bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decolorization and biodegradation of reactive sulfonated azo dyes by a newly isolated Brevibacterium sp. strain VN-15
Authors: Franciscon Elisangela , Grossman Matthew James , Paschoal Jonas Augusto Rizzato , Reyes Felix Guillermo Reyes , Durrant Lucia Regina
Published: October 2012

Azo dyes constitute the largest and most versatile class of synthetic dyes used in the textile, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries and represent major components in wastewater from these industrial dying processes. Biological decolorization of azo dyes occurs efficiently under low oxygen to anaerobic conditions. However, this process results in the formation of toxic and carcinogenic amines that are resistant to further detoxification under low oxygen conditions. Moreover, the ability to detoxify these amines under aerobic conditions is not a wide spread metabolic activity. In this study we describe the use of Brevibacterium sp. strain VN-15, isolated from an activated sludge process of a textile company, for the sequential decolorization and detoxification of the azo dyes Reactive Yellow 107 (RY107), Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Reactive Red 198 (RR198) and Direct Blue 71 (DB71). Tyrosinase activity was observed during the biotreatment process suggesting the role of this enzyme in the decolorization and degradation process, but no-activity was observed for laccase and peroxidase. Toxicity, measured using Daphnia magna, was completely eliminated.
The adipokine adiponectin has potent anti-fibrotic effects mediated via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase: novel target for fibrosis therapy
Authors: Fang Feng , Liu Lei , Yang Yang , Tamaki Zenshiro , Wei Jun , Marangoni Roberta G , Bhattacharyya Swati , Summer Ross S , Ye Boping , Varga John
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Fibrosis in scleroderma is associated with collagen deposition and myofibroblast accumulation. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), a master regulator of adipogenesis, inhibits profibrotic responses induced by transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-β), and its expression is impaired in scleroderma. The roles of adiponectin, a PPAR-γ regulated pleiotropic adipokine, in regulating the response of fibroblasts and in mediating the effects of PPAR-γ are unknown.

Methods

Regulation of fibrotic gene expression and TGF-ß signaling by adiponectin and adenosine monophosphate protein-activated (AMP) kinase agonists were examined in normal fibroblasts in monolayer cultures and in three-dimensional skin equivalents. AdipoR1/2 expression on skin fibroblasts was determined by real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

Adiponectin, an adipokine directly regulated by PPAR-γ, acts as a potent anti-fibrotic signal in normal and scleroderma fibroblasts that abrogates the stimulatory effects of diverse fibrotic stimuli and reduces elevated collagen gene expression in scleroderma fibroblasts. Adiponectin responses are mediated via AMP kinase, a fuel-sensing cellular enzyme that is necessary and sufficient for down-regulation of fibrotic genes by blocking canonical Smad signaling. Moreover, we demonstrate that endogenous adiponectin accounts, at least in part, for the anti-fibrotic effects exerted by ligands of PPAR-γ.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a novel link between cellular energy metabolism and extracellular matrix homeostasis converging on AMP kinase. Since the levels of adiponectin as well as its receptor are impaired in scleroderma patients with progressive fibrosis, the present results suggest a potential role for defective adiponectin expression or function in progressive fibrogenesis in scleroderma and other chronic fibrosing conditions. Restoring the adiponectin signaling axis in fibroblasts might, therefore, represent a novel pharmacological approach to controlling fibrosis.
P2X7 receptor-mediated Nlrp3-inflammasome activation is a genetic determinant of macrophage-dependent crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Deplano Simona , Cook H Terence , Russell Ryan , Franchi Luigi , Schneiter Sabine , Bhangal Gurjeet , Unwin Robert J , Pusey Charles D , Tam Frederick W K , Behmoaras Jacques
Published: October 2012

A novel mechanism in genetically determined P2RX7 levels in macrophages regulates Nlrp3-inflammasome activation and susceptibility to crescentic glomerulonephritis.

P2RX7, a mediator of IL-1β and IL-18 processing and release, is a ligand-gated cation channel that is expressed by macrophages. In experimental Crgn, P2RX7 deficiency attenuates renal injury, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that P2RX7 levels and the expression of several genes belonging to the Nlrp3-inflammasome pathway are up-regulated in the macrophages of the WKY rat, a strain uniquely susceptible to macrophage-dependent NTN. Importantly, following P2RX7 activation, WKY BMDMs produce markedly increased levels of active caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 when compared with the NTN-resistant LEW rat BMDMs. P2RX7 and active IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 protein levels were markedly increased in the WKY nephritic glomeruli 4 days following induction of NTN, and the use of a P2RX7 antagonist reduced the levels of secreted active IL-1β. Interestingly, the post-translational control of P2RX7-mediated inflammasome activation is under the genetic regulation of two previously identified Crgn quantitative trait loci in the BMDMs and nephritic glomeruli of the WKY rat. In conclusion, we propose a novel mechanism, whereby genetically determined P2RX7 levels in macrophages regulate Nlrp3-inflammasome activation and susceptibility to Crgn.
Insights into the role of progranulin in immunity, infection, and inflammation
Authors: Jian Jinlong , Konopka Jessica , Liu Chuanju
Published: October 2012

Review on the role of progranulin in immunity, infection, and inflammation, and its therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory conditions.

