bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against the grain: Teaching Transgender Human Rights
Authors: Irving Dan
Published: May 2013

Mirroring the course objectives of my senior undergraduate Transgender Human Rights seminar, this article seeks to challenge trans rights politics. Many rights advocates emphasize the symbolic value of formal acknowledgment of, and protection for, gender identity. I argue that trans rights are achieved through the production of deserving subjects according to colonial, heteronormative, nationalist and capitalist logics. Rights discourses are injurious to a significant number of trans and two-spirit individuals and communities because they obscure relations of governance. Rights ought not to be the driving force of ‘trans-’ efforts to cultivate broader relations of political solidarity to challenge interlocking systems of power.
Masculinity, mass consumerism and subversive sex: A case study of Second Life’s ‘Zeus’ gay club
Authors: Elund Jude
Published: May 2013

This article is a case study of a Second Life region in reference to the prevailing attitudes of sexual conservatism and the growing acceptance of homosexual coupling. The site of Zeus is a contested site of legitimacy in view of tensions regarding masculinity as it applies to sex, sexuality, gender conformity and consumption practices. Furthermore, it is representative of the tensions between an acceptable, albeit conservative gay male identity, and the subversive hyper-sexual and hyper-masculine subject of desire.
In the name of honor: On virtue, reputation and violence
Authors: Mosquera Patricia M. Rodriguez
Published: May 2013

Honor is implicated in a variety of social psychological processes, including morality, male violence, sexuality and gender, in-group identification, responses to devaluation, and biculturalism. The papers in this Special Issue illustrate the importance of honor in these and other social-psychological processes. In addition, these papers expand and deepen our understanding of honor by presenting research on honor in a diverse array of groups (e.g., the military, law enforcement), relationship contexts (e.g., family relations, romantic relations) and countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Brazil, Canada, Estonia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland). Taken together, the contributions to this Special Issue show honor to be a multifaceted construct that is a core concern of individuals and groups across cultures.
Application of the mechanical ventilation in elevator shaft space to mitigate stack effect under operation stage in high-rise buildings
Authors: Song Doosam , Lim Hyunwoo , Lee Joonghoon , Seo Jungmin
Published: May 2013

Even though the measures to minimize the stack effect in high-rise buildings were taken that include a revolving door on the lobby floor, additional barriers to the passage of air in the lower part of the building, and air-tightness reinforcement for elevator doors, the stack effect is still present during cold season in Korea. However, it is difficult to fully apply the measures for stack effect under occupied condition in high-rise buildings. In this study, as an advanced method to lower the stack effect in high-rise buildings under occupied condition, mechanical ventilation in elevator shaft space, which cools the shaft space with outdoor air and reduces the temperature or pressure differences between indoor air in shaft and outdoor air, was proposed. In this paper, the application details and performance analyses of the installed shaft cooling system in a completed building in Korea were described. Also, as a measure to improve the performance of the applied system, concentrated cooling in the lower part of the elevator shaft where there is a main air flow passage was proposed. As a result, cooling effect of mechanical ventilation system in elevator shaft was improved and the extent of stack effect in winter was decreased effectively.
Ventilation rates in European office buildings: A review
Authors: Dimitroulopoulou C. , Bartzis J.
Published: May 2013

The current review creates, for the first time, a comprehensive dataset of ventilation rates measured in European office buildings. This dataset can provide input to modelling studies. A review of the current status of ventilation standards and regulations for office buildings is also presented, as a reference. The review shows that the availability of measurements of ventilation rates in European offices is limited. Measurements have been carried out mainly in the Nordic and Western European countries and recently in Southern Europe. The limited data on a country level present variability and hence cannot be considered as representative, given the small number of measurements. Furthermore, due to the various measurement techniques that are used, it is not always possible to compare the results from the measurements with the existing regulations. In the case that a comparison is allowed, the mechanically ventilated (MV) buildings are over-ventilated (mean: 18 L s−1 person−1, range: 4.5 –55 L s−1 person−1), compared with the national regulations and the value of 10 L s−1 person−1, which several studies propose to decrease the prevalence of symptoms of sick building syndrome. However, when compared against the same metrics, naturally ventilated (NV) offices are under-ventilated (NV range: 0.1 –1.8 ach; MV range: 0.5–5 ach).
A multi-dimensional scale for measuring residential satisfaction (rs) in mass housing projects
Authors: Dinç Pınar , Özbilen Emine , Bilir Mehmet Bünyamin
Published: May 2013

