Kyu , Im Seung-Soon
Published: March 2014

B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) is a member of an emerging gene family that is involved in cellular functions. In this study, we demonstrate that BTG2 regulates glucose homeostasis via upregulation of Nur77 in diabetic mice. Hepatic BTG2 gene expression was elevated by fasting and forskolin. Overexpression of Btg2 increased the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic genes and blood glucose output and subsequently impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Upregulation of the transcriptional activity of Nur77, gluconeogenic genes, and glucose production by forskolin was observed by Btg2 transduction, but not in Btg2 knockdown. BTG2-stimulated glucose production and glucose-6-phosphatase promoter activity were attenuated by dominant-negative Nur77. Coimmunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that BTG2 induced Nur77 occupancy on the glucose-6-phosphatase promoter via a physical interaction. Btg2 gene expression was increased in streptozotocin-treated and db/db mice. Finally, impairment of glucose homeostasis, such as the increase of blood glucose, glucose intolerance, and insulin intolerance, was elevated in diabetic mice, whereas this phenomenon was abolished in knockdown of Btg2. Together, these data suggest that BTG2 participates in the regulation of hepatic glucose homeostasis, which means that BTG2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for combating metabolic dysfunction.
Effects of Sitagliptin on Glycemia, Incretin Hormones, and Antropyloroduodenal Motility in Response to Intraduodenal Glucose Infusion in Healthy Lean and Obese Humans and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With or Without Metformin
Authors: Wu Tongzhi , Ma Jing , Bound Michelle J. , Checklin Helen , Deacon Carolyn F. , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K.
Published: March 2014

The impact of variations in gastric emptying, which influence the magnitude of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion, on glucose lowering by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors is unclear. We evaluated responses to intraduodenal glucose infusion (60 g over 120 min [i.e., 2 kcal/min], a rate that predominantly stimulates GIP but not GLP-1) after sitagliptin versus control in 12 healthy lean, 12 obese, and 12 type 2 diabetic subjects taking metformin 850 mg b.i.d. versus placebo. As expected, sitagliptin augmented plasma-intact GIP substantially and intact GLP-1 modestly. Sitagliptin attenuated glycemic excursions in healthy lean and obese but not type 2 diabetic subjects, without affecting glucagon or energy intake. In contrast, metformin reduced fasting and glucose-stimulated glycemia, suppressed energy intake, and augmented total and intact GLP-1, total GIP, and glucagon in type 2 diabetic subjects, with no additional glucose lowering when combined with sitagliptin. These observations indicate that in type 2 diabetes, 1) the capacity of endogenous GIP to lower blood glucose is impaired; 2) the effect of DPP-4 inhibition on glycemia is likely to depend on adequate endogenous GLP-1 release, requiring gastric emptying >2 kcal/min; and 3) the action of metformin to lower blood glucose is not predominantly by way of the incretin axis.
Limited Acute Influences of Electrical Baroreceptor Activation on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Delivery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Study
Authors: May Marcus , Ahrens Jelka , Menne Jan , Haller Hermann , Beige Joachim , Eckert Siegfried , Jordan Jens , Engeli Stefan
Published: March 2014

Arterial baroreflexes may regulate resistance vessels supplying glucose to skeletal muscle by modulating efferent sympathetic nervous system activity. We hypothesized that selective manipulation of baroreflex activity through electrical carotid sinus stimulation influences insulin sensitivity by changing muscular glucose delivery. We enrolled 16 hypertensive patients who responded to treatment with an electrical carotid sinus stimulator. Patients were submitted to a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) with the stimulator on and with the stimulator off on separate days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. We monitored interstitial glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in the vastus lateralis muscle using microdialysis. Glucose and insulin concentrations in arterialized venous blood before and during FSIGT were virtually identical with the stimulator on and with the stimulator off. Insulin sensitivity, the primary end point of this study, was 3.3 ± 1.0 (mU/L)−1 ⋅ min−1 and 4.4 ± 2.6 (mU/L)−1 ⋅ min−1 (on vs. off; P = 0.7). Interstitial glucose, lactate, and pyruvate increased similarly during FSIGT regardless of the stimulator settings. In conclusion, acute changes in baroreceptor stimulation did not elicit significant changes in muscular glucose delivery and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Baroreflex-mediated changes in sympathetic vasomotor tone may have a limited acute effect on muscle glucose metabolism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.
CD40-Mediated Maintenance of Immune Homeostasis in the Adipose Tissue Microenvironment
Authors: Yi Zuoan , Stunz Laura L. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: March 2014

