bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twentieth century models for the twenty‐first century: models of fast growing firms and industries in the twentieth century for fast growing firms and industries in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Fruin W. Mark , Nakamura Masao
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present a general review of the circumstances of America and Japan's rapid corporate, economic and industrial development in the twentieth century.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach considered and evaluated how the circumstances of America and Japan's growth might apply to China and India, two of the fastest growing economies of the twenty‐first century.

Findings

The findings suggest that both America and Japan might be considered exceptional cases and, as such, neither one might be regarded as a good model for emulation. However, the circumstances of Japan's rapid growth appear closer to those of contemporary China and India and on that basis the authors suggest that Japan might be a better model for emulation.

Originality/value

The American model is too novel and unlikely to be imitated, replicated or repeated whereas Japan's high population density, agrarian origins, state assisted and administered development, adaptation and hybridization of local and imported methods and technologies, kinship, pseudo‐kinship and locality based business groupings, and rapid, come‐from‐behind charge toward industrialization, urbanization and international emergence, all suggest that Japan offers a more relevant and useful development model.
Assessing corporate social and financial performance in China
Authors: Luethge Denise , Guohong Han Helen
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSD) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the extent to which firm size and financial performance impacts social disclosure by examining published financial information and social disclosure information in annual reports.

Findings

Results indicate a positive relationship between firm size and disclosure but no relationship between firm profitability and disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

Only 2008 annual reports with a relatively small sample size are used. Longitudinal studies in the future may be warranted.

Practical implications

CSD has become widespread in the west but is only now taking hold in the east. As many global firms expand operations in China, this paper will add to research in the area addressing CSD in that country.

Originality/value

Most studies have examined CSD in the west. This study makes a contribution to the corporate social responsibility literature by investigating an emerging market in China.
Scenario planning for service quality: a Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Prakash Anand , Jha Sanjay Kumar , Prasad Mohanty Rajendra
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the idea of linking the use of the Monte Carlo simulation with scenario planning to assist strategy makers in formulating strategy in the face of uncertainty relating to service quality gaps for life insurance business, where discontinuities always remain for need‐based selling.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews briefly some applications of scenario planning. Scenario planning emphasizes the development of a strategic plan that is robust across different scenarios. The paper provides considerable evidence to suggest a new strategic approach using Monte Carlo simulation for making scenario planning.

Findings

The paper highlights which particular service quality gap attribute as risk impacts most and least for the possibility of occurrences as best case, worst case, and most likely case.

Research limitations/implications

This study suffers from methodological limitations associated with convenience sampling and anonymous survey‐based research.

Practical implications

The approach using Monte Carlo simulation increases the credibility of the scenario to an acceptable level, so that it will be used by managers and other decision makers.

Social implications

The paper provides a thorough documentation on scenario planning upon studying the impact of risk and uncertainty in service quality gap for making rational decisions in management of services such that managers make better justification and communication for their arguments.

Originality/value

The paper offers empirical understanding of the application of Monte Carlo simulation to scenario planning and identifies key drivers which impact most and least on service quality gap.
Tourism destination marketing: approaches improving effectiveness and efficiency
Authors: Soteriades Marios
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential contribution of some approaches, i.e. value‐chain, strategic marketing, electronic marketing and clustering, and to suggest a conceptual framework allowing improving effectiveness in the field of promoting tourism destinations. Hence, the paper puts forward a conceptual framework allowing attaining an integrated approach in tourism destination marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted and implemented for this study is a desk research based on extensive literature and well‐established theories.

Findings

The paper provides insights into a comprehensive approach to destination marketing planning and implementation and suggests a conceptual framework encompassing approaches contributing to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the field of destination marketing.

Practical implications

The factors influencing e‐marketing and clustering approaches are highlighted and a set of recommendations are put forward for destination marketers.

Originality/value

Destination marketing organisations all over the world have to implement innovative and appropriate approaches; and use adequate tools and techniques in order to improve their marketing activities effectiveness and efficiency. The paper successfully addresses the complexity in the field of destination marketing due to the various stakeholders involved and to the nature of tourism product/experience. Therefore, this paper successfully suggests a conceptual framework contributing to improve effectiveness and efficiency of activities of destination marketing organizations by adopting an integrated approach based on well‐established theories.
Stimulation of macrophages by immunobiotic Lactobacillus strains: influence beyond the intestinal tract
Authors: Marranzino Gabriela , Villena Julio , Salva Susana , Alvarez Susana
Published: July 2012

Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Lr1505), L. rhamnosus CRL1506 (Lr1506) and L. casei CRL431 (Lc431) are able to stimulate intestinal immunity, but only Lr1505 and Lc431 are able to stimulate immunity in the respiratory tract. With the aim of advancing the understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in stimulation of distant mucosal sites, this study evaluated the effects of orally administered probiotics on the functions of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. Compared to a control group, these three lactobacilli were able to significantly increase phagocytic and microbicidal activities of peritoneal macrophages. After intraperitoneal challenge with pathogenic Candida albicans, mice treated with immunobiotics had significantly lower pathogen counts in infected organs. Moreover, lactobacilli‐treated mice had a stronger immune response against C. albicans. On the other hand, only Lc1505 and Lc431 were able to improve activity of and cytokine production by alveolar macrophages. Only in these two groups was there better resistance to respiratory challenge with C. albicans, which correlated with improved respiratory immune response. The results of this study suggest that consumption of some probiotic strains could be useful for improving resistance to infections in sites distant from the gut by increasing the activity of macrophages at those sites.
Immune‐mediated β‐cell death in type 1 diabetes: lessons from human β‐cell lines
Authors: Lightfoot Yaíma L. , Chen Jing , Mathews Clayton E.
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1244–1251

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, multifactorial disorder that results from a contretemps of genetic and environmental factors. Autoimmune attack and functional inhibition of the insulin‐producing β cells in the pancreas lead to the inability of β cells to metabolize glucose, and thus results the hallmark clinical symptom of diabetes: abnormally high blood glucose levels. Treatment and protection from T1D require a detailed knowledge of the molecular effectors and the mechanism(s) of cell death leading to β‐cell demise. Primary islets and surrogate β cells have been utilized in vitro to investigate in isolation‐specific mechanisms associated with progression to T1D in vivo. This review focuses on the data obtained from these experiments. Studies using transformed β cells of human sources are described.
Palaeodistribution modelling and genetic evidence highlight differential post‐glacial range shifts of a rain forest conifer distributed across a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Mellick Rohan , Lowe Andrew , Allen Chris , Hill Robert S. , Rossetto Maurizio
Published: July 2012

Aim  We examine the range expansion/contraction dynamics during the last glacial cycle of the late‐successional tropical rain forest conifer Podocarpus elatus using a combination of modelling and molecular marker analyses. Specifically, we test whether distributional changes predicted by environmental niche modelling are in agreement with (1) the glacial maximum contractions inferred from the southern fossil record, and (2) population genetic‐based estimates of range disjunctions and demographic dynamics. In addition, we test whether northern and southern ranges are likely to have experienced similar expansion/contraction dynamics.

Location  Eastern Australian tropical and subtropical rain forests.

Methods  Environmental niche modelling was completed for three time periods during the last glacial cycle and was interpreted in light of the known palynology. We collected 109 samples from 32 populations across the entire range of P. elatus. Six microsatellite loci and Bayesian coalescence analysis were used to infer population expansion/contraction dynamics, and five sequenced loci (one plastid and four nuclear) were used to quantify genetic structure/diversity.

Results  Environmental niche modelling suggested that the northern and southern ranges of P. elatus experienced different expansion/contraction dynamics. In the northern range, the habitat suitable for P. elatus persisted in a small refugial area during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 ka) and then expanded during the post‐glacial period. Conversely, in the south suitable habitat was widespread during the LGM but subsequently contracted. These differential dynamics were supported by Bayesian analyses of the population genetic data (northern dispersal) and are consistent with the greater genetic diversity in the south compared with the north. A contact zone between the two genetically divergent groups (corresponding to the Macleay Overlap Zone) was supported by environmental niche modelling and molecular analyses.

Main conclusions  The climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary have differentially impacted the northern and southern ranges of a broadly distributed rain forest tree in Australia. Recurrent contraction/expansion cycles contributed to the genetic distinction between northern and southern distributions of P. elatus. By combining molecular and environmental niche modelling evidence, this unique study undermines the general assumption that broadly distributed species respond in a uniform way to climate change.
Portuguese living standards, 1720–1980, in European comparison: heights, income, and human capital1
Authors: STOLZ YVONNE , BATEN JOERG , REIS JAIME
Published: July 2012

When and why did the Portuguese become the shortest Europeans? In order to find the answer to this question, we trace the trend in Portuguese living standards from the 1720s until recent times. We find that during the early nineteenth century average height in Portugal did not differ significantly from average height in most other European countries, but that when, around 1850, European anthropometric values began to climb sharply, Portugal's did not. In a panel analysis of 12 countries, we find that delay in human‐capital formation was the chief factor hindering any improvement in the biological standard of living in Portugal.
The Use of Two‐Way Linear Mixed Models in Multitreatment Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Williams E. R. , Madden L. V.
Published: July 2012

Summary Meta‐analysis summarizes the results of a series of trials. When more than two treatments are included in the trials and when the set of treatments tested differs between trials, the combination of results across trials requires some care. Several methods have been proposed for this purpose, which feature under different labels, such as network meta‐analysis or mixed treatment comparisons. Two types of linear mixed model can be used for meta‐analysis. The one expresses the expected outcome of treatments as a contrast to a baseline treatment. The other uses a classical two‐way linear predictor with main effects for treatment and trial. In this article, we compare both types of model and explore under which conditions they give equivalent results. We illustrate practical advantages of the two‐way model using two published datasets. In particular, it is shown that between‐trial heterogeneity as well as inconsistency between different types of trial is straightforward to account for.
Reducing the pathogenicity of BmNPV in silkworms using silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ruyi Zou , Zhenyou Zou , Miao Liu , Ninan Chen , Shuoqi Xu , Aiping Ma , Lianwei Zhou , Tianle Qian , Yiqing Zhou , Cui Wang , Bing Hu , Zhongyuan Shen , Ruobing Liang , Zhenlin Yang , Jinhua Xia , Liming Hong
Published: July 2012

