bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and application of dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) model for Panshet and Ujjani Reservoirs, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Manivanan Ramasamy P. , Sinha Jeswar S. , Kanetkar Chandrakant N.
Published: September 2014

A model of dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) was developed to assess the water quality of Panshet and Ujjani Reservoir in Maharashtra, India, to ascertain if their water was suitable for various beneficial and designated uses. The model was calibrated with observed data from these two reservoirs. Seasonal water quality variations were studied during 2010–2011 The pH of Panshet Reservoir water is almost neutral, whereas Ujjani Reservoir is marginally alkaline. A rapid decrease in DO with depth during the summer appeared to be a common phenomenon for both reservoirs. Although the mean phosphate concentrations of both reservoirs were comparable, biological growth was much higher in Ujjani Reservoir, being attributed to a higher dissolved salt concentration in Ujjani Reservoir. The nitrate (NO3−) concentrations in both reservoirs remained within a range close to the global average for unpolluted freshwater. Sewage contamination appears to be a major problem for Ujjani Reservoir, especially as it relates to domestic water uses. A two‐layer, two‐dimensional mathematical model also was developed to assess reservoir water quality. An explicit, second‐order‐accuracy finite‐volume technique was used to solve two‐dimensional shallow water equations. The governing equations were solved with a Mac Cormack predictor–corrector scheme. The Reynolds turbulence terms were modelled with a sub‐grid‐scale (SGS) model, using a large eddy simulation (LES) approach. An empirical relationship developed by Street and Phelps describing liquid–air phase demand and natural re‐aeration was used to determine water quality parameters. The model was validated with numerical results from the literature. The field investigations were satisfactorily applied for the simulation of hydrodynamics and the prediction of DO and BOD in Panshet and Ujjani Reservoir.
Long‐term irreversible changes in a lake ecosystem affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami
Authors: Satpathy Kamala K. , Panigrahi Satya , Mohanty Ajit K. , Samantara Manoj K. , Bramha Satyanarayan , Selvanayagam M.
Published: September 2014

This study focused on ecosystem responses to the environmental perturbations caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in a small lake that was a freshwater body in 1996, prior to the tsunami. The physicochemical and biological characteristics of Kokilamedu Lake (KKM) revealed drastic changes, compared with pretsunami conditions. Monthly average observations on water quality indicated the electrical conductivity of the water increased steeply to 17.41 mS cm−1 in 2009, from the lowest pretsunami value of 1.83 mS cm−1 (range of 1.83–5.25 mS cm−1). Simultaneously, the nitrate + nitrite (NO3 + NO2) values increased significantly from 0.49 μmol L−1 in 1996 to 74.47 μmol L−1 in 2006. Silicate (SiO4‐Si) exhibited a dramatic increase in concentration, from an average of 64.87 μmol L−1 in the pretsunami period to 309.71 μmol L−1 the post‐tsunami period (2009–2010). Inorganic phosphate had increased to a maximum of 9.59 μmol L−1 from a pretsunami maximum of 1.09 μmol L−1. The chlorophyll‐α concentrations did not respond to the increased nutrient stoichiometry of the lake. There was a decreased chlorophyll‐α concentration under post‐tsunami conditions. The recent infilling of the lake with sediment during the tsunami, associated with wind‐driven resuspension reduced the light penetration. There was a significant improvement in dissolved oxygen concentrations (2006–2010 average of 8.27 mg L−1) in the lake, however, compared with the pretsunami values (1994–1995 average of 5.94 mg L−1). The algal component is now dominated by blue‐green algae, while green algae had dominated in the pretsunami period. Pre‐ and post‐tsunami observations from a control site did not exhibit such dramatic shifts from the 1995 and 1996 conditions, whereas a shift was apparent in the case of KKM. Certain marine fishes have adapted to this altered ecosystem. These marine species encountered (Elops machnata, Cociella punctata, Sphyraena jello, Platycephalus indicus, Glossogobius giuris) might have been recruited during the intrusion of the tsunami waves.
Two essential FtsH proteases control the level of the Fur repressor during iron deficiency in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Krynická Vendula , Tichý Martin , Krafl Jaroslav , Yu Jianfeng , Kaňa Radek , Boehm Marko , Nixon Peter J. , Komenda Josef
Published: September 2014

