bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Detonation Performance of CHNOFCl and Aluminized Explosives
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Zamani Ahmad , Shafiee Mehdi
Published: May 2014

A new “hand‐calculated” method is introduced for prediction of detonation pressure of explosive and mixture of explosives with general formula CHNOFClAl. Suitable decomposition paths are used to estimate heat of detonation and detonation pressure. These decomposition paths are based on the distribution of oxygen atoms between carbon and hydrogen atoms as well as the degree of oxidation of aluminum. For CHNOFCl explosives, it is shown that the predicted detonation pressures with the new method are more reliable with respect to one of the best available empirical methods for loading densities greater than or equal 0.8 g cm−3. Since aluminized explosives have non‐ideal behavior, the new method does not require using full or partial oxidation of aluminum, which is usually required by a computer code. The predicted results of the new model also provide more reliable results than outputs of complex computer code with the BKWS equation of state.
A Method for the Synthesis of Tetranitroglycoluril from Imidazo‐[4,5‐d]‐imidazoles with Loss of Dinitrogen Oxide
Authors: Sherrill William M. , Johnson Eric C. , Banning Joseph E.
Published: May 2014

A new method for the preparation of tetranitroglycoluril (TNGU, Sorguyl) is described, in which imidazo‐[4,5‐d]‐imidazoles are nitrated with the elimination of N2O to generate TNGU. This method of TNGU synthesis results in material that is less sensitive than material produced with alternative routes. Additionally, a new spherical morphology of TNGU is disclosed. This morphology exhibits an even higher resistance to external insult even than material synthesized with the new method.
Kinetic parameters of Cd1‐x‐yMnxZnyTe alloys melting and crystallization processes
Authors: Kopach V. , Kopach O. , Fochuk P. , Shcherbak L. , Bolotnikov A. , James R. B.
Published: May 2014

The knowledge about parameters of melting and crystallization processes is required for controlled growth of ternary or quaternary single crystals from the melts. The differential thermal analysis method was used for investigation of the melting and crystallization kinetic parameters of Cd1‐x‐yMnxZnyTe alloys (x = 0.05–0.25, y = 0.05, 0.10). Two different ways of sample thermal processing allow us to study the supercooling‐superheating dependencies and the volume fraction of quasi‐solid phase (clusters) depending on the melt holding temperature and time. “Negative” supercooling of Cd1‐x‐yMnxZnyTe melts was observed when superheating of the melts don't exceed 20 K after their melting start. The su‐ percooling values of Cd1‐x‐yMnxZnyTe melts decreased with increasing x (i.e. Mn content). The change of the melts holding time from 10 to 60 min has no effect on the supercooling values. Volume fraction of Cd1‐x‐yMnxZnyTe alloys clusters existing in the melt decreased with the holding temperature increasing. Full homogenization occurred only after of Cd0.95‐xMnxZn0.05Te melts superheating higher than 1385 K, below this temperature melts exist in semiliquid state. The volume fraction of the quasi‐solid phase is smaller if the melt was heated at 10 K/min than after heating at 5 K/min to the same temperature. Melting temperature of Cd0.95‐xMnxZn0.05Te alloys decreased with Mn content increasing. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Annealing related changes in near‐edge absorption and structural properties of Al‐doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Schönau S. , Ruske F. , Neubert S. , Rech B.
Published: May 2014

In order to clarify the origin of the previously reported reduction of sub‐band gap absorption of sputtered ZnO:Al films upon thermal annealing and raising deposition temperature, structural characterization using Ra‐man spectroscopy was carried out on various films. Correlation of the Urbach energy to the FWHM of the E(high)2 mode was found. Oxygen addition to the film growth did not result in changes of the Urbach energy, despite pronounced changes of the electrical properties. The results suggest that extended defects, rather than intrinsic point defects, give rise to the sub‐band gap absorption. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of iron on the dielectric properties of silicate glasses prepared by sol‐gel
Authors: Salehizadeh S. A. , Graça M. P. F. , Valente M. A.
Published: May 2014

The sol‐gel method is a very flexible route for producing sieving matrix such as SiO2 with pore radii in nanoscale region to embed oxide particles like Fe2O3. In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in a SiO2 glassy matrix prepared by the sol‐gel method have been investigated as a function of Fe/Si ratio. Different composition of dried gels with 1, 2, 10 and 20 mol% of Fe2O3 in the SiO2 matrix were heat‐treated (HT) in air, at temperatures from 400 ºC up to 1400 °C. The structure and morphology of the obtained glasses and glass‐ceramics were studied by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Impedance spectroscopy measurements and magnetic characterization were performed as function of temperature and the results are related with the microstructure. The X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that increasing the amount of Fe2O3 oxide promotes the formation of crystalline phases, in particular silicate phases. The increase of the heat‐treatment temperature has a similar behavior. The electrical and dielectric properties were related with these structural modifications and with the sample morphology. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of the Exactive Plus EMR for automated protein–ligand screening by non‐covalent mass spectrometry
Authors: Maple Hannah J. , Scheibner Olaf , Baumert Mark , Allen Mark , Taylor Richard J. , Garlish Rachel A. , Bromirski Maciej , Burnley Rebecca J.
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Non‐covalent mass spectrometry (MS) offers considerable potential for protein‐ligand screening in drug discovery programmes. However, there are some limitations with the time‐of‐flight (TOF) instrumentation typically employed that restrict the application of non‐covalent MS in industrial laboratories.