PGRN, a pleiotrophic growth factor, is known to play an important role in the maintenance and regulation of the homeostatic dynamics of normal tissue development, proliferation, regeneration, and the host-defense response and therefore, has been widely studied in the fields of infectious diseases, wound healing, tumorigenesis, and neuroproliferative and degenerative diseases. PGRN has also emerged as a multifaceted immune-regulatory molecule through regulating the signaling pathways known to be critical for immunology, especially TNF/TNFR signaling. In this review, we start with updates about the interplays of PGRN with ECM proteins, proteolytic enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, and cell-surface receptors, as well as various pathophysiological processes involved. We then review the data supporting an emerging role of PGRN in the fields of the “Cubic of I”, namely, immunity, infection, and inflammation, with special focus on its regulation of autoimmune syndromes. We conclude with insights into the immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, therapeutic potential of PGRN in treating diseases with an inflammatory etiology in a vast range of medical specialties.
New Criteria for Response to Treatment in Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis Based on Free Light Chain Measurement and Cardiac Biomarkers: Impact on Survival Outcomes
Authors: Palladini Giovanni , Dispenzieri Angela , Gertz Morie A. , Kumar Shaji , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Hawkins Philip N. , Schönland Stefan , Hegenbart Ute , Comenzo Raymond , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Jaccard Arnaud , Klersy Catherine , Merlini Giampaolo
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To identify the criteria for hematologic and cardiac response to treatment in immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis based on survival analysis of a large patient population.

Patients and Methods

We gathered for analysis 816 patients with AL amyloidosis from seven referral centers in the European Union and the United States. A different cohort of 374 patients prospectively evaluated at the Pavia Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center was used for validation. Data was available for all patients before and 3 and/or 6 months after initiation of first-line therapy. The prognostic relevance of different criteria for hematologic and cardiac response was assessed.

Results

There was a strong correlation between the extent of reduction of amyloidogenic free light chains (FLCs) and improvement in survival. This allowed the identification of four levels of response: amyloid complete response (normal FLC ratio and negative serum and urine immunofixation), very good partial response (difference between involved and uninvolved FLCs [dFLC] < 40 mg/L), partial response (dFLC decrease > 50%), and no response. Cardiac involvement is the major determinant of survival, and changes in cardiac function after therapy can be reliably assessed using the cardiac biomarker N-terminal natriuretic peptide type B (NT-proBNP). Changes in FLC and NT-proBNP predicted survival as early as 3 months after treatment initiation.

Conclusion

This study identifies and validates new criteria for response to first-line treatment in AL amyloidosis, based on their association with survival in large patient populations, and offers surrogate end points for clinical trials.
Risks of Less Common Cancers in Proven Mutation Carriers With Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Engel Christoph , Loeffler Markus , Steinke Verena , Rahner Nils , Holinski-Feder Elke , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Schackert Hans K. , Goergens Heike , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Goecke Timm O. , Schmiegel Wolff , Buettner Reinhard , Moeslein Gabriela , Letteboer Tom G.W. , García Encarna Gómez , Hes Frederik J. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Menko Fred H. , van Os Theo A.M. , Sijmons Rolf H. , Wagner Anja , Kluijt Irma , Propping Peter , Vasen Hans F.A.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Patients with Lynch syndrome are at high risk for colon and endometrial cancer, but also at an elevated risk for other less common cancers. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to provide risk estimates for these less common cancers in proven carriers of pathogenic mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6.

Patients and Methods

Data were pooled from the German and Dutch national Lynch syndrome registries. Seven different cancer types were analyzed: stomach, small bowel, urinary bladder, other urothelial, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Age-, sex- and MMR gene–specific cumulative risks (CRs) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Sex-specific incidence rates were compared with general population incidence rates by calculating standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of sex and mutated gene on cancer risk.

Results

The cohort comprised 2,118 MMR gene mutation carriers (MLH1, n = 806; MSH2, n = 1,004; MSH6, n = 308). All cancers were significantly more frequent than in the general population. The highest risks were found for male small bowel cancer (SIR, 251; 95% CI, 177 to 346; CR at 70 years, 12.0; 95% CI, 5.7 to 18.2). Breast cancer showed an SIR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.4) and a CR of 14.4 (95% CI, 9.5 to 19.3). MSH2 mutation carriers had a considerably higher risk of developing urothelial cancer than MLH1 or MSH6 carriers.