This study examined the efficacy of silver nanoparticles colloid (AgNPC) in reducing the pathogenicity of the Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) nuclear polyhydrosis virus (BmNPV) in silkworms. We found that the survival rate of the infected silkworms improved significantly, from 22 to 67%, following treatment with AgNPC. However, AgNPs caused clumping of hemocytes in vivo and this was associated with slight weight loss and reduced cocoon size in the treated silkworms. The adherence of silver nanoparticles to the virus or hemocytes caused them to aggregate. In addition, by catalyzing the generation of free radicals, silver nanoparticles can perforate and break up the virus capsids, proteins, and DNA of the BmNPVs, thus restraining their pathogenicity and improving the survival capacity of infected silkworms.
PI3K, Rac1 and pPAK1 are overexpressed in extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Qian Yue , Zhang Na , Chen Siyuan , Chu Shujuan , Feng Aiping , Liu Houjun
Published: July 2012

Background

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and P21‐activated protein kinase 1 (PAK1) appear to play important roles in the pathogenesis of several tumors, but their expressions in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) have not been investigated yet.

Objectives

To investigate the potential contribution of the PI3K, Rac1 and PAK1 to the development of EMPD.

Methods

Thirty‐five paraffin‐embedded EMPD specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for PI3K (85α), Rac1 and pPAK1.

Results

All the 35 primary EMPD specimens, including 20 non‐invasive EMPD, 13 invasive EMPD and 2 metastatic lymph nodes, showed cytoplasm overexpression of PI3K (85α), Rac1 and pPAK1. The expression (% positive cells) of PI3K(85α), Rac1 and pPAK1 (90.1 ± 8.6, 91.4 ± 9.5 and 89.6 ± 10.8% ) in EMPD were significantly higher than in apocrine glands of normal skin ( 20.1 ± 11.9, 29.8 ± 8.9, 41.1 ± 13.4%), and the expression in invasive EMPD with lymph node metastasis (98.2 ± 1.7, 98.8 ± 0.7 and 98.4 ± 0.9%) are significantly higher than in invasive EMPD without lymph node metastasis (94.1 ± 2.6, 96.5 ± 1.7 and 95.3 ± 1.1%) and non‐invasive EMPD (85.2 ± 8.4, 87.1 ± 9.9 and 83.1 ± 10.6%). There were significant positive correlations of the expression levels between PI3K (85α) and Rac1, as well as between Rac1 and pPAK1 in EMPD.

Conclusions

These results indicate that PI3K, Rac1 and PAK1 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of EMPD.
Polarization of host immune responses by helminth‐expressed glycans
Authors: Tundup Smanla , Srivastava Leena , Harn, Jr. Donald A.
Published: July 2012

Helminth parasites bias host CD4+ T helper (Th) cells toward Th2 responses, drive alternative activation of macrophages, and expand T regulatory cells. Helminth‐expressed carbohydrates play critical roles in driving much of this immune cell biasing. Studies on helminth glycans have focused on Lewis X, LDN, LDN‐DF, other fucosylated structures, chitin, tyvelose, and trehalose, which interact with host antigen presenting cells (APCs) minimally via C‐type lectins and/or Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Here, we review recent findings on helminth glycan activation of APCs via C‐type lectin/TLRs and introduce the concept that glycosylated helminth molecules require endocytosis to function as immune modulators. Second, we describe unpublished data showing that in vivo glycoconjugates comprising multiple copies of glycans on carriers are directly immune modulatory. Lastly, we discuss the observation that CD14 negatively regulates alternative activation of APCs during helminth infection. We close with a discussion on the use of immune modulatory glycans as vaccine adjuvants and as antiinflammatory therapeutics.
Analytical Simulation of Annular Two-Phase Flow Considering the Four Involved Mass Transfers
Authors: Baniamerian Zahra , Mehdipour Ramin , Aghanajafi Cyrus
Published: July 2012

