bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive balloon dilatation following hepaticojejunostomy improves outcome of bile duct stricture after iatrogenic biliary injury
Authors: Luo Zhu-lin , Cheng Long , Ren Jian-dong , Tang Li-jun , Wang Tao , Tian Fu-zhou
Published: April 2013

Background

Iatrogenic biliary stricture (IBS) is a disastrous complication of cholecystectomy. Although the endoscopic treatments are well accepted as initial attempts for IBS, surgical hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is often necessary for a considerable proportion of patients. However, the anastomotic stricture after HJ also occurs.

Methods

In the present study, a new procedure, progressive balloon dilation following HJ (HJPBD), was designed and utilized in the IBS treatment. We retrospectively compared HJPBD with the traditional HJ in term of the outcomes when used for IBS treatment.

Results

Between January 1997 and December 2009, 112 patients with IBS attributed to cholecystectomy enrolled in our hospital were treated with surgical reconstruction with either HJ (n=58) or HJPBD (n=54). Of the 58 patients in HJ group, 48 patients (82.8%) had a successful outcome, while 52 out of 54 patients (96.3%) in HJPBD group achieved success. The successful surgical reconstruction rates were significantly different between these two groups, with a further improved outcome in patient undergone progressive balloon dilation following HJ. Additionally, 8 of the 10 failure cases in HJ group were successfully rescued by HJPBD procedure.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the new procedure of HJPBD could be successfully applied to IBS patients, and significantly improve the outcome of IBS reconstruction.
Exposure to indoor tanning in France: a population based study
Authors: Benmarhnia Tarik , Léon Christophe , Beck François
Published: April 2013

Background

Tanning lamp sessions have increased in Europe in recent years. Recent epidemiological studies have confirmed a proven link between melanoma and artificial UV exposure. However, in France, little information is available to determine the exposure of the population. This article presents the results from the ‘Baromètre cancer 2010’ concerning the proportion of users exposed to artificial UV radiation in France, their characteristics and level of information on the risks associated.

Methods

A two stage random sampling telephone survey assisted by CATI system (household, individual) was performed from 3 April 2010 to 7 August 2010 on a sample of 3,359 people aged 15 to 75 years old.

Results

In 2010, 13.4% of the French population reported to have tanning lamp sessions at least once in their lifetime and 3.5% of the total population reported the use of artificial UV radiation over the last twelve months. Exposure over the last twelve months is most commonly seen among females (5.0%) and young population between 20–25 years old (9.6%). In addition, 3.5% of those under 18 years report having attended UV booths at least once during their lifetime even though they are forbidden to minors. Moreover, more than one the third of users reported more than 10 exposures within a year. The places of exposure cited most often were beauty salons (50%) and tanning centers (46%). Only 49.2% of those surveyed felt that they were well informed on the risks of cancer associated with UV booths. Furthermore, the population was found to have misconceptions about artificial UV radiation. One quarter of the population, believe that artificial UV radiation use before vacation protects the skin from sunburn.

Conclusions

This first study on artificial UV radiation exposure in France has better quantified and characterized the users. It has also defined the state of knowledge and the perception of risk by the general French population. This work will contribute to determine actions of prevention to reduce cancer risk related to artificial UV radiation.
TRPV1-mediated UCP2 upregulation ameliorates hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Sun Jing , Pu Yunfei , Wang Peijian , Chen Sijiao , Zhao Yu , Liu Chan , Shang Qianhui , Zhu Zhiming , Liu Daoyan
Published: April 2013

Background

Diabetic cardiovascular complications are characterised by oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a regulator of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and can antagonise oxidative stress, but approaches that enhance the activity of UCP2 to inhibit ROS are scarce. Our previous studies show that activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin can prevent cardiometabolic disorders. In this study, we conducted experiments in vitro and in vivo to investigate the effect of capsaicin treatment on endothelial UCP2 and oxidative stress. We hypothesised that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin attenuates hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction through a UCP2-mediated antioxidant effect.

Methods

TRPV1-/-, UCP2 -/- and db/db mice, as well as matched wild type (WT) control mice, were included in this study. Some mice were subjected to dietary capsaicin for 14 weeks. Arteries isolated from mice and endothelial cells were cultured. Endothelial function was examined, and immunohistological and molecular analyses were performed.

Results

Under high-glucose conditions, TRPV1 expression and protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation were found to be decreased in the cultured endothelial cells, and the effects of high-glucose on these molecules were reversed by the administration of capsaicin. Furthermore, high-glucose exposure increased ROS production and reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels both in endothelial cells and in arteries that were evaluated respectively by dihydroethidium (DHE) and DAF-2 DA fluorescence. Capsaicin administration decreased the production of ROS, restored high-glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction through the activation of TRPV1 and acted in a UCP2-dependent manner in vivo. Administration of dietary capsaicin for 14 weeks increased the levels of PKA phosphorylation and UCP2 expression, ameliorated the vascular oxidative stress and increased NO levels observed in diabetic mice. Prolonged dietary administration of capsaicin promoted endothelium-dependent relaxation in diabetic mice. However, the beneficial effect of capsaicin on vasorelaxation was absent in the aortas of UCP2 -/- mice exposed to high-glucose levels.

