bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the physicochemical and palynological characteristics of honey from Melipona subnitida and Apis mellifera
Authors: de Almeida‐Muradian Ligia B. , Stramm Klaus M. , Horita Andreia , Barth Ortrud M. , da Silva de Freitas Alex , Estevinho Leticia M.
Published: May 2013

Twenty‐four samples of Apis mellifera honey and twenty‐four samples of Melipona subnitida (Jandaira) honey were collected in the northeast of Brazil. Moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, free acidity, insoluble solids in water, diastase activity, ashes, electrical conductivity, proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, energy and sugars were the parameters analysed. The efficiency of the qualitative tests (Fiehe's test, Lugol's reaction, Lund's reaction) was tested. Pollen types and the corresponding plant species were identified in all samples (3 in Apis and 1 in Melipona). Apis mellifera honey samples demonstrated parameters in accordance with the Brazilian Legislation, while the Melipona subnitida honey samples displayed moisture (24.80%) and diastase activity (null) in discordance with the established by the regulation for Apis mellifera honeys. Apis honey samples presented higher values of electric conductivity (284.00 μS cm−1) than the obtained from the Jandaira honey samples (102.77 μS cm−1) as well as a darker colour (26.67 mmPfund) when compared with Jandaira honey (7.00 mmPfund). The concentration of the glucose, fructose and sucrose was higher in the Apis honeys than in the Jandaira honey. The characteristics of the two types of honey were very different, highlighting the need of developing specific legislation for stingless bees' honey.
Fish oil microencapsulation as influenced by spray dryer operational variables
Authors: Aghbashlo Mortaza , Mobli Hossien , Madadlou Ashkan , Rafiee Shahin
Published: May 2013

The effects of spray‐drying air temperature, aspirator rate (drying air mass flow rate), peristaltic pump rate (feed mass flow rate) and spraying air mass flow rate on microencapsulation properties of fish oil including moisture content, particle size, bulk density, encapsulation efficiency and peroxide were investigated. The process was carried out on a mini spray dryer, and skim milk powder was used as the encapsulating wall material. Results indicated that increasing inlet air temperature increased the particle size, encapsulation efficiency and peroxide value but decreased the bulk density and moisture content of product. Increasing aspirator rate resulted in increased particle size and peroxide value but decreased the moisture content and bulk density. Increase in feed mass flow rate increased the moisture content, particle size, bulk density and peroxide value but decreased the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules. The encapsulation efficiency and bulk density increased with the increasing aspirator rate but moisture content, particle size and peroxide value decreased.
Comparative effect of different test methodologies on Bacillus coagulans spores inactivation kinetics in tomato pulp under isothermal conditions
Authors: Zimmermann Morgana , Miorelli Suzane , Schaffner Donald W. , Aragão Gláucia M. F.
Published: May 2013

Heat resistant micro‐organisms are an ongoing challenge to the food industry. Various factors may influence the heat resistance of micro‐organisms including type and strain; the environmental influences during cell and spore formations and during heat exposure; and the equipment and test tools used to perform the experimental process. In an attempt to analyse the influence of different test tools used on the heat inactivation processes, this study aimed to define the isothermal inactivation kinetics of Bacillus coagulans spores in tomato pulp at different temperatures and compare the inactivation of this bacterium when thermal death time (TDT) and capillary tube methods were used. Temperature ranges from 95 °C to 120 °C were studied, and inactivation kinetic parameters were estimated through the application of primary models. TDT inactivation curves consisted of shoulder and linear decline, while capillary method inactivation curves consisted of shoulder, linear decline and long tail. A secondary model was used to describe the influence of the temperature on spore inactivation parameters. The results showed test methods are at least as important in determining thermal processes as the micro‐organisms and media used.
Predictors of benign histology in clinical T1a renal cell carcinoma tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy
Authors: Fujita Tetsuo , Iwamura Masatsugu , Wakatabe Yoji , Nishi Morihiro , Ishii Daisuke , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Yoshida Kazunari , Baba Shiro
Published: May 2013

The anatomical characteristics of renal tumors have been classified using several systems. An association between tumor anatomical characteristics and postoperative histological diagnosis can be expected. The present study aimed to assess the rate of and predictive factors for benign histological findings for renal tumors diagnosed as T1a by preoperative imaging. From January 2000 through December 2010, 149 patients underwent partial nephrectomy (either open or laparoscopic) for T1a renal cell carcinoma. The frequency of benign histological findings was evaluated. Logistic regression analysis estimated the relative importance of predictive factors. The overall frequency of benign lesions was 8.1%. Multivariate analysis identified three statistically significant predictive factors for benign lesions: age, sex and exophytic tumor property (P = 0.0356, 0.0183 and 0.0330, respectively). The present findings suggest that exophytic tumors on preoperative imaging are more likely to be benign at histology after partial nephrectomy.
Anti‐oxidant activity and attenuation of bladder hyperactivity by the flavonoid compound kaempferol
Authors: Huang Yaw‐Bin , Lin Ming‐Wei , Chao Yun , Huang Chi‐Te , Tsai Yi‐Hung , Wu Pao‐Chu
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the anti‐oxidant activity of the flavonoid compound, kaempferol, and to examine its role in the suppression of oxidative stress and attenuation of bladder hyperactivity in a rat model of bladder injury.