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 expresses four different FtsH protease subunits (FtsH1‐4) that assemble into specific homo‐ and heterocomplexes. The FtsH2/FtsH3 complex is involved in photoprotection but the physiological roles of the other complexes, notably the essential FtsH1/FtsH3 complex, remain unclear. Here we show that the FtsH1 and FtsH3 proteases are involved in the acclimation of cells to iron deficiency. A mutant conditionally depleted in FtsH3 was unable to induce normal expression of the IsiA chlorophyll‐protein and FutA1 iron transporter upon iron deficiency due to a block in transcription, which is regulated by the Fur transcriptional repressor. Levels of Fur declined in the WT and the FtsH2 null mutant upon iron depletion but not in the FtsH3 downregulated strain. A similar stabilizing effect on Fur was also observed in a mutant conditionally depleted in the FtsH1 subunit. Moreover, a mutant overexpressing FtsH1 showed reduced levels of Fur and enhanced accumulation of both IsiA and FutA1 even under iron sufficiency. Analysis of GFP‐tagged derivatives and biochemical fractionation supported a common location for FtsH1 and FtsH3 in the cytoplasmic membrane. Overall we propose that degradation of the Fur repressor mediated by the FtsH1/FtsH3 heterocomplex is critical for acclimation to iron depletion.
Rights and responsibilities in research supervision
Authors: Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: September 2014

Doctoral education in nursing and midwifery is expanding, placing higher demands on research supervision (RS). In this study, rights and responsibilities are examined, as well as academic supervisors' and postgraduate students' perceptions of important aspects of the RS process. A qualitative approach comprising 15 interviews and interpretative content analysis was employed. An overarching theme emerged: “the nature of the research supervisory relationship”, describing the creation of a caring, constructive, supportive, and empowering relationship. In addition, two categories were identified: “taking responsibility for engaging in transformational learning, creating a research culture, and contributing to knowledge development” and “taking responsibility for safeguarding rights, as well as for enhancing awareness of research ethics and codes of practice”. The findings suggest that a dynamic trusting supervisory relationship is a prerequisite for excellence in the RS process. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the need for conceptualization of the RS process, and that it can be facilitated by a better understanding of how various ethical issues impact on research development.
Characterization of mesenchymal progenitor cell populations from non‐epithelial oral mucosa
Authors: Matsumura S , Higa K , Igarashi T , Takaichi S , Tonogi M , Shinozaki N , Shimazaki J , Yamane G‐y
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The characteristics of cell populations extracted from oral mucosal non‐epithelial tissues and their ability to differentiate were evaluated in vitro as a potential source of cells for mandibular and corneal regeneration.

Materials and methods

Oral mucosal non‐epithelial cells (OMNECs) were extracted from tissue samples and were studied by flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Cells differentiating into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, neurocytes, or keratocytes were characterized by RT‐PCR and cell staining.

Results

OMNECs expressed CD44, CD90, CD105, CD166, and STRO‐1 antigens, which are markers for mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, Oct3/4, c‐Myc, Nanog, KLF4, and Rex, which are expressed by embryonic or pluripotent stem cells, were detected by RT‐PCR. Expression of CD49d, CD56, and PDGFRα, proteins closely associated with the neural crest, was observed in OMNECs, as was expression of Twist1, Sox9, Snail1 and Snail2, which are early neural crest and neural markers. Specific differentiation markers were expressed in OMNECs after differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, or keratocytes.

Conclusions

Populations of OMNECs may contain both mesenchymal stem cells and neural crest origin cells and are a potential cell source for autologous regeneration of mandibular or corneal stroma.
Views of Luba‐Kasai Men, Zambia, about Prevention of HIV Transmission to Babies
Authors: Auvinen Jaana , Kylmä Jari , Välimäki Maritta , Bweupe Max , Suominen Tarja
Published: September 2014

Objective

This study describes the views of Luba‐Kasai men (a Congolese tribe living in Lusaka Province, Zambia) about different methods through which they can prevent their babies from being exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy, delivery and feeding.

Design and Sample

Individual semi‐structured interview study with a sample of Luba‐Kasai refugee men (n = 21).

Measures

Data were translated into English and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Two methods of prevention emerged: (1) Outside support (pastoral support, e.g., maintaining a spiritual outlook on life, and support from the public health service); and (2) Adopting safe practices around their own and their families' lifestyle.

Conclusion

Additional attention to male participation in antenatal clinics may strengthen prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.
Immune responses to ectoparasites of horses, with a focus on insect bite hypersensitivity
Authors: Wilson A. D.
Published: September 2014

Horses are affected by a wide variety of arthropod ectoparasites, ranging from lice which spend their entire life on the host, through ticks which feed over a period of days, to numerous biting insects that only transiently visit the host to feed. The presence of ectoparasites elicits a number of host responses including innate inflammatory responses, adaptive immune reactions and altered behaviour; all of which can reduce the severity of the parasite burden. All of these different responses are linked through immune mechanisms mediated by mast cells and IgE antibodies which have an important role in host resistance to ectoparasites, yet immune responses also cause severe pathological reactions. One of the best described examples of such pathological sequelae is insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) of horses; an IgE‐mediated type 1 hypersensitivity to the salivary proteins of Culicoides spp. associated with T‐helper‐2 production of IL4 and IL13. Importantly, all horses exposed to Culicoides have an expanded population of Culicoides antigen‐specific T cells with this pattern of cytokine production, but in those which remain healthy, the inflammatory reaction is tempered by the presence of FoxP3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells that express IL10 and TGF‐beta, which suppresses the IL4 production by Culicoides antigen‐activated T cells.
Schumpeterian economics: some observations on the relevance of his theoretical contributions to the management of industrial research and development
Authors: Oakey Raymond P.
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the relevance of the theoretical writings of Schumpeter to the management of research and development (R&D) in small and large industrial firms. Schumpeter's emphasis in his early work on three main aspects of industrial R&D; namely the importance of entrepreneurship, industrial innovation and resultant creative destruction, were major new insights that rejected the long‐standing view that equilibrium was the best state for any industrial economy. This paper, with the aid of relevant literature from both Schumpeter and others, seeks to relate his theoretical approach (that changed over time to favour large firm R&D) to the implication for industrial R&D, and in particular, the relationship between R&D in small and large firms. The paper concludes that if Schumpeter had lived to see the current industrial landscape, he might have returned to his early belief that entrepreneurial new small firms remain key harbingers of technological progress.
Structural and relational influences on the role of reward interdependence in product innovation
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek) , Dimov Dimo
Published: September 2014