Efficiently employing two-phase flows for cooling objectives requires comprehensive knowledge of their behavior in different conditions. Models, capable of predicting heat transfer and fluid flow trends in this area, are of great value. Numerical/analytical models in the literature are one-dimensional models involving with many simplifying assumptions. These assumptions in most cases include neglecting some mechanisms of mass transfer in two-phase flows. This study is devoted to developing an analytical two-dimensional model for simulation of fluid flow and mass transfer in two-phase flows considering the all mass transfer mechanisms (entrainment, evaporation, deposition and condensation). The correlation employed for modeling entrainment in this study, is a semiempirical correlation derived based on physical concept of entrainment phenomenon. Emphasis is put on the annular flow pattern of liquid vapor two-phase flow since this regime is the last encountered two-phase regime and has a higher heat transfer coefficient among other two-phase flow patterns. Attempts are made to employ the least possible simplification assumptions and empirical correlations in the modeling procedure. The model is then verified with experimental models of Shanawany et al., Stevanovic et al. and analytical model of Qu and Mudawar. It will be shown, considering pressure variations in both radial and axial directions along with applying our semiempirical entrainment correlation has improved the present analytical model accuracy in comparison with the accuracy of available analytical models.
120 mm Prestressed Carbon Fiber/Thermoplastic Overwrapped Gun Tubes
Authors: Littlefield Andrew G. , Hyland Edward J.
Published: July 2012

The emphasis on lightweight large caliber weapons systems has placed the focus on the use of advanced composite materials. Using composite materials not only directly removes weight from the gun tube but also, by better balancing the tube, allows the use of smaller drive systems, thus further enhancing the system weight loss. Additionally, the use of high stiffness composites helps with pointing accuracy and to alleviate the dynamic strain phenomenon encountered with high velocity projectiles. Traditionally, there were two issues with composite jackets: the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the steel substrate and the composite jacket causing a gap and the lack of favorable prestress in the jacket. Dealing with these issues greatly complicated the manufacturing process to the point where mass-producing the barrels would have been problematic at best. By using a thermoplastic resin, a cure on the fly process, and winding under tension, the manufacturability of the barrels has been greatly improved, the gap has been eliminated, and a favorable prestress has been achieved. Four 120 mm barrels have been manufactured using this process with IM7 fibers in a PEEK matrix and successfully test fired. The first barrel was not prestressed and was reported on previously. This paper will focus on the other three barrels. The design, manufacturing, and test firing of these barrels will be covered.
A Generalized Model for Adhesive Contact Between a Rigid Cylinder and a Transversely Isotropic Substrate
Authors: Yao Haimin
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a solution to the quasi-static adhesive contact problem between a rigid cylinder and a transversely isotropic substrate is extended to the most general case by taking adhesion hysteresis into account. An analytical solution to the contact stress is obtained by solving the integral equations established on the basis of the Green's function for the two-dimensional transversely isotropic half-space problem. By using equilibrium conditions and Griffith's criterion, the adhesion force and resistant moment to rolling are determined as functions of contact geometries and material properties of the contacting solids. Detailed discussions on the adhesion force and resistant moment are presented for some specific cases, revealing adhesion behaviors that have not been predicted by previous models. As the most generalized solution to the discussed problem, our results would have extensive applications in predicting the adhesion behavior between solids undergoing sophisticated mechanical loadings.
Obacunone Represses Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands 1 and 2 in anenvZ-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Vikram Amit , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K. , Jesudhasan Palmy R. , Pillai Suresh D. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: July 2012

Obacunone belongs to a class of unique triterpenoids called limonoids, present inCitrusspecies. Previous studies from our laboratory suggested that obacunone possesses antivirulence activity and demonstrates inhibition of cell-cell signaling inVibrio harveyiandEscherichia coliO157:H7. The present work sought to determine the effect of obacunone on the food-borne pathogenSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium LT2 by using a cDNA microarray. Transcriptomic studies indicated that obacunone repressesSalmonellapathogenicity island 1 (SPI1), the maltose transporter, and the hydrogenase operon. Furthermore, phenotypic data for the Caco-2 infection assay and maltose utilization were in agreement with microarray data suggesting repression of SPI1 and maltose transport. Further studies demonstrated that repression of SPI1 was plausibly mediated throughhilA. Additionally, obacunone seems to repress SPI2 under SPI2-inducing conditions as well as in Caco-2 infection models. Furthermore, obacunone seems to represshilAin an EnvZ-dependent fashion. Altogether, the results of the study seems to suggest that obacunone exerts an antivirulence effect onS.Typhimurium and may serve as a lead compound for development of antivirulence strategies forS.Typhimurium.
A Novel Biosensor Selective for Organoarsenicals
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhu Yong-Guan , Rosen Barry P.
Published: July 2012

Organoarsenicals used as herbicides and growth promoters for farm animals are degraded to inorganic arsenic. Available bacterial whole-cell biosensors detect only inorganic arsenic. We report a biosensor selective for the trivalent organoarsenicals methylarsenite and phenylarsenite over inorganic arsenite. This sensor may be useful for detecting degradation of arsenic-containing herbicides and growth promoters.
Genome Sequence of the Polychlorinated-Biphenyl Degrader Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707
Authors: Triscari-Barberi Tania , Simone Domenico , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Attimonelli Marcella , Hahn Kristen R. , Amoako Kingsley K. , Turner Raymond J. , Fedi Stefano , Zannoni Davide
Published: July 2012

Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes
KF707 is a soil polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degrader, able to grow both planktonically and as a biofilm in the presence of various toxic metals and metalloids. Here we report the genome sequence (5,957,359 bp) of
P. pseudoalcaligenes
KF707, which provides insights into metabolic degradation pathways, flagellar motility, and chemotaxis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus Strain MN-ZLW-002
Authors: Kang Xiaohong , Ling Nan , Sun Guoqing , Zhou Qi , Zhang Lanwei , Sheng Qinghai
Published: July 2012

Streptococcus thermophilus
MN-ZLW-002 was originally isolated from traditionally fermented Chinese dairy products. One of the strain-dependent characteristics of this bacterium is its ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs). This study determined and analyzed the genome sequence of MN-ZLW-002. Its complete genome comprised 2,046 genes and 1,848,520 nucleotides with an average GC content of 39%. The EPS cluster of MN-ZLW-002 includes 25 open reading frames (ORFs), and some results indicate a horizontal gene transfer between MN-ZLW-002 and other lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycoplasma leachii Strain PG50
T
and the Pathogenic Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony Biotype Strain Gladysdale
Authors: Wise Kim S. , Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F. , Madupu Ramana , DeBoy Robert T. , Röske Kerstin , Hvinden Miranda L. , Martin Tara R. , Durkin A. Scott , Glass John I. , Methé Barbara A.
Published: July 2012

Mycoplasma mycoides
subsp.
mycoides
small colony biotype (SC) is the high-consequence animal pathogen causing contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. We report the complete genome sequences of the pathogenic strain
M. mycoides
subsp.
mycoides
SC Gladysdale and a close phylogenetic relative,
Mycoplasma leachii
PG50
T
, another bovine pathogen of the
M. mycoides
phylogenetic clade.
Genome Sequences of SAT 2 Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses from Egypt and Palestinian Autonomous Territories (Gaza Strip)
Authors: Valdazo-González Begoña , Knowles Nick J. , Hammond Jef , King Donald P.
Published: July 2012

Two foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) genome sequences have been determined for isolates collected from recent field outbreaks in North Africa (Egypt) and the Middle East (Palestinian Autonomous Territories). These data represent the first examples of complete genomic sequences for the FMDV SAT 2 topotype VII, which is thought to be endemic in countries immediately to the south of the Sahara desert. Further studies are now urgently required to provide insights into the epidemiological links between these outbreaks and to define the pathogenicity of this emerging lineage.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Type of Human Parechovirus Strain Reveals Natural Recombination Events
Authors: Sun Guangming , Wang Yong , Tao Gang , Shen Quan , Cao Weiping , Chang Xianlu , Zhang Wen , Shao Chen , Yi Miaoli , Shao Shihe , Yang Yan
Published: July 2012

Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) are a species in the
Parechovirus
genus of the
Picornaviridae
family. We report a complete genome sequence of a novel HPeV strain, CH-ZJ1, that was found in an infant with gastroenteritis in Zhenjiang City, China. The complete genome consists of 7,298 nucleotides (nt), excluding the 3′ poly(A) tail; the open reading frame is mapped between nucleotide positions 654 and 7211 and encodes a 2,185-amino acid (aa) polyprotein. The phylogenetic tree obtained for the complete genome of this HPeV strain and the other HpeV strains available in GenBank indicated that CH-ZJ1 is intervenient between HpeV type 4 (HpeV4) and HpeV5. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 3D and VP1 genes reveals two incongruent trees. Recombination detection indicated that CH-ZJ1 might be a recombinant which was produced by more than one genomic recombination event that occurred among HPeV1, HPeV4, and HPeV3 strains.
What predicts persistent early conduct problems? Evidence from the Growing Up in Scotland cohort
Authors: Wilson Philip , Bradshaw Paul , Tipping Sarah , Henderson Marion , Der Geoff , Minnis Helen
Published: July 2012

Background

There is a strong case for early identification of factors predicting life-course-persistent conduct disorder. The authors aimed to identify factors associated with repeated parental reports of preschool conduct problems.

Method

Nested case–control study of Scottish children who had behavioural data reported by parents at 3, 4 and 5 years.

Results

79 children had abnormal conduct scores at all three time points (‘persistent conduct problems’) and 434 at one or two points (‘inconsistent conduct problems’). 1557 children never had abnormal scores. Compared with children with no conduct problems, children with reported problems were significantly more likely to have mothers who smoked during pregnancy. They were less likely to be living with both parents and more likely to be in poor general health, to have difficulty being understood, to have a parent who agrees that smacking is sometimes necessary and to be taken to visit other people with children rarely. The results for children with persistent and inconsistent conduct problems were similar, but associations with poverty and maternal smoking were significantly less strong in the inconsistent group.