Conclusion

TRPV1 activation by capsaicin might protect against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction through a mechanism involving the PKA/UCP2 pathway.
Temporal evaluation of commitment to sexual development in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Peatey Christopher L , Dixon Matthew WA , Gardiner Donald L , Trenholme Katharine R
Published: April 2013

Background

The production of gametocytes is essential for transmission of malaria parasites from the mammalian host to the mosquito vector. However the process by which the asexual blood-stage parasite undergoes commitment to sexual development is not well understood. This process is known to be sensitive to environmental stimuli and it has been suggested that a G protein dependent system may mediate the switch, but there is little evidence that the Plasmodium falciparum genome encodes heterotrimeric G proteins. Previous studies have indicated that the malaria parasite can interact with endogenous erythrocyte G proteins, and other components of the cyclic nucleotide pathway have been identified in P. falciparum. Also, the polypeptide cholera toxin, which induces commitment to gametocytogenesis is known to catalyze the ADP-ribosylation of the αs class of heterotrimeric G protein α subunits in mammalian systems has been reported to detect a number of Gα subunits in P. falciparum- infected red cells.

Methods

Cholera toxin and Mas 7 (a structural analogue of Mastoparan) were used to assess the role played by putative G protein signalling in the commitment process, both are reported to interact with different components of classical Gαs and Gαi/o signalling pathways. Their ability to induce gametocyte production in the transgenic P. falciparum line Pfs16-GFP was determined and downstream effects on the secondary messenger cAMP measured.

Results

Treatment of parasite cultures with either cholera toxin or MAS 7 resulted in increased gametocyte production, but only treatment with MAS 7 resulted in a significant increase in cAMP levels. This indicates that MAS 7 acts either directly or indirectly on the P. falciparum adenylyl cyclase.

Conclusion

The observation that cholera toxin treatment did not affect cAMP levels indicates that while addition of cholera toxin does increase gametocytogenesis the method by which it induces increased commitment is not immediately obvious, except that is unlikely to be via heterotrimeric G proteins.
Existence and approximation of solutions for system of generalized mixed variational inequalities
Authors: Thakur Balwant Singh , Khan Mohammad Saeed , Kang Shin Min
Published: April 2013

The aim of this work is to study a system of generalized mixed variational inequalities, existence and approximation of its solution using the resolvent operator technique. We further propose an algorithm which converges to its solution and common fixed points of two Lipschitzian mappings. Parallel algorithms are used, which can be used to simultaneous computation in multiprocessor computers. The results presented in this work are more general and include many previously known results as special cases.

MSC:47J20, 65K10, 65K15, 90C33.
Long-term RNA persistence in postmortem contexts
Authors: Fordyce Sarah L , Kampmann Marie-Louise , van Doorn Nienke L , Gilbert M Thomas P
Published: April 2013

Ribonucleic acids (RNA) are generally considered fragile molecules that are readily degraded. However, there is growing documentation of long-term (from days to centuries) RNA persistence in a variety of contexts and tissue types, and as such a number of academic disciplines are beginning to exploit degraded RNA. While the reasons for its survival are not fully understood, there are several plausible mechanisms that would safeguard this molecule against degradation. However, after examining the literature available on the postmortem instability and decay mechanisms of RNA, it has become clear that limited experimental studies and no reviews offer an overview of these mechanisms. Hence in this review we outline molecular reasons for RNA surviving long-term postmortem, and provide specific examples of RNA survival in forensic, archival and archaeological contexts. A better understanding of the mechanisms of RNA decay will be crucial for developing expectations on its long-term survival.
Importance of His192 in the Human Thyroid Hormone Transporter MCT8 for Substrate Recognition
Authors: Groeneweg Stefan , Lima de Souza Elaine C. , Visser W. Edward , Peeters Robin P. , Visser Theo J.
Published: April 2013

Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) facilitates cellular uptake and efflux of thyroid hormone (TH). So far, functional domains within MCT8 are not well defined. Mutations in MCT8 result in severe psychomotor retardation due to impaired neuronal differentiation. One such mutation concerns His192 (H192R), located at the border of transmembrane domain (TMD) 1 and extracellular loop (ECL) 1, suggesting that this His residue is important for efficient TH transport. Here, we studied the role of different His residues, predicted within TMDs or ECLs of MCT8, in substrate recognition and translocation. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of the His-modifying reagent diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) and of site-directed mutagenesis of several His residues on TH transport by MCT8. Reaction of MCT8 with DEPC inhibited subsequent uptake of T3 and T4, whereas T3 and T4 efflux were not inhibited. The inhibitory effect of DEPC on TH uptake was prevented in the presence of T3 or T4, suggesting that TH blocks access to DEPC-sensitive residues. Three putative DEPC target His residues were replaced by Ala: H192A, H260A, and H450A. The H260A and H450A mutants showed similar TH transport and DEPC sensitivity as wild-type MCT8. However, the H192A mutant showed a significant reduction in TH uptake and was insensitive to DEPC. Taken together, these results indicate that His192 is sensitive to modification by DEPC and may be located close to a putative substrate recognition site within the MCT8 protein, important for efficient TH uptake.
Functionalized BINOL-mono-PHOS for Multinuclear Cu-Catalysts in Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Organozinc Reagents
Authors: Endo Kohei , Yakeishi Sayuri , Hamada Daisuke , Shibata Takanori
Published: April 2013

Functionalization of BINOL-mono-PHOS achieved the Cu-catalyzed highly asymmetric conjugate addition of organozinc reagents to enones. The incorporation of a bulky hydroxy group at the 3′-position of BINOL-mono-PHOS dramatically improved the yield and enantioselectivity. The present novel BINOL-mono-PHOS ligands are effective in the Cu-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of organozinc reagents in both acyclic enones and cyclohexenone.
Potential NIR Reflecting Yellow Pigments in (BiV)1−x(YNb)xO4 Solid Solutions
Authors: Sameera Saithathul Fathimah , Rao Padala Prabhakar , Kumari Leela Sandhya , James Vineetha , Divya Saraswathy
Published: April 2013

New yellow inorganic pigments, (BiV)1−x(YNb)xO4 with high NIR reflectance were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The effect of isovalent dopants, namely, Y3+ and Nb5+ on BiVO4 samples was characterized using powder X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, UV–vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectrometer, and CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales. The prepared pigments exhibit brilliant yellow colors with significant enhancement of NIR reflectance to 90.8% when compared to undoped BiVO4 at the 1100 nm range. Further, the solid solutions allow fine tuning of the band gap displaying various yellow colors. The lattice distortion and reduction in particle size are responsible for the enhancement of the pigment characteristics. The above results indicate that these yellow pigments have potential to be used as cool colorants for roofs and automotives as energy-saving coatings.
Dr George Armstrong (1719–89) and his biographer, William Maloney MD (1882–1952)
Authors: Dunn Peter M
Published: April 2013

George Armstrong has been called both the father and the patron saint of paediatrics. Between 1767 and 1783 he pioneered most of the approaches now applied in modern paediatrics and child health. He also founded in London the first children's dispensary in 1769. Yet for 150 years his remarkable achievements were overlooked until rescued from obscurity in 1954 by an Edinburgh born physician, William Maloney.
Variation in candidate genes CLOCK and ADCYAP1 does not consistently predict differences in migratory behavior in the songbird genus Junco
Authors: Peterson Mark P , Abolins-Abols Mikus , Atwell Jonathan W , Rice Rebecca J , Milá Borja , Ketterson Ellen D
Published: April 2013

Recent studies exploring the molecular genetic basis for migratory variation in animals have identified polymorphisms in two genes (CLOCK and ADCYAP1) that are linked to circadian rhythms and correlate with migratory propensity and phenology among individuals and populations. Results from these initial studies are mixed, however, and additional data are needed to assess the generality and diversity of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the biology of migration. We sequenced CLOCK and ADCYAP1 in 15 populations across the two species of the avian genus Junco, a North American lineage in which multiple recently diverged subspecies and populations range from sedentary to long-distance migrants. We found no consistent associations between allele length and migratory status across the genus for either CLOCK or ADCYAP1. However, within two subspecies groups, populations that migrate longer distances have longer CLOCK alleles on average. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between ADCYAP1 allele length and migratory restlessness (zugunruhe) among individuals within one of two captive populations studied—a result similar to those reported previously within captive blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla). We conclude that, while both ADCYAP1 and CLOCK may correlate with migratory propensity within or among certain populations or species, previously identified relationships between migratory behavior and sequence variants cannot be easily generalized across taxa.
Biodiagnostics of Activated Sludge as a Method for Rapid Control of Wastewater Biological Treatment
Authors: Светухин  , Svetukhin V. , Коновалова  , Konovalova L. , Завальцева  , Zavaltseva O. , Климов  , Klimov E.
Published: April 2013

In article are studied the main regularities of the industrial waste priority pollutants impact on bioagents reduction potential based on the quantitative estimation of activated sludge and wastewater from organic synthesis plants, including biological and chemical monitoring. Obtained regression equation adequately describes the state of the of activated sludge in biological treatment of a complex and variable composition wastewater.
TV PROJECT PERSONNEL INTERACTION MANAGEMENT USING THE METHOD OF FUNCTIONAL AND COST ANALYSIS
Authors: Нургалеева
Published: April 2013

