bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The timber and energy biomass potential of intensively managed clonedNorway spruce stands
Authors: Routa Johanna , Kellomäki Seppo , Strandman Harri , Bergh Johan , Pulkkinen Pertti , Peltola Heli 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe used ecosystem model simulations to study the timber and energy biomass potential offered by intensively managed clonedNorway spruce stands. More specifically, we analysed how the use of cloned trees compared with non‐cloned trees, together with thinning, nitrogen (N) fertilisation and rotation length (from 60 to 100 years), affects the annual mean production of timber (i.e., saw logs, pulpwood) and energy biomass (i.e., stumps and harvesting residuals in the final felling) and its economic profitability [annual mean of net present value (NPV) with a 2% interest rate]. Furthermore, we employed a life cycle analysis/emission calculation tool to assess the total netCO2emissions per unit of energy (kgCO2MW h−1) produced based on energy biomass. We found that both the annual mean production of timber and theNPVincreased substantially, regardless of the management regime, if cloned trees with an annual growth increase of up to 30% compared with non‐cloned trees were used in regeneration. In general, the use of a short rotation with N fertilisation clearly increased the annual mean of theNPV. Consequently, the use of cloned trees also clearly increased the annual mean production of energy biomass and decreased the total netCO2emissions per unit of energy produced based on energy biomass. However, the total annual netCO2emissions were the lowest if a long rotation was used with N fertilisation. To conclude, the use of cloned trees together with intensive management could potentially be highly beneficial for the cost‐efficient and sustainable production of timber and energy biomass in an integrated way.
Hypophosphatemia among severely malnourished children with sepsis in Bangladesh
Authors: Yoshimatsu Shoji , Hossain Md Iqbal , Islam Md Munirul , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Okada Masafumi , Kamoda Tomohiro , Fukushima Takashi , Wagatsuma Yukiko , Sumazaki Ryo , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe interaction between hypophosphatemia (HP) and severe malnutrition has received little attention. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of HP among severely malnourished children with sepsis in Bangladesh.MethodsChildren aged 6–59 months admitted with sepsis to Dhaka Hospital from April 2010 to December 2011 were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and non‐SAM groups. Plasma phosphate and the related biochemical parameters were measured upon admission and on the second and fourth days for both groups and the 10th day or discharge day for the SAM group.ResultsThe prevalence of HP (plasma phosphate <3.7 mg/dL) was 72.9% and 62.5% (P = 0.26) for 48 SAM and for 56 non‐SAM patients, respectively; that of moderate–severe HP (phosphate <2 mg/dL) was 25.0% and 19.6%, respectively (P = 0.51). The plasma phosphate level of 21 SAM patients was significantly lower on the second and fourth days than upon admission (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, respectively); it then recovered on the 10th day or discharge day. On multiple logistic regression analysis, plasma potassium <2.5 mmol/L upon admission was found to be a risk factor for moderate or severe HP (adjusted odds ratio, 7.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.88–27.7).ConclusionHP is common among children with sepsis. Potassium <2.5 mmol/L upon admission is considered a risk factor for moderate or severe HP in children with sepsis.
Utility of the P19 suppressor of gene‐silencing protein for production of therapeutic antibodies in Nicotiana expression hosts
Authors: Garabagi Freydoun , Gilbert Erin , Loos Andreas , McLean Michael D. , Hall J. Christopher 
Published: September 2012