METHODS

An Exactive Plus EMR mass spectrometer was investigated for its ability to characterise non‐covalent protein–small molecule interactions. Nano‐electrospray ionisation (nanoESI) infusion was achieved with a TriVersa NanoMate. The transport multipole and ion lens voltages, dissociation energies and pressure in the Orbitrap™ were optimised. Native MS was performed, with ligand titrations to judge retention of protein‐ligand interactions, serial dilutions of native proteins as an indication of sensitivity, and a heterogeneous protein analysed for spectral resolution.

RESULTS

Interactions between native proteins and ligands are preserved during analysis on the Exactive Plus EMR, with the binding affinities determined in good agreement with expected values. High spectral resolution allows baseline separation of adduct ions, which should improve the accuracy and limit of detection for measuring ligand interactions. Data are also presented showing baseline resolution of glycoforms of a highly glycosylated protein, allowing binding of a fragment molecule to be detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The high sensitivity and spectral resolution achievable with the Orbitrap technology confer significant advantages over TOF mass spectrometers, and offer a solution to current limitations regarding throughput, data analysis and sample requirements. A further benefit of improved spectral resolution is the possibility of using heterogeneous protein samples such as glycoproteins for fragment screening. This would significantly expand the scope of applicability of non‐covalent MS in the pharmaceutical and other industries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced signal intensity in matrix‐free laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry by chemical modification of bionanostructures from diatom cell walls
Authors: Jaschinski Tino , Thume Kathleen , Klein Moritz , Richter Phillipp , Popp Jürgen , Svatoš Aleš , Pohnert Georg
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Laser desorption ionization for mass spectrometric measurements (LDI MS) is supported by nanostructured materials. This technique helps to overcome known limitations of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and especially avoids interfering signals caused by matrix components. LDI can be supported by bionanostructures from the cell walls of diatoms. We explore how ionization efficiency can be improved by chemical modification of the cell walls.

METHODS

We introduce procedures to chemically modify these nanopatterned silicate structures using perfluorooctyldimethylchlorosilane or pentafluorophenylpropyldimethylchlorosilane. Using a conventional MALDI‐MS instrument we compare ionization using the novel materials with that of unmodified cell walls. The functionalized bionanomaterial is comprehensively evaluated for the use in LDI MS using a broad range of analytes and two commercial drugs.

RESULTS

Chemical modifications lead to materials that support LDI significantly better than unmodified diatom cell walls. LDI signal intensity was up to 25‐fold increased using the modified preparations. No interfering signals in the lower molecular weight range down to m/z 100 were observed, demonstrating the suitability of the method for small analytes. Crude solutions of commercial drugs, such as Aspirin complex® and IbuHEXAL® could be directly investigated without additional sample preparation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemically modified diatom cell walls represent a powerful tool to support ionization in LDI MS. The lack of background signals in the low molecular weight region of the mass spectra allows also the investigations of small analytes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new certificateless signature scheme under enhanced security models
Authors: Kim Kee Sung , Jeong Ik Rae
Published: May 2014

In identity‐based signatures, the key generation center (KGC) always knows user private key, and thus, it can always impersonate the user. Certificateless signatures were introduced by Al‐Riyami and Paterson to solve this key escrow problem of identity‐based signatures in 2003. In certificateless signatures, the private key is determined by neither the user nor the KGC. In 2007, Huang et al. revisited the security models of certificateless signatures. They divided potential adversaries according to their attack power into normal, strong and super adversaries. On the other hand, Au et al. introduced a new attack called malicious‐but‐passive KGC attack in the same year. In the new attack, KGC that holds the master secret key is assumed malicious at the very beginning of the setup phase of the system. The previous schemes that can be proven secure against malicious‐but‐passive KGC attack provided only the security against strong adversaries. In this paper, we construct the first certificateless signature scheme that can be proven secure against malicious‐but‐passive KGC attack of super adversaries. Moreover, our scheme is still secure when the adversary is allowed to obtain valid signatures on the target identity and message. Our construction is based on the hard lattice problems in the random oracle model.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Candida glabrata: a deadly companion?
Authors: Bolotin‐Fukuhara Monique , Fairhead Cécile
Published: May 2014

The yeast Candida glabrata has become a major fungal opportunistic pathogen of humans since the 1980s. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is much closer, phylogenetically, to the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae than to the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans. Its similarity to S. cerevisiae fortunately extends to their amenability to molecular genetics methods. C. glabrata is now described as part of the Nakaseomyces clade, which includes two new pathogens and other environmental species. C. glabrata is likely a commensal species of the human digestive tract, but systemic infections of immunocompromised patients are often fatal. In addition to being the subject of active medical research, other studies on C. glabrata focus on fundamental aspects of evolution of yeast genomes and adaptation. For example, the genome of C. glabrata has undergone major gene and intron loss compared to S. cerevisiae. It is also an apparently asexual species, a feature that inevitably leads to questions about the species' evolutionary past, present and future. On‐going research with this yeast continues to address various aspects of adaptation to the human host and mechanisms of evolution in the Saccharomycetaceae, major model organisms for biology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A change of government and the future of EU-Georgia relations
Authors: Samadashvili Salome
Published: May 2014