This study examines the residential satisfaction (RS) in state mass housing projects sponsored and developed by the Turkish government. A total of 80 residents were surveyed. Participants were the householders of 1-bedroom 1-bathroom; 2-bedroom 1-bathroom and 3-bedroom 1-bathroom apartments in a settlement designed and constructed by the Turkish Housing Development Administration for the employees of the Turkish National Police. Since similar schemes are still being constructed in large quantities all over the country, the results of this study could provide guidance and affect quality control for future developments. The model was based on three variables: (1) overall residential satisfaction, (2) general residential satisfaction and (3) resident and residency characteristics. The study first identified the issues that the residents had expressed satisfaction and dissatisfaction with their accommodation; these issues were then prioritized and the problematic features that needed improvement were thereby highlighted. Regression analyses were carried out to diagnose the overall satisfaction items that had a significant impact on the residents’ general satisfaction. Finally, the variables of residence such as length of residence and unit size were examined to determine their effects on residential satisfaction. Through this methodology, the role of each individual issue in determining residential satisfaction was examined (demographic characteristics and items of overall satisfaction) to provide reliable information to guide future designs for these types of mass housing developments.
Is gardening a stimulating activity for people with advanced Huntington's disease?
Authors: Spring Josephine A. , Viera Marc , Bowen Ceri , Marsh Nicola
Published: May 2013

This study evaluated adapted gardening as an activity for people with advanced Huntington's disease (HD) and explored its therapeutic aspects. Visitors and staff completed a questionnaire and participated in structured interviews to capture further information, whereas a pictorial questionnaire was designed for residents with communication difficulties. Staff reported that gardening was a constructive, outdoor activity that promoted social interaction, physical activity including functional movement and posed cognitive challenges. Half the staff thought the activity was problem free and a third used the garden for therapy. Visitors used the garden to meet with residents socially. Despite their disabilities, HD clients enjoyed growing flourishing flowers and vegetables, labelling plants, being outside in the sun and the quiet of the garden. The garden is valued by all three groups. The study demonstrates the adapted method of gardening is a stimulating and enjoyable activity for people with advanced HD.
Study on properties of modified nano-TiO2 and its application on antibacterial finishing of textiles
Authors: Wang Liming , Ding Ying , Shen Yong , Cai Zaisheng , Zhang Huifang , Xu Lihui
Published: May 2013

The dispersion property of modified nano-TiO2 particles and its antibacterial properties on cotton fabrics were studied. The nano-TiO2 particles were modified with reactive groups (such as hydroxyl groups, amino groups and silica groups). The modified nano-TiO2 particles were characterized by particle size analyzer, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Besides, the chemical load technology of optimizing the nano-TiO2 on the textile fiber combined with fiber by grafting and cross-linking was studied. The results showed that the stability of nano-TiO2 sol was related to the concentration of the modifier and the pH values of the system. The washing fastness and the antibacterial property of the fabric treated by modified nano-TiO2 had been increased and the antibacterial property of treated fabric was also related to the concentration of the modifier. By determining the fiber’s crystallinity, as well as the fabric’s breaking strength and tear strength, the influence of the modified nano-TiO2 photocatalyst on the structural properties of cotton fiber was discussed.
HRD and HRM Perspectives on Organizational Performance
Authors: Alagaraja Meera
Published: May 2013

A systematic review of literature on the relationship of human resources (HR) and organizational performance (OP) revealed a dearth of contribution from human resource development (HRD) in establishing the linkage. This linkage, which refers to the significant relationship between HRD and OP,  is an important topic relevant to research and practice. The review utilized OP as the dependent variable to survey the state of human resource literature and thus, includes contributions from human resource management (HRM). The literature review revealed similarities and differences in the conceptualization of OP as a dependent variable between the two fields. On further analysis, the similarities and differences reveal convergence in specific areas of inquiry as well as emphasize the underlying differences in the philosophical assumptions of HRD and HRM. The independent contributions of HRD and HRM in establishing the HR–OP linkage also reflect the utilization of diverse research designs, methods of data collection, analysis, and findings. Both fields have focused on strategic contributions for improving organizational performance and are very much connected in practice. Much of the separation therefore, appears to be academic where competing views highlight a tension that exists in theory, research and what we know about effective HRD or HRM in practice.
Tissue and Swab Culture in Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Demetriou Maria , Papanas Nikolaos , Panopoulou Maria , Papatheodorou Konstantinos , Bounovas Anastasios , Maltezos Efstratios
Published: May 2013

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of swabs versus tissue cultures in 28 diabetic patients with neuropathic (group A) and 22 diabetic patients with neuroischemic foot ulcer (group B) and the differences in bacterial isolates between the 2 groups. In group A, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of swab cultures for the diagnosis of infection were 100%, 40%, 88.5%, and 100%, respectively. In group B, the corresponding values were 100%, 22.2%, 65%, and 100%. In group A, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of swab cultures for the identification of pathogens were 100%, 14.3%, 53.8%, and 100%, respectively. In group B, the corresponding values were 100%, 18.2%, 55%, and 100%. In each group, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common isolates. The number of isolates was significantly higher on swab versus tissue cultures only in group A ( P = .033). No differences were observed between groups in number of isolates and colony forming units. In conclusion, swab cultures are highly sensitive but less specific and have an excellent NPV both in diabetic patients with neuropathic and in those with neuroischemic foot ulcer. There are no differences between the groups in microbial load.
The Performance of Serum Inflammatory Markers for the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Patients With Osteomyelitis
Authors: Michail Marios , Jude Edward , Liaskos Christos , Karamagiolis Spyridon , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Michail Othon , Tentolouris Nicholas
Published: May 2013

