bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Variability of Diapycnal Mixing in Shag Rocks Passage
Authors: Damerell Gillian M. , Heywood Karen J. , Stevens David P. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C.
Published: October 2011

Diapycnal mixing rates in the oceans have been shown to have a great deal of spatial variability, but the temporal variability has been little studied. Here results are presented from a method developed to calculate diapycnal diffusivity from moored acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) velocity shear profiles. An 18-month time series of diffusivity is presented from data taken by a LongRanger ADCP moored at 2400-m depth, 600 m above the seafloor, in Shag Rocks Passage, a deep passage in the North Scotia Ridge (Southern Ocean). The Polar Front is constrained to pass through this passage, and the strong currents and complex topography are expected to result in enhanced mixing. The spatial distribution of diffusivity in Shag Rocks Passage deduced from lowered ADCP shear is consistent with published values for similar regions, with diffusivity possibly as large as 90 × 10−4 m2 s−1 near the seafloor, decreasing to the expected background level of ~0.1 × 10−4 m2 s−1 in areas away from topography. The moored ADCP profiles spanned a depth range of 2400–1800 m; thus, the moored time series was obtained from a region of moderately enhanced diffusivity.

The diffusivity time series has a median of 3.3 × 10−4 m2 s−1 and a range from 0.5 × 10−4 to 57 × 10−4 m2 s−1. There is no significant signal at annual or semiannual periods, but there is evidence of signals at periods of approximately 14 days (likely due to the spring–neap tidal cycle) and at periods of 3.8 and 2.6 days most likely due to topographically trapped waves propagating around the local seamount. Using the observed stratification and an axisymmetric seamount, of similar dimensions to the one west of the mooring, in a model of baroclinic topographically trapped waves, produces periods of 3.8 and 2.6 days, in agreement with the signals observed. The diffusivity is anticorrelated with the rotary coefficient (indicating that stronger mixing occurs during times of upward energy propagation), which suggests that mixing occurs due to the breaking of internal waves generated at topography.
Developing versus Nondeveloping Disturbances for Tropical Cyclone Formation. Part I: North Atlantic
Authors: Peng Melinda S. , Fu Bing , Li Tim , Stevens Duane E.
Published: October 2011

This study investigates the characteristic differences of tropical disturbances that eventually develop into tropical cyclones (TCs) versus those that did not, using global daily analysis fields of the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) from the years 2003 to 2008. Time filtering is applied to the data to extract tropical waves with different frequencies. Waves with a 3–8-day period represent the synoptic-scale disturbances that are representatives as precursors of TCs, and waves with periods greater than 20 days represent the large-scale background environmental flow. Composites are made for the developing and nondeveloping synoptic-scale disturbances in a Lagrangian frame following the disturbances. Similarities and differences between them are analyzed to understand the dynamics and thermodynamics of TC genesis. Part I of this study focuses on events in the North Atlantic, while Part II focuses on the western North Pacific.

A box difference index (BDI), accounting for both the mean and variability of the individual sample, is introduced to subjectively and quantitatively identify controlling parameters measuring the differences between developing and nondeveloping disturbances. Larger amplitude of the BDI implies a greater possibility to differentiate the difference between two groups. Based on their BDI values, the following parameters are identified as the best predictors for cyclogenesis in the North Atlantic, in the order of importance: 1) water vapor content within 925 and 400 hPa, 2) rain rate, 3) sea surface temperature (SST), 4) 700-hPa maximum relative vorticity, 5) 1000–600-hPa vertical shear, 6) translational speed, and 7) vertically averaged horizontal shear. This list identifies thermodynamic variables as more important controlling parameters than dynamic variables for TC genesis in the North Atlantic. When the east and west (separated by 40°W) Atlantic are examined separately, the 925–400-hPa water vapor content remains as the most important parameter for both regions. The SST and maximum vorticity at 700 hPa have higher importance in the east Atlantic, while SST becomes less important and the vertically averaged horizontal shear and horizontal divergence become more important in the west Atlantic.
A Prospective Multicenter Study on the Outcome of Type I Collagen Hydrogel–Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (CaReS) for the Repair of Articular Cartilage Defects in the Knee
Authors: Schneider Ulrich , Rackwitz Lars , Andereya Stefan , Siebenlist Sebastian , Fensky Florian , Reichert Johannes , Löer Ingo , Barthel Thomas , Rudert Maximilian , Nöth Ulrich
Published: October 2011

Background: The Cartilage Regeneration System (CaReS) is a novel matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technique for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions (Outerbridge grades III and IV). For this technology, no expansion of the chondrocytes in a monolayer culture is needed, and a homogeneous cell distribution within the gel is guaranteed.

Purpose: To report a prospective multicenter study of matrix-associated ACI of the knee using a new type I collagen hydrogel (CaReS).