The decade of the Rose Revolution in Georgia has ended with the defeat of the United National Movement (UNM) in the parliamentary and presidential elections of 2012 and 2013. With this, Georgia has gone through the first peaceful transfer of power as the result of democratic elections in its political history. As Georgia is about to sign Association and Free Trade Agreements with the EU, further consolidation of its democracy will be a decisive factor in making Georgia's European future irreversible. Following the change of government, the country has entered a new and important stage in the development of a modern democratic state. With this in mind, this article will review some of the challenges facing Georgia's democracy and identify the potential threats they pose to the future of EU-Georgia relations.
A newly discovered wildlife migration in Namibia and Botswana is the longest in Africa
Authors: Naidoo R. , Chase M. J. , Beytell P. , Du Preez P. , Landen K. , Stuart-Hill G. , Taylor R.
Published: May 2014

Migrations of most animal taxa are declining as a result of anthropogenic pressures and land-use transformation. Here, we document and characterize a previously unknown multi-country migration of Burchell's zebraEquus quaggathat is the longest of all recorded large mammal migrations in Africa. Our data from eight adult female zebras collared on the border of Namibia and Botswana show that in December 2012 all individuals crossed the Chobe River and moved due south to Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, where they spent a mean duration of 10 weeks before returning, less directly, to their dry season floodplain habitat. The same southward movements were also observed in December 2013. Nxai Pan appeared to have similar environmental conditions to several possible alternative wet season destinations that were closer to the dry season habitat on the Chobe River, and water availability, but not habitat or vegetation biomass, was associated with higher-use areas along the migratory pathway. These results suggest a genetic and/or cultural basis for the choice of migration destination, rather than an environmental one. Regardless of the cause, the round-trip, straight-line migration distance of 500 km is greater than that covered by wildebeestConnochaetes taurinusduring their well-known seasonal journey in the Serengeti ecosystem. It merits conservation attention, given the decline of large-scale ecological processes such as animal migrations.
Urban consumers' attitudes towards locally grown produce
Authors: Lockeretz William
Published: May 2014

In areas where farmland is under heavy development pressure but where farms are too small to compete in major marketing channels with larger farms in other regions, producers must use channels that capitalize on their proximity to consumers. This advantage is greatest for fresh fruits and vegetables, provided farmers understand their urban customers' purchasing preferences. This study interviewed more than 600 customers at farmers' markets and supermarkets in six urban and suburban communities in eastern Massachusetts and at agricultural fairs. Respondents were asked about their reasons for purchasing fruits and vegetables at various sites, about their preferences, if any, for produce grown locally, and about changes that might cause them to purchase more local produce. The results suggest that for local origin to be taken into account by consumers, the produce should be sold in a locally oriented environment, e.g., a farmers' market. Although the particular supermarkets in this study featured locally grown produce in their advertising, this seems to have had little effect on consumers' buying. Conversely, consumers' highly favorable opinion of farmers' markets involved several factors besides the localness of the produce in a purely geographic sense. These included the pleasant environment, the (presumed) short time since the produce was picked, and the opportunity to purchase directly from the producer in a face-to-face transaction.
An electro-coalescence chip for effective emulsion breaking in droplet microfluidics
Authors: Chokkalingam Venkatachalam , Ma Yujie , Thiele Julian , Schalk Werner , Tel Jurjen , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: May 2014

This paper describes an electro-demulsification chip for extracting cells and polymer particles into an aqueous phase from microfluidic water-in-oil emulsions.
Rapidly improved determination of metabolites from biological data sets using the high-efficient TransOmics tool
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Zhou Xiaohang , Zhao Hongwei , Guan Yu , Zhou Shiyu , Yan Guang-li , Ma Zhonghua , Liu Qi , Wang Xijun
Published: May 2014

Detailed analysis workflow of TransOmics informatics for metabolomics data from large biological data sets.
Synthesis of TiO2 nanosheets via an exfoliation route assisted by a surfactant
Authors: Leng Mei , Chen Yu , Xue Junmin
Published: May 2014

TiO2 2D nanosheets were synthesized from TiO2 nanoparticles by a surfactant-assisted exfoliation method.
Asymmetric half-cone/nanohole array films with structural and directional reshaping of extraordinary optical transmission
Authors: Ai Bin , Wang Limin , Möhwald Helmuth , Yu Ye , Zhang Gang
Published: May 2014

Asymmetric half-cone/nanohole array films fabricated by a simple colloidal lithography method show strong polarization and asymmetric angle-dependent transmission.
New prospects for the synthesis of N-alkyl phosphonate/phosphonic acid-bearing oligo-chitosan
Authors: Illy N. , Couture G. , Auvergne R. , Caillol S. , David G. , Boutevin B.
Published: May 2014

