bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandarin Pseudo-Imposters
Authors: Arthur Wang Chyan-an
Published: April 2014

This chapter investigates a kind of DP in Mandarin that looks quite similar to English imposters. However, it is shown that the former, which the author terms pseudo-imposters, is structurally different from the latter so that they exhibit distinct pronominal agreement patterns. In particular, Mandarin pseudo-imposters can be followed by a notional pronoun, whose presence is generally possible in Mandarin DPs. It is also argued that the pronoun in question occupies the head position so as to determine the ϕ-feature for the entire DP. Therefore, the structure of Mandarin pseudo-imposters is not so special from other instances of DPs, and thus, unlike English imposters, no distinct sort of derivation is required. In addition, the proposed analysis supports the syntactic view of imposters. That is, the variation between the two languages cannot be accounted for in a straightforward manner without resorting to their syntactic differences.
The intonational phonology of Bangladeshi Standard Bengali
Authors: Khan Sameer ud Dowla
Published: April 2014

The current model of Bangladeshi Standard Bengali prosody proposes three basic pitch accents and three hierarchically-structured prosodic units—the Accentual Phrase, the Intermediate Phrase, and the Intonation Phrase—each of which bears a boundary tone. Focused words are marked by a special tone whose realization depends on focus type and surrounding tones.
Quantifying French and Latin contributions to Middle English
Authors: Durkin Philip
Published: April 2014

A survey is presented of the treatment of Latin, French, and Latin and/or French borrowings in English lexicography and lexicology. Following this, a new chronological breakdown of Middle English loanwords from French and Latin is given, on the basis of data from the Middle English Dictionary and the OED, accompanied by a brief survey of semantic loans. This analysis based on dictionary data is complemented by a consideration of studies based on particular texts or corpora. The chapter concludes with an examination of the extent to which Anglo-French and continental French contributions to Middle English can be distinguished, drawing on state-of-the-art data from the new editions of the Anglo-Norman Dictionary and of the OED that are currently in progress.
Symmetry everywhere
Authors: Ladd Mark
Published: April 2014

This chapter provides an introduction to and definition of symmetry in two and three dimensions. The variation in observed symmetry according to the nature of the investigating probe is noted, and the application of an ideally infinite concept to finite objects is described. The manifestation of symmetry in science, music, architecture and everyday life is introduced, together with symmetry notations.
Geometry of crystals and molecules
Authors: Ladd Mark
Published: April 2014

The early history of crystallography is discussed, including particularly the work of Steno, Hauy, de l’Isle, Miller and Weiss. Reference axes are introduced together with the mathematical description of planes, leading to the designation of crystal faces, or possible faces, and zones. The projection of crystal faces and, therefore, also crystal symmetry on to a plane diagram is elaborated by the techniques of goniometric measurements on and stereographic projection of a crystal. The geometry of molecules is discussed in terms of VSEPR, experimental and theoretical procedures. Molecular geometry and its precision are examined.
Applications of group theory
Authors: Ladd Mark
Published: April 2014

Applications to the structure and symmetry of molecules and ions are considered, in terms of both theoretical and experimental procedures. Symmetry adapted atomic orbital studies are applied to the water molecule, methane, and projection operators introduced. Application to π-bonding in aromatic species is discussed, and the crystal-field and ligand-field theories of transition metals examined. The vibrations of molecular and crystal species are studied, with examples, and the conditions for infrared and Raman activity deduced. The derivation of point groups and space groups by applied group theory is studied; and Seitz operators introduced in the deduction of space groups. Space groups in several of the crystal systems are examined, particularly the more difficult cubic space groups, together with factor group analysis, with examples.
Traces of Terror
Authors: Sentas Victoria
Published: April 2014

Globally, terrorism laws and their policing have been charged with eroding civil liberties and discriminating against Muslim and minority communities. This book goes further. It explains how the operation and effect of counter-terrorism has been to constitute Muslims and targeted multi-ethnic peoples as policed subjects. An Australian study of those who are policed and those who police, this book traces the persistence of race, racialisation, and racism in practices presented as ‘race neutral’ and consensual. It explores the contemporary policies, laws, and ‘common sense’ understandings, which normalise the policing of Muslim, Somali, Kurdish, and Tamil communities. Drawing on interviews, observations, and policy analysis, it examines ‘security policing’ in the work of Victoria Police, the Australian Intelligence and Security Organisation (ASIO), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). From raids and prosecutions, to informal questioning and communitarian forms of regulation, it demonstrates the enduring and shifting meanings of these practices and their lived, often contradictory effects. Neither a study of police racism nor of experiences of discrimination, this book explains how modes of regulation exist as force and authority but act primarily through the management and valorisation of difference, identity, and belonging.
The Hegemony of Race
Authors: Sentas Victoria
Published: April 2014

