bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content Validity of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Hsun , Kramer Gene A.
Published: September 2013

This article describes a protocol that was employed to validate the content of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) using two separate practice analyses. The protocol consisted of the following phases: (1) the careful definition of the domain of knowledge and skills required for successful entry-level dental hygiene practice, (2) the conduct of a survey to gather information regarding the judgments of practicing dental hygienists on the important knowledge, abilities, and skills required of entry-level dental hygiene practice, (3) the analysis of the survey data, (4) the integration of the survey findings with the examination content using a two-dimensional matrix, (5) development of the updated specifications of the examination based on the practice analysis data, and (6) implementation of the updated specifications for subsequent item and test development. Survey data from 1,284 and 1,388 full-time practicing dental hygienists for the 2002 and 2009 practice analyses, respectively, were analyzed. A two-dimensional matrix was used to map the content of the examination to the practice of dental hygiene based on the practice analysis data. The mapping showed that the distribution of items in the content specifications reflected actual dental hygiene practice. Thus, the adequacy of the content validity of the NBDHE was confirmed.
Biomechanical Comparison Between Suture Anchor and Transtibial Pull-out Repair for Posterior Medial Meniscus Root Tears
Authors: Feucht Matthias J. , Grande Eduardo , Brunhuber Johannes , Rosenstiel Nikolaus , Burgkart Rainer , Imhoff Andreas B. , Braun Sepp
Published: September 2013

Background:

Posterior medial meniscus root (PMMR) tears have a serious effect on knee joint biomechanics. Currently used techniques for refixation of the PMMR include the transtibial pull-out repair (TP) and suture anchor repair (SA). These techniques have not been compared biomechanically.

Hypothesis:

The SA technique provides superior biomechanical properties compared with the TP technique.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 24 fresh-frozen porcine tibiae with attached intact medial menisci were used. The specimens were randomly assigned to 3 groups (8 specimens each). A standardized PMMR tear was created in 16 specimens. Refixation of the PMMR was performed by either the TP or SA technique. The native PMMR was left intact in 8 specimens. All specimens were subjected to cyclic loading followed by load-to-failure testing. Displacement after 100, 500, and 1000 cycles; maximum load to failure; stiffness; and displacement at failure were recorded.

Results:

Both repair techniques showed a significantly higher displacement during cyclic loading and a significantly lower maximum load and stiffness during load-to-failure testing compared with the native PMMR ( P < .05). The SA technique showed a significantly lower displacement after 100, 500, and 1000 cycles ( P < .001) and a significantly higher stiffness ( P = .016) compared with the TP technique. Maximum load did not differ significantly between the SA and TP techniques ( P = .027, Bonferroni adjustment). No significant difference between the 3 groups was observed for displacement at failure ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The SA technique provided superior biomechanical properties compared with the TP technique. Both repair techniques did not reach the strength of the native PMMR.

Clinical Relevance:

The favorable biomechanical properties of the SA technique might be beneficial for healing of the repaired PMMR and restoration of meniscus function. Because of inferior time zero stability compared with the native PMMR, slow rehabilitation is recommended after meniscus root repair.
The Neoliberal Era and the Financial Crisis in the Light of SSA Theory
Authors: Lippit Victor D.
Published: September 2013

Social structure of accumulation (SSA) theory suggests that economic growth in capitalist countries is characterized by lengthy periods of relatively vigorous growth, often amounting to several decades, followed by lengthy periods of relatively sluggish growth or stagnation. The periods of vigorous growth are marked by institutions that taken as a whole are favorable to the accumulation or investment process. The internal contradictions of those institutions, interacting with changes in the external environment, eventually bring the period of prosperity to a close. At that point, a period of intense social conflict is ushered in, accompanied by economic stagnation, until a new set of institutions that favors accumulation can be established. The neoliberal era, from 1980 to 2007, represents a distinctive period of capitalist development in the United States, one with its own characteristic institutions. This essay examines the major institutions of the neoliberal era and their internal contradictions. It shows how these led to the financial crisis of 2007-2009, and examines the conflicts exposed by the crisis. The essay attempts to bring together an empirical account of the financial crisis with a theoretical framework in which the crisis can be most readily understood.
Inter-firm Dependency and Employment Inequalities
Authors: Perraudin Corinne , Petit Héloïse , Thèvenot Nadine , Tinel Bruno , Valentin Julie
Published: September 2013

This article highlights the importance of power relations in subcontracting relationships and analyzes their impact on firms’ employment management practices. We show that the use of subcontracting creates a chain of inter-firm economic dependency because it leads the principal contractor to plan and control the activities of the subcontractors. The hypothesis is that this chain of dependency influences both the skill structure and wage levels. Empirical tests carried out on French data confirm that firms that subcontract outsource execution tasks and that the hierarchy of firms impacts employees’ wage levels.
Toxicological evaluation of landfill leachate using plant (Allium cepa) and fish (Leporinus obtusidens) bioassays
Authors: Klauck Cláudia Regina , Rodrigues Marco Antonio Siqueira , Basso da Silva Luciano
Published: September 2013