Conclusion

The sex- and gene-specific differences of less common cancer risks should be taken into account in cancer surveillance and prevention programs for patients with Lynch syndrome.
Incidence of HIV-Related Anal Cancer Remains Increased Despite Long-Term Combined Antiretroviral Treatment: Results From the French Hospital Database on HIV
Authors: Piketty Christophe , Selinger-Leneman Hana , Bouvier Anne-Marie , Belot Aurelien , Mary-Krause Murielle , Duvivier Claudine , Bonmarchand Manuela , Abramowitz Laurent , Costagliola Dominique , Grabar Sophie
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To study recent trends in the incidence of anal cancer in HIV-infected patients receiving long-term combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) compared with the general population.

Patients and Methods

From the French Hospital Database on HIV, we identified 263 cases of invasive anal squamous cell carcinoma confirmed histologically between 1992 and 2008. We compared incidence rates of anal cancer across four calendar periods: 1992-1996 (pre-cART period), 1997-2000 (early cART period), and 2001-2004 and 2005-2008 (recent cART periods). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated by using general population incidence data from the French Network of Cancer Registries.

Results

In HIV-infected patients, the hazard ratio (HR) in the cART periods versus the pre-cART period was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.28 to 4.98). No difference was observed across the cART calendar periods (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.3). In 2005-2008, HIV-infected patients compared with the general population had an excess risk of anal cancer, with SIRs of 109.8 (95% CI, 84.6 to 140.3), 49.2 (95% CI, 33.2 to 70.3), and 13.1 (95% CI, 6.8 to 22.8) for men who have sex with men (MSM), other men, and women, respectively. Among patients with CD4 cell counts above 500/μL for at least 2 years, SIRs were 67.5 (95% CI, 41.2 to 104.3) when the CD4 nadir was less than 200/μL for more than 2 years and 24.5 (95% CI, 17.1 to 34.1) when the CD4 nadir was more than 200/μL.

Conclusion

Relative to that in the general population, the risk of anal cancer in HIV-infected patients is still extremely high, even in patients with high current CD4 cell counts. cART appears to have no preventive effect on anal cancer, particularly in MSM.
Glypicans regulate JAK/STAT signaling and distribution of the Unpaired morphogen
Authors: Hayashi Yoshiki , Sexton Travis R. , Dejima Katsufumi , Perry Dustin W. , Takemura Masahiko , Kobayashi Satoru , Nakato Hiroshi , Harrison Douglas A.
Published: October 2012

In Drosophila, ligands of the Unpaired (Upd) family activate the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. The JAK/STAT pathway controls many developmental events, including multiple functions in the ovary. These include an early role in the germarium for specification of stalk cells and a later role in the vitellarium to pattern the follicular epithelium surrounding each cyst. In this latter role, graded JAK/STAT activation specifies three distinct anterior follicular cell fates, suggesting that Upd is a morphogen in this system. Consistent with the JAK/STAT activation pattern in the vitellarium, Upd forms a concentration gradient on the apical surface of the follicular epithelium with a peak at its source, the polar cells. Like many morphogens, signaling and distribution of Upd are regulated by the heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) Dally and Dally-like. Mutations in these glypican genes and in heparan sulfate biosynthetic genes result in disruption of JAK/STAT signaling, loss or abnormal formation of the stalk and significant reduction in the accumulation of extracellular Upd. Conversely, forced expression of Dally causes ectopic accumulation of Upd in follicular cells. Furthermore, biochemical studies reveal that Upd and Dally bind each other on the surface of the cell membrane. Our findings demonstrate that Drosophila glypicans regulate formation of the follicular gradient of the Upd morphogen, Upd. Furthermore, we establish the follicular epithelium as a new model for morphogen signaling in complex organ development.
Gata2 provides an early anterior bias and uncovers a global positioning system for polarity in the amniote embryo
Authors: Bertocchini Federica , Stern Claudio D.
Published: October 2012

The first axis to be specified during vertebrate development is that between the site where gastrulation will begin and the opposite pole of the embryo (dorsoventral axis in amphibians and fish, anteroposterior in amniotes). This relies on Nodal activity, but different vertebrates differ in how this activity is positioned. In chick, the earliest known asymmetry is posterior expression of the TGFβ-related factor Vg1, close to the future Nodal expression domain. Here we show that the transcription factor Gata2 is expressed anteriorly before this stage. Gata2 influences the site of primitive streak formation and its role is independent from, and upstream of, Vg1 and Wnt. However, although Vg1 is required for streak formation, Gata2 does not act as an absolute anterior specifier, but provides an anterior bias. These findings point to previously unsuspected global determinants of polarity of the early amniote embryo.
The ABC model of flower development: then and now
Authors: Bowman John L. , Smyth David R. , Meyerowitz Elliot M.
Published: October 2012

In 1991, we published a paper in Development that proposed the ABC model of flower development, an early contribution to the genetic analysis of development in plants. In this, we used a series of homeotic mutants, and double and triple mutants, to establish a predictive model of organ specification in developing flowers. This model has served as the basis for much subsequent work, especially towards understanding seed plant evolution. Here, we discuss several aspects of this story, that could be a much longer one. One surprising conclusion is that materials and methods that might have led to similar work, and to the same model, were available 100 years before our experiments, belying the belief that progress in biology necessarily comes from improvements in methods, rather than in concepts.
Clinical outcomes of endovascular treatments for critical limb ischemia with chronic total occlusive lesions limited to below-the-knee arteries
Authors: Park Sang Woo , Kim Jun Seok , Yun Ik Jin , Hwang Jae Joon , Lee Song Am , Chee Hyun Keun , Chang Seong-Hwan , Shin Dong Hyeok , Jung Hong Geun , Chang Il Soo
Published: October 2012

Background

Diabetes mellitus tends to have the greatest impact on the smaller vessels and contributes significantly to occlusive disease from the popliteal artery distally.