Chronic inflammation in visceral adipose tissue is considered a key element for induction of insulin resistance in obesity. CD40 is required for efficient systemic adaptive immune responses and is implicated in various inflammatory conditions. However, its role in modulating immunity in the microanatomical niches of adipose tissue remains largely undefined. Here, we show that, in contrast to its well-documented costimulatory effects, CD40 regulates development of insulin resistance in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model by ameliorating local inflammation in adipose tissues. CD40 deficiency (CD40KO) resulted in greater body weight gain, more severe inflammation in epididymal adipose tissue (EAT), and aggravated insulin resistance in response to DIO. Interestingly, we found that CD40KO CD8+ T lymphocytes were major contributors to exacerbated insulin resistance. Specifically, CD8+ T cells in EAT of DIO CD40KO mice produced elevated chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines and were critical for macrophage recruitment. These results indicate that CD40 plays distinct roles in different tissues and, unexpectedly, plays an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis in EAT. Further study of how CD40 promotes maintenance of healthy metabolism could contribute to better understanding of and ability to therapeutically manipulate the increasing health problem of obesity and insulin resistance.
Diabetes Prevention in the Real World: Effectiveness of Pragmatic Lifestyle Interventions for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and of the Impact of Adherence to Guideline Recommendations
Authors: Dunkley Alison J. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Greaves Colin J. , Russell Claire , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence on effectiveness of translational diabetes prevention programs, based on promoting lifestyle change to prevent type 2 diabetes in real-world settings and to examine whether adherence to international guideline recommendations is associated with effectiveness.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Bibliographic databases were searched up to July 2012. Included studies had a follow-up of ≥12 months and outcomes comparing change in body composition, glycemic control, or progression to diabetes. Lifestyle interventions aimed to translate evidence from previous efficacy trials of diabetes prevention into real-world intervention programs. Data were combined using random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression considering the relationship between intervention effectiveness and adherence to guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The primary meta-analysis included 22 studies (24 study groups) with outcome data for weight loss at 12 months. The pooled result of the direct pairwise meta-analysis shows that lifestyle interventions resulted in a mean weight loss of 2.32 kg (95% CI −2.92 to −1.72; I2 = 93.3%). Adherence to guidelines was significantly associated with a greater weight loss (an increase of 0.4 kg per point increase on a 12-point guideline-adherence scale).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that pragmatic diabetes prevention programs are effective. Effectiveness varies substantially between programs but can be improved by maximizing guideline adherence. However, more research is needed to establish optimal strategies for maximizing both cost-effectiveness and longer-term maintenance of weight loss and diabetes prevention effects.
Dietary Sugar and Body Weight: Have We Reached a Crisis in the Epidemic of Obesity and Diabetes?
Authors: Kahn Richard , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: March 2014

In the preceding point narrative, Drs. Bray and Popkin provide their opinion and review data that suggest to them that we need to reconsider the consumption of dietary sugar based on the growing concern of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the counterpoint narrative below, we argue that there is no clear or convincing evidence that any dietary or added sugar has a unique or detrimental impact relative to any other source of calories on the development of obesity or diabetes. Sugar is purely a highly palatable source of energy; because it has no other property that appears to contribute to our nutritional well-being, it is not an essential food for most of us. For those who wish to reduce energy consumption, ingesting less sugar is a good place to start. However, doing so does not automatically portend any clinical benefit.
Surgical management of vertebral synovial cysts in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Delamaide Gasper Joy A. , Rylander Helena , Mans Christoph , Waller Kenneth R. , Imai Denise M.
Published: March 2014

Case Description—An approximately 8-month-old female Miniature Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of an acute onset of progressive paraparesis.

Clinical Findings—The rabbit was ambulatory paraparetic, and results of neurologic examination were consistent with a myelopathy localizing to the T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Evaluation with CT myelography revealed focal extradural spinal cord compression bilaterally at the level of the articular process joints of T12-L1.

Treatment and Outcome—A Funkquist type A dorsal laminectomy was performed at T12-L1, and the vertebral column was stabilized with pins and polymethylmethacrylate-based cement. Multiple vertebral synovial cysts were confirmed on histologic evaluation of the surgically excised tissues. The rabbit was nonambulatory with severe paraparesis postoperatively and was ambulatory paraparetic at a recheck examination 7 weeks after surgery. Fourteen weeks after surgery, the rabbit appeared stronger; it walked and hopped slowly but still fell and dragged its hindquarters when moving faster. Thirty-seven weeks after surgery, the neurologic status was unchanged.