This chapter establishes the conceptual foundations informing the book's study of race, racialisation, and racism in counter-terrorism law and policing. The common sense that Muslim and ethnic minorities should be policed is produced through two particular social dynamics in counter-terrorism. It explains how the relationships between coercion/consent and inclusive-exclusion secure racial hegemony. The operation of racial hegemony in liberal democracy does not depend on discrimination, inferiorisation, or essentialism, but on regulating heterogeneous difference, identifications, and belonging. It explains how the concept of racialisation can distinguish the diverse mechanisms and practices that make Muslim and non-Muslim ethnic minorities policed subjects.
‘No Crime Scenes’: The Police and Extremism
Authors: Sentas Victoria
Published: April 2014

This chapter explains how police identify the Muslim extremist through the work of ‘counter-radicalisation’. Police understand counter-radicalisation to be an expansive, open-ended intervention against an equally open-ended and infinite process of radicalisation. Whereas profiling attracts criticisms of racism, discrimination, or ineffective policing, counter-radicalisation is welcomed by police as a nuanced means to understand communities and identify potential extremists. Like the previous chapter's exploration of the law's relation to extremism, policing draws an illusory distinction between targeting action rather than belief/identity. The counter-terrorism policing imperative to know communities however relies on monitoring Muslims and developing an understanding of their difference, including through speech, ethnicity, belief, and association. The chapter explains how the discourse of non-discrimination in counter-radicalisation, in practice obscures and facilitates greater regulation of racialised groups.
Policing Social Cohesion: Community Policing for Counter-Terrorism
Authors: Sentas Victoria
Published: April 2014

This chapter begins with the alignment of counter-terrorism policing with multicultural social policy through the concept of social cohesion. The official discourse of Australian governments in relation to terrorism exhibit two simultaneous tendencies: it serves to valorise multiculturalism as a policy of social integration, and it expresses the limits of multiculturalism for creating social harmony. Participation in dialogue between police and community mediates a symbolic exchange of recognition in return for national belonging. Muslim isolation, segregation, and mistrust of the police acquire significance as social conflict likely to radicalise and therefore result in violence. The promise of social cohesion carries with it an obligation for Muslims to participate in the organisation of the state, by consenting to being policed. While this process of participation is promoted as an inclusive one, it relies on particular characterisations of difference that facilitate assimilatory forms of containment.
Without an Inventory
Authors: Sentas Victoria
Published: April 2014

Counter-terrorism law and policing contribute understandings about the social relations of race neither readily categorised nor collectable in an inventory. They function to manage, reward, incapacitate, criminalise, and include and exclude those policed. This concluding chapter reflects on the utility of the concepts criminalisation, suspect community, and belonging.
Loyalty in Context
Authors: Klamert Marcus
Published: April 2014

Chapter 2 discusses various concepts related to Union loyalty, such as constitutional and federal loyalty, federal fidelity (Bundestreue in German law), the Union law principle of solidarity, and the public international law principles of pacta sunt servanda and good faith. It explores whether Union loyalty is distinct from solidarity, to which it is often compared in the literature, and to what extent it shares features with the German and Austrian variants of federal fidelity, as well as with good faith in public international law in general and World Trade Organization law in particular. Case studies on national federal systems such as the US, Canada, and Australia examine the correlation between the absence of a clear division of competences in federal systems and the strength of the respective principles of fidelity.
Loyalty and Mixed Agreements
Authors: Klamert Marcus
Published: April 2014

In this Chapter, the relationship between the scope of application of supremacy and the role of loyalty is discussed regarding mixed agreements. Case law is analysed as showing loyalty to be an additional instrument of conflict prevention where exclusivity does not operate. The Chapter also examines how the Union interest to be represented in a coherent and unified manner on the international stage influences the force of application of loyalty. Based on this, limits to duties flowing from loyalty with regard to various stages of the ‘life cycle’ of mixed agreements, such as negotiation, conclusion, ratification, and their implementation and interpretation, are discussed. This includes a thorough discussion of the restraints on Member States by the need to establish common positions in bodies established under mixed agreements.
R2P and Jus Post Bellum
Authors: Stahn Carsten
Published: April 2014

Jus post bellum and “responsibility to protect” (R2P) are emerging concepts that are at the heart of contemporary discourse of international responses to conflict. In contemporary doctrine and policy, both notions are treated as related concepts that coincide with respect to the treatment of post-conflict behavior. Jus post bellum is seen as an instrument to strengthen the prevention or response dimension of R2P, i.e. by way of a pre-commitment to a post-conflict strategy or its provision as a framework for the “responsibility to rebuild.” This chapter challenges this assumption. It claims that both concepts are complementary and contain partly reinforcing and partly contradicting principles. It argues that a polycentric vision is necessary in order to understand their mutual benefits and limitations in the transformation of the international order.
Peace Agreements as a Framework for Jus Post Bellum
Authors: Easterday Jennifer S.
Published: April 2014