The interaction management of personnel involved in realization of TV project of all hierarchy levels is considered in this article. The organizational structure of TV project has been designed with taking into account the interaction between permanent and temporary personnel. The use of functional and cost analysis related to activity of TV project personnel has been proved and conclusions on this analysis have been formulated.
The process of technological preparation of production in quality management system: characteristics and main stages
Authors: Баурина  , Baurina Svetlana
Published: April 2013

In this article it considers the process of technological preparation of

production in quality management system of an industrial enterprise. Gives a brief characteristics of the main stages of the technological preparation process of production system in quality management system of enterprise.
Theory of organizational development of firms: current state and prospects of practical use
Authors: Бобков  , Bobkov Aleksandr
Published: April 2013

In article questions of organizational development from a position of existing theoretical approaches within the theory of development and management of changes are considered. The analysis both foreign models of organizational development, and the models offered by the Russian scientists is carried out.
Transformation as a mechanism to improve economic efficiency: integration and management
Authors: Колоколов  , Kolokolov Vladimir , Зуев
Published: April 2013

The article describes questions of structural transformations and favorable institutional environment formation in terms of integration of the Russian economy in the global financial system. The mergers and acquisitions, tendencies in the derivatives market and prospects of participation institutions of development analyzes in economic growth. Also it includes approaches to management formation of sustainable development in Russia. The conclusion about necessity of conscious, purposeful development of national innovation support system and technology development with applying of mechanisms for serious technological renovation of production facilities based on advanced scientific and technical elaboration.
Communication science in the modern society
Authors: Гойхман  , Goykhman Oskar
Published: April 2013

Communication science is considered as a determination event in the development of the modern society and information is considered as the main means to achieve it. The article shows the interdisciplinary nature of the communicativistics as well as model of understanding of this knowledge within the framework of communicativistics.
Notes on Contemporary Singapore Cinema (1991-2007)
Authors: Kam Tan See
Published: April 2013

2006 was a record-making year for contemporary Singapore cinema. It saw an unprecedented release of ten feature films, including the first 3-D CGI film, Zodiac: The Race Begins (dir. Edward Foo; Cubix International). That year, Digital Media Academy made its foray into the local filmmaking
scene for the first time, with three semi-professional DV films, namely, Unarmed Combat (dir. Han Yew Kwang), S11 (co-dir. Gilbert Chan & Joshua Chiang), and The High Cost of Living (dir. Leonard Lai Yok Wai).1 These three films all received partial funding from the stated-funded Singapore
Film Commission (SFC) , set up in 1998 for the purpose of nurturing the nation’s budding film industry by way of training personnel and funding productions, including co-sponsoring the annual Singapore International Film Festival. Finally Zhao Wei Films’ Be With Me (dir. &
scr. Eric Khoo, 2005) became the country’s first Oscars (Best Foreign Film) nominee; but this social drama which interweaves the autobiography of Theresa Chan, a real-life deaf and blind woman, with three fictional stories of love and longing in urban Singapore, was subsequently disqualified
when the 2006 Academy Award committee decided that English was the dominant language in this otherwise multilingual HD-to-35mm film.
South Korean Scholars Studying North Korean Movies
Authors: Yoon Jiwon
Published: April 2013

While North Korea is physically the closest country to South Korea, sharing the same land mass, the two countries are virtually inaccessible to one another. For 50 years, North Korea was a veiled, mysterious country for South Koreans. During the height of the Cold War era, South Koreans
were taught that North Korea was the enemy. The South Korean government created a mood of fear and intimidation by spreading propaganda about how North Korea was planning to wage war -- a war of aggression. South Korean students often had to make posters for anti-communist campaigns. A successful
South Korean children’s animation, “General DDOL-Yi” (1978), portrayed North Korean women as foxes, North Korean soldiers as wolves, and Kim, Il-Sung as a pig (Fig. 1 ). During that time, many South Korean children drew wolves, foxes, and pigs when they were asked to draw
North Koreans.
Trauma and Comfort: A Study of Korean Romantic Melodrama
Authors: Shuk-ting Kinnia Yau
Published: April 2013

In the past decade, the Korean film industry has experienced remarkable growth. According to data from the Korean Film Council (refer to the figure below), Korea is experiencing an increasing demand for Korean films, as well as a decreasing demand for foreign films. Korean films have
captured more than 50 percent of domestic market share and have outperformed foreign films at the box office since 2003. Once restrained by national instability, censorship, and regulations, Korean cinema is enjoying a renaissance in recent years, due, to some extent, to the introduction of
the Film Promotion Law of 1995
From Beyond Rangoon to Shan VCD: The Politics and Authenticity of Appropriation
Authors: Jirattikorn Amporn
Published: April 2013