SummaryTo study how the P19 suppressor of gene‐silencing protein can be used effectively for the production of therapeutic glycoproteins, the following factors were examined: the genetic elements used for expressing recombinant proteins; the effect of different P19 concentrations; compatibility of P19 with various Nicotiana tabacum cultivars for transgenic expression; the glycan profile of a recombinant therapeutic glycoprotein co‐expressed with P19 in an RNAi‐based glycomodified Nicotiana benthamiana expression host. The coding sequences for the heavy and light chains of trastuzumab were cloned into five plant expression vectors (102–106) containing different 5′ and 3′ UTRs, designated as vector sets 102–106 mAb. The P19 protein of Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) was also cloned into vector 103, which contained the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and 5′UTR together with the terminator region of the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium. Transient expression of the antibody vectors resulted in different levels of trastuzumab accumulation, the highest being 105 and 106 mAb at about 1% of TSP. P19 increased the concentration of trastuzumab approximately 15‐fold (to about 2.3% of TSP) when co‐expressed with 103 mAb but did not affect antibody levels with vectors 102 and 106 mAb. When 103 mAb was expressed together with P19 in different N. tabacum cultivars, all except Little Crittenden showed a marked discolouring of the infiltrated areas of the leaf and decreased antibody expression. Co‐expression of P19 also abolished antibody accumulation in crosses between N. tabacum cv. I‐64 and Little Crittenden, indicating a dominant mode of inheritance for the observed P19‐induced responses.
Trilateral Development Cooperation: Power and Politics in Emerging Aid Relationships
Authors: McEwan Cheryl , Mawdsley Emma 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTChanges are reverberating through the international development system. This article focuses on (re)emerging development actors in the South and their role in setting agendas, challenging current aid orthodoxies, and re‐articulating development cooperation relationships between and within the North and South. Specifically, the article examines trilateral development cooperation, a significant new trend in foreign aid. The first aim is to examine the role of trilateral development cooperation in the changing geographies of development and global partnerships. The second aim is to foreground and critically evaluate the politics of trilateral development cooperation. The authors argue that trilateral development cooperation has potential to improve aid effectiveness, harness the energies and expertise of southern partners, and reshape development relations in more egalitarian ways. Alternatively, however, it may work to co‐opt (re)emerging donors into a depoliticized and ineffective aid system. While this argument has been made by many critics with regard to North–South development relations, the authors also question the projection of shared interests and essentialized developing country identities in relation to the South–South element of trilateral development cooperation. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to extend critical perspectives to all elements of the new development partnerships emerging within a rapidly changing global landscape.
Abscisic acid interacts antagonistically with classical defense pathways in rice–migratory nematode interaction
Authors: Nahar Kamrun , Kyndt Tina , Nzogela Yasinta Beda , Gheysen Godelieve 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Studies involving plant–nematode interactions provide an opportunity to unravel plant defense signaling in root tissues. In this study, we have characterized the roles of salicylate (SA), jasmonate (JA), ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) in plant defense against the migratory nematode Hirschmanniella oryzae in the monocot model plant rice (Oryza sativa).

Experiments with exogenous hormone applications, biosynthesis inhibition and mutant/transgenic lines were executed to test the effect on H. oryzae parasitism in rice roots.

Our results demonstrate that an intact ET, JA and SA biosynthesis pathway is a prerequisite for defense against H. oryzae. By contrast, exogenous ABA treatment drastically compromised the rice defense towards this nematode. Gene expression analyses using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) demonstrate that the disease‐inducing effect of ABA is likely to be the result of an antagonistic interaction between this hormone and the SA/JA/ET‐dependent basal defense system.