This chapter explores the relationship of post-conflict constitutions that arise out of peace agreements with jus post bellum. This chapter suggests that jus post bellum provides a normative and interpretive framework, as well as sites of coordination and discourse, for post-conflict transitions to peace. It also argues that constitutional peace agreements can inform the jus post bellum paradigm. In practice, however, the process of negotiating, drafting, and implementing constitutional peace agreements is fraught with challenges and paradoxes, and leaves gaps and silences that could undermine the peace project. Jus post bellum can learn from the study and practice of constitutional peace agreements, in particular how to mitigate the risks associated with international intervention in this area. This chapter argues that taking a broad, multi-faceted approach to jus post bellum allows for the best absorption of lessons from constitutional peace agreements and simultaneously best protects itself from the attendant risks.
Post-Occupation Law
Authors: Ronen Yaël
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the notion of post-occupation law as a body of law that applies after the termination of occupation and regulates transition from dependence created by the occupant to self-sufficiency. Post-occupation law should address both individual and collective interests. The analysis indicates that post-occupation law must be distinct from (albeit possibly related to) existing bodies of law. Unlike the laws of occupation and international human rights law, it is geared towards transition rather than premised on static effective control; and unlike the responsibility to protect and other proposed regimes, it is based on past conduct rather than forward-looking. A new body of law would nonetheless be informed by existing bodies of law and shaped by reference to their respective areas of application.
Creating Popular Governments in Post-Conflict Situations
Authors: Saul Matthew
Published: April 2014

This chapter explores how the requirement of an electoral process found in Article 25 ICCPR relates to practice in post-conflict situations in general, and in post-conflict Sierra Leone in particular. In so doing, it seeks to help develop a clearer understanding of the relevance of this law in post-conflict settings, whilst also providing a basis for reflecting on the role of international law in jus post bellum more generally. The analysis addresses compliance with the law, but a core concern is with how the nature of the legal framework relates to the broader reconstruction process and what this suggests about its appropriateness. The central argument of the chapter that informs the analysis is that the suitability of this extant legal component of jus post bellum is linked to the balance that it strikes between coercion and flexibility vis-ò-vis the decision making of interim governments.
Mapping At-Risk-of-Poverty Rates, Household Employment, and Social Spending
Authors: Vandenbroucke Frank , Diris Ron
Published: April 2014

As a first step stylized facts are presented concerning at-risk-of-poverty rates for the non-elderly population, household employment (a concept introduced in this chapter) and social spending in European welfare states. The chapter provides a first exploration of a central theme of the book, which relates to employment-centred welfare reform: is it possible to structurally replace spending on cash benefits for working-age adults and their families with employment creation and to simultaneously reduce poverty among working-age adults and their children? The ‘mapping’ of poverty rates, household employment and spending is based on results from regression analysis of cross-country differences in levels of poverty and a decomposition of changes in poverty. The chapter also elaborates on the observation that spending does not seem as ‘efficient’ in some welfare states as in others, and formulates a number of caveats with regard to the notion of ‘efficiency’.
The Evolution of Poverty in the European Union
Authors: Decancq Koen , Goedemé Tim , Bosch Karel Van den , Vanhille Josefine
Published: April 2014

In this chapter alternative choices in the definition and measurement of poverty are discussed thereby focusing on three central choices that have to be made. First, one has to select an appropriate metric of individual well-being. Such a metric can be one-dimensional or multidimensional. Next, a poverty line needs to be established under which individuals are identified as poor. Third, one has to choose how much weight is given to the distribution of well-being among the poorest. Based on data from EU-SILC between 2005 and 2009, it is shown that the selected metric of well-being and the choice for a county-specific or pan-European poverty line lead to considerable differences in empirical results. This finding highlights the need for a precise concept of poverty or careful sensitivity analysis in empirical work.
The Quarrel of Apepi and Seqenenre
Authors: Manassa Colleen
Published: April 2014

This chapter presents a new edition of the ancient story known as The Quarrel of Apepi and Seqenere, preserved in a single copy, papyrus British Museum EA 101085 (also known as Sallier I) dating to the reign of Merneptah. An extensive discussion of the historical and political background of the tale includes an examination of the mummy of Seqenenre (and the wounds that led to the pharaoh’s death), the archaeology of ancient Avaris, and historical and documentary texts from the Second Intermediate Period. Extensive evidence is gathered that argues against previous monotheistic interpretations of the story. New readings further suggest that while Apepi worships Seth, that the riddle of the roaring hippopotami may cast the Hyksos ruler in the role of Apep. The juxtaposition of the story with a manual of letter writing within the sole papyrus copy is highlighted for the first time, suggesting that the tale is a lively introduction to the manual.
The Capture of Joppa
Authors: Manassa Colleen
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the story The Capture of Joppa, set during the reign of Thutmose III, but copied during the early Nineteenth Dynasty, preserved only in papyrus British Museum 10060 (P. Harris 500). The story unfolds in a plausible historical setting, with mention of both the maryannu and Apiru, suggesting that the author set out to use authentic Eighteenth Dynasty elements to create the narrative’s setting. New examinations of the loan words and foreign elements within the text, including tekhbesti-baskets and the awenet-staff suggest that the author intentionally used foreign elements to express Egyptian imperial domination within the tale. The military stratagem of smuggling soldiers in transport containers or other “tribute” is traced from ancient Egypt through the Greek Trojan horse and the Persian Shahnameh.
A Thematic Survey of New Kingdom Historical Fiction
Authors: Manassa Colleen
Published: April 2014