Methods

The anti‐oxidative activity of kaempferol was examined in lipopolysaccharide‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages by using flow cytometry. For in vivo studies, rats were pretreated with kaempferol or vehicle for 24 h. The rat urothelium was injured by the administration of protamine sulfate for 1.5 h and irritated by the subsequent infusion of potassium chloride for 4 h. Oxidative stress in the bladder tissue was assessed using chemiluminescence assay, and the bladder pressure was determination by cystomertrogram.

Results

Kaempferol significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide‐induced reactive oxygen species production in RAW264.7 rat macrophages. Exposure of the rat bladder to sequential infusion of protamine sulfate and potassium chloride induced bladder hyperactivity. Pretreatment with kaempferol, prevented the formation of reactive oxygen species and prolonged the intercontraction interval.

Conclusion

Kaempferol suppresses oxidative stress and attenuates bladder hyperactivity caused by potassium chloride after protamine sulfate‐induced bladder injury.
Expression profiling of metastatic renal cell carcinoma using gene set enrichment analysis
Authors: Maruschke Matthias , Hakenberg Oliver W , Koczan Dirk , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Stief Christian G , Buchner Alexander
Published: May 2013

Objective

To identify complex changes in cell biology occurring during metastatic progression of renal cell carcinoma using a novel gene expression analysis algorithm.

Methods

Whole genome expression profiling was carried out on 32 snap‐frozen samples of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma metastases, 29 primary tumors (14 low grade, 15 high grade) and 14 samples of normal kidney tissue using oligonucleotide microarrays. These data were analyzed with the gene set enrichment analysis method, which is able to detect even small, but significant, expression changes in functionally connected genes that cannot be shown by gene‐by‐gene comparisons.

Results

There were 95 gene sets (pathways) with significant upregulation in metastases compared with normal kidney tissue (P < 0.01), and 77 gene sets with significant downregulation, respectively. Low‐grade and high‐grade tumors showed deregulation of various pathways that have previously not been described in renal cell carcinoma. There were significant changes of genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell motility, metabolism, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton. Some promising new potential therapy targets were identified in renal cell carcinoma metastases; for example, aurora‐kinase A and flap structure‐specific endonuclease 1.

Conclusion

Expression profiling of metastatic renal cell carcinoma using the gene set enrichment analysis pathway analysis method provides new and detailed insights in alterations occurring in renal cell carcinoma during malignant transformation and progression. These data can help to develop new and specifically targeted renal cell carcinoma therapies.
Oust the Louse: Does Political Pressure Discipline Regulators?
Authors: Hauge Janice A. , Jamison Mark A. , Prieger James E.
Published: May 2013

Remaining in office is a potential motivator for regulatory decisions by public utility commissioners. We examine regulatory exit, where a regulator leaves a U.S. state commission during a term or is not re‐appointed/re‐elected. We find that higher electricity prices lead to ousting, ousting is less common where it is more costly for the principal to whom the regulator reports, and ousting is more likely where regulators are more accountable or are more likely to share the principal's preferences. Regulatory exit does not appear to be due mainly to the revolving door. Ousting also appears to lower future electricity prices.
Price Dispersion Over the Business Cycle: Evidence from the Airline Industry
Authors: Cornia Marco , Gerardi Kristopher S. , Shapiro Adam Hale
Published: May 2013

This study provides empirical evidence documenting how price dispersion moves with the business cycle in the airline industry. Performing a fixed‐effects panel analysis on seventeen years of data covering two business cycles, we find that price dispersion is highly pro‐cyclical. This effect is especially pronounced for legacy carriers relative to low‐cost carriers. We show that our empirical result is consistent with firms' implementing second‐degree price‐discrimination tactics.
I Do, Thou Shalt Not: Religious Opposition to Same‐Sex Marriage in Britain
Authors: Kettell Steven
Published: May 2013

Proposals to legalise same‐sex marriage have provoked one of the most high‐profile and controversial political debates in recent years. The plans, being introduced by the governments at Westminster and Holyrood, have divided political and public opinion and have attracted widespread opposition from religious groups. However, while religious attitudes to homosexuality are shaped by theological concerns, religious justifications have been largely absent from the case against same‐sex marriage. Instead, religious groups have presented their arguments in secular terms centred on tradition, social utility, democratic values and the threat to religious rights and freedoms. This particular framing of the issue reflects processes of secularisation, a growing use of identity politics and the composition of religious groups themselves.
Hierarchically Structured Materials by Anodic Coagulation Casting of Fibrinogenic Alumina Suspensions
Authors: Zehbe Rolf , Fleck Claudia
Published: May 2013

Anodic coagulation casting of fibrinogenic ceramic suspensions is a novel processing technology, which is based on the electrically induced transformation of the water soluble fibrinogen into the insoluble fibrin. Contrary to the direct coagulation casting (DCC) technology, green formation does not depend on a pH‐shift and as the fibrin coagulate forms on an anode, it can be combined with the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technology.

