bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Access to Food a Public Good? Meat Provisioning in Early New York City, 1790–1820
Authors: Baics Gergely
Published: May 2012

Taking New York as a case study, this article examines how well Early Republican city dwellers were provisioned with meat. It asks how the availability of supplies, and their distribution through a tightly regulated network of municipal marketplaces, affected the living standards of urban residents. The discussion centers on quantity, distribution, and quality. First, new meat consumption estimates document that New Yorkers enjoyed abundant meat supplies by any historical comparison. Second, geographic information system (GIS) analysis shows that the municipal market system fulfilled its mandate to distribute the city’s plentiful meat and other fresh food supplies to residents of all neighborhoods. And third, this article argues that the public market system played a central role in enforcing quality while also promoting egalitarian principles in citizens’ access to food. Overall, New Yorkers were well provisioned with meat not only thanks to sufficiently expanding supplies but also because they relied on a well-run municipal infrastructure of provisioning.
Talent research and teacher training for gifted education
Authors: Dávid Imre , Balogh László
Published: May 2012

The objective of our article is to give an outline of the work carried out in assisting gifted individuals at the University of Debrecen. We also give an account of the historical background of our institute, including the relationship between our doctoral programme and gifted education; in addition, we run a teacher training programme that awards a specialist degree in gifted education. The second section contains the description of a research project that focused on a multi-aspect psychological examination of teachers working with gifted high school students.
Development of a Short-Form Learning Organization Survey
Authors: Singer Sara J. , Moore Scott C. , Meterko Mark , Williams Sandra
Published: May 2012

Despite urgent need for innovation, adaptation, and change in health care, few tools enable researchers or practitioners to assess the extent to which health care facilities perform as learning organizations or the effects of initiatives that require learning. This study’s objective was to develop and test a short-form Learning Organization Survey to fill this gap. The authors applied exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to data from Veterans Health Administration personnel to derive a short-form survey and then conducted further confirmatory factor analysis and factor invariance testing on additional Veterans Health Administration data to evaluate the short form. Results suggest that a 27-item, 7-factor survey (2 environmental factors, 1 on leadership, and 4 on concrete learning processes and practices) reliably measures key features of organizational learning, allowing researchers to evaluate theoretical propositions about organizational learning, its antecedents, and outcomes and enabling managers to assess and enhance organizations’ learning capabilities and performance.
Analysis of sandwich plates: A three-dimensional assumed stress hybrid finite element
Authors: Darılmaz Kutlu
Published: May 2012

An eight-node assumed stress solid element with rotational degrees of freedom is employed for analyses of sandwich plates consisting of stiff face and a comparatively flexible core material with the aim to accurately and efficiently capture stresses. The element formulation is based directly on an eight-node element. This direct formulation requires fewer computations than a similar element that is derived from an internal 20-node element in which the midside degrees of freedom are eliminated by expressing them in terms of displacements and rotations at corner nodes. The formulation is based on Hellinger-Reissner variational principle. Numerical examples are presented to show the validity and efficiency of the present element.
Electrochemical reaction of riboflavin at carbon nanotubes/Ni composite modified electrode fabricated by composite electrodeposition of carbon-nanotubes and Ni matrix
Authors: Yuan Yang , Wang Liting , Wang Yan , Cui Xuemei , Wang Hong , Ding Guifu
Published: May 2012

The paper focuses on the electrochemical behavior of riboflavin (vitamin B2) at carbon nanotubes/Ni composite modified electrode fabricated by composite electrodeposition of carbon nanotubes and Ni matrix. Cyclic voltammetry is used to compare the electrocatalysis activity of the carbon nanotubes/Ni composite modified electrode and the conventional carbon nanotubes modified electrode. The carbon nanotubes/Ni composite modified electrode exhibits a marked enhancement of the current response and a reduction of the voltage peak difference. The oxidation–reduction reactions for different pHs and different riboflavin concentrations are discussed. In phosphate buffer solution, there is a good linear relationship between oxidation and reduction peak current and riboflavin concentration in the range from 10−4 to 10−6 mol/L with a detection limit of 3.5 × 10−7 mol/L. After 50 CV cycles in riboflavin, the relative standard deviation is only 4.71% for the voltage peak, which indicates that the carbon nanotubes/Ni composite modified electrode has a good, reproducible and stable surface.
Evaluation of the cleaning efficiency of microfibre cloths processed via an ozonated laundry system
Authors: Humphreys PN , Hook J , Rout S
Published: May 2012

The use of microfibre cloths for environmental cleaning has become ubiquitous in healthcare environments. However, there are issues with the re-use of microfibre cloths associated with their sterilisation and continued cleaning performance. Ozone-based laundry systems potentially provide an efficient route for the recycling of microfibre cloths; however it is necessary to demonstrate that this technology does not degrade their cleaning efficiency. The impact of an ozone-based laundry system on the cleaning efficiency of microfibre cloths was evaluated using a simulated wiping protocol. Two different types of microfibre cloth were investigated with no significant difference ( p>0.05) in the cleaning efficiency of either type being found over one, 150 and 350 wash cycles. The cleaning performance of ozone treated cloths was also not significantly different from that of conventionally laundered (250 cycles) cloths.
Responding to Gender-Based Rejection
Authors: Cihangir Sezgin , Scheepers Daan , Barreto Manuela , Ellemers Naomi
Published: May 2012