Clinical Relevance—Although thoracolumbar myelopathy in rabbits is commonly secondary to vertebral fracture, vertebral synovial cysts should be considered a differential diagnosis for rabbits with slowly progressive paraparesis. Decompressive surgery and stabilization can result in a good outcome for rabbits with this condition.
Sociology in Place of Socialism: On West German Cultural Radio
Authors: Boll Monika
Published: March 2014

This article delves into the relationship between cultural radio and the Cold War. After 1945, culural radio took on a central role in the intellectual self-understanding of the early Federal Republic. From the very beginning, there was much less censorship than with political editorial departments. Thus, it was possible for cultrual radio to offer an intellectual forum in which socialism was not simply dismissed due to the official anticommunist political doctrine. This article shows the ways in which the East-West conflict was present in the cultrual departments of radio broadcasters. It argues that socialism appeared less as an ideological restraint or taboo, but rather as a productive challenge, which in the end was part of the modernization of West Germany's intellectual self-understanding. Two prominent examples buttress this argument: the free space that cultrual radio conquered in a kind of leftist integration with the West, and the rapid advancement of sociological discourse.
Unforgotten Landscapes: Radio and the Reconstruction of Germany's European Mission in the East in the 1950s
Authors: Marszolek Inge
Published: March 2014

Using the example of the audio series Unforgotten Landscapes (Unvergessene Landschaften) aired on Radio Bremen in 1955, this article addresses the important role that radio played in the complex border-negotiation processes in Germany after World War II. For many years, the agency of radio as an interlocutor and discursive tool in the process of renationalization has been more or less neglected in historical research. Indeed, visual and auditory representation of the Eastern borders was a highly contaminated field in Western Germany until the 1970s. Even today, the relations between Poland and Germany are still affected by these issues. By using the German notion of Heimat as an umbrella concept, this article shows how these radio programs tried to shift the understanding of existing territorial borders, as having resulted from World War II and the atrocities of Nazi Germany to being a part of the imaginary construction of Germany as a Kulturnation. The audio series depicted the history of theses landscapes as German since medieval times, with no human beings living there in the present, but also claiming that the voices of death still can be heard. Thus, the territories could be lost, but by anchoring these landscapes in cultural memory, they would still be part of Germanness. Moreover, the programs reinforce West Germany's European mission to connect the east with the west beyond continuities with the völkisch “blood-and-soil ideology” underlying the concept of Heimat.
Quality evaluation of ready-to-eat fish ball in curry
Authors: Kolekar AD , Pagarkar AU
Published: March 2014

Fish ball in curry (FBC) was prepared following standard recipe. Prepared FBC was packed in standup pouches and stored at 0 to -2°C. The organoleptic scores for overall acceptability of the FBC were slightly decreased within the storage period (12 days). The pH decreased from 6.38 to 6.07, while peroxide value increased from 2.27 to 9.47. The total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) increased from 5.04 to 17.64. The total plate count increased from an initial value of 1.8 x 102 to 2.4 x 104 cfu g-1 during chilled storage. The Staphylcoccus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were not detected throughout the study period. It was observed that the products stored at 0 to -2°C were acceptable organoleptically, and stable biochemically and microbiologically up to 9 days. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18373 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 35-43 (2013)
Virus elimination in potato through meristem culture followed by thermotherapy
Authors: Ali MA , Nasiruddin KM , Haque MS , Faisal SM
Published: March 2014

Virus elimination in potato through meristem culture followed by thermotherapy and virus indexing was studied. Three levels of thermotherapy, viz. 27±1°C (control), 30±1°C and 35±1°C, sixteen combinations of BAP (Benzyl Amino Purine) plus GA3 (gibberellic Acid) concentrations viz. 0.0+0.0 (control), 0.0+0.2, 0.0+0.4, 0.0+0.6, 1.5+0.0, 1.5+0.2, 1.5+0.4, 1.5+0.6, 3.0+0.0, 3.0+0.2, 3.0+0.4, 3.0+0.6 , 4.5+0.0, 4.5+ 0.2, 4.5+0.4 and 4.5+0.6 were used in this study in three potato varieties viz. Diamant, Heera and Lalpakri. Among the thermo therapies, 27±1°C showed the highest (24.55) survival response followed by 30±1°C, 35±1°C, respectively. The poorest (20.47) survival response of meristem derived plantlets was noticed in 35±1°C which gave the highest percentage (43.79) of virus free plantlets followed by 30±1°C. The best (25.85%) survival response was found in Lalpakri and the lowest (19.08%) survivality was recorded in Diamant. The highest (33.27) percentage of PVY (Potato Virus Y) free plantlets was observed in Heera. The combined treatment 3.0 mg L-1 BAP and 0.2 mg L-1 GA3 showed the highest (63.39) percentage of virus free plantlet production followed by 4.5 mg L-1 BAP and 0.2 mg L-1 GA3DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18376 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 71-80 (2013)
Growth, yield and bulb quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) in response to foliar application of boron and zinc
Authors: Manna D
Published: March 2014