In this study, the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin is activated via electron transfer processes at an electrode material and is combined with the green formation of alumina by embedding the ceramic particles in the protein matrix. The focus of this work was to establish a technology to shape thin hierarchically structured ceramic films and thick porous materials with a distinct pore structure. Film thickness and porosity were controlled by the applied voltage and the processing‐time. The range of the established green bodies included two‐dimensional and simple three‐dimensional shapes including multilayered deposition and fiber coatings. Overall the process of anodic coagulation casting can be reported to be successful for all established ceramic shapes except multilayers, where delamination was observed. The deposited alumina ceramics were characterized using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and synchrotron micro computed tomography (μCT), while the coagulation mechanism was studied using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Lipopolysaccharide induces a fibrotic‐like phenotype in endothelial cells
Authors: Echeverría César , Montorfano Ignacio , Sarmiento Daniela , Becerra Alvaro , Nuñez‐Villena Felipe , Figueroa Xavier F. , Cabello‐Verrugio Claudio , Elorza Alvaro A. , Riedel Claudia , Simon Felipe
Published: May 2013

Endothelial dysfunction is crucial in endotoxaemia‐derived sepsis syndrome pathogenesis. It is well accepted that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces endothelial dysfunction through immune system activation. However, LPS can also directly generate actions in endothelial cells (ECs) in the absence of participation by immune cells. Although interactions between LPS and ECs evoke endothelial death, a significant portion of ECs are resistant to LPS challenge. However, the mechanism that confers endothelial resistance to LPS is not known. LPS‐resistant ECs exhibit a fibroblast‐like morphology, suggesting that these ECs enter a fibrotic programme in response to LPS. Thus, our aim was to investigate whether LPS is able to induce endothelial fibrosis in the absence of immune cells and explore the underlying mechanism. Using primary cultures of ECs and culturing intact blood vessels, we demonstrated that LPS is a crucial factor to induce endothelial fibrosis. We demonstrated that LPS was able and sufficient to promote endothelial fibrosis, in the absence of immune cells through an activin receptor–like kinase 5 (ALK5) activity–dependent mechanism. LPS‐challenged ECs showed an up‐regulation of both fibroblast‐specific protein expression and extracellular matrix proteins secretion, as well as a down‐regulation of endothelial markers. These results demonstrate that LPS is a crucial factor in inducing endothelial fibrosis in the absence of immune cells through an ALK5‐dependent mechanism. It is noteworthy that LPS‐induced endothelial fibrosis perpetuates endothelial dysfunction as a maladaptive process rather than a survival mechanism for protection against LPS. These findings are useful in improving current treatment against endotoxaemia‐derived sepsis syndrome and other inflammatory diseases.
Stapling of the botulinum type A protease to growth factors and neuropeptides allows selective targeting of neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Arsenault Jason , Ferrari Enrico , Niranjan Dhevahi , Cuijpers Sabine A. G. , Gu Chunjing , Vallis Yvonne , O'Brien John , Davletov Bazbek
Published: May 2013

Precise cellular targeting of macromolecular cargos has important biotechnological and medical implications. Using a recently established ‘protein stapling’ method, we linked the proteolytic domain of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) to a selection of ligands to target neuroendocrine tumor cells. The botulinum proteolytic domain was chosen because of its well‐known potency to block the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. Among nine tested stapled ligands, the epidermal growth factor was able to deliver the botulinum enzyme into pheochromocytoma PC12 and insulinoma Min6 cells; ciliary neurotrophic factor was effective on neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y and Neuro2A cells, whereas corticotropin‐releasing hormone was active on pituitary AtT‐20 cells and the two neuroblastoma cell lines. In neuronal cultures, the epidermal growth factor‐ and ciliary neurotrophic factor‐directed botulinum enzyme targeted distinct subsets of neurons whereas the whole native neurotoxin targeted the cortical neurons indiscriminately. At nanomolar concentrations, the retargeted botulinum molecules were able to inhibit stimulated release of hormones from tested cell lines suggesting their application for treatments of neuroendocrine disorders.
A Treatment Effect Method for Merger Analysis with an Application to Parking Prices in Paris
Authors: Choné Philippe , Linnemer Laurent
Published: May 2013

We propose a method of building control groups for retrospective merger evaluation. The procedure involves two parameters: a distance or radius, and an ‘order of exposure’ reflecting the notion that a merger can affect an outlet in a more or less direct way. We implement the method of estimating the price effect of a merger in the Paris parking market and illustrate the consequences of including indirectly exposed outlets in the control group. The methodology applies to any industry with spatial competition and allows one to check the sensitivity of the results to the choice of the control group.
Successive Oligopolies with Differentiated Firms and Endogeneous Entry
Authors: Reisinger Markus , Schnitzer Monika
Published: May 2013