This chapter summarizes the results of the previous four chapters, analysing the significance of each tale within the corpus of historical fiction. The main themes of each tale, including scribal victory in The Quarrels of Apepi and Seqenenre, the loan words of The Capture of Joppa, the re-creation of the Battle of Megiddo in Thutmose III in Asia, and the detailed historical information concerning the enemy in The Libyan Battle Story. The overview of theology in the tales tackles the particularly important role of Seth. On one hand a god of chaos and foreigners, the works of historical fiction suggest that Seth may play the role of divine “double agent,” who ultimately acts in the best interest of the Egyptians. A final section analyses historiography within the tales, examining what historical knowledge was required of the author and audience. The relevance for the genre of historical fiction for post-New Kingdom literature is also considered.
Turbulence enhances feeding of larval cod at low prey densities
Authors: Kristiansen T. , Vollset K. W. , Sundby S. , Vikebø F.
Published: April 2014

The ability of larval fish to find food successfully after hatching is critical for their growth and survival during the early life stages. However, the feeding ecology of larval fish is strongly dependent on prevailing physical and biological conditions. Small changes in the prey distribution, turbulence, light, and ocean temperature can affect larval survival probabilities. This study combined physical and biological observations collected from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) spawning grounds from Lofoten, Norway, during the years 1991–1992 with an individual-based model (IBM) that is able to simulate behaviour, feeding, and growth. Observational data on the vertical distribution of larval cod revealed that they congregated at 10–25 m during the day, although the highest abundance of prey was generally in the upper 10 m. Using the behavioural component of the IBM, we analysed the mechanistic interactions between larval bioenergetics and the physical–biological environment and compared modelled with observed vertical larval cod distribution. During periods of both low and high prey densities, turbulence had a significant impact on larval cod feeding and growth rates as well as on larval vertical distribution. At low prey abundance (<5 nauplii l−1), turbulence enhanced encounter rates were very important for sustaining ingestion and growth rates for first-feeding larval cod. Our results suggest that turbulence allowed larval cod to sustain high ingestion rates even deeper in the water column, where prey densities are usually lower.
Sustained Virologic Response for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection After 27 Days of Treatment with Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin
Authors: Meissner Eric G. , Nelson Amy , Marti Miriam , Masur Henry , Osinusi Anu , Kottilil Shyam
Published: April 2014

Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection can now be achieved using direct-acting antiviral agents without interferon. In this report, we present a patient who achieved a sustained virologic response after 27 days of treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin. It is imperative to identify factors that allow for shorter treatment times in some individuals.
Veterinary and human vaccine evaluation methods
Authors: Knight-Jones T. J. D. , Edmond K. , Gubbins S. , Paton D. J.
Published: April 2014

Despite the universal importance of vaccines, approaches to human and veterinary vaccine evaluation differ markedly. For human vaccines,
vaccine efficacy
is the proportion of vaccinated individuals protected by the vaccine against a defined outcome under ideal conditions, whereas for veterinary vaccines the term is used for a range of measures of vaccine protection. The evaluation of
vaccine effectiveness
, vaccine protection assessed under routine programme conditions, is largely limited to human vaccines. Challenge studies under controlled conditions and sero-conversion studies are widely used when evaluating veterinary vaccines, whereas human vaccines are generally evaluated in terms of protection against natural challenge assessed in trials or post-marketing observational studies. Although challenge studies provide a standardized platform on which to compare different vaccines, they do not capture the variation that occurs under field conditions. Field studies of vaccine effectiveness are needed to assess the performance of a vaccination programme. However, if vaccination is performed without central co-ordination, as is often the case for veterinary vaccines, evaluation will be limited. This paper reviews approaches to veterinary vaccine evaluation in comparison to evaluation methods used for human vaccines. Foot-and-mouth disease has been used to illustrate the veterinary approach. Recommendations are made for standardization of terminology and for rigorous evaluation of veterinary vaccines.
Chemically moderated gamete preferences predict offspring fitness in a broadcast spawning invertebrate
Authors: Oliver Mathew , Evans Jonathan P.
Published: April 2014

Sperm chemoattraction, where sperm locate unfertilized eggs by following a concentration gradient of egg-derived chemoattractants, has been widely documented across numerous taxa. While marine invertebrates are favoured models for understanding the underlying mechanisms of sperm chemoattraction, the evolutionary forces underpinning the process remain enigmatic. Here, we show that in mussels (
Mytilus galloprovincialis
), chemically moderated gamete preferences promote assortative fertilizations between genetically compatible gametes. When offered the choice of egg clutches from two females, sperm exhibited consistent but differential ‘preferences’ for chemical cues secreted from conspecific eggs. Critically, our data reveal that the preferences shown by sperm during the egg-choice trials are highly predictive of early embryonic viability when eggs and sperm from the same individuals are mixed during standard (no-choice) fertilization assays. Moreover, we demonstrate that by experimentally separating chemoattractants from eggs, sperm swimming behaviour is differentially regulated by egg-derived chemoattractants, and that these changes in sperm behaviour are highly consistent with observed patterns of gamete preferences, fertilization and larval survival. Together, this integrated series of experiments reveals that the behaviour of sperm is fine-tuned to respond differentially to the chemical signals emitted from different conspecific eggs, and that these choices have measurable fitness benefits.
Physiological regulation of evaporative water loss in endotherms: is the little red kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae) an exception or the rule?
Authors: Withers Philip C. , Cooper Christine E.
Published: April 2014