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18391 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 149-153 (2013)
Correction: Racchi, M.L. Antioxidant Defenses in Plants with Attention to Prunus and Citrus spp. Antioxidants 2013, 2, 340-369
Authors: Racchi Milvia
Published: March 2014

I have found two inadvertent errors in my review published in Antioxidants [1]. [...]
Comparison between Underground Cable and Overhead Line for a Low-Voltage Direct Current Distribution Network Serving Communication Repeater
Authors: Kim Jae-Han , Kim Ju-Yong , Cho Jin-Tae , Song Il-Keun , Kweon Bo-Min , Chung Il-Yop , Choi Joon-Ho
Published: March 2014

This paper compares the differences in economic feasibility and dynamic characteristics between underground (U/G) cable and overhead (O/H) line for low-voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution. Numerous low loaded long-distance distribution networks served by medium-voltage alternative current (MVAC) distribution lines exist in the Korean distribution network. This is an unavoidable choice to compensate voltage drop, therefore, excessive cost is expended for the amount of electrical power load. The Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is consequently seeking a solution to replace the MVAC distribution line with a LVDC distribution line, reducing costs and providing better quality direct current (DC) electricity. A LVDC distribution network can be installed with U/G cables or O/H lines. In this paper, a realistic MVAC distribution network in a mountainous area was selected as the target model to replace with LVDC. A 30 year net present value (NPV) analysis of the economic feasibility was conducted to compare the cost of the two types of distribution line. A simulation study compared the results of the DC line fault with the power system computer aided design/electro-magnetic transient direct current (PSCAD/EMTDC). The economic feasibility evaluation and simulation study results will be used to select the applicable type of LVDC distribution network.
Multi-Stage Control of Waste Heat Recovery from High Temperature Slags Based on Time Temperature Transformation Curves
Authors: Sun Yongqi , Zhang Zuotai , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a significant method and a basic idea of waste heat recovery from high temperature slags based on Time Temperature Transformation (TTT) curves. Three samples with a fixed CaO/SiO2 ratio of 1.05 and different levels of Al2O3 were designed and isothermal experiments were performed using a Single Hot Thermocouple Technique (SHTT). The TTT curves established through SHTT experiments described well the variation of slag properties during isothermal processes. In this study, we propose a multi-stage control method for waste heat recovery from high temperature slags, in which the whole temperature range from 1500 °C to 25 °C was divided into three regions, i.e., Liquid region, Crystallization region and Solid region, based on the TTT curves. Accordingly, we put forward an industrial prototype plant for the purpose of waste heat recovery and the potential of waste heat recovery was then calculated. The multi-stage control method provided not only a significant prototype, but also a basic idea to simultaneously extract high quality waste heat and obtain glassy phases on high temperature slags, which may fill the gap between slag properties and practical waste heat recovery processes.
An Overview of Integrated Management of Leaf-Cutting Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Brazilian Forest Plantations
Authors: Zanetti Ronald , Zanuncio José , Santos Juliana , Da Silva Willian , Ribeiro Genésio , Lemes Pedro
Published: March 2014

Brazilian forest producers have developed integrated management programs to increase the effectiveness of the control of leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. These measures reduced the costs and quantity of insecticides used in the plantations. Such integrated management programs are based on monitoring the ant nests, as well as the need and timing of the control methods. Chemical control employing baits is the most commonly used method, however, biological, mechanical and cultural control methods, besides plant resistance, can reduce the quantity of chemicals applied in the plantations.
Feasibility of Silver Doped TiO2/Glass Fiber Photocatalyst under Visible Irradiation as an Indoor Air Germicide
Authors: Pham Thanh-Dong , Lee Byeong-Kyu
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the feasibility of using Ag-TiO2 photocatalyst supported on glass fiber (Ag-TiO2/GF) prepared by a sol-gel method as an indoor air germicide. An experimental model was designed to investigate the bacterial disinfection efficiency of Staphylococcus (Staph), the most popular bacterium in hospitals in Korea, by the Ag-TiO2/GF photocatalyst. The silver content in Ag/TiO2 was altered from 1 to 10% to investigate the optimal ratio of Ag doped on TiO2/glass fiber (TiO2/GF) for photocatalytic disinfection of Staph. This study confirmed that Ag in Ag-TiO2/GF could work as an electron sink or donor to increase photocatalytic activity and promote the charge separation of electron-hole pairs generated from TiO2 after photon absorption. Ag also acts as an intermediate agent for the transfer of photo-generated electrons from the valence band of TiO2 to an acceptor (O2 gas) to promote photo-oxidation processes. The photocatalytic disinfection activity of Ag-TiO2/GF under visible light increased with the increase in silver content up to 7.5% and then slightly decreased with further increasing silver content. The highest disinfection efficiency and disinfection capacity of Staph using 7.5% Ag-TiO2/GF were 75.23% and 20 (CFU∙s−1∙cm−2) respectively. The medium level of humidity of 60% ± 5% showed better photocatalytic disinfection than the lower (40% ± 5%) or higher (80% ± 5%) levels.
Calcium and Vitamin D in the Regulation of Energy Balance: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Soares Mario , Pathak Kaveri , Calton Emily
Published: March 2014

