bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Messing about with metaphor: multimodal aspects to children's creative meaning making
Authors: Taylor Roberta
Published: June 2012

Children's classroom talk and the connections between talk and text are current concerns for teachers. A deeper understanding of what child communication entails can ensure greater pedagogic support for the processes involved in text production. This article reports on a research project using multimodal discourse analysis to investigate child‐to‐child interaction in class. This research sought to uncover what multimodal analysis can reveal about the collaborative and creative meaning making, which children employ in spontaneous classroom discourse. Creativity here is understood in terms of everyday creativity in language. Instantiations of video‐recorded classroom communication between children have been closely analysed using a framework based on a functional view of interaction, specifically the work of the textual meta‐function. Attention to cohesive devices of intertextual referencing, idiom and metaphor as well as repetition and reference through a multimodal lens has revealed the ways in which all modes work in an integrated ensemble to make meaning. Examples in this article of the ways in which children ‘mess about’ with multimodal semiotic resources, employing them intertextually in metaphorical meaning making, have been taken from a Year 5 mixed primary geography lesson on the water cycle.
Dynamic flux balance analysis of the metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the shift from fully respirative or respirofermentative metabolic states to anaerobiosis
Authors: Jouhten Paula , Wiebe Marilyn , Penttilä Merja
Published: June 2012

Dynamic flux balance analysis was utilized to simulate the metabolic behaviour of initially fully respirative and respirofermentative steady‐state cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during sudden oxygen depletion. The hybrid model for the dynamic flux balance analysis included a stoichiometric genome‐scale metabolic model as a static part and dynamic equations for the uptake of glucose and the cessation of respirative metabolism. The yeast consensus genome‐scale metabolic model [Herrgård MJ et al. (2008) Nat Biotechnol26, 1155–1160; Dobson PD et al. (2010) BMC Syst Biol4, 145] was refined with respect to oxygen‐dependent energy metabolism and further modified to reflect S. cerevisiae anabolism in the absence of oxygen. Dynamic flux balance analysis captured well the essential features of the dynamic metabolic behaviour of S. cerevisiae during adaptation to anaerobiosis. Modelling and simulation enabled the identification of short time‐scale flux distribution dynamics under the transition to anaerobic metabolism, during which the specific growth rate was reduced, as well as longer time‐scale process dynamics when the specific growth rate recovered. Expression of the metabolic genes was set into the context of the identified dynamics. Metabolic gene expression responses associated with the specific growth rate and with the cessation of respirative metabolism were distinguished.
Multicomponent venom of the spider Cupiennius salei: a bioanalytical investigation applying different strategies
Authors: Trachsel Christian , Siegemund Doreen , Kämpfer Urs , Kopp Lukas S. , Bühr Claudia , Grossmann Jonas , Lüthi Christoph , Cunningham Monica , Nentwig Wolfgang , Kuhn‐Nentwig Lucia , Schürch Stefan , Schaller Johann
Published: June 2012

The multicomponent venom of the spider Cupiennius salei was separated by three different chromatographic strategies to facilitate subsequent analysis of peptidic venom components by tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS and ESI‐MS), Edman degradation and amino acid analysis: (a) desalting of the crude venom by RP‐HPLC only, (b) chromatographic separation of the crude venom into 42 fractions by RP‐HPLC, and (c) multidimensional purification of the crude venom by size exclusion and cation exchange chromatography and RP‐HPLC. A total of 286 components were identified in the venom of C. salei by mass spectrometry and the sequence of 49 new peptides was determined de novo by Edman degradation and tandem mass spectrometry; 30 were C‐terminally amidated. The novel peptides were assigned to two main groups: (a) short cationic peptides and (b) Cys‐containing peptides with the inhibitor cystine knot motif. Bioinformatics revealed a limited number of substantial similarities, namely with the peptides CpTx1 from the spider Cheiracantium punctorium and U3‐ctenitoxin‐Asp1a from the South American fishing spider (Ancylometes sp.) and with sequences from a Lycosa singoriensis venom gland transcriptome analysis. The results clearly indicate that the quality of the data is strongly dependent on the chosen separation strategy. The combination of orthogonal analytical methods efficiently excludes alkali ion and matrix adducts, provides indispensable information for an unambiguous identification of isomasses, and results in the most comprehensive repertoire of peptides identified in the venom of C. salei so far.
Normal and cancer cell metabolism: lymphocytes and lymphoma
Authors: Altman Brian J. , Dang Chi V.
Published: June 2012

Recent studies of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes have revealed overlapping metabolic rewiring in activated T cells and Myc‐transformed lymphocytes. Myc expression is attenuated in normal lymphocytes that return to the basal state, but Notch‐activated or Myc‐transformed lymphocytes persistently express Myc, which activates genes involved in glucose and glutamine metabolism. Although this difference could provide a therapeutic window for the treatment of cancers, the overlapping metabolic profiles suggest a potential for immunosuppression by metabolic inhibitors.
National Coroners Information System: A valuable source of lessons for emergency medicine
Authors: Curran Justin , McD Taylor David
Published: June 2012

Objective

To interrogate the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) to determine the recurrent themes among coroners’ recommendations that aimed to increase the safety of ED care.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of NCIS closed cases, from Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and North Territory, entered since its inception in 2000. The keyword ‘emergency department’ returned 1645 cases, of which 180 were found to be relevant. The primary outcomes were the number and nature of cases where recommendations for improvements in ED care had been made and the recurrent themes of these recommendations that could inform education initiatives.