The disposal of municipal waste in landfills may pose an environmental problem because the product of the decomposition of these residues generates large volumes of leachate, which may present high toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the toxic and genotoxic effects of a sample of untreated leachate in fish ( Leporinus obtusidens) and onions ( Allium cepa). The leachate was collected in a landfill located in the region of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, southern Brazil. The fish were exposed to raw leachate, at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 5%, 10% and 20% for 6 days, while the bulbs of A. cepa were exposed to concentrations of 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% for 48 h. For fish, the concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% were lethal, thus indicating high toxicity; however, sublethal concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%) showed no genotoxicity by micronucleus test when compared with the control group. In the bioassays involving onions, high toxicity was observed, with significant reduction of root growth and mitotic index in bulbs exposed to the 100% concentration of the leachate. An increase in the frequency of chromosome abnormalities in the A. cepa root cells in anaphase–telophase was observed in accordance with the increase in the concentration of leachate (5%, 10%, 25% and 50%), with values   significantly greater than the control, at the highest concentration. The results showed that the leachate contains toxic and genotoxic substances, thus representing a major source of environmental pollution if not handled properly.
A Patient With Trauma Having Cavitary Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Patel Dharmi , Kamangar Nader
Published: September 2013

Background:

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPPs) are rare sequelae of blunt chest trauma and may be incidentally visualized on initial, or subsequent, chest imaging.

Case:

We present the case of a 37-year-old male with no past medical history, who was recently hospitalized in the intensive care unit after a motor vehicle accident and referred to our institution for a traumatic cataract repair. His preoperative chest radiograph revealed multiple left-sided pulmonary nodules that were confirmed on thoracic computed tomography (CT) and noted to be cavitary. Comparison of the films to prior imaging, negative infectious workup, and absence of any symptoms led to the diagnosis of TPPs. Follow-up imaging showed complete resolution of the lesions.

Conclusion:

The TPPs may be discovered on imaging shortly after blunt chest trauma and, in asymptomatic individuals, can often be monitored with observation and serial imaging.
Getting nowhere fast: A teleological conception of socio-technical acceleration
Authors: Sutherland Thomas
Published: September 2013

It has been frequently recognized that the perceived acceleration of life that has been experienced from the Industrial Revolution onward is engendered, at least in part, by an understanding of speed as an end in itself. There is no equilibrium to be reached – no perfect speed – and as such, social processes are increasingly driven not by rational ends, but by an indeterminate demand for acceleration that both defines and restricts the decisional possibilities of actors. In Aristotelian terms, this is a final cause – i.e. a teleology – of speed: it is not a defined end-point, but rather, a purposive aim that predicates the emergence of possibilities. By tracing this notion of telos from its beginnings in ancient Greece, through the ur-empiricism of Francis Bacon, and then to our present epoch, this paper seeks to tentatively examine the way in which such a teleology can be theoretically divorced from the idea of historical progress, arguing that the former is premised upon an untenable ontological privileging of becoming.
Monitoring of deployment process of shape memory polymers for morphing structures with embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Li Peng , Yan Zhijun , Zhang Lin , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong , Lau K.T.
Published: September 2013

This article demonstrates the use of embedded fibre Bragg gratings as vector bending sensor to monitor two-dimensional shape deformation of a shape memory polymer plate. The shape memory polymer plate was made by using thermal-responsive epoxy-based shape memory polymer materials, and the two fibre Bragg grating sensors were orthogonally embedded, one on the top and the other on the bottom layer of the plate, in order to measure the strain distribution in both longitudinal and transverse directions separately and also with temperature reference. When the shape memory polymer plate was bent at different angles, the Bragg wavelengths of the embedded fibre Bragg gratings showed a red-shift of 50 pm/° caused by the bent-induced tensile strain on the plate surface. The finite element method was used to analyse the stress distribution for the whole shape recovery process. The strain transfer rate between the shape memory polymer and optical fibre was also calculated from the finite element method and determined by experimental results, which was around 0.25. During the experiment, the embedded fibre Bragg gratings showed very high temperature sensitivity due to the high thermal expansion coefficient of the shape memory polymer, which was around 108.24 pm/°C below the glass transition temperature ( Tg) and 47.29 pm/°C above Tg. Therefore, the orthogonal arrangement of the two fibre Bragg grating sensors could provide a temperature compensation function, as one of the fibre Bragg gratings only measures the temperature while the other is subjected to the directional deformation.
Validation of a Tool to Assess and Track Undergraduate Attitudes Toward Those Living in Poverty
Authors: Blair Kevin D. , Brown Marlo , Schoepflin Todd , Taylor David B.
Published: September 2013

Purpose:

This article describes the development and validation of the Undergraduate Perceptions of Poverty Tracking Survey (UPPTS).