Conclusion

These factors may be valuable in early identification of risk of major social difficulties.
Comparison of repetitive-sequence-based polymerase chain reaction with random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis for rapid genotyping of nontuberculosis mycobacteria
Authors: Christianson Sara , Wolfe Joyce , Soualhine Hafid , Sharma Meenu K.
Published: July 2012

Nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) are an important cause of human disease and infections. Though less notorious than tuberculosis, these infections are clinically significant and have been associated with outbreaks in various settings. To accommodate outbreak investigations for the numerous species of NTM, we evaluated a DiversiLab repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) kit for genotyping of mycobacteria. This kit was used to genotype both rapidly and slowly growing mycobacteria and was compared with other PCR-based genotyping methods, including random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, hsp65 gene sequencing, and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit – variable number of tandem repeat (MIRU–VNTR) analysis. Compared with RAPD analysis, rep-PCR achieved better reproducibility in testing. When compared with hsp65 gene sequencing and MIRU–VNTR for Mycobacterium avium , rep-PCR provided results that agreed with these less discriminatory genotyping methods but provided a higher level of discrimination for situations such as outbreak investigations. We also evaluated the kit for its ability to identify closely related rapidly growing NTM. While rep-PCR was informative in some cases, a much larger library of isolates would be necessary to truly evaluate it as an identification tool. Overall, rep-PCR was able to provide improved reproducibility over RAPD and a discriminatory genotyping method for the isolates evaluated in this study.
Airway closure on imaging relates to airway hyperresponsiveness and peripheral airway disease in asthma
Authors: Farrow Catherine E. , Salome Cheryl M. , Harris Benjamin E. , Bailey Dale L. , Bailey Elizabeth , Berend Norbert , Young Iven H. , King Gregory G.
Published: July 2012

The regional pattern and extent of airway closure measured by three-dimensional ventilation imaging may relate to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and peripheral airways disease in asthmatic subjects. We hypothesized that asthmatic airways are predisposed to closure during bronchoconstriction in the presence of ventilation heterogeneity and AHR. Fourteen asthmatic subjects (6 women) underwent combined ventilation single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography scans before and after methacholine challenge. Regional airway closure was determined by complete loss of ventilation following methacholine challenge. Peripheral airway disease was measured by multiple-breath nitrogen washout from which Scond(index of peripheral conductive airway abnormality) was derived. Relationships between airway closure and lung function were examined by multiple-linear regression. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 87.5 ± 15.8% predicted, and seven subjects had AHR. Methacholine challenge decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 s by 23 ± 5% and increased nonventilated volume from 16 ± 4 to 29 ± 13% of computed tomography lung volume. The increase in airway closure measured by nonventilated volume correlated independently with both Scond(partial R2= 0.22) and with AHR (partial R2= 0.38). The extent of airway closure induced by methacholine inhalation in asthmatic subjects is greater with increasing peripheral airways disease, as measured by ventilation heterogeneity, and with worse AHR.
Isolation and characterization of ZZ1, a novel lytic phage that infects Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Jin Jing , Li Zhen-Jiang , Wang Shu-Wei , Wang Shan-Mei , Huang De-Hai , Li Ya-Hui , Ma Yun-Yun , Wang Jin , Liu Fang , Chen Xiang-Dong , Li Guang-Xing , Wang Xiao-Ting , Wang Zhong-Quan , Zhao Guo-Qiang
Published: July 2012

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii, a significant nosocomial pathogen, has evolved resistance to almost all conventional antimicrobial drugs. Bacteriophage therapy is a potential alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, one lytic bacteriophage, ZZ1, which infectsA. baumanniiand has a broad host range, was selected for characterization.

Results

Phage ZZ1 and 3 of its natural hosts,A. baumanniclinical isolates AB09V, AB0902, and AB0901, are described in this study. The 3 strains have different sensitivities to ZZ1, but they have the same sensitivity to antibiotics. They are resistant to almost all of the antibiotics tested, except for polymyxin. Several aspects of the life cycle of ZZ1 were investigated using the sensitive strain AB09V under optimal growth conditions. ZZ1 is highly infectious with a short latent period (9 min) and a large burst size (200 PFU/cell). It exhibited the most powerful antibacterial activity at temperatures ranging from 35°C to 39°C. Moreover, when ZZ1 alone was incubated at different pHs and different temperatures, the phage was stable over a wide pH range (4 to 9) and at extreme temperatures (between 50°C and 60°C). ZZ1 possesses a 100-nm icosahedral head containing double-stranded DNA with a total length of 166,682 bp and a 120-nm long contractile tail. Morphologically, it could be classified as a member of theMyoviridaefamily and theCaudoviralesorder. Bioinformatic analysis of the phage whole genome sequence further suggested that ZZ1 was more likely to be a new member of theMyoviridaephages. Most of the predicted ORFs of the phage were similar to the predicted ORFs from otherAcinetobacterphages.

Conclusion

The phage ZZ1 has a relatively broad lytic spectrum, high pH stability, strong heat resistance, and efficient antibacterial potential at body temperature. These characteristics greatly increase the utility of this phage as an antibacterial agent; thus, it should be further investigated.
Evaluation of patient satisfaction of an outpatient gastroscopy service in an Asian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Azmi Najib , Chan Wah-Kheong , Goh Khean-Lee
Published: July 2012

Background

There are limited published studies on patient satisfaction towards endoscopy from Asian countries. Different methods of evaluation of patient satisfaction may yield different results and there is currently no study to compare results of on-site versus phone-back interviews.