This study examines the relationship between reward interdependence, or the extent to which managers' rewards are tied to the performance of colleagues in other functions, and product innovation. It also considers how structural and relational features of the organizational context might moderate this relationship. Our analysis of a sample of Canadian‐based firms reveals a positive relationship between reward interdependence and product innovation that is invigorated at higher levels of job rotation, social interaction, and interactional fairness, but we find no evidence of a moderating effect of decision autonomy. Consistent with a systems approach to organizational contingencies, we also find that the reward interdependence–product innovation relationship is stronger when the organization's context comes closer to an ‘ideal’ holistic configuration that is most conducive to knowledge exchange within the organization, with a more prominent role played by the relational sub‐context (social interaction and interactional fairness) than the structural sub‐context (job rotation and decision autonomy). The findings have important implications for innovation research as they shed light on how the extent to which individual rewards are tied to collective performance can be channeled to enhance innovation pursuits.
Augmenting innovation project portfolio management performance: the mediating effect of management perception and satisfaction
Authors: Spieth Patrick , Lerch Martin
Published: September 2014

Firms face the challenge of efficiently and effectively investing scarce resources in innovation projects in order to sustain or develop a firm's long‐term competitive advantage and sustainable growth. Innovation project portfolio management (IPPM) describes a firm's dynamic capability to assess the challenge of evaluating, selecting, and prioritizing innovation projects. The particular impacts of method usage, criteria usage,IPPMdesign, information availability, and internal interactions on management perception and satisfaction as well as onIPPMperformance and innovativeness are hypothesized and tested. We found that methods and criteria play a negligible role in theIPPMcontext.IPPMdesign elements, like transparency and formality, are key drivers of highIPPMperformance. Information availability is a key construct in drivingIPPMperformance, as well as management perception and satisfaction. Relevance ofIPPMis supported by revealingIPPMperformance's positive impact on firm performance, innovation project performance, and firm's innovativeness.
WhichKantian Conceptualism (or Nonconceptualism)?
Authors: Connolly Kevin
Published: September 2014

A recent debate inKant scholarship concerns the role of concepts inKant's theory of perception. Roughly, proponents of aconceptualistinterpretation argue that forKant, the possession of concepts is a prior condition for perception, whilenonconceptualistinterpreters deny this. The debate has two parts. One part concerns whether possessing empirical concepts is a prior condition for having empirical intuitions. A second part concerns whetherKant allows empirical intuitions withouta prioriconcepts. Outside ofKant interpretation, the contemporary debate about conceptualism concerns whether perception requires empirical concepts. But, as I argue, the debate about whetherKant allows intuitions without empirical concepts does not show whetherKant is a conceptualist. Even ifKant allows intuitions without empirical concepts, it could still be thata prioriconcepts are required. While the debatecouldshow thatKant is a conceptualist, I argue it does not. Finally, I sketch a novel way that the conceptualist interpreter might win the debate—roughly, by arguing that possessinga prioriconcepts is a prior condition for having appearances.
A Direct Kantian Duty to Animals
Authors: Cholbi Michael
Published: September 2014

Kant's view that we have only indirect duties to animals fails to capture the intuitive notion that wronging animals transgresses duties we owe to those animals. Here I argue that a suitably modified Kantianism can allow for direct duties to animals and, in particular, an imperfect duty to promote animal welfare without unduly compromising its core theoretical commitments, especially its commitments concerning the source and nature of our duties toward rational beings. The basis for such duties is that animal welfare, on my revised Kantian view, is neither a conditioned nor unconditioned good, but a final and nonderivative good that ought to be treated as an end‐in‐itself. However, this duty to promote animal welfare operates according to a broadly consequentialist logic that both accords well with our considered judgments about our duties to animals and explains differences between these duties and duties owed to rational agents.
Is There a Claim to Deserved Punishment?
Authors: Alm David
Published: September 2014