Collectively, in rice defense against H. oryzae, at least three pathways, namely SA, JA and ET, are important, while ABA plays a negative role in defense. Our results suggest that the balance of ABA and SA/JA/ET signaling is an important determinant for the outcome of the rice–H. oryzae interaction.
A review of the scientific evidence for biofilms in wounds
Authors: Percival Steven L. , Hill Katja E. , Williams David W. , Hooper Samuel J. , Thomas Dave W. , Costerton John W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBoth chronic and acute dermal wounds are susceptible to infection due to sterile loss of the innate barrier function of the skin and dermal appendages, facilitating the development of microbial communities, referred to as biofilms, within the wound environment. Microbial biofilms are implicated in both the infection of wounds and failure of those wounds to heal. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of published papers detailing biofilms in wounds, the effect they have on infection and wound healing, and detailing methods employed for their detection. The studies highlighted within this paper provide evidence that biofilms reside within the chronic wound and represent an important mechanism underlying the observed, delayed healing and infection. The reasons for this include both protease activity and immunological suppression. Furthermore, a lack of responsiveness to an array of antimicrobial agents has been due to the biofilms’ ability to inherently resist antimicrobial agents. It is imperative that effective strategies are developed, tested prospectively, and employed in chronic wounds to support the healing process and to reduce infection rates. It is increasingly apparent that adoption of a biofilm‐based management approach to wound care, utilizing the “antibiofilm tool box” of therapies, to kill and prevent reattachment of microorganisms in the biofilm is producing the most positive clinical outcomes and prevention of infection.
Systematic Review of Bone Health in Older Women Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors for Early‐Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Becker Taryn , Lipscombe Lorraine , Narod Steven , Simmons Christine , Anderson Geoffrey M. , Rochon Paula A. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo review data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate adverse bone outcomes in older women using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for early‐stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.DesignSystematic review.SettingInternational RCTs referenced in Medline and EMBASE databases through August 1, 2011.ParticipantsPostmenopausal women with early‐stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy.MeasurementsFracture rates and changes in bone turnover markers and bone mineral density.ResultsEleven RCTs were identified. The majority of trials included women with a mean age in the 60s; and women aged 75 and older and 80 and older were excluded from two studies. Fracture rates ranged from 0.9% to 11%, with AIs having a 1.5 times higher risk than tamoxifen or placebo. Fracture data were not systematically collected in many of these trials. In a small subpopulation of women, AIs were associated with higher markers of bone turnover and lower bone density. The relationship between age and fracture was not described.ConclusionAIs are associated with low bone density and high fracture risk in women with a mean age in their early 60s. There is a paucity of data describing the effect of baseline fracture risk factors, particularly age, and the longer‐term effects on bone health in older women. Future research is needed regarding baseline fracture risk, interventions, and long‐term effects on bone in this vulnerable population to inform management decisions to optimize AI duration and ensure quality of life after breast cancer.
Effect of Micro‐Additions of Carbon Nanotubes to Polymethylmethacrylate on Reduction in Polymerization Shrinkage
Authors: Turagam Neeraja , Prasad Mudrakola Durga 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: Carbon nanotubes are used in dentistry, although there are no adequate scientific data to support their use in acrylic resins. The polymerization shrinkage that occurs with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resins is well known. This study compared the polymerization shrinkage of denture base acrylic resin with and without micro‐additions of carbon nanotubes.Materials and Methods: Two materials were used, PMMA resin and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Four groups were established of 10 specimens each according to the weight percent of carbon nanotubes dispersed and disintegrated in the monomer: group I (0.5% of carbon nanotubes in monomer), II (0.25%), III (0.125%), and IV (control group, 0%). The polymerization shrinkage of acrylic resin for each group was evaluated based on the distance between the reference points in wax (before polymerization) and in acrylic (after polymerization), measured using a traveling microscope. The data were submitted to Kruskal‐Wallis and one‐way ANOVA for comparison among the groups, and the results were statistically analyzed.Results: The Kruskal‐Wallis test detected that the different percentages of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the monomer showed significant differences, and the mean ranks of polymerization shrinkage (%) showed differences among all the groups (group IV = 0.126, III = 0.037, II = 0.017, I = 0.006). Hence, the order of severity of polymerization shrinkage was 0% > 0.125% > 0.25% > 0.5% for the amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in methylmethacrylate.Conclusion: The present study was done to prove polymerization shrinkage in PMMA resins with micro‐additions of carbon nanotubes. The results clearly show reduction in polymerization shrinkage when carbon nanotubes are incorporated into the PMMA resin.
Effect of Mica Reinforcement on the Flexural Strength and Microhardness of Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Resin
Authors: Mansour Mohamed M. , Wagner Warren C. , Chu Tien‐Min G. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: Conventional denture base polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is low in strength, soft, and brittle on impact. Improvements in the mechanical properties of denture base materials have been sought by adding different reinforcing phases to the PMMA matrix. The purpose of this work was to study the effects of mica reinforcement on the mechanical properties, flexural strength, and microhardness of PMMA denture base resin.Materials and Methods: Wet ground muscovite mica and Lucitone 199 original shade denture base resin were used. Two micas were tested: W200 and P66 with average particle sizes (d50) of 131 μm and 30 μm, respectively. The mica was silane treated in a solution of 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, ethanol, and water, and then dried. The specimens were fabricated using the denture base resin manufacturer's instructions with a powder : liquid ratio of 21 g/10 ml and a mixing time of 30 seconds. Five treatment groups were produced with differing amounts of mica added to the PMMA denture base resin: (A) control group with 0 vol% mica, (B) 10 vol% W200 mica, (C) 20 vol% W200 mica, (D) 10 vol% P66 mica, (E) 20 vol% P66 mica. The mica replaced equal volumes of the PMMA powder component to minimize changes in viscosity. The three‐point bending flexural strength specimens were 70 × 11 × 3 mm3. Seven specimens were prepared for each treatment group. The hardness specimens were prepared from the ends of the three‐point bend specimens after they were broken (N = 7). After deflasking, the specimens were polished with 600 grit silicon carbide paper to achieve smooth surfaces. A standard three‐point bending jig with a span length of 50 mm was attached to an Instron universal testing machine. The specimens were placed on the jig, and loading was carried out using a 1 mm/min crosshead speed until failure. Microhardness was measured using a Clark microhardness tester with a Knoop indenter. The load was set to 200 g and the dwell time to 15 seconds. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analyses (Alpha = 0.05).Results: The flexural strength of the control group was between 77% and 94% higher than all the mica‐containing groups (p≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found within the four mica groups. Microhardnesses of the 20% mica groups (both fine and coarse) were 33% and 26% higher than the control (p≤ 0.05). The 10% mica groups had higher hardness than the control group, but the increase was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Mica additions to denture PMMA reduced flexural strength; however, with the specimens containing highest mica concentrations (20%), microhardness significantly increased.
“Varieties of minimum wage system” through the dubious lens of indicator‐based rankings
Authors: LEE Sangheon 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:Growing interest in the impact of labour regulations on labour market performance has prompted attempts to quantify labour standards for cross‐country comparison. While recognizing the contribution of such quantification to empirical research, this article takes issue with indicators that purport to rank countries' regulatory regimes. With reference to the minimum wage component of the World Bank's Doing Business indicators, the author identifies major limitations of this device – theoretical bias, measurement error, disregard of institutional particulars and failure to account for regulatory indeterminacy. His examination of minimum wage systems concludes with an argument against the grounding of policy decisions on indicator‐based rankings.
Empleo de baja remuneración en Sudáfrica
Authors: OOSTHUIZEN Morné 
Published: September 2012