Method

On-site followed by phone-back interviews were carried out on consecutive patients attending the outpatient gastroscopy service of University of Malaya Medical Centre between July 2010 and January 2011 using the modified Group Health Association of America-9 (mGHAA-9) questionnaire. The question on technical skill of endoscopist was replaced with a question on patient comfort during endoscopy.

Results

Seven hundred patients were interviewed. Waiting times for appointment and on gastroscopy day, and discomfort during procedure accounted for over 90% of unfavorable responses. Favorable response diminished to undesirable level when waiting times for appointment and on gastroscopy day exceeded 1 month and 1 hour, respectively. Satisfaction scores were higher for waiting time for appointment but lower for personal manner of nurses/staff and explanation given during phone-back interview. There was no significant difference in satisfaction scores for other questions, including overall rating between the two methods.

Conclusion

Waiting times and discomfort during procedure were main causes for patient dissatisfaction. Phone-back interview may result in different scores for some items compared with on-site interview and should be taken into account when comparing results using the different methods.
Serum proteomic, peptidomic and metabolomic profiles in myasthenia gravis patients during treatment with Qiangji Jianli Fang
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Lu Yonghai , Chen Zhixi , Liu Xiaobin , Lin Huangquan , Zhao Hui , Chen Jinyan , Kwan Yiuwa , Ngai Saiming
Published: July 2012

Background

Qiangji Jianli Fang (QJF) has been used for treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG) in China. However, our understanding of the effects of QJF against MG at the molecular level is limited. This study aims to investigate the effects of QJF treatment of MG patients on the protein, peptide and metabolite levels in serum.

Methods

High-throughput proteomic, peptidomic and metabolomic techniques were applied to investigate serum samples from 21 healthy individuals and 47 MG patients before and after QJF treatment via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography Fourier transform mass spectrometry, respectively.

Results

After QJF treatment, the expression levels of peptides m/z 1865.019, 2021.128 and 1211.668 of complement C3f increased (P = 0.004, P = 0.001 and P = 0.043, respectively), while that of peptide m/z 1739.931 of component C4b decreased (P = 0.043), in the serum of MG patients. The levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (P = 0.000) and coenzyme Q4 (P = 0.000) resumed their normal states.

Conclusion

QJF could inhibit the activity of the complement system and restore the normal levels of metabolites.
PGASO: A synthetic biology tool for engineering a cellulolytic yeast
Authors: Chang Jui-Jen , Ho Cheng-Yu , Ho Feng-Ju , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Ke Huei-Mien , Wang Christine H-T , Chen Hsin-Liang , Shih Ming-Che , Huang Chieh-Chen , Li Wen-Hsiung
Published: July 2012

Background

To achieve an economical cellulosic ethanol production, a host that can do both cellulosic saccharification and ethanol fermentation is desirable. However, to engineer a non-cellulolytic yeast to be such a host requires synthetic biology techniques to transform multiple enzyme genes into its genome.

Results

A technique, named Promoter-based Gene Assembly and Simultaneous Overexpression (PGASO), that employs overlapping oligonucleotides for recombinatorial assembly of gene cassettes with individual promoters, was developed. PGASO was applied to engineerKluyveromycesmarxianusKY3, which is a thermo- and toxin-tolerant yeast. We obtained a recombinant strain, called KR5, that is capable of simultaneously expressing exoglucanase and endoglucanase (both ofTrichodermareesei), a beta-glucosidase (from a cow rumen fungus), a neomycin phosphotransferase, and a green fluorescent protein. High transformation efficiency and accuracy were achieved as ~63% of the transformants was confirmed to be correct. KR5 can utilize beta-glycan, cellobiose or CMC as the sole carbon source for growth and can directly convert cellobiose and beta-glycan to ethanol.

Conclusions

This study provides the first example of multi-gene assembly in a single step in a yeast species other thanSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We successfully engineered a yeast host with a five-gene cassette assembly and the new host is capable of co-expressing three types of cellulase genes. Our study shows that PGASO is an efficient tool for simultaneous expression of multiple enzymes in the kefir yeast KY3 and that KY3 can serve as a host for developing synthetic biology tools.
Design Concept for High-LUMO-level Fullerene Electron-acceptors for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka
Published: July 2012

This review article describes design concept, synthesis, and features of fullerene derivatives having high lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels to achieve high open-circuit voltage in organic thin-film photovoltaic devices. Installation of organic electron-donating groups onto fullerene and decrease of the size of the fullerene π-electron-conjugated system raise the LUMO levels, affording high-performance organic solar cells. Addition of the methano group as the smallest carbon addend to fullerene to obtain 56π-electron fullerene derivatives is likely a promising strategy for this purpose.
Calculation of the Chirality in Solutions
Authors: Partovi Tayyebe
Published: July 2012

