bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divinely Generic: Bible Translation and the Semiotics of Circulation
Authors: MacLochlainn Scott
Published: November 2015

In this article I examine the practice of Bible translation and the underlying sets of Christian ideologies regarding the commensurability of linguistic forms. Based on ethnographic research conducted at a biannual Bible translation workshop in Mindoro, Philippines, in 2013, during which the Bible was translated into three Mangyan languages, I argue that the degree to which the actual linguistic forms in the scriptures are divinely inspired often exists as an irresolvable semiotic problem for Bible translators. To this end, I discuss the means through which the Holy Spirit is taken as an essential mediator between the fallible work of Christian translators and the Bible as a language-instantiated form of God’s presence. I show how the employment of “generic” language by Christian translators enables them to mirror and circulate the divine universality of scriptural meaning in earthly form. I propose that generic language can be viewed as a site in which multiple and often conflicting claims of language universality and purity are present.
Rereading Sacrifice: The Semiosis of Blood
Authors: Janowitz Naomi
Published: November 2015

Blood gains many distinct meanings from different modes of classification, some of which are calibrated by the representational capacities of sacrifice. The Priestly source from Hebrew scriptures and the early Jewish text Second Maccabees both reread ancient sacrifice traditions, articulating new meanings for blood as part of the transformation from a temple-based locative system of animal sacrifice to a utopian decentered model of human self-sacrifice. The Priestly writers created a new semiosis of blood as the purifying essence of temple sacrifice. Second Maccabees offers a temple-replacement ideology with one foot in the locative notion of temple, and the other in suffering and martyrdom—displaced animal sacrifice—as the path to an individual afterlife. Its new meanings for blood are stimulated by conflict over two competing locative systems (foreign and native) and the need to, even while renewing, ultimately replace the temple cult.
Tropes of Slang
Authors: Agha Asif
Published: November 2015

This article describes a class of speech varieties whose members have traditionally been called “slang” or “argot” in a large and long-standing literature. Despite the size of this literature, the characteristics of these speech varieties have remained obscure to those who purport to study them. The thing called “slang” has traditionally been reduced to the repertoires that count as samples of the thing without attention to either (a) the reflexive processes through which samples of the thing come to be differentiated from other discursive behaviors or (b) the social-interpersonal processes through which slang expressions undergo change in form and significance for different members of a language community. This article examines these reflexive social processes by considering examples from a large number of languages and historical periods. It offers a comparative framework for studying the forms of social life that such discursive behaviors enable or displace.
Ccdc11 is a novel centriolar satellite protein essential for ciliogenesis and establishment of left–right asymmetry
Authors: Silva Erica , Betleja Ewelina , John Emily , Spear Philip , Moresco James J. , Zhang Siwei , Yates John R. , Mitchell Brian J. , Mahjoub Moe R.
Published: November 2015

The establishment of left–right (L-R) asymmetry in vertebrates is dependent on the sensory and motile functions of cilia during embryogenesis. Mutations in CCDC11 disrupt L-R asymmetry and cause congenital heart disease in humans, yet the molecular and cellular functions of the protein remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that Ccdc11 is a novel component of centriolar satellites—cytoplasmic granules that serve as recruitment sites for proteins destined for the centrosome and cilium. Ccdc11 interacts with core components of satellites, and its loss disrupts the subcellular organization of satellite proteins and perturbs primary cilium assembly. Ccdc11 colocalizes with satellite proteins in human multiciliated tracheal epithelia, and its loss inhibits motile ciliogenesis. Similarly, depletion of CCDC11 in Xenopus embryos causes defective assembly and motility of cilia in multiciliated epidermal cells. To determine the role of CCDC11 during vertebrate development, we generated mutant alleles in zebrafish. Loss of CCDC11 leads to defective ciliogenesis in the pronephros and within the Kupffer’s vesicle and results in aberrant L-R axis determination. Our results highlight a critical role for Ccdc11 in the assembly and function of motile cilia and implicate centriolar satellite–associated proteins as a new class of proteins in the pathology of L-R patterning and congenital heart disease.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agent Cisatracurium Attenuates Lung Injury by Inhibition of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-α1
Authors: Fanelli Vito , Morita Yasumasa , Cappello Paola , Ghazarian Mirna , Sugumar Bina , Delsedime Luisa , Batt Jane , Ranieri V. Marco , Zhang Haibo , Slutsky Arthur S.
Published: November 2015

AbstractAbstract

In rodent models of acute lung injury, neuromuscular blocking agents protected against ventilator-induced lung injury through their antiinflammatory properties mediated by blockade of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α1. This protective effect was not due to improved ventilator synchrony, and the reduced cytokine release could be mimicked ex vivo through knockdown of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α1 expression.