Method:

Data were collected from 301 undergraduates at a small university in the Northeast and analyzed using exploratory factor analysis augmented by random qualitative validation.

Results:

The resulting survey contains 39 questions and has six factors that meet empirical standards for validity and reliability. The UPPTS provides information regarding undergraduate students’ perceptions of those living in poverty in three areas: (1) general attitudes toward those living in poverty, including a sense of the students’ underlying explanation for why someone may be poor; (2) understanding of and empathy for those living in poverty; and (3) commitment to addressing poverty via direct action or support for programs/services that aid those in poverty.

Discussion:

The UPPTS builds upon the concepts of a lack of social empathy and cognitive distancing as principal reasons why people fail to do more to help the poor via either direct action or support for programs that will aid the poor. Further, social work and other educators may use the UPPTS to guide their efforts in poverty education and to track the progress of their efforts with undergraduate students.
Effects of Check and Connect on Attendance, Behavior, and Academics
Authors: Maynard Brandy R. , Kjellstrand Elizabeth K. , Thompson Aaron M.
Published: September 2013

Objectives:

This study examined the effects of Check & Connect (C&C) on the attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes of at-risk youth in a field-based effectiveness trial.

Method:

A multisite randomized block design was used, wherein 260 primarily Hispanic (89%) and economically disadvantaged (74%) students were randomized to treatment or control conditions within 14 urban middle and high schools. The social service organization Communities In Schools implemented C&C in each of the schools, and the effects were compared to those of typical Communities In Schools services. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to account for the nested or random school-level effects when modeling student-level responses to the intervention.

Results:

Controlling for pretest performance and all relevant student- and school-level characteristics, C&C was significantly related to improvements in academic performance and reductions in disciplinary referrals. No significant effects were found for attendance.

Conclusions:

C&C is a promising intervention to improve outcomes for at-risk youth in school settings. Application to social work practice and research are discussed.
Practising Uncertainty in the Face of Large-Scale Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Müller-Seitz Gordon
Published: September 2013

In contrast to calculable risks, uncertainty—understood here as the unexpected and non-calculable—is under-researched despite its societal and organizational relevance and omnipresence. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates how organizations practise uncertainty in the face of the numerous large-scale outbreaks of disease in Germany between 2000 and 2012. I position this study in the body of knowledge on disasters and crises, normal accident theory, and high-reliability organizations, and propose a practising uncertainty perspective that focuses on how to deal with unexpected external events and/or their latent dangers. I identify two overarching forms of practice, namely, reducing (i.e., coping with unforeseen incidents) and inducing (i.e., championing an overarching cause) uncertainty. I show that actors use both these forms of practice, which constitute the basis of the framework introduced herein, intentionally or unintentionally depending on the differing and sometimes conflicting objectives of the organizations involved.
Streams of Writing From a Fluid City
Authors: Longley Alys , Fitzpatrick Katie , Šunde Charlotte , Ehlers Clark , Martin Rosemary , Brown Carol , Brierley Gary , Waghorn Kathy
Published: September 2013

What is the relationship between qualitative research and environmental activism? At a time when the effects of environmental damage are becoming increasingly more visible and flooding our daily lives in unpredictable and sometimes devastating ways, how do qualitative methods of research and writing respond to current environmental challenges? This article discusses an arts-science-education collaboration titled fluid city, which disseminates critical research on water ecology to the wider public of Auckland City, New Zealand, through creative and performative means. An experimental approach to narrative washes through the style of this article in an attempt to have the encounter of reading flow with the logic of ecological thinking and liquid perception.
Consent in longitudinal intimacy research: adjusting formal procedure as a means of enhancing reflexivity in ethically important decisions
Authors: Rooney Vivien M
Published: September 2013

Informed consent is a key issue in qualitative research. Conducting qualitative research longitudinally adds further complications to obtaining and maintaining informed consent. This paper illustrates how essential qualities of longitudinal research can be conceptualized as a resource to enhance ethical practice. In a research project on intimate relationships conducted with a cohort of participants, informed consent was addressed orally throughout the duration of the project. Following completion of the longitudinal data gathering, the formalities required as evidence of informed consent were only then conducted with each participant. With the written component of informed consent pending throughout the two year period of data collection, ongoing reflexivity during ethically important moments was enhanced. The author proposes that marking the conclusion of data gathering by obtaining written evidence of informed consent affords a means of enhancing ethical practice.
The power of (dis)placement: pigeons and urban regeneration in Trafalgar Square
Authors: Escobar Maria Paula
Published: September 2013

