bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NK Cell Tolerance of Self-Specific Activating Receptor KIR2DS1 in Individuals with Cognate HLA-C2 Ligand
Authors: Pittari Gianfranco , Liu Xiao-Rong , Selvakumar Annamalai , Zhao Zeguo , Merino Ernesto , Huse Morgan , Chewning Joseph H. , Hsu Katharine C. , Dupont Bo
Published: April 2013

NK cells are regulated by inhibiting and activating cell surface receptors. Most inhibitory receptors recognize MHC class I Ags and protect healthy cells from NK cell–mediated autoaggression. However, certain activating receptors, including the human activating killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) 2DS1, also recognize MHC class I. This fact raises the question of how NK cells expressing such activating receptors are tolerized to host tissues. We investigated whether the presence of HLA-C2, the cognate ligand for 2DS1, induces tolerance in 2DS1-expressing NK cells. Anti–HLA-C2 activity could be detected in vitro in some 2DS1 positive NK clones irrespective of the presence or absence of HLA-C2 ligand in the donor. The frequency of anti–HLA-C2 reactivity was high in donors homozygous for HLA-C1. Surprisingly, no significant difference was seen in the frequency of anti–HLA-C2 cytotoxicity in donors heterozygous for HLA-C2 and donors without HLA-C2 ligand. However, donors homozygous for HLA-C2, compared with all other donors, had significantly reduced frequency of anti–HLA-C2 reactive clones. The 2DS1 positive clones that express inhibitory KIR for self–HLA class I were commonly noncytotoxic, and anti–HLA-C2 cytotoxicity was nearly exclusively restricted to 2DS1 single positive clones lacking inhibitory KIR. 2DS1 single positive NK clones with anti–HLA-C2 reactivity were also present posttransplantation in HLA-C2 positive recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants from 2DS1 positive donors. These results demonstrate that many NK cells with anti–HLA-C2 reactivity are present in HLA-C1 homozygous and heterozygous donors with 2DS1. In contrast, 2DS1 positive clones from HLA-C2 homozygous donors are frequently tolerant to HLA-C2.
Efficient Attenuation of NK Cell–Mediated Liver Injury through Genetically Manipulating Multiple Immunogenes by Using a Liver-Directed Vector
Authors: Geng Jianlin , Wang Xuefu , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang
Published: April 2013

Adenovirus or adenoviral vectors were reported to induce serious liver inflammation in an NK cell–dependent manner, which limits its clinical applicability for liver gene therapy. We tried to develop an efficient liver-directed therapeutic approach to control hepatic NK cell function via simultaneously manipulating multiple immune genes. Based on our previous study, we found that CCL5 knockdown synergistically enhanced the attenuating effect of silencing CX3CL1 (fractalkine [FKN]) in adenovirus-induced acute liver injury. In addition, the combined treatment of human IL-10 expression with FKN knockdown would further strengthen the protective effect of silencing FKN. We used a hepatocyte-specific promoter to construct a hepatocyte-specific multiple function vector, which could simultaneously overexpress human IL-10 and knock down CCL5 and FKN expression. This vector could attenuate adenovirus-induced acute hepatitis highly efficiently by reducing liver NK cell recruitment and serum IFN-γ and TNF-α. The multiple function vectors could be delivered by nonviral (hydrodynamic injection) and viral (adenovirus) approaches, and maintained long-term function (more than 1 month in mice). Our results suggest a possible strategy to ameliorate the acute liver injury induced by adenovirus by modulating multiple immune genes. The novel multifunction vector has an extensive and practical use for polygenic and complex liver diseases such as malignancies and hepatitis, which correlate with multiple gene disorders.
Muscle Heating With Megapulse II Shortwave Diathermy and ReBound Diathermy
Authors: Draper David O. , Hawkes Amanda R. , Johnson A. Wayne , Diede Mike T. , Rigby Justin H.
Published: April 2013

Context:

A new continuous diathermy called ReBound recently has been introduced. Its effectiveness as a heating modality is unknown.

Objective:

To compare the effects of the ReBound diathermy with an established deep-heating diathermy, the Megapulse II pulsed shortwave diathermy, on tissue temperature in the human triceps surae muscle.

Design:

 Crossover study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Participants included 12 healthy, college-aged volunteers (4 men, 8 women; age = 22.2 ± 2.25 years, calf subcutaneous fat thickness = 7.2 ± 1.9 mm).

Intervention(s):

 Each modality treatment was applied to the triceps surae muscle group of each participant for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, we removed the modality and recorded temperature decay for 20 minutes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We horizontally inserted an implantable thermocouple into the medial triceps surae muscle to measure intramuscular tissue temperature at 3 cm deep. We measured temperature every 5 minutes during the 30-minute treatment and each minute during the 20-minute temperature decay.

Results:

Tissue temperature at a depth of 3 cm increased more with Megapulse II than with ReBound diathermy over the course of the treatment (F6,66 = 10.78, P < .001). ReBound diathermy did not produce as much intramuscular heating, leading to a slower heat dissipation rate than the Megapulse II (F20,220 = 28.84, P < .001).

Conclusions:

 During a 30-minute treatment, the Megapulse II was more effective than ReBound diathermy at increasing deep, intramuscular tissue temperature of the triceps surae muscle group.
Does an Individual's Fitness Level Affect Baseline Concussion Symptoms?
Authors: Mrazik Martin , Naidu Dhiren , Lebrun Constance , Game Alex , Matthews-White Joan
Published: April 2013

Context:

Variables that may influence baseline concussion symptoms should be investigated.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of physical fitness on self-report of baseline concussion symptoms in collegiate athletes and students.

Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 125 undergraduates, including 95 collegiate athletes and 30 recreational athletes (83 males, 42 females).

Intervention(s):

Participants completed the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2; symptom report) at baseline, within 10 minutes of completing the Leger test, and within 24 hours of the initial baseline test. The Leger (beep) test is a shuttle-run field test used to predict maximal aerobic power.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The total symptom score on the SCAT2 was calculated and analyzed with a repeated-measures analysis of variance. A linear regression analysis was used to determine if 3 variables (sport type, sex, or fitness level) accounted for a significant amount of the variance in the baseline symptom report.

Results:

Participants reported more symptoms postactivity but fewer symptoms at 24 hours compared with baseline, representing a time effect in our model (F2,234 = 47.738, P < .001). No interactions were seen among the independent variables. We also found an effect for fitness level, with fitter individuals reporting fewer symptoms at all 3 time intervals. The regression analysis revealed that fitness level accounted for a significant amount of the variance in SCAT2 symptoms at baseline (R 2 = 0.22, F3,121 = 11.44, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Fitness level affected the baseline concussion symptom report. Exercise seems to induce concussion symptom reporting, and symptom severity may be a function of an athlete's level of conditioning. Sports medicine professionals should consider an athlete's level of fitness when conducting baseline concussion symptom assessments.
Getting young adults back to church: A marketing approach
Authors: Van der Merwe Michelle C. , Grobler Anské F. , Strasheim Arien , Orton Lizré
Published: April 2013

Worldwide, church membership is decreasing. A decline in the number of young adults that attend church services is also evident. The purpose of the research was to determine whether the application of a well-established body of knowledge of marketing theories and principles could be used by churches to encourage young adults to return to the church. The application of services marketing to the church as a non-profit organisation is discussed by focussing on non-physical and physical atmospheric cues in the church’s servicescape that could enhance church attendance. A quantitative approach was used by testing the opinions of 200 church service attendees of different denominations. The findings indicated that certain elements in the servicescape of a church may be useful in attracting young adults. It was found that music is a strong determinant of whether young adults attend church services, followed by layout and design of the church and then by the signs and symbols used in the church. Females reported significantly higher levels of positive perceptions concerning the layout and design. Although the research showed that some marketing elements, such as a positive servicescape, could improve church attendance, other personal elements such as forming personal relationships with fellow Christians and God need to be further explored.
Biographical and demographical variables as moderators in the prediction of turnover intentions
Authors: Du Plooy Janine , Roodt Gert
Published: April 2013

Orientation: The aim of the study was to explore the possible moderation effects of biographical and demographical variables on a prediction model of turnover intention (TI).Research purpose: The main purpose of the study was to determine how biographical and demographical variables have an impact on predictors of turnover intentions.Motivation for the study: Twenty-first century organisations face significant challenges in the management of talent and human capital. One in particular is voluntary employee turnover and the lack of appropriate business models to track this process.Research design, approach, and method: A secondary data analysis (SDA) was performed in a quantitative research tradition on the cross-sectional survey sample (n = 2429). Data were collected from a large South African Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector company (N = 23 134).Main findings: The results of the study confirmed significant moderation effects regarding race, age, and marital status in the prediction equations of TIs.Practical and managerial implications: Practical implications of the study suggested increased understanding of workforce diversity effects within the human resource (HR) value chain, with resultant evidence-based, employee retention strategies and interventions. Issues concerning talent management could also be addressed.Contribution and value-add: The study described in this article took Industrial/Organisational (I/O) psychological concepts and linked them in unique combinations to establish better predictive validity of a more comprehensive turnover intentions model.
A Role for Matrix Metalloproteinases in Nicotine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference and Relapse in Adolescent Female Rats
Authors: Natarajan Reka , Harding Joseph W. , Wright John W.
Published: April 2013

Reconfiguration of extracellular matrix proteins appears to be necessary for the synaptic plasticity that underlies memory consolidation. The primary candidates involved in controlling this process are a family of endopeptidases called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); however, the potential role of MMPs in nicotine addiction-related memories has not been adequately tested. Present results indicate transient changes in hippocampal MMP-2, -3, and -9 expression following context dependent learning of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Members of a CPP procedural control group also indicated similar MMP changes, suggesting that memory activation occurred in these animals as well. However, hippocampal MMP-9 expression was differentially elevated in members of the nicotine-induced CPP group on days 4 and 5 of training. Inhibition of MMPs using a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor (FN439) during nicotine-induced CPP training blocked the acquisition of CPP. Elevations in hippocampal and prefrontal cortex MMP-3 expression—but not MMP-2 and -9—accompanied reactivation of a previously learned drug related memory. Decreases in the actin regulatory cytoskeletal protein cortactin were measured in the HIP and PFC during the initial two days of acquisition of CPP; however, no changes were seen following re-exposure to the drug related environment. These results suggest that MMP-9 may be involved in facilitating the intracellular and extracellular events required for the synaptic plasticity underlying the acquisition of nicotine-induced CPP. Furthermore, MMP-3 appears to be important during re-exposure to the drug associated environment. However, rats introduced into the CPP apparatus and given injections of vehicle rather than nicotine during training also revealed a pattern of MMP expression similar to nicotine-induced CPP animals.
Effect of prepartum somatotropin injection in late pregnant Holstein heifers with high body condition score on metabolic parameters, resumption of ovulation and milk production
Authors: Acosta Diego Andres Velasco , Pfeifer Luiz Francisco Machado , Schmitt Eduardo , Schneider Augusto , Silveira Pedro Augusto Silva , Jacometo Carolina Bespalhok , Brauner Cassio Cassal , Rabassa Viviane Rohrig , Corrêa Marcio Nunes , Del Pino Francisco A. B.
Published: April 2013