It is a central paradigm of comparative physiology that the effect of humidity on evaporative water loss (EWL) is determined for most mammals and birds, in and below thermoneutrality, essentially by physics and is not under physiological regulation. Fick's law predicts that EWL should be inversely proportional to ambient relative humidity (RH) and linearly proportional to the water vapour pressure deficit (Δwvp) between animal and air. However, we show here for a small dasyurid marsupial, the little kaluta (Dasykaluta rosamondae), that EWL is essentially independent of RH (and Δwvp) at low RH (as are metabolic rate and thermal conductance). These results suggest regulation of a constant EWL independent of RH, a hitherto unappreciated capacity of endothermic vertebrates. Independence of EWL from RH conserves water and heat at low RH, and avoids physiological adjustments to changes in evaporative heat loss such as thermoregulation. Re-evaluation of previously published data for mammals and birds suggests that a lesser dependence of EWL on RH is observed more commonly than previously thought, suggesting that physiological independence of EWL of RH is not just an unusual capacity of a few species, such as the little kaluta, but a more general capability of many mammals and birds.
Pumping iron to keep fit: modulation of siderophore secretion helps efficient aromatic utilization in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Joshi Hiren , Dave Rachna , Venugopalan V. P.
Published: April 2014

Studies of biotechnology applications of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 have been predominantly focused on regulation and expression of the toluene degradation (TOL) pathway. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the role of other physiological factors influencing aromatic utilization. In this report, we demonstrate that P. putida KT2440 increases its siderophore secretion in response to the availability of benzyl alcohol, a model aromatic substrate. It is argued that accelerated siderophore secretion in response to aromatic substrates provides an iron ‘boost’ which is required for the effective functioning of the iron-dependent oxygenases responsible for ring opening. Direct evidence for the cardinal role of siderophores in aromatic utilization is provided by evaluation of per capita siderophore secretion and comparative growth assessments of wild-type and siderophore-negative mutant strains grown on an alternative carbon source. Accelerated siderophore secretion can be viewed as a compensatory mechanism in P. putida in the context of its inability to secrete more than one type of siderophore (pyoverdine) or to utilize heterologous siderophores. Stimulated siderophore secretion might be a key factor in successful integration and proliferation of this organism as a bio-augmentation agent for aromatic degradation. It not only facilitates efficient aromatic utilization, but also provides better opportunities for iron assimilation amongst diverse microbial communities, thereby ensuring better survival and proliferation.
Quantitative comparison of single-cell sequencing methods using hippocampal neurons
Authors: Ning Luwen , Wang Guan , Li Zhoufang , Hu Wen , Hou Qingming , Tong Yin , Zhang Meng , Qin Li , Chen Xiaoping , Man Hengye , Liu Pinghua , He Jiankui
Published: April 2014

Single-cell genomic analysis has grown rapidly in recent years and will find widespread applications in various fields of biology, including cancer biology, development, immunology, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, and neurobiology. In this study, we amplified genomic DNA from individual hippocampal neurons using one of three single-cell DNA amplification methods (multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles (MALBAC), multiple displacement amplification (MDA), and GenomePlex whole genome amplification (WGA4)). We then systematically evaluated the genome coverage, GC-bias, reproducibility, and copy number variations among individual neurons. Our results showed that single-cell genome sequencing results obtained from the MALBAC and WGA4 methods are highly reproducible and have a high success rate. Chromosome-level and subchromosomal-level copy number variations among individual neurons can be detected.
Early-life cocaine interferes with BDNF-mediated behavioral plasticity
Authors: Hinton Elizabeth A. , Wheeler Marina G. , Gourley Shannon L.
Published: April 2014

An important aspect of goal-directed action selection is differentiating between actions that are more or less likely to be reinforced. With repeated performance or psychostimulant exposure, however, actions can assume stimulus-elicited—or “habitual”—qualities that are resistant to change. We show that selective knockdown of prelimbic prefrontal cortical Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) increases sensitivity to response–outcome associations, blocking habit-like behavioral inflexibility. A history of adolescent cocaine exposure, however, occludes the “beneficial” effects of Bdnf knockdown. This finding highlights a challenge in treating addiction—that drugs of abuse may bias decision-making toward habit systems even in individuals with putative neurobiological resiliencies.
Expression, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic data analysis of PigI, a putativeL-prolyl-AMP ligase from the prodigiosin synthetic pathway inSerratia
Authors: Han Ning , Ran Tingting , Lou Xiangdi , Gao Yanyan , He Jianhua , Tang Lin , Xu Dongqing , Wang Weiwu
Published: April 2014