The regeneration of Trafalgar Square was presented as a process of transforming a chaotic roundabout into a world-class square fit for a world-class city. This worldclassness revolved around enabling the square as a cultural space by altering the very materiality of the place: several human and nonhuman objects were added in order to encourage those cultural practices through which a world-class city-ness is performed. The proposal implied some exclusions too. Turning the square into a cultural place implied redefining the presence of nature within it. To be cultural the square had to be pigeon-free and achieving that goal, in turn, required some material objects being removed and some practices being proscribed. This paper examines the contested accounts of civility at play in this material remaking of Trafalgar Square and advances the wider theoretical claim that this dynamic interplay of placement and displacement of ontologically symmetrical humans and nonhumans is not blind to political imbalances. The paper suggests potential dialogues between relational, more-than-human and urban geographies and emerging political theories of the nonhuman, while contributing to a conceptualization of power in relational thinking.
A review on the impact tension behaviors of textile structural composites
Authors: Ma Pibo , Gao Zhe
Published: September 2013

The three-dimensional textile composites have excellent advantages of impact resistance, owing to their more integral microstructure and higher interlaminar shear strength than those of laminated composites. The composites are frequently used under impact loading in the practical application. Researches on the impact behaviors can help in the development and optimization of design for textile structural composites. In this review, the development and features of three types of textile structures, including weaving, knitting, and braiding have been introduced respectively, and the current and future potential applications of these kinds of textile structural composites have been described. The impact tension behaviors and the damage mechanisms of textile structural composites have been introduced. The finite element analysis and frequency domain analysis which to reveal the tensile damage mechanisms of textile structural composites under high strain rates also have been investigated. Furthermore, the future development of impact tension behaviors of textile structural composites is also introduced in this review.
Real World
Authors: Diversi Marcelo , Moreira Claudio
Published: September 2013

As the neoliberal nozzle continues to tighten its grip on education that is public, accessible, critical, inclusive, and liberatory, we hold an even fiercer belief that dogma-free intellectuals, here used according to Edward Said’s definition, can serve as one of its most effective oppositional figures. While our decolonizing critique of neoliberalism is as wide as its imperial project, we focus our attention here on how we attempt to examine, challenge, and resist neoliberal dehumanizing narratives of the Other in our classrooms. Humans are natural born learners who, for the most part, tend to be protective of those perceived to be part of Us. We have an opportunity to use the classroom to deconstruct the neoliberal narratives of the Other, such as the post-9/11 “dangerous and deranged Muslim,” used to justify military violence against entire nations and regions defined as the Evil Axis, as Them. We are guided in this journey by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of Hope.
CD44v6-targeted T cells mediate potent antitumor effects against acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma
Authors: Casucci Monica , Nicolis di Robilant Benedetta , Falcone Laura , Camisa Barbara , Norelli Margherita , Genovese Pietro , Gentner Bernhard , Gullotta Fabiana , Ponzoni Maurilio , Bernardi Massimo , Marcatti Magda , Saudemont Aurore , Bordignon Claudio , Savoldo Barbara , Ciceri Fabio , Naldini Luigi , Dotti Gianpietro , Bonini Chiara , Bondanza Attilio
Published: September 2013

Key Points

T cells genetically targeted to the tumor-promoting antigen CD44v6 are effective against AML and MM. CD44v6-targeted T cells do not recognize hematopoietic stem cells and keratinocytes but cause reversible monocytopenia.
Functional characterization of a serine-threonine protein kinase from Bambusa balcooathat implicates in cellulose overproduction and superior quality fiber formation
Authors: Ghosh Jayadri Sekhar , Chaudhuri Shubho , Dey Nrisingha , Pal Amita
Published: September 2013

Background

Molecular markers allow rapid identification of biologically important germplasm/s having desired character. Previously we have reported a genotype specific molecular marker, Balco1128 [GenBank ID EU258678] of Bambusa balcooa containing an ORF (375 bp) having high similarity with receptor like cytoplasmic kinase of Arabidopsis and Oryza. Balco1128 was found to be associated only with bamboo genotypes endowed with high cellulose and low lignin contents of fibers. Under the above backdrop, it was necessitated to characterize this genetic marker for better understanding of its biological significance in context of superior quality fiber development.

Results

The full length cDNA (3342 bp) of BbKst, a serine-threonine protein kinase was isolated from B. balcooa comprising of six LRR domains at the N-terminal end and a kinase domain at the C-terminal end. Bacteria-expressed BbKst-kinase domain (3339 bp long) showed Mg2+ dependent kinase activity at pH 7.0, 28°C. Bioinformatics study followed by phospho-amino analysis further confirmed that BbKst-kinase belongs to the serine/threonine protein kinase family. Transcript analysis of the BbKst gene following RNA slot blot hybridization and qPCR revealed higher expression of BbKst during initiation and elongation stages of fiber development. Tissue specific expression studies showed much higher expression of BbKst transcript in stems and internodes of B. balcooa than in leaves and rhizomes. Southern analysis revealed single copy insertion of BbKst in most of the Agrobacterium mediated transgenic tobacco plants. Real-time PCR detected 150-200 fold enhanced expression of BbKst in different T1 tobacco lines than that of the vector transformed plants. Heterologous expression of BbKst under control of 35S promoter in transgenic tobacco showed high cellulose deposition in the xylem fibers. Number of xylary fibers was higher in transgenic T0 and T1 plants than that of empty-vector transformed tobacco plants offering enhanced mechanical strength to the transgenic plants, which was also substantiated by their strong upright phenotypes, significantly higher cellulose contents, flexibility coefficient, slenderness ratio, and lower Runkel ratio of the fibers.