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after a balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) by chronic total occlusion (CTO) limited to below-the-knee (BTK) arteries.

Material and Methods

From August 2005, patients who presented CLI and CTO limited to the BTK arteries, and who underwent endovascular treatment, were included in this study. The primary endpoints evaluated were technical success, limb salvage, and primary patency. The secondary endpoints evaluated were 30-day access site, intervention site, and systemic complications. Patency and limb salvage were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using Fisher's exact test.

Results

The BTK endovascular treatment (EVT) was performed on 64 limbs. Technical success rate was 93.8% and limb salvage rate was 90.6%. Three of four limbs with technical failure and three of 60 limbs with technical success underwent BTK amputation and the comparison of these rates were significantly different (75% vs. 5%, P = 0.002). Primary patency rates for the limbs were 75% and 59.1% at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Minor complications disappeared through the follow-up periods and there was no 30-day complication or systemic adverse events for the treated vessel.

Conclusion

Even though EVT for CLI in patients with diabetes and CTO in isolated BTK arteries does not have comparable primary patency, it can lead to a very high rate of limb salvage. This result can accentuate the importance of more blood flow to the foot by means of successful revascularization using EVT rather than long-term patency in CTO of isolated BTK arteries.
Computed tomography characterization of neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus can aid identification and treatment
Authors: Li Hui , Wang De-ling , Liu Xue-wen , Geng Zhi-jun , Xie Chuan-Miao
Published: October 2012

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus are extremely rare anterior mediastinal tumors. The few studies reporting these tumors have focused on the clinical manifestations and do not provide a summary of characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings.

Purpose

To investigate the CT appearances of neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus in order to improve the diagnostic and resection efficacy.

Material and Methods

Nine cases of pathologically identified thymic neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively analyzed by CT. All the patients underwent non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced CT. Multiple CT features were examined, including tumor location, shape, margins, CT attenuation, involvement of surrounding structures, and distant metastasis.

Results

A total of nine masses were examined in this study. The maximum tumor diameter ranged from 5 to 14 cm (average, 9 cm). The shapes of six masses were lobulated and three were rounded or oval and the margins of seven masses were unclear while two masses were sharp. All the masses showed hypodensity or isodensity compared to muscles in the anterior thoracic wall on non-enhanced CT images. Two masses showed homogeneous attenuation by non-enhanced CT imaging and moderate homogeneous enhancement after contrast administration, while seven masses showed heterogeneous attenuation with patchy low-attenuation foci and showed moderate to strong heterogeneous enhancement. Involvement of adjacent structures was observed in six cases. Five cases were observed to have lymph node metastases and four cases had distant metastases.

Conclusion

Neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus are rare tumors of the anterior mediastinum with a number of distinct CT characteristics. Most importantly, the density of the tumors was heterogeneous with necrosis or cystic degeneration and moderately or strongly enhancement after bolus injection of contrast medium, which may allow for more efficient tumor identification. Thus, CT can improve of the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors and provide critical information for surgical planning.
Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism in East Azerbaijan, Iran: the first report
Authors: Zeinalzadeh Ali Hossein , Talebi Malihe
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) among neonates in East Azerbaijan, Iran.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted from 2009 to 2010. Most heel blood samples were taken between three and seven days of birth. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Neonates with abnormal screening results (TSH>20 mIU/L, T4<6.5 mg/dL) were re-examined. Data were analysed using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 62,459 infants were screened. Of 1562 re-called subjects (re-call rate 2.5%), 94 cases with CH were detected, yielding a CH prevalence of 1:666 (female:male ratio 1:1.4).

Conclusion

The prevalence of CH in East Azerbaijan province is higher in comparison with worldwide levels. These results emphasize the importance of the neonatal screening programme.
Sociocultural challenges of beta-thalassaemia major birth in carriers of beta-thalassaemia in Iran
Authors: Haghpanah Sezaneh , Nasirabadi Shiva , Rahimi Nazila , Faramarzi Hossein , Karimi Mehran
Published: October 2012

Objective

Despite premarital screening, prenatal diagnosis and the option for voluntary termination of pregnancy, some Iranian couples continue a pregnancy with a fetus affected with beta-thalassaemia major (β-TM). We examined the reasons for this decision, to evaluate the sociocultural challenges these couples face.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of medical records of all fetuses aborted was conducted to identify those with β-TM, to determine the frequency of β-TM births and to establish the number of couples with β-thalassaemia who declined prenatal diagnosis or a termination of pregnancy in this period. We investigated the reasons for declining these options.