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: From 2003 to 2008, 116 patients (49 women and 67 men; mean age, 32.5 ± 8.9 years) had CaReS implantation of the knee in 9 different centers. On the basis of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Cartilage Injury Evaluation Package 2000, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, pain score (visual analog scale [VAS]), SF-36 score, overall treatment satisfaction and the IKDC functional status were evaluated. Patient follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and annually thereafter. Mean follow-up was 30.2 ± 17.4 months (range, 12-60 months). There were 67 defects of the medial condyle, 14 of the lateral, 22 of the patella/trochlea, and 3 of the tibial plateau, and 10 patients had 2 lesions. The mean defect size was 5.4 ± 2.4 cm2. Thirty percent of the defects were <4 cm2 and 70% were >4 cm2.

Results: The IKDC score improved significantly from 42.4 ± 13.8 preoperatively to 70.5 ± 18.7 ( P < .001) at latest follow-up. Global pain level significantly decreased ( P < .001) from 6.7 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 3.1 at latest follow-up. There also was a significant increase of both components of the SF-36 score. The overall treatment satisfaction was judged as very good or good in 88% by the surgeon and 80% by the patient. The IKDC functional knee status was grade I in 23.4%, II in 56.3%, III in 17.2%, and IV in 3.1% of the patients.

Conclusion: Matrix-associated ACI employing the CaReS technology for the treatment of chondral or osteochondral defects of the knee is a safe and clinically effective treatment that yields significant functional improvement and improvement in pain level. However, further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term viability and clinical outcome of this procedure.
Local disaster risk reduction in Latin American urban areas
Authors: Hardoy Jorgelina , Pandiella Gustavo , Barrero Luz Stella Velásquez
Published: October 2011

It is widely acknowledged that disaster risk reduction is a development issue best addressed locally with community involvement, as an integral part of local development. Yet there are many constraints and realities that complicate the attainment of this ideal. This paper reviews the experience in disaster risk reduction in a range of cities, including Manizales, Colombia, which has integrated risk reduction into its development plan and its urban environmental management. The city government has also established an insurance programme for buildings that provides coverage for low-income households. The paper further describes and discusses the experiences of other city governments, including those of Santa Fe in Argentina and Medellín in Colombia. It emphasizes how, in order to be effective, disaster risk reduction has to be driven locally and must include the involvement of communities at risk as well as local governments. It also has to be integrated into development and land use management. But the paper emphasizes how these key local processes need support from higher levels of government and, very often, inter-municipal cooperation. Political or administrative boundaries seldom coincide with the areas where risk reduction needs to be planned and implemented. The paper also includes some discussion of innovations in national systems and funds to support local disaster risk reduction.
Neglecting the urban poor in Bangladesh: research, policy and action in the context of climate change
Authors: Banks Nicola , Roy Manoj , Hulme David
Published: October 2011

In Bangladesh, urban poverty is neglected in research, policy and action on poverty reduction. This paper explores the underlying reasons for this relative neglect, which include national identity and image, the political economy of urban poverty and the structuring of knowledge creation. It argues for more comprehensive policy and programmes for the urban poor given Bangladesh’s increasingly urban future and the growing magnitude of urban poverty. The impact of climate change will accelerate Bangladesh’s ongoing urbanization as well as deepen the scale and severity of urban poverty. The fact that reducing urban poverty will be increasingly important in meeting national goals for poverty reduction means that policy and action must pay more attention to the urban poor. This is contingent upon two factors: first, a better understanding of the scale and nature of urban poverty and vulnerability; and second, the confrontation of powerful interests necessary to secure a national commitment to urban poverty reduction.
Haiti: post-earthquake lessons learned from traditional construction
Authors: Audefroy Joel F
Published: October 2011

This paper considers the potential contribution of traditional construction techniques and materials to rebuilding in Port-au-Prince and other areas in Haiti that were devastated by the 2010 earthquake. Based on different examples of housing that collapsed or was damaged by the earthquake, it shows how traditional construction systems often demonstrated better resilience to earthquakes than buildings constructed with modern materials. But it also describes the erosion of traditional knowledge and the pressure on those with traditional building skills to work with modern materials and techniques. It highlights the need to better understand and draw on traditional knowledge while also recognizing that this knowledge needs to evolve and innovate. This includes, where appropriate, the use of modern techniques and materials to help rehabilitate traditional structures and thus combine safety with preservation of a rich architectural heritage.
Gender Equality in Fertility Choices in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Chakrabarti Anindita , Chaudhuri Kausik
Published: October 2011