Water-soluble oligo-chitosan were functionalized with N-alkyl phosphonate/phosphonic acid groups via Kabachnik-Fields and epoxy-amine reactions.
A water-soluble metallophthalocyanine derivative as a cathode interlayer for highly efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Sun Shuheng , Chen Youchun , Gao Yajun , Ai Lin , Jia Tao , Li Fenghong , Wang Yue
Published: May 2014

A novel organic small molecule water-soluble poly-N-alkylpyridine substitued metallophthalocyanine derivative VOPc(OPyCH3I)8, namely 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis-[N-methyl-(3-pyridyloxy)] vanadylphthalocyanine iodide (1 : 8), was synthesized and applied in polymer solar cells (PSCs).
Is non-buffered DMEM solution a suitable medium for in vitro bioactivity tests?
Authors: Rohanová Dana , Boccaccini Aldo Roberto , Horkavcová Diana , Bozděchová Pavlína , Bezdička Petr , Častorálová Markéta
Published: May 2014

For decades the bioactivity of materials has been tested in laboratories by means of in vitro tests under standard ISO 23317 in a Tris-buffered simulated body fluid solution (SBF).
Large area uniform deposition of silver nanoparticles through bio-inspired polydopamine coating on silicon nanowire arrays for practical SERS applications
Authors: Akin Merve Selen , Yilmaz Mehmet , Babur Esra , Ozdemir Betul , Erdogan Hakan , Tamer Ugur , Demirel Gokhan
Published: May 2014

Bio-inspired polydopamine coating has been demonstrated to control the size and density of silver nanoparticles on 3-D SiNW arrays for practical SERS applications.
Taxonomic revision of buchanosteoid placoderms (Arthrodira) from the Early Devonian of south-eastern Australia and Arctic Russia
Authors: Long J. A. , Mark-Kurik E. , Young G. C.
Published: May 2014

The ‘buchanosteid’ placoderms are best known from the Early Devonian of Australia, but also occur in China, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Here we rediagnose the type species Buchanosteus confertituberculatus (Hills 1936) from the type locality at Buchan, Victoria, in the light of new material of both head and trunk shields. The superfamily Buchanosteoidea Denison, 1978 is redefined to unite taxa that share a similar skull roof with separate rostro-pineal (ethmoid) bone, and postethmoid skull pattern characterised by a large trapezoidal nuchal, strap-like short and broad preorbitals, large subrectangular centrals, small postorbitals not contacting the paranuchals, and large, elongate marginal plates. The Family Buchanosteidae is redefined on skull roof and parasphenoid shape and trunk armour features as a monotypic family within the Buchanosteoidea. A new family (Parabuchanosteidae nov.) includes taxa with the posterior lateral plate overlapping the anterior dorsolateral plate externally. Two new buchanosteids are described, Richardosteus barwickorum gen. et sp. nov., from Burrinjuck, south-eastern Australia, and Urvaspis lithuanica gen. et sp. nov., from Severnaya Zemlya, Russia.
Organellophagy: Eliminating cellular building blocks via selective autophagy
Authors: Okamoto Koji
Published: May 2014

Maintenance of organellar quality and quantity is critical for cellular homeostasis and adaptation to variable environments. Emerging evidence demonstrates that this kind of control is achieved by selective elimination of organelles via autophagy, termed organellophagy. Organellophagy consists of three key steps: induction, cargo tagging, and sequestration, which involve signaling pathways, organellar landmark molecules, and core autophagy-related proteins, respectively. In addition, posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination play important roles in recruiting and tailoring the autophagy machinery to each organelle. The basic principles underlying organellophagy are conserved from yeast to mammals, highlighting its biological relevance in eukaryotic cells.
Interactions between permeation and gating in the TMEM16B/anoctamin2 calcium-activated chloride channel
Authors: Betto Giulia , Cherian O. Lijo , Pifferi Simone , Cenedese Valentina , Boccaccio Anna , Menini Anna
Published: May 2014

At least two members of the TMEM16/anoctamin family, TMEM16A (also known as anoctamin1) and TMEM16B (also known as anoctamin2), encode Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs), which are found in various cell types and mediate numerous physiological functions. Here, we used whole-cell and excised inside-out patch-clamp to investigate the relationship between anion permeation and gating, two processes typically viewed as independent, in TMEM16B expressed in HEK 293T cells. The permeability ratio sequence determined by substituting Cl− with other anions (PX/PCl) was SCN− > I− > NO3− > Br− > Cl− > F− > gluconate. When external Cl− was substituted with other anions, TMEM16B activation and deactivation kinetics at 0.5 µM Ca2+ were modified according to the sequence of permeability ratios, with anions more permeant than Cl− slowing both activation and deactivation and anions less permeant than Cl− accelerating them. Moreover, replacement of external Cl− with gluconate, or sucrose, shifted the voltage dependence of steady-state activation (G-V relation) to more positive potentials, whereas substitution of extracellular or intracellular Cl− with SCN− shifted G-V to more negative potentials. Dose–response relationships for Ca2+ in the presence of different extracellular anions indicated that the apparent affinity for Ca2+ at +100 mV increased with increasing permeability ratio. The apparent affinity for Ca2+ in the presence of intracellular SCN− also increased compared with that in Cl−. Our results provide the first evidence that TMEM16B gating is modulated by permeant anions and provide the basis for future studies aimed at identifying the molecular determinants of TMEM16B ion selectivity and gating.
Conversation therapy for aphasia: a qualitative review of the literature
Authors: Simmons‐Mackie Nina , Savage Meghan C. , Worrall Linda
Published: May 2014