Prodigiosin, a member of the prodiginines, is a tripyrrole red pigment synthesized bySerratiaand some other microbes. A bifurcated biosynthesis pathway of prodigiosin has been proposed inSerratiain which MBC (4-methoxy-2,2′-bipyrrole-5-carbaldehyde) and MAP (2-methyl-3-N-amyl-pyrrole) are synthesized separately and then condensed by PigC to form prodigiosin. The first step for the synthesis of MBC is the activation of L-proline by PigI, but its catalytic mechanism has remained elusive. To elucidate its mechanism, recombinant PigI was purified and crystallized. Crystals obtained by the sitting-drop method belonged to space groupP1 and diffracted to 2.0 Å resolution, with unit-cell parametersa= 51.2,b= 62.8,c= 91.3 Å, α = 105.1, β = 90.1, γ = 92.2°. Matthews coefficient analysis suggested two molecules in the asymmetric unit, with aVMof 2.6 Å3 Da−1and a solvent content of 52.69%.
Technology in families and the clinical encounter: results of a cross‐national survey
Authors: Bacigalupe Gonzalo , Camara Maria , Buffardi Laura E.
Published: April 2014

Information communication technologies (ICT) are an integral part of contemporary family life, though the existing research about its impact is scarce, less than definitive, and individually based, as well as failing to attend to cross‐cultural and cross‐national dimensions. This study investigates how family clinicians construe the impact of ICT in the clinical context. A survey directed at family clinicians (N = 258) in four countries (Canada, Mexico, Spain and the USA) was designed to gather data on their beliefs about the impact of the emerging ICT on families and on their own clinical practice. The study found differences in the use of ICT across countries and correlation analyses showed there were more positive attitudes about the impact of emerging ICT on family dynamics among the clinicians whose use them the most.

Practitioner points

A constructive attitude towards emerging technology may enhance the effective use of technology in family therapy.

The use of technology for personal and professional purposes by therapists may elicit appreciative conversations with families about its impact on family processes.

Emerging digital technologies may enable clinicians to involve family members in virtual exercises and participation.
Bleeding patterns during the menopausal transition in the multi‐ethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN): a prospective cohort study
Authors: Paramsothy P , Harlow SD , Greendale GA , Gold EB , Crawford SL , Elliott MR , Lisabeth LD , Randolph JF
Published: April 2014

Objective

Previous studies describing menses duration and heaviness of flow during the menopausal transition (MT) have been short in duration and limited to white women. We estimated the frequency of and risk factors for prolonged bleeding, spotting and heavy bleeding during the MT in an ethnically diverse population.

Design

Prospective community‐based cohort study.

Setting

USA: southeastern Michigan, northern California and Los Angeles, California.

Population

A total of 1320 midlife women who participated in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Menstrual Calendar Substudy. Participants included African‐American, white, Chinese, and Japanese women.

Methods

Women completed daily menstrual calendars from 1996 to 2006, and provided information on hormone therapy, smoking and physical activity. Annual measures included height and weight. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariable regression were used to analyse the data.

Main outcome measures

Menses of 10+ days, spotting of 6+ days, heavy bleeding of 3+ days.

Results

At least three occurrences of menses 10+ days was reported by 77.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 56.7–93.2), of 6+ days of spotting by 66.8% (95% CI 55.2–78.0) and of 3+ days of heavy bleeding by 34.5% (95% CI 30.2–39.2) of women. Menses of 10+ days, 6+ days of spotting, and 3+ days of heavy bleeding were associated with MT stage, uterine fibroids, hormone use and ethnicity. Body mass index was associated with 3+ days of heavy bleeding.

Conclusions

These data provide clinicians and women with important information about the expected frequency of prolonged and heavy bleeding and spotting during the menopausal transition that may facilitate clinical decision making.
Cost‐effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with thoracic radiotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for limited stage small cell lung cancer: A population‐based propensity‐score matched analysis
Authors: Chien Chun‐Ru , Hsia Te‐Chun , Chen Chih‐Yi
Published: April 2014

Background

The addition of thoracic radiotherapy improves the outcome of limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC), however, the cost‐effectiveness of this process has never been reported. We aimed to estimate the short‐term cost‐effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with thoracic radiotherapy (C‐TRT) versus chemotherapy alone (C/T) for LS‐SCLC patients from the payer's perspective (Taiwan National Health Insurance).

Methods

We identified LS‐SCLC patients diagnosed within 2007–2009 through a comprehensive population‐based database containing cancer and death registries, and reimbursement data. The duration of interest was one year within diagnosis. We included potential confounding covariables through literature searching and our own experience, and used a propensity score to construct a 1:1 population for adjustment. We used a net benefit (NB) approach to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness at various willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) levels. Sensitivity analysis regarding potential unmeasured confounder(s) was performed.

