bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological significance of S100A4 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zimin , Liu Huamin , Pan Huazheng , Du Qihang , Liang Jun
Published: April 2013

Objective

Prognostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could help in the clinical management and understanding of its poor prognosis. S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) is directly involved in tumour metastasis. This study evaluated S100A4 gene expression in human HCC, to identify its role in tumour progression.

Methods

In this retrospective study, S100A4 protein levels in HCC samples from Chinese patients were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and compared with paired normal tumour-adjacent tissue samples (controls). All patients were evaluated for HCC recurrence.

Results

S100A4 levels were significantly increased in HCC samples compared with controls ( n = 72, each sample type). Moderately or poorly differentiated tumours had significantly higher levels of S100A4 protein than well-differentiated tumours, and those with tumour vascular invasion showed significantly higher S100A4 levels than those without invasion. Risk of recurrence increased in patients positive for S100A4, and S100A4 positivity correlated with a shorter overall survival time.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests S100A4 as a likely tumour marker for HCC that correlates with tumour differentiation, invasion, recurrence and overall survival. S100A4 could be a useful marker of tumour aggressiveness and prognosis.
Between national ideology and Western therapy: On the emergence of a new “culture of trauma” following the 2005 forced evacuation of Jewish Israeli settlers
Authors: Plotkin-Amrami Galia
Published: April 2013

The Israeli government’s decision to evacuate Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank introduced a new category of at-risk individuals to Israeli mental health discourse, namely victims of what has come to be termed the “trauma of the Disengagement.” This category refers to Jewish settlers who are motivated by a religious-Zionist ideology and who define their role as fulfilling the divine command of “redeeming the Land of Israel.” Based on an analysis of the professional activities of the Mahout Center, a mental health service that aimed to mitigate the “trauma of the Disengagement,” this article examines how the Disengagement experience was constructed in the rhetoric and practices of mental health practitioners identified with the religious-Zionist enterprise. It explores the specific notion of trauma and the characteristics of the resilient self, as fashioned according to the distinctive “culture of trauma” that has been developed in the Mahout Center in the context of the Disengagement. This “culture of trauma” is based on a unique alliance between the Western therapeutic model of trauma and the ideological and theological imperatives of religious Zionism.
Mechanisms of joining aluminium A6061-T6 and titanium Ti–6Al–4V alloys by cold metal transfer technology
Authors: Cao R , Sun J H , Chen J H
Published: April 2013

Cold metal transfer (CMT) welding–brazing joining of Ti6Al4V and Al A6061-T6 was carried out using AlSi5 wire. The joining mechanisms and mechanical properties of the joints were identified and characterised by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and tensile–shear tests. Desired CMT joints with satisfied weld appearances and mechanical properties were achieved by overlapping Ti on the top of Al. The joints had dual characteristics of a welding joint on the aluminium side and a brazing joint on the titanium side. Three brazing interfaces were formed for the joint, which increased the strength of the joint. An intermetallic compound layer was formed at the brazing interface, which included Ti3Al, TiAl and TiAl3. Two different fracture modes were also observed: one fractured at the welding/brazing interface and weld metal and the other at the Al heat affected zone (HAZ). Clearly, the joints fractured at the Al HAZ had higher tensile strength than those fractured at the welding/brazing interface and weld metal.
Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and tensile properties of Al–Mg alloy 5A06 sheet
Authors: Ma B X , Wang G J , Guo E J
Published: April 2013

In order to optimise heat treatment condition for improving the stability of microstructure and properties of 5A06 alloy sheet, annealing treatment of the sheet was conducted in the temperature range of 175–380°C for 1 h. The microstructure and tensile properties of the sheets were evaluated. The results show that the deformed microstructure of 5A06 alloy sheets in cold rolled state undergoes recovery, recrystallisation and the precipitation of Mg contained phases during annealing process from 175 to 380°C. The initial recrystallisation temperature is ∼250°C. By tensile tests and microstructure observation, the microstructure and properties of the sheets are relatively stable when annealing temperature reaches to 310°C.
Rapid plasmid replicon typing by real time PCR melting curve analysis
Authors: Boot Maikel , Raadsen Susanne , Savelkoul Paul HM , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina
Published: April 2013

Background

Genes encoding Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases are usually located on transferable plasmids. Each plasmid contains its own replication mechanism. Carattoli et al. developed an extended PCR-based replicon typing method to characterize and identify the replicons of the major plasmid incompatibility groups in Enterobacteriaceae. Based on this method, we designed a rapid approach with amplicon detection by real-time melting curve analysis. This method appeared to be fast, sensitive, less laborious, less prone to contamination and applicable in a routine laboratory environment.

Results

We successfully integrated the post-PCR analysis of the replicon typing into a closed system, which leads to a 10-fold increase in sensitivity compared to agarose gel visualization. Moreover, the use of crude lysates and SYBR-green saves a considerable amount of hands-on time without decreasing the sensitivity or specificity.