Background

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) bind the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α1 (nAChRα1) that also contributes to inflammatory signaling. Thus, the author hypothesized that the use of NMBA mitigates lung injury by improving ventilator synchrony and decreasing inflammatory responses.

Methods

Lung injury was induced by intratracheal instillation of hydrogen chloride in rats that were randomized to receive no NMBA with evidence of asynchronous ventilation (noNMBA/aSYNC, n = 10); no NMBA with synchronous ventilation (noNMBA/SYNC, n = 10); cisatracurium (CIS, n = 10); or pancuronium (PAN, n = 10). Mechanical ventilation was set at a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg and positive end-expiratory pressure 8 cm H2O for 3 h. Human lung epithelial, endothelial, and CD14+ cells were challenged with mechanical stretch, lipopolysaccharide, lung lavage fluids (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid), or plasma obtained from patients (n = 5) with acute respiratory distress syndrome, in the presence or absence of CIS or small-interfering RNA and small hairpin RNA to attenuate the cell expression of nAChRα1.

Results

The use of CIS and PAN improved respiratory compliance (7.2 ± 0.7 in noNMBA/aSYNC, 6.6 ± 0.5 in noNMBA/SYNC, 5.9 ± 0.3 in CIS, and 5.8 ± 0.4 cm H2O/l in PAN; P < 0.05), increased Pao
2 (140 ± 54, 209 ± 46, 269 ± 31, and 269 ± 54 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05), and decreased the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (509 ± 252 in noNMBA, 200 ± 74 in CIS, and 175 ± 84 pg/ml in PAN; P < 0.05) and interleukin-6 (5789 ± 79, 1608 ± 534, and 2290 ± 315 pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). The use of CIS and PAN or silencing the receptor nAChRα1 resulted in decreased cytokine release in the human cells in response to a variety of stimuli mentioned earlier.

Conclusions

The use of NMBA is lung protective through its antiinflammatory properties by blocking the nAChRα1.
Wernicke Encephalopathy and Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zheng Lin
Published: November 2015

As the number of obese patients increases, as will the number of bariatric procedures. Malabsorptive bariatric procedures have emerged as one of common causes of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), an acute neuropsychiatric disorder due to thiamine deficiency. However, restrictive procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are less prone to cause nutrient deficiencies. WE occurred after SG is an uncommon complication because the main absorptive sites for thiamine are intact after SG. Here, we report a case of WE after SG. With rapid increase in the use of SG for morbid obesity, this case deserves particular attention from clinicians.
Crystal structure of ethyl 2-{2-[(1Z)-1-hydroxy-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl]phenoxy}acetate
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Mague Joel T. , Akkurt Mehmet , Ahmed Eman A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2015

The title compound, C19H17NO7, crystallized in a ratio of about 6:4 of the two possible keto–enol forms. This was observed as disorder over the central C3H2O2unit. The dihedral angle between the rings is 8.2 (2)°.The molecules pack by C—H...O interactions in a layered fashion parallel to (-104).
A tracking and summarization system for online Chinese news topics
Authors: Chang Hsien-Tsung , Liu Shu-Wei , Mishra Nilamadhab
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to design and implement new tracking and summarization algorithms for Chinese news content. Based on the proposed methods and algorithms, the authors extract the important sentences that are contained in topic stories and list those sentences according to timestamp order to ensure ease of understanding and to visualize multiple news stories on a single screen.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper encompasses an investigational approach that implements a new Dynamic Centroid Summarization algorithm in addition to a Term Frequency (TF)-Density algorithm to empirically compute three target parameters, i.e., recall, precision, and F-measure.

Findings

– The proposed TF-Density algorithm is implemented and compared with the well-known algorithms Term Frequency-Inverse Word Frequency (TF-IWF) and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF). Three test data sets are configured from Chinese news web sites for use during the investigation, and two important findings are obtained that help the authors provide more precision and efficiency when recognizing the important words in the text. First, the authors evaluate three topic tracking algorithms, i.e., TF-Density, TF-IDF, and TF-IWF, with the said target parameters and find that the recall, precision, and F-measure of the proposed TF-Density algorithm is better than those of the TF-IWF and TF-IDF algorithms. In the context of the second finding, the authors implement a blind test approach to obtain the results of topic summarizations and find that the proposed Dynamic Centroid Summarization process can more accurately select topic sentences than the LexRank process.

Research limitations/implications

– The results show that the tracking and summarization algorithms for news topics can provide more precise and convenient results for users tracking the news. The analysis and implications are limited to Chinese news content from Chinese news web sites such as Apple Library, UDN, and well-known portals like Yahoo and Google.