We examined whether women ( N = 87) who are exposed to blatant discrimination show different responses depending on whether they are rejected with reference to positively (“this is something for men”) or negatively (“this is nothing for women”) phrased intergroup differentiation. Based on current insights on responses to discrimination, we predicted and found that those who are exposed to negative differentiation will tend to object to those who rejected them, while positive differentiation is more likely to induce efforts to disprove the validity of the rejection. Female participants facing negative differentiation objected against the discriminatory nature of their rejection and showed cardiovascular reactivity more indicative of threat (and less of challenge) than participants in the positive differentiation condition. In addition, positive differentiation caused participants to disprove the validity of these group-based expectations by claiming the possession of relatively more masculine (and less feminine) traits.
Ex Appeal
Authors: Spielmann Stephanie S. , Joel Samantha , MacDonald Geoff , Kogan Aleksandr
Published: May 2012

Relationship research typically treats feelings about current romantic partners as independent of any lingering attachment to past partners. In contrast, the current study tests for an inverse association between current relationship quality and attachment to ex-partners. A longitudinal study followed individuals in relationships at three points over the course of 6 months. Participants reported their current relationship quality, emotional attachment to ex-partners, and perceived quality of relationship alternatives. Longitudinal declines in relationship quality predicted increased longing for ex-partners, above and beyond attention to relationship alternatives more generally. On the other hand, increased longing for ex-partners over time predicted decreased relationship quality, but only among those considering recent ex-partners. These findings suggest that ex-partners may be used in a substitution process to bolster belongingness needs when relationships sour and that resolving feelings for one’s most recent ex may be important for maximizing a new relationship’s potential.
Crystal structures of protease nexin-1 in complex with heparin and thrombin suggest a 2-step recognition mechanism
Authors: Li Wei , Huntington James A.
Published: May 2012

Protease nexin-1 (PN1) is a specific and extremely efficient inhibitor of thrombin. However, unlike other thrombin inhibitors belonging to the serpin family, PN1 is not synthesized in the liver and does not circulate in the blood. Rather, PN1 is expressed by multiple cell types, including macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and platelets, and it is on the surface of these cells, bound to glycosaminoglycans, that PN1 inhibits the signaling functions of thrombin. PN1 sets the threshold for thrombin-induced platelet activation and has been implicated in atherosclerosis. However, in spite of the emerging importance of PN1 in thrombosis and atherosclerosis, little is know about how it associates to cells and how it inhibits thrombin at rates that surpass the diffusion limit. To address these issues, we determined the crystal structures of PN1 in complex with heparin, and in complex with catalytically inert thrombin. The crystal structures suggest a unique 2-step mechanism of thrombin recognition involving rapid electrostatics-driven association to form an initial glycosaminoglycan-bridged complex, followed by a large conformational rearrangement to form the productive Michaelis complex.
Directed migration of mouse macrophages in vitro involves myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein
Authors: Green Teresa D , Park Joungjoa , Yin Qi , Fang Shijing , Crews Anne L , Jones Samuel L , Adler Kenneth B
Published: May 2012

MARCKS is involved in directed migration of macrophages via a process involving its phosphorylation, cytoplasmic translocation, and interaction with actin.

A role for MARCKS protein in directed migration of macrophages toward a chemoattractant was investigated. A peptide identical to the N-terminus of MARCKS (the MANS peptide), shown previously to inhibit the function of MARCKS in various cell types, was used. We investigated whether this MARCKS-related peptide could affect migration of macrophages, using the mouse macrophage-like J774A.1 cell line and primary murine macrophages. Both of these cell types migrated in response to the chemoattractants macrophage/MCPs, MCP-1 (25–100 ng/ml) or C5a (5–20 ng/ml). Cells were preincubated (15 min) with MANS or a mis-sense control peptide (RNS), both at 50 μM, and effects on migration determined 3 h after addition of chemoattractants. The movement and interactions of MARCKS and actin also were followed visually via confocal microscopy using a fluorescently labeled antibody to MARCKS and fluorescently tagged phalloidin to identify actin. MANS, but not RNS, attenuated migration of J774A.1 cells and primary macrophages in response to MCP-1 or C5a, implicating MARCKS in the cellular mechanism of directed migration. Exposure of cells to MCP-1 resulted in rapid phosphorylation and translocation of MARCKS from plasma membrane to cytosol, whereas actin appeared to spread through the cell and into cell protrusions; there was visual and biochemical evidence of a transient interaction between MARCKS and actin during the process of migration. These results suggest that MARCKS is involved in directed migration of macrophages via a process involving its phosphorylation, cytoplasmic translocation, and interaction with actin.
Hedgehog-dependent proliferation drives modular growth during morphogenesis of a dermal bone
Authors: Huycke Tyler R. , Eames B. Frank , Kimmel Charles B.
Published: May 2012