The state of Tamil Nadu, located in South India, has been identified as a state with gender equality as is evident from a balanced sex ratio, higher age of marriage of women, lower fertility rates and higher female literacy. Using district level and village/town level data from Census 2001, we examine the role of different socio-economic factors to explain the gender differentials in sex ratio at the age below six years at following levels: 30 districts, 14,278 towns and 15,363 villages of Tamil Nadu. Our evidence suggests that improvements in female literacy rate and occupational status of male members engaged as agricultural workers or other workers exert a positive impact on the sex ratio. We also document that particularly vulnerable are children of households not belonging to the marginalised castes in the rural area, and also those who are economically relatively better off. Our results are in sharp contrast with the existing evidence on the determinants of sex ratio. The results remain invariant to the model specification even after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity at the district level.
Technical Efficiency in the Informal Manufacturing Sector
Authors: S.N. Rajesh Raj
Published: October 2011

The small and medium enterprise sector plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development and growth of countries. But there is evidence that the firms in this sector are less efficient than those in the large enterprise sector. It is therefore imperative to examine their efficiency levels in order to identify the factors that contribute to inefficiency in these firms and to generate information for designing support policies for them. This article examines the level and sources of technical efficiency in the informal manufacturing sector in the Indian state of Kerala, using the translog stochastic frontier production function. The analysis has been done for five broad industry groups and the sector as a whole using firm-level data. The findings show that high levels of technical inefficiency characterise the firms in the informal manufacturing sector in Kerala. It is found that size, ownership, region (location) and seasonality of operation significantly influence technical efficiency level in most of the industry groups. Evidence also shows that credit availability and employment of hired labour play a significant role in explaining technical efficiency levels.
Infrastructure Constraints and Development in Kenya
Authors: Hope, Sr Kempe Ronald
Published: October 2011

Undoubtedly, reliable, efficient infrastructure is crucial to economic and social development and the promotion of pro-poor growth. Poor infrastructure impedes a nation’s economic growth and international competitiveness. In fact, it has long been recognised that an adequate supply of infrastructure services is an essential ingredient for productivity and growth. Moreover, improvements in productivity lead to increased trade and can foster regional integration through improved intra-regional trade and industrial relocation. This article analytically reviews and assesses infrastructure constraints and development in Kenya within the context of the way forward for meeting the outcomes of the country’s Vision 2030 and its long-term development prospects.
Modeling the Effects of Existing Knowledge on the Creation of New Knowledges
Authors: Korposh Dmytro , Lee Yu-Cheng , Wei Chiu-Chi , Chiou Shuei Wei
Published: October 2011

Advancing technologies and constantly changing market needs induce competition between organizations and force enterprises to adopt better management methods to improve operational performance to survive and make profits. Knowledge management has been widely recognized as one of the effective methods to achieve the above objective. Previous researches of knowledge management chiefly focused on qualitative approaches, and largely stressed key success factors of knowledge management, such as the infrastructure of information technology, the design of the knowledge management system, deployment of motivation schemes, and the like. Among them, the knowledge spiral of socialization, externalization, connection, and internalization are the core of researches and discussions. However, early studies only disclosed the necessary cyclical phenomenon of knowledge management. A quantitative method revealing how the existing knowledge can support the creation of new knowledge or upgrade current knowledge remains non-existent. To bridge this gap, this study proposes a mathematical model which can quantify the supporting effects of the existing knowledge on the creation of new knowledge. The model evaluates knowledge from the perspectives of complexity (knowledge type/knowledge area) and depth (knowledge level), and the results of the example illustrate that the proposed model can be an effective method of measuring the usefulness of the existing knowledge.
A Bayesian Method for Predicting Future Customer Need Distributions
Authors: Takai Shun , Yang Tae , Cafeo John A.
Published: October 2011

This article presents a Bayesian method to predict future customer need distributions based on forecasts of external factors and forecast accuracies. It is critically important to accurately predict future customer needs when strategically deciding what product to develop. However, prediction is challenging because customer preference changes as external factors that influence customer preference change over time. Consequently, customer needs at the time of product design decisions and at the time of new product market introductions may be significantly different. While external factors can be forecasted, forecasts are not necessarily accurate. This paper outlines a Bayesian approach to incorporate accuracies of forecasts in predicting future customer need distributions. An illustrative example demonstrates impacts of forecast accuracies on customer need distributions and on a strategic design decision. In this example, the customer need is ‘fuel-efficient vehicle’, the external factor is the gasoline price index (defined as gasoline price divided by consumer price index), and the strategic design decision is the selection of the next vehicle from gasoline-powered, hybrid, and electric. Sensitivity analysis is performed in order to study how a strategic design decision changes with forecasts and forecast accuracies.
Developing a Dynamic Wheelchair Using the Design Structure Matrix Method
Authors: Othman Mohammed , Bhuiyan Nadia , Kong Linghua
Published: October 2011