We develop a model of successive oligopolies with endogenous entry, allowing for varying degrees of product differentiation and entry costs in both markets. We show that downstream conditions dominate the overall profitability of the two‐tier structure while upstream conditions mainly affect the distribution of profits. We analyze how two‐part tariffs and resale price maintenance shape the endogenous market structure and study their welfare effects. In contrast to previous literature, we find that welfare under linear prices can be larger than under twopart tariffs although the latter avoids double marginalization. This is because linear prices induce more downstream market entry.
Corporate Leniency Programs when Firms have Private Information: The Push of Prosecution and the Pull of Pre‐emption
Authors: Harrington Joseph E.
Published: May 2013

A corporate leniency program provides relief from government penalties to the first member of a cartel to cooperate with the authorities. This study explores the incentives to apply for leniency when each cartel member has private information as to the likelihood that the competition authority will be able to convict them without a cooperating firm. A firm may apply for leniency because it fears being convicted (‘prosecution effect’) or because it fears another firm will apply (‘pre‐emption effect’). Policies by the competition authority to magnify concerns about pre‐emption—and thereby induce greater use of the leniency program—are also explored.
Enzyme use in kibble diets formulated with wheat bran for dogs: effects on processing and digestibility
Authors: Sá F. C. , Vasconcellos R. S. , Brunetto M. A. , Filho F. O. R. , Gomes M. O. S. , Carciofi A. C.
Published: May 2013

Recently, there is an interest in technologies that favour the use of coproducts for animal nutrition. The effect of adding two enzyme mixtures in diets for dogs formulated with wheat bran (WB) was evaluated. Two foods with similar compositions were formulated: negative control (NC; without WB) and test diet (25% of WB). The test diet was divided into four treatments: without enzyme (positive control), enzyme mixture 1 (ENZ1; added before extrusion β‐glucanase, xylanase, cellulase, glucoamylase, phytase); enzyme mixture 2 (ENZ2; added before extrusion the ENZ1 more α‐amylase); enzyme mixture 2 added after the extrusion (ENZ2ex). ENZ1 and ENZ2 were used to evaluate the enzyme effect on extruder pre‐conditioner (processing additive) and ENZ2ex to evaluate the effect of enzyme supplementation for the animal. Digestibility was measured through total collection of faeces and urine. The experiment followed a randomized block design with five treatments (diets) and six dogs per diet, totalling 30 dogs (7.0 ± 1.2 years old and 11.0 ± 2.2 kg of body weight). Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey's test and orthogonal contrasts (p < 0.05). Reducing sugars showed an important reduction after extrusion, suggesting the formation of carbohydrate complexes. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid‐hydrolysed fat and energy was higher in NC than in diets with WB (p < 0.001), without effects of enzyme additions. WB diets resulted in higher faecal production and concentration of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and reduced pH and ammonia concentration (p < 0.01), with no effect of enzyme addition. The enzyme addition did not result in improved digestibility of a diet high in non‐starch polysaccharides; however, only ATTD was measured and nutrient fermentation in the large intestine may have interfered with the results obtained. WB modified fermentation product formation in the colon of dogs.
Motivated Behaviors and Levels of 3α,5α-THP in the Midbrain are Attenuated by Knocking Down Expression of Pregnane Xenobiotic Receptor in the Midbrain Ventral Tegmental Area of Proestrous Rats
Authors: Frye Cheryl Anne , Koonce Carolyn J. , Walf Alicia A. , Rusconi Jamie C.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Progesterone (P4) and its product, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), act in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) to alter motivated behaviors, such as mating, and motor and anxiety behavior. Of interest is whether 3α,5α-THP formation requires the pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR), which is expressed in the midbrain of rats.

Aim

The role of PXR in the midbrain for 3α,5α-THP formation, which precedes modulation of motivated behaviors, was investigated.

Methods

Rats had estrous cycle phase determined and were assessed when they were in diestrus or proestrus. Diestrous and proestrous rats were infused with control or antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODNs) targeted against PXR to the VTA.

Main Outcome Measures

In pilot studies, PXR gene and protein expression in the midbrain were determined with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Diestrous and proestrous rats infused with control or AS-ODNs to the VTA were tested for anxiety (open field and plus maze), social (social interaction), and sexual (paced mating) behavior. Expression of PXR in the midbrain was verified with Western blotting. Plasma estradiol, P4, dihydroprogesterone (DHP), and 3α,5α-THP levels, and brain P4, DHP, and 3α,5α-THP levels were measured. We predicted that proestrous rats infused with PXR AS-ODNs would have decreased anti-anxiety, social, and sexual behavior, lower midbrain expression of PXR, and lower midbrain levels of 3α,5α-THP compared with controls.

Results

Results supported the hypothesis that formation of 3α,5α-THP requires PXR and may be important for motivated behaviors. PXR AS-ODN, compared with control, infusions to the VTA reduced PXR expression and 3α,5α-THP levels in the midbrain and attenuated sexual receptivity of proestrous rats.