Resumen.Existen abundantes estudios sobre niveles salariales en Sudáfrica, pero pocos sobre el empleo de baja remuneración, como el presente artículo. Tras proponer diferentes umbrales como referencia, el autor estima la frecuencia de este tipo de empleo en el país entre trabajadores asalariados de 2001 a 2007 y analiza algunos de los factores asociados a la probabilidad de ocuparlo. A continuación investiga los efectos de los salarios mínimos establecidos por el Ministerio de Trabajo mediante normativas sectoriales (cotejándolos con datos de la Encuesta de Población Activa), y también de la negociación colectiva, que parece reducir la frecuencia del empleo de baja remuneración.
Empleo de baja remuneración en el Brasil
Authors: FONTES Adriana , PERO Valéria , BERG Janine 
Published: September 2012

Resumen.El empleo de baja remuneración en países en desarrollo es un problema prevalente y poco analizado. Las autoras emprenden un estudio sobre su frecuencia, persistencia y características en áreas metropolitanas brasileñas de 2002 a 2009. Observan un descenso de la tasa de baja remuneración del 24,4 al 21,5 por ciento entre los asalariados. Como en países de renta elevada, las categorías de trabajadores más frecuentes encontradas en este tipo de empleo son las mujeres, las personas de color, los jóvenes y los menos calificados. La experiencia laboral parece mejorar las perspectivas profesionales incluso para los asalariados con baja remuneración.
Baja remuneración y fracaso de las políticas aplicadas en la República de Corea
Authors: HWANG Deok Soon , LEE Byung‐Hee 
Published: September 2012