Involuntary extensor thrusts, experienced by wheelchair users with cerebral palsy, can cause injuries due to unexpected impacts with the wheelchair. Consequently, these unexpected motions can hurt the human body, damage the wheelchair, and change the correct position of the user’s pelvis. Many of the existing wheelchairs do not address all the needs of disabled people. The goal of this article is to develop an instrumented, dynamic seating system for people with extensor thrust using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) tool in order to provide an efficient development sequence of the design tasks for three subsystems of the seat: the seat back, seat bottom, and footrest. This article provides a detailed application of the use of the DSM. It reveals that the design process of the three main systems can be executed concurrently with different teams having different specializations and proposes a method to minimize total design time.
Unveiling Molecular Events in the Brain by Noninvasive Imaging
Authors: Klohs Jan , Rudin Markus
Published: October 2011

Neuroimaging allows researchers and clinicians to noninvasively assess structure and function of the brain. With the advances of imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance, nuclear, and optical imaging; the design of target-specific probes; and/or the introduction of reporter gene assays, these technologies are now capable of visualizing cellular and molecular processes in vivo. Undoubtedly, the system biological character of molecular neuroimaging, which allows for the study of molecular events in the intact organism, will enhance our understanding of physiology and pathophysiology of the brain and improve our ability to diagnose and treat diseases more specifically. Technical/scientific challenges to be faced are the development of highly sensitive imaging modalities, the design of specific imaging probe molecules capable of penetrating the CNS and reporting on endogenous cellular and molecular processes, and the development of tools for extracting quantitative, biologically relevant information from imaging data. Today, molecular neuroimaging is still an experimental approach with limited clinical impact; this is expected to change within the next decade. This article provides an overview of molecular neuroimaging approaches with a focus on rodent studies documenting the exploratory state of the field. Concepts are illustrated by discussing applications related to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.
An India–China FTA
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Ghosh Madanmohan
Published: October 2011

In a recent visit to India the Chinese president, Hu Jintao, proposed closer economic relations between China and India, possibly a India–China free trade area (FTA). These two economies have been experiencing rapid growth during the last couple of decades and in recent years trade between these two nations has grown spectacularly. This article analyzes the implications of a possible India–China FTA on trade flows, real output and investment both at the aggregate and industry levels in India, China, the rest of Asia, the North American and European economies using a multi-sector, multi-region dynamic computable gen-eral equilibrium (CGE) model. Our simulation results suggest that the overall economic gains to India and China would be modest. The distribution of the economic gains, however, depends on the speed of elimination of the bilateral tariffs. China gains more if the tariffs are eliminated immediately, whereas India gains more from gradual liberalization. India’s exports to China could expand by almost 57 per cent, while imports from China could increase by over 240 per cent implying an increased bilateral trade deficit. Output in each sector in India would increase. Sectors such as clothing, leather, textiles and motor vehicles and parts would gain the most in India.
Income Convergence and Regional Growth in India
Authors: Chikte Rasika P.
Published: October 2011

In this article I study regional growth and sub-national income convergence in India in the context of economic reforms that have been undertaken since 1991. I also examine convergence in development inputs such as population growth, literacy and investment at the sub-national level. My results show that there is a strong evidence of divergence in per capita income of the 15 states studied in the sample. The standard deviation of net state domestic product has increased over time indicating no evidence of convergence in the pre- or post-reform period. Population, state capital expenditure and commercial bank credit have also diverged over time across these 15 Indian states. However, literacy shows evidence of convergence across states.
Winners and Losers of Services Liberalization
Authors: Thenuwara H.N.
Published: October 2011

In this research note, we develop a model of the services sector liberalization through Modes 3 and 4 where capital is brought to the home country. Foreign capital owners compete with domestic capital owners in producing services. Results in this research note show that domestic labour is better off with imported capital but domestic capital owners suffer. This could lead to domestic capital owners lobbying against the services liberalization via Modes 3 and 4.
Household Labour Supply in Sri Lanka for Urban Young Couple with Pre-school Children
Authors: Premaratne S.P.
Published: October 2011

This research note focuses on the labour supply decision in Sri Lanka of parents with the presence of pre-school children. For this study, 200 households with at least one pre-school child were surveyed. Women’s non-market time does not depend on their husband’s wage; but both housework and child care of other adults—particularly female adults—respond positively to an increase in the wife’s labour force participation. The decision to buy formal child care is affected by the age of children, cost of day-care centres, household income, types of occupation and level of education and quality of child care. Quality child-care services increase female labour force participation. Moreover, if child care is more affordable, more mothers would participate in the labour force. Governments can embrace this argument.
The post-Oslo Palestine and gendering Palestinian citizenship
Authors: Jad Islah
Published: October 2011

This article examines the gendering of Palestinian citizenship that occurred in the decade immediately following the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Based on extensive interviews, official documents and personal experience, it traces the evolution of women’s political, social and economic actions from the early charitable societies to a popular mass women’s movement. The article focuses on the secular, donor-driven proliferation of professional institutions emphasizing the externally imposed restrictions that defend the Palestinian Authority from charges of ‘neo-patrimonialism’, while at the same time offering a critique of the limitations of NGOs and institutions of ‘civil society’ existing in such a situation.
Pox Populi
Authors: Bratich Jack Z.
Published: October 2011