Background

A diverse literature addresses elements of conversation therapy in aphasia including intervention rooted in conversation analysis, partner training, group therapy and behavioural intervention. Currently there is no resource for clinicians or researchers that defines and organizes this information into a coherent synopsis describing various conversation therapy practices.

Aims

To organize information from varied sources into a descriptive overview of conversation therapy for aphasia.

Methods & Procedures

Academic search engines were employed to identify research articles published between 1950 and September 2013 reporting on conversation therapy for aphasia. Thirty articles met criteria for review and were identified as primary sources for the qualitative review. Using qualitative methodology, relevant data were extracted from articles and categories were identified to create a descriptive taxonomy of conversation therapy for aphasia.

Main Contribution

Conversation interventions were divided into descriptive categories including: treatment participants (person with aphasia, partner, dyad), primary guiding orientation (conversation analysis, social model, behavioural, relationship centred), service delivery (individual, group), focus of intervention (generic/individualized; problem/solution oriented; compensatory), training methods (explicit/implicit; external/embedded), activities or tasks, and outcomes measured. Finally, articles were categorized by research design. There was marked variation in conversation therapy approaches and outcome measures reported and a notable gap in information about one‐on‐one conversation therapy for individuals with aphasia.

Conclusions & Implications

This review provides a description of various conversation therapy approaches and identified gaps in the existing literature. Valid measures of natural conversation, research on one‐on‐one conversation approaches for individuals with aphasia, and a systematic body of evidence consisting of high quality research are needed.
Investigation of the ability of dairy nonstarter lactic acid bacteria to grow using cell lysates of other lactic acid bacteria as the exclusive source of nutrients
Authors: Sgarbi Elisa , Bottari Benedetta , Gatti Monica , Neviani Erasmo
Published: May 2014

A new device named a cell sonicated substrate membrane system (CSSMS), consisting of a tissue culture insert that supplies nutrients, in the form of starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB) lysate extract, through a polycarbonate membrane which isolates it from the nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) inoculum and serves as a support for bacterial growth, was developed. The CSSMS was used to demonstrate that the Lactobacillus helveticus SLAB lysate provides sufficient nutrients to allow the growth of L. casei and L. rhamnosus NSLAB in vitro. The results support the hypothesis that NSLAB could grow in aged cheese using only SLAB cell lysate as nutrients.
Leader–member exchange and strain: a study of job demands and role status
Authors: Hesselgreaves Hannah , Scholarios Dora
Published: May 2014

High‐quality supervisor–subordinate relationships, measured as leader–member exchange (LMX), can either reduce or intensify subordinates' job strain. We examined LMX effects on job demands and strain in junior and senior role nursing dyads in a sample of five UK hospitals. LMX reduced job demands and strain for junior subordinates, but for senior subordinates both low‐ and high‐quality LMX lead to greater strain, indicating a curvilinear relationship between LMX and strain. We found no buffering effect of LMX between job demands and strain. The article discusses the role of supervisors in controlling potential job stressors for employees and implications for stress management in large, complex workplaces.
The Year 2013 in Sociocultural Anthropology: Cultures of Circulation and Anthropological Facts
Authors: Carse Ashley
Published: May 2014

In this review essay, I explore the relationship between cultures of circulation and anthropological facts. Research published in 2013 advanced the field by attending to the coproduction of globally circulating things (commodities, race, brands, authenticity, blood) and specific cultural landscapes. Building on the field's renewed interest in materiality, scholars showed how anthropological facts are produced at the intersection of interlocking cultural classification systems and a world that is heterogeneous and dynamic. Moving beyond the notion that shared meanings and categories are attached to or layered on people and things, this approach conceptualized such relations recursively. Scholars suggested that race—as an anthropological fact—becomes biological through social practice and, similarly, that cultural assumptions and political biases become environmental because they are embedded in our infrastructures and built landscapes. This approach permeates many of the articles reviewed and links the clusters into which I have grouped them: “Value and Incommensurability,” “Brands and Authenticity,” “Race and Blood,” and “Infrastructure and Citizenship.” I conclude by discussing the challenges and opportunities for a sociocultural anthropology that recognizes the transformative power of global connection while refusing to give up its long‐running pursuit of cultural wisdom and more humane social configurations.
Clinical and laboratory indices of severe renal lesions in children with febrile urinary tract infection
Authors: Koufadaki AM , Karavanaki KA , Soldatou A , Tsentidis Ch , Sourani MP , Sdogou T , Haliotis FA , Stefanidis CJ
Published: May 2014

Aim

To evaluate the predictive value of various clinical and laboratory parameters on the identification of acute extensive and/or multifocal renal involvement in children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTI).