In the developing skeleton, dermal bone morphogenesis includes the balanced proliferation, recruitment and differentiation of osteoblast precursors, yet how bones acquire unique morphologies is unknown. We show that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediates bone shaping during early morphogenesis of the opercle (Op), a well characterized dermal bone of the zebrafish craniofacial skeleton. ihha is specifically expressed in a local population of active osteoblasts along the principal growing edge of the bone. Mutational studies show that Hh signaling by this osteoblast population is both necessary and sufficient for full recruitment of pre-osteoblasts into the signaling population. Loss of ihha function results in locally reduced proliferation of pre-osteoblasts and consequent reductions in recruitment into the osteoblast pool, reduced bone edge length and reduced outgrowth. Conversely, hyperactive Hh signaling in ptch1 mutants causes opposite defects in proliferation and growth. Time-lapse microscopy of early Op morphogenesis using transgenically labeled osteoblasts demonstrates that ihha-dependent bone development is not only region specific, but also begins exactly at the onset of a second phase of morphogenesis, when the early bone begins to reshape into a more complex form. These features strongly support a hypothesis that dermal bone development is modular, with different gene sets functioning at specific times and locations to pattern growth. The Hh-dependent module is not limited to this second phase of bone growth: during later larval development, the Op is fused along the dysmorphic edge to adjacent dermal bones. Hence, patterning within a module may include adjacent regions of functionally related bones and might require that signaling pathways function over an extended period of development.
Cofilin Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Shuttling Affects Cofilin-Actin Rod Formation During Stress
Authors: Munsie Lise Nicole , Desmond Carly R. , Truant Ray
Published: May 2012

Cofilin protein is involved in regulating the actin cytoskeleton during typical steady state conditions, as well as during cell stress conditions where cofilin saturates F-actin forming cofilin-actin rods. Cofilin can enter the nucleus through an active nuclear localization signal (NLS), accumulating in nuclear actin rods during stress. Here, we characterize the active nuclear export of cofilin through a leptomycin-B sensitive, CRM1-dependent, nuclear export signal (NES). We also redefine the NLS of cofilin as a bipartite NLS, with an additional basic epitope required for nuclear localization. Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) between cofilin moieties and actin, as well as automated image analysis in live cells, we have defined subtle mutations in the cofilin NLS that allow cofilin to bind actin in vivo and affect cofilin dynamics during stress. We further define the requirement of cofilin-actin rod formation in a system of cell stress by temporal live cell imaging. We propose that cofilin nuclear shuttling is critical for the cofilin-actin rod stress response with cofilin dynamically communicating between the nucleus and cytoplasm during cell stress.
Restoration of the intrinsic properties of human dermal papilla in vitro
Authors: Ohyama Manabu , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Sasaki Takashi , Shimizu Atsushi , Amagai Masayuki
Published: May 2012

The dermal papilla (DP) plays pivotal roles in hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. However, characterization and/or propagation of human DP have been unsatisfactory because of the lack of efficient isolation methods and the loss of innate characteristics in vitro. We hypothesized that culture conditions sustaining the intrinsic molecular signature of human DP could facilitate expansion of functional DP cells. To test this, we first characterized the global gene expression profile of microdissected, non-cultured human DPs. We performed a “two-step” microarray analysis to exclude the influence of unwanted contaminants in isolated DPs and successfully identified 118 human DP signature genes, including 38 genes listed in the mouse DP signature. The bioinformatics analysis of the DP gene list revealed that WNT, BMP and FGF signaling pathways were upregulated in intact DP and addition of 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime, recombinant BMP2 and basic FGF to stimulate these respective signaling pathways resulted in maintained expression of in situ DP signature genes in primarily cultured human DP cells. More importantly, the exposure to these stimulants restored normally reduced DP biomarker expression in conventionally cultured DP cells. Cell growth was moderate in the newly developed culture condition. However, rapid DP cell expansion by conventional culture followed by the restoration by defined activators provided a sufficient number of DP cells, which demonstrated characteristic DP activities in functional assays. The present study revealed previously unreported molecular mechanisms contributing to human DP properties and describes a useful technique for the investigation of human DP biology and hair follicle bioengineering.
An orphan kinesin in trypanosomes cooperates with a kinetoplastid-specific kinesin to maintain cell morphology through regulating subpellicular microtubules
Authors: Hu Huiqing , Hu Liu , Yu Zhonglian , Chasse Amanda E. , Chu Feixia , Li Ziyin
Published: May 2012