Serum inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cells (WBC), and procalcitonin (PCT), have been used for the diagnosis of foot infections in patients with diabetes. However, little is known about their changes during treatment of patients with foot infections. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the performance of serum inflammatory markers for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with osteomyelitis. A total of 61 patients (age 63.1 ± 7.0 years, 45 men and 16 women, 7 with type 1 and 54 with type 2 diabetes) with untreated foot infection (34 with soft-tissue infection and 27 with osteomyelitis) were recruited. Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was based on clinical examination and was confirmed by imaging studies (X-ray, scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging). Determination of the inflammatory markers was performed at baseline, after 1 week, after 3 weeks, and after 3 months of treatment. At baseline, the values of CRP, ESR, WBC, and PCT were significantly higher in patients with osteomyelitis than in those with soft-tissue infections. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis of CRP (cutoff value >14 mg/L) were 0.85 and 0.83, of ESR (cutoff value >67 mm/h) 0.84 and 0.75, of WBC (cutoff value >14 × 109/L) 0.75 and 0.79, and of PCT (cutoff value >0.30 ng/mL) 0.81 and 0.71, respectively. All values declined after initiation of treatment with antibiotics; the WBC, CRP, and PCT values returned to near-normal levels at day 7, whereas the values of ESR remained high until month 3 only in patients with bone infection. From the inflammatory markers, ESR is recommended to be used for the follow-up of patients with osteomyelitis.
Automated Artifact Removal From the Electroencephalogram
Authors: Daly Ian , Nicolaou Nicoletta , Nasuto Slawomir Jaroslaw , Warwick Kevin
Published: May 2013

Contamination of the electroencephalogram (EEG) by artifacts greatly reduces the quality of the recorded signals. There is a need for automated artifact removal methods. However, such methods are rarely evaluated against one another via rigorous criteria, with results often presented based upon visual inspection alone. This work presents a comparative study of automatic methods for removing blink, electrocardiographic, and electromyographic artifacts from the EEG. Three methods are considered; wavelet, blind source separation (BSS), and multivariate singular spectrum analysis (MSSA)-based correction. These are applied to data sets containing mixtures of artifacts. Metrics are devised to measure the performance of each method. The BSS method is seen to be the best approach for artifacts of high signal to noise ratio (SNR). By contrast, MSSA performs well at low SNRs but at the expense of a large number of false positive corrections.
Use of central institutional review boards for multicenter clinical trials in the United States: A review of the literature
Authors: Check Devon K , Weinfurt Kevin P , Dombeck Carrie B , Kramer Judith M , Flynn Kathryn E
Published: May 2013

Background

To improve the efficiency of conducting multicenter clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Human Research Protections, and the Department of Health and Human Services have expressed support for using a centralized institutional review board (IRB) process. However, research institutions differ in their willingness to defer to central IRBs.

Purpose

We aimed to review and describe peer-reviewed journal articles on the use of central IRBs for multicenter clinical trials in the United States in an effort to inform the policy discussion about central IRBs.

Methods

We used a PubMed search and consulted IRB experts and the bibliographies of other reviews to identify relevant commentaries and empirical studies.

Results

Our search identified 33 articles related to the use of central IRBs for multicenter trials in the United States. Of these, 22 were commentary pieces and 11 were empirical studies.

Limitations

Our review was restricted to journal articles about the use of central IRBs for multicenter clinical trials in the United States.

Conclusions

There is limited empirical work on the use of central IRBs for multicenter trials in the United States. Most published studies focused on problems in efficiency associated with redundant local reviews of multicenter studies and the potential benefits of a centralized system. Because the absence of studies on the use of central IRBs may be due to their infrequent use, additional work is needed to generate data on the use of central IRBs and to elucidate and address the concerns that research institutions have about deferring ethical review to a central IRB.
Leadership in context: Insights from a study of nursing in Western Australia
Authors: Lord Linley , Jefferson Therese , Klass Des , Nowak Margaret , Thomas Gail
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the importance of integrating context when analysing the role and practice of leadership within a specific organization or profession. It does this with reference to a study of nursing in Western Australia. Using theoretical sampling, qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups with targeted stakeholders in Western Australia’s public health system. The main purpose of the data collection and analysis was to identify perceptions and understandings of leadership among key stakeholders. Findings emerged which identified the importance of considering specific dimensions of the cultural, social and institutional context in order to understand the practice and experience of leadership among nurses in the Western Australian public health sector.
Perfusion computed tomography relative threshold values in definition of acute stroke lesions
Authors: Radzina Maija , Krumina Gaida , Kupcs Karlis , Miglane Evija
Published: May 2013

Background

Perfusion computed tomography (CT) is a relatively new technique that allows fast evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics by providing perfusion maps and gives confirmation of perfusion deficits in ischemic areas. Some controversies exist regarding accuracy of quantitative detection of tissue viability: penumbra (tissue at risk) or core (necrosis).