This article examines recent developments in U.S. network politics. Focusing on the rise of the Tea Party as well as the standoffs in Madison, WI, it analyzes the emergent forms of populism via network forms. In addition, this conjuncture produces new mutations in the relationship between networks and sovereignty. Finally, the affective charge of these future networked movements, from fear to hope to love, need investigation.
The Accusing Body
Authors: Spry Tami
Published: October 2011

This essay addresses and critiques attempts by politicians to legislate the language used to describe and therefore define women’s experience of sexual assault. What is written from the body changes the body and vice versa; what is performed turns back on itself changing word and body. Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta) wants to label me “accuser,” thereby erasing my assaulted body unless and until “there’s a conviction in the matter.” There was never a conviction in the matter of my case. So where does that leave me? He doesn’t want me to claim victimage, as if being a victim is somehow a privilege, a legal labeling granted on “proof” of the attack. The assaulted body is changed by the legal replacement of “victim” for “accuser.” The word tries to displace or erase the action from the agent and replace it with a burden of proof. So following a most heinous experience, as “accuser,” the woman must now carry the burden of proving herself, accounting not only for her own experience, but also, that it actually happened. Performative autoethnography offers a method of intervening upon legislated language assaults by speaking from the body with agency and ethical representation. The possibilities of deconstructing “accuser” and reconstructing research that offers a multiplicity of being in the body of assault offers argument to oppressive gender notions of violence. Performative autoethnography offers hope and efficacy in the doing.
A Screed, a Surrender, and a Summons
Authors: Pelias Ronald J. , Hinchcliff-Pelias Mimi
Published: October 2011

This essay offers a politics of possibility and hope in the face of right-wing politics. It outlines tempting but unproductive stances that provide some relief from the right-wing assault before advocating some strategies that might work in behalf of social justice. Its call to action is located in an ethic of care.
Investigation on liquid bath nitriding of selected steels
Authors: Balikci E , Yaman O
Published: October 2011

The influence of experimental parameters, such as temperature, time, alloy composition and nitriding bath composition, on nitriding case formation on three steels has been investigated. Two of the steels are of low alloy type, one with low carbon (DIN 1·6523) and the other with medium carbon (DIN 1·7225). The third alloy is a nitriding alloy (DIN 1·8550). Two cyanate baths are used, i.e. type 1 (80 wt-% potassium cyanate) and type 2 (40 wt-% potassium cyanate). Higher temperatures, times and bath compositions result in a thicker case. As it thickens, the compound layer becomes composed of ϵ type nitrides. In general, DIN 1·6523 has developed thicker cases, and DIN 1·8550 with Al and Cr has formed thinner cases. Porosity has been observed in the cases, and the roughness of the nitrided surfaces has been measured to be greater for the higher carbon content alloy (DIN 1·7225) in this study.
Use of iQPR-H2O for bone regeneration and its potential in the improvement of osteoporosis
Authors: Lee Chiming , Cheong Meileng , Hsiao Wentien , Liu Henyu , Tsai Chingyu , Wang Mingfu , Wu Chihhsiung , Chang Kwanghwa , Lam Gowlin , Deng Winping
Published: October 2011

Background

Current treatments for osteoporosis are associated with various side effects and do not prevent the age-related decrease in osteoblast number. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of iQPR-H2O on osteogenesis.

Methods

Mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 and pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in medium prepared with iQPR-H2O or unprocessed mineral water (control cells), and proliferation and differentiation were assessed by MTT and alkaline phosphatase assay, respectively. Mineral deposition by the cells was determined using Alizarin red S staining. A mouse model of osteoporosis, ovariectomized SAMP8 mice, was used to evaluate the effects of iQPR-H2O on osteogenesis in vivo. Mice were given either iQPR-H2O or unprocessed mineral water (control group) for four months after which bone mass density (BMD) measurements were made using a bone densitometer and hematoxylin and eosin staining of bone samples.

Results

NIH3T3 cells grown in medium prepared with iQPR-H2O exhibited significantly greater proliferation. NIH3T3 and MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase levels in the iQPR-H2O group. MC3T3-E1 cells showed mineralization at day 28. mRNA expression levels of both osteopontin and runt-related transcription factor 2 in MC3T3-E1 cells were higher in the iQPR-H2O group compared with the control group. After four months, significantly greater bone regeneration was evident in ovariectomized SAMP8 mice administered iQPR-H2O as compared with control group.

Conclusions

iQPR-H2O may reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis by improving osteogenesis.
The Aspergillus niger multicopper oxidase family: analysis and overexpression of laccase-like encoding genes
Authors: Tamayo Ramos Juan A , Barends Sharief , Verhaert Raymond MD , de Graaff Leo H
Published: October 2011

Background

Many filamentous fungal genomes contain complex groups of multicopper oxidase (MCO) coding genes that makes them a good source for new laccases with potential biotechnological interest. A bioinformatics analysis of the Aspergillus niger ATCC 1015 genome resulted in the identification of thirteen MCO genes. Ten of them were cloned and homologously overexpressed.