Results

The birth prevalence of β-TM decreased from 39.38 to 2.68 in 100,000 live births from 2005 to 2010. Terminations of pregnancy for affected fetuses increased from 67 in 2005 to 135 in 2010. We identified eight couples as β-thalassaemia carriers who declined prenatal diagnosis or a termination of pregnancy. All but one couple already had a child with β-TM. The reasons for declining prenatal diagnosis were strong religious beliefs, superstition and faith in a supernatural solution in six couples. Economic and cultural factors, and previous termination of pregnancy were also mentioned as reasons by the other two couples.

Conclusion

Although most of the couples had a β-TM child and related socioeconomic problems, their reasons for refusing prenatal diagnosis or termination remain a challenge for the healthcare system in Iran. Couple screening and educational programmes have effectively decreased the rates of refusal in at-risk couples in recent years.
Political wives and scandal: Reading agency in silence at press conferences
Authors: Mandell Hinda
Published: October 2012

Seven press conferences in the United States were analysed in order to understand the gender construction of political wives at these media events. Press conferences where male politicians address sexual impropriety are a regular news occurrence in the United States. The male politician’s
wife can often be seen standing next to her husband, although she rarely says anything at these carefully orchestrated public events. Through a textual analysis of the husband-politicians’ remarks at their press conferences, this study examines how these events reflect gender norms.
Findings indicate that the political wife is a complicated part of the ‘scandal script’ because she is read by the researcher as a symbol of support and shame in relation to her husband-politician.
Constraints in the Demand for Education: What Can we Learn from Subjective Assessments?
Authors: Sorokina Olga V.
Published: October 2012

While the large disparities in educational attainment by socioeconomic status in the United States point towards the importance of credit constraints, there is no consensus in the economic literature regarding their pervasiveness. To evaluate how subjective information can enhance our understanding of the role of credit constraints in education, I focus on NLSY79 respondents' assessments of financial obstacles to schooling. About 12 percent of young adults in the data expect to underinvest in education because of financial reasons or the need to work. Using this information in a regression model of educational attainment shows that it provides valuable behavioral insights, above and beyond standard measures of income and family background.
From a 'Liberal' to a 'Social democratic' welfare state: the translation of the English Compact into a Swedish context
Authors: Johansson Håkan , Johansson Mairon
Published: October 2012

England was one of the first countries to install a Compact to regulate the relationship between state and civil society and since then several other countries have followed and initiated national Agreements, Charters or Concordats. Despite a growing academic interest into such national Compact models we have insufficient knowledge of how such ideas ‘from abroad’ are adapted and molded to fit with ‘domestic’ legacies, institutions and power disparities. The purpose of this article is to analyze the translation of the English Compact into a Swedish context and above all how domestic Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) acted to adjust such an international model to a national context. The article draws upon studies of written documents and interviews with key actors (politicians and CSO representatives) and two main conclusions are being presented. First, the article demonstrates that CSOs played an important role as translation agents as they identified the Compact idea long before key decision makers did, yet that the complete translation of the Compact model into a Swedish context was dependent upon the political will and ownership of central decision-makers. Second, the article demonstrates that the translation process was not as ordered as sometimes depicted within the translation literature and instead chains of translation processes was detected. These findings address a need to open up the translation perspective for the analysis of multiple types of translation agents and to understand translation as a nested process, in which one translation process might very well be interrelated with other parallel translation processes.
Policy Tools or Mirrors of Politics. Government-Voluntary Sector Compacts in the Post-Welfare State Age
Authors: Reuter Marta , Wijkström Filip , von Essen Johan
Published: October 2012

Government-voluntary sector “compacts” have emerged in the recent years as an innovative nonprofit policy practice in many industrialized countries around the world. Originating in England in the late 1990s, the compact phenomenon has today spread to societies with relatively different tracks of inter-sectorial relations and different civil society regimes. This introductory article seeks to chart out the diverse functions that the compact solution seems to perform in different institutional surroundings, and it also opens up for a comparative discussion of the broader socio-political contexts in which this policy instrument has developed.
Multistep degradation method for β-O-4 linkage in lignins: γ-TTSA method. Part 2: reaction of lignin model polymer (DHP)
Authors: Ando Daisuke , Nakatsubo Fumiaki , Takano Toshiyuki , Nishimura Hiroshi , Katahira Masato , Yano Hiroyuki
Published: October 2012

A selective cleavage method for β-O-4 linkages (the γ-TTSA method) was introduced in previous works, which consists of four reaction steps: (1) γ-tosylation, (2) thioetherification, (3) sulfonylation, and (4) mild alkali degradation. This method was applied to the degradation of a lignin polymer model (dehydrogenation polymer, DHP) consisting of guaiacyl units. Each reaction step was followed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that only the β-O-4 linkage was selectively cleaved by the γ-TTSA method, although other linkages, such as β-5 and β-β linkages, were also present in the DHP. Consequently, the γ-TTSA method is expected to be also useful for the degradation of native lignins.
Effect of grinding conditions in oscillatory ball milling on the morphology of particles and cellulose crystallinity of Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: Karinkanta Pasi , Illikainen Mirja , Niinimäki Jouko
Published: October 2012