Conclusions

Knockdown of PXR in the midbrain reduces 3α,5α-THP levels and sexual receptivity of proestrous rats. Thus, PXR in the midbrain may be required for the observed increase in 3α-5α-THP during proestrus, which has subsequent effects on motivated, reproductive behaviors.
Trade Issues and Beyond: Mexican Perceptions on Contemporary China
Authors: Cornejo Romer , Haro Navejas Francisco Javier , León‐Manríquez José Luis
Published: May 2013

Opposing the idea that emerging powers in an increasingly multipolar world should have incentives to cooperate, this article analyzes how Mexican perceptions of contemporary China have enhanced competition between the two countries. The article identifies the Mexican trade deficit and the rivalry of Chinese and Mexican manufacturing exports in the U.S. market as the main sources of mistrust. Despite increasing exports of oil and copper to China, these commodities do not offset Mexico's imports from China. We focus on perceptions and misperceptions forged by Mexican media, politicians, and business, as well as the recurrent diplomatic divergences between Mexico City and Beijing that these attitudes feed. The gap between the heated views of these groups and the more favorable views reported in opinion polls and articles by Mexican scholars is also discussed. This article concludes that, as long as most Mexican perceptions of China are negative, attempts to craft closer relations will not go very far.
The Chinese–Venezuelan Oil Agreements: Material and Nonmaterial Goals
Authors: Giacalone Rita , Ruiz José Briceño
Published: May 2013

This article explores the Chinese–Venezuelan oil agreements established after 2007 to identify both governments' objectives and to pose questions of interest for determining their possibilities and limitations. The first section discusses the global energy background and the evolution of the Venezuelan economy in the last decade, including changes to oil policy after 1999; the second section analyzes the content of the bilateral oil agreements; and the third section evaluates the material and nonmaterial aspects of Chinese and Venezuelan foreign policies included in them. The article concludes that, although both governments share some ideational premises, realpolitik matters in their bilateral oil cooperation.
Signaling Environmental Stewardship in the Shadow of Weak Governance: The Global Diffusion of ISO 14001
Authors: Berliner Daniel , Prakash Aseem
Published: May 2013

This article examines how the quality of domestic regulatory institutions shapes the role of global economic networks in the cross-national diffusion of private or voluntary programs embodying environmental norms and practices. We focus on ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14001, the most widely adopted voluntary environmental program in the world, which encourages participating firms to adopt environmental stewardship policies beyond the requirement of extant laws. We hypothesize that firms are motivated to signal environmental stewardship via ISO 14001 certification to foreign customers and investors that have embraced this voluntary program, but only when these firms operate in countries with poor regulatory governance. Using a panel of 129 countries from 1997 to 2009, we find that bilateral export and bilateral investment pressures motivate firms to join ISO 14001 only when firms are located in countries with poor regulatory governance, as reflected in corruption levels. Thus, our article highlights how voluntary programs or private law operates in the shadow of public regulation, because the quality of public regulation shapes firms' incentives to join such programs.
New Perspectives from the Oldest Profession: Abuse and the Legal Consciousness of Sex Workers in China
Authors: Boittin Margaret L.
Published: May 2013

Although prostitution is illegal, millions of women sell sex in China. In the process, they experience significant abuse and harm at the hands of clients, madams, pimps, the police, and health officials. This article examines the legal consciousness of Chinese sex workers through their interpretations of these abusive experiences. It reveals how they think and talk about them, and how their reactions sometimes translate into concrete actions. My evidence shows that sex workers name abuse as harmful, blame others for it, and occasionally make claims. They also have strong opinions about prostitution policies, and the relationship between these regulations and their experiences of abuse. These findings place scope conditions on previous theories of marginalized people and the law, which suggest that powerless individuals perceive a more peripheral role of the law in their lives. In addition, this evidence enriches our understanding of legal consciousness in China by showing how debates around the concept apply more broadly than previously recognized.
Militarized Justice in New Democracies: Explaining the Process of Military Court Reform in Latin America
Authors: Kyle Brett J. , Reiter Andrew G.
Published: May 2013

While a large body of literature emphasizes the importance of judicial reform in new democracies, few scholars have examined the reform of military justice systems in these settings—despite the potential for these courts to compete directly with civilian courts and subvert the rule of law. This article focuses on Latin America to empirically examine how the process of reforming military courts has played out in each democracy following authoritarian rule. We outline two distinct pathways: (1) unilateral efforts on the part of civilian reformers, and (2) strategic bargains between civilian reformers and the military. Within the unilateral category, we further distinguish efforts driven by civilian courts, those pursued by politicians, and those undertaken in the context of larger political transformations. Ultimately, we find that, absent a dramatic defeat of an authoritarian regime and its armed forces, reform efforts that do not engage and bargain with the military directly often fail to achieve long-term compliance and improvements in human rights practices. The success of such reform efforts, therefore, may come at a cost in other areas of democracy and civil-military relations. We conclude the article by summarizing our findings and reflecting on the lessons they provide for ongoing military justice reform efforts around the globe.
‘Abortion jurisprudence’ at Strasbourg: deferential, avoidant and normatively neutral?
Authors: Fenwick Daniel
Published: May 2013