Originality/value

– The research provides an empirical analysis of Chinese news content through the proposed TF-Density and Dynamic Centroid Summarization algorithms. It focusses on improving the means of summarizing a set of news stories to appear for browsing on a single screen and carries implications for innovative word measurements in practice.
Understanding information seeking in digital libraries: antecedents and consequences
Authors: Zha Xianjin , Wang Wentao , Yan Yalan , Zhang Jinchao , Zha Daochen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents of information seeking in digital libraries from the perspectives of the Technology Acceptance Model and flow experience, as well as the consequences from the perspectives of self-efficacy in getting information and individual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research model is developed and tested using questionnaires and, partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The effect of flow experience on information seeking in digital libraries is the largest one. Meanwhile, flow experience fully mediates the effects of ease of use and usefulness on information seeking in digital libraries which further leads to self-efficacy in getting information and individual performance.

Practical implications

– Librarians should help users to experience more stable and sustainable flow by providing dependable, prompt, personalized and professional service to them. Librarians should try their best to provide diversified user training so as to guide potential users to seek information in digital libraries.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the theoretical development of the structural model exploring information seeking in digital libraries, presenting a new view for digital library research and practice alike.
The benefit of context for facial-composite construction
Authors: Skelton Faye C. , Frowd Charlie D. , Speers Kathryn E
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the presence of a whole-face context during facial composite production facilitates construction of facial composite images.

Design/methodology/approach

– In Experiment 1, constructors viewed a celebrity face and then developed a facial composite using PRO-fit software in one of two conditions: either the full-face was visible while facial features were selected, or only the feature currently being selected. The composites were named by different participants. The authors then replicated the study using a more forensically valid procedure: in Experiment 2 non-football fans viewed an image of a premiership footballer and 24 hours later constructed a composite of the face with a trained software operator. The resulting composites were named by football fans.

Findings

– In both studies, the presence of the facial context promoted more identifiable facial composites.

Research limitations/implications

– Current composite software was deployed in a conventional and unconventional way to demonstrate the importance of facial context.

Practical implications

– Results confirm that composite software should have the whole-face context visible to witnesses throughout construction. Although some software systems do this, there remain others that present features in isolation and these findings show that these systems are unlikely to be optimal.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to demonstrate the importance of a full-face context for the construction of facial composite images. Results are valuable to police forces and developers of composite software.
A criterion of crazing density for the residual life assessment of PMMA during creep
Authors: Gao Zongzhan , Li Qinghai , Wang Yi
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– A series of creep experiments were carried out to study a new criterion for creep residual life assessment of PMMA (MDYB-10) with various stresses level at room temperature. A macroscopical creep life model based on abundant experiments results was researched first. The model included three phases which are described by the Chen theory, Norton formula and exponential expression, respectively. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– During the creep experiments, the simple optical testing instrument was used to observe the crazing initiation and quantify the crazing damage density in the specimens.

Findings

– It was shown that the initiation time of crazing damage depended on the stress level, and the crazing damage density increased non-linearly with experiment time. The crazing initiation time equation and damage density equations were expressed.

Originality/value

– Comprehensive consideration of the creep life model and crazing density evolution equation, a new criterion for creep residual life assessment was introduced. The criterion could be applied to assess the residual life for MDYB-10 by measuring the crazing damage density.
Enriched rearing environment and wild genetic background can enhance survival and disease resistance of salmonid fishes during parasite epidemics
Authors: Karvonen Anssi , Aalto‐Araneda Mariella , Virtala Anna‐Maija , Kortet Raine , Koski Perttu , Hyvärinen Pekka
Published: November 2015

The importance and volume of aquaculture is increasing world‐wide. Rearing practices play a key role in determining growth rate, survival and disease resistance in aquaculture fishes. Recent evidence suggests that in comparison with a standard stimulus‐poor rearing environment, an enriched or variable rearing environment has significant positive effects on several traits underlying growth and well‐being of fish. However, the effect of enriched rearing on one of the most important threats for aquaculture development, occurrence of parasitic infections, remains unknown.

We used surveillance data of experimental salmonid populations of wild and hatchery origin under semi‐natural parasite exposure to explore effects of enriched rearing on outbreaks of important aquaculture pathogens and associated fish mortalities in production‐scale fish densities. We also conducted controlled parasite exposures to investigate if enriched rearing reduces susceptibility of fish to infection in comparison with standard rearing conditions.