Results

A bioinformatic analysis of the A. niger ATCC 1015 genome revealed the presence of 13 MCO genes belonging to three different subfamilies on the basis of their phylogenetic relationships: ascomycete laccases, fungal pigment MCOs and fungal ferroxidases. According to in silico amino acid sequence analysis, the putative genes encoding for functional extracellular laccases (mcoA, mcoB, mcoC, mcoD, mcoE, mcoF, mcoG, mcoI, mcoJ and mcoM) were placed under the control of the glaA promoter and overexpressed in A. niger N593. Enzyme activity plate assays with several common laccase substrates showed that all genes are actually expressed and code for active MCOs. Interestingly, expressed enzymes show different substrate specificities. In addition, optimization of fungal pigment MCOs extracellular production was investigated. The performance of the widely used glucoamylase signal sequence (ssGlaA) in McoA secretion was studied. Results obtained suggest that ssGlaA do not yield higher levels of secreted McoA when compared to its native secretion signal. Also, McoB synthesis was investigated using different nitrogen sources in minimal medium liquid cultures. Higher yields of extracellular McoB were achieved with (NH4)2 tartrate.

Conclusions

Aspergillus niger is a good source of new laccases. The different substrate specificity observed in plate assays makes them interesting to be purified and biochemically compared. The homologous signal sequence of McoA has been shown to be a good choice for its extracellular overexpression. From the nitrogen sources tested (NH4)2 tartrate has been found to be the most appropriate for McoB production in A. niger.
Effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on expression of kynurenine pathway enzymes in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Asp Linnéa , Johansson Anne-Sofie , Mann Amandeep , Owe-Larsson Björn , Urbanska Ewa M , Kocki Tomasz , Kegel Magdalena , Engberg Göran , Lundkvist Gabriella BS , Karlsson Håkan
Published: October 2011

Background

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main route of tryptophan degradation in the human body and generates several neuroactive and immunomodulatory metabolites. Altered levels of KP-metabolites have been observed in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders as well as in patients with affective disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if skin derived human fibroblasts are useful for studies of expression of enzymes in the KP.

Methods

Fibroblast cultures were established from cutaneous biopsies taken from the arm of consenting volunteers. Such cultures were subsequently treated with interferon (IFN)-γ 200 U/ml and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, 100 U/ml for 48 hours in serum-free medium. Levels of transcripts encoding different enzymes were determined by real-time PCR and levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) were determined by HPLC.

Results

At base-line all cultures harbored detectable levels of transcripts encoding KP enzymes, albeit with considerable variation across individuals. Following cytokine treatment, considerable changes in many of the transcripts investigated were observed. For example, increases in the abundance of transcripts encoding indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, kynureninase or 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid oxygenase and decreases in the levels of transcripts encoding tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, kynurenine aminotransferases or quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase were observed following IFN-γ and TNF-α treatment. Finally, the fibroblast cultures released detectable levels of KYNA in the cell culture medium at base-line conditions, which were increased after IFN-γ, but not TNF-α, treatments.

Conclusions

All of the investigated genes encoding KP enzymes were expressed in human fibroblasts. Expression of many of these appeared to be regulated in response to cytokine treatment as previously reported for other cell types. Fibroblast cultures, thus, appear to be useful for studies of disease-related abnormalities in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation.
1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene-promoted Regioselective Elimination of Vicinal Dibromides Having an Adjacent O- and/or N-Functional Group
Authors: Kutsumura Noriki , Iijima Masatoshi , Toguchi Shohei , Saito Takao
Published: October 2011

We have investigated the DBU-promoted HBr-elimination of vicinal dibromides having an adjacent O- and/or N-functional group under mild basic conditions. The elimination of 1-oxygen-functionalized 2,3-dibromopropanes was more regioselective than that of 1-nitrogen-functionalized 2,3-dibromopropanes. This observation suggests that the elimination selectivity is affected by the electronegativity of the neighboring heteroatoms themselves and not by the entire functional group.
In Situ Generation of Silver Nanoparticles in Ion-exchangeable Polymer Photonic Crystals
Authors: Tsuruoka Takaaki , Kumazaki Shota , Nawafune Hidemi , Akamatsu Kensuke
Published: October 2011

Silver/polymer composite photonic crystals have been synthesized via the controlled in situ growth of silver nanoparticles in an ion-exchangeable polymer as host photonic crystals. This in situ approach using ion-doped precursors allows for size of silver nanoparticles and the optical reflection wavelength of the obtained crystals to be systematically controlled. This synthesis represents a simple methodology for the synthesis of functional composite photonic crystals with tunable microstructures and thus optical properties.
Nickel-catalyzed Decarboxylative Polymerization of 6-Alkynylisatoic Anhydride
Authors: Nakai Kenichiro , Shiba Takahiro , Yoshino Yasufumi , Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: October 2011