Conclusions

This finding clearly demonstrated that BbKst gene (GenBank ID JQ432560) encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase. BbKst induced higher cellulose deposition/synthesis in transgenic tobacco plants, an important attribute of fiber quality bestowing additional strength to the plant.
The human resource information system: a rapid appraisal of Pakistan’s capacity to employ the tool
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Shaikh Babar Tasneem , Ahmed Jamil , Khan Zulfiqar , Mursalin Sayed , Memon Mahmood Iqbal , Zareen Shagufta
Published: September 2013

Background

Human resources are an important building block of the health system. During the last decade, enormous investment has gone into the information systems to manage human resources, but due to the lack of a clear vision, policy, and strategy, the results of these efforts have not been very visible. No reliable information portal captures the actual state of human resources in Pakistan’s health sector. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided technical support for the assessment of the existing system and development of a comprehensive Human Resource Information System (HRIS) in Pakistan.

Methods

The questions in the WHO-HRIS Assessment tool were distributed into five thematic groups. Purposively selected (n=65) representatives from the government, private sector, and development partners participated in this cross sectional study, based on their programmatic affiliations.

Results

Fifty-five percent of organizations and departments have an independent Human Resources (HR) section managed by an establishment branch and are fully equipped with functional computers. Forty-five organizations (70%) had HR rules, regulations and coordination mechanisms, yet these are not implemented. Data reporting is mainly in paper form, on prescribed forms (51%), registers (3%) or even plain papers (20%). Data analysis does not give inputs to the decision making process and dissemination of information is quite erratic. Most of the organizations had no feedback mechanism for cross checking the HR data, rendering it unreliable.

Conclusion

Pakistan is lacking appropriate HRIS management. The current HRIS indeed has a multitude of problems. In the wake of 2011 reforms within the health sector, provinces are even in a greater need for planning their respective health department services and must work on the deficiencies and inefficiencies of their HRIS so that the gaps and HR needs are better aligned for reaching the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets.
Global epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease
Authors: Jafri Rabab Z , Ali Asad , Messonnier Nancy E , Tevi-Benissan Carol , Durrheim David , Eskola Juhani , Fermon Florence , Klugman Keith P , Ramsay Mary , Sow Samba , Zhujun Shao , Bhutta Zulfiqar A , Abramson Jon
Published: September 2013

Neisseria meningitidisis one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis globally and can also cause sepsis, pneumonia, and other manifestations. In countries with high endemic rates, the disease burden places an immense strain on the public health system. The worldwide epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) varies markedly by region and over time. This review summarizes the burden of IMD in different countries and identifies the highest-incidence countries where routine preventive programs againstNeisseria meningitidiswould be most beneficial in providing protection. Available epidemiological data from the past 20 years in World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control collections and published articles are included in this review, as well as direct communications with leading experts in the field. Countries were grouped into high-, moderate-, and low-incidence countries. The majority of countries in the high-incidence group are found in the African meningitis belt; many moderate-incidence countries are found in the European and African regions, and Australia, while low-incidence countries include many from Europe and the Americas. Priority countries for vaccine intervention are high- and moderate-incidence countries where vaccine-preventable serogroups predominate. Epidemiological data on burden of IMD are needed in countries where this is not known, particularly in South- East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions, so evidence-based decisions about the use of meningococcal vaccines can be made.
Different TLR4 expression and microglia/macrophage activation induced by hemorrhage in the rat spinal cord after compressive injury
Authors: Zhang Yu-Kai , Liu Jin-Tao , Peng Zheng-Wu , Fan Hong , Yao An-Hui , Cheng Peng , Liu Ling , Ju Gong , Kuang Fang
Published: September 2013

Background

Hemorrhage is a direct consequence of traumatic injury to the central nervous system and may cause innate immune reactions including cerebral Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 upregulation which usually leads to poor outcome in the traumatic brain injury. In spinal cord injury (SCI), however, how hemorrhage induces innate immune reaction in spinal parenchyma remains unknown. The present study aimed to see whether blood component and/or other factor(s) induce TLR4 and microglia/macrophages involved innate immune reactions in the rat spinal cord after traumatic injury.

Methods

Using the compressive SCI model of the rat, hemorrhage in the spinal cord was identified by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Microglia/macrophage activation, TLR4 expression, and cell apoptosis were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 level of the two segments of the cord was detected by western blotting assay. With carbon powder injection, blood origination of the hematoma was explored. The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) states of the lesion site and the hematoma were compared with immunohistochemistry and tannic acid-ferric chloride staining.