Acosta, D. A. V., Pfeifer, L. F. M., Schmitt, E., Schneider, A., Silveira, P. A. S., Jacometo, C. B., Brauner, C. C., Rabassa, V. R., Corrêa, M. N. and Del Pino, F. A. B. 2013. Effect of prepartum somatotropin injection in late pregnant Holstein heifers with high body condition score on metabolic parameters, resumption of ovulation and milk production. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 287–292. In the early post-partum period of dairy cows the duration and intensity of negative energy balance, the level of body condition score (BCS) loss and the milk yield are strongly associated with the timing of the first ovulation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pre-partum injections of somatotropin in dairy heifers with high BCS on the metabolism, resumption of ovarian activity and milk production. Holstein heifers (n=20) with high BCS, were divided randomly into two groups: somatotropin (n=10), which received two doses of somatotropin (500 mg) at −28 and −14 d from calving and Control (n=10), which received placebo. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations. Follicular development was also monitored via ultrasound. Somatotropin had no effect on plasma NEFA (P=0.35 and P=0.46) or BHBA (P=0.20 and P=0.44,) concentrations in the pre-partum and post-partum period, respectively. Milk production was not different between control (17.53±0.66 kg cow−1 d−1) and somatotropin groups (16.13±0.67 kg cow−1 d−1) (P=0.14). Pre-partum somatotropin administration did not affect (P=0.28) the time of the first post-partum ovulation. The proportion of cows ovulating the first post-partum follicular wave was not different between groups (P=0.49). In conclusion, pre-partum somatotropin treatment in dairy heifers with high body condition score seems not to have any effect on markers of energy balance, milk production or development of the first follicular wave in the early post-partum period.
Effect of leptin genotype and zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation on the growth rate and carcass characteristics of finishing steers
Authors: McEvers T. J. , Dorin L. C. , Berg J. L. , Royan G. F. , Hutcheson J. P. , Appleyard G. D. , Brown M. S. , Lawrence T. E.
Published: April 2013

McEvers, T. J., Dorin, L. C., Berg, J. L., Royan, G. F., Hutcheson, J. P., Appleyard, G. D., Brown M. S. and Lawrence, T. E. 2013. Effect of leptin genotype and zilpaterol hydrochloride supplementation on the growth rate and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 199–204. Steers (n=960; initial body weight=480.2±35.3 kg) were initially selected by leptin genotype (LG; CC=homozygous normal, CT=heterozygous, and TT=homozygous mutant) from a pool of 1500 candidates, and allocated into 48 pens of which one-half were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 20 d with a 4-d withdrawal and the balance a control ration. No LG×ZH interaction (P≥0.21) occurred for any measured live production or carcass trait. Cattle of the TT genotype tended (P=0.08) to have lower average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) during the pre ZH treatment period. Cattle fed ZH had greater (P<0.01) ADG and G:F than cattle not fed ZH. Cattle of the TT genotype had greater (P<0.01) lipid depots concomitant with reduced (P≤0.02) lean tissue as compared to cattle of the CC genotype; furthermore, TT cattle tended (P=0.07) to have lighter carcass weights than other genotypes. Cattle fed ZH had increased (P<0.01) hot carcass weight and lean tissue concomitant with decreased (P≤0.01) lipid depots. Commercially available leptin genotyping may allow for antemortem sorting of cattle by genotype, which could augment management strategies ultimately leading to adjustments in feeding duration and timeliness of carcass marketing.
Effects of relative humidity on aerosol light scattering: results from different European sites
Authors: Zieger P. , Fierz-Schmidhauser R. , Weingartner E. , Baltensperger U.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The effect of aerosol water uptake on the aerosol particle light scattering coefficient (σsp) is described in this study by comparing measurements from five European sites: the Jungfraujoch, located in the Swiss Alps at 3580 m a.s.l., Ny-Ålesund, located on Spitsbergen in the Arctic, Mace Head, a coastal site in Ireland, Cabauw, a rural site in the Netherlands and Melpitz, a regional background site in Eastern Germany. These sites were selected according to the aerosol type usually encountered at that location. The scattering enhancement factor f(RH,λ) is the key parameter to describe the effect of water uptake on the particle light scattering. It is defined as the σsp(RH) at a certain relative humidity (RH) and wavelength λ divided by its dry value. f(RH) largely varied at the five sites starting from very low values of f(RH = 85%,λ = 550 nm) around 1.28 for mineral dust to 3.41 for Arctic aerosol. Hysteresis behavior was observed at all sites except at the Jungfraujoch due to the absence of sea salt. Closure studies and Mie simulations showed that both size and chemical composition determine the magnitude of f(RH). Both parameters are also needed to successfully predict f(RH). Finally, the measurement results were compared to the widely used aerosol model OPAC (Hess et al., 1998). Significant discrepancies were seen especially at intermediate RH ranges, which were mainly attributed to inappropriate implemented hygroscopic growth within OPAC. Replacement of the hygroscopic growth with recent literature values showed a clear improvement of the OPAC model.
Development and testing of an online method to measure ambient fine particulate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) based on the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) assay
Authors: King L. E. , Weber R. J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. An online, semi-continuous instrument to measure fine particle (PM2.5) reactive oxygen species (ROS) was developed based on the fluorescent probe 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH). Parameters that influence probe response were first characterized to develop an optimal method for use in a field instrument. The online method used a mist chamber scrubber to collect total (gas plus particle) ROS components (ROSt) alternating with gas phase ROS (ROSg) by means of an inline filter. Particle phase ROS (ROSp) was determined by difference between ROSt and ROSg. The instrument was deployed in urban Atlanta, Georgia, and at a rural site during various seasons. Concentrations from the online instrument generally agreed well with those from an intensive filter measurement of ROSp. Concentrations of the ROSp measurements made with this instrument were lower than reported in other studies, often below the instrument's average limit of detection (0.15 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3). Mean ROSp concentrations were 0.26 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3 at the Atlanta urban sites compared to 0.14 nmol H2O2 equivalents m−3 at the rural site.
Satti Majid
Authors: Bowen Patrick D.
Published: April 2013