Resumen.A pesar de la implantación y mejora de la negociación colectiva, el salario mínimo y las prestaciones sociales vinculadas al empleo, la baja remuneración es cada vez más frecuente en la República de Corea, en contradicción con las conclusiones de numerosos estudios, incluido el Informe mundial sobre salarios 2010/2011 de la OIT. Los autores examinan esta paradoja coreana y concluyen que, si bien se adoptaron las políticas adecuadas, su eficacia se vio limitada por una cobertura escasa y un nivel de prestaciones insuficiente. Ello representa un fallo del mercado de trabajo y un fracaso de las propias políticas.
Innate immune responses to TLR2 and TLR4 agonists differ between baboons, chimpanzees and humans
Authors: Brinkworth J.F. , Pechenkina E.A. , Silver J. , Goyert S.M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundAfrican catarrhine primates differ in bacterial disease susceptibility.MethodsHuman, chimpanzee, and baboon blood were stimulated with TLR‐detected bacterial agonists and cytokine/chemokine induction assessed by real‐time PCR.ResultsHumans and chimpanzees shared similar cytokine/chemokine responses, while baboon cytokine/chemokine induction differed. Generally, responses were agonist independent.ConclusionsThese primates tend to generate species rather than agonist‐specific responses to bacterial agonists.
Snellen versus logMAR visual acuity charts for evaluating driving standards in patients with neovascular macular degeneration
Authors: Rathore Deepa , Oyede Toyin , Narendran Niro , Yang Yit C 
Published: September 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the use of Snellen and modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts in estimating compliance with the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency visual acuity standard in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: Patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in at least one eye underwent acuity test using 2m ETDRS chart, 6m Snellen chart and number plate test at 20m. The overlap zones between pass and fail in terms of ETDRS and Snellen charts were analyzed. The levels of descending acuity on the ETDRS chart that corresponded to varying percentages of patients passing or failing the number plate test were analyzed. Results: In total, 26 patients failed the number plate test and 24 patients passed. Fail acuities ranged from 6/36 to 6/6 on Snellen and from 49L to 79L on ETDRS chart. Pass acuities ranged from 6/12 to 6/5 on Snellen and from 67L to 85L on ETDRS chart. The overlap zone of acuities that contained patients who passed and failed was narrower with the ETDRS chart (69L–79L) compared to Snellen ( 6/6-6/12, which is equivalent to 85L-70L on ETDRS chart format). Conclusion: There are overlap zones of acuities in which patient’s presumptive eligibility to drive cannot be reliably estimated. An ETDRS cut-off of 77L provides a reasonable estimate of ability to pass the number plate test. These findings should provide a useful evidence base for advising patients of their compliance with the number plate test based on their logMAR acuity.
Neuroglobin-overexpression reduces traumatic brain lesion size in mice
Authors: Zhao Song , Yu Zhanyang , Zhao Gang , Xing Changhong , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Whalen Michael J , Lok Josephine M , Lo Eng H , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that over-expression of Neuroglobin (Ngb) is neuroprotective against hypoxic/ischemic brain injuries. In this study we tested the neuroprotective effects of Ngb over-expression against traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice.

Results
Both Ngb over-expression transgenic (Ngb-Tg) and wild-type (WT) control mice were subjected to TBI induced by a controlled cortical impact (CCI) device. TBI significantly increased Ngb expression in the brains of both WT and Ngb-Tg mice, but Ngb-Tg mice had significantly higher Ngb protein levels at the pre-injury baseline and post-TBI. Production of oxidative tissue damage biomarker 3NT in the brain was significantly reduced in Ngb-Tg mice compared to WT controls at 6 hours after TBI. The traumatic brain lesion volume was significantly reduced in Ngb Tg mice compared to WT mice at 3 weeks after TBI; however, there were no significant differences in the recovery of sensorimotor and spatial memory functional deficits between Ngb-Tg and WT control mice for up to 3 weeks after TBI.

Conclusion
Ngb over-expression reduced traumatic lesion volume, which might partially be achieved by decreasing oxidative stress.