Results

Histological observation found blood accumulated in the center of compression lesion site (epicenter) and in the hematoma approximately 1.5 cm away from the epicenter. TLR4 expression, microglia//macrophage activation, and subsequent apoptosis in the area of far-away hematoma were late and weak in comparison to that in epicenter. In addition, TLR4 positive microglia/macrophages appeared to be phagocytotic in the far-away hematoma more obviously than that in the epicenter. Injected carbon powder indicated that accumulated blood of the far-away hematoma originated from the bleeding of the lesion epicenter, and the BSCB around the hematoma was not compromised in the early phase. Accordingly, at 3 days post injury, NF-κB p50 was upregulated based on the similar levels of blood component hemoglobin, and cell apoptosis was obvious in the epicenter but not in the far-away hematoma.

Conclusion

These data suggest that besides blood component, BSCB compromise and the extent of tissue injury contribute more to TLR4 and microglia/macrophage responses to the spinal cord hemorrhage. Therefore, the innate immune environment is a necessary consideration for the SCI therapy targeting TLR4 and microglia/macrophages.
A hydrophilic gel matrix for single-molecule super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Zessin Patrick JM , Krüger Carmen L , Malkusch Sebastian , Endesfelder Ulrike , Heilemann Mike
Published: September 2013

Background

Novel microscopic techniques which bypass the resolution limit in light microscopy are becoming routinely established today. The higher spatial resolution of super-resolution microscopy techniques demands for precise correction of drift, spectral and spatial offset of images recorded at different axial planes.

Methods

We employ a hydrophilic gel matrix for super-resolution microscopy of cellular structures. The matrix allows distributing fiducial markers in 3D, and using these for drift correction and multi-channel registration. We demonstrate single-molecule super-resolution microscopy with photoswitchable fluorophores at different axial planes. We calculate a correction matrix for each spectral channel, correct for drift, spectral and spatial offset in 3D.

Results and discussion

We demonstrate single-molecule super-resolution microscopy with photoswitchable fluorophores in a hydrophilic gel matrix. We distribute multi-color fiducial markers in the gel matrix and correct for drift and register multiple imaging channels. We perform two-color super-resolution imaging of click-labeled DNA and histone H2B in different axial planes, and demonstrate the quality of drift correction and channel registration quantitatively. This approach delivers robust microscopic data which is a prerequisite for data interpretation.
Toll-like receptor 2/4 links to free fatty acid-induced inflammation and β-cell dysfunction
Authors: Yin Jiajing , Peng Yongde , Wu Jingcheng , Wang Yufan , Yao Lili
Published: September 2013

T2D is a metabolic and inflammatory disease characterized by deteriorating β-cell function and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Low-grade inflammation and innate immune system activation lead to β-cell failure. Recently, SFAs have been proposed as triggers of metabolism-associated inflammation through the TLR family of PRRs. In this review, recent progress in defining the molecular basis of FFA-associated TLR2/4 activation and signaling in β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis is summarized. Furthermore, we highlight links between TLRs and diabetic complications, insulin resistance, and autophagy. This knowledge may facilitate novel strategies to abrogate inflammation in T2D.
Gfi-1 is the transcriptional repressor ofSOCS1in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Lee Ming-Cheng , Kuo Yuan-Yeh , Chou Wen-Chien , Hou Hsin-An , Hsiao Michael , Tien Hwei-Fang
Published: September 2013

Silencing of SOCS1, a TSG, has been detected in various malignancies, including AML. However, the underlying mechanism of SOCS1 inactivation remains elusive. In this study, we explored the role of histone methylation in SOCS1 expression in AML cells. By ChIP assay, we demonstrated that G9a and SUV39H1, two enzymes catalyzing H3K9 methylation, were physically associated with the SOCS1 promoter, and treatment with chaetocin, a histone methyltransferase inhibitor, suppressed H3K9 methylation on the SOCS1 promoter and enhanced SOCS1 expression. Furthermore, knockdown of G9a and SUV39H1 by siRNA could also induce SOCS1 expression. On the other hand, SOCS1 knockdown by shRNA eliminated chaetocin-induced cell apoptosis. To investigate further whether any transcription factor was involved in H3K9 methylation-related SOCS1 repression, we scanned the sequences of the SOCS1 gene promoter and found two binding sites for Gfi-1, a transcription repressor. By DNA pull-down and ChIP assays, we showed that Gfi-1 directly bound the SOCS1 promoter, and ectopic Gfi-1 expression suppressed STAT5-induced SOCS1 promoter activation. In contrast, Gfi-1 knockdown by shRNA enhanced SOCS1 expression and inhibited STAT5 expression. Moreover, the knockdown of G9a completely rescued the repressive effect of Gfi-1 on STAT5A-induced SOCS1 promoter activation. Collectively, our study indicates that the expression of Gfi-1 contributes to SOCS1 silencing in AML cells through epigenetic modification, and suppression of histone methyltransferase can provide new insight in AML therapy.
Challenges in geophysical mapping of glaciotectonic structures
Authors: Høyer Anne-Sophie , Møller Ingelise , Jørgensen Flemming
Published: September 2013