In this paper I defend the view that persons have a claim to deserved treatment, including many forms of punishment, against an objection resting on the principle that it is not possible to have a claim to harmful treatment. I do not challenge this principle, but argue, rather, that the harms wrongdoers typically deserve either (a) are not genuine harms at all (for reasons relevant to their being deserved) or (b) are not relevant to the content of these wrongdoers' claims.
Lulik encounters and cultural frictions in East Timor: Past and present
Authors: McWilliam Andrew , Palmer Lisa , Shepherd Christopher
Published: September 2014

In the East Timorese lingua franca, Tetun, the word lulik is often simply translated as ‘sacred’ or ‘forbidden’. But the concept has much wider application as a set of fundamental, philosophical and moral orientations in Timorese social life. In this paper we present six historical and contemporary encounters with lulik, by a range of outsiders from beyond the Timorese tradition. Placed in the context of Sahlin's notion of ‘the structure of the conjuncture’, they illustrate the way lulik agency adapts to novel or contingent events in culturally inflected ways, and how ideas of lulik may be configured as agents of resistance as well as enabling strategies.
Plastidic type I signal peptidase 1 is a redox‐dependent thylakoidal processing peptidase
Authors: Midorikawa Takafumi , Endow Joshua K. , Dufour Jeremy , Zhu Jieping , Inoue Kentaro
Published: September 2014

Thylakoids are the photosynthetic membranes in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. The aqueous phase inside the thylakoid known as the thylakoid lumen plays an essential role in the photosynthetic electron transport. The presence and significance of thiol‐disulfide exchange in this compartment have been recognized but remain poorly understood. All proteins found free in the thylakoid lumen and some proteins associated to the thylakoid membrane require an N‐terminal targeting signal, which is removed in the lumen by a membrane‐bound serine protease called thylakoidal processing peptidase (TPP). TPP is homologous to Escherichia coli type I signal peptidase (SPI) called LepB. Genetic data indicate that plastidic SPI 1 (Plsp1) is the main TPP in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) although biochemical evidence had been lacking. Here we demonstrate catalytic activity of bacterially produced Arabidopsis Plsp1. Recombinant Plsp1 showed processing activity against various TPP substrates at a level comparable to that of LepB. Plsp1 and LepB were also similar in the pH optima, sensitivity to arylomycin variants and a preference for the residue at −3 to the cleavage site within a substrate. Plsp1 orthologs found in angiosperms contain two unique Cys residues located in the lumen. Results of processing assays suggested that these residues were redox active and formation of a disulfide bond between them was necessary for the activity of recombinant Arabidopsis Plsp1. Furthermore, Plsp1 in Arabidopsis and pea thylakoids migrated faster under non‐reducing conditions than under reducing conditions on SDS‐PAGE. These results underpin the notion that Plsp1 is a redox‐dependent signal peptidase in the thylakoid lumen.
Blood donors in England and North Wales: demography and patterns of donation
Authors: Lattimore Samuel , Wickenden Crispin , Brailsford Susan R.
Published: September 2014

Background

As populations in the developed world shift toward an older and more ethnically diverse population, the challenges of recruiting and retaining sufficient donors to secure an adequate, safe supply of blood in the future will increase.

Study Design and Methods

The study population included all first‐time (n = 348,740) and repeat (n = 1,805,255) blood donors and their donations (n = 3,854,460) received by NHS Blood and Transplant during 2010 and 2011. Rates of new and repeat donors per 1000 population were estimated using Office for National Statistics 2011 population estimates. Factors associated with new blood donors returning within 6 months were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The majority (87.9%) of donors were white British; 5.5% were unknown; 3.4% white Irish or white other; and 3.2% composed of all other ethnic groups. The median ages of new and repeat donors in 2010 were 28.0 and 45.0 years, respectively, compared to 29.0 and 47.0 years in 2011. Rates of donation varied by ethnicity, ranging from 1.59 per 1000 among Asian Bangladeshi origin, compared to 22.1 per 1000 among white British origin. Approximately two in five (38.4%) new blood donors returned within 6 months and were more likely to be male and of white ethnicity.

Conclusions

Blood supply is impacted by numerous factors, including an aging population and an increasing population of migrant communities with lower donation rates. It is therefore critical that changes within the blood donor and wider population are monitored to inform donor recruitment and retention strategies.
Evaluation of acid–base disorders in dogs and cats presenting to an emergency room. Part 2: Comparison of anion gap, strong ion gap, and semiquantitative analysis
Authors: Hopper Kate , Epstein Steven E. , Kass Philip H. , Mellema Matthew S.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To compare the diagnostic performance of the anion gap (AG) with 2 physicochemical approaches to identify unmeasured anions.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighty‐four dogs and 14 cats presenting to a university teaching hospital emergency room.

Interventions

All dogs and cats in which venous blood samples for acid–base, lactate, and serum biochemical analysis were all collected within 60 minutes of each other, over a 5‐month enrollment period. Unmeasured anions were quantified using each of three approaches: the anion gap (AG), strong ion gap (SIG), and a semiquantitative approach (XA).