Likhommai Panglong or “The Promises of Panglong” is a unique Shan video compact disc (VCD) for three reasons. First, it features images of the 1988 political uprising in Burma which were appropriated from other existing films. Second, these images were put together with
political lyrics sung in the Shan language talking about the plight of the Shan people and the oppressive Burmese military regime. Third, because these political images and lyrics have never been and cannot be produced inside Burma, Shan migrants who cross the border to seek work in Thailand
have found an opportunity to produce this political VCD while in exile. The result is an appropriation of several existing sources, which in turn creates unexpected results in terms of spectatorship responses among Shan migrant audiences. The production and the consumption of this VCD will
be the focus of this paper.
Community, commitment and the ten ‘Commandments’: Singing in the Coro Furlan, Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Southcott Jane , Joseph Dawn
Published: April 2013

Membership of community music groups by older people can enhance quality of life, provide a sense fulfilment and create a space through which cultural identity may be shared. This case study explores community and cultural engagement by members of the Coro Furlan, an Italian male community
choir in Melbourne, Australia. Members were interviewed and data analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three broad themes were identified: sense of community, maintenance of cultural identity and sustaining well-being through shared music making. The choir members
perform music from Italy and elsewhere and consider themselves to be custodians of Friulan choral music. Singing in this choir has offered members an opportunity to value, learn and share music in formal and informal settings. This article identifies how music engagement can facilitate successful
ageing through commitment to community, singing and following the ten ‘Commandments’ of the Coro Furlan.
The musical experiences, motivations, and preferences of positive ageing in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Angela Hao-Chun
Published: April 2013

This study provided a brief overview of some of the most important life quality elements that affected senior adults with regard to their musical experiences, motivations and preferences. The research and analysis of these elements established a researched-based framework for understanding
how a select body of music affected senior adults in Taiwan. Further, data collected from older Taiwanese people would be analysed to explore these issues further. Questionnaire responses were analysed by using the statistical software SPSS. Data collection involved administering 150 questionnaires
to senior adults and undertaking twelve in-depth semi-structured interviews with individual healthy adults. All participants came from regional communities, churches, musical organizations and recreation centres to interpret and identify how music effects on their lives. Most of them did not
have great educational/musical background, but they speak of a new, cultural expectation of ageing in which it is normal for seniors to be actively engaged in society. Participants believed that they can share their musical experiences and positive attitude with their local communities and
other institutions. They also believe that the government, private organizations and music educators have not provided enough support – such as equipments, programmes and funding – to music. It is very important that the rural population of healthy senior adults (such as the ones
who participated in this study) serve as resources; their broad perspective about the function of music on positive ageing should be of interest to scholarly researchers considered
Chanson and tacit misogyny
Authors: Cordier Adeline
Published: April 2013

This article argues that behind the liberalism and revolt that the genre of French chanson is often seen to represent, many singer-songwriters embody conservative and ‘old-fashioned’ values, notably in their conceptions of women. The world of chanson has generally been dominated
by men, and this article explores the work of three representative singer-songwriters (Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens and Léo Ferré) in order to illustrate that the unilaterally male perspectives offered by chanson authors testify to a wider social attitude of passivity in the
face of gender inequalities. Chanson authors have contributed to the definition of French cultural identity by echoing fundamental national myths, in particular the myth of the left-wing intellectual and of the authentic ‘Gaul’ spirit. Indeed, the chanson author represents the
‘common intellectual’ who combines the ‘mediocre’ and the ‘poetic’, the ‘rough’ and the ‘cultured’, the ‘popular’ and the ‘intellectual’. In fact, there has been a long-standing analogy between chanson and
laborious manual work traditionally associated with men. This article investigates the cultural tradition that seems to associate the concept of French authenticity – and even French identity – with the notion of masculinity.
Perceptions of authenticity in the performance of Cuban popular music in the United Kingdom: ‘Globalized incuriosity’ in the promotion and reception of uK-based Charanga del Norte’s music since 1998
Authors: Miller Sue
Published: April 2013

Drawing on my own experiences both as a performer and researcher of Cuban music, this article challenges the essentialism inherent in much promotion of ‘Latin’ music in the United Kingdom today, illustrating how issues of ethnicity and gender affect perceptions of authenticity
by means of a case study of Charanga del Norte, a UK-grown Cuban music dance band, over the last fifteen years. Since its inception, my band has featured musicians from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, Charanga del Norte features more female musicians than most UK Latin bands.
As I show, most promoters marketing the group have tended towards exoticization, using essentialized images of Latin culture, with an emphasis on not just the Cuban but all the Latin American members of the band. This meant the group was originally promoted as a northern UK-based salsa band,
although audiences and promoters gradually became more aware of other forms of traditional Cuban music as a result of the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon. Promotion of us at World Music events has taken a slightly different stance and focussed more on publicizing the African roots of our
‘Afro-Cuban’ music
Analyzing political risks in developing countries: a practical framework for project managers
Authors: Jha Saumitra
Published: April 2013