This article examines the institutional accomplishments and intellectual influence of Satti Majid, a Sudanese Muslim missionary who was active in Muslim American affairs from World War I until 1929. It recovers the pivotal role played by Majid in establishing Islam as an organized American religion during the 1920s. In this decade, Majid established a number of Muslim social welfare societies, attempted to create one of the first national Sunni Muslim umbrella groups in the United States, and achieved noteworthy success in converting American-born blacks to Islam. His most important follower, Daoud Ahmed Faisal, went on to become the premier Sunni Muslim religious leader of New York in the postwar period.
The Search for Community in Cross-Disciplinary Conversation
Authors: Lamy Steven L. , Fliegel Richard
Published: April 2013

Edward O. Wilson's book can help us design general education curricula by providing a model of interdisciplinary thinking, pointing to the frames of reference with which a generally well-educated person should be familiar, and presenting an argument to be tested against a wide range of data and theoretical perspectives.
Demonstration testing of nitrification control using chlorite in Irvine, Calif.
Authors: Blute Nicole , Pedersen David W. , Wu Xueying , Means Edward
Published: April 2013

Irvine Ranch Water District in Irvine, Calif., has experienced significant, frequent nitrification occurrences in its large, 181 sq‐mi chloraminated distribution system. A demonstration‐scale study investigated chlorite ion effectiveness for nitrification prevention in a reservoir consisting of two cells with identical configurations, which enabled comparison of a chlorite‐treated cell (test cell; 0.3 and 0.6 mg/L) and an untreated cell (control cell; no chlorite). During the six‐month study, severe nitrification (nitrite of 0.150 mg/L as N) occurred in the control cell. The test cell had less than half the nitrite concentration, with nitrite that did appear attributed to water carried over from the nitrified water in the reservoir transmission pipeline or to later onset of nitrification (based on timing and magnitude). Combined with historical and post‐study results, this study provides additional evidence that chlorite is effective in minimizing nitrification.
Responsible Citizens
Authors: Brown B. J. , Baker Sally
Published: April 2013

The individual has never been more important in society  in almost every sphere of public and private life, the individual is sovereign. Yet the importance and apparent power assigned to the individual is not all that it seems. As Responsible Citizens investigates via its UK-based case studies, this emphasis on the individual has gone hand in hand with a rise in subtle authoritarianism, which has insinuated itself into the government of the population. Whilst present throughout the public services, this authoritarianism is most conspicuous in the health and social welfare sectors, such that a kind of governance through responsibility is today enforced upon the population.
Curriculum Change in Nunavut: Towards Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Authors: McGregor Heather E.
Published: April 2013

Between 1985 and the present, curriculum developers, educators and Elders in Nunavut have been working towards reconceptualization of curriculum to better meet the strengths and needs of Inuit students and to reflect, preserve, and revitalize Inuit worldview, language, and culture. This article outlines the development of the 1989 curriculum framework Piniaqtavut, the 1996 framework Inuuqatigiit: The Curriculum from the Inuit Perspective, and the 2007 foundation document Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Education Framework for Nunavut Curriculum. It goes on to describe the cross-curricular principles and philosophies of education in Nunavut, and identify the most important contributing factors in this system-wide curriculum change process. The intent is both to describe the approach taken in Nunavut, as well as to inform comparable work in other Indigenous contexts.
La sociologie du genre : une contribution originale à la compréhension du suicide chez les hommes
Authors: Roy Philippe
Published: April 2013

Il y a un consensus à l’effet que le suicide soit un problème social. Mais quelle est la contribution de la sociologie à la recherche sur le suicide ? Cet article présente un bref survol des bases historiques de la sociologie du suicide et de son évolution à travers l’étude de la déviance et de l’exclusion. Sur le plan de l’application, la sociologie du genre a notamment contribué à mieux comprendre comment certains aspects de la socialisation masculine, comme le rapport rigide aux normes masculines, agissent comme des facteurs de risque suicidaire ou comme des pistes de rétablissement.
Risque suicidaire et préférences musicales : y a-t-il un lien ?
Authors: Mikolajczak Gladys , Desseilles Martin
Published: April 2013