We found evidence of enriched rearing influencing survival and disease resistance of aquaculture fish during parasite epidemics. Essentially, populations from enriched rearing had a higher survival rate, lower parasite occurrence and greater resistance to most infections compared to fish held in standard rearing conditions. Similarly, fish of wild genetic background had lower mortality during some of the epidemics compared to fish of hatchery origin. However, we also demonstrate significant variation in these patterns and in some cases a tendency for opposite effects of enriched rearing and genetic background depending on the fish species and nature of the epidemic.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that parasitic infections and epidemics can be managed through enriched rearing conditions. This may have important implications for economically and ecologically sustainable parasite and disease prevention strategies in aquaculture.
A framework for estimating the sensitivity of eDNA surveys
Authors: Furlan Elise M. , Gleeson Dianne , Hardy Christopher M. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: November 2015

Imperfect sensitivity, or imperfect detection, is a feature of all survey methods that needs to be accounted for when interpreting survey results. Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly being used to infer species distributions, yet the sensitivity of the technique has not been fully evaluated. Sensitivity, or the probability of detecting target DNA given it is present at a site, will depend on both the survey method and the concentration and dispersion of target DNA molecules at a site. We present a model to estimate target DNA concentration and dispersion at survey sites and to estimate the sensitivity of an eDNA survey method. We fitted this model to data from a species‐specific eDNA survey for Oriental weatherloach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, at three sites sampled in both autumn and spring. The concentration of target DNA molecules was similar at all three sites in autumn but much higher at two sites in spring. Our analysis showed the survey method had ≥95% sensitivity at sites where target DNA concentrations were ≥11 molecules per litre. We show how these data can be used to compare sampling schemes that differ in the number of field samples collected per site and number of PCR replicates per sample to achieve ≥95% sensitivity at a given target DNA concentration. These models allow researchers to quantify the sensitivity of eDNA survey methods to optimize the probability of detecting target species, and to compare DNA concentrations spatially and temporarily.
Peripheral and prefrontal stress system markers and risk of relapse in alcoholism
Authors: Blaine Sara K. , Seo Dongju , Sinha Rajita
Published: November 2015

Previous research has shown that hyperactivation in ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VmPFC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and high cortisol to corticotrophin ratio (cort:ACTH ratio) during neutral‐relaxed states predict relapse in alcohol‐dependent (AD) patients. Other studies have shown that VmPFC/rACC deactivation and blunted cortisol release to stress and alcohol cues are predictive of time to relapse and relapse severity. However, no previous study has assessed the relationship between these markers of central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction in AD participants and their potential joint effects on relapse risk. Forty early abstinent, treatment engaged AD patients underwent a laboratory experiment with exposure to neutral, alcohol and stress cues and a separate functional magnetic resonance imaging scan with similar cue exposure. Neutral‐relaxed state cort:ACTH ratio was significantly associated with VmPFC hyperreactivity to neutral‐relaxing cues, and also with hypoactivation in response to alcohol and stress cues in AD patients. Basal heart rate, neutral cort:ACTH ratio and neutral VmPFC hyperreactivty were each associated with risk of relapse. However, abnormal VmPFC activation and elevated cort:ACTH ratio overlap in predicting risk for relapse, and dysfunctional VmPFC response was the sole significant predictor of odds of relapse in a joint model of relapse risk. These findings suggest that the cort:ACTH ratio may serve as a peripheral marker of VmPFC brain dysfunction, while aberrant VmPFC responses need further evaluation as a potential biomarker of alcohol relapse risk in clinical outcome studies.
Skeuomorphs, Pottery, and Technological Change
Authors: Blitz John H.
Published: November 2015

Skeuomorphs are copies of prototype artifacts replicated in different physical materials in the derivative objects. The skeuomorph copy may or may not have a utilitarian function, and the original function of the prototype attribute may change or become less functional with successive copying. Because skeuomorphs are an imitation of the prototype model, they are iconic representations. Archaeological examples of pottery vessel skeuomorphs are presented and interpreted with evidence from ethnography, psychology, and modern material culture. This review lends support to the proposal that skeuomorphism is a causal factor in technological change. Skeuomorphs facilitate acceptance of innovations in artifacts by (1) materializing the pre‐existing familiar value of prototypes as attributes transferred to unfamiliar derivative objects; (2) evoking positive social memories associated with the prototype; and (3) creating broader scales of value by creating novel variants of similar objects.
The immobilization of human spermatozoa bySTAT3 inhibitory compound V results from an excessive intracellular amount of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Lachance C. , Goupil S. , Tremblay R. R. , Leclerc P.
Published: November 2015