There is a pandemic of obesity and associated chronic diseases. Dietary calcium and vitamin D have many extra-skeletal roles in human health. In this review we have summarized the current understanding of their influence on human energy balance by examining the epidemiological, clinical, animal, cellular and molecular evidence. We opine that while calcium and vitamin D are functional nutrients in the battle against obesity, there is a need for prospective human trials to tilt the balance of evidence in favour of these nutrients.
Investigation into Variation of Endogenous Metabolites in Bone Marrow Cells and Plasma in C3H/He Mice Exposed to Benzene
Authors: Sun Rongli , Zhang Juan , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: March 2014

Benzene is identified as a carcinogen. Continued exposure of benzene may eventually lead to damage to the bone marrow, accompanied by pancytopenia, aplastic anemia or leukemia. This paper explores the variations of endogenous metabolites to provide possible clues for the molecular mechanism of benzene-induced hematotoxicity. Liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to investigate the variation of endogenous metabolites in bone marrow cells and plasma of male C3H/He mice. The mice were injected subcutaneously with benzene (0, 300, 600 mg/day) once daily for seven days. The body weights, relative organ weights, blood parameters and bone marrow smears were also analyzed. The results indicated that benzene caused disturbances in the metabolism of oxidation of fatty acids and essential amino acids (lysine, phenylalanine and tyrosine) in bone marrow cells. Moreover, fatty acid oxidation was also disturbed in plasma and thus might be a common disturbed metabolic pathway induced by benzene in multiple organs. This study aims to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in benzene hematotoxicity, especially in bone marrow cells.
Bovine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Are More Resistant to Apoptosis than Testicular Cells in Response to Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Authors: Lin Ying-Chu , Kuo Kung-Kai , Wuputra Kenly , Lin Shih-Han , Ku Chia-Chen , Yang Ya-Han , Wang Shin-Wei , Wang Sheng-Wen , Wu Deng-Chyang , Wu Chun-Chien , Chai Chee-Yin , Lin Cheng-Lung , Lin Chang-Shen , Kajitani Masayuki , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yukio , Hashimoto Shinichi , Matsushima Kouji , Jin Chunyuan , Huang Shau-Ku , Saito Shigeo , Yokoyama Kazunari
Published: March 2014

Although the androgen receptor (AR) has been implicated in the promotion of apoptosis in testicular cells (TSCs), the molecular pathway underlying AR-mediated apoptosis and its sensitivity to environmental hormones in TSCs and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) remain unclear. We generated the iPSCs from bovine TSCs via the electroporation of OCT4. The established iPSCs were supplemented with leukemia inhibitory factor and bone morphogenetic protein 4 to maintain and stabilize the expression of stemness genes and their pluripotency. Apoptosis signaling was assessed after exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the active metabolite of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Here, we report that iPSCs were more resistant to MEHP-induced apoptosis than were original TSCs. MEHP also repressed the expression of AR and inactivated WNT signaling, and then led to the commitment of cells to apoptosis via the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21CIP1. The loss of the frizzed receptor 7 and the gain of p21CIP were responsible for the stimulatory effect of MEHP on AR-mediated apoptosis. Our results suggest that testicular iPSCs can be used to study the signaling pathways involved in the response to environmental disruptors, and to assess the toxicity of environmental endocrine disruptors in terms of the maintenance of stemness and pluripotency.
Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Subtype Trend and Impact of Behavioral Comorbidities
Authors: Rajakannan Thiyagu , Zito Julie , Burcu Mehmet , Safer Daniel
Published: March 2014

The diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) has increased dramatically in community-treated youth in the past 20 years. No previous study has assessed the trend in PBD subtype diagnoses or the impact of clinician-reported behavioral comorbidities (BC) on psychotropic medication prescribing patterns. This study aims: (1) to characterize national trends in PBD visits in relation to PBD subtypes; and (2) to assess differences in socio-demographic PBD subtype diagnostic patterns and psychotropic medications prescribed in PBD visits with and without behavioral comorbidities (w/w/o BC). PBD visits for 1999–2010 from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data were assessed using population-weighted chi-square and logistic regression analyses. While PBD visit rates were stable across 12 years, the proportional shift of subtype diagnosis from Bipolar I (89.0%) in 1999–2002 to Bipolar Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) (74.1%) in 2007–2010 was notable. Compared with PBD without behavioral comorbidities (w/o BC), PBD visits w/BC had greater proportions of the bipolar-NOS subtype, more males, 2–14-year-olds, and more publicly-insured visits. The prescription of antipsychotics (60% vs. 61%) was common in PBD visits regardless of the presence of behavioral comorbidities. Stimulants were the predominant class prescribed for PBD visits with BC (67.8% vs. 9.4%). Antidepressants were significantly greater in PBD visits without BC (41.6% vs. 21.0%). Overall one-third of PBD youth visits were prescribed antipsychotics concomitant with other psychotropic classes. Behavioral conditions accompanying PBD visits were prominent, suggesting the need for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of complex medication regimens in community populations.
Synthesis, Docking Study and β-Adrenoceptor Activity of Some New Oxime Ether Derivatives
Authors: Ghabbour Hazem , El-Bendary Eman , El-Ashmawy Mahmoud , El-Kerdawy Mohamed
Published: March 2014

A new series of oxime ethers 4a–z was designed and synthesized to test the blocking activity against β1 and β2-adrenergic receptors. Docking of these ether derivatives into the active site of the identified 3D structures of β1 and β2-adrenergic receptors showed MolDock scores comparable to those of reference compounds. Biological results revealed that the inhibition effects on the heart rate and contractility are less than those of propranolol. Nevertheless, the two compounds 4p and 4q that displayed the highest negative MolDock score with β2-adrenergic receptors showed β2-antagonistic activity by decreasing salbutamol relaxation of precontracted tracheal strips, which indicates the importance of a chlorothiophene moiety in the hydrophobic region for best complementarity with β2 receptors. On other hand, the presence of a homoveratryl moiety increases the MolDock score of the tested compounds with the β1 receptor.
Analytical Calculation of Sensing Parameters on Carbon Nanotube Based Gas Sensors
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Buntat Zolkafle , Ahmad Mohd , Enzevaee Aria , Yousof Rubiyah , Iqbal Syed , Ahmadi Mohammad , Sidik Muhammad , Karimi Hediyeh
Published: March 2014

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are generally nano-scale tubes comprising a network of carbon atoms in a cylindrical setting that compared with silicon counterparts present outstanding characteristics such as high mechanical strength, high sensing capability and large surface-to-volume ratio. These characteristics, in addition to the fact that CNTs experience changes in their electrical conductance when exposed to different gases, make them appropriate candidates for use in sensing/measuring applications such as gas detection devices. In this research, a model for a Field Effect Transistor (FET)-based structure has been developed as a platform for a gas detection sensor in which the CNT conductance change resulting from the chemical reaction between NH3 and CNT has been employed to model the sensing mechanism with proposed sensing parameters. The research implements the same FET-based structure as in the work of Peng et al. on nanotube-based NH3 gas detection. With respect to this conductance change, the I–V characteristic of the CNT is investigated. Finally, a comparative study shows satisfactory agreement between the proposed model and the experimental data from the mentioned research.
Adaptive Preheating Duration Control for Low-Power Ambient Air Quality Sensor Networks
Authors: Baek Yoonchul , Atiq Mahin , Kim Hyung
Published: March 2014

Ceramic gas sensors used for measuring ambient air quality have features suitable for practical applications such as healthcare and air quality management, but have a major drawback—large power consumption to preheat the sensor for accurate measurements. In this paper; the adaptive preheating duration control (APC) method is proposed to reduce the power consumption of ambient air quality sensor networks. APC reduces the duration of unnecessary preheating, thereby alleviating power consumption. Furthermore, the APC can allow systems to meet user requirements such as accuracy and periodicity factor when detecting the concentration of a target gas. A performance evaluation of the power consumption of gas sensors is conducted with various user requirements and factors that affect the preheating duration of the gas sensor. This shows that the power consumption of the APC is lower than that of continuous power supply methods and constant power supply/cutoff methods.
Tensile properties of a boron/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube–graphene hybrid structure
Authors: Xia Kang , Zhan Haifei , Wei Ye , Gu Yuantong
Published: March 2014