Purpose

To define brain tissue viability grade on the basis of the perfusion CT parameters in acute stroke patients.

Material and Methods

A multimodal CT imaging protocol; unenhanced CT of the brain, CT angiography of head and neck blood vessels, followed by brain perfusion CT and 24 h follow-up brain CT was performed. Perfusion deficits were detected first visually, with subsequent manual quantitative and relative measurements in affected and contra-lateral hemisphere in 87 acute stroke patients.

Results

Visual perfusion deficit on perfusion CT images was found in 78 cases (38 women, 40 men; mean age, 30–84 years). Penumbra lesions ( n = 49) and core lesions ( n = 42) were detected by increased mean transit time (MTT) on perfusion CT maps in comparison to contra-lateral hemispheres. Cerebral blood volume (CBV) mean values in the penumbra group were increased in the penumbra group and decreased in the core group. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) values were decreased in penumbra and markedly decreased in core lesion.

Conclusion

Perfusion CT measurements are reliable in estimation of penumbra and core lesions in acute stroke patients, if relative threshold values are used. The most accurate parameter of hypoperfusion is increased MTT above 190%. Relative threshold values for irreversible lesion are CBF <30–40% and CBV <40% in comparison to contra-lateral hemisphere. Penumbra lesion is characterized by MTT increase and CBF decrease, while CBV shows variable values.
Phenotypic Plasticity, CYP19A1 Pleiotropy, and Maladaptive Selection in Developmental Disorders
Authors: Malone J. Patrick
Published: May 2013

The contribution of evolutionary psychology to the study of development and psychopathology depends on adherence to the principles of evolutionary biology. The human brain evolved because selection favored neither size nor complexity but instead the phenotypic plasticity supporting cognitive flexibility. Cell proliferation, migration, elongation, synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, apoptosis, and myelination occur at varying rates during asynchronous phases of development throughout the brain. Developmentally sensitive periods result from phenotypic plasticity and are vital for adaptation to the environment. The biological systems surrounding the CYP19A1 gene provide mechanisms for neuroprotection and targeted neuronal debridement in response to environmental stress, uniting selection with developmental biology. Updates to Dunbar’s original hypothesis with current primatological data, inclusion of total brain mass, and the introduction of CYP19A1 orthology from nine primate species yields a linear regression, R2 = .994, adjusted R2 = .989, F(3, 5) = 143.758, p < .001.
Perforin deficiency impairs a critical immunoregulatory loop involving murine CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells
Authors: Terrell Catherine E. , Jordan Michael B.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Defects in perforin and related genes lead to abnormal T-cell activation and are associated with HLH. The physiological mechanism by which perforin protects from HLH involves CD8+ T-cell elimination of rare antigen-presenting dendritic cells.
Maresin-1 reduces the pro-inflammatory response of bronchial epithelial cells to organic dust
Authors: Nordgren Tara M , Heires Art J , Wyatt Todd A , Poole Jill A , LeVan Tricia D , Cerutis D Roselyn , Romberger Debra J
Published: May 2013

Background

Exposure to organic dust causes detrimental airway inflammation. Current preventative and therapeutic measures do not adequately treat resulting disease, necessitating novel therapeutic interventions. Recently identified mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions. We tested the potential of one of these mediators, maresin-1 (MaR1), in reducing organic dust-associated airway inflammation.

Methods

As bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) are pivotal in initiating organic dust-induced inflammation, we investigated the in vitro effects of MaR1 on a human BEC cell line (BEAS-2B). Cells were pretreated for 1 hour with 0–200 nM MaR1, followed by 1–24 hour treatment with 5% hog confinement facility-derived organic dust extract (HDE). Alternatively, a mouse lung slice model was utilized in supportive cytokine studies. Supernatants were harvested and cytokine levels determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Epithelial cell protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms α and ϵ, and PKA activities were assessed via radioactivity assays, and NFκB and MAPK-related signaling mechanisms were investigated using luciferase vector reporters.

Results

MaR1 dose-dependently reduced IL-6 and IL-8 production following HDE treatment of BECs. MaR1 also reduced HDE-stimulated cytokine release including TNF-α in a mouse lung slice model when given before or following HDE treatment. Previous studies have established that HDE sequentially activates epithelial PKCα and PKCϵ at 1 and 6 hours, respectively that regulated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 release. MaR1 pretreatment abrogated these HDE-induced PKC activities. Furthermore, HDE treatment over a 24-hour period revealed temporal increases in NFκB, AP-1, SP-1, and SRE DNA binding activities, using luciferase reporter assays. MaR1 pretreatment did not alter the activation of NFκB, AP-1, or SP-1, but did reduce the activation of DNA binding at SRE.