Microtubules are a vital part of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells and are involved in various cellular processes. The cytoskeleton of Trypanosoma brucei is characterized by an array of subpellicular microtubules and is essential for maintenance of cell shape and polarity, but little is known about the regulation of the assembly and organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset. Here, we report that the orphan kinesin TbKIN-D regulates the organization of subpellicular microtubules and is required for maintaining cell morphology. TbKIN-D possesses in vitro ATPase activity, associates with cytoskeletal microtubules and is distributed throughout the cytoskeleton at all cell cycle stages. RNAi of TbKIN-D disrupts the organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset and distorts cell morphology, resulting in round-shaped cells with an elongated posterior filled with newly assembled microtubules. Depletion of TbKIN-D also abolishes the segregation of organelles and cytoskeletal structures, suggesting that cellular morphogenesis is essential for proper organelle segregation. Moreover, TbKIN-D deficiency impairs the attachment of the new flagellum without compromising the formation of the flagellum attachment zone. Finally, we identified TbKIN-C, a kinetoplastid-specific kinesin known to regulate subpellicular microtubules and cell morphogenesis in T. brucei, as a partner of TbKIN-D. Further, we demonstrate that interaction between TbKIN-C and TbKIN-D requires the coiled-coil motifs in the C-termini of both proteins. All together, our results suggest that TbKIN-D cooperates with TbKIN-C to maintain cell morphology through regulating the organization of the subpellicular microtubule corset.
Preparation of 4,7-Dibromobenzo[b]thiophene as a Versatile Building Block and Synthetic Application to a Bis(ethynylthienyl)oligoarene System
Authors: Yamamoto Takuya , Katsuta Hiroshi , Toyota Kozo , Iwamoto Takeaki , Morita Noboru
Published: May 2012

Benzo[b]thiophene, 4,7-dibromobenzo[b]thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, and 3-bromothieno[3,2-b]thiophene were prepared by AuCl-catalyzed cyclization of (t-butylsulfanyl)(ethynyl)benzenes or (t-butylsulfanyl)(ethynyl)thiophenes. Several reactions of 4,7-dibromobenzo[b]thiophene were investigated, including metallation and cross coupling reactions.
Modeling Transport Properties of N2–Noble Gas Mixtures at Low and Moderate Densities
Authors: Mohammad-Aghaie Delara , Papari Mohammad Mehdi , Zargari Farshid
Published: May 2012

In the present paper, the unlike interaction potential energies of some nitrogen-based mixtures were determined via the inversion of reduced viscosity collision integrals and fitted to obtain analytical potential energy forms. The potentials were then applied to Schreiber et al.’s and Chapman–Enskog’s theories to calculate, respectively, the low-density thermal conductivity and other remaining transport properties of the studied mixtures. Further the calculated potential energies were applied to the Vesovic–Wakeham (VW) scheme to predict viscosity of aforementioned mixtures at moderate density. Our estimated average absolute deviation (AAD) for dilute transport properties calculated from the Chapman–Enskog (CE) method is at most to within ±1.5% for the viscosity, ±5% for the diffusion coefficient and ±25% for the thermal diffusion factor. Further, the AAD associated with the dilute thermal conductivity is of the order of ±7% using the Schreiber et al. method. As mentioned above, the calculated unlike interaction energies as well as the low-density interaction viscosity values, were employed then to predict high density viscosities using the VW scheme. The Peng–Robinson equation of state was chosen to calculate the mixture densities required by the Vesovic–Wakeham method. The obtained viscosities in the dense regime deviate from the literature data to within ±2%.
Stability of Amino Acids and Related Compounds in Simulated Submarine Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Kurihara Hironari , Takano Yoshinori , Kaneko Takeo , Obayashi Yumiko , Kobayashi Kensei
Published: May 2012

Submarine hydrothermal systems (SHSs) have been thought of as a suitable environment for the origin of life subsequent to the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules. However, it has been pointed out that bioorganic molecules, such as amino acids, are easily degraded at a high temperature, and thus not likely to survive for the next step of chemical evolution in a SHS environment. On the other hand, it has been suggested that the main compounds generated abiotically at the first stage of chemical evolution are not “free” amino acid monomers but amino acid precursors with high molecular weights, i.e., complex combined amino acids. In this study, we tested the stability of complex combined amino acids, which were abiotically synthesized from a simulated primitive Earth atmosphere with proton irradiation, in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment compared with that of monomeric amino acids. Complex combined amino acids preserved more amino acids (including amino acid precursors that give amino acids after acid hydrolysis) than free amino acids after heating in simulated SHS environments. Our results suggest the possibility that complex organics prebiotically synthesized by cosmic rays could serve as primitive materials of chemical evolution at hydrothermal systems on primitive Earth.
The Role of Amide Groups in Vinyl Monomers Containing Siloxane Groups for Highly Oxygen Permeable Hydrogels
Authors: Yokota Mitsuru , Ajiro Hiroharu , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: May 2012