This paper evaluates the role being adopted by the European Court of Human Rights when confronted with claims arising from the extreme restriction of access to abortion services in certain Member States. It will be argued that in response to such claims the Court has been prepared to find that the suffering of the applicants can be captured as forms of rights violation, but it has sought to avoid taking a stance as to foetal life, leading it to adopt a highly deferential approach and to avoid the substantive issues at stake, of protection for female reproductive health, dignity and autonomy, in favour of focusing mainly on procedural ones. Having considered such issues as the missing gender-based aspects of the abortion jurisprudence, this paper concludes that its restrained and largely procedural stance has enabled the Court to provide some limited protection for women, on healthcare grounds, but that the opportunity to recognise that highly restrictive abortion regimes systematically and persistently create especially invidious discrimination based on gender has so far been missed.
Compensating deserving victims of violent crime: the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012
Authors: Miers David
Published: May 2013

Following the enactment of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995, a new Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme came into force, replacing the non-statutory version that was introduced in 1964. The statutory Scheme retained the occasions for compensation but broke the link with common law damages, providing instead for payments to be made on the basis of a tariff of injury awards. But it continued to make payments for loss of earnings, special expenses and additional compensation in fatal cases. Minor revisions were made in 2001 and 2008, but following the government's consultation, ‘Getting it Right for Victims and Witnesses’, a major revision took effect in November 2012. Made largely to reduce public expenditure, this revision substantially limits both the numbers of victims of violent crime to be compensated and the levels of their awards. While this marks a further shift away from the original common law model, the 2012 Scheme remains a unique taxpayer-funded response to victims of violent crime, again prompting the question: why, and to what, extent should the state make financial provision for victims of violent crime that goes beyond welfare? This paper analyses the implications of the government's answer for the Scheme's scope and implementation.
Critical incidents among intensive care unit nurses and their need for support: explorative interviews
Authors: de Boer Jacoba , van Rikxoort Simone , Bakker Arnold B , Smit Bert J
Published: May 2013

Aims

This article aims (a) to get insight into intensive care nurses' most critical work‐related incidents, (b) their reactions and coping and (c) perceived support, in a Dutch intensive care unit.

Background

Research about the impact of critical incidents has largely been aimed at ambulance and emergency nurses; knowledge about intensive care nurses in this respect is scarce. Persistent stress reactions after critical incidents may cause symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Unresolved problems may also cause poor behaviour towards patients. In response, nurses reduce work hours or even resign. Social support alleviates emotional problems, but little is known about actual support perceived.

Design

This study is a qualitative explorative study.

Method

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews was performed among a purposive sample of 12 intensive care nurses in a university hospital in The Netherlands.

Findings

Four main themes have been identified in critical incidents: high emotional involvement in patient‐related incidents (in contrast to major life‐threatening events as such), avoidable incidents, sub‐standard patient care and intimidation. Themes discerned in nurses' reactions after critical incidents were physical reactions, emotional reactions and cognitive/behavioural reactions. After critical incidents, nurses talked with colleagues, friends or relatives, but would have appreciated additional support.

Conclusions

Incidents under emotionally demanding circumstances are among the most difficult situations, but may not be recognized as critical incidents by colleagues. Both adequate and inadequate coping strategies, with long‐lasting problems after critical incidents, were reported. Feelings of anger, shame and powerlessness, may have hindered recovery. Talking to colleagues was perceived to be helpful, but intensive care nurses' need for support was insufficiently met.

Relevance to clinical practice

Managers should acknowledge the effects of critical incidents on intensive care nurses and take preventive measures: reducing critical incidents, improving open communication, imposing a buddy‐system for collegial support, and timely evaluating the necessity of professional help.
Lived experience of patients being cared for in ICUs in Southern Thailand
Authors: Locsin Rozzano C , Kongsuwan Waraporn
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Background

Technologies in ICUs are increasingly saving human lives. The challenge for nursing in ICUs is to use technologies competently in order to know patients more fully within the harmonized view of technology, nursing and human care.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of the experiences of patients who were dependent on technologies while being cared for in ICUs.

Method

A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to describe the experiences of 10 participants who were discharged from adult ICU units in Southern Thailand. Lincoln and Guba's criteria for trustworthiness was used to establish the rigour of the study.

Findings

Four thematic categories structured the meaning of the participants' experiences: Living suffering; Harmonizing living; Being in trust and security; and Transitioning to a better life. These thematic categories were reflective of the four lived worlds of corporeality, relationality, spatiality and temporality.