A new methodology for preparation of polyquinolone was developed. Iterative nickel-catalyzed reaction of 6-alkynylisatoic anhydride monomer affords polyquinolone via decarboxylative cycloaddition without formation of residual by-product. It was demonstrated for the first time that decarboxylative cycloaddition can be an elementary process of chain growth polymerization for preparation of polyheterocycles with high regioregularity.
SiO2–Fe2O3-pillared Clay Nanohybrid with an Enhanced Gas Removal Property
Authors: Yang Jae-Hun , Lee Hee-Suk , Paek Seung-Min , Han Yang-Su
Published: October 2011

New layered inorganic–inorganic nanohybrids with highly porous structures were prepared by pillaring SiO2–Fe2O3 nanoparticles into montmorillonite via exfoliation and reassembly. Gas removal activity of SiO2–Fe2O3-pillared clay is much higher than that of active carbon, suggesting that pillaring strategy could be an effective method for removal of various gases.
A National Audit of Breast Cancer Follow-up
Authors: Harries RL , Cox A , Gomez KF
Published: October 2011

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women and the second most common cancer in the UK. In 2008 the incidence of breast cancer in England was 39,681 1 and 2,592 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Wales. 2 The five-year survival rate was 84.2% for those patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2008. 3 In 2008 the total population in Wales was 2,993,400: 680,700 concentrated in north Wales, 878,800 in south-west Wales and 1,433,800 in south-east Wales. 4 The main cities found in each region are Wrexham, Swansea and Cardiff respectively.
The Medical Student Liaison Committee
Authors: Zimmermann Eleanor F , Maile Edward
Published: October 2011

Recently, medical students have taken an increasingly assertive and autonomous view of their education. This is demonstrated by the increasing numbers of undergraduate surgical societies organising targeted teaching for student peers in order to fill perceived gaps in the medical curricula. These societies also collaborate with bodies such as the RCS and its Women in Surgery (WinS) network to broaden students' exposure to surgical careers. The Medical Student Liaison Committee (MSLC) brings together representatives from more than twenty university surgical societies. It meets biannually at the RCS to discuss the ongoing achievements of surgical societies and to share ideas and motivations with the aim of enhancing students' overall experience of surgery.
Simulation in surgical training: the College's role
Authors: Davies Nigel , Alexander Francine , Larvin Mike
Published: October 2011

Traditionally, surgeons learned all of the complex knowledge, skills and judgement necessary to practise safe surgery over many years, during real procedures involving real patients. Trainees no longer spend many years under the close supervision of an expert surgeon, nor is it acceptable for trainees to acquire a skill on a patient without prior practice.
IS THERE A ROLE FOR HUMANIST LEARNING THEORY IN INTRA-OPERATIVE SURGICAL TEACHING?
Authors: Sharma NL
Published: October 2011

The humanist theory of learning, which emerged in the 1960s, is based on the natural desire of everyone to learn. It empowers the learner as the teacher is viewed as a facilitator and relinquishes a large amount of authority. Carl Rogers, Malcolm Knowles and Abraham Maslow are attributed with being members of the humanist school and share certain values and viewpoints on learning. They believe that learning is student centred and personalised, and that it has the goal of developing self-actualised and autonomous people.
Treating the torn rotator cuff: current practice in the UK
Authors: Robinson PM , Doll HA , Roy BR
Published: October 2011

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to characterise current rotator cuff repair activity in the UK with emphasis on the management of rotator cuff tears in the elderly population (over 70s).

METHODS

A one-page web-based survey was created. All British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) members and surgeons who listed the shoulder as an area of specialist interest on the website http://www.specialistInfo.com/ were invited to complete this.

RESULTS

A total of 103 surgeons completed the survey; most (n=89, 86%) were BESS members. They had spent a median of 10 years (range: 9 months — 30 years) in consultant practice and performed an annual median of 200 (range: 0—1,000) arthroscopic shoulder procedures. For rotator cuff repair the favoured method was arthroscopic for 47 consultants (46.5%), open or mini-open for 41 (40.6%) and both for 13 (12.9%). The annual median number of arthroscopic and open cuff repairs was 20 (range: 0—250) and 12 (range: 0—100) respectively. The longer the time in practice, the fewer the reported number of arthroscopic cuff repairs (rs=-0.22, p=0.027) and the greater the number of open and mini-open cuff repairs (rs=0.33, p=0.001). In the management of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear in a patient over 70 years of age, 27 (26.7%) would perform an open or mini-open repair, 43 (42.6%) an arthroscopic repair and 22 (21.8%) would not attempt a repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons performing a higher volume of arthroscopic cuff repairs annually were more likely to repair cuff tears and they predicted significantly better outcomes of cuff repair for both pain and shoulder movement. Our results reflect the existing conflicting evidence regarding the indications for and methods of treatment of rotator cuff disease.
Surgeon-operated ultrasonography in a one-stop shoulder clinic
Authors: Seagger R , Bunker T , Hamer P
Published: October 2011