We previously showed that Stattic V (Stat3 inhibitory compound V) reduces human sperm motility and cellularATPlevels, increases intracellular Ca2+concentration, and promotes mitochondrial membrane depolarization resulting in increased levels of extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). As these alterations in cellular function are highly similar to what is observed in a cell undergoing apoptosis, our goal was to determine if the immobilizing effect of Stattic V on spermatozoa results from apoptosis or was because of an oxidative stress. To address this question, spermatozoa were incubated with Stattic V in combination with a caspase inhibitor, a proteasome inhibitor or a cell permeantROSscavenger. Following incubation in different conditions, sperm motility was evaluated byCASA, acrosomal integrity byFITCconjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA‐FITC) labeling, intracellularpH, and mitochondrial superoxide production by flow cytometry usingBCECFand MitoSoxRed dye, respectively. Levels of reduced thiols were assessed by iodoacetamidofluorescein staining on total and on sperm surface proteins, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation was evaluated by western blot. The loss in sperm motility induced by Stattic V was associated with a slight intracellular acidification and an important increase in intracellular superoxide anion. Unlike caspase and proteasome inhibitors, low molecular weight thiols, such as N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), prevented Stattic V‐induced sperm immobilization and increase responsiveness to acrosome reaction inducers.NACalso efficiently prevented the production of superoxide anion, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, intracellular acidification and the oxidation of protein free thiols caused by Stattic V. These results show that the deleterious effects of Stattic V on sperm functions are caused directly or indirectly by excessive intracellularROSproduction without causing sperm apoptosis or necrosis.
Term neonates with infection and shock display high cortisol precursors despite low levels of normal cortisol
Authors: Khashana Abdelmoneim , Ojaniemi Marja , Leskinen Markku , Saarela Timo , Hallman Mikko
Published: November 2015

Aim

Neonatal therapy‐resistant septic shock is a common problem in middle and low‐income countries. We investigated whether newborn infants with infection and therapy‐resistant hypotension showed evidence of abnormal levels of cortisol or cortisol precursors.

Methods

A total of 60 term or near term neonates with evidence of infection were enrolled after informed consent. Of these, 30 had an infection and refractory shock and 30 had an infection without shock. There were no detectable differences between the groups in the length of gestation, birth weight or gender distribution. Serum was obtained during days four and 14 after birth. Cortisol and cortisol precursor concentrations were analysed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The cortisol concentrations were low considering the expected responses to stress and they did not differ between the groups. The infants with infection and shock had higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels than those without shock (319.0 ± 110.3 μg/dL, versus 22.3 ± 18.3 μg/dL; p < 0.0001) and they also had higher 17‐hydroxy‐pregnenolone, pregnenolone and progesterone concentrations. There were no detectable differences in the levels of 17‐hydroxy‐progesterone, 11‐deoxy‐cortisol, cortisol or cortisone.

Conclusion

Septic newborn infants with therapy‐resistant hypotension had very high DHEA levels, suggesting that 3‐beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity limited the rate of cortisol synthesis.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: a multicentre case series over 7 years
Authors: Schram Alison M. , Comstock Paige , Campo Meghan , Gorovets Daniel , Mullally Ann , Bodio Kelly , Arnason Jon , Berliner Nancy
Published: November 2015

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of uncontrolled immune activation that has gained increasing attention over the past decade. Although classically known as a familial disorder of children caused by mutations that affect cytotoxic T‐cell function, an acquired form of HLH in adults is now widely recognized. This is often seen in the setting of malignancy, infection or rheumatological disorders. We performed a retrospective review across 3 tertiary care centres and identified 68 adults with HLH. The average age was 53 years (range 18–77 years) and 43 were male (63%). Underlying disorders included malignancy in 33 patients (49%), infection in 22 (33%), autoimmune disease in 19 (28%) and idiopathic HLH in 15 (22%). Patients were treated with disease‐specific therapy and immunomodulatory agents. After a median follow‐up of 32·2 months, 46 patients had died (69%). The median overall survival was 4 months (95% CI: 0·0–10·2 months). Patients with malignancy had a worse prognosis compared to those without (median survival 2·8 months versus 10·7 months, P = 0·007). HLH is a devastating disorder with a high mortality. Further research is needed to improve treatment and outcomes.
The CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells colonize the lymph nodes of the patients with adult onset Still's disease and are associated with increased extracellular level of H-ferritin in the same tissue: correlation with disease severity and implication for pathogenesis
Authors: Ruscitti P , Ciccia F , Cipriani P , Guggino G , Di Benedetto P , Rizzo A , Liakouli V , Berardicurti O , Carubbi F , Triolo G , Giacomelli R
Published: November 2015