Norway spruce (Picea abies) has been submitted to oscillatory ball milling at room temperature and at -196°C. The effects of moisture content (MC) and cryogenic milling on the morphology and crystallinity of cellulose were investigated. At room temperature, MC had a significant effect on particle morphology and it was possible to produce powders of smaller particle size and rounder shape when the wood feed had a lower MC. Under cryogenic conditions, MC had less influence on the morphology, and the particle size was even smaller than that produced under ambient conditions. The degree of cellulose crystallinity in the milled wood was influenced by the MC of the feed, milling time, and milling temperature.
De la afrenta al melodrama: la familia, la violencia y el crimen en las últimas obras de Carlos Fuentes
Authors: Boldy Steven
Published: October 2012

Este artículo explora en la última obra de Carlos Fuentes (La frontera de cristal, 1995; La Silla del Águila, 2002; Todas las familias felices, 2006; La voluntad y la fortuna, 2008; y Adán en Edén, 2009) un cambio de temática y estética respecto a los modelos vigentes en la obra anterior. Se considera que la dialéctica entre el idealismo y el oportunismo y la importancia otorgada a la conciencia trágica y a la ironía ceden el paso a una preocupación pesimista por la degeneración de la vida social y política mexicana, que se expresa en una prosa apocalíptica, melodramática y grotesca. El proceso se rastrea sobre todo en el contexto de la familia: en las dinastías de Barroso y Monroy.
Crimes of Misery and Theories of Punishment
Authors: Mitchell John B.
Published: October 2012

Increasingly, one sees the homeless on the streets, alleys, and doorways of the commercial, recreational, and living spaces of our cities, otherwise populated by the affluent and relatively affluent. At the same time, there has been an increase in the creation and use of so-called “public order laws,” such as forbidding sitting on sidewalks, lying down on benches, and panhandling in certain tourist areas. Together with laws already on the books forbidding public intoxication, open containers of liquor in public, and urinating in public, this suite of laws provides police with a means to control the day-to-day lives of the homeless on the city streets. Although there is a rich and extensive literature exploring the philosophical justification for the use of the criminal sanction, little has been concerned with minor crimes (misdemeanors), and none of the literature concerns these misdemeanor public order laws. Termed “crimes of misery” herein, this suite of laws forbids conduct naturally flowing from life on streets as experienced by the desperately impoverished, mentally ill, chronically alcoholic, and/or drug-addicted.

In this article, the author carefully analyzes these crimes of misery within each of the five philosophical grounds that traditionally justify and guide punishment: a variety of theories of retribution, as well as general deterrence, specific deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. From this analysis, the author concludes that none of the traditional philosophical theories can justify the crimes of misery and, as such, those crimes are morally unsupportable and unjust.
Prevention and Criminalization
Authors: Ashworth Andrew , Zedner Lucia
Published: October 2012

Prevention is an important facet of criminalization, but one that must be subject to principled constraint if it is not to result in overextension of the criminal law. This article surveys the scope and forms of prevention within criminal law, analyzes its justifications and limits, and considers whether and when prevention might better be pursued through civil or regulatory procedures. In so doing, it seeks to clarify the place of prevention within criminal law and to develop restraining principles for criminalization whose purpose is predominantly preventive.
Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase I and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death in British Columbia First Nations
Authors: Sinclair Graham B. , Collins Sorcha , Popescu Oana , McFadden Deborah , Arbour Laura , Vallance Hilary D.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Infant mortality in British Columbia (BC) First Nations remains elevated relative to other residents. The p.P479L (c.1436C>T) variant of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1A) is frequent in some aboriginal populations and may be associated with increased infant deaths. This work was initiated to determine the performance of acylcarnitine profiling for detecting this variant, to determine its frequency in BC, and to determine if it is associated with sudden infant deaths in this population.

METHODS:

Newborn screening cards from all BC First Nations infants in 2004 and all sudden unexpected deaths in BC First Nations infants (1999–2009) were genotyped for the CPT1A p.P479L variant and linked to archival acylcarnitine data.

RESULTS:

The CPT1A p.P479L variant is frequent in BC First Nations but is not evenly distributed, with higher rates in coastal regions (up to 25% homozygosity) with historically increased infant mortality. There is also an overrepresentation of p.P479L homozygotes in unexpected infant deaths from these regions, with an odds ratio of 3.92 (95% confidence interval: 1.69–9.00). Acylcarnitine profiling will identify p.P479L homozygotes with a 94% sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CPT1A p.P479L variant is common to some coastal BC First Nations, and homozygosity for this variant is associated with unexpected death in infancy. The high frequency of this variant in a wide range of coastal aboriginal communities, however, suggests a selective advantage, raising the possibility that this variant may have differing impacts on health depending on the environmental or developmental context.
Trajectories of Autism Severity in Children Using Standardized ADOS Scores
Authors: Gotham Katherine , Pickles Andrew , Lord Catherine
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To plot longitudinal trajectories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity from early childhood to early adolescence. In line with reported trajectories in toddlers, we hypothesize that a substantial minority of children will show marked changes in ASD severity over time, with “Improvers” demonstrating the highest mean baseline and rate of growth in verbal IQ (VIQ).