Conclusions

This real-time melting curve replicon typing method appears to be fast, sensitive, less laborious, less prone to contamination and applicable in a routine laboratory environment.
Retinal upregulation of inflammatory and proangiogenic markers in a model of neonatal diabetic rats fed on a high-fat-diet
Authors: Mancini Jorge E , Ortiz Gustavo , Croxatto Juan Oscar , Gallo Juan E
Published: April 2013

Background

The contemporary peak of diabetes seems to be related to obesity, sedentary lifestyle and diet. Diabetic retinopathy is the most leading cause of blindness in adulthood in industrialized countries. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of a high-fat-diet (HFD) on the retina of diabetic rats.

Methods

Two groups of Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) two days after birth using 45 and 90 mg/kg, respectively. At 8 weeks the group on lower doses started to be fed on a HFD. Animals were sacrificed at 37 weeks of diabetes. A control group was made up of non-diabetic rats. Retinal flat mounts were examined using the trypsin digestion technique. Pericytes counts were compared between diabetic and control rats. Cross retinal sections were analyzed by histological techniques and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent technique. Primary antibodies against inflammatory and proangiogenic mediators such as RAGE, GFAP, 5-LO, VEGF and TNF-α were used for immunohistochemistry and Western Blot (WB) analyses.

Results

In the two diabetic groups we observed GFAP-positive cells with a morphology and spatial organization similar to those seen in Müller cells. Both diabetic groups had a significantly lower number of pericytes than non-diabetic animals.Increased retinal immunoreactivity of GFAP, RAGE, TNF-α, VEGF and 5-LO was seen in diabetic animals fed on HFD compared to the other groups of animals. WB analysis revealed a higher expression of 5-LO, VEGF, TNF-α and RAGE in the retina of diabetic rats on HFD than in controls and diabetics fed on a normal diet. The percentage of RAGE-stained ganglion cells and ganglion cells was found to be significantly lower in animals on a HFD than in the other animals.

Conclusions

Diabetic animals fed on a HFD showed an increased upregulation of inflammatory and proangiogenic markers. This animal model may be useful to study mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy and therapeutic targets.
Modular glycosphere assays for high-throughput functional characterization of influenza viruses
Authors: Hobbie Sven N , Viswanathan Karthik , Bachelet Ido , Aich Udayanath , Shriver Zachary , Subramanian Vidya , Raman Rahul , Sasisekharan Ram
Published: April 2013

Background

The ongoing global efforts to control influenza epidemics and pandemics require high-throughput technologies to detect, quantify, and functionally characterize viral isolates. The 2009 influenza pandemic as well as the recent in-vitro selection of highly transmissible H5N1 variants have only increased existing concerns about emerging influenza strains with significantly enhanced human-to-human transmissibility. High-affinity binding of the virus hemagglutinin to human receptor glycans is a highly sensitive and stringent indicator of host adaptation and virus transmissibility. The surveillance of receptor-binding characteristics can therefore provide a strong additional indicator for the relative hazard imposed by circulating and newly emerging influenza strains.

Results

Streptavidin-coated microspheres were coated with selected biotinylated glycans to mimic either human or avian influenza host-cell receptors. Such glycospheres were used to selectively capture influenza virus of diverse subtypes from a variety of samples. Bound virus was then detected by fluorescently labelled antibodies and analyzed by quantitative flow cytometry. Recombinant hemagglutinin, inactivated virus, and influenza virions were captured and analyzed with regards to receptor specificity over a wide range of analyte concentration. High-throughput analyses of influenza virus produced dose–response curves that allow for functional assessment of relative receptor affinity and thus transmissibility.

Conclusions

Modular glycosphere assays for high-throughput functional characterization of influenza viruses introduce an important tool to augment the surveillance of clinical and veterinarian influenza isolates with regards to receptor specificity, host adaptation, and virus transmissibility.
Development and validation of an algorithm to recalibrate mental models and reduce diagnostic errors associated with catheter-associated bacteriuria
Authors: Trautner Barbara W , Bhimani Rupal D , Amspoker Amber B , Hysong Sylvia J , Garza Armandina , Kelly P Adam , Payne Velma L , Naik Aanand D
Published: April 2013

Background

Overtreatment of catheter-associated bacteriuria is a quality and safety problem, despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines. Little is known about how guidelines-based knowledge is integrated into clinicians’ mental models for diagnosing catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI). The objectives of this research were to better understand clinicians’ mental models for CA-UTI, and to develop and validate an algorithm to improve diagnostic accuracy for CA-UTI.

Methods

We conducted two phases of this research project. In phase one, 10 clinicians assessed and diagnosed four patient cases of catheter associated bacteriuria (n= 40 total cases). We assessed the clinical cues used when diagnosing these cases to determine if the mental models were IDSA guideline compliant. In phase two, we developed a diagnostic algorithm derived from the IDSA guidelines. IDSA guideline authors and non-expert clinicians evaluated the algorithm for content and face validity. In order to determine if diagnostic accuracy improved using the algorithm, we had experts and non-experts diagnose 71 cases of bacteriuria.