Conclusion

The description of being cared for was based on the narratives of patients who were discharged from ICUs in Southern Thailand. In conclusion, the lived experience of being cared for with technologies in ICU was described as living suffering within trust and security, and harmonizing living while transitioning to a better life.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of the study could be used to design innovative nursing strategies and interventions to enhance understanding of human health and well‐being while maintaining and advancing competencies in the use of technologies for human care.
Fundamental Quantification and the Language of the Ontology Room
Authors: Korman Daniel Z.
Published: May 2013

Nihilism is the thesis that no composite objects exist. Some ontologists have advocated abandoning nihilism in favor ofdeep nihilism, the thesis that composites do not existO, where to existOis to be in the domain of the most fundamental quantifier. By shifting from an existential to an existentialOthesis, the deep nihilist seems to secure all the benefits of a composite‐free ontology without running afoul of ordinary belief in the existence of composites. I argue that, while there are well‐known reasons for accepting nihilism, there appears to be no reason at all to accept deep nihilism. In particular, deep nihilism draws no support either from the usual arguments for nihilism or from considerations of parsimony.
The metabolite chemotype of Nicotiana benthamiana transiently expressing artemisinin biosynthetic pathway genes is a function of CYP71AV1 type and relative gene dosage
Authors: Ting Hieng‐Ming , Wang Bo , Rydén Anna‐Margareta , Woittiez Lotte , van Herpen Teun , Verstappen Francel W. A. , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , Beekwilder Jules , Bouwmeester Harro J. , van der Krol Alexander
Published: May 2013

Artemisia annua, which produces the anti‐malaria compound artemisinin, occurs as high‐artemisinin production (HAP) and low‐artemisinin production (LAP) chemotypes. Understanding the basis of the difference between these chemotypes would assist breeding and optimising artemisinin biosynthesis.

Here we present a systematic comparison of artemisinin biosynthesis genes that may be involved in determining the chemotype (CYP71AV1, DBR2 and ALDH1). These genes were isolated from the two chemotypes and characterized using transient expression in planta. The enzyme activity of DBR2 and ALDH1 from the two chemotypes did not differ, but structural differences in CYP71AV1 from LAP and HAP chemotypes (AMOLAP and AMOHAP, respectively) resulted in altered enzyme activity.

AMOLAP displays a seven amino acids N‐terminal extension compared with AMOHAP. The GFP fusion of both proteins show equal localization to the ER but AMOHAP may have reduced stability.

Upon transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, AMOLAP displayed a higher enzyme activity than AMOHAP. However, expression in combination with the other pathway genes also resulted in a qualitatively different product profile (‘chemotype’); that is, in a shift in the ratio between the unsaturated and saturated (dihydro) branch of the pathway.
Protein actors sustaining arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: underground artists break the silence
Authors: Recorbet Ghislaine , Abdallah Cosette , Renaut Jenny , Wipf Daniel , Dumas‐Gaudot Eliane
Published: May 2013

The roots of most land plants can enter a relationship with soil‐borne fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota. This symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi belongs to the so‐called biotrophic interactions, involving the intracellular accommodation of a microorganism by a living plant cell without causing the death of the host. Although profiling technologies have generated an increasing depository of plant and fungal proteins eligible for sustaining AM accommodation and functioning, a bottleneck exists for their functional analysis as these experiments are difficult to carry out with mycorrhiza. Nonetheless, the expansion of gene‐to‐phenotype reverse genetic tools, including RNA interference and transposon silencing, have recently succeeded in elucidating some of the plant‐related protein candidates. Likewise, despite the ongoing absence of transformation tools for AM fungi, host‐induced gene silencing has allowed knockdown of fungal gene expression in planta for the first time, thus unlocking a technological limitation in deciphering the functional pertinence of glomeromycotan proteins during mycorrhizal establishment. This review is thus intended to draw a picture of our current knowledge about the plant and fungal protein actors that have been demonstrated to be functionally implicated in sustaining AM symbiosis mostly on the basis of silencing approaches.

Contents

Summary
26

I.
Casting for a scenario
26

II.
Nominees for a preliminary role
27

III.
Nominees for a leading role
32

IV.
Future artists
37

Acknowledgements
38

References
38
The stem xylem of Patagonian shrubs operates far from the point of catastrophic dysfunction and is additionally protected from drought‐induced embolism by leaves and roots
Authors: BUCCI SANDRA J. , SCHOLZ FABIAN G. , PESCHIUTTA MARIA LAURA , ARIAS NADIA S. , MEINZER FREDERICK C. , GOLDSTEIN GUILLERMO
Published: May 2013

Hydraulic architecture was studied in shrub species differing in rooting depth in a cold desert in Southern Argentina. All species exhibited strong hydraulic segmentation between leaves, stems and roots with leaves being the most vulnerable part of the hydraulic pathway. Two types of safety margins describing the degree of conservation of the hydraulic integrity were used: the difference between minimum stem or leaf water potential (Ψ) and the Ψ at which stem or leaf hydraulic function was reduced by 50% (Ψ – Ψ50), and the difference between leaf and stem Ψ50. Leaf Ψ50 – stem Ψ50 increased with decreasing rooting depth. Large diurnal decreases in root‐specific hydraulic conductivity suggested high root vulnerability to embolism across all species. Although stem Ψ50 became more negative with decreasing species‐specific Ψsoil and minimum stem Ψ, leaf Ψ50 was independent of Ψ and minimum leaf Ψ. Species with embolism‐resistant stems also had higher maximum stem hydraulic conductivity. Safety margins for stems were >2.1 MPa, whereas those for leaves were negative or only slightly positive. Leaves acted as safety valves to protect the integrity of the upstream hydraulic pathway, whereas embolism in lateral roots may help to decouple portions of the plant from the impact of drier soil layers.
A biomarker based on gene expression indicates plant water status in controlled and natural environments
Authors: MARCHAND GWENAËLLE , MAYJONADE BAPTISTE , VARÈS DIDIER , BLANCHET NICOLAS , BONIFACE MARIE‐CLAUDE , MAURY PIERRE , ANDRIANASOLO FETY NAMBININA , BURGER PHILIPPE , DEBAEKE PHILIPPE , CASADEBAIG PIERRE , VINCOURT PATRICK , LANGLADE NICOLAS B.
Published: May 2013