Results

Our study population constituted 74 patients. The mean cost (2013 USD) and survival (year) was higher for C‐TRT (42 439 vs. 28 357; 0.94 vs. 0.88). At the common WTP level (50 000 USD/life‐year), C‐TRT was not cost effective (incremental NB − 11 082) and the probability for C‐TRT to be cost effective (i.e. positive net benefit) was 0.005. The result was moderately sensitive to potential unmeasured confounder(s) in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that when compared to C/T, C‐TRT is effective in improving survival, but is not cost‐effective in the short‐term at a common WTP level from a payer's perspective. This information should be considered by clinicians when discussing thoracic radiotherapy with their LS‐SCLC patients.
Effect of sitting position on equal‐dose spinal anaesthetic for caesarean section and post‐partum tubal ligation
Authors: KWOK S. C. , TEOH W. H. L. , ITHNIN F.
Published: April 2014

Background

We studied the hypothesis that an equal spinal anaesthetic dose administered in the sitting position to patients undergoing post‐partum tubal ligation (PPTL) and caesarean section (CS) would yield similar sensory block characteristics and analgesic efficacy.

Methods

This prospective, non‐randomised trial recruited 20 women undergoing PPTL within 48 h of vaginal delivery and 20 undergoing CS. Spinal anaesthesia comprising intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg and morphine 100 μg was administered at L3/4 with patients sitting. Our primary end point was the maximal dermatomal sensory block (to cold).

Results

Baseline demographics were comparable, but PPTL patients had greater parity, with mean ± standard deviation 17.54 ± 11.2 h from delivery to spinal anaesthesia, and shorter duration of surgery, 17.54 ± 11.2 vs. 40.3 ± 15.5 min. Similar maximal sensory blocks (to cold) were achieved in group PPTL vs. CS, T4 (T1‐T5) vs. T3 (T1‐T5), P = 0.104, in comparable times, 8.6 ± 2.6 vs. 7.6 ± 3.0 min, P = 0.267. PPTL patients had significantly faster two‐segment block regression (70.7 ± 23.5 vs. 97.6 ± 23.9 min, P = 0.001) and to T10 (120.8 ± 35.6 vs. 145.1 ± 24.3 min, P = 0.016), with less hypotension (25% vs. 65%, P = 0.025) and phenylephrine (20.0 ± 60.6 μg vs. 120.0 ± 119.6 μg, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The same dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg and morphine 100 μg administered in the sitting position to both PPTL and CS parturients yielded similar maximal sensory blocks, but PPTL exhibited faster block regression and less hypotension/vasopressor requirement.
Tobacco particulate matter self‐administration in rats: differential effects of tobacco type
Authors: Brennan Katharine A. , Crowther Alex , Putt Fraser , Roper Vicky , Waterhouse Uta , Truman Penelope
Published: April 2014

Nicotine self‐administration in rats is the most widely used animal model of tobacco dependence. There is increasing evidence, however, that non‐nicotinic constituents in smoke contribute to addiction and that different tobacco products contain varying levels of these constituents. The present study firstly sought to compare self‐administration of pure nicotine to tobacco particulate matter (TPM) to determine if there were differences in reward‐efficacy attributable to the non‐nicotine constituents. Secondly, cigarette and roll‐your‐own (RYO) TPM groups were included and compared to determine whether different formulations of non‐nicotinic constituents could impact reward. Briefly, male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with indwelling jugular catheters for self‐administration (n = 76). The reinforcing efficacy of infusions of nicotine (0.0 or 30.0 μg/kg/infusion) versus cigarette/RYO TPM (with matched nicotine content) was determined using spontaneous acquisition of self‐administration on a fixed ratio schedule. The progressive ratio schedule was then employed to determine the motivation to receive each drug and within‐subject dose–response curves were also produced (7.5, 15.0, 30.0 and 60.0 μg/kg/infusion nicotine). The main finding was that the RYO TPM was more reinforcing and produced a different profile of reward‐related behaviour compared with both the nicotine and the cigarette TPM groups. The conclusions were that non‐nicotinic components have a role in tobacco dependence and that some tobacco products could have higher abuse liability, irrespective of nicotine levels.
Characterization of CTX‐M‐producing Escherichia coli by repetitive sequence‐based PCR and real‐time PCR‐based replicon typing of CTX‐M‐15 plasmids
Authors: Önnberg Anna , Söderquist Bo , Persson Katarina , Mölling Paula
Published: April 2014