Measurements and Main Results

An increased AG metabolic acidosis was evident in 34/98 of cases. The Stewart approach identified an increased SIG acidosis in 49/98 of cases. There was a strong correlation between SIG and AG (r = 0.89; P < 0.001). The semiquantitative approach identified increased unmeasured anions in 68/98 of cases. There was a moderate correlation between AG and XA (r = 0.68; P < 0.001) and a slightly stronger correlation between SIG and XA (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). Plasma lactate concentrations and AG were poorly correlated (r = 0.22; P = 0.029) and there was no correlation between lactate concentrations and BE (r = 0.19; P = 0.069).

Conclusions

Unmeasured anions occurred commonly in this sample of small animal emergency room patients and physiochemical approaches identified more animals with unmeasured anions than the traditional AG calculation. Further studies are needed to determine if the results of the physicochemical approach improves clinical management and warrants the associated increases in cost and complexity.
Descemet's membrane detachment in horses; case series and literature review
Authors: Matas Riera Màrian , Donaldson David , Priestnall Simon Lawrence
Published: September 2014

The aim of this article was to describe Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) following phacoemulsification in five equine eyes and to review the human literature on this topic. In the last decade, there has been increased reporting ofDMDin the human literature, in particular following cataract surgery. The natural history ofDMDremains unknown and although various medical and surgical treatments have been advocated there is no recognized ‘gold standard’ treatment forDMD. This case series reports the diagnosis ofDMDin four horses (5 eyes) in association with phacoemulsification surgery. The diagnosis ofDMDin these patients was made intra‐operatively, postoperatively or on subsequent histopathological examination. The surgical reports, photographic or video recordings, and ultrasound data were evaluated and possible factors associated with the pathophysiology ofDMDare discussed. This is the first description ofDMDin the veterinary literature, and the authors believe thatDMDmight hitherto have been overlooked in veterinary ophthalmology due to a lack of awareness of the condition. The possible causes, clinical signs, and treatment ofDMDas described in the human literature are also reviewed.
Efficient generation of genetically distinct pigs in a single pregnancy using multiplexed single‐guide RNA and carbohydrate selection
Authors: Li Ping , Estrada Jose L. , Burlak Christopher , Montgomery Jessica , Butler James R. , Santos Rafael M. , Wang Zheng‐Yu , Paris Leela L. , Blankenship Ross L. , Downey Susan M. , Tector Matthew , Tector A. Joseph
Published: September 2014

Background

Manipulating the pig genome to increase compatibility with human biology may facilitate the clinical application of xenotransplantation. Genetic modifications to pig cells have been made by sequential recombination in fetal fibroblasts and liver‐derived cells followed by cross‐breeding or somatic cell nuclear transfer. The generation of pigs for research or organ donation by these methods is slow, expensive and requires technical expertise. A novel system incorporating the bacterial nuclease Cas9 and single‐guide RNA targeting a 20 nucleotide site within a gene can be expressed from a single plasmid leading to a double‐strand break and gene disruption. Coexpression of multiple unique single‐guide RNA can modify several genetic loci in a single step. We describe a process for increasing the efficiency of selecting cells with multiple genetic modifications.

Methods

We used the CRISPR/Cas system to target the GGTA1, CMAH and putative iGb3S genes in pigs that have been naturally deleted in humans. Cells lacking galactose α‐1,3 galactose (α‐Gal) were negatively selected by an IB4 lectin/magnetic bead. α‐Gal negative multiplexed single‐guide RNA‐treated cells were used for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and transferred to fertile sows. We examined the levels of α‐Gal and Neu5Gc expression of 32 day fetuses and piglets and analyzed the targeted genes by DNA sequencing.

Results

Liver‐derived cells treated with multiple single‐guide RNA and selected for an α‐Gal null phenotype were significantly more likely to also carry mutations in simultaneously targeted genes. Multiplex single‐guide RNA‐treated cells used directly for SCNT without further genetic selection produced piglets with deletions in the targeted genes but also created double‐ and triple‐gene KO variations. CRISPR/Cas‐treated cells grew normally and yielded normal liters of healthy piglets via somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Conclusions

The CRISPR/Cas system allows targeting of multiple genes in a single reaction with the potential to create pigs of one genetic strain or multiple genetic modifications in a single pregnancy. The application of this phenotypic selection strategy with multiplexed sgRNA and the Cas9 nuclease has accelerated our ability to produce and evaluate pigs important to xenotransplantation.
New tricks for an old fox: Impact of TGFβ on the DNA damage response and genomic stability
Authors: Barcellos-Hoff Mary Helen , Cucinotta Francis A.
Published: September 2014

Inhibiting transforming growth factor–β may improve the toxicity of DNA-damaging agents to tumors.
Closing the Ring: A Fourth Extracellular Loop in Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Szpakowska Martyna , Bercoff Danielle Perez , Chevigné Andy
Published: September 2014