Results

Only 21 (53%) diagnoses made by clinicians without the algorithm were guidelines-concordant with fair inter-rater reliability between clinicians (Fleiss’ kappa = 0.35, 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) = 0.21 and 0.50). Evidence suggests that clinicians’ mental models are inappropriately constructed in that clinicians endorsed guidelines-discordant cues as influential in their decision-making: pyuria, systemic leukocytosis, organism type and number, weakness, and elderly or frail patient. Using the algorithm, inter-rater reliability between the expert and each non-expert was substantial (Cohen’s kappa = 0.72, 95% CIs = 0.52 and 0.93 between the expert and non-expert #1 and 0.80, 95% CIs = 0.61 and 0.99 between the expert and non-expert #2).

Conclusions

Diagnostic errors occur when clinicians’ mental models for catheter-associated bacteriuria include cues that are guidelines-discordant for CA-UTI. The understanding we gained of clinicians’ mental models, especially diagnostic errors, and the algorithm developed to address these errors will inform interventions to improve the accuracy and reliability of CA-UTI diagnoses.
Empirical evidence of the continuing improvement in cost efficiency of an endoscopic surveillance programme for gastric cancer in Singapore from 2004 to 2010
Authors: Zhou Hui Jun , Li Shu Chuen , Naidoo Nasheen , Zhu Feng , Yeoh Khay Guan
Published: April 2013

Background

Endoscopic surveillance has been proven effective in prolonging the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, there is limited evidence on the cost efficiency of delivering this intervention, especially on a national level in spite of cost efficiency being a major determinant of the actual cost-effectiveness of a cancer prevention programme. The Singapore Gastric Cancer Epidemiology Clinical and Genetic Programme (GCEP) is a demonstration project offering scheduled endoscopy to the Chinese population aged 50 years or older in Singapore. By assessing the cost efficiency of the GCEP, this study aimed to provide empirical evidence on the cost structure and mechanisms underlying cost generation in conducting GC surveillance, thus informing resource allocation and programme budgeting for the Singapore government.

Methods

From a societal perspective, we reported on the direct cost (resource consumption) of conducting endoscopic surveillance through the GCEP network. We retrospectively collected individual-level data of 216 subjects recruited at the National University Hospital, Singapore from 01/04/2004 to 31/10/2010. The Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost incurred in serving one subject was computed and discounted as 2004 US dollar (US$) per capita for every year. The Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) was used to model the data.

Results

All cost indices continuously declined over the 6.5-year costing period. For the total sample, Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost declined by 42.3%, 54.1%, 30% and 25.7% respectively. This downward trend existed for age and gender subgroups and the high risk group only with cost reductions varying between 3.5% and 58.4%. The GEE models confirmed statistical significance of the downward trend and of its association with risk profile, where the moderate risk group had cost indices at most 77% of the high risk group.

Conclusions

Our study offered empirical evidence of improved cost efficiency of a surveillance programme for GC in the early phase of programme implementation. Mechanisms such as economies of scale and self-learning were found to be involved in the cost reduction. Our findings highlighted the importance of assessing the cost efficiency and offered valuable insights for future programme budgeting and policy making.
Annexin A1 protein regulates the expression of PMVEC cytoskeletal proteins in CBDL rat serum-induced pulmonary microvascular remodeling
Authors: Yi Bin , Zeng Jing , Wang Guansong , Qian Guisheng , Lu Kaizhi
Published: April 2013

Background

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by advanced liver disease, hypoxemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD). The pathogenesis of HPS is not completely understood. Recent findings have established the role of proliferation and phenotype differentiation of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) in IPVD of HPS; the change in cytoskeletal proteins and their molecular mechanism play an essential role in the proliferation, phenotype modulation and differentiation of PMVECs. However, little is known about the relevance of cytoskeletal protein expression and its molecular mechanism in IPVD of HPS. In addition, ANX A1 protein has been identified as a key regulator in some important signaling pathways, which influences cytoskeletal remodeling in many diseases, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, etc.

Methods

PMVECs were cultured from the normal rats and then divided into three groups(Ad-ANXA1-transfected group, a non-transfected group, and an adenovirus empty vector group) and incubated by nomal rat serum or hepatopulmonary syndrome rat serum respectively. mRNA level was evaluated by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT and thymidine incorporation assay.

Results

In this study, we found that the serum from a common bile duct ligation(CBDL) Rat model decreased the expression levels of the ANX A1 mRNA and protein by at least two-fold in human PMVECs. We also found the expression of cytoskeletal proteins (Destrin, a1-actin, and a1-tubulin) in PMVECs significantly increased. After stimulating ANX A1 over-expression in PMVECs by adenovirus-mediated ANX A1 (Ad-ANXA1) transfection, we found the expression levels of cytoskeletal proteins were significantly suppressed in PMVECs at all time points. Additionally, we report here that serum from a CBDL Rat model increases the proliferation of PMVECs by nearly two-fold and that over-expression of Ad-ANXA1 significantly inhibits HPS-rat-serum-induced PMVEC proliferation (p <0.05). These findings suggest that the ANX A1 down-regulation of PMVEC proliferation in the presence of HPS-rat-serum may be the major cause of aberrant dysregulation of cytoskeletal proteins (Destrin, a1-actin, and a1-tubulin) and may, therefore, play a fundamental role in the proliferation and phenotype differentiation of PMVECs in the PVD of HPS.