The paper illustrates a practical framework for understanding and predicting political economy risk for project managers operating in a variety of developing country settings, including non-democracies, ethnically diverse environments and societies undergoing political transition. In doing so, the paper also develops a number of novel cases illustrating the effectiveness of this framework in helping us understand both surprising success and failure in the realms of sustainable, private sector and human development. These cases include Tata Nano's difficulties in locating its automobile plant in West Bengal, how a small NGO, the Mehta Foundation, helped secure passage of green fuel mandates in Delhi over strong political opposition, and the sustained success of Mexico's pioneering conditional cash transfer program-Progressa/Oportunidades – in an environment of dramatic political regime change.
R&D in the periphery? Foreign direct investment, innovation, and institutional quality in developing countries
Authors: Egan Patrick J.W.
Published: April 2013

This paper considers the relationship between assessments of institutional quality in developing countries and the innovative activities of multinational corporations. Firm entry mode literature has established links between domestic institutions and ownership equity patterns among multinationals, but institutionalist analyses have not adequately addressed the types of activities pursued by multinational firms. I argue that in addition to various socioeconomic indicators, the quality of domestic political institutions in developing countries is an important determinant of local innovative activity. I argue that institutional quality in host countries reinforces consistent patterns of interaction between states and firms, leading to reduced risk of technological expropriation and other undesirable outcomes for firms. I test this argument by examining the impact of institutional assessments, carried out by firms themselves and by outside observers, on R&D effort among multinationals, using firm-level surveys conducted in developing countries between 2002 and 2005. The multilevel empirical analysis suggests that multinational firms are likely to both locate R&D activities and pursue them intensively in developing countries with well-regarded institutions, and that the impact of institutional variables is more significant than other likely predictors, such as education levels in host countries.
Imaging the invisible: resolving cellular microcompartments by superresolution microscopy techniques
Authors: Hensel Michael , Klingauf Jürgen , Piehler Jacob
Published: April 2013

Unraveling the spatio-temporal organization of dynamic cellular microcompartments requires live cell imaging techniques capable of resolving submicroscopic structures. While the resolution of traditional far-field fluorescence imaging techniques is limited by the diffraction barrier, several fluorescence-based microscopy techniques providing sub-100 nm resolution have become available during the past decade. Here, we briefly introduce the optical principles of these techniques and compare their capabilities and limitations with respect to spatial and temporal resolution as well as live cell capabilities. Moreover, we summarize how these techniques contributed to a better understanding of plasma membrane microdomains, the dynamic nanoscale organization of neuronal synapses and the sub-compartmentation of microorganisms. Based on these applications, we highlight complementarity of these techniques and their potential to address specific challenges in the context of dynamic cellular microcompartments, as well as the perspectives to overcome current limitations of these methods.
Synthesis and Characterization of HgSe Nanostructure Using a Novel Precursor
Authors: Esmaeili-Zare Mahdiyeh , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Ghanbari Davood
Published: April 2013

Mercury selenide nanostructures were synthesized from the reaction of N, N′-bis(salicylidene)propane-1,3-diamine mercury complex, (Hg(Salpn)) as a novel precursor, via sonochemical method. The effect of different surfactant on the morphology and particle size of the products was investigated. Products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Association between food intake frequency and obesity among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Al-Mannai Mariam , Zagzoog Nisreen
Published: April 2013

The main objective of this study was to discover the association between the intake of certain foods and the occurrence of obesity among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional multistage sampling method was conducted among girls aged 12–19 years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The total sample was 512. Obesity was calculated based on the International Obesity Task Force standards. Findings revealed that obese girls were less likely to eat fruit, vegetables, meat, chicken and dairy products than non-obese girls, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, the risk of being obese was greater for those who consumed chocolates and sweets (odds ratio=1.57) and fast foods (odds ratio=1.35) more than three times a week. Thus, programs to promote a healthy lifestyle for schoolchildren should include appropriate intervention on changing dietary habits.
Request–Response Distributed Power Management in Cloud Data Centers
Authors: Li Jianxiang , Zhang Youchun
Published: April 2013

Power provision is coming to be the most important constraint to data center development. The efficient management of power consumption according to the loads of the data center is urgent. As the load for every application hosted in every server node (SN) of the data center and corresponding Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements can be quite different, it is hard to deploy a power strategy at application. The asynchronies and abruptness characteristics of workload fluctuation make power management policymaking using periodic resource scheduling method invalid. In this article, the design and implementation of the request–response distributed power management scheme is elaborated. Bound by linear time complexity, the method proposed integrates dynamic voltage/frequency scaling, power-on–power-off, and virtual machine migration mechanisms and dynamically optimizes the power consumption of a cloud data center. The significant advantage of the scheme is that it does not need synchronous scheduling between all SNs. Simulation results showed that the scheme could effectively decrease the power consumption of the data center, with a tiny reduction in performance as centralized control methods.
Plasmons driven by single electrons in graphene nanoislands
Authors: Manjavacas Alejandro , Thongrattanasiri Sukosin , de Abajo F. Javier García
Published: April 2013