Formation of an additional extracellular loop affects the ligand-binding properties and rigidity of G protein–coupled receptors.
No Fear, Notch Is Here
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: September 2014

Activating Notch signaling may prevent the memory of fear.
The Sweet Tooth of Bacteria: Common Themes in Bacterial Glycoconjugates
Authors: Tytgat Hanne L. P. , Lebeer Sarah
Published: September 2014

Humans have been increasingly recognized as being superorganisms, living in close contact with a microbiota on all their mucosal surfaces. However, most studies on the human microbiota have focused on gaining comprehensive insights into the composition of the microbiota under different health conditions (e.g., enterotypes), while there is also a need for detailed knowledge of the different molecules that mediate interactions with the host. Glycoconjugates are an interesting class of molecules for detailed studies, as they form a strain-specific barcode on the surface of bacteria, mediating specific interactions with the host. Strikingly, most glycoconjugates are synthesized by similar biosynthesis mechanisms. Bacteria can produce their major glycoconjugates by using a sequential or an
en bloc
mechanism, with both mechanistic options coexisting in many species for different macromolecules. In this review, these common themes are conceptualized and illustrated for all major classes of known bacterial glycoconjugates, with a special focus on the rather recently emergent field of glycosylated proteins. We describe the biosynthesis and importance of glycoconjugates in both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria and in both Gram-positive and -negative organisms. The focus lies on microorganisms important for human physiology. In addition, the potential for a better knowledge of bacterial glycoconjugates in the emerging field of glycoengineering and other perspectives is discussed.
A transient peak of infections during onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a 10-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Arleevskaya Marina I , Gabdoulkhakova Aida G , Filina Yulia V , Miftakhova Regina R , Bredberg Anders , Tsybulkin Anatoly P
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The role of infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been determined. We aimed to document the infectious burden and some aspects of antibacterial immunity in a large and prospective cohort study of RA patients in the early and late stages of the disease and in their relatives predisposed to RA.

Setting

Clinical and laboratory examination of all individuals enrolled in the study was performed in the Republican Clinical Hospital, Kazan, Russia.

Participants

376 patients with RA, 251 healthy first-degree relatives and 227 healthy controls without a family history of autoimmune disease (all females) were examined twice annually over more than 10 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The following parameters were investigated: type, duration and frequency of infections, bacterial colonisation and serum levels of IgG to bacteria, serum levels of total Ig, plasma cytokine levels, granulocyte reactive oxygen species production, lysozyme activity and phagocytosis.

Results

There were no significant differences in infection rate between healthy controls (median 14 days/year) and RA patients (13). However, infection rates were higher (p<0.001) in healthy relatives (53) and early stage patients (62), which groups also showed heavy bacterial skin colonisation. In contrast, late stage patients had fewer infection days (12; p<0.001) than healthy controls, although bacterial colonisation was still heavy. Phagocyte function and antibacterial antibody generation, together with compensatory cytokine production, were observed to be subnormal in the healthy relatives as well as in RA patients.

Conclusions

We observed a marked increase in overall infections at the time of RA onset, and signs of a defective antibacterial defence mechanism, contrasting with fewer infections in the late RA stage. It can be speculated that frequent early infections initiate a compensatory immune hyper-reactivity which reduces the infection load while stimulating the development of RA in predisposed individuals.
Prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis in bakers in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Mbatchou Ngahane Bertrand Hugo , Afane Ze Emmanuel , Nde Francis , Ngomo Eliane , Mapoure Njankouo Yacouba , Njock Louis Richard
Published: September 2014

Objective

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis among bakers in Douala.

Design

A cross-sectional study; the logistic regression model was use to find the risk factors of allergic rhinitis.

Setting

The study was conducted in 42 bakeries randomly selected among a total of 151 bakeries in the city of Douala.

Participants

All bakers who consented to participate in the study between 1 May and 31 July 2013.

Outcome measures

Allergic rhinitis was the outcome of interest. It was defined as the presence of the following symptoms: itchy nose, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction and sneezing.

Results

During the study period, a total of 273 bakers were invited and 229 finally agreed to participate in this study. Males were the most represented gender with 222 (96.9%) participants. The mean age of the participants was 36.29±8.9 years. Smoking was found in 55 participants (24.5%). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were observed in 24.5% of participants. Work related nasal symptoms were present in 15% of participants. Sensitisation to wheat flour and α-amylase was found in 16.6% and 8.3% of participants, respectively. The Prick test was positive for mites in 12.2% of participants. After multivariate analysis, sensitisation to flour (OR 3.95, 95% CI 1.85 to 8.47) and storage mites (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.45 to 8.18) were the factors independently associated with symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions

Allergic rhinitis is frequent among bakers in Cameroon. Implementation of preventive measures against inhalation of airborne allergens in bakeries and clinical monitoring of bakers sensitised to wheat flour and mites could help to reduce the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among bakers.
TheHutongeffect: informal social control and community psychology in Beijing
Authors: Emery Clifton R , Wu Shali , Raghavan Ramesh
Published: September 2014

Background

Nearly 2.4 million Beijing residents experience intimate partner violence (IPV) annually. Of these 2.4 million, over 800 000 are injured by IPV; more than 300 000 are injured badly enough to require medical attention. Informal social control exerted by neighbours in communities with high levels of family–community integration (like those made up of residents of traditional courtyard house-and-alley Beijing neighbourhoods called ‘Hutongs’) may protect against IPV injury compared with apartment dwellers.