Conclusion

Finally, the fact that transfection with Ad-ANXA1 results in inhibition of the aberrant dysregulation of cytoskeletal proteins and proliferation of PMVECs suggests a potential therapeutic effect on PVD of HPS.
Demonstration of posturographic parameters of squat-stand activity in hemiparetic patients on a new multi-utility balance assessing and training system
Authors: Lu Rong-Rong , Li Fang , Wu Yi , Hu Yong-Shan , Xu Xiu-Lin , Zou Ren-Lin , Hu Xiu-Fang
Published: April 2013

Background

Quantitative evaluation of position control ability in stroke patients is needed. Here we report a demonstration of position control ability assessment and test-retest reliability during squat-stand activity on a new system in hemiparetic patients and controls.

Methods

Sixty-two healthy adults and thirty-four hemiparetics were enrolled.

All of the participants were required to complete five repeated squat-stand activities under three different conditions: partial weight support, standard weight bearing, and resistance. The healthy adults’ test was repeated twice to assess the reliability, while the hemiparetics were tested one time to assess impairments in their position control ability. The healthy participants completed their second test 1 wk after the first. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess test-retest reliability.

Results

During partial weight support, the ICCs ranged from 0.77 to 0.91, which indicated a good reliability. During standard weight bearing and resistance, the ICCs varied from 0.64 to 0.86 and 0.54 to 0.84, respectively, indicating a fair reliability. Compared with the healthy adults, the stroke patients demonstrated poorer position control ability.

Conclusions

The posturography of the squat-stand activity is a new and reliable measurement tool for position control. According to the methods proposed here, hemiparetics can be differentiated from healthy adults using the squat-stand activity. This activity will provide a new evaluation tool and therapy with visual feedback for the stroke patients.

Trial registration

Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-TRC-10000863
Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of mesentery with lymph node involvement: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Fu Xinge , Jiang Ju-hong , Gu Xia , Li Zhi
Published: April 2013

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1309992178882788

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare but distinct mesenchymal neoplasm composed of histologically and immunohistochemically unique perivascular epithelioid cells. Due to its relative rarity, little is known about the histogenesis and prognostic factors of this tumor. We describe a case of unusual mesenteric PEComa in a 38-year-old female patient with regional lymph node involvement. Histologically, the tumor was composed of sheet of epithelioid cells with abundant clear or eosinophillic cytoplasms. Extensive coagulative necrosis and a few mitotic figures (2/50 high power field) could be found in tumor. The epithelioid tumor cells were diffusely positive for HMB-45, Melan-A, and focally positive for calponin. One of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes was observed to be involved by tumor. A diagnosis of malignant mesenteric PEComa with lymph node involvement was made. The patient received chemotherapy after total resection of tumor and segmental resection of involved jejunum. There was no sign of recurrence of tumor found in period of 6-month regular follow-up after chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of malignant PEComa in mesentery accompanied with regional lymph node involvement. The literature on this rare tumor is reviewed and diagnostic criteria of malignant PEComa are discussed.
Co-infection with Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in a veterinarian
Authors: Maggi Ricardo G , Mascarelli Patricia E , Havenga Lauren N , Naidoo Vinny , Breitschwerdt Edward B
Published: April 2013

Background

During a two year period, a 27-year-old female veterinarian experienced migraine headaches, seizures, including status epilepticus, and other neurological and neurocognitive abnormalities. Prior to and during her illness, she had been actively involved in hospital-based work treating domestic animals, primarily cats and dogs, in Grenada and Ireland and anatomical research requiring the dissection of wild animals (including lions, giraffe, rabbits, mongoose, and other animals), mostly in South Africa. The woman reported contact with fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders and mites and had also been scratched or bitten by dogs, cats, birds, horses, reptiles, rabbits and rodents. Prior diagnostic testing resulted in findings that were inconclusive or within normal reference ranges and no etiological diagnosis had been obtained to explain the patient’s symptoms.

Methods

PCR assays targetingAnaplasmaspp.Bartonellaspp. and hemotopicMycoplasmaspp. were used to test patient blood samples. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced directly and compared to GenBank sequences. In addition,Bartonellaalpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture was used to facilitate bacterial growth andBartonellaspp. serology was performed by indirect fluorescent antibody testing.

Results

Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselaeandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum DNA was amplified and sequenced from the woman’s blood, serum or blood culture samples. Her serum was variably seroreactive to severalBartonellasp. antigens. Despite symptomatic improvement, six months of doxycycline most likely failed to eliminate theB. henselaeinfection, whereasA. platysandCandidatusM. haematoparvum DNA was no longer amplified from post-treatment samples.