Plant or soil water status is required in many scientific fields to understand plant responses to drought. Because the transcriptomic response to abiotic conditions, such as water deficit, reflects plant water status, genomic tools could be used to develop a new type of molecular biomarker. Using the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a model species to study the transcriptomic response to water deficit both in greenhouse and field conditions, we specifically identified three genes that showed an expression pattern highly correlated to plant water status as estimated by the pre‐dawn leaf water potential, fraction of transpirable soil water, soil water content or fraction of total soil water in controlled conditions. We developed a generalized linear model to estimate these classical water status indicators from the expression levels of the three selected genes under controlled conditions. This estimation was independent of the four tested genotypes and the stage (pre‐ or post‐flowering) of the plant. We further validated this gene expression biomarker under field conditions for four genotypes in three different trials, over a large range of water status, and we were able to correct their expression values for a large diurnal sampling period.
GOLLUM [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like proteins are essential for plant development in normoxic conditions and modulate energy metabolism
Authors: MONDY SAMUEL , LENGLET AURORE , COSSON VIVIANE , PELLETIER SANDRA , PATEYRON STÉPHANIE , GILARD FRANÇOISE , SCHOLTE MARIJE , BROCARD LYSIANE , COUZIGOU JEAN‐MALO , TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME , PÉAN MICHEL , RATET PASCAL
Published: May 2013

[FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like genes encode [Fe4S4]‐containing proteins that are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells. In humans, iron‐only hydrogenase‐like protein 1 (IOP1) represses hypoxia inducible factor‐1α subunit (HIF1‐α) at normal atmospheric partial O2 pressure (normoxia, 21 kPa O2). In yeasts, the nar1 mutant cannot grow at 21 kPa O2, but can develop at a lower O2 pressure (2 kPa O2). We show here that plant [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like GOLLUM genes are essential for plant development and cell cycle progression. The mutant phenotypes of these plants are seen in normoxic conditions, but not under conditions of mild hypoxia (5 kPa O2). Transcriptomic and metabolomic experiments showed that the mutation enhances the expression of some hypoxia‐induced genes under normal atmospheric O2 conditions and changes the cellular content of metabolites related to energy metabolism. In conclusion, [FeFe]‐hydrogenase‐like proteins play a central role in eukaryotes including the adaptation of plants to the ambient O2 partial pressure.
Shelf Loathing: Cross Docking at an Online Retailer
Authors: Cattani Kyle D. , Souza Gilvan C. , Ye Shengqi
Published: May 2013

Online customers expect to wait, sometimes for a delay of many days. At the fulfillment center, there might be an opportunity to fill customer orders earlier than the due date through a cross‐docking transaction: rather than picking the item from inventory, the item moves directly from the receiving to the shipping dock, saving shelving and picking transactions. While cross docking reduces shelving and picking costs, it risks changing customer expectations for how soon a product will be delivered. Given customer order arrivals random in quantity and due dates, random replenishment arrivals, and costs (or benefits) for shipping a product early, we characterize the optimal decision as to whether to cross dock a replenishment item to fulfill demand that is not immediately due or to wait to (hopefully) cross dock in later periods. With multiple demands and due dates, the cross‐docking decision depends on the number of unfulfilled demands in each period across the horizon, the number of units that have just arrived (available for cross docking), picking and shelving costs, and the delay cost (or benefit). We formulate the problem as a Markov decision process, determine the structure of the optimal policy, and propose a well‐performing heuristic.
When to Carry Eccentric Products? Optimal Retail Assortment under Consumer Returns
Authors: Alptekinoğlu Aydın , Grasas Alex
Published: May 2013

To understand whether retailers should consider consumer returns when merchandising, we study how the optimal assortment of a retailer is influenced by its return policy. The retailer selects its assortment from an exogenous set of horizontally differentiated products. Consumers make purchase and keep/return decisions in nested multinomial logit fashion. Our main finding is that the optimal assortment has a distinct structure for relatively strict return policies: it is optimal to offer a mix of the most popular and most eccentric products when the refund amount is sufficiently low, which can be viewed as a form of risk sharing between the retailer and consumers. In contrast, if the refund is sufficiently high or when returns are disallowed, the optimal assortment is composed of only the most popular products (a common finding in the literature). We provide preliminary empirical evidence for one of the key drivers of our results: more eccentric products have higher probability of return—conditional on purchase. In light of our analytical findings and managerial insights, we conclude that retailers should take returns into account when merchandising.