Results

Of the 180 cases, 108 (60.0%) were of deceased men and subject age ranged from 2 days to 91 years. The commonest causes of death were trauma (26.7%), infection (24.4%), cardiac events (15.0%) and poisoning (8.9%). No coronial recommendations were required in 19 cases. For the remainder, recommendation themes related to issues of risk management/medico‐legal, diagnostic/therapeutic error, education, documentation/communication and re‐presentation. The themes associated with the different doctor designations (consultant, registrar, resident/intern) were similar, although registrars and residents/interns tended towards more diagnostic/therapeutic errors. The themes associated with hospital type (referral, urban, regional/rural) were also similar. Although theme analysis is important, some individual cases were particularly instructive.

Conclusion

The NCIS data theme analysis indentifies important high‐risk patients and presenting complaints. These should be incorporated into emergency physician training. EDs should review the coronial recommendations to ensure that, where possible, they have been adopted.
Prevalence of suicidality in asymptomatic adolescents in the paediatric emergency department and utility of a screening tool
Authors: Hopper Sandy M , Woo Jia Wei , Sharwood Lisa N , Babl Franz E , Long Elliot J
Published: June 2012

Objective

Many authorities recommend screening adolescents for risk of suicide. The ED is a potential setting for such screening. The aim of this study is to explore the use of the Risk of Suicide Questionnaire (RSQ) as a screening tool for suicidality in patients who come to the ED without mental health concerns and without recent mental health history. The Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) was the comparison standard.

Methods

A cross‐sectional convenience sample of overtly psychiatrically asymptomatic adolescents presenting to a large paediatric ED underwent both the RSQ and SIQ. Adolescents with positive screens underwent formal assessment by mental health practitioners.

Results

Two hundred and one patients were identified and 110 consented to participate. One hundred participants completed both questionnaires. Twenty‐two per cent of participants had positive RSQ (95% CI 14–31%). No adolescent yielded a positive SIQ: prevalence of suicidality was 0.0% (95% CI 0.0–3.6%). No participant showed suicidal ideation on formal review. One question in the RSQ – ‘Has something very stressful happened to you in the past few weeks?’ – accounted for the majority of false positive screens.

Conclusion

The prevalence of suicidal ideation in asymptomatic patients presenting to this paediatric ED is very low. Using this selection method, the RSQ could not be validated, but would be unlikely to be suitable for screening this low‐risk population with a high false positive rate.
Diversity of secondary endosymbionts among different putative species of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Ruan Yong‐Ming , Rao Qiong , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Shu‐Sheng
Published: June 2012

Abstract  Endosymbionts are important components of arthropod biology. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex composed of ≥ 28 putative species. In addition to the primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum, six secondary endosymbionts (S‐endosymbionts), Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Cardinium, Arsenophonus and Fritschea, have been identified in B. tabaci thus far. Here, we tested five of the six S‐endosymbiont lineages (excluding Fritschea) from 340 whitely individuals representing six putative species from China. Hamiltonella was detected only in the two exotic invaders, Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED). Rickettsia was absent in Asia II 1 and MED, scarce in Asia II 3 (13%), but abundant in Asia II 7 (63.2%), China 1 (84.7%) and MEAM1 (100%). Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus were absent in the invasive MEAM1 and MED but mostly abundant in the native putative species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses revealed that some S‐endosymbionts have several clades and different B. tabaci putative species can harbor different clades of a given S‐endosymbiont, demonstrating further the complexity of S‐endosymbionts in B. tabaci. All together, our results demonstrate the variation and diversity of S‐endosymbionts in different putative species of B. tabaci, especially between invasive and native whiteflies.
Molecular characterization and gene functional analysis of Dicer‐2 gene from Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Geometroidea)
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Yi , Lu Kai , Zhou Jia‐Liang , Zhou Qiang
Published: June 2012