The emergence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae is a major global concern. CTX‐M is the dominating ESBL type worldwide, and CTX‐M‐15 is the most widespread CTX‐M type. The dissemination of CTX‐M appears to be in part due to global spread of the Escherichia coli clone O25b‐ST131. However, the gene‐encoding CTX‐M is mainly located on mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, that also promote the horizontal dissemination of the CTX‐M genes. In this study, 152 CTX‐M‐producing E. coli isolated in 1999–2008 in Örebro County, Sweden, were typed using a commercial repetitive sequence‐based PCR (the DiversiLab system), and the prevalence of ST131 was investigated by pabB PCR. Real‐time PCR‐based plasmid replicon typing was performed on 82 CTX‐M‐15‐producing E. coli isolates. In general, the CTX‐M‐producing E. coli population was genetically diverse; however, ST131 was highly prevalent (27%), and the dominating clone in our area. The blaCTX‐M‐15 gene was mainly located on IncF plasmids (69%), but a relatively high proportion of IncI1 plasmids (29%) were also detected among E. coli with diverse rep‐PCR patterns, indicating that horizontal transmission of IncI1 plasmids carrying blaCTX‐M‐15 may have occurred between different E. coli strains.
Identification of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors: Virtual Screening, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Xing Junhao , Li Qing , Zhang Shengping , Liu Haomiao , Zhao Leilei , Cheng Haibo , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Jinpei , Zhang Huibin
Published: April 2014

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV is an important approach for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes. In this study, we reported a multistage virtual screening workflow that integrated 3D pharmacophore models, structural consensus docking, and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area binding energy calculation to identify novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors. After screening our in‐house database, two hit compounds, HWL‐405 and HWL‐892, having persistent high performance in all stages of virtual screening were identified. These two hit compounds together with several analogs were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The experimental data indicated that most designed compounds exhibited significant dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity. Among them, compounds 35f displayed the greatest potency against dipeptidyl peptidase IV in vitro with the IC50 value of 78 nm. In an oral glucose tolerance test in normal male Kunming mice, compound 35f reduced blood glucose excursion in a dose‐dependent manner.
Dental caries and fluorosis experience of 8–12‐year‐old children by early‐life exposure to fluoride
Authors: Do Loc G. , Miller Jenifer , Phelan Claire , Sivaneswaran Shanti , Spencer A. John , Wright Clive
Published: April 2014

Background

It is important to evaluate concurrently the benefit for dental caries and the risk for dental fluorosis from early exposure to fluoride among children.

Aim

To evaluate associations of different levels of exposure to fluoride in early childhood with dental caries and dental fluorosis experience in school children.

Methods

A Child Dental Health Survey (CDHS) was conducted among school children in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) in 2007. Trained and calibrated examination teams conducted oral epidemiologic examinations to assess caries experience as decayed, missing or filled tooth surfaces of the primary and permanent dentitions (dmfs/DMFS) and fluorosis using the Thylstrup & Fejerskov (TF) index on the maxillary central incisors only. A parental questionnaire collected information on residential histories and tap water usage to enable calculation of percentage of 3‐year lifetime exposure to fluoride in water. Use of dietary fluoride supplements was also collected. Dental caries and fluorosis experience were compared among groups by levels of exposure to fluoride from water and fluoride supplements in bivariate and multivariable analysis, controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Results

Exposure to different fluoride sources varied in the group of 2611 children aged 8–12 years. Lower household income was significantly associated in both bivariate and multivariable analyses with the greater prevalence and severity of primary tooth caries among 8–10‐year‐old children and permanent tooth caries among 8–12 year old. Exposure to fluoride in water during the first 3 years of life was associated with both caries and fluorosis experience observed at age 8–12 years. Having higher percentage of 3‐year lifetime exposure to fluoride in water was associated with higher prevalence of mostly mild fluorosis, but significantly lower prevalence and severity of caries in the primary and permanent dentitions.

Conclusion

There were significant associations of dental caries and fluorosis experience with sources of early childhood fluoride exposure among children aged 8–12 years in New South Wales. Exposure to fluoridated water during the first 3 years of life was associated with better oral health of school‐age children.
Genetic and bioinformatics analysis of four novel GCK missense variants detected in Caucasian families with GCK‐MODY phenotype
Authors: Costantini S. , Malerba G. , Contreas G. , Corradi M. , Marin Vargas S.P. , Giorgetti A. , Maffeis C.
Published: April 2014

Heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in the glucokinase (GCK) gene cause maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) subtype GCK (GCK‐MODY/MODY2). GCK sequencing revealed 16 distinct mutations (13 missense, 1 nonsense, 1 splice site, and 1 frameshift‐deletion) co‐segregating with hyperglycaemia in 23 GCK‐MODY families. Four missense substitutions (c.718A>G/p.Asn240Asp, c.757G>T/p.Val253Phe, c.872A>C/p.Lys291Thr, and c.1151C>T/p.Ala384Val) were novel and a founder effect for the nonsense mutation (c.76C>T/p.Gln26*) was supposed. We tested whether an accurate bioinformatics approach could strengthen family‐genetic evidence for missense variant pathogenicity in routine diagnostics, where wet‐lab functional assays are generally unviable. In silico analyses of the novel missense variants, including orthologous sequence conservation, amino acid substitution (AAS)‐pathogenicity predictors, structural modeling and splicing predictors, suggested that the AASs and/or the underlying nucleotide changes are likely to be pathogenic. This study shows how a careful bioinformatics analysis could provide effective suggestions to help molecular‐genetic diagnosis in absence of wet‐lab validations.