Conclusions

As is typical of many veterinary professionals, this individual had frequent exposure to arthropod vectors and near daily contact with persistently bacteremic reservoir hosts, including cats, the primary reservoir host forB. henselae,and dogs, the presumed primary reservoir host forA. platysandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum. Physicians caring for veterinarians should be aware of the occupational zoonotic risks associated with the daily activities of these animal health professionals.
A task-based approach for Gene Ontology evaluation
Authors: Clarke Erik L , Loguercio Salvatore , Good Benjamin M , Su Andrew I
Published: April 2013

Background

The Gene Ontology and its associated annotations are critical tools for interpreting lists of genes. Here, we introduce a method for evaluating the Gene Ontology annotations and structure based on the impact they have on gene set enrichment analysis, along with an example implementation. This task-based approach yields quantitative assessments grounded in experimental data and anchored tightly to the primary use of the annotations.

Results

Applied to specific areas of biological interest, our framework allowed us to understand the progress of annotation and structural ontology changes from 2004 to 2012. Our framework was also able to determine that the quality of annotations and structure in the area under test have been improving in their ability to recall underlying biological traits. Furthermore, we were able to distinguish between the impact of changes to the annotation sets and ontology structure.

Conclusion

Our framework and implementation lay the groundwork for a powerful tool in evaluating the usefulness of the Gene Ontology. We demonstrate both the flexibility and the power of this approach in evaluating the current and past state of the Gene Ontology as well as its applicability in developing new methods for creating gene annotations.
Design and optimization of ethanol production from bagasse pith hydrolysate by a thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 using response surface methodology
Authors: Dasgupta Diptarka , Suman Sunil Kumar , Pandey Diwakar , Ghosh Debashish , Khan Rashmi , Agrawal Deepti , Jain Rakesh Kumar , Vadde Vasanta Thakur , Adhikari Dilip K
Published: April 2013

Ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse pith hydrolysate by thermotolerant yeastKluyveromycessp. IIPE453 was analyzed using response surface methodology. Variables such as Substrate Concentration, pH, fermentation time and Na2HPO4concentration were found to influence ethanol production significantly. In a batch fermentation, optimization of key process variables resulted in maximum ethanol concentration of 17.44 g/L which was 88% of the theoretical with specific productivity of 0.36 g/L/h.
Some aspects of poetic rhythm: An essay in cognitive metrics
Authors: Lilja Eva
Published: April 2013

Rhythm should be regarded as a perceptional category rather than as a property of the work of art. Rhythm might be classified according to three principles, serial rhythm, sequential rhythm and dynamic rhythm, three basic sets of gestalt qualities that lay the foundation for versification systems.Two schemas decide the rhythm of a poem: direction and balance. 'Direction' refers to rising and falling movements in the line. 'Balance' refers to repetitions in a play between symmetry and asymmetry as well as a moment of rest.Rhythms produce meaning, probably due to the fact that rhythms activate internalized bodily experiences as well as conventional meaning patterns. This is demonstrated on the basis of a poem by Sylvia Plath.
Lexicon and rhetoric in Fet's translation of Goethe's Hermann und Dorothea
Authors: Klenin Emily
Published: April 2013

A. A. Fet's translation of J. W. Goethe's Hermann und Dorothea is an important early example of Fet's lifelong practice as a translator and attests to his well-known fidelity to his source texts. His strongest preference is to maintain the versification characteristics of his source, but the degree of his lexical-semantic fidelity is also very strong and far outranks fidelity on other levels (phonetic, grammatical). The poet evidently translated holistically within very small textual domains, within which he sometimes isolated pivots of core semantic information (which he located in translation as they were in the original), around which less important material was fitted, insofar as space permitted. In Fet's text, versification limitations sometimes led to lexical-semantic mismatches of semantic denotation, and these mismatches are characterized in the paper: they typically involve repetitions, repeated mentions, or known information, and the mismatch may entail full or partial loss or enrichment of the semantics of the original. In addition, conflicts sometimes arise between denotative requirements within the local domain and the cumulative (usually connotative) associations generated across the larger domain of the whole text. When such conflicts arise, Fet resolves them in favour of small-domain accuracy, resulting in semantic changes ('shifts') in the domain of the poetic text, which thereby loses some rhetorical or poetic force, relative to the original. Dissonance between large- and smalldomain semantics is often inevitable, because of the language-specific nature of connotation. To the extent that the semantics of Fet's translation are a consequence of his personal preferences, they may be viewed in the context of, first, his early school training (not far behind him when he translated Hermann und Dorothea) and, second, his status as both professional poet, writing in Russian, and educated native German-Russian bilingual.
Metre and meaning in two poems by Ilpo Tiihonen
Authors: Grünthal Satu
Published: April 2013

Metre and meaning intertwine in manifold ways. The aim of this paper is to discuss the interplay between the metric and semantic structures in poetry in the light of the work of a Finnish poet, Ilpo Tiihonen. Throughout his career, which started in the 1970s, he has been one of the few Finnish contemporary poets to make constant use of metric structures and rhyme. The article also aims to shed some light on questions that arise when metrical poetry is translated from one language into another, in this case from Finnish into English.
When the third sector went to market: the problematic use of market failure to justify social investment policy
Authors: Wells Peter
Published: April 2013