In order to improve the hydrophilicity of silicone-containing monomers, N-2-(N′,N′-dimethylcarbamoyl)ethyl-N-[3-tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl]acrylamide (SiDAAA) and N-2-(N′,N′-dimethylcarbamoyl)ethyl-N-{3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl}acrylamide (SiDAAA2) were designed. Although these two monomers had complicated side chain structures, these showed similar radical polymerizability (from 2.6 × 104 to 3.8 × 104 of Mn, and from 87 to 90% of conversion) as conventional silicone-containing monomer 3-tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacrylate (TRIS) due to the acrylamide backbone. Moreover, the additional amide group in those monomers contributed to improved miscibility during copolymerization with N-(hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), which was determined by light transmission observation at 88% transmittance using a SiDAAA/HEAA (50/50) hydrogel. In contrast, TRIS/HEAA was not miscible, and TRIS/HEMA (60/40) gave only 26% transmittance. The glass-transition temperatures of poly(SiDAAA) and poly(SiDAAA2) were 61 and 28 °C, which were much higher than that of poly(TRIS) at 0.8 °C. The oxygen permeability of the hydrogels varied with the copolymer composition, mainly due to the siloxanyl group contents. In particular, permeability coefficients of more than 100 Barrer (1 Barrer = 10−11 (cm3 O2) cm cm−2 s−1 mmHg−1) which is sufficient oxygen permeability for corneal safety in the case of contact lens applications, can be obtained at lower than 60% water content. The biocompatibility of these hydrogels is also discussed.
Synthesis of Novel BRET/FRET Protein Probes Containing Light-Emitting Proteins and Fluorescent Nonnatural Amino Acids
Authors: Yamaguchi Atsushi , Hohsaka Takahiro
Published: May 2012

Novel light-emitting protein probes were designed and synthesized by incorporating fluorescent nonnatural amino acids and fusing light-emitting proteins. Gaussia luciferase was fused as a BRET donor to the C-terminus of maltose-binding protein, and BODIPY558–aminophenylalanine was incorporated into Tyr210, which is located near the maltose-binding site of maltose-binding protein in response to a four-base codon (CGGG). In addition to the luminescence of luciferase, the double-labeled protein showed the emission of BODIPY558, which was strongly quenched by a neighboring tryptophan in the absence of maltose but was recovered in the presence of maltose. The emission intensity ratio of luciferase and BODIPY558 increased 4.0-fold upon the addition of maltose. Similar ligand-dependent emission changes were observed for a translation reaction mixture expressing the double-labeled protein, indicating that the BRET protein probe was detectable in the presence of excess fluorescent molecules. BODIPY558-containing maltose-binding protein fused with GFP in place of luciferase was also synthesized and showed the FRET and maltose-dependent fluorescence of BODIPY558. Novel BRET/FRET protein probes synthesized by fusing light-emitting proteins and incorporating fluorescent nonnatural amino acids will become valuable tools for the bioimaging and diagnostic detection of specific ligands.
A Facile Synthesis of New 4-Amino-2-iminothiazoles from Unsymmetrical Thioureas
Authors: Murthy Yellajyosula Lakshmi Narasimha , Saviri Rama Mohana Rao , Ramaiah Parimi Atchuta , Nareesh Saranapu
Published: May 2012

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of 4-amino-2-iminothiazole derivatives has been developed. The synthesis involves the cyclization of unsymmetrical 1-aroyl-3-arylthioureas with a variety of 2-bromo-2-phenylacetonitriles bearing α-H in the presence of triethylamine and acetonitrile.
One-step Fabrication of Polystyrene–TiO2 Nanosandwich Film by Phase Separation
Authors: Mizutani Naoki , Korposh Sergiy , Selyanchyn Roman , Yang Do-Hyeon , Lee Chang-Soo , Lee Seung-Woo , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: May 2012

A polystyrene–TiO2 nanosandwich film was fabricated by spin-coating a mixture of PS and Ti(O-n-Bu)4. Phase separation of the two components showed various morphological changes in the film, depending on the PS concentration, and sandwich-like phase separation was achieved for the first time. Doping pyrene as a fluorescent probe was employed to confirm the configuration of PS inside the nanosandwich structure.
Synthesis and Growth Observation of Flower- and Spike-like Gold–Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumagai Keisuke , Ishida Akito
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we report a simple and reproducible synthesis of flower- and spike-like gold–silver (Au–Ag) nanoparticles. Reduction of aqueous solution of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 mixtures by l-ascorbic acid (AA) in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) afforded the nanoparticles in a few minutes at room temperature. Stepwise trapping of the intermediate nanoparticles revealed the growth process of the petals of the flower-like nanoparticles from an initially formed nanoplate.
A rare case of homicidal insecticide (organochloro compound) poisoning by intraperitoneal injection
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Kumar Adarsh , Murty OP , Gupta VP , Das Sanjoy
Published: May 2012

We report a case of a 52-year-old businessman who was allegedly injected with organochloro compound (OC) in his abdomen by his business rivals by means of a surgical needle and a syringe. Homicide by OC injection via an intraperitoneal route has not been reported in the literature. Postmortem findings along with the toxicology report have been discussed particularly in view of the mode of poison administration with a review of literature.
Hedging Your Bets: Explaining Executives' Market Labeling Strategies in Nanotechnology
Authors: Granqvist Nina , Grodal Stine , Woolley Jennifer L.
Published: May 2012