Abstract  Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Geometroidea), a serious rice pest in many countries of Asia, causes a great loss in rice production every year. RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful technology for gene function study in insects and a potential tool for pest control. As a core component of RNAi pathway, Dicer‐2 (Dcr‐2) protein determines the production of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and is crucial for the efficiency of RNAi. In this study, the full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) of N. lugens Dcr‐2 (NlDcr‐2) was first cloned and analyzed, and then the RNAi experiment was conducted to explore the function of NlDcr‐2 gene. The complete Dcr‐2 cDNA of N. lugens was 4 971 bp in length with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,656 amino acids. Phylogenetic and protein domain analysis showed that the predicted NlDcr‐2 protein was similar to Tribolium castaneum. In the RNAi experiment, the messenger RNA level of NlDcr‐2 was significantly reduced by NlDcr‐2 double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) (dsDcr‐2). Fifty‐five per cent decrease of NlDcr‐2 was found after 4 days of unremitting feeding. No significant effect was observed on the development of N. lugens after dsRNA ingestion.
Application of RNA interference in triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) studies
Authors: Paim Rafaela M. M. , Araujo Ricardo N. , Lehane Michael J. , Gontijo Nelder F. , Pereira Marcos H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract  Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are obligate hematophagous insects. They are of medical importance because they are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in the Americas. In recent years, the RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a practical and useful alternative means of studying gene function in insects, including triatomine bugs. RNAi research in triatomines is still in its early stages, several issues still need to be elucidated, including the description of the molecules involved in the RNAi machinery and aspects related to phenotype evaluation and persistence of the knockdown in different tissues and organs. This review considers recent applications of RNAi to triatomine research, describing the major methods that have been applied during the knockdown process such as the double‐stranded RNA delivery mechanism (injection, microinjection, or ingestion) and the phenotype characterization (mRNA and target protein levels) in studies conducted with the intent to provide greater insights into the biology of these insects. In addition to the characterization of insect biomolecules, some with biopharmacological potential, RNAi may provide a new view of the interaction between triatomine and trypanosomatids, enabling the development of new measures for vector control and transmission of the parasite.
VULNERABILITY OF MICROFINANCE TO STRATEGIC DEFAULT AND COVARIATE SHOCKS: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN
Authors: KUROSAKI TAKASHI , KHAN HIDAYAT ULLAH
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the repayment behavior of borrowers of a Pakistani microfinance institution (MFI) using a unique dataset of approximately 45,000 installment records over the period 1998–2007. In early 2005, the MFI introduced reforms that included improved enforcement of contingent renewal. The reforms led to a healthy situation with almost zero default rates. We hypothesize that strategic default under the joint liability mechanism was encouraged by weak enforcement of contingent renewal and was one of the factors responsible for the pre‐reform failure. To support this hypothesis, we show that before the reforms, a borrower's delay in installment repayment was correlated with other group members' repayment delays beyond the level explained by possible correlation of project failures due to locally covariate shocks. Such excessive correlation disappeared after the reforms, including the period after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. The empirical evidence thus demonstrates the existence and seriousness of the strategic default under weak dynamic incentives.
PARTICIPATORY RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN 1930s JAPAN: THE ECONOMIC REHABILITATION MOVEMENT
Authors: ARIMOTO YUTAKA
Published: June 2012

This paper studies an early participatory rural development program implemented during the 1930s in Japan. This program selected several villages each year to draft and implement their own original development plans. I discuss the implications of the features of the program on its effectiveness. A detailed baseline survey conducted by the villagers themselves helped them to objectively diagnose their economic situations and understand their issues. The plans defined clear numerical targets, allowing them to share goals and monitor progress. The implementation of the plan was reinforced by frequent communication and monitoring among neighbors and by an incentive scheme that involved competition within a village. I use a village‐level panel dataset from Hyogo Prefecture to examine the effects, under the difference‐in‐differences strategy. I find suggestive evidence that the program helped foster the adoption of cattle raising and diversify agricultural production.
Ligand‐ and Structure‐Based Drug Design Strategies and PPARδ/α Selectivity
Authors: Maltarollo Vinícius G. , Honório Káthia M.
Published: June 2012

Peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptors are a class of nuclear receptors with three subtypes: α, γ and δ. Their main function is regulating gene transcription related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Currently, there are no peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptors δ drugs being marketed. In this work, we studied a data set of 70 compounds with α and δ activity. Three partial least square models were created, and molecular docking studies were performed to understand the main reasons for peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptors δ selectivity. The obtained results showed that some molecular descriptors (log P, hydration energy, steric and polar properties) are related to the main interactions that can direct ligands to a particular peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptors subtype.
Transport media for avulsed teeth: A review
Authors: Udoye Christopher I. , Jafarzadeh Hamid , Abbott Paul V.
Published: June 2012