METHODS:

Patients included 345 clinic referrals and research participants with best-estimate clinical diagnoses of ASD at 1 or more time points, and repeated Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), VIQ, and nonverbal IQ scores. Standardized ADOS severity scores were applied to 1026 assessments collected longitudinally between the ages of 2 and 15 (VIQ at most recent assessment: mean = 58, SD = 35). Scores were fitted for latent severity trajectory classes with and without covariates. Adaptive behavior and VIQ trajectories over time were modeled within each of the best-fit latent classes.

RESULTS:

A 4-class model best represented the observed data. Over 80% of participants were assigned to persistent (stable) high or moderately severe classes; 2 small classes respectively increased or decreased in severity over time. Age, gender, race, and nonverbal IQ did not predict class membership; VIQ was a significant predictor. Baseline VIQ was highest in the improving and worsening classes; it increased at the greatest rate in the improving class. Adaptive behavior declined in all but the improving class, with consistent impairment in all classes.

CONCLUSIONS:

If replicated, identified trajectory classes of ADOS severity may contribute to clinical prognosis and to subtyping samples for neurobiological and genetic research.
Influence of Stress in Parents on Child Obesity and Related Behaviors
Authors: Parks Elizabeth P. , Kumanyika Shiriki , Moore Reneé H. , Stettler Nicolas , Wrotniak Brian H. , Kazak Anne
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To assess associations of the number of parent stressors and parent-perceived stress with obesity and related behaviors in their children.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2006 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey in which 2119 parents/caregivers answered questions about themselves and their children (ages 3–17 years). Survey data were used to assess the main exposure variables: the number of stressors (measured using a stressor index) and parent-perceived stress (the response to a general stress question); child covariates (age, race/ethnicity, health quality, and gender); adult covariates (education, BMI, gender, poor sleep quality) and study outcomes (child obesity, fast-food consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity). To account for developmental differences, analyses were also stratified by age group (3–5, 6–8, 9–12, and 13–17 years). Analyses used multiple logistic regression, with results expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS:

The number of parent stressors was related to child obesity in unadjusted (1.12, 1.03–1.22, P = .007) and adjusted models (1.12, 1.03–1.23, P = .010). Parent-perceived stress was related to fast-food consumption in unadjusted (1.07, 1.03–1.10, P < .001) and adjusted (1.06, 1.02–1.10, P < .001) models.

CONCLUSIONS:

The number of parent stressors was directly related to child obesity. Parent-perceived stress was directly related to child fast-food consumption, an important behavioral indicator of obesity risk. Clinical care models and future research that address child obesity should explore the potential benefits of addressing parent stressors and parent-perceived stress.
Cheerleading Injuries: Epidemiology and Recommendations for Prevention
Authors:   COUNCIL ON SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESS, Labella Cynthia R. , Mjaanes Jeffrey , Brenner Joel S. , Benjamin Holly J. , Cappetta Charles T. , Demorest Rebecca A. , Halstead Mark E. , Weiss Kelly Amanda K. , Koutures Chris G. , LaBotz Michele , Loud Keith J. , Martin Stephanie S.
Published: October 2012

This Policy Statement was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-068956.

Over the last 30 years, cheerleading has increased dramatically in popularity and has evolved from leading the crowd in cheers at sporting events into a competitive, year-round sport involving complex acrobatic stunts and tumbling. Consequently, cheerleading injuries have steadily increased over the years in both number and severity. Sprains and strains to the lower extremities are the most common injuries. Although the overall injury rate remains relatively low, cheerleading has accounted for approximately 66% of all catastrophic injuries in high school girl athletes over the past 25 years. Risk factors for injuries in cheerleading include higher BMI, previous injury, cheering on harder surfaces, performing stunts, and supervision by a coach with low level of training and experience. This policy statement describes the epidemiology of cheerleading injuries and provides recommendations for injury prevention.
Clinical evaluation of the renin-aldosterone system: Comparison of two methods in different clinical conditions
Authors: Horváth Dóra , Lőcsei Zoltán , Csizmadia Zsuzsanna , Toldy Erzsébet , Szabolcs István , Rácz Károly
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Measurement of plasma aldosterone/renin ratio is the key step in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyze and compare the diagnostic utility of plasma aldosterone/renin activity and plasma aldosterone/renin concentration ratios. Methods: Plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity were determined by radioimmunoassays and plasma renin concentration was measured by immunoradiometric assay in 134 subjects (80 women and 54 men, aged 46±15.5 years) including 49 healthy blood donors (control group), 59 patients with hypertension (25 treated and 34 untreated) and 26 patients with incidentally discovered adrenal adenomas. Results: There was a weak correlation (r = 0.59) between plasma renin activity and plasma renin concentration in the lower range (plasma renin activity, 0.63±0.41 ng/ml/h; plasma renin concentration, 8.1±4.9 ng/l). Considering the cut-off value of plasma aldosterone/renin ratios determined in controls (plasma aldosterone/renin activity ratio, 30 ng/dl/ng/ml/h; plasma aldosterone/renin concentration ratio, 3.0 ng/dl/ng/l), high proportion of falsely positive results were found among patients on beta-receptor blocker therapy (plasma aldosterone/renin activity ratio, 22.2%; plasma aldosterone/renin concentration ratio, 44.4%) Conclusion: The widely used plasma aldosterone/renin activity ratio can only be replaced with plasma aldosterone/renin concentration ratio with precaution on different clinical conditions. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1701–1710.
Assessment of multiculturalism in nursing based on a survey’s experience
Authors: Pop Marcel , Hollós Sándor , Mészáros Judit
Published: October 2012