Glaciotectonic complexes have been recognized worldwide — traditionally described on the basis of outcrops or geomorphological observations. In the past few decades, geophysics has become an integral part of geologic mapping, which enables the mapping of buried glaciotectonic complexes. The geophysical methods provide different types of information and degrees of resolution and thus, a different ability to resolve the glaciotectonic structures. We evaluated these abilities on the basis of an integrated application of four commonly used geophysical methods: airborne transient electromagnetics, high-resolution reflection seismic, geoelectrical, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). We covered an area of [Formula: see text] in a formerly glaciated region in the western part of Denmark. The geologic setting was highly heterogeneous with glaciotectonic deformation observed in the form of large-scale structures in the seismic and airborne transient electromagnetic data to small-scale structures seen in the GPR and geoelectrical data. The seismic and GPR data provided detailed structural information, whereas the geoelectrical and electromagnetic data provided indirect lithological information through resistivities. A combination of methods with a wide span in resolution capabilities can therefore be recommendable to characterize and understand the geologic setting. The sequence of application of the different methods is primarily determined by the gross expenditure required for acquisition and processing, e.g., per kilometer of the surveys. Our experience suggested that airborne electromagnetic data should be acquired initially to obtain a 3D impression of the geologic setting. Based on these data, areas can be selected for further investigation with the more detailed but also more expensive and time-consuming methods.
Thermoelectric self-potential and resistivity data localize the burning front of underground coal fires
Authors: Revil A. , Karaoulis M. , Srivastava S. , Byrdina S.
Published: September 2013

Self-potential signals and resistivity data can be jointly inverted or analyzed to track the position of the burning front of an underground coal-seam fire. We first investigate the magnitude of the thermoelectric coupling associated with the presence of a thermal anomaly (thermoelectric current associated with a thermal gradient). A sandbox experiment is developed and modeled to show that in presence of a heat source, a negative self-potential anomaly is expected at the ground surface. The expected sensitivity coefficient is typically on the order of [Formula: see text] in a silica sand saturated by demineralized water. Geophysical field measurements gathered at Marshall (near Boulder, CO) show clearly the position of the burning front in the electrical resistivity tomogram and in the self-potential data gathered at the ground surface with a negative self-potential anomaly of about [Formula: see text]. To localize more accurately the position of the burning front, we developed a strategy based on two steps: (1) We first jointly invert resistivity and self-potential data using a cross-gradient approach, and (2) a joint interpretation of the resistivity and self-potential data is made using a normalized burning front index (NBI). The value of the NBI ranges from 0 to 1 with 1 indicating a high probability to find the burning front (strictly speaking, the NBI is, however, not a probably density). We validate first this strategy using synthetic data and then we apply it to the field data. A clear source is localized at the expected position of the burning front of the coal-seam fire. The NBI determined from the joint inversion is only slightly better than the value determined from independent inversion of the two geophysical data sets.
Use of gravimetry in detailed geophysical prospection of potential geothermal energy exploitation sites: Case studies in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mantlík František , Karous Miloš
Published: September 2013

Methodological aspects of gravity data processing and interpretation for assessing the possibility of exploiting geothermal energy for electricity production are presented. Gravimetry is one of the most economical and most effective geophysical methods for exploration of deep geologic structures. Unfortunately the gravity inversion ambiguity problem introduces the necessity of constraining gravity models by other independent data. The procedures interpreting 2D gravity models constrained by the results of an integration of other suitable geophysical methods are described in three case studies in the Czech Republic. Gravity, reflection and refraction seismics, magnetometry, resistivity, and vertical electric sounding data were collected along profiles at each locality. Two-dimensional gravity models based on complete Bouguer anomalies were constructed taking into account the results of processing and interpretation of other geophysical data. Relevant factors influencing the potential for geothermal energy exploitation were evaluated from the interpreted geophysical models. Promising zones suitable for future exploration were established at each locality. The most important structures for locating geothermal production and injection drills are deep tectonic fault zones which can freely support fluid flow. The presented examples show that the gravity anomalies caused by fracture zones can be significant enough to unambiguously interpret and evaluate their importance in terms of hydrological permeability. In addition, the presented case histories demonstrate that two-dimensional geophysical surveys can effectively be used to reduce exploration costs in geothermal projects.
A novel transgenic mouse model of growth plate dysplasia reveals that decreased chondrocyte proliferation due to chronic ER stress is a key factor in reduced bone growth
Authors: Gualeni Benedetta , Rajpar M. Helen , Kellogg Aaron , Bell Peter A. , Arvan Peter , Boot-Handford Raymond P. , Briggs Michael D.
Published: September 2013