Management protocols for avulsed teeth should include management of the pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in order to improve the long‐term prognosis and survival of these teeth. The use of an inappropriate transport or storage medium potentially increases the risk of PDL cell necrosis, which can result in ankylosis and replacement resorption of the tooth root. Considering the critical role of these media, an informed choice of a suitable medium is essential for a favourable outcome. The literature regarding transport media for avulsed teeth was reviewed using PubMed/MEDLINE up to February 2010. This review outlines the common storage media that are available and highlights their specific features or problems. Although HBSS, ViaSpan and Eagle's medium have great potential to maintain the PDL cells in a viable state after avulsion, the practicalities of using these solutions, the costs and the lack of ready availability to the general public make them less than ideal. Milk remains the most convenient, cheapest and readily available solution in most situations while also being capable of keeping PDL cells alive. Hence, milk remains the storage medium of choice for avulsed teeth that cannot be replanted immediately or very soon after the avulsion.
Exercise training, genetics and type 2 diabetes‐related phenotypes
Authors: Hagberg J. M. , Jenkins N. T. , Spangenburg E.
Published: June 2012

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is at virtually pandemic levels world‐wide. Diabetes has been referred to as ‘a geneticist's nightmare’. However, dramatic advances in our understanding of the genetics of T2DM have occurred in the past 5 years. While endurance exercise training and increased habitual physical activity levels have consistently been shown to improve or be associated with improved T2DM‐related phenotypes, there is substantial interindividual variation in these responses. There is some evidence that T2DM‐related phenotype responses to exercise training are heritable, indicating that they might have a genetic basis. Genome‐wide linkage studies have not identified specific chromosomal loci that could account for these differences, and no genome‐wide association studies have been performed relative to T2DM‐related phenotype responses to exercise training. From candidate gene studies, there are relatively strong and replicated data supporting a role for the PPARγ Pro12Ala variant in the interindividual differences in T2DM‐related phenotype responses to training. This is a potentially important candidate locus because it affects T2DM susceptibility, has high biological plausibility and is the target for the primary pharmaceutical method for treating T2DM. Is it time to conduct a hypothesis‐driven large‐scale exercise training intervention trial based on PPARγ Pro12Ala genotype with T2DM‐related phenotypes as the primary outcome measures, while also assessing potential mechanistic changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue? Or would it be more appropriate to propose a smaller trial to address the specific skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mechanisms affected by the interaction between the PPARγ Pro12Ala genotype and exercise training?
Lessons from the 1997 and the 2008 Crises in Korea
Authors: LEE Hangyong , RHEE Changyong
Published: June 2012

The Korean economy was hit harder than anticipated by the global financial crisis. In the first phase, large capital outflows led to a severe liquidity strain in the foreign exchange market, resulting in a rapid depreciation of the exchange rate. Then, in the second phase, the contraction of global demand led to a collapse of exports and a sharp decline in economic activity, raising concerns about a full‐fledged financial crisis in Korea. This paper describes how the global financial crisis spilled over into the Korean economy and how the Korean government responded to the financial turmoil. It also provides the background and rationale for the Korean government's decisions to adopt specific policy measures. Based on Korean experiences during the 1997 and the 2008 crises, this paper documents the lessons learned from the past two crises and identifies several important policy issues.
Meeting the Social Policy Challenges Facing Korea
Authors: JONES Randall S.
Published: June 2012

Korea faces the fastest population aging among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and increasing levels of income inequality and relative poverty. While economic growth will help address these challenges, growth alone is not sufficient, making it necessary to introduce policies to promote social cohesion. First, the National Pension Scheme and the National Health Insurance need to be improved. Second, Korea should develop well‐targeted social programs and expand the earned income tax credit. Third, it is important to reduce labor market dualism, a major cause of inequality due to the large wage gap between regular and non‐regular workers. Fourth, education reform is needed to lower the financial burden of tertiary education, reduce the heavy reliance on hagwon and increase spending on preprimary education. At the same time, it is essential to maintain a sound fiscal position by increasing tax revenues, primarily through indirect taxes and environmental taxes, to cover rising social spending.
Retesting the Separability of China's Rural Households
Authors: Wu Cuirong , Xin Xian
Published: June 2012

This article retests the separability of China's rural households in light of growing doubt about the sustainability of high economic growth in China. If a household's production decisions are “separable” from the household's consumption decisions, generally this suggests there is no surplus labor. Many scholars aver that China's surplus rural labor has spurred rapid economic growth, but concerns have arisen as to whether China still has surplus labor available. We investigate this issue using rural household panel data from 1993 to 2009 The regression results confirm that households in rural China have progressed from being non‐separable to separable. The estimation results for both the entire country and regions reject the separability hypothesis before 2004 but fail to reject the hypothesis after 2004 (with the exception of the central region). These results suggest that China's surplus labor supply is dwindling, especially in the eastern and the western regions. The sustainability of China's high economic growth is questionable in the absence of a large reservoir of surplus rural labor.
Developing Social Citizenship? A Case Study of Education and Health Services in Yantian Village of Guangdong Province
Authors: Hu Biliang , Saich Tony
Published: June 2012