Methods

We tested the protective effects of informal social control and Hutong residence in a randomly selected, three-stage cluster sample of Beijing families reporting IPV. Informal social control of IPV (ISC_IPV) was measured using two 7-question Likert scales developed by the first author. Interviewers were given detailed instructions on how to classify neighbourhoods as Hutong-style or not. We used a Sobel test to examine whether the Hutong effect was mediated by informal social control. The initial sample was of 506 families. Analyses were carried out on 113 families who reported any IPV in the last year.

Results

Random effects regression models showed that both acts of informal social control and Hutong residence were associated with less IPV injury. However, the protective finding for Hutong residence was not explained by informal social control, collective efficacy, characteristics of the IPV or demographic characteristics of respondents and households.

Conclusions

The unique protective association with Hutong residence suggests that the benefits of community life remain insufficiently theorised and understood.
Predictive significance of absolute lymphocyte count and morphology in adults with a new onset peripheral blood lymphocytosis
Authors: Sun Ping , Kowalski Emilia M , Cheng Calvino K , Shawwa Allam , Liwski Robert S , Juskevicius Ridas
Published: September 2014

Aims

Lymphocytosis is commonly encountered in the haematology laboratory. Evaluation of blood films is an important screening tool for differentiating between reactive and malignant processes. The optimal lymphocyte number to trigger morphological evaluation of the smear has not been well defined in the literature. Likewise, the significance of lymphocyte morphology has not been well studied and there are no consensus guidelines or follow-up recommendations available. We attempt to evaluate the significance of lymphocyte morphology and to define the best possible cut-off value of absolute lymphocyte count for morphology review.

Methods

71 adult patients with newly detected lymphocytosis of 5.0×109/L or more were categorised to either a reactive process or a lymphoproliferative disorder. We performed statistical analysis and morphology review to compare the difference in age, gender, lymphocyte count and morphological features between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine an optimal lymphocyte number to trigger morphology review.

Results

Lymphoproliferative disorders are associated with advanced age and higher lymphocyte count. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of lymphocyte morphology as a screening test were 0.9, 0.59, 0.60, 0.58 and 0.71, respectively. The optimal cut-off of lymphocyte number for morphology review was found to be close to 7×109/L.

Conclusions

We found a moderate interobserver agreement for the morphological assessment. ‘Reactive’ morphology was very predictive of a reactive process, but ‘malignant’ morphology was a poor predictor of a lymphoproliferative disorder.
Inflammatory pseudotumour arising in the epidural space of a dog
Authors: Kuniya Takashi , Shimoyama Yumiko , Sano Masanobu , Watanabe Naoyuki
Published: September 2014

A one‐year five‐month‐old labrador retriever was presented with acute‐onset pelvic limb ataxia, gradually progressing to paraplegia. CT and MRI demonstrated an extradural mass lesion at T11 and T12. The dog underwent haemilaminectomy, dorsal laminectomy and resection of the mass. Results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry suggested that the mass was an inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT). The dog's condition improved after surgery, with no recurrence of clinical signs eight months after surgery. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of IPT arising in the epidural space in dogs. Although rare, IPT should be included as a possible differential diagnosis for extradural mass in dogs. Excision may result in a good outcome in dogs with IPT in the epidural space.
Amomum tsao-ko Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW264.7 Macrophages via Nrf2-Dependent Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Li Bin , Choi Hee-Jin , Lee Dong-Sung , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn-Chul , Moon Jin-Young , Park Won-Hwan , Park Sun-Dong , Kim Jai-Eun
Published: September 2014

Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, used as a spice in Asia, is an important source of Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicines. A. tsao-ko is reported to exert a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-proliferative, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. In this study, NNMBS227, consisting of the ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko, exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities in RAW264.7 macrophages. We investigated the effect of NNMBS227 in the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) in LPS stimulated macrophages. NNMBS227 also inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 caused by stimulation with LPS. In addition, NNMBS227 induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in macrophages. Using tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an HO activity inhibitor, we confirmed an association between the anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS227 and the up-regulation of HO-1. These findings suggest that Nrf2-dependent increases in the expression of HO-1 induced by NNMBS227 conferred anti-inflammatory activities in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.
A NOVEL FAULT TOLERANT SWITCH FOR RELIABLE NoC DESIGN
Authors: MAHANI ALI , AFRASIABI DAVOUD , NAJI HAMID R.
Published: September 2014