This article explores the use of market failure by the coalition government in the United Kingdom to redress the under-capitalisation of the third sector. Drawing on evidence gathered in the evaluation of Futurebuilders in England, an initiative of the previous New Labour government, the article considers five market failures used by the coalition government to justify its policies towards social investment. These are: imperfect information; imperfect competition; externalities; absence of public goods; and cultural and behavioural barriers. The evidence shows that policy makers should be cautious in the use of market failure, suggests alternative approaches that may be of use, and in relation to social investment outlines how the concept has taken on a discursive power to justify actions to expose the third sector to financial markets.
Prevalence and forms of workplace bullying in the voluntary sector: is there a need for concern?
Authors: Dawood Shariffah Rahah Sheik
Published: April 2013

This is an exploratory study, which investigates the nature and prevalence of workplace bullying in the voluntary sector. Findings are based on 178 questionnaires (response rate = 71%) completed by members of 29 voluntary organisations in Leicester in the United Kingdom. Fifteen per cent of the respondents reported being bullied over the previous year and 28% in the previous five years. Prevalence of bullying in the voluntary sector was higher than reported in the National Health Service trusts, fire service, higher education, manufacturing and civil service sectors. Victims most frequently experienced work-related harassment, more so than overt bullying behaviour or personal harassment. Bullying was mostly attributed to job level, office politics and the personality of others, rather than the victim's personal characteristics. Detrimental effects in terms of physical and psychological health, work performance, personal life and, to a lesser extent, sick leave were evident. Unfortunately, 81% of respondents indicated the absence of a policy that could deal with the phenomenon.
Enhancing Innovation through International Joint Venture Portfolios: From the Emerging Firm Perspective
Authors: Sun Sunny Li , Lee Ruby P.
Published: April 2013

Anecdotal evidence continues to suggest that many firms in emerging economies (EEs) lack innovation. To investigate how these firms might improve their innovation, the authors integrate resource dependence theory with network theory and the resource-based view to theorize that EE firms can advance their innovation by configuring their international joint venture (IJV) portfolio characteristics at the network and focal firm levels. The results indicate that an EE firm's innovation improves when structural hole positions in its IJV portfolio increase but decreases when network centrality increases. Such relationships are further contingent on two focal firm-level IJV portfolio characteristics: IJV portfolio size and IJV portfolio resource commitment.
Acid Diffusion in Solid Foods
Authors: Marcotte Michèle , Grabowski Stefan , Karimi Yousef , Nijland Paula
Published: April 2013

Foods acidified to pH levels below 4.5 can be thermally treated at lower temperatures under pasteurization conditions offering reduced thermal damage to product quality. Considering practical criterion, the main objective of this study was to investigate the proper acidification procedures of solid food particles immersed in liquid solutions. This was performed by testing a variety of factors, including particle type and size, temperature, and type and concentration of acids. Furthermore, the minimum acidification time of food particles was also determined. A standard model for mass transfer (e.g. Fick’s second law) was applied. Mass diffusion coefficients (DAB) were calculated based on experimental data. Average values of DAB were in the range of 10-8 to 10-10 m2/s and in agreement with existing literature data. Minimum acidification times varied depending on the type of acid, food, and treatment temperature, and ranged between 7 to 26 min. Meat particles were slowest to acidify, and acetic acid and tomato juice acidified by citric acid were the strongest acidifying agents.
Modeling Desorption Isotherms and Thermodynamic Properties of Fresh Tea Leaves (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)
Authors: Botheju W. Sarath , Amaratunge K. Sanath P. , Abeysinghe I. Sarath B.
Published: April 2013

Desorption isotherm of fresh tea leaves was studied using static gravimetric method of saturated salt solutions at temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30ºC and water activities of 0.07 to 0.97. Data were fitted to five mathematical equations. Using the best-fit mathematical model, thermodynamic properties of fresh tea leaves including net isosteric heat of sorption, differential entropy were estimated. The applicability of enthalpy – entropy compensation theory for fresh tea leaves was also evaluated. Results showed that the modified Oswin model was best fitted with the experimental data. Thermodynamics properties like net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy were found to decrease exponentially with the increase in moisture content. Net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy increased exponentially with decreasing moisture content of fresh tea leaves. Isosteric heat of sorption of fresh tea leaves was very close to heat of vaporization of pure water when the moisture content of tea leaves exceeded 40% (d.b.). The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory could be successfully applied for the moisture desorption behavior of fresh tea leaf samples and it was enthalpy driven spontaneous process.
Effect of extrusion cooking on the antioxidant activity of extruded half product snacks made of yellow corn and pumpkin flours
Authors: Rocha-Guzman Nuria Elizabeth , Gallegos-Infante Jose Alberto , Delgado-Nieblas Carlos Ivan , Zazueta-Morales Jose de Jesus , Gonzalez-Laredo Ruben Francisco , Cervantes-Cardoza Veronica , Martinez-Bustos Fernando , Aguilar-Palazuelos Ernesto
Published: April 2013