Social policy is an indispensable element of rule and China's current leadership has moved policy to a more inclusive system based on a notion of citizenship. The extension of social welfare provision is examined through a case study of education and health care in the South China village of Yantian. Yantian lies at the core of the Pearl River Delta, which has become a key link in the global reorganization of manufacturing and production. Consequently the village is home to some 80 000 migrant workers who complement the 3000 registered inhabitants. A study of education and health‐care provision reveals that in terms of equity, registered villagers enjoy significant advantages in seeking welfare resources. Although living in the same village, the two groups inhabit “different worlds.” However, provision, while selective, has become more inclusive. The present research suggests that “social citizenship” will precede “political citizenship.”
Rising Consumption of Animal Products in China and India: National and Global Implications
Authors: Fu Wenge , Gandhi Vasant P. , Cao Lijuan , Liu Hongbo , Zhou Zhangyue
Published: June 2012

Over the past two decades, the consumption of animal products has increased rapidly in China and India, driven by rising income and large populations. Such strong demand for animal products could have substantial impacts on both their own and global food and feed demand and supply. This paper examines the nature of rising demand for animal products in China and India and discusses national and global implications.
Chinese Offshore RMB Currency and Bond Markets: The Role of Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Hung‐Gay , Yau Jot
Published: June 2012

This paper discusses the role of Hong Kong in China's grand scheme to build up the RMB as a global reserve currency. We highlight the economic importance of Hong Kong to China in terms of channeling foreign direct investment into China, some of which, in the future, will be denominated in the RMB. We discuss the development of China's RMB currency swap and deposit markets in Hong Kong. These offshore markets enable the RMB to trade freely, setting the stage for the RMB to become fully convertible and allowing market forces to play a role in pricing the value of the RMB, and help in the development of the RMB‐denominated bond (or dim sum bond) market in Hong Kong. Finally, we present evidence of the phenomenal growth of the dim sum bond market in Hong Kong, which can further enhance and strengthen the use of the RMB outside China.
Parliamentary Divorce, 1700–1857
Authors: JAMES DOUGLAS
Published: June 2012

Divorce by parliament in the 18th and early 19th centuries was long considered to be the preserve of the wealthy and the upper ranks of society. But while social standing has guided historians' analysis of those who obtained divorce, the standing of those who failed to obtain divorce has been largely overlooked. If rank or status is to serve true analytical purpose, the successful must be set against the failed. Juxtaposing the successes and failures by group across the period reveals that the upper echelons of society were by no means preferred. Even distinctive cases – for instance of multiple failure – were not decided on rank. Status is ultimately shown to be of limited significance. Although the sources are not at all explicit, from the analysis of certain specific cases, it would appear that moral and legal judgments (for example, on collusion) far outweighed any social prejudices.
Interpreting the Instrument of Government: Objections to the 1654 Election in the Isle of Ely*
Authors: FALVEY HEATHER
Published: June 2012

Following the 1654 elections, the first to be held after the imposition of the Instrument of Government, petitions of complaint were presented by voters from various constituencies to Cromwell and his council. Most of the petitions were investigated, some MPs being subsequently barred from taking their seats, but only one was excluded on the grounds of immorality: George Glapthorne, an MP for the Isle of Ely. This re‐examination of his case indicates that Glapthorne, an unpopular local figure because of his involvement in drainage and enclosure, had been the subject of a successful smear campaign. The Instrument of Government had redefined the franchise, which, it has been argued, decreased the size of the electorate. Annexed to the petition presented by voters in the Isle was a list of 124 men who had been physically prevented from entering the polling hall. This list reveals the presence of Walloon settlers in the Isle; local records indicate that such men qualified for the new franchise because they were leasing fertile, drained land in the Fens, thus increasing the electorate in that area. By considering the local context of a disputed election, this study adds to the debate concerning the interpretation of the Instrument of Government in terms of the eligibility, not only of a parliamentary candidate, but also of voters.
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, 4th Baronet: An Unconventional Politician?*
Authors: HOWE N.G.
Published: June 2012

The political life of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, 4th baronet has traditionally been seen in line with Sir Lewis Namier's views of 18th‐century politics and this article seeks to reinterpret his political life, taking into consideration not only his activities within parliament, but also his role within local government and his cultural activities. It will particularly consider the importance of his role within the concerts for ancient music, his lord lieutenancy of Merioneth and the central part he played in the 1778 treasury warrant crisis as well as his vigorous attempts to defend his interest during the 1774 Montgomeryshire election. This article will also argue that the cultural activities of back‐bench country gentlemen within the 18th‐century house of commons can shed new light upon their political views and activities.
The House of Commons Serjeant 1640–93
Authors: SAINTY J.C.
Published: June 2012