La musique occupe une fonction importante dans la vie des adolescents. Dans cette revue, nous répondrons à deux questions sur les liens entre la musique et le suicide. La première sera de savoir si certaines musiques peuvent favoriser le processus suicidaire (idéations et passage à l’acte) et la deuxième examinera si la musique peut constituer un outil pour diminuer le risque suicidaire. Plusieurs facteurs potentiellement impliqués dans le lien entre les préférences musicales et le processus suicidaire seront développés : l’effet Velten et la procédure musicale d’induction de l’humeur, l’identification et l’apprentissage par imitation, l’influence des médias ainsi que les caractéristiques individuelles. Une approche multifactorielle est nécessaire pour comprendre les liens complexes et bidirectionnels qui unissent les préférences musicales au risque suicidaire.
A divisão dos cuidados sociais prestados a pessoas idosas: complexidades, desigualdades e preferências
Authors: De São José José
Published: April 2013

Este artigo, baseado numa investigação qualitativa, dá conta da divisão da provisão de cuidados sociais a pessoas idosas entre cuidadores familiares e cuidadores não familiares. A partir de um modelo concetual que evita as dicotomias usadas pela investigação já realizada sobre este tema, os dados recolhidos e analisados revelam complexidades e hibridismos na divisão dos cuidados, bem como desigualdades de classe social e de género. Para além disto, os cuidadores familiares entrevistados elegem a combinação de cuidados familiares com apoio domiciliário “amigo do cuidador familiar” (cujas intervenções possam ir até oito ou mais horas por dia) como a forma preferida/ideal de divisão dos cuidados. A relevância destes resultados, não só do ponto de vista sociológico, mas também dos pontos de vista das práticas profissionais e das políticas sociais, é discutida aprofundadamente.
A densidade da sombra: trabalho doméstico, género e imigração
Authors: Abrantes Manuel
Published: April 2013

A bibliografia sobre papéis de género, políticas de apoio social e desenvolvimentos do mercado de trabalho ajuda a entender a persistência dos serviços domésticos na economia contemporânea. No entanto, sabe-se muito pouco sobre a composição ou a dinâmica deste ramo de atividade. O presente artigo revê um conjunto de estudos relevantes e examina dados do Instituto Nacional de Estatística e da Segurança Social, mapeando a evolução do trabalho doméstico remunerado na primeira década do século XXI em Portugal. Os dados sugerem um aumento considerável da intensidade e da informalidade do trabalho. Argumenta-se que a aliança conveniente entre desproteção social e flexibilidade está a reverter o processo de crescente formalização que caracterizava o serviço doméstico no início da década, precipitando-o de volta à subterraneidade.
Violence, organized crime, and illicit drug markets: a Canadian case study
Authors: Schneider Stephen
Published: April 2013

This article tests two inter-related theories on the situational causes of violence in illicit drug markets: (i) drug markets that are unstable are more prone to violence and (ii) there is a higher risk of instability, and hence conflict and violence, in drugmarkets characterized by pure competition. These theories are applied to the violence that occurred between the Hells Angels and its rivals over dominance in Quebec's lucrative cocaine market during the 1990s. The theory that violence stemsfrom instability in an illicit market is applicable to this case study. However, Quebec's cocaine marketwas characterized by oligopolistic conditions and the ensuing violence stemmed from the Hells Angels' efforts to maintain hegemony in that market. This paper argues that oligopolistic and monopolistic conditions in illicit drug markets may heighten the risk of conflict and violence because such conditions inhibit competition.
Fernando Henrique Cardoso, sociologist and politician
Authors: Costa António Firmino da
Published: April 2013

-
‘You Can Touch But Do Not Read’: The ‘Future‐Rustic’ Work of Kathryn Findlay
Authors: Titman Mark
Published: April 2013

‘By turns curvaceous, fluffy, leafy, green, soft and hairy’, the work of Kathryn Findlay is palpably ‘future‐rustic’ in all its formal and material manifestations. Guest‐editor Mark Titman explains how Findlay's designs also more subtly respond ‘to the richness of a given situation, the resources and natural conditions that each site and its surrounding context reveals’, coming out of an approach that has been equally influenced by her rural childhood on a farm in Scotland as almost two decades of working in Japan.
Wild City: MVRDV ‐ Weaving Nature and the Urban
Authors: Pozo Gil Marta
Published: April 2013

Architect Marta Pozo Gil, who leads the Sustainability Department at MVRDV, draws on a correlation between people's retreat indoors, with urban populations becoming increasingly divorced from nature, and the growing ambitions for ‘green’ cities and the ensuing benefits they bring to our quality of life. How might it, though, be possible to realise such a vision? Pozo Gil describes some of MVRDV's lesser‐known projects that weave nature into the city.
Brave New Now
Authors: Young Liam
Published: April 2013

Under Tomorrow's Sky is a fictional future city. For the project, speculative architect Liam Young assembled a think‐tank of scientists, technologists, futurists, illustrators and science‐fiction authors to collectively develop this imaginary place, the landscapes that surround it and the stories it contains. The city forms a stage set for a collection of fictions, emerging infrastructures and design experiments. It is an imaginary landscape extrapolated from the wonders and possibilities of emerging biological and technological research. Here, speculative fiction provides a critical tool, which is visionary in its trajectory while provoking us to examine some of the most pertinent questions facing us today.
Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibrillar Patch as a Wound Healing Platform of Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Authors: Kim Jangho , Kim Seung Won , Park Subeom , Lim Ki Taek , Seonwoo Hoon , Kim Yeonju , Hong Byung Hee , Choung Yun‐Hoon , Chung Jong Hoon
Published: April 2013