Executives use market labels to position their firms within market categories. Yet this activity has been given scarce attention in the extant literature that widely assumes that market labels are simple, prescribed classification brackets that accurately represent firms' characteristics. By examining how and why executives use the nanotechnology label, we uncover three strategies: claiming, disassociating, and hedging. Comparing these strategies to firms' technological capabilities, we find that capabilities alone do not explain executives' label use. Instead, the data show that these strategies are driven by executives' aspiration to symbolically influence their firms' market categorization. In particular, executives' perception of the label's ambiguity, their avoidance of perceived credibility gaps, and their assessment of the label's signaling value shape their labeling strategies. In contrast to extant research, which suggests that executives should aim for coherence, we find that many executives hedge their affiliation with a nascent market label. Thus, our study shows that in ambiguous contexts, noncommitment to a market category may be a particularly prevalent strategy.
Instability of the shoulder following seizures
Authors: Goudie E. B. , Murray I. R. , Robinson C. M.
Published: May 2012

Dislocation of the shoulder may occur during seizures in epileptics and other patients who have convulsions. Following the initial injury, recurrent instability is common owing to a tendency to develop large bony abnormalities of the humeral head and glenoid and a susceptibility to further seizures. Assessment is difficult and diagnosis may be missed, resulting in chronic locked dislocations with protracted morbidity. Many patients have medical comorbidities, and successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing the underlying seizure disorder in addition to the shoulder pathology. The use of bony augmentation procedures may have improved the outcomes after surgical intervention, but currently there is no evidence-based consensus to guide treatment. This review outlines the epidemiology and pathoanatomy of seizure-related instability, summarising the currently-favoured options for treatment, and their results.
A comparison of lidocaine, ropivacaine and dexamethasone toxicity on bovine tenocytes in culture
Authors: Piper S. L. , Laron D. , Manzano G. , Pattnaik T. , Liu X. , Kim H. T. , Feeley B. T.
Published: May 2012

Peri-tendinous injection of local anaesthetic, both alone and in combination with corticosteroids, is commonly performed in the treatment of tendinopathies. Previous studies have shown that local anaesthetics and corticosteroids are chondrotoxic, but their effect on tenocytes remains unknown. We compared the effects of lidocaine and ropivacaine, alone or combined with dexamethasone, on the viability of cultured bovine tenocytes. Tenocytes were exposed to ten different conditions: 1) normal saline; 2) 1% lidocaine; 3) 2% lidocaine; 4) 0.2% ropivacaine; 5) 0.5% ropivacaine; 6) dexamethasone (dex); 7) 1% lidocaine+dex; 8) 2% lidocaine+dex; 9) 0.2% ropivacaine+dex; and 10) 0.5% ropivacaine+dex, for 30 minutes. After a 24-hour recovery period, the viability of the tenocytes was quantified using the CellTiter-Glo viability assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for live/dead cell counts. A 30-minute exposure to lidocaine alone was significantly toxic to the tenocytes in a dose-dependent manner, but a 30-minute exposure to ropivacaine or dexamethasone alone was not significantly toxic.

Dexamethasone potentiated ropivacaine tenocyte toxicity at higher doses of ropivacaine, but did not potentiate lidocaine tenocyte toxicity. As seen in other cell types, lidocaine has a dose-dependent toxicity to tenocytes but ropivacaine is not significantly toxic. Although dexamethasone alone is not toxic, its combination with 0.5% ropivacaine significantly increased its toxicity to tenocytes. These findings might be relevant to clinical practice and warrant further investigation.
Exam Corner – June 2012
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: May 2012

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Eribulin: A Novel Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Agent
Authors: Preston Jessica N , Trivedi Meghana V
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To review the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of eribulin (Halaven).

DATA SOURCES:

A literature search (up to December 2011) using the terms eribulin, Halaven, ER-086526, and E7389 was performed with PubMed, Google Scholar, selected Ovid bibliography searches, and the abstract search tool from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meetings and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposia. Additional references from the bibliographies of these articles were also assessed.

DATA EXTRACTION:

English-language preclinical and clinical studies on the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of eribulin were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Eribulin is a novel microtubule inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action, which involves interaction with a distinct binding site on β-tubulin leading to G2/M phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Eribulin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in patients who have been previously treated with an anthracycline and a taxane. In a pivotal Phase 3 study conducted in patients with metastatic breast cancer, eribulin 1.4 mg/m2, administered over 2-5 minutes as an intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles, was associated with a significantly increased median overall survival of 13.1 months compared to the median overall survival of 10.6 months in the therapy of physician's choice. Eribulin has also shown activity in Phase 2 studies in other types of cancers, such as non–small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, urothelial cancer, soft tissue sarcomas, and platinum-susceptible ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancers. The most severe (grade 3/4) adverse effects associated with eribulin include neutropenia, leukopenia, and peripheral neuropathy. Common toxicities include fatigue, neutropenia, alopecia, anemia, and peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Eribulin is a promising new cytotoxic chemotherapy agent due to its ability to treat cancers that are refractory or resistant to other drugs as well as its manageable toxicity profile.
Cardiac Troponin T Measured by a High-Sensitivity Assay Predicts Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Stable Coronary Heart Disease Patients with 8-Year Follow-up
Authors: Koenig Wolfgang , Breitling Lutz P , Hahmann Harry , Wüsten Bernd , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

The clinical relevance of slightly increased circulating troponin concentrations in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) several weeks after an acute event or CABG has not been fully evaluated.