In this work, we aimed to evaluate the levels of ferritin enriched in H subunits (H-ferritin) and ferritin enriched in L subunits (L-ferritin) and the cells expressing these two molecules in the lymph node (LN) biopsies obtained from adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) patients, and the possible correlation among these data and the severity of the disease. Ten patients with AOSD underwent LN biopsy. All the samples were stained by immunofluorescence. A statistical analysis was performed to estimate the possible correlation among both H-ferritin and L-ferritin tissue expression and the clinical picture of the disease. Furthermore, the same analysis was performed to evaluate the possible correlation among the number of CD68+/H-ferritin+ or CD68+/L-ferritin+ cells and the clinical picture. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated an increased tissue H-ferritin expression in the LNs of AOSD patients. This increased expression correlated with the severity of the disease. An increased number of CD68 macrophages expressing H-ferritin was observed in the LN samples of our patients. Furthermore, we observed that the number of CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells correlated significantly with the severity of the clinical picture. Our data showed an imbalance between the levels of H- and L-ferritin in LNs of AOSD patients and the evidence of an increased number of CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells in the same organs. Furthermore, a correlation among both the tissue H-ferritin levels and the CD68+/H-ferritin+ cells and the clinical picture was observed.
The Long‐Term Impact of Positive and Negative Information on Food Demand
Authors: Liaukonyte Jura , Streletskaya Nadia A. , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: November 2015

We examine whether the effects of information about product labels change over time. The analysis is based on 110 adult (nonstudent) participants who participated in a two‐stage economic experiment taking place three months apart. In the first stage of the experiment, willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) was elicited for items that were stated to contain bovine growth hormones, genetically modified ingredients, ingredients that have been exposed to antibiotics, and ingredients that were irradiated. Depending on the treatment, each first‐stage auction was supplemented with positive or negative information about each of the labels. The second‐stage experiments re‐elicited WTP for the same group of participants and the same items accompanied with the original labels, but this time without any secondary information. Our results suggest that the adverse impact of negative information does not persist over time; whereas in the case of positive information, changes in WTP from the initial to the follow‐up auctions are not statistically significant. This study enhances our understanding of how consumers retain information over a longer time period and suggests that previous studies that measure labeling impacts on WTP using isolated, single‐shot experiments may overstate the longer term effects of labels and negative information.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhances the effects of motor imagery training in a finger tapping task
Authors: Saimpont Arnaud , Mercier Catherine , Malouin Francine , Guillot Aymeric , Collet Christian , Doyon Julien , Jackson Philip L.
Published: November 2015

Motor imagery (MI) training and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex can independently improve hand motor function. The main objective of this double‐blind, sham‐controlled study was to examine whether anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex could enhance the effects of MI training on the learning of a finger tapping sequence. Thirty‐six right‐handed young human adults were assigned to one of three groups: (i) who performed MI training combined with anodal tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex; (ii) who performed MI training combined with sham tDCS; and (iii) who received tDCS while reading a book. The MI training consisted of mentally rehearsing an eight‐item complex finger sequence for 13 min. Before (Pre‐test), immediately after (Post‐test 1), and at 90 min after (Post‐test 2) MI training, the participants physically repeated the sequence as fast and as accurately as possible. An anova showed that the number of sequences correctly performed significantly increased between Pre‐test and Post‐test 1 and remained stable at Post‐test 2 in the three groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage increase in performance between Pre‐test and Post‐test 1 and Post‐test 2 was significantly greater in the group that performed MI training combined with anodal tDCS compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). As a potential physiological explanation, the synaptic strength within the primary motor cortex could have been reinforced by the association of MI training and tDCS compared with MI training alone and tDCS alone.
Are Feminism and Competition Compatible?
Authors: Cawston Amanda
Published: November 2015

Contemporary feminist interest in the persistent underrepresentation of women in top professions suggests an implicit approval of the competition required to achieve these posts. Competition, however, seems to be in tension with feminist opposition to domination and oppression. This paper outlines the dimensions of this tension and examines three attempts to resolve the incompatibility. The first two try to separate the undesirable elements of competition from the positive by way of the competitiveness/competition and the challenge/scarcity distinctions. I argue that these distinctions fail to alleviate worries about competition, particularly in the context of the professions. Meanwhile, the third reconciliatory attempt offers a pragmatic argument for compatibilism based on the value of women's participation in the professions (and their associated competitions). Although this pragmatic argument has some merit, I argue that it significantly overestimates the amount of competition acceptable for feminist participation. The end result is that, within the context of the professions, competition remains fundamentally in tension with feminism.
Effects of two calcium silicate cements on cell viability, angiogenic growth factor release and related gene expression in stem cells from the apical papilla
Authors: Peters O. A. , Galicia J. , Arias A. , Tolar M. , Ng E. , Shin S. J.
Published: November 2015

Aim

To evaluate the effects of two types of calcium silicate cements on viability, angiogenic growth factor release, and angiogenic and inflammation‐related gene expression in human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP).

Methodology

SCAPs were grown for 7 days with either ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Biodentine (BD). Cell viability and media concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF/VEGFA) and angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) were measured. The expression of genes related to angiogenic potential and inflammatory response was measured by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). One‐way and two‐way analyses of variance with multiple comparisons Tukey's test were performed (P < 0.05).