Methods

The medical records of 148 children (median age: 2.4 months, range: 11 days–24 months), who were admitted during a 3‐year period with a first episode of febrile UTI, were analysed. Acute dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA), clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated.

Results

Seventy six children (51%) had abnormal findings on the acute DMSA. Of them, 20 had DMSA grade 2, while 56 had grade 3 and 4. Patients with a DMSA grade 3 and 4 were more likely to have shivering (OR 3.4), white blood count (WBC) ≥ 18 000/μL (OR 2.4), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 9300/μL (OR 4.4), C‐reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 50 mg/L (OR 2.7) and procalcitonin (PCT) ≥ 1.64 ng/mL (OR diagnostic). There was a significant difference of WBC (p = 0.004), ANC, CRP and PCT levels (p < 0.001) between children with normal and grade 2 aDMSA versus those with aDMSA grade 3 and 4.

Conclusions

Shivering and elevated inflammatory markers increase the risk of acute extensive and/or multifocal kidney involvement in children with febrile UTI. Procalcitonin seems to be an excellent marker of the severity of acute parenchymal involvement.
A nationwide register study of the characteristics, incidence and validity of diagnosed Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders
Authors: Leivonen Susanna , Voutilainen Arja , Hinkka‐Yli‐Salomäki Susanna , Timonen‐Soivio Laura , Chudal Roshan , Gissler Mika , Huttunen Jukka , Sourander Andre
Published: May 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and incidence rates of diagnosed tic disorders in the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register, including changing incidence rates between 1991 and 2010. We also aimed to validate the diagnoses of Tourette's syndrome recorded in the register.

Methods

Children born between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2010, who were diagnosed with tic disorders, were identified from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (n = 3003). We studied the validity of the Tourette's syndrome diagnoses by reviewing the medical charts of 88 children born since 1997 and carrying out telephone interviews with 55 of their guardians.

Results

The incidence rates of all diagnosed tic disorders increased during the study period. A comorbid diagnosis of hyperkinetic disorder diagnosis was recorded in 28.2% of the children with Tourette's syndrome, and the validity of the register‐based Tourette's syndrome diagnosis was approximately 95%.

Conclusion

This is the first nationwide study to demonstrate the increasing incidence of all register‐based tic disorder diagnoses. The validity of the Tourette's syndrome diagnoses in the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was good, and the data provided are suitable for use in further register‐based studies of tic disorders.
Prevalence of desexed cats in relation to age in a convenience sample of Western Australian cats
Authors: Johnson J , Calver MC
Published: May 2014

Background

Desexing percentages for pet cats in Australia are nearly 95%, but the high numbers of unwanted kittens surrendered to animal shelters suggest that many pet cats breed before the owners consider desexing, or that the mothers of many of these kittens are stray or feral.

Methods and Results

A convenience sample of Western Australian pet cats of known age presented for microchipping (584 in 2012 and 316 in 2013) found that younger cats were less likely to be desexed. In 2012, 93.2% of cats aged ≥2 years were desexed compared with 49.4% of cats <2 years old, with the data for 2013 being 97.4% and 28%, respectively.

Conclusion

If these results are reflected nationally, desexing of prepubescent cats up to 4 months old could significantly reduce the numbers of unwanted kittens born to pet cats.
Is Mycoplasma bovis a missing component of the bovine respiratory disease complex in Australia?
Authors: Horwood PF , Schibrowski ML , Fowler EV , Gibson JS , Barnes TS , Mahony TJ
Published: May 2014

Background

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a multi‐factorial disease in which numerous factors, such as animal management, pathogen exposure and environmental conditions, contribute to the development of acute respiratory illness in feedlot cattle. The role of specific pathogens in the development of BRDC has been difficult to define because of the complex nature of the disease and the presence of implicated bacterial pathogens in the upper respiratory tract of healthy animals. Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen of cattle and recognised as a major contributor to cases of mastitis, caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia, arthritis and otitis media. To date, the role of M. bovis in the development of BRDC of Australian feeder cattle has not been investigated.

Methods

In this review, the current literature pertaining to the role of M. bovis in BRDC is evaluated. In addition, preliminary data are presented that identify M. bovis as a potential contributor to BRDC in Australian feedlots, which has not been considered previously.

Results and Conclusion

The preliminary results demonstrate detection of M. bovis in samples from all feedlots studied. When considered in the context of the reviewed literature, they support the inclusion of M. bovis on the list of pathogens to be considered during investigations into BRDC in Australia.
Storage mite contamination of commercial dry dog food in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Hibberson CE , Vogelnest LJ
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate contamination of unopened and opened stored sources of commercial dry dog food by viable storage mites.

Design

Prospective laboratory and field study.