METHODS

Baseline plasma concentrations of troponin T were measured with a high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnT) (Roche Elecsys) in a cohort of 1050 CHD patients from 30 to 70 years of age. The prognostic value of hs-cTnT on a combined cardiovascular disease (CVD) end point after adjustment for covariates was determined with Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

The median hs-cTnT concentration was 10.9 ng/L (interquartile range, 5.1–18.9 ng/L). Increased hs-cTnT concentrations were associated with an older age, history of hypertension and diabetes, more advanced coronary artery disease, and other CHD risk factors. Furthermore, hs-cTnT concentration was strongly correlated with N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cystatin C (ρ = 0.61, and ρ = 0.32, respectively; both P values <0.0001). During a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 150 patients (14.3%) experienced a secondary CVD event. In a multivariate model, hs-cTnT was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) for secondary events of 2.83 (95% CI, 1.68–4.79) when the extreme quartiles were compared. Further adjustment for cystatin C, NT-proBNP, and C-reactive protein attenuated this association only slightly (HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.31–3.95); P for trend < 0.002). ROC curve analysis of a clinical model that added hs-cTnT to a baseline model showed nonsignificant improvement in the area under the curve (0.69 vs 0.67), whereas the net reclassification improvement was 17.2% (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Slightly increased hs-cTnT concentrations in stable CHD patients are associated with several cardiovascular disorders and predict long-term CVD events.
On Bubble Rising in Countercurrent Flow
Authors: Vecer Marek , Lestinsky Pavel , Wichterle Kamil , Ruzicka Marek
Published: May 2012

A single bubble of typical volume 20 mm³ ≤ VB ≤ 400 mm³ was placed in downward conically diverging flow of low and moderate viscous liquids (aqueous solutions of glycerine and of electrolytes (NaCl, Na3PO4, MgSO4), and butanol). Experiments were performed over a range of Reynolds number 60≤Re≤2200, Weber number 1≤We≤14, Tadaki number 1≤Ta≤10, Eötvös number 1≤Eo≤22, and bubble aspect ratio 0.4≤b/a≤0.9. The bubble shape, bubble position and motion were investigated by direct observation of two plane projection of bubble by high speed camera. Typical sampling frequency was 150 fps. Relatively long records, (approximately 9000 frames per one bubble observation) allow us to get relevant statistics of treated data. Bubble aspect ratio has been determined from both projection planes. Dimensionless front area of observed bubble has been introduced as suitable parameter for correlation with Eötvös number. Model of static bubble and classical Wellek correlation were employed as asymptotes. Bubble rising velocity has been determined and tested for each single bubble with respect to liquid properties. Velocity data are plotted within the frame given by several theoretical predictions for pure and contaminated liquids. Dimensional analysis is used considering viscosity and surface tension effect. New simple correlation of bubble rising velocity separating the effects of viscosity and surface tension is presented.
Gas-liquid-solid Operation of a High Aspect Ratio Self-ingesting Reactor
Authors: Scargiali Francesca , Busciglio Antonio , Grisafi Franco , Brucato Alberto
Published: May 2012

Gas-liquid stirred vessels are widely employed to carry out chemical reactions involving a gas reagent and a liquid phase. The usual way for introducing the gas stream into the liquid phase is through suitable distributors placed below the impeller. An interesting alternative is that of using “self ingesting” vessels where the headspace gas phase is injected and dispersed into the vessel through suitable surface vortices. In this work the performance of a Long Draft Tube Self-ingesting Reactor (LDTSR) dealing with three-phase (gas-liquid-solid) systems, is investigated. Preliminary experimental results on the effectiveness of this contactor for particle suspension and gas-liquid mass transfer performance in the three-phase system, are presented. Mass-transfer parameter kLa was measured by the recently introduced Simplified Dynamic Pressure Method (SDPM). It is found that the presence of low particle fractions causes a significant increase of the minimum speed required for vortex ingestion of the gas. Impeller pumping capacity and gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient are found to be affected by the presence of solid particles.
Effect of High Pressure Processing on the Quality Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Pork Sausage during Long-term Storage
Authors: Chun Ji-Yeon , Kim Ji-Sook , Min Sang-Gi , Hong Geun-Pyo
Published: May 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of high pressure processing on the quality characteristics and oxidative stability of pork sausage during 8 weeks of storages. For processing variation, pressure treatment (0.1-300 MPa for 30 min) and pressurization followed by thermal treatment (75°C for 30 min) were compared. No or minor changes in sausage quality (determined by pH, yield and shear force) were observed over 8 weeks of storage, indicating that high pressure processing resulted in no adverse effects on product quality. High pressure processing was shown to produce beneficial effects on the product color and oxidative stability when compared to thermal treatment. Particularly, lipid oxidation (as determined by TBA) was greatly supressed by pressurization followed by thermal treatment even after 8 weeks of storage, indicating that pressure processing (300 MPa) could improve the storage stability of emulsion-type meat products.
Microencapsulation of Colors by Spray Drying - A Review
Authors: Kandansamy Kannan , Somasundaram Priyenka Devi
Published: May 2012