Network on chip (NoC) is a design space covered by the manifold combinations of network topology options, routing algorithms, switch architectures, fault tolerant mechanisms and so on. In NoC structures, switches and links are important components on network layers and the effect of faults on links and switches in NoC leads to disturbance in internal communication and low reliability. The performance reduction of many-core NoC architectures depend strongly on the number of faulty switches. This bottleneck motivates us to propose a fault tolerant switch in which the ring roads help the switch to tolerate the faulty ports and also faulty cores. In the proposed scheme, switch ports are connected via redundant ring roads and so the connection with adjacent nodes is not limited to one port. Moreover, if the switch core is defected, the node stays active and cooperates in packet forwarding process. The main advantages of the proposed scheme are tolerating the permanent faults on core and ports of a switch and handling the input traffic of a faulty switch by preventing the congestion around the faulty region. The simulation results verify the robustness of the proposed intelligent switch against various kinds of permanent faults in NoC architectures.
FXY: A HIERARCHICAL ROUTING ALGORITHM TO BALANCE PERFORMANCE AND FAULT TOLERANCE IN NETWORKS-ON-CHIP
Authors: FAKHRALI SALEH , ZARANDI HAMID R.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a hierarchical fault-tolerant routing algorithm called FXY, which is a hybrid method based on flooding and XY, and can balance performance and fault tolerance based on a predefined parameter m. First, FXY partitions the whole network into different equal size square submeshes with the size of m × m. At the first level of the hierarchy, packet routing within these submeshes is performed based on flooding routing algorithm. When the packets are received at effective boundary of each submesh, XY routing is performed to route the packet inter submeshes i.e., from one submesh to the neighbor submesh which is certainly one of its neighbor nodes. Here, the size of the submesh is defined as fault-tolerant granularity. As fault-tolerant granularity is increased, the size of the submeshes will be increased, therefore the method mainly floods packets in large-size submeshes and finally packets are received at their destinations correctly. On the other hand, when fault-tolerant granularity is decreased, the method mainly routes packets as XY method, which is not fault-tolerant, but has the best performance. The method is evaluated for various packet injection rates and fault rates. The experimental results reveal that the method presents a fault-tolerant routing algorithm, and can be adjusted so that it shows better fault-tolerance and performance trade-offs compared to XY and flooding which are two end-to-end cases of having the best performance and no fault-tolerance, having the least performance and the best fault tolerance, respectively. The experimental results for an 8 × 8 NoC size, have shown that 2-FXY, which is the proposed method with fault-tolerant granularity of two, offers the best trade-off between performance and fault tolerance compared to other methods, XY, flooding and probabilistic flooding.
Ethidium Bromide Interaction with Poly(G)
Authors: Vardevanyan Poghos H. , Parsadanyan Marine A. , Minasyants Mikayel V.
Published: September 2014

In current work we investigate the interaction between polyguanylic acid and Ethidium Bromide ( EtBr ) and the changes of thermodynamic parameters due to those interactions by spectrophotometric methods. From the binding isotherms, binding constants were calculated for three different temperatures and the changes of Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy for complex-formation were determined. Complex-formation with four-stranded poly(G) structure needs less conformational changes in contrast with poly(G)poly(C), and due to that, EtBr binds with 5 and not 4 nucleotides. Obtained results confirm the concept that polyguanylic acids may form four-stranded complex structures with intercalating ligand EtBr in the aqueous solution.
Refined intersection homology on non-Witt spaces
Authors: Albin Pierre , Banagl Markus , Leichtnam Eric , Mazzeo Rafe , Piazza Paolo
Published: September 2014

We investigate a generalization to non-Witt stratified spaces of the intersection homology theory of Goresky–MacPherson. The second-named author has described the self-dual sheaves compatible with intersection homology, and the other authors have described a generalization of Cheeger's L2 de Rham cohomology. In this paper we first extend both of these cohomology theories by describing all sheaf complexes in the derived category of constructible sheaves that are compatible with middle perversity intersection cohomology, though not necessarily self-dual. Our main result is that this refined intersection cohomology theory coincides with the analytic de Rham theory on Thom–Mather stratified spaces. The word "refined" is motivated by the fact that the definition of this cohomology theory depends on the choice of an additional structure (mezzo-perversity) which is automatically zero in the case of a Witt space.
An Experimental Evaluation of Incremental and Hierarchical
k
-Median Algorithms
Authors: Nagarajan Chandrashekhar , Williamson David P.
Published: September 2014

In this article, we consider different incremental and hierarchical
k
-median algorithms with provable performance guarantees and compare their running times and quality of output solutions on different benchmark
k
-median datasets. We determine that the quality of solutions output by these algorithms for all the datasets is much better than their performance guarantees suggest. Since some of the incremental
k
-median algorithms require approximate solutions for the
k
-median problem, we also compare some of the existing
k
-median algorithms running times and quality of solutions obtained on these datasets.