Doping is an effective approach that allows for the intrinsic modification of the electrical and chemical properties of nanomaterials. Recently, a graphene and carbon nanotube hybrid structure (GNHS) has been reported, which extends the excellent properties of carbon-based materials to three dimensions. In this paper, we carried out a first-time investigation on the tensile properties of the hybrid structures with different dopants. It is found that with the presence of dopants, the hybrid structures usually exhibit lower yield strength, Young’s modulus, and earlier yielding compared to that of a pristine hybrid structure. For dopant concentrations below 2.5% no significant reduction of Young’s modulus or yield strength could be observed. For all considered samples, the failure is found to initiate at the region where the nanotubes and graphene sheets are connected. After failure, monatomic chains are normally observed around the failure region. Dangling graphene layers without the separation of a residual CNT wall are found to adhere to each other after failure with a distance of about 3.4 Å. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the tensile properties of the doped graphene–nanotube hybrid structures, which will benefit the design and also the applications of graphene-based hybrid materials.
CLASSIFICATION AND OCCURRENCE OF DEFECTIVE ACTS IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Aljassmi Hamad A. , Han Sangwon
Published: March 2014

Defects can have a significant impact on construction performance. Numerous studies have attempted to identify their root causes, contending that the prevention of defects could be achieved by eliminating the root causes. Yet, their direct causes also need to be considered in order to identify the sequence of events leading to defects. This study aims to classify the defective acts that are directly linked to the occurrence of a defect, in order to provide insights about the nature and the impact of different types of direct causes. The study involves investigation into 272 defects from 81 disputes that occurred in the Dubai residential construction industry in 2009. Results from this study reveal that the majority of construction defects are driven by a violation of practices or workers’ lack of skill and competence. While it is difficult to prevent deliberate violations, increased effort toward growing skills and competencies would be effective in reducing defects, and therefore improving construction performance. Also, classification of defective acts is envisioned as a platform toward a more thorough causal tracking of construction defects, facilitating the identification of latent conditions resulting in defects.
Promoting fan labor and "all things Web": A case study of "Tosh.0"
Authors: Helens-Hart Rose
Published: March 2014

Television programs are increasingly paired with interactive media platforms in attempts to reach fragmented audiences though a medium where millions are now seeking entertainment—the Internet. Programs' online presences are cultivated and promoted by paid staffers and unpaid fan laborers. Producers monetize fan activity by guiding its form on their sites. Utilizing the concepts of sticky and spreadable media, an analysis of the Comedy Central show Tosh.0 Web site demonstrates how producers can promote particular types of interactivity through the content and architecture of a multimodal Web site. By designing a site that centralizes the use of popular social media, the producers of Tosh.0 concentrate fans and benefit from their creative labor. Furthermore, this study serves as a test for the scope and usefulness of the concepts of sticky and spreadable media in revealing strategic Web site design that encourages specific types of user participation.
Veronica Mars Kickstarter and crowd funding
Authors: Chin Bertha , Jones Bethan , McNutt Myles , Pebler Luke
Published: March 2014

This conversation among Bertha Chin, Bethan Jones, Myles McNutt, and Luke Pebler about the Veronica Mars (2004–7) Kickstarter campaign to fund a film assesses the implications of crowd sourcing and fan labor.
"Digital labor: The Internet as playground and factory," edited by Trebor Scholz
Authors: Brown Stephanie Anne
Published: March 2014

Review of Trebor Scholz, ed.  Digital labor: The Internet as playground and factory. New York: Routledge, 2013. Paperback, $37.95 (258p) ISBN 978-0-415-89695-5; hardcover $150, ISBN 978-0-415-89694-8.
De la modernisation écologique à la résilience : un réformisme de plus?
Authors: Rudolf Florence
Published: March 2014