Color is one of the important attributes of foods being considered as a quality indicator and determining frequently their acceptance. Many natural pigments like anthocyanin, lycopenes, betalains etc., are subjected to color loss during storage. Hence in order to increase the stability of the natural colorants the technology of microencapsulation is involved. Microencapsulation has been used in recent years for the encapsulation of food ingredients such as flavours, colors, lipids and milk protein. Among various methods used for microencapsulation of colors, the technically feasible and cost effective technique is spray drying. This paper reviews the various concepts of spray drying and various technologies involved in microencapsulation which are considered to be useful parameters for increasing the stability of natural colorants. It also summarizes the most commonly used natural colorants which can be encapsulated.
An Alarming Prognosis: How People Affected by Pancreatic Cancer Use (and Avoid) Internet Information
Authors: Chapple Alison , Evans Julie , Ziebland Sue
Published: May 2012

This article looks at how patients with pancreatic cancer use the Internet, and considers its potential negative effects for people with a life threatening illness. We designed a qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews collected by maximum variation sampling. Respondents were recruited from all over the UK in 2009/10. We interviewed 32 people with pancreatic cancer and eight relatives/carers of people who had recently died of pancreatic cancer. In contrast to a similar study we undertook in 2004, we found that the people interviewed in 2009/10 talked about using the Internet for health information as if it were a routine and unremarkable part of life. Patients gave few examples of harm from using the Internet, or of damage caused to their relationships with health professionals. We also found that patients and family carers were using a strategy to handle alarming information found online, with patients asking partners and family to filter what they found. In conclusion, concerns about serious negative effects of using the Internet for health information may be ill‐founded, even when the Internet is used by patients with serious life threatening illness. Clinicians may worry that people will find unwanted or contradictory information, but it is probably counter‐productive to try to steer people away from the web. Similarly, policy makers have focused on regulating the factual content of information on the web, but we found that it was the consequences of stumbling on factually correct, yet unwelcome, information that concerned the patients and their families in this study. Good practice guidelines and quality markers for health information may need to pay more attention to website design and user routing as well as factual content.
Searching for a “Plan B”: Young Adults' Strategies for Finding Information about Emergency Contraception Online
Authors: Hargittai Eszter , Young Heather
Published: May 2012

While research has established that turning to the Internet for information about health matters is increasingly common, we know little about the strategies that people use to access such information and the accuracy of material they consult online. This paper draws on in‐person observations and interviews with a diverse group of 210 young adults about their experiences with looking for emergency contraception (EC) information on the Web. Findings suggest that despite being a highly wired group with much experience using the Internet, many respondents are unable to find accurate information on this important topic. One third of participants were unable to find any relevant information about EC and the majority of the whole group could not identify the most efficient way to acquire EC in a time of need. Results suggest that despite vast amounts of information available online, many people do not have the necessary skills to navigate online content well with policy implications for educating people about informed and efficient Internet uses.
Predicting Internet Use as a Source of Health Information: A “Language Divide” Among the Hispanic Population in the United States
Authors: De Jesus Maria , Xiao Chenyang
Published: May 2012

Spurred by the rapid diffusion of information technology and advances in e‐Health initiatives, the Internet is increasingly viewed as an important tool for health promotion and health education as well as a platform for the delivery of public health interventions. The Internet also holds promise in eliminating health disparities through increased access to health information. Using the Pew 2007 Hispanic Healthcare Survey, we examined the factors that are associated with each of the four media channels (Internet, radio, TV, and print media) as a source of health information among 4,013 Hispanic adults. The most significant predictor of health information‐seeking behavior on the Internet was English proficiency. Policy implications include the need to address both the “digital divide” and the “language divide” by increasing Internet access, improving e‐Health literacy, and creating high quality and culturally tailored websites in Spanish for Hispanic adults who have low levels of English proficiency and education.
Group algebras whose symmetric elements are Lie metabelian
Authors: Catino Francesco , Lee Gregory T. , Spinelli Ernesto
Published: May 2012

Let F be a field of characteristic p ≠ 2 and G a group without 2-elements having an involution *. Write

(
F
G
)

+

$(FG)^+$

for the set of elements in the group ring F
G that are
symmetric with respect to the induced involution. In the present note, we show that if G is finite and

(
F
G
)

+

$(FG)^+$

is Lie metabelian, then G is nilpotent. Based on this result, we deduce that if
G is torsion, p ≠ 3 and

(
F
G
)

+

$(FG)^+$

is Lie metabelian, then G must be abelian. This extends a result of Levin and Rosenberger.
The P-radical classes in simple algebraic groups and finite groups of Lie type
Authors: Lawther R.
Published: May 2012

Given either a simple algebraic group or a finite group of Lie type, of rank at least 2, and a maximal parabolic subgroup, we determine which non-trivial unipotent classes have the property that their intersection with the parabolic subgroup is contained within its unipotent radical. Such classes are rare; listing them provides a basis for inductive arguments.