Bacterial cellulose (BC)‐based biomaterials on medical device platforms have gained significant interest for tissue‐engineered scaffolds or engraftment materials in regenerative medicine. In particular, BC has an ultrafine and highly pure nanofibril network structure and can be used as an efficient wound‐healing platform since cell migration into a wound site is strongly meditated by the structural properties of the extracellular matrix. Here, the fabrication of a nanofibrillar patch by using BC and its application as a new wound‐healing platform for traumatic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation is reported. TM perforation is a very common clinical problem worldwide and presents as conductive hearing loss and chronic perforations. The BC nanofibrillar patch can be synthesized from Gluconacetobacter xylinus; it is found that the patch contained a network of nanofibrils and is transparent. The thickness of the BC nanofibrillar patch is found to be approximately 10.33 ± 0.58 μm, and the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the BC nanofibrillar patch are 11.85 ± 2.43 and 11.90 ± 0.48 MPa, respectively, satisfying the requirements of an ideal wound‐healing platform for TM regeneration. In vitro studies involving TM cells show that TM cell proliferation and migration are stimulated under the guidance of the BC nanofibrillar patch. In vivo animal studies demonstrate that the BC nanofibrillar patch promotes the rate of TM healing as well as aids in the recovery of TM function. These data demonstrate that the BC nanofibrillar patch is a useful wound‐healing platform for TM perforation.
Nutrients intake as determinants of blood lead and cadmium levels in Colombian pregnant women
Authors: Suarez‐Ortegón Milton F. , Mosquera Mildrey , Caicedo Diana M. , De Plata Cecilia Aguilar , Méndez Fabian
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between nutrients intake in the first trimester of pregnancy and blood levels of lead and cadmium during the first and third trimesters of gestation.

Methods

A total of 381 pregnant women were enrolled. Blood lead and cadmium were measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and dietary intake was assessed using 24‐h recall questionnaire.

Results

Lead levels in the first trimester were negatively correlated with cadmium levels in the two trimesters, and levels of both metals correlated positively in the third trimester. Zinc and calcium intakes were negatively associated with blood lead during third trimester. Thiamine and folic acid intakes were negatively and positively associated (respectively) with blood lead at third trimester with marginal significance. Fat, niacin, and vitamin B12 intakes were significantly and positively associated with blood cadmium at first trimester. Folic acid and zinc intakes showed positive and marginally significant associations with blood cadmium without adjustments. At third trimester, blood cadmium was negatively associated to ascorbic acid intake, and positively associated with iron intake with a marginal significance.

Conclusions

Possible acute and late effects of nutrients intake in blood lead and cadmium levels could be related with associations exclusively observed in the first and third trimester. This study represents the first exploration of relationships among a wide range of nutrients intake in the first trimester of pregnancy with blood lead and cadmium in first and third trimester of gestation. Further studies are required to confirm the findings mentioned herein. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:344–350, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The associations of SES, obesity, sport activity, and perceived neighborhood environments: Is there a model of environmental injustice penalizing portuguese children?
Authors: Nogueira Helena , Gama Augusta , Mourão Isabel , Marques Vitor , Ferrão Maria , Padez Cristina
Published: April 2013

Objectives

This study analyses the associations between children's obesity, sports activity (SA), and perceived environmental characteristics with the children's SES.

Methods

A sample of 1,885 Portuguese children, aged 3–10 years, living in Coimbra, Portugal, was observed. Weight and height were measured and obesity was defined by age‐and sex‐specific, BMI cut‐off points. Questionnaires included variables on SA levels, SES and parental neighborhood perceptions were done. A CATPCA was performed and two neighborhood dimensions were achieved. The independent associations of SES with obesity, SA and perceived neighborhood dimensions was analyzed using ordered logistic regressions.

Results

Children of low [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76; confidence interval (CI) = 1.25–1.99] and medium SES (OR = 1.57; CI = 1.34–2.33) were more likely to be obese than their high‐SES peers, less likely to participate in SA (low SES OR = 0.177; CI = 0.12–0.26; medium SES OR = 0.357; CI = 0.24–0.53), and their parents were less likely to have positive perceptions of their built environment (low SES OR = 0.516; CI = 0.38–0.70; medium SES OR = 0.565; CI = 0.37–0.86).

Conclusions

Obesity increases and SA decreases among children with the lowest SES and these living in neighborhoods with higher perceived risk. This finding suggests a model of environmental injustice, whereby differential access to the neighborhood's resources overlaps with familial socioeconomic disadvantage. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:434–436, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A direct fluorescence‐based technique for cellular localization of amylin
Authors: Pillay Karen , Govender Patrick
Published: April 2013

Amylin has been implicated in type II diabetes because of its inherent property to misfold into toxic aggregates. Although it has been shown that amylin interacts with cell membranes, no study to date has monitored the association process using a direct approach. The present study uses confocal microscopy to identify the localization of carboxyfluorescein‐labeled amylin in RIN‐5F cells. In addition, the size of the aggregates that are formed was evaluated using nanoparticle tracking analysis. In support of previous findings, amylin was observed to interact with and remain associated with the cell membrane. The cell membrane‐associated aggregates spanned a size range of 130–800 nm.
Improved efficacy of fluconazole against candidiasis using bio‐based microemulsion technique
Authors: Nirmala M. Joyce , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran N.
Published: April 2013

Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen that causes systemic and superficial infections in most immunocompromised patients. Fluconazole, a synthetic triazole antifungal agent, is the most prescribed drug used in treating this pathogen. But because of its poor solubilization in water and the emergence of resistant strains against this antimycotic drug, we aimed at devising a unique microemulsion drug delivery system for fluconazole against candidiasis. A clear oil‐in‐water microemulsion system, consisting of clove oil as oil phase, Tween 20 as surfactant, and water as aqueous phase was developed using a ternary phase diagram. Physicochemical characterization was done to understand the internal physicochemical state. The bulk drug, fluconazole, that measured several microns in length was reduced to a 10–65 nm range with no means of high‐energy methods as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The very small and uniform spherical structure of the drug‐loaded microemulsion system could be of high impact to the biological system as the efficacy of fluconazole is greatly improved when compared with its conventional bulk form. The optimized microemulsion exhibited significantly higher antifungal activity at a minimum concentration (8 µg/ml) of fluconazole as examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Thus, our report discloses an excellent oral drug delivery system.
Die Sanierung des Schlosses Steinort in Masuren
Authors: Himburg Stefan
Published: April 2013

Das Steinorter Schloss in Masuren ist der ehemalige Stammsitz der Familie Lehndorff. Neben der großen geschichtlichen Bedeutung ist Schloss Steinort als einzige nahezu komplett erhaltene Gesamtanlage der ehemaligen ostpreußischen Familiengüter auch bauhistorisch überaus interessant. Es ist das Hauptprojekt der in Görlitz ansässigen Deutsch‐Polnischen Stiftung Kulturpflege und Denkmalschutz (DPS) und deren polnischer Schwesterstiftung Polsko‐Niemiecka Fundacja (PNF) in Warschau. Die Sanierung soll auch unter Einbeziehung von Hochschulen erfolgen. Der nachfolgende Beitrag stellt das Projekt vor und gibt den aktuellen Stand der Sanierungsplanung wieder.
Urinary d‐lactate levels reflect renal function in aristolochic acid‐induced nephropathy in mice
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Chuan , Chen Shih‐Ming , Li Yi‐Chieh , Lee Jen‐Ai
Published: April 2013

Urinary d‐lactate is highly correlated to diabetic nephropathy – a progressive kidney disease in renal glomeruli. In this study, we used a C3H/3e mouse model to investigate the relationship between urinary d‐lactate and aristolochic acid nephropathy where the glomerular structure is not affected. The nephropathy was induced using intravenous injections of aristolochic acid at a dosage of 10 mg/kg per day for 5 days and was characterized biochemically and histologically. The urinary excretions of proteins, N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase and serum creatinine were determined and connected to histological conventional findings. Urinary d‐lactate was analyzed using column‐switching high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The results showed a remarkable increase of urinary markers, including of urinary proteins and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase, and the histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of acute tubule necrosis. The ratio of d‐lactate to creatinine in the urine of aristolochic acid‐treated mice was approximately 36 times greater than that of the mice in the control group (p < 0.05). The ratios for the two groups of mice were 311.00 ± 71.70 and 8.60 ± 1.80 µmol/mmol creatinine, respectively. These data confirm in vivo that urinary d‐lactate reflects renal injury conditions in aristolochic acid‐treated mice and may be a marker for the assessment of nephropathy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalyst Development for CO2 Hydrogenation to Fuels
Authors: Rodemerck Uwe , Holeňa Martin , Wagner Edmund , Smejkal Quido , Barkschat Axel , Baerns Manfred
Published: April 2013

New active and selective catalyst compositions for the hydrogenation of CO2 to mainly fuel‐type higher hydrocarbons were developed by application of an evolutionary strategy. It was shown that Fe and K supported on TiO2 and modified by Cu plus other modifiers resulted in highest selectivity for C5–C15 hydrocarbons at high degrees of CO2 conversion. Co containing catalysts were less suited since they produced methane and light hydrocarbons with high selectivities. A detailed study of reaction conditions showed that selected catalyst compositions were able to reach high CO2 conversion with still low selectivities to methane at higher reaction temperatures and a higher H2/CO2 ratio.
TIPS‐TTF as a Precursor of Low‐Symmetry TTF Derivatives: Steric Protection Strategy in the Regioselective CH Modification of TTF
Authors: Ueno Ryota , Fujino Daishi , Yorimitsu Hideki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2013

Triisopropylsilyltetrathiafulvalene (TIPS‐TTF) has been devised as a promising platform for the synthesis of low‐symmetry TTF derivatives. The bulky TIPS group allows TIPS‐TTF to undergo palladium‐catalyzed direct diarylation as well as LDA‐mediated dilithiation exclusively on the roomier dithiole ring. Subsequent fluoride‐mediated protodesilylation provided vicinally difunctionalized TTF, which could undergo further functionalization.
ChemInform Abstract: Stabilization of Decatellurium Molecules in Isolated and Concatenated Clusters.
Authors: Guenther Anja , Isaeva Anna , Ruck Michael
Published: April 2013