The effect of the extrusion on the antioxidant activity of extruded half product snacks made of pumpkin and corn flour blends was evaluated. Cehualca pumpkin and yellow corn flours were used. Pumpkin (0.5 to 15.6 %) and yellow corn flours were mixed and then extruded at a temperature range of 93.5–140.5°C. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The Phenolic acid profile was obtained by HPLC analysis. The antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH*, deoxyribose, and LDL oxidation inhibition assays. A central composite rotatable design was applied. The highest value of TPC was observed at high extrusion temperature and low pumpkin levels, and at low temperature and high level of pumpkin flour concentration. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was obtained at higher content of yellow corn flour. The best response to OH* scavenging was observed at higher extrusion temperature and lower content of pumpkin.
An Intelligent Signal Processing Method for High Speed Weighing System
Authors: He Huimei , Huang Pingjie , Hou Dibo , Cai Wen , Liu Zhe , Zhang Guangxin
Published: April 2013

The dynamic weighing signal processing method in high speed fruits sorting system directly affects the weighing accuracy. This paper describes a basic modeling method for time series, including modeling, order determining, applicability analysis, and prediction. Considering the structural characteristics of weighing system and the limit of PLC sampling speed, a modified autoregressive (AR) model for stable value prediction of the high speed weighing signals is presented. Meanwhile, a simulation base on Matlab platform and an implementation example are used to test the method performance. At last, the impacts of environmental changes, sorting speeds, fruits shapes and sizes on the method performance are discussed. In experimental conditions, this method can be applied to fruits sorting system with sorting speed up to 18 per second for standard fruit (smooth round surface without defects) and an acceptable weighing accuracy can be obtained.
Inscribable stacked polytopes
Authors: Gonska Bernd , Ziegler Günter M.
Published: April 2013

We characterize the combinatorial types of stacked d-polytopes that are inscribable. Equivalently, we identify the triangulations of a simplex by stellar subdivisions that can be realized as Delaunay triangulations
Bericht aus der 63. Sitzung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme am 15. und 16. November 2012 in Berlin
Authors: Behrens Renate
Published: April 2013

Am 15. und 16. November 2012 fand die 63. Sitzung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme auf Einladung der Zeitschriftendatenbank in der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin statt.

Der folgende kurze Bericht möchte einen Überblick über die Schwerpunkte der Sitzung geben. Weitere Informationen – auch eine Übersicht der aktuellen Arbeiten und Projektder Mitglieder der AG Verbund – finden sich auf der Website der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme www.ag-verbund.de
Seasonal variation of trace metal (Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd) concentrations in compartments of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
Authors: Malea Paraskevi , Kevrekidis Theodoros , Potouroglou Maria
Published: April 2013

The concentrations of six trace metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co and Cd) in five compartments (blades, sheaths, vertical rhizomes, main axis plus additional branches and roots) of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa from the Gulf of Thessaloniki, Greece were determined monthly, together with potential associated variables (climate variables, sediment metal concentrations, plant compartment biomass, size and age). Uni- and multivariate data analyses were applied. Univariate analyses showed that leaf blades displayed the highest annual mean concentration of most metals (Mn, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd) analyzed, whereas sheaths had the highest Cu concentration; metal concentrations in blades generally showed a wider monthly variability than those in the other plant compartments, and especially roots. The multivariate pattern of metals in leaf blades showed a seasonal periodicity that appeared to be governed by the cumulative effect of plant growth dynamics and sediment metal content. In particular, most metal concentrations increased from April onwards, with enhancement of blade biomass, size and age, and remained high throughout the blade growing season, whereas Cu concentration showed the opposite pattern; an additional increase in blade Zn concentration during early winter coincided with a marked increase in sediment Zn content. The multivariate patterns of metals in the other plant compartments showed no distinct seasonality and were not markedly related to the examined variables. These findings are not consistent with the assumption that metals in seagrass tissues display an overall seasonal trend of markedly higher levels during the cold period. The present study stresses the need for more knowledge on metal seasonality in seagrass compartments and on the associated variables.
The turf-forming alga Gelidium crinale (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta) on Atlantic Patagonian coasts
Authors: Croce M. Emilia , Parodi Elisa R.
Published: April 2013

We describe for the first time the morphology of Gelidium crinale from its natural habitat in Atlantic Patagonia with special consideration of diagnostic characters. Observations and morphometric measurements were done on fresh specimens using scanning electron and inverted light microscopy. This report is a new record for Atlantic Patagonian coasts. The thalli comprise prostrate and erect axes; they are subterete at the base and compressed to flattened at the apices. The basal parts are scarcely and irregularly branched, while the apical parts are highly ramified and subdichotomously branched. The lengths of thalli and the ramification patterns differ from previous descriptions, and were variable between seasons and life history phases. “Brush-like” haptera confirmed the identity of the algae as members of the Gelidiaceae. Internal rhizoidal filaments are abundant and distributed in groups throughout the medulla. The life history was of the “Polysiphonia-type”; occurrences of carposporophytes and tetrasporophytes were variable.
Prenatal diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies: our experience of 523 cases
Authors: Grosso Michela , Puzone Stella , Storino Maria Rosaria , Sessa Raffaele , Izzo Paola
Published: April 2013

Background: We performed counselling for prenatal diagnosis (PD) of haemoglobinopathies in 372 couples. Thirty-four out of 372 (9.1%) did not undergo PD: six due to spontaneous abortion; nine because it was too difficult to make a decision if PD was positive; 18 because counselling excluded the carrier status of one or both parents; and one because parental mutations were mild.