Conclusions

These observations indicate a role for MaR1 in attenuating the pro-inflammatory responses of BECs to organic dust extract, through a mechanism that does not appear to rely on reduced NFκB, AP-1, or SP-1-related signaling, but may be mediated partly through SRE-related signaling. These data offer insights for a novel mechanistic action of MaR1 in bronchial epithelial cells, and support future in vivo studies to test MaR1’s utility in reducing the deleterious inflammatory effects of environmental dust exposures.
Anti-inflammatory effects of clarithromycin in ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Amado-Rodríguez Laura , González-López Adrián , López-Alonso Inés , Aguirre Alina , Astudillo Aurora , Batalla-Solís Estefanía , Blazquez-Prieto Jorge , García-Prieto Emilio , Albaiceta Guillermo M
Published: May 2013

Background

Mechanical ventilation can promote lung injury by triggering a pro-inflammatory response. Macrolides may exert some immunomodulatory effects and have shown significant benefits over other antibiotics in ventilated patients. We hypothesized that macrolides could decrease ventilator-induced lung injury.

Methods

Adult mice were treated with vehicle, clarithromycin or levofloxacin, and randomized to receive mechanical ventilation with low (12 cmH2O, PEEP 2 cmH2O) or high (20 cmH2O, ZEEP) inspiratory pressures for 150 minutes. Histological lung injury, neutrophil infiltration, inflammatory mediators (NFκB activation, Cxcl2, IL-10) and levels of adhesion molecules (E-selectin, ICAM) and proteases (MMP-9 and MMP-2) were analyzed.

Results

There were no differences among groups after low-pressure ventilation. Clarithromycin significantly decreased lung injury score and neutrophil count, compared to vehicle or levofloxacin, after high-pressure ventilation. Cxcl2 expression and MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels increased and IL-10 decreased after injurious ventilation, with no significant differences among treatment groups. Both clarithromycin and levofloxacin dampened the increase in NFκB activation observed in non-treated animals submitted to injurious ventilation. E-selectin levels increased after high pressure ventilation in vehicle- and levofloxacin-treated mice, but not in those receiving clarithromycin.

Conclusions

Clarithromycin ameliorates ventilator-induced lung injury and decreases neutrophil recruitment into the alveolar spaces. This could explain the advantages of macrolides in patients with acute lung injury and mechanical ventilation.
Haplotype analysis of sucrose synthase gene family in three Saccharumspecies
Authors: Zhang Jisen , Arro Jie , Chen Youqiang , Ming Ray
Published: May 2013

Background

Sugarcane is an economically important crop contributing about 80% and 40% to the world sugar and ethanol production, respectively. The complicated genetics consequential to its complex polyploid genome, however, have impeded efforts to improve sugar yield and related important agronomic traits. Modern sugarcane cultivars are complex hybrids derived mainly from crosses among its progenitor species, S. officinarum and S. spontanuem, and to a lesser degree, S. robustom. Atypical of higher plants, sugarcane stores its photoassimilates as sucrose rather than as starch in its parenchymous stalk cells. In the sugar biosynthesis pathway, sucrose synthase (SuSy, UDP-glucose: D-fructose 2-a-D-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.13) is a key enzyme in the regulation of sucrose accumulation and partitioning by catalyzing the reversible conversion of sucrose and UDP into UDP-glucose and fructose. However, little is known about the sugarcane SuSy gene family members and hence no definitive studies have been reported regarding allelic diversity of SuSy gene families in Saccharum species.

Results

We identified and characterized a total of five sucrose synthase genes in the three sugarcane progenitor species through gene annotation and PCR haplotype analysis by analyzing 70 to 119 PCR fragments amplified from intron-containing target regions. We detected all but one (i.e. ScSuSy5) of ScSuSy transcripts in five tissue types of three Saccharum species. The average SNP frequency was one SNP per 108 bp, 81 bp, and 72 bp in S. officinarum, S. robustom, and S. spontanuem respectively. The average shared SNP is 15 between S. officinarum and S. robustom, 7 between S. officinarum and S. spontanuem , and 11 between S. robustom and S. spontanuem. We identified 27, 35, and 32 haplotypes from the five ScSuSy genes in S. officinarum, S. robustom, and S. spontanuem respectively. Also, 12, 11, and 9 protein sequences were translated from the haplotypes in S. officinarum, S. robustom, S. spontanuem, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed three separate clusters composed of SbSuSy1 and SbSuSy2, SbSuSy3 and SbSuSy5, and SbSuSy4.