Material and methods

Samples were collected from nine brands of previously unopened bags (new bags) of dry food and 20 field sources of stored dry food in homes in Sydney and Canberra, Australia. All samples were initially examined for the presence of mites using a stereo‐binocular microscope and then placed in separate filter‐paper‐sealed containers. Field samples were incubated at an average temperature of 29°C and 78% relative humidity (RH) for 5 weeks and then at average 26°C/83% RH for 8 weeks. Paired new‐bag samples were stored under room conditions (average 23°C/47% RH) and controlled incubator conditions (average 26°C/80% RH) for 6 weeks. All samples were thoroughly examined for mites, mite eggs and visible mould once weekly using a stereo‐binocular microscope.

Results

Storage mites were not visualised in any of the field samples or in new‐bag samples stored at room temperature. Storage mites, identified as Tyrophagus putrescentiae, were visualised in increasing numbers in seven of nine new‐bag samples after incubation, with first mites and then eggs evident after 3 weeks of incubation.

Conclusions

We confirmed the presence of viable storage mites in a range of previously unopened commercial dry dog foods in Australia and confirmed the possibility of heavy storage mite contamination for dry food stored under conditions of moderate temperature and high humidity. These findings have relevance to storage mite and/or dust mite sensitivity in canine atopic dermatitis.
[3H]‐L685,458 Binding Sites are Abundant in Multiple Peripheral Organs in Rats: Implications for Safety Assessment of Putative γ‐Secretase Targeting Drugs
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Ying , Li Jian‐Ming , Xiao Ling , Mou Lin , Cai Yan , Huang He , Luo Xue‐Gang , Yan Xiao‐Xin
Published: May 2014

γ‐Secretase is a multimeric enzyme complex that carries out proteolytic processing to a variety of cellular proteins. It is currently explored as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer. Mechanism‐based toxicity needs to be thoroughly evaluated for γ‐secretase inhibitory and/or modulatory drugs. This study comparatively assessed putative γ‐secretase catalytic sites in rat peripheral tissues relative to brain and explored an effort of its pharmacological inhibition on hair regeneration. Using [3H]‐labelled L685,458, a potent γ‐secretase inhibitor, as probe, we found more abundant presence of γ‐secretase binding sites in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, hair follicle, pituitary gland, ovary and testis, as compared to the brain. Local application of L658,458 delayed vibrissal regrowth following whisker removal. These results suggest that γ‐secretase may execute important biological functions in many peripheral systems, as in the brain. The development of γ‐secretase inhibitors/modulators for AD and cancer therapy should include close monitoring of toxicological panels for hepatic, gastrointestinal, endocrinal and reproductive functions.
The spleen and sickle cell disease: the sick(led) spleen
Authors: Brousse Valentine , Buffet Pierre , Rees David
Published: May 2014

The spleen has a combined function of immune defence and quality control of senescent or altered red cells. It is the first organ injured in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) with evidence of hyposplenism present before 12 months in the majority of children. Repeated splenic vaso‐occlusion leads to fibrosis and progressive atrophy of the organ (autosplenectomy), which is generally complete by 5 years in SCA. The precise sequence of pathogenic events leading to hyposplenism is unknown. Splenic injury is generally silent and progressive. It can be clinically overt with acute splenic sequestration of red cells, an unpredictable and life‐threatening complication in infants. Splenomegaly, with or without hypersplenism, can also occur and can coexist with loss of function. Hyposplenism increases the susceptibility of SCA children to infection with encapsulated bacteria, which is notably reduced by penicillin prophylaxis and immunization. Whether hyposplenism indirectly increases the risk of vaso‐occlusion or other circulatory complications remains to be determined.
Long‐term efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique®) injection for Mitrofanoff leakage after continent urinary diversion surgery
Authors: Kass‐iliyya Antoine , Rashid Tina G. , Citron Isabella , Foley Charlotte , Hamid Rizwan , Greenwell Tamsin J. , Shah P. Julian R. , Ockrim Jeremy L.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the long‐term efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique®) injection (MPI) in the treatment of Mitrofanoff leakage secondary to valve incompetence.

Patients and Methods

Between 1995 and 2012, the records of 24 consecutive patients who underwent MPI for Mitrofanoff urinary leakage after continent cutaneous urinary diversion (CCUD) surgery were examined. All patients had a valve deemed of sufficient length (>2 cm) to attempt Macroplastique coaptation. Treatment outcomes were divided into three categories based on physician assessment: success (dry), partial success (>50% reduction in incontinence pads) and failure. Success rates were assessed according to the type of reservoir and conduit channel.

Results

The mean (range) follow‐up was 30 (6–96) months. One patient had initial difficulty catheterising, and subsequently required major revision surgery. In all, 12 patients (50%) failed the treatment and subsequently underwent operative revision to the channel. Three patients (12.5%) achieved complete success; one patient had an appendix channel through native bladder and the remaining two had Monti channels through colon. Nine patients (37.5%) had partial success; success rates were higher with appendix channels (four of six) and colonic reservoirs (six of seven) when compared with Monti channels (eight of 18, 44%) and ileal reservoirs (zero of two). Five of the nine patients with partial success eventually required further surgical revision for deteriorating continence at a mean (range) of 41 (14–96) months, whilst the other four have maintained sufficient continence with MPI alone.