Methods: Eleven out of 338 (3.3%) couples underwent PD because they had a thalassaemic child; 106 (31.4%) were found to be at high risk during pre-conceptional screening; 221 (65.4%) because of familiarity. Of 523 PDs in 486 (92.9%), including six dichorionic twin pregnancies, PD was performed on DNA from chorionic villi (CV), and in 37 from amniocytes (7.1%). In 1/523 cases, PD was not completed because DNA from CV was not sufficient; in two cases single tandem repeat analysis revealed maternal contamination of foetal DNA; in 7/522 (1.3%) cases PD revealed non-paternity. In 435/522 (83.3%) cases, PD was performed using reverse dot-blot and ARMS; 34/522 (6.5%) required sequencing. In 53/522 (10.2%) cases it was necessary to test globin loci for large rearrangements.

Results: One hundred and twenty out of 522 (23.0%) PDs revealed an affected foetus. In all but two cases the couple interrupted pregnancy. In the six twin pregnancies PD revealed a normal and a carrier foetus (two cases), carrier status in both foetuses (two cases) and a carrier and an affected foetus (two cases). In these latter cases the couple planned selective interruption.

Conclusions: Our PD procedure is successful and reliable, and is useful in high-risk areas characterised by molecular heterogeneity.
Symplectic geometry and rationally connected 4-folds
Authors: Tian Zhiyu
Published: April 2013

We study some symplectic geometric aspects of rationally connected 4-folds. As a corollary, we prove that any smooth projective 4-fold symplectic deformation equivalent to a Fano 4-fold of pseudo-index at least 2 or a rationally connected 4-fold whose second Betti number is 2 is rationally connected.
A p-adic Eisenstein measure for unitary groups
Authors: Eischen Ellen E.
Published: April 2013

We construct a p-adic Eisenstein measure with values in the space of p-adic automorphic forms on certain unitary groups. Using this measure, we p-adically interpolate certain special values of both holomorphic and non-holomorphic Eisenstein series, as both the archimedean and the p-adic weights of the Eisenstein series vary.
Prenatal ultrasound and molecular diagnosis elucidate the prognosis of Pfeiffer syndrome1)
Authors: Jelin Angie C. , Chang Jin , Feldstein Vickie , Rauen Katherine A.
Published: April 2013

Background: Pfeiffer syndrome (PS) is one of several related craniosynostosis and occurs in 1 out of every 100,000 births. The diagnosis has historically been based on the clinical neonatal findings of bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, with broad thumbs and great toes.

Case: A craniosynostosis suggestive of PS was identified on prenatal ultrasound at 34+3 weeks gestation by findings of polyhydramnios, a cloverleaf skull, ventriculomegaly, hypertelorism, marked orbital proptosis, short limbs, broad digits, and an abnormality of the spine. Prenatal molecular testing of the FGFR genes revealed an exon 10, p.Y340C mutation in the FGFR2 gene.

Conclusion: PS can now be diagnosed prenatally. In our case, the specific mutation was associated with an especially severe phenotype. The ultrasonographic findings in conjunction with the molecular diagnosis allowed us to better inform the patient and medical staff about the diagnosis and prognosis.
The geographical distribution of typologically diverse comparative constructions of superiority in Purepecha
Authors: Chamoreau Claudine
Published: April 2013

This paper explores the relations between three domains dealing with linguistic variation: dialectology, typology, and contact linguistics. It aims to contribute to dialectal research that also considers syntactic questions, exploring the syntactic domain of comparative constructions of superiority in Purepecha (a language isolate spoken in Mexico). I demonstrate that the expression of the comparison of superiority can be mapped onto the language by means of ten constructions, which may be divided into four types, showing that language contact can lead to the emergence of new types. This study points out that the consequences of language contact are not homogeneous, but fall into various types of construction aligned with local specificities and geographical distribution. I argue that the integration of dialectology, typology, and contact linguistics results in a dynamic and multidimensional organization, which I characterize as a multi-layered perspective.
Orthogonality of polynomials and orthosymmetry
Authors: Toumi Mohamed Ali
Published: April 2013

Orthogonality of homogeneous orthogonally additive polynomials and
orthosymmetry of multilinear maps are in general independent properties. In
this paper, we show, for some important vector lattices, that the vector space
of all orthogonally additive scalar-valued polynomials and the vector space of
orthosymmetric scalar-valued multilinear maps are isomorphic.