The molecular cluster compounds (Te10)[Rh(TeCl4)(TeCl3)]2 (I), (Te10)[Ir(TeBr4)(TeBr3)]2 (II), (Te10)[Ru(TeI4)(TeI2)]2 (III), (Te10) [Rh(TeI4)(TeI2)] 2(TeI4)(Te2I2) (IV), (Te10) [Ir(TeI4)(TeI2)] 2(TeI4)(Te2I2) (V) and the one‐dimensional cluster polymer (Te10I2) [Ir(TeI4)]2(Te4)I2 (VI) are obtained by cooling melts of the respective transition metals, Te, and TeX4 (X: Cl, Br, I) in stoichiometric ratios or M:Te:I = 2:14:12 (IV, V) (fused silica tubes, 523—573 K, 7 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of Li2FeSiO4/C for Lithium‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Chen Weihua , Lan Meng , Zhu Dan , Wang Cuilian , Xue Shangru , Yang Changchun , Li Zexian , Zhang Jianmin , Mi Liwei
Published: April 2013

Li2FeSiO4/C is synthesized by solid state reaction of Li2SiO3 (obtained by ball milling of LiOH·H2O and H2SiO3), FeC2O4, citric acid, and sucrose (923 K, 7 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Regio‐, Diastereo‐, and Enantioselective 1,6‐ and 1,8‐Additions of Azlactones to Di‐ and Trienyl N‐Acylpyrroles.
Authors: Uraguchi Daisuke , Yoshioka Ken , Ueki Yusuke , Ooi Takashi
Published: April 2013

This conjugate addition reaction proceeds with good diastereoselectivity (20:1, unless otherwise mentioned), good 1,6‐ or 1,8‐regioselectivity (for dienyl resp.
ChemInform Abstract: Cooperative Catalysis by Iridium Complexes with a Bipyridonate Ligand: Versatile Dehydrogenative Oxidation of Alcohols and Reversible Dehydrogenation—Hydrogenation Between 2‐Propanol and Acetone.
Authors: Kawahara Ryoko , Fujita Ken‐ichi , Yamaguchi Ryohei
Published: April 2013

This dehydrogenation works with catalyst loadings as low as 0.002 mol% (turnover numbers up to 47,500).
ChemInform Abstract: Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Hydroarylation of Aryl Carbamates with Alkynes via C—H Bond Activation.
Authors: Reddy Mallu Chenna , Jeganmohan Masilamani
Published: April 2013

Chelation‐assisted alkenylation of the ortho‐C—H bond of aryl carbamates with alkynes gives highly substituted alkene derivatives such as (III), (V), and (VIII) in a highly regio‐ and stereoselective manner.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of Benzamides from Alcohols and Amines.
Authors: Bantreil Xavier , Fleith Clement , Martinez Jean , Lamaty Frederic
Published: April 2013

This is a one‐pot domino reaction including oxidation and C—N bond formation steps to yield benzamides.
ChemInform Abstract: Improved Protocol for the Synthesis of Flexibly Protected Morpholino Monomers from Unprotected Ribonucleosides.
Authors: Pattanayak Sankha , Paul Sibasish , Nandi Bappaditya , Sinha Surajit
Published: April 2013

The synthesis of protected morpholine monomers such as (VII) and (IX) from unprotected ribonucleosides (I) is achieved by using oxidative glycol cleavage and reductive amination.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy O‐Alkyl Hydroxylamines from Epoxides Using a Convenient and Versatile Two‐Step Procedure.
Authors: Malik Gaelle , Ferry Angelique , Guinchard Xavier , Crich David
Published: April 2013

Base‐mediated regioselective ring opening of epoxides with acetophenone oxime (II) followed by oxidative cleavage of the resulting oxime with DNH produces medicinally interesting hydroxylamine units which are isolated as N‐protected derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: SN2′ Reaction of Allylic Difluorides with Lithium Amides and Thiolates.
Authors: Bergeron Maxime , Guyader David , Paquin Jean‐Francois
Published: April 2013

The title reaction affords a series of monofluoroalkenes in good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Unexpected Extension of Usage of PPh3/CBr4, a Versatile Reagent: Isomerization of Aromatic Allylic Alcohols.
Authors: Gong Wanchun , Liu Yun , Xue Jijun , Xie Zhixiang , Li Ying
Published: April 2013

The catalyzed isomerization reaction of aromatic allylic alcohols with electron‐donating groups at the phenyl ring affords the corresponding ketones or aldehydes but fails in case of substrates containing electron‐withdrawing groups.
ChemInform Abstract: Ligand‐Enabled Methylene C(sp3)—H Bond Activation with a Pd(II) Catalyst.
Authors: Wasa Masayuki , Chan Kelvin S. L. , Zhang Xing‐Guo , He Jian , Miura Masanori , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: April 2013

Best results are obtained using 2‐isobutoxyquinoline as the ligand (no stereochemical assignments for most compounds).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Hydroxamic Acids by Using the Acid Labile O‐2‐Methylprenyl Protecting Group.
Authors: Nikitjuka Anna , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: April 2013

Various carboxylic acids can be converted into the corresponding hydroxamic acid via coupling with hydroxylamine (I) under conditions A) or C) and subsequent deprotection with TFA.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Intermolecular Aniline ortho‐Arylation via Benzyne Intermediates.
Authors: Truong Thanh , Daugulis Olafs
Published: April 2013

The present arylation of anilines proceeds selectively at the ortho‐position.