Disease mechanisms leading to different forms of chondrodysplasia include extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations and intracellular stress resulting in abnormal changes to chondrocyte proliferation and survival. Delineating the relative contribution of these two disease mechanisms is a major challenge in understanding disease pathophysiology in genetic skeletal diseases and a prerequisite for developing effective therapies. To determine the influence of intracellular stress and changes in chondrocyte phenotype to the development of chondrodysplasia, we targeted the expression of the G2320R mutant form of thyroglobulin to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of resting and proliferating chondrocytes. Previous studies on this mutant protein have shown that it induces intracellular aggregates and causes cell stress and death in the thyroid gland. The expression and retention of this exogenous mutant protein in resting and proliferating chondrocytes resulted in a chronic cell stress response, growth plate dysplasia and reduced bone growth, without inducing any alterations to the architecture and organization of the cartilage ECM. More significantly, the decreased bone growth seemed to be the direct result of reduced chondrocyte proliferation in the proliferative zone of growth plates in transgenic mice, without transcriptional activation of a classical unfolded protein response (UPR) or apoptosis. Overall, these data show that mutant protein retention in the ER of resting and proliferative zone chondrocytes is sufficient to cause disrupted bone growth. The specific disease pathways triggered by mutant protein retention do not necessarily involve a prototypic UPR, but all pathways impact upon chondrocyte proliferation in the cartilage growth plate.
Light from down under
Authors: Fine Maoz , Sabbah Shai , Shashar Nadav , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove
Published: September 2013

Coral-algae symbiosis is a key feature of tropical corals and is highly dependent on the efficiency with which solar energy is attenuated by the coral. Scleractinian corals are among the most efficient light collectors in nature by modulation of the internal light field in the coral skeleton. Interestingly, coral skeleton particles composing the sandy bottoms in reef margins sustain these optical characteristics. In the present study we examined two free-living coral species Heterocyathus aequicostatus (Caryophyllidae) and Heteropsammia cochlea (Dendrophylliidae) common on biogenic coarse carbonate sand of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) but absent from fine sand at the same depth. In coarse carbonate sand light penetrates a few millimeters below the surface and propagates along horizontal distances of a few centimeters. In fine sand, almost all of the light is reflected back to the water column. For photosynthetic sand-dwelling organisms such as the studied species, with over one third of their surface area facing the substrate, light flux to their underside may be beneficial. A correlation was found between the diameter of these corals and the distance that light may travel in the sand under the coral. Laboratory and field measurements prove that the symbiotic algae at the underside of the corallites are photosynthetically active even when the coral is partially buried, implying sufficient light penetration. Other organisms in the study site such as fungid corals and forameniferans, with different morphologies, have different light trapping strategies but are also photosynthesizing in their underside. The importance of the substrate type to the performance of the three main partners of the symbiosis in H. aequicostatus and H. cochlea (coral, endosymbiotic algae and a sipunculan worm) is highlighted striking example of co-evolution of these organisms.
‘Someone to watch over me’: Surveillance within a UK casino
Authors: Guerrier Yvonne , Bohane Guy
Published: September 2013

Most studies of casinos have emphasized the pervasiveness of surveillance but they have generally focused on staff responses to being monitored. Given that surveillance is about care as well as about control, this article argues that surveillance is necessary in order to provide a safe environment in which customers can engage in the risky activity of gambling. The role of staff is to watch customers and each other, as well as to be watched over. The article uses a case study of a casino in a UK city to explore surveillance as work. Despite the presence of cameras and recording equipment, we argue that surveillance is primarily an embodied process of people watching people. We explore the different reasons that staff are required to watch customers: in order to respond to their needs, in order to police their behaviour to prevent illegal or deviant acts and in order to provide support and care if gambling behaviour is becoming problematic. We explore how staff learn what to look out for and how and when they intervene. Finally we argue that ‘surveillance work’ is relevant in a range of hospitality settings as hospitality organizations are increasingly required by government to take responsibility for the ‘policing’ of customers on their premises.
Reviews
Authors: Miller Jeffrey P. , Schouten Steven , Clarke Alan
Published: September 2013

Dishing It Out: In Search of the Restaurant Experience, Robert Appelbaum (2011) London: Reaktion Books, 285 pp., ISBN: 978-1-86189-807-4 (hbk), £19.95

Turning the Tables: Restaurants and the Rise of the American Middle Class, 1880–1920, Andrew P. Haley (2011) Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 356 pp., ISBN: 978-0-8078-3474-9 (hbk), £33.20.

Marketing in Food, Hospitality, Tourism & Events: A Critical Approach, Richard Tresidder and Craig Hirst (2012) Oxford: Goodfellows Publishing, 256 pp., ISBN: 978-1-906884-22-2 (pbk), £29.99