Results

Cells in contact with either cement were associated with increased cell viability compared with the no‐treatment group at day 1 but there were no differences amongst groups at days 3 and 7. Exposure to either cement significantly increased VEGF concentrations at day 3; however, ANGPT‐1 levels decreased significantly compared with the no‐treatment group at day 3. Exposure to MTA and BD stimulated expression of VEGFA and FIGF/VEGFD. Furthermore, exposure to both cements significantly decreased the mRNA levels of ANGPT1 and FGF2 relative to the no‐treatment group.

Conclusions

Both MTA and BD stimulated the expression of angiogenic genes and release of VEGF, inducing similar expression patterns; however, they appeared to inhibit the expression of specific genes, including ANGPT1 and FGF2.
Dental caries in individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Moreira Maurício José Santos , Schwertner Carolina , Jardim Juliana Jobim , Hashizume Lina Naomi
Published: November 2015

Background

Many studies have shown a lower experience of caries in people with Down syndrome compared to individuals without Down syndrome, but this issue has not been critically evaluated.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of the international literature on dental caries experience in people with Down syndrome.

Design

Three online databases (PubMed, LILACS, and Cochrane) were used to identify relevant studies on caries experience in people with Down syndrome published until May 2015. PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison group, and Outcome) criteria were used to screen studies by title and abstract. An assessment of the methodological study quality was performed according to the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

The search resulted in 226 studies. Thirteen publications were included in the systematic review. Ten studies reported results of lower caries experience in individuals with Down syndrome in at least one age group studied. Three studies reported no differences in caries experience among the groups. All studies, however, included in this systematic review had limitations that increased the likelihood of bias in the study results.

Conclusion

There is no scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that people with Down syndrome have a lower experience of caries than non‐syndromic individuals.
Legitimacy and Multi‐Level Governance in European Union Competition Law: A Deliberative Discursive Approach
Authors: Cengiz Firat
Published: November 2015

Union competition law protects ‘consumer welfare’, but what role do consumers play in competition policy‐making? This is the question that this article seeks to answer. In the search for an answer, the article investigates the moral (output) and procedural (input) legitimacy of the recent competition law reforms. Following a discursive approach, the article looks into the roles played by institutions deliberating for citizens (consumer organizations, European Parliament and the Union Courts) in the reform process. This inquiry results in the questioning of the reforms’ legitimacy, and it also leads to broader conclusions regarding the legitimacy of multi‐level governance: expert discourses overshadow potential deliberative qualities of networks, which exacerbates networks’ legitimacy problems. Also, the input/output legitimacy dichotomy appears problematic, as expert policy‐making in the absence of citizen participation does not guarantee policies resonating with public interest.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Gisondi P. , Barba E. , Girolomoni G.
Published: November 2015

Background

Patients with psoriasis are at risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and likely liver fibrosis.

Objective

Investigate the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with psoriasis and measure their risk of liver fibrosis.

Method

One hundred and twenty‐four patients with psoriasis and 79 healthy controls were included in this cross‐sectional study. NAFLD was diagnosed in the presence of characteristic sonographic features of fatty liver after excluding other secondary causes of chronic liver disease. NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLD‐FS) was scored in those with NAFLD to measure the risk of advanced liver fibrosis.

Results

Prevalence of NAFLD was greater in patients with psoriasis than in controls (44% vs. 26%, P < 0.001). NAFLD‐FS was higher in patients with psoriasis than in controls, suggesting a higher risk of liver fibrosis in those with psoriasis (−1.57 ± 1.4 vs. −3.10 ± 1.5, mean ± SD, P < 0.0001). Psoriasis resulted in a significant predictor of advanced liver fibrosis independently of age, sex, BMI, hypertension and diabetes in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with psoriasis should be screened for common causes of liver disease, including NAFLD and liver fibrosis.
The evolution of aquatic feeding in seals: insights from Enaliarctos (Carnivora: Pinnipedimorpha), the oldest known seal
Authors: Churchill M. , Clementz M. T.
Published: November 2015