The conflict between the crown and parliament in the 17th century inevitably disrupted the orderly succession to the offices of the house of commons, as is illustrated by the case of the serjeant‐at‐arms. Existing lists of the holders of this office tend to oversimplify the situation. This note brings together the available facts with the object of identifying those who actually carried out the duties of the office between 1640 and 1693.
MET Gain in Diffuse Astrocytomas is Associated with Poorer Outcome
Authors: Pierscianek Daniela , Kim Young‐Ho , Motomura Kazuya , Mittelbronn Michel , Paulus Werner , Brokinkel Benjamin , Keyvani Kathy , Wrede Karsten , Nakazato Yoichi , Tanaka Yuko , Mariani Luigi , Vital Anne , Sure Ulrich , Ohgaki Hiroko
Published: June 2012

Glioblastoma may develop rapidly without evidence for precursor lesions (primary glioblastomas), or progress from diffuse or anaplastic astrocytomas (secondary glioblastomas). Despite having distinct genetic profiles, these glioblastoma subtypes have similar histological features. We hypothesized that the highly malignant phenotype of glioblastoma may be attributable to genetic alterations that are common to both glioblastoma subtypes. In the present study, we first searched for commonly (>35%) amplified genes in glioblastomas with IDH1 mutation (a hallmark of secondary glioblastoma) and those without IDH1 mutation (typical for primary glioblastoma) in data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 25 genes were identified, of which 21 were located at 7q31‐34. We then screened 264 gliomas (70 glioblastomas, 112 diffuse astrocytomas, 82 oligodendrogliomas) for gain of the MET at 7q31.2 with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MET gain was detected in primary glioblastomas (47%) and secondary glioblastomas (44%), suggesting that this genetic alteration plays a role in the pathogenesis of both glioblastoma subtypes. MET gain was also common in diffuse astrocytomas (38%), but less frequent in oligodendrogliomas (16%). MET gain in diffuse astrocytomas was associated with shorter survival (median, 43.0 vs. 70.7 months; P = 0.004), suggesting that MET gain is a useful prognostic marker for diffuse astrocytomas.
Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic, and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Coriandrum sativum Leaf and Stem in Alloxan‐Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sreelatha S. , Inbavalli R.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  In India's indigenous system of medicine, Coriandrum sativum (CS), commonly used as a food ingredient, is claimed to be useful for various ailments. To establish its utility in diabetes mellitus, the present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of CS in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. The extracts were shown to contain bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, and tannins. The extracts of CS in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats were found to significantly lower blood glucose levels. Antidiabetic activity of the CS extracts was compared with the clinically available drug glibenclamide. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in the extract‐treated group and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher than the diabetic control rats. The extracts of CS exhibited strong scavenging effect on 2, 2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The free radical scavenging effect of the extracts was comparable with that of the reference antioxidants. Furthermore, it also showed an improved antioxidant potential as evidenced by decreased lipid peroxidation and a significant increase in the activity of various antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the liver of diabetic rats. These results indicate that the extracts could protect liver function and exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant efficacies in the diabetic rats. These results support the use of this plant extract to manage diabetes mellitus.

Practical Applications:  The leaves and stem of this plant Coriandrum sativum if used in cuisine would be a remedy for diabetes.
Evaluation is a Dynamic Process: Moving Beyond Dual System Models
Authors: Van Bavel Jay J. , Jenny Xiao Yi , Cunningham William A.
Published: June 2012

Over the past few decades, dual attitude/process/system models have emerged as the dominant framework for understanding a wide range of psychological phenomena. Most of these models characterize the unconscious and conscious mind as being built from discrete processes or systems: one that is reflexive, automatic, fast, affective, associative, and primitive, and a second that is deliberative, controlled, slow, cognitive, propositional, and more uniquely human. Although these models serve as a useful heuristic for characterizing the human mind, recent developments in social and cognitive neuroscience suggest that the human evaluative system, like most of cognition, is widely distributed and highly dynamic. Integrating these advances with current attitude theories, we review how the recently proposed Iterative Reprocessing Model can account for apparent dual systems as well as discrepancies between traditional dual system models and recent research revealing the dynamic nature of evaluation. Furthermore, we describe important implications this dynamical system approach has for various social psychological domains.
Iron Homeostasis during Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbation
Authors: Gifford Alex H. , Moulton Lisa A. , Dorman Dana B. , Olbina Gordana , Westerman Mark , Parker H. Worth , Stanton Bruce A. , O’Toole George A.
Published: June 2012

Background: Hypoferremia is a marker of disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The effect of systemic antibiotics on iron homeostasis during CF pulmonary exacerbation (CFPE) is unknown. Our central hypotheses were that, by the completion of treatment, serum iron would increase, serum concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and hepcidin‐25, two mediators of hypoferremia, would decrease, and sputum iron would decrease.