Conclusions

The five members of the SuSy gene family evolved before the divergence of the genera in the tribe Andropogoneae at least 12 MYA. Each ScSuSy gene showed at least one non-synonymous substitution in SNP haplotypes. The SNP frequency is the lowest in S. officinarum, intermediate in S. robustum, and the highest in S. spontaneum, which may reflect the timing of the two rounds of whole genome duplication in these octoploids. The higher rate of shared SNP frequency between S. officinarum and S. robustum than between S. officinarum and in S. spontaneum confirmed that the speciation event separating S. officinarum and S. robustum occurred after their common ancestor diverged from S. spontaneum. The SNP and haplotype frequencies in three Saccharum species provide fundamental information for designing strategies to sequence these autopolyploid genomes.
Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of populusleucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase genes
Authors: Zan Yanjun , Ji Yan , Zhang Yu , Yang Shaohui , Song Yingjin , Wang Jiehua
Published: May 2013

Background

Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) comprise the largest group within the receptor-like kinase (RLK) superfamily in plants. This gene family plays critical and diverse roles in plant growth, development and stress response. Although the LRR-RLK families in Arabidopsis and rice have been previously analyzed, no comprehensive studies have been performed on this gene family in tree species.

Results

In this work, 379 LRR-RLK genes were retrieved from the Populus trichocarpa genome and further grouped into 14 subfamilies based on their structural and sequence similarities. Approximately 82% (312 out of 379) of the PtLRR-RLK genes are located in segmental duplication blocks indicating the role of duplication process in the expansion of this gene family. The conservation and variation in motif composition and intron/exon arrangement among PtLRR-RLK subfamilies were analyzed to provide additional support for their phylogenetic relationship and more importantly to indicate the potential divergence in their functions. Expression profiling of PtLRR-RLKs showed that they were differentially expressed in different organs and tissues and some PtLRR-RLKs were specifically expressed in meristem tissues, which indicated their potential involvement in tissue development and differentiation. For most AtLRR-RLKs with defined functions, Populus homologues exhibiting similar expression patterns could be identified, which might indicate the functional conservation during evolution. Among 12 types of environmental cues analyzed by the genome-wide microarray data, PtLRR-RLKs showed specific responses to shoot organogenesis, wounding, low ammonium feeding, hypoxia and seasonal dormancy, but not to drought, re-watering after drought, flooding, AlCl3 treatment and bacteria or fungi treatments.

Conclusions

This study provides the first comprehensive genomic analysis of the Populus LRR-RLK gene family. Segmental duplication contributes significantly to the expansion of this gene family. Populus and Arabidopsis LRR-RLK homologues not only share similar genetic structures but also exhibit comparable expression patterns which point to the possible functional conservation of these LRR-RLKs in two model systems. Transcriptome profiling provides the first insight into the functional divergence among PtLRR-RLK gene subfamilies and suggests that they might take important roles in growth and adaptation of tree species.
Evaluation of pharmacological activities, cytotoxicity and phenolic composition of four Maytenus species used in southern African traditional medicine to treat intestinal infections and diarrhoeal diseases
Authors: Ahmed Aroke Shahid , McGaw Lyndy J , Eloff Jacobus N
Published: May 2013

Background

Microbial infections and resulting inflammation and oxidative stress are common pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders. In South Africa, several species of the genus Maytenus are used in traditional medicine to treat various infectious diseases. Most of the previous work on this genus was focused on nonpolar extracts from the root and bark. In this study, leaf extracts of polar extracts of Maytenus peduncularis, Maytenus procumbens, Maytenus senegalensis and Maytenus undata were evaluated for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to determine their efficacy as therapeutic agents in GIT disorders.

Methods

Phenolic-enriched leaf extracts and fractions were prepared by extracting with acidified 70% methanol and solvent-solvent fractionation. The activities of the fractions against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis as well as clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans were determined using a serial microplate dilution method. Antioxidant activities were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory assays. The phenolic composition as well as the cytotoxicity against Vero cell lines of the crude extracts was evaluated using various standard protocols.

Results

The antimicrobial activities were concentrated in the non-polar fractions of hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate (MICs 19–312 μg/ml). The crude extracts and polar fractions (butanol and water) had moderate to poor antimicrobial activity (MICs 312 to above 2500 μg/ml). The crude extracts and polar fractions had good antioxidant activity (EC50 values varied from 1.22 to 607 μg/ml, 1.71 to 312 μg/ml and 23 to 284 μg/ml for DPPH, ABTS and OH respectively. Linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition EC50 values of the crude extracts ranged between 27 and 39 μg/ml with relatively low toxicity against Vero cell lines (IC50 values 87 to 187 μg/ml). Fractionation of a crude extract with low activity could lead to fractions with more potent activity.