Conclusion

Macroplastique bulking cured only 12.5% patients, but leakage was substantially improved in a further 37.5% allowing major surgery to be avoided or postponed in one half of the cohort. Appendix Mitrofanoffs do better than the Monti Mitrofanoff, with channels through colonic segments generally doing better than those through ileal bladders. MPI should be considered as a less invasive alternative to avoid or delay major reconstructive surgery.
The story of the PPO queen: the development and acceptance of a spoiled identity in child protection social work
Authors: Leigh Jadwiga
Published: May 2014

The efficacy of child protection social work is regularly being questioned in the media as vociferous critics deride the profession for the apparent failings of its practitioners. This paper aims to examine the impact this hostility can have on practice and the relationship practitioners develop with their organization and subsequently the families they work with. By using autoethnography, a personal experience I encountered whilst working as a statutory social worker for an Emergency Duty Team will be explored in detail in order to analyse how discursive regimes can endorse and encourage particular ways of thinking and doing for social workers. I also intend to demonstrate that when workers operate in a risk averse environment, oppressive practices can develop subconsciously. These not only affect professionals’ values and assumptions but also fortify distance between the social worker and the client. If social work is to facilitate positive change in the current climate of uncertainty, then it is hoped that this story may enable both practitioners, and their critics, to recognize that being open to different forms of knowledge could lead to better outcomes for all involved.
An assessment of Canadian systems for triaging referred out genetic testing
Authors: Christian S. , Blumenschein P. , Lilley M.
Published: May 2014

The field of genetics is evolving rapidly, significantly expanding the number of clinically useful genetic tests. The cost of genetic testing has created an increasing burden on public health care budgets. In Canada, funding bodies have responded by developing independent systems. Key individuals in each province and territory participated in a semi‐structured interview regarding the process in their jurisdiction to approve funding for referred out genetic testing and their decision‐making criteria. Two themes were identified: the importance of clinical utility in decision‐making and the utilization of genetic specialists as gate keepers. Allocation of a specific budget appears to be associated with some fiscal responsibility. Collaboration between provincial and territorial bodies may lead to a more unified approach across Canada.
Single implant‐supported crowns in the aesthetic zone: patient satisfaction with aesthetic appearance compared with appraisals by laypeople and dentists
Authors: Fava Joseph , Lin Mark , Zahran Mohammed , Jokstad Asbjorn
Published: May 2014

Objective

To appraise the patients’ satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes following an implant restoration in the anterior maxilla as compared to appraisals made by dentists and laypeople.

Material and methods

Randomly selected patients (n = 116) restored with an implant‐retained crown in the anterior maxilla were invited to rate their satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes using a questionnaire containing seven criteria, each graded from excellent to poor. Projected images of the patient smiles were appraised by dentists (n = 8) and laypeople (n = 6) using the same assessment criteria in a room setting. In addition, the laypeople judged the same cases on printed 10 × 15 cm photographs in a separate setting. Jemt papilla scores, pink aesthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES) were assigned by the dentists. Differences in the levels of satisfaction between the patient, and appraisals by the dentists and the laypeople were compared using non‐parametric statistical tests.

Results

Patients’ opinions of their aesthetic appearance following the placement of a single implant‐supported crown in the aesthetic zone were in general very favourable. The laypeople were more critical than the dentists when the aesthetic outcomes were appraised on magnified images projected onto a screen. Laypeople became less critical when evaluating the aesthetic outcomes on printed photographs compared to appraisals on a screen. Patient satisfaction with their aesthetic appearance differed from dentists’ and laypeople's appraisals.

Conclusion

Factors other than the actual aesthetic outcome itself appear to influence patients’ satisfaction with their end results. Laypeople's appraisal is influenced by the magnification and method used for appraising the aesthetic outcomes.
Changes in circulating cytokines and markers of muscle damage in elite cyclists during a multi‐stage competition
Authors: Córdova Martínez Alfredo , Martorell Pons Miquel , Sureda Gomila Antoni , Tur Marí Josep A. , Pons Biescas Antoni
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the basal and post‐exercise plasma markers of muscular damage, lipid peroxidation and cytokines in eight male well‐trained semiprofessional cyclists, in response to a three consecutive‐day cycling competition. Serum markers of oxidative and muscular damage – creatine kinase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity, myoglobin and malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine and nitrite levels – followed a sawtooth‐type representation throughout the competition. MDA showed an accumulative pattern, evidenced in the post‐race values of the third stage which were significantly higher with respect to the values of the first stage. Cortisol levels were significantly influenced by an interaction between the exercise and the stage factors, with higher values on the 4th day. Plasma cytokine levels were only determined before the first stage and post‐race, after the third stage. The exercise increased TNFα, IL6, IL2 and IFNγ levels, whereas IL1β was unchanged. In conclusion, cyclist stages induced oxidative and cellular muscle damage which is partially recovered to basal values by the next morning. Repetitive stages during the cycling competition accumulated plasma muscular damage and lipid peroxidation markers and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, probably as a result of local inflammatory responses.