Methods: Blood and sputum samples were collected from 12 subjects with moderate‐to‐severe CF (median percentage‐predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) = 29%; median weight = 56 kg) within 24 hours of starting and completing a course of systemic antibiotics.

Results: After treatment, subjects showed median FEV1% and body weight improvements of 4.5% and 2.0 kg, respectively (p < 0.05). Median serum iron rose by 2.4 μmol/L (p < 0.05), but 75% of patients remained hypoferremic. Median serum IL‐6 and hepcidin‐25 levels fell by 12.1 pg/mL and 37.5 ng/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). Median serum erythropoietin (EPO) and hemoglobin levels were unaffected by treatment. We observed a trend toward lower sputum iron content after treatment.

Conclusions: Hypoferremia is a salient characteristic of CFPE that improves with waning inflammation. Despite antibiotic treatment, many patients remain hypoferremic and anemic because of ineffective erythropoiesis. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 368–373
A Mentor Development Program for Clinical Translational Science Faculty Leads to Sustained, Improved Confidence in Mentoring Skills
Authors: Feldman Mitchell D. , Steinauer Jody E. , Khalili Mandana , Huang Laurence , Kahn James S. , Lee Kathryn A. , Creasman Jennifer , Brown Jeanette S.
Published: June 2012

Mentorship is crucial for academic productivity and advancement for clinical and translational (CT) science faculty. However, little is known about the long‐term effects of mentor training programs. The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Clinical and Translational Science Institute launched a Mentor Development Program (MDP) in 2007 for CT faculty. We report on an evaluation of the first three cohorts of graduates from the MDP. In 2010, all Mentors in Training (MITs) who completed the MDP from 2007 to 2009 (n= 38) were asked to complete an evaluation of their mentoring skills and knowledge; all MITs (100%) completed the evaluation. Two‐thirds of MDP graduates reported that they often apply knowledge, attitudes, or skills obtained in the MDP to their mentoring. Nearly all graduates (97%) considered being a mentor important to their career satisfaction. Graduates were also asked about the MDP's impact on specific mentoring skills; 95% agreed that the MDP helped them to become a better mentor and to focus their mentoring goals. We also describe a number of new initiatives to support mentoring at UCSF that have evolved from the MDP. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the long‐term impact of a mentor training program for CT researchers. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 362–367
Preliminary Competencies for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Segal Jodi B. , Kapoor Wishwa , Carey Timothy , Mitchell Pamela H. , Murray Michael D. , Saag Kenneth G. , Schumock Glen , Jonas Daniel , Steinman Michael , Filart Rosemarie , Weinberger Morris , Selker Harry
Published: June 2012

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Workgroup for Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Education, Training, and Workforce Development identified a need to delineate the competencies that practitioners and users of CER for patient‐centered outcomes research, should acquire. With input from CTSA representatives and collaborators, we began by describing the workforce. We recognize the workforce that conducts CER and the end users who use CER to improve the health of individuals and communities. We generated a preliminary set of competencies and solicited feedback from the CER representatives at each member site of the CTSA consortium. We distinguished applied competencies (i.e., skills needed by individuals who conduct CER) from foundational competencies that are needed by the entire CER workforce, including end users of CER. Key competency categories of relevance to both practitioners and users of CER were: (1) asking relevant research questions; (2) recognizing or designing ideal CER studies; (3) executing or using CER studies; (4) using appropriate statistical analyses for CER; and (5) communicating and disseminating CER study results to improve health. Although CER is particularly broad concept, we anticipate that these preliminary, relatively generic competencies will be used in tailoring curricula to individual learners from a variety of programmatic perspectives. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 476–479
Multilevel Analysis of Environmental Salmonella Prevalences and Management Practices on 49 Broiler Breeder Farms in Four South‐Eastern States, USA
Authors: Berghaus R. D. , Mathis D. L. , Bramwell R. K. , Macklin K. S. , Wilson J. L. , Wineland M. J. , Maurer J. J. , Lee M. D.
Published: June 2012

A two‐part serial survey of 49 broiler breeder farms was conducted in four south‐eastern states: Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. Broiler breeder farms from three to five broiler company complexes in each state were visited on two separate occasions to document management practices and perform environmental sampling for Salmonella prevalence estimation. Salmonella was detected in 88% of the broiler breeder houses that were sampled and was identified on all 49 farms enrolled. Many management characteristics were consistent across the different states and companies. Multilevel analysis was used to evaluate management characteristics as risk factors for Salmonella prevalence and to estimate the proportion of variance residing at the different hierarchical sampling levels. Management characteristics associated with increased Salmonella prevalence included treatment of the flock for any disease, having dusty conditions in the house, having dry conditions under the slats and walking through the house more than one time per day to pick‐up dead birds. After adjusting for state as a fixed effect, the percentages of variance in Salmonella prevalence occurring at the complex, farm, visit, house and individual sample levels were 5.2%, 6.8%, 11.8%, 2.8% and 73.4%, respectively. The intraclass correlations for samples collected from the same house; for samples from different houses during the same visit; for samples from different visits to the same farm; and for samples from different farms in the same complex were as follows: 0.27, 0.24, 0.12 and 0.05, respectively.
The Value Question in Metaphysics
Authors: KAHANE GUY
Published: June 2012