Conclusion

This study justifies the traditional use of leaf crude extracts and fractions from these four plants to remedy gastrointestinal disorders resulting from infection, inflammation and oxidative stress complications. The study also provides rationale for the use of leaf extracts with same beneficial effects in place of unsustainable root and bark harvest.
Antioxidant activity and components of a traditional chinese medicine formula consisting of Crataegus pinnatifida and Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Chen Cheng-Yu , Li Hua , Yuan Ya-Nan , Dai Hui-Qing , Yang Bin
Published: May 2013

Background

The aims of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to identify the antioxidant components of a traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of a combination of Shanzha (the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br., SZ) and Danshen (the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., DS). This medicine is extensively used to treat cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Twelve samples extracted and fractionated from SZ, DS and the formula (SZ+DS) were analyzed. The concentrations of eight phenolic compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay were conducted to explore the antioxidant activities of the samples and of the 15 phenolic compounds detected. Correlation analysis of the antioxidant activity of herb samples and their phenolic components was performed.

Results

The main phenolic component in all SZ+DS samples was salvianolic acid B, which exhibited strong antioxidant activity (ORAC value: 16.73 ± 2.53, IC50 value: 8.80 ± 0.06 μM) compared with the other phenolic compounds. For all samples, there was a positive relationship between their total phenolic components and their antioxidant activities.

Conclusions

Phenolic compounds were the bioactive components of the herb samples, and salvianolic acid B was identified as the main bioactive compound in the SZ+DS formula.
Joint routing and scheduling in multi-channel capillary machine-to-machine networks
Authors: Shon Taeshik , Choi Hyo Hyun , Kim Eui-Jik
Published: May 2013

In recent times, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is considered the most promising solution for revolutionizing future intelligent pervasive applications. The capillary M2M network is a key component of the M2M system, and it should support a data rate that is sufficient to accommodate various vertical applications with limited resources of end devices. This paper presents a joint routing and scheduling (JRS) framework for a capillary M2M network. To achieve the conflicting goals of maximizing network performance and conserving energy, the JRS framework is designed with an integrated concept of routing and transmission scheduling, which provides time division multiple access (TDMA)-based transmission scheduling based on the established routing path of data. Moreover, to extend the number of available transmission frames and enhance network performance, JRS uses the multi-channel communication approach. Experimental results of the prototype implementation demonstrate that JRS outperforms conventional schemes, even under heavy traffic conditions.
Spontaneous and cued gaze-following in autism and Williams syndrome
Authors: Riby Deborah M , Hancock Peter JB , Jones Nicola , Hanley Mary
Published: May 2013

Background

From a young age the typical development of social functioning relies upon the allocation of attention to socially relevant information, which in turn allows experience at processing such information and thus enhances social cognition. As such, research has attempted to identify the developmental processes that are derailed in some neuro-developmental disorders that impact upon social functioning. Williams syndrome (WS) and autism are disorders of development that are characterized by atypical yet divergent social phenotypes and atypicalities of attention to people.

Methods

We used eye tracking to explore how individuals with WS and autism attended to, and subsequently interpreted, an actor’s eye gaze cue within a social scene. Images were presented for 3 seconds, initially with an instruction simply to look at the picture. The images were then shown again, with the participant asked to identify the object being looked at. Allocation of eye gaze in each condition was analyzed by analysis of variance and accuracy of identification was compared with t tests.

Results

Participants with WS allocated more gaze time to face and eyes than their matched controls, both with and without being asked to identify the item being looked at; while participants with autism spent less time on face and eyes in both conditions. When cued to follow gaze, participants with WS increased gaze to the correct targets; those with autism looked more at the face and eyes but did not increase gaze to the correct targets, while continuing to look much more than their controls at implausible targets. Both groups identified fewer objects than their controls.

Conclusions

The atypicalities found are likely to be entwined with the deficits shown in interpreting social cognitive cues from the images. WS and autism are characterized by atypicalities of social attention that impact upon socio-cognitive expertise, but, importantly, the type of atypicality is syndrome specific.
Trip12, a HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase, targets Sox6 for proteasomal degradation and affects fiber type-specific gene expression in muscle cells
Authors: An Chung-Il , Ganio Edward , Hagiwara Nobuko
Published: May 2013

Background

A sophisticated level of coordinated gene expression is necessary for skeletal muscle fibers to obtain their unique functional identities. We have previously shown that the transcription factor Sox6 plays an essential role in coordinating muscle fiber type differentiation by acting as a transcriptional suppressor of slow fiber-specific genes. Currently, mechanisms regulating the activity of Sox6 in skeletal muscle and how these mechanisms affect the fiber phenotype remain unknown.

Methods

Yeast two-hybrid screening was used to identify binding partners of Sox6 in muscle. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of one of the Sox6 binding proteins, Trip12, was used to determine its effect on Sox6 activity in C2C12 myotubes using quantitative analysis of fiber type-specific gene expression.

Results

We found that the E3 ligase Trip12, a HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase, recognizes and polyubiquitinates Sox6. Inhibiting Trip12 or the 26S proteasome activity resulted in an increase in Sox6 protein levels in C2C12 myotubes. This control of Sox6 activity in muscle cells via Trip12 ubiquitination has significant phenotypic outcomes. Knockdown of Trip12 in C2C12 myotubes led to upregulation of Sox6 protein levels and concurrently to a decrease in slow fiber-specific Myh7 expression coupled with an increased expression in fast fiber-specific Myh4. Therefore, regulation of Sox6 cellular levels by the ubiquitin-proteasome system can induce identity-changing alterations in the expression of fiber type-specific genes in muscle cells.