Plasmons produce large confinement and enhancement of light that enable applications as varied as cancer therapy and catalysis. Adding to these appealing properties, graphene has emerged as a robust, electrically tunable material exhibiting plasmons that strongly depend on the density of doping charges. Here we show that adding a single electron to a graphene nanoisland consisting of hundreds or thousands of atoms switches on infrared plasmons that were previously absent from the uncharged structure. Remarkably, the addition of each further electron produces a dramatic frequency shift. Plasmons in these islands are shown to be tunable down to near infrared wavelengths. These phenomena are highly sensitive to carbon edges. Specifically, armchair nanotriangles display sharp plasmons that are associated with intense near-field enhancement, as well as absorption cross-sections exceeding the geometrical area occupied by the graphene. In contrast, zigzag triangles do not support these plasmons. Our conclusions rely on realistic quantum-mechanical calculations, which are in ostensible disagreement with classical electromagnetic simulations, thus revealing the quantum nature of the plasmons. This study shows a high sensitivity of graphene nanoislands to elementary charges, therefore emphasizing their great potential for novel nano-optoelectronics applications.
Redox behavior of Tc(VII)/Tc(IV) under various reducing conditions in 0.1 M NaCl solutions
Authors: Kobayashi Taishi , Scheinost Andreas C. , Fellhauer D. , Gaona Xavier , Altmaier Marcus
Published: April 2013

Redox behaviour of Tc(VII)/Tc(IV) was investigated in 0.1 M NaCl solutions containing different reducing agents in the pH range 2 to 13 at 22 ºC under inert Ar atmosphere. In several samples, the 1 × 105 mol/dm3(M) initially added TcO4-was reduced to form a Tc(IV) oxide solid phase with low solubility. The observed Tc redox transformation processes are systematized according toEh-pH conditions in solution, indicating that a borderline for the reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV),TcO4-+ 3e-+ 4H+⇔TcO2·xH2O(coll, hyd) + (2-x)H2Oexists, independent of the reducing chemical system. This experimentally derived borderline is about 100 mV lower than the equilibrium line calculated from the reported standard redox potential of TcO2· 1.6H2O(s). This behaviour can be related to the existence of more soluble solid phase modifications,i.e.nanoparticulate Tc(IV) oxide species (TcO2·xH2O(coll, hyd)). The reaction kinetics likewise correlate to the redox potential measured in solution. Slow reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV) was observed when the redox potential in the system was slightly below the above mentioned reduction borderline. Fast reduction was observed in the systems far below the borderline, but also in those systems containing Fe(II) solids, suggesting a specific surface mediated effect in the reduction process. EXAFS analysis on two magnetite samples indicate reduced Tc(IV) species which do not remain adsorbed at the reactive mineral surface and are incorporated in the magnetite structure.
Analysis of Mixed Micellar Behavior of Promazine
Hydrochloride with Surfactants in Aqueous Medium at Different
Temperatures and Compositions
Authors: Rub Malik Abdul , Asiri Abdullah M. , Azum Naved , Khan Anish , Khan Aftab Aslam Parwaz , Khan Sher Bahadar , Rahman Mohammed M. , Kumar Dileep , Al-Youbi Abdulrahman O.
Published: April 2013

Mixed micellization behavior of an amphiphilic phenothiazine
drug promazine hydrochloride (PMZ) in the presence of conventional
dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) as well as gemini
1,4-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium)butane
bromide (12-4-12) cationic surfactants has been studied at four
different fixed temperatures and compositions by conductometric
technique. The experimental data have been analysed by considering
different theoretical models of Clint, Rubingh, Motomura and
Rodenas. The cmc and cmcid values indicate mixed
micelle formation between the components and strong synergism is
observed in the mixed systems. The micellar (actual) mole
fractions of surfactants
(χ
1
Rub,
χ
1
M,
χ
1
Rod and
χ
1
id), calculated on the
basis of different theoretical proposed models used in the present
study, show greater contribution of surfactants in mixed
micelles. Activity coefficients (f
1
and f
2) are always less than unity
indicating nonideality in the systems. Thermodynamic parameters
are also evaluated and discussed which suggest that at higher
temperatures dehydration of hydrophobic part of the drug takes
place.
Cephalic phase insulin secretion is KATP channel independent
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Miki Takashi , Fujimoto Wakako , Young Lee Eun , Takahashi Yoshihisa , Minami Kohtaro , Oiso Yutaka , Seino Susumu
Published: April 2013