Introduction: The internationalization of societies and the processes of globalization raise new challenges towards health provision systems, including professional, ethical, social, cultural and communicational references of nursing and nursing education. Aims: In this study the authors wanted to answer the following question: To what extent are health care professionals aware of and able to respond to the new challenges? Methods: As an investigation method, the authors used a questionnaire and made a comparative analysis of answers related to the knowledge, skills and attitude of BSc nurses and other health professionals who possess a secondary qualification. The questionnaire was compiled based on the internationally accepted and validated Transcultural Self Efficacy Test. With the permission of the authors of the test, some questions were adapted to the national conditions. The responses were evaluated by statistical methods. Results: There were better results in the components of skills and attitude of BSc nurses but there was a very high number of professionals in both groups who either failed to have or could not meet the requirements and phenomena related to intercultural skills. Conclusions: The survey performed among nurses proved that there is a real demand for intercultural skills and knowledge related to expectations of the society. In order to improve the quality of health care, the development of these skills is necessary. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1711–1718.
Ga-vacancy Activation Under Low Energy Electron Irradiation in GaN-based Materials – ERRATUM
Authors: Nykänen Henri , Suihkonen Sami , Kilanski Lucasz , Sopanen Markku , Tuomisto Filip
Published: October 2012

doi: 10.1557/opl.2012.782, Published by Cambridge University Press, 13 April 2012.

The acknowledgment that follows should have been included in the published article:

THE CORRECTION

This article was originally published on June 2012 with a mistake. The name of the third author was incorrect. The correct name of the third author is “Lukasz Kilanski.”

The authors regret the error.
Abordagem geométrica para modulação de conversores três braços no acionamento de máquinas de indução bifásicas simétricas e assimétricas
Authors: Vieira Rodrigo Padilha , Gastaldini Cristiane Cauduro , Azzolin Rodrigo Zelir , Pinheiro Humberto , Gründling Hilton Abílio
Published: October 2012

Este trabalho apresenta uma abordagem geométrica para modulação PWM de inversores a três braços acionando máquinas de indução bifásicas. A principal característica do esquema proposto é o número reduzido de cálculos numéricos na modulação de tensões equilibradas e desequilibradas. Na modulação de tensões equilibradas é demonstrado que as amplitudes de linha das mesmas podem variar de zero até 0,707 pu da tensão do barramento CC, enquanto que na modulação de tensões de linha desequilibradas a amplitude da uma destas pode ultrapassar o valor de 0,707 pu do barramento CC. Os resultados obtidos com a técnica proposta são semelhantes aos resultados obtidos com modulação space vector, porém, a implementação da técnica geométrica proposta neste trabalho é realizada com menor esforço computacional comparado a modulação space vector. Resultados experimentais são apresentados para validação da análise teórica, e estes confirmam o bom desempenho do método de modulação proposto.
Algoritmos evolutivos e modelo HP para predição de estruturas de proteínas
Authors: Gabriel Paulo H. R. , Melo Vinícius V. de , Delbem Alexandre C. B.
Published: October 2012

Predição de estruturas de proteínas (PSP) é um problema computacionalmente complexo. Modelos simplificados da molécula proteica (como o Modelo HP) e o uso de Algoritmos Evolutivos (AEs) estão entre as principais técnicas investigadas para PSP. Entretanto, a avaliação de uma estrutura representada pelo Modelo HP considera apenas o número de contatos hidrofóbicos, não possibilitando distinguir entre estruturas com o mesmo número de contatos hidrofóbicos. Neste trabalho, é apresentada uma nova formulação multiobjetivo para PSP em Modelo HP. Duas métricas são avaliadas: o número de contatos hidrofóbicos e a distância entre os aminoácidos hidrofóbicos, as quais são tratados pelo AE Multiobjetivo em Tabelas (AEMT). O algoritmo mostrou-se rápido e robusto.