La modernisation écologique, inventée dans les années 80 comme une réponse à la crise écologique, peut-elle être considérée comme un programme précurseur de la résilience? Si l’on considère qu’il s’agit d’une stratégie d’adaptation de nos modes de vie à des défis environnementaux, avant que le concept d’adaptation ne fasse florès, la proposition se tient. Selon cette perspective, nous proposons d’observer et d’étudier la modernisation écologique à l’œuvre, c’est-à-dire dans les pays d’Europe du Nord où elle a été réellement pensée et expérimentée. La modernisation écologique s’est construite autour du pari de l’alliance entre écologie et économie. Elle a principalement misé sur des innovations scientifiques et techniques pour faire face à la crise et en venir à bout. Ce programme, dont on peut dire qu’il a été en partie accompli, montre cependant des limites, dont des sous-estimations quant aux effets non intentionnels de certaines des solutions avancées à l’époque. Nous pensons à l’effet rebond par exemple. Si ce dernier, actuellement bien documenté, permet de s’interroger sur des pratiques d’optimisation de systèmes à bout de souffle et en bout de course, il permet la formulation de critiques plus substantielles à l’égard du programme de la modernisation écologique, dont celle d’avoir entretenu l’illusion d’un consensus sur la crise écologique et sur notre époque. Illusion qui n’a pas permis de s’engager activement dans un changement de paradigme. Ces interrogations se reportent sur le concept de résilience. L’engouement pour ce dernier ne risque-t-il pas d’entretenir une nouvelle vague d’illusion quant à la capacité de réforme de notre système économique et social? Les réflexions auxquels se livrent nos confrères allemands en histoire et en sociologie de l’environnement peuvent valoir sinon d’alerte, en tout cas de mise en garde par rapport à des innovations qui n’en portent que le nom. La résilience annonce-t-elle réellement un programme de substitution ou fait-elle illusion à son tour? C’est ce dont nous discuterons une fois la dynamique de modernisation écologique précisée.
Wearable Computing
Authors: Lindström John , Hanken Claas
Published: March 2014

Wearable computing is gaining more and more interest as new “wearables,” intended for both work and leisure, are introduced. This trend brings benefits and challenges; for instance, the potential to improve work processes and issues related to IT management and privacy. The introduction and use of wearable computing provides opportunities to improve and reengineer work processes in organizations but can at the same time introduce alignment problems, as users in organizations may adopt the new technology before organizations are prepared. Further, alignment problems posed by the emerging trend, “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD), are discussed. In addition, as in the cloud computing area, needed and necessary supportive legal frameworks have not yet fully addressed the new wearable computing technology. In the light of recent developments regarding global intelligence gathering, security and privacy concerns must be given careful consideration. Different alignment concepts for managing security challenges and legal aspects related to wearable computing, such as cultivation, care, hospitality, and care with hospitality, are discussed in the chapter.
Social Science Universals
Authors: Hansson Thomas
Published: March 2014

In a global world, people change because of communicative exchanges and technological development. Eventually, human behavior and use of technology share some common characteristics. Universals, concepts, texts, information, and discourses influence contemporary meanings and activities. Uses of scientific language help theorists and practitioners develop knowledge, skills, and abilities. This chapter covers the analysis of two separate but related cases, formation of learning objectives and religious canvassing. The cases clarify the explanatory power of universals. One of them relates to theoretical-conceptual study of assessment in higher education. The other case relates to an empirical study of the methodological reliability and validity of interview data. Results verify to the analytical “power” of action-oriented universals.
Evaluating a Learning Management System to Support Classroom Teaching
Authors: Melo de Lima Tiago França , Nazareth dos Passos Thiago
Published: March 2014

New pedagogical approaches are required to prepare future professionals. The educational model must be in consonance with the information and communication technologies. They help to improve knowledge dissemination and reduce space and time limitations between teachers and students. They should also motivate students and stimulate communication and collaboration among students, improving the learning process. Currently, the Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences of the Federal University of Ouro Preto (IEAS/UFOP) has no institutionalized tools of information and communication for teaching support. This allows the identification of some problems and difficulties on the educational process, such as absence of a centralized way to provide and access didactic resources, unavailability of a good communication tool between teachers and students, and lack of easy access to academic performance information for self evaluation. This chapter presents the authors' experience in choosing and evaluating a Learning Management System (LMS) to support classroom teaching at the IEAS. The authors investigate how the use of a LMS may improve teaching in the following aspects: (1) availability of didactic resources; (2) class planning and following up; (3) teacher-student communication; (4) monitoring of the academic performance of students during the course; (5) collaboration among students.
Wireless Body Area Network
Authors: Kargar Mohammad Javad , Ghasemi Samaneh , Rahimi Omolbanin
Published: March 2014

The Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) promises a great revolution in the field of electronic health technology in the future. These types of networks are, in fact, collections of low-priced small sensors with low voltage and computational power as well as insufficient energy capacitors which are located on the human body. As the wireless body area network should send the critical information gathered from the patient's body to the physician, the hospital, or the emergency for a supervision in real time, it needs strong mechanisms to protect the security and personal limits of the patient in order to avoid damaging invasions to the system and minimize the system vulnerability. Evaluation of previous works in WBAN security show different levels of threats and security solutions must be considered in accordance with each level. This paper aims at studying current methods of the wireless body area network and considering the levels, evaluation of the security requirements and existing threats. Furthermore, the paper is an attempt to present security solutions to improve the current status of the wireless body area network.