Glucose-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells critically depends on the activity of ATP-sensitive K+channels (KATPchannel). We previously generated mice lackingKir6.2, the pore subunit of the β-cell KATPchannel (Kir6.2−/−), that show almost no insulin secretion in response to glucosein vitro. In this study, we compared insulin secretion by voluntary feeding (self-motivated, oral nutrient ingestion) and by forced feeding (intra-gastric nutrient injection via gavage) in wild-type (Kir6.2+/+) andKir6.2−/−mice. Underad libitumfeeding or during voluntary feeding of standard chow, blood glucose levels and plasma insulin levels were similar inKir6.2+/+andKir6.2−/−mice. By voluntary feeding of carbohydrate alone, insulin secretion was induced significantly inKir6.2−/−mice but was markedly attenuated compared with that inKir6.2+/+mice. On forced feeding of standard chow or carbohydrate alone, the insulin secretory response was markedly impaired or completely absent inKir6.2−/−mice. Pretreatment with a muscarine receptor antagonist, atropine methyl nitrate, which does not cross the blood–brain barrier, almost completely blocked insulin secretion induced by voluntary feeding of standard chow or carbohydrate inKir6.2−/−mice. Substantial glucose-induced insulin secretion was induced in the pancreas perfusion study ofKir6.2−/−mice only in the presence of carbamylcholine. These results suggest that a KATPchannel-independent mechanism mediated by the vagal nerve plays a critical role in insulin secretion in response to nutrientsin vivo.
Health state, eating and body image disorders among beauticians
Authors: Lukács-Márton Réka , Szabó Pál
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Beauticians are considered as risk populations for eating disorders and body image disorders, as their work is closely related to beauty and fashion. Aim: The aim of the authors was to examine whether eating and body image disorders occur more frequently among beauticians than in control subjects. Methods: Eating disorders were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test, Eating Behaviour Severity Scale, and body image measures included the Human Figure Drawings Test, the Body Dissatisfaction Subscale of the Eating Disorders Inventory, the Body Attitudes Test, and the Body Investment Scale. The study sample included 56 beauticians from Transylvania and 59 from Hungary. These groups were compared with control groups including 57 subjects from Transylvania and 54 subjects from Hungary. Questionnaire data were analysed. Results: The occurrence of weight reducing methods such as binge eating was significantly more prevalent in the beautician groups than in controls. Subclinical eating disorders were more frequent in the Transylvanian beautician group. Conclusions: Clinical and subclinical eating disorders occur more frequently in beauticians than in control subjects. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 665–670.
Is Gravidity 4+ a Risk Factor for Oral Clefts? A Case-Control Study in Eight South American Countries Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Gili Juan Antonio , Poletta Fernando Adriàn , Campaña Hebe , Comas Belén , Pawluk Mariela , Rittler Monica , López-Camelo Jorge Santiago
Published: April 2013

Background

There is disagreement about the association between cleft lip with or without cleft palate and multigravidity, which could be explained by differences of adjusting for maternal age, Amerindian ancestry, and socioeconomic status.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate gravidity 4+ (four or more gestations) as a risk factor for cleft lip with or without cleft palate in South America.

Design

We used a matched (1:1) case-control study with structural equation modeling for related causes. Data were obtained from 1,371,575 consecutive newborn infants weighing ≥500 g who were born in the hospitals of the Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congénitas (ECLAMC) network between 1982 and 1999. There were a total of 1,271 cases with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (excluding midline and atypical cleft lip with or without cleft palate). A total of 1,227 case-control pairs were obtained, matched by maternal age, newborn gender, and year and place of birth. Potential confounders and intermediary variables were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Results

The crude risk of gravidity 4+ was 1.41 and the 95% confidence interval was 1.14 to 1.61. When applying structural equation modeling, the effect of multigravidity on the risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate was 1.22 and the 95% confidence interval was 0.91 to 1.39.

Conclusions

Multigravid mothers (more than four gestations) showed no greater risk of bearing children who had cleft lip with or without cleft palate than mothers with two or three births. Therefore, the often observed and reported association between multigravidity and oral clefts likely reflects the effect of other risk factors related to low socioeconomic status in South American populations.
Long‐term monitoring of mammals in the face of biotic and abiotic influences at a semiarid site in north‐central Chile
Authors: Kelt D. A. , Meserve P. L. , Gutiérrez J. R. , Milstead W. Bryan , Previtali M. A.
Published: April 2013

The data set covers a 16‐year period (1989–2005) of monthly small‐mammal surveys and associated habitat and environmental data. Small mammals are trapped every month on all experimental plots, and both ephemeral and perennial plant cover and soil seed bank composition are measured at regular intervals. Rainfall is recorded and compiled annually (through 1998) or monthly; information on captured small mammals and on all vegetative and rainfall data is contained in associated files. These data have been applied to diverse population‐ and community‐level analyses and remain useful for investigations of population dynamics, species interactions, and the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Sampling is ongoing, and data will be added over time.