INTRODUCTION

Nearly 1 in 40 of the population seeks medical advice related to a shoulder problem every year. The majority pertain to rotator cuff pathology. Prior to intervention in such patients it is imperative to define whether the tendons are intact or torn. Ultrasonography has become an essential adjunct to clinical assessment in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. This study was designed to investigate if a surgeon using a portable ultrasonography machine in a one-stop shoulder clinic could significantly reduce the time a patient waited from initial outpatient presentation to the end of the treatment episode (be it surgery, injection or conservative management).

METHODS

A total of 77 patients were allocated to one of two groups: Group A, consisting of 37 patients who were assessed and had ultrasonography as outpatients, and Group B, consisting of 40 patients who were assessed and referred for departmental ultrasonography where appropriate. Three clear outcome groups were defined: those who required surgical repair, those who had irreparable tears and those who declined surgery.

RESULTS

For all outcomes (surgery, irreparable tears and conservative treatment), the patients in Group A all completed their clinical episodes significantly quicker than those in Group B (p<0.02). As well as the time saving benefits, there was a substantial financial saving for Group A. By performing ultrasonography in the outpatients department, those patients avoided the requirement of departmental imaging (£120) and subsequent follow-up appointments (£73) to discuss results and management, resulting in a saving of nearly £200 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a portable ultrasonography machine by an orthopaedic surgeon can significantly reduce the time to treatment and the financial cost for patients with rotator cuff tears.
Acute paediatric compartment syndrome of the hand caused by hereditary angiooedema
Authors: Malik SS , Uppal H , Sinha A , Malik SS , Katam K , Srinivasan K
Published: October 2011

Compartment syndrome of the leg and forearm are well described in the literature. However, compartment syndrome of the hand is rare and in children it is even rarer. Atraumatic hand compartment syndrome has not to our knowledge been previously reported. We describe a case of an atraumatic compartment syndrome of the hand in a child who underwent an urgent fasciotomy. The child was diagnosed with hereditary angiooedema. We highlight a rare but serious complication of a hereditary disease not commonly seen by the surgical community. We hope that this report raises the awareness of this condition, thereby reducing delays in reaching a prompt diagnosis.
Cycling related common femoral artery disease: an unusual case in an otherwise healthy male
Authors: Mughal NA , Rashid ST , Mavor AID
Published: October 2011

A cyclist reported gradual onset, bilateral leg claudication without any atherosclerotic risk factors and with a normal vascular examination. Duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography revealed bilateral focal stenoses due to coralline plaques of the common femoral arteries (CFAs) but normal proximal and distal vasculature. A surgical endarterectomy with vein patch angioplasty resolved all symptoms. Cyclist’s iliac syndrome (whereby mechanical and anatomical factors in competitive cyclists and runners lead to arterial kinking and subsequent intimal hyperplasia, endofibrosis and, ultimately, stenoses of the external iliac arteries) is well documented. This is the first report to our knowledge of a similar process isolated to the CFA.
Triple-ostomy: management of perforations to the second part of the duodenum in patients unfit for definitive surgery
Authors: Herrod PJJ , Kamali D , Pillai SCB
Published: October 2011

Peptic ulcers in the second part of the duodenum are a rare occurrence and present challenging management. Conventional surgical operations are associated with life threatening complications. We describe a case of a perforated duodenal ulcer in a medically unstable patient who was deemed unfit for lengthy definitive surgery. An emergency laparotomy and ’triple-ostomy’ was performed. We recommend this procedure as an alternative for the emergency repair of D2 ulcers, especially in patients with multiple co-morbidities.
Chemometric Study on the Forensic Discrimination of Soil Types Using Their Infrared Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Baron Mark , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jose , Croxton Ruth , Gonzalez Rafael , Jimenez-Perez Rebeca
Published: October 2011

Soil has been utilized in criminal investigations for some time because of its prevalence and transferability. It is usually the physical characteristics that are studied; however, the research carried out here aims to make use of the chemical profile of soil samples. The research we are presenting in this work used sieved (2 mm) soil samples taken from the top soil layer (about 10 cm) that were then analyzed using mid-infrared spectroscopy. The spectra obtained were pretreated and then input into two chemometric classification tools: nonlinear iterative partial least squares followed by linear discriminant analysis (NIPALS-LDA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The models produced show that it is possible to discriminate between soil samples from different land use types and both approaches are comparable in performance. NIPALS-LDA performs much better than PLS-DA in classifying samples to location.