Much seems to be at stake in metaphysical questions about, for example, God, free will or morality. One thing that could be at stake is the value of the universe we inhabit—how good or bad it is. We can think of competing philosophical positions as describing possibilities, ways the world might turn out to be, and to which value can be assigned. When, for example, people hope that God exists, or fear that we do not possess free will, they express attitudes towards these possibilities, attitudes that presuppose answers to questions about their comparative value. My aim in this paper is to distinguish these evaluative questions from related questions with which they can be confused, to identify structural constraints on their proper pursuit, and to address objections to their very coherence. Answers to such evaluative questions offer one measure of the importance of philosophical disputes.
Comparison of manual polychromatophilic cell and automated reticulocyte quantification in evaluating regenerative response in anemic dogs
Authors: Collicutt Nancy B. , Grindem Carol B. , Neel Jennifer A.
Published: June 2012

Background

Degree of polychromasia and reticulocyte counts are commonly used in veterinary medicine to evaluate response to anemia. The quantitative association between these 2 measurements has not been evaluated.

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare automated reticulocyte percents and counts with those of polychromatophilic cells on blood films from dogs.

Methods

Blood films and medical records from 30 clinically healthy dogs and 60 anemic dogs were evaluated. Manual percentage of polychromatophilic cells (MPP) was determined by counting cells in 10 1000× fields, and automated reticulocyte percentage (ARP) was measured using an ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer; absolute polychromatophilic cell and reticulocyte counts were then calculated. Degree of polychromasia, estimated as slight, mild, moderate, marked was documented. Percentages and absolute counts of polychromatophilic cells and reticulocytes were compared using least squares regression and Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Results

The reference interval for MPP in healthy dogs was 0.21–0.26%. Correlation between MPP and ARP was highest when all levels were considered (n = 60, r = .98, P < .0001), strong when ARP was > 5% (n = 20, r = .91, P < .0001), and poor when ARP was 1–2% (n = 20, r = .35, P < .0001). Results were similar for comparisons of absolute reticulocyte and polychromatophilic cell counts, with the best correlation found when all levels of counts were analyzed together (r = .96) and for automated reticulocyte counts > 150,000/μL (r = .94). Correlation of estimates of polychromasia with ARP was good (r = .83).

Conclusion

In anemic dogs MPP can be used for assessment of regeneration, especially in dogs with higher levels of ARP. Standard quantification of reticulocytes is more accurate in dogs with lesser degrees of regeneration.
Pneumococcal neuraminidase A: an essential upper airway colonization factor for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Brittan J.L. , Buckeridge T.J. , Finn A. , Kadioglu A. , Jenkinson H.F.
Published: June 2012

Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizes the upper respiratory tract from where the organisms may disseminate systemically to cause life threatening infections. The mechanisms by which pneumococci colonize epithelia are not understood, but neuraminidase A (NanA) has a major role in promoting growth and survival in the upper respiratory tract. In this article we show that mutants of S. pneumoniae D39 deficient in NanA or neuraminidase B (NanB) are abrogated in adherence to three epithelial cell lines, and to primary nasopharyngeal cells. Adherence levels were partly restored by nanA complementation in trans. Enzymic activity of NanA was shown to be necessary for pneumococcal adherence to epithelial cells, and adherence of the nanA mutant was restored to wild‐type level by pre‐incubation of epithelial cells with Lactococcus lactis cells expressing NanA. Pneumococcal nanA or nanB mutants were deficient in biofilm formation, while expression of NanA on L. lactis or Streptococcus gordonii promoted biofilm formation by these heterologous host organisms. The results suggest that NanA is an enzymic factor mediating adherence to epithelial cells by decrypting receptors for adhesion, and functions at least in part as an adhesin in biofilm formation. Neuraminidase A thus appears to play multiple temporal roles in pneumococcal infection, from adherence to host tissues, colonization, and community development, to systemic spread and crossing of the blood‐brain barrier.
ALEXANDER ON PHYSICS 2.9
Authors: SHARPLES ROBERT W.
Published: June 2012

In this paper, Bob Sharples considers a report regarding Alexander in Simplicius’Physics commentary, which touches on the problem of hypothetical necessity and how it relates to unqualified necessity. Simplicius seems to think that for Alexander, necessity imposed by matter is not purposive. This is why bricks do not necessarily give rise to a brick house. He here exploits the genuinely Aristotelian idea that form and end account for the matter, rather than vice versa; yet Alexander will have been motivated also by his opposition to the Stoics.