The chirality parameter of a chiral chemical solution is derived as a new function of the specific rotation analytically. The Maxwell’s equations are solved together for an incident linearly polarized wave to find this function. The specific rotation formula found by the measurement is used to find the chirality parameter of chiral solutions. The calculated chirality parameter can be used to simulate the chiral molecule structure in different wavelengths and also to determine the specific rotation and the concentration of a chiral chemical solution.
Silane(silyl) and Bis(silyl)hydrido Manganese Complexes with Different Mn···H···Si Interaction: Observation of Gradual Si–H Bond Activation on the Metal Center
Authors: Komuro Takashi , Okawara Satoshi , Furuyama Keisuke , Tobita Hiromi
Published: July 2012

Three manganese–carbonyl complexes having a xanthene-based silane(silyl) or bis(silyl) chelate ligand were synthesized and characterized. The single-crystal X-ray analysis of these complexes demonstrated that an Si–H bond is sequentially activated on the metal according to ligand substitution of CO with xanthene-oxygen or η6-toluene.
Enantioseparation on Helical Poly(phenylacetylene)s Bearing Cinchona Alkaloid Pendants as Chiral Stationary Phases for HPLC
Authors: Naito Yuki , Tang Zhenglin , Iida Hiroki , Miyabe Toshitaka , Yashima Eiji
Published: July 2012

A series of optically active helical poly(phenylacetylene)s bearing cinchona alkaloid pendant groups was coated on macroporous silica gel to obtain novel chiral packing materials for high-performance liquid chromatography, which could resolve diverse racemic compounds into enantiomers whose chiral recognition abilities were significantly influenced by the macromolecular helicity induced by the alkaloid pendants.
The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of raised plasma metal ion levels in the diagnosis of adverse reaction to metal debris in symptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal arthroplasty of the hip
Authors: Malek I. A. , King A. , Sharma H. , Malek S. , Lyons K. , Jones S. , John A.
Published: July 2012

Plasma levels of cobalt and chromium ions and Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence (MARS)-MRI scans were performed on patients with 209 consecutive, unilateral, symptomatic metal-on-metal (MoM) hip arthroplasties. There was wide variation in plasma cobalt and chromium levels, and MARS-MRI scans were positive for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) in 84 hips (40%). There was a significant difference in the median plasma cobalt and chromium levels between those with positive and negative MARS-MRI scans (p < 0.001). Compared with MARS-MRI as the potential reference standard for the diagnosis of ARMD, the sensitivity of metal ion analysis for cobalt or chromium with a cut-off of > 7 µg/l was 57%. The specificity was 65%, positive predictive value was 52% and the negative predictive value was 69% in symptomatic patients. A lowered threshold of > 3.5 µg/l for cobalt and chromium ion levels improved the sensitivity and negative predictive value to 86% and 74% but at the expense of specificity (27%) and positive predictive value (44%).

Metal ion analysis is not recommended as a sole indirect screening test in the surveillance of symptomatic patients with a MoM arthroplasty. The investigating clinicians should have a low threshold for obtaining cross-sectional imaging in these patients, even in the presence of low plasma metal ion levels.
Patient-reported complications after elective joint replacement surgery
Authors: Alazzawi S. , Bardakos N. V. , Hadfield S. G. , Butt U. , Beer Z. H. , Field R. E.
Published: July 2012

Using general practitioner records and hospital notes and through direct telephone conversation with patients, we investigated the accuracy of nine patient-reported complications gathered from a self-completed questionnaire after elective joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee. A total of 402 post-discharge complications were reported after 8546 elective operations that were undertaken within a three-year period. These were reported by 136 men and 240 women with a mean age of 71.8 years (34 to 93). A total of 319 reported complications (79.4%; 95% confidence interval 75.4 to 83.3) were confirmed to be correct. High rates of correct reporting were demonstrated for infection (94.5%) and the need for further surgery (100%), whereas the rates of reporting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and stroke were lower (75% to 84.2%). Dislocation, peri-prosthetic fractures and nerve palsy had modest rates of correct reporting (36% to 57.1%). More patients who had knee surgery delivered incorrect reports of dislocation (p = 0.001) and DVT (p = 0.013).

Despite these variations, it appears that post-operative complications may form part of a larger patient-reported outcome programme after elective joint replacement surgery.
Diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cord and its clinical applications
Authors: Rajasekaran S. , Kanna R. M. , Shetty A. P.
Published: July 2012

The identification of the extent of neural damage in patients with acute or chronic spinal cord injury is imperative for the accurate prediction of neurological recovery. The changes in signal intensity shown on routine MRI sequences are of limited value for predicting functional outcome. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a novel radiological imaging technique which has the potential to identify intact nerve fibre tracts, and has been used to image the brain for a variety of conditions. DTI imaging of the spinal cord is currently only a research tool, but preliminary studies have shown that it holds considerable promise in predicting the severity of spinal cord injury.

This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of this technique.