The development of pierce‐feeding and loss of oral processing represented major adaptations for underwater feeding in marine mammals. We examined the evolution of pierce‐feeding and its association with changes in tooth spacing and tooth size to determine whether pierce‐feeding was practiced by the earliest known pinnipeds. Data on crown size and spacing in postcanine dentition were collected and 1) analysed by principal components analysis (PCA) to determine the tooth morphospace of arctoid carnivores, 2) analysed by least squares (LS) regression and phylogenetic independent contrasts (PIC) to determine what morphological variables were associated with increases in tooth spacing, and 3) used to reconstruct the evolution of feeding related traits within a phylogenetic context. The PCA analysis revealed that within arctoid carnivores, the greatest differences in morphospace were associated with pierce‐feeding, and the early‐diverging seal Enaliarctos was placed within the pinniped morphospace. Increased tooth spacing within Pinnipedia is a result of decreased postcanine crown size. When the evolution of dental characters is reconstructed, ‘enaliarctines’ were found to represent an intermediate stage in evolution between ‘fissiped’ and pinniped carnivores. They retained the limited tooth spacing of terrestrial carnivores, possessed postcanine crown lengths intermediate in size between pinnipeds and fissipeds, and possessed reduced heterodonty characteristic of crown pinnipeds. Our study indicated that pierce‐feeding evolved early within pinnipeds. This suggested either that pierce‐feeding evolved prior to the loss of mastication, or that pierce‐feeding evolved at the same time as loss of mastication, and well before simplification of the dentition was completed.
Fundamentals of Infrared Heating and Its Application in Drying of Food Materials: A Review
Authors: Pawar Sanjay B. , Pratape V.M.
Published: November 2015

Drying is an energy‐intensive unit operation in chemical, food and allied industries. It is always desired to have low energy consumption for drying operation without compromising the quality of products. In this review, fundamental aspects of infrared heating are described in detail with the focus on its application to the drying of food materials. The modeling techniques are explained in detail to get emphasis on the design of large‐scale infrared dryers. This review also contains the investigations carried out by several researchers by experimentation and/or modeling to describe the infrared drying, infrared–convective drying, infrared–microwave drying and infrared–freeze drying. The present work describes the author's views regarding the capability and applicability of infrared source for drying of food materials. After going through a literature survey, it can be seen that infrared source especially in the far‐IR range has been widely used in convective hot air dryer than other types of dryers.

Practical Applications

The energy loss in convective air drying is found to be very large in chemical and allied food industries. Air, the drying medium, needs to be heated using air heaters, which generally have low thermal efficiency. On the contrary, as the infrared radiation is recognized as surface heater, it can be very suitable for drying of food materials whose drying is generally carried out in thin slices. Moreover, use of infrared heaters in other dryers is very beneficial to lower the drying time without significantly affecting the quality of the final products. Lowering the drying time can increase the productivity and decrease the cost of operation practically.
Effects of sodium sulfate on the freshwater microalgaChlamydomonas moewusii: implications for the optimization of algal culture media
Authors: Mera Roi , Torres Enrique , Abalde Julio
Published: November 2015

The study of the microalgal growth kinetics is an indispensable tool in all fields of phycology. Knowing the optimal nutrient concentration is an important issue that will help to develop efficient growth systems for these microorganisms. Although nitrogen and phosphorus are well studied for this purpose, sulfur seems to be less investigated. Sulfate is a primary sulfur source used by microalgae; moreover, the concentration of this compound is increasing in freshwater systems due to pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different sodium sulfate concentrations in the culture medium on growth and growth kinetics of the freshwater microalgaChlamydomonas moewusii. Production of biomass, chl content, kinetic equations, and a mathematical model that describe the microalgal growth in relation with the concentration of sodium sulfate were obtained. The lowest concentration of sodium sulfate allowing optimal growth was 0.1 mM. Concentrations higher than 3 mM generated a toxic effect. This work demonstrates that this toxic effect was not directly due to the excess of sulfate ion but by the elevation of the ionic strength. An inhibition model was successfully used to simulate the relationship between specific growth rate and sodium sulfate in this microalga.
Oufti: an integrated software package for high‐accuracy, high‐throughput quantitative microscopy analysis
Authors: Paintdakhi Ahmad , Parry Bradley , Campos Manuel , Irnov Irnov , Elf Johan , Surovtsev Ivan , Jacobs‐Wagner Christine
Published: November 2015

With the realization that bacteria display phenotypic variability among cells and exhibit complex subcellular organization critical for cellular function and behavior, microscopy has re‐emerged as a primary tool in bacterial research during the last decade. However, the bottleneck in today's single‐cell studies is quantitative image analysis of cells and fluorescent signals. Here, we address current limitations through the development of Oufti, a stand‐alone, open‐source software package for automated measurements of microbial cells and fluorescence signals from microscopy images. Oufti provides computational solutions for tracking touching cells in confluent samples, handles various cell morphologies, offers algorithms for quantitative analysis of both diffraction and non‐diffraction‐limited fluorescence signals and is scalable for high‐throughput analysis of massive datasets, all with subpixel precision. All functionalities are integrated in a single package. The graphical user interface, which includes interactive modules for segmentation, image analysis and post‐processing analysis, makes the software broadly accessible to users irrespective of their computational skills.