Conclusions

Based on our data, we propose that in skeletal muscle, E3 ligases have a significant role in regulating fiber type-specific gene expression, expanding their importance in muscle beyond their well-established role in atrophy.
Examining health promotion interventions for patients with chronic conditions using a novel patient-centered complexity model: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bodde Amy E , Shippee Nathan D , May Carl R , Mair Frances S , Erwin Patricia J , Murad M Hassan , Montori Victor M
Published: May 2013

Background

Successful chronic care self-management requires adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, but many healthcare-based health promotion interventions have resulted in small and unsustainable changes in patient behavior. Patients with chronic conditions may already be overwhelmed by burdensome illnesses and treatments, and not have the capacity to respond well to the additional work required of behavior modifications. To explore this phenomenon, we will apply the cumulative complexity model (CCM), a patient-centered model of patient complexity, to a systematic review and meta-analysis of healthcare-based health behavior interventions.

Methods/Design

This systematic review will include randomized trials published between 2002 and 2012 that compared healthcare-based interventions aimed at improving healthy diet and physical activity in community dwelling adult patients with chronic conditions. After extracting study and risk of bias features from each trial, we will classify the interventions according to the conceptual model. We will then use meta-analysis and subgroup analysis to test hypotheses based on the conceptual model.

Discussion

Healthcare providers need evidence of successful health promoting interventions for patients with chronic conditions who display common behavioral risk factors. To better understand how patients respond to interventions, we will apply the CCM, which accounts for both the capacity of patients with chronic conditions and their treatment-related workload, and posits that a balance between capacity and workload predicts successful enactment of self-care. Analysis will also include whether patients with multiple chronic conditions respond differently to interventions compared to those with single chronic conditions. The results of this review will provide insights as to how patients with chronic conditions respond to health-promoting interventions.

Review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42012003428
The effects of intestinal microbial community structure on disease manifestation in IL-10-/- mice infected with Helicobacter hepaticus
Authors: Nagalingam Nabeetha A , Robinson Courtney J , Bergin Ingrid L , Eaton Kathryn A , Huffnagle Gary B , Young Vincent B
Published: May 2013

Background

The aberrant inflammation that is the hallmark of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is associated with several factors, including changes in the intestinal microbiota. Here, we confirmed that an intestinal microbiota is needed for development of typhlocolitis in Helicobacter hepaticus infected IL-10-/- C57BL/6 mice, and investigated the role of the microbiota in modulating disease.

Results

We altered the murine microbiota by treatment with the antibiotics vancomycin or cefoperazone prior to H. hepaticus infection. Through surveys of the 16S rRNA encoding-gene, analyses of histology and changes in expression of host mediators, we correlated alterations in the microbiota with host responses. We found that resident microbes are essential for initiation of disease, as animals mono-associated with H. hepaticus did not develop colitis. Despite the requirement for an indigenous microbiota for the initiation of disease, the severity of disease was independent of antibiotic-induced changes in the microbial community structure. Despite differences in the expression of host inflammatory mediators associated with shifts in the microbiota, H. hepaticus infection led to similar histopathologic lesions in microbial communities exposed to either cefoperazone or vancomycin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we demonstrate that colitis due to H. hepaticus infection can be initiated and progress in the presence of several different microbial communities. Furthermore, H. hepaticus is the main driver of inflammation in this model, while the specific structure of the microbiota may modulate the host pathways that lead to chronic inflammation.
Synthesis of multicore phenol formaldehyde microcapsules and their application in polyurethane paint formulation for self-healing anticorrosive coating
Authors: Jadhav Rajendra S , Mane Vishal , Bagle Avinash V , Hundiwale Dilip G , Mahulikar Pramod P , Waghoo Gulzar
Published: May 2013

Background

This paper describes the microencapsulation of linseed oil along with drier and corrosion inhibitor in polyurethane coating.

Results

Linseed oil along with drier and corrosion inhibitor was encapsulated in phenol formaldehyde microcapsules successfully by in situ polymerization process. These microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and their surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The particle size of the prepared microcapsules was estimated by optical microscopy and confirmed using a particle size analyzer. The self-healing properties as well as anticorrosive performance of encapsulated microcapsules were studied in polyurethane coating. Corrosion protection of coatings with microcapsules containing linseed oil, corrosion inhibitor, and drier was compared with pristine coating free from microcapsules.

Conclusions

The cracks in the paint film could be successfully repaired by the release of linseed oil from microcapsules ruptured under stimulated mechanical action, while corrosion inhibitor plays an important role to prevent the corrosion in a scribed line region.