bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community solar salt production in Goa, India
Authors: Mani Kabilan , Salgaonkar Bhakti B , Das Deepthi , Bragança Judith M 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Traditional salt farming in Goa, India has been practised for the past 1,500 years by a few communities. Goa’s riverine estuaries, easy access to sea water and favourable climatic conditions makes salt production attractive during summer. Salt produced through this natural evaporation process also played an important role in the economy of Goa even during the Portuguese rule as salt was the chief export commodity. In the past there were 36 villages involved in salt production, which is now reduced to 9. Low income, lack of skilled labour, competition from industrially produced salt, losses incurred on the yearly damage of embankments are the major reasons responsible for the reduction in the number of salt pans.
Salt pans (Mithagar or Mithache agor) form a part of the reclaimed waterlogged khazan lands, which are also utilised for aquaculture, pisciculture and agriculture. Salt pans in Goa experience three phases namely, the ceased phase during monsoon period of June to October, preparatory phase from December to January, and salt harvesting phase, from February to June. After the monsoons, the salt pans are prepared manually for salt production. During high tide, an influx of sea water occurs, which enters the reservoir pans through sluice gates. The sea water after 1–2 days on attaining a salinity of approximately 5ºBé, is released into the evaporator pans and kept till it attains a salinity of 23 - 25ºBé. The brine is then released to crystallizer pans, where the salt crystallises out 25 - 27ºBé and is then harvested.
Salt pans form a unique ecosystem where succession of different organisms with varying environmental conditions occurs. Organisms ranging from bacteria, archaea to fungi, algae, etc., are known to colonise salt pans and may influence the quality of salt produced.
The aim of this review is to describe salt farming in Goa’s history, importance of salt production as a community activity, traditional method of salt production and the biota associated with salt pans.
Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on flame retardation and thermal stabilization performance of phosphorus-containing flame retardants in polypropylene
Authors: Shahvazian Mohammad , Ghaffari Mehdi , Azimi Hoda , Jahanmardi Reza 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on flame retardation as well as thermal stabilization efficiency of two phosphorus-containing flame retardant systems i.e., ammonium polyphosphate/pentaerythritol (APP/PER) and red phosphorus (RP) in polypropylene (PP) have been investigated. Limiting oxygen index, thermo-gravimetric analysis, melt flow index, and tensile tests have been performed in this study. Moreover, the structure of the nanocomposites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images revealed good dispersion of fillers in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, it was shown that the addition of MWNTs alone at a minimum loading level of 4 wt% improves thermal stability of PP considerably without any undesirable effect on its flow-ability and mechanical properties. Moreover, addition of MWNTs alone resulted in a slight improvement of flammability of the polymer. However, comparison between thermal stability and flame retardancy of PP samples containing a combination of MWNTs and APP/PER or RP and those of the samples containing APP/PER or RP alone proved that MWNTs interfere with thermal stabilization and flame retardation efficiency of both APP/PER and RP in the polymer.
Role of STIM1- and Orai1-mediated Ca2+ entry in Ca2+-induced epidermal keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Numaga-Tomita Takuro , Putney James W. 
Published: December 2012

Summary
The uppermost thin layer on the surface of the skin, called the epidermis, is responsible for the barrier function of the skin. The epidermis has a multilayered structure in which each layer consists of keratinocytes (KCs) of different differentiation status. The integrity of KC differentiation is crucial for the function of skin and its loss causes or is accompanied by skin diseases. Intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ is known to play important roles in KC differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ regulation of KC differentiation are still largely unknown. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major Ca2+ influx pathway in most non-excitable cells. SOCE is evoked in response to a fall in Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum. Two proteins have been identified as essential components of SOCE: STIM1, a Ca2+ sensor in the ER, and Orai1, a subunit of Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of SOCE to KC growth and differentiation using RNAi knockdown of STIM1 and Orai1 in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. KC differentiation was induced by a switch in extracellular Ca2+ concentration from low (0.03 mM; undifferentiated KCs) to high (1.8 mM; differentiated KCs). This Ca2+ switch triggers phospholipase-C-mediated intracellular Ca2+ signals (Ca2+-switch-induced Ca2+ response), which would probably involve the activation of SOCE. Knockdown of either STIM1 or Orai1 strongly suppressed SOCE and almost completely abolished the Ca2+-switch-induced Ca2+ responses, resulting in impaired expression of keratin1, an early KC differentiation marker. Furthermore, loss of either STIM1 or Orai1 suppressed normal growth of HaCaT cells in low Ca2+ and inhibited the growth arrest in response to a Ca2+ switch. These results demonstrate that SOCE plays multiple crucial roles in KC differentiation and function.
Regulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor signalling and trafficking by Src and Eps8
Authors: Auciello Giulio , Cunningham Debbie L. , Tatar Tulin , Heath John K. , Rappoport Joshua Z. 
Published: December 2012

Summary
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) mediate a wide spectrum of cellular responses that are crucial for development and wound healing. However, aberrant FGFR activity leads to cancer. Activated growth factor receptors undergo stimulated endocytosis, but can continue to signal along the endocytic pathway. Endocytic trafficking controls the duration and intensity of signalling, and growth factor receptor signalling can lead to modifications of trafficking pathways. We have developed live-cell imaging methods for studying FGFR dynamics to investigate mechanisms that coordinate the interplay between receptor trafficking and signal transduction. Activated FGFR enters the cell following recruitment to pre-formed clathrin-coated pits (CCPs). However, FGFR activation stimulates clathrin-mediated endocytosis; FGF treatment increases the number of CCPs, including those undergoing endocytosis, and this effect is mediated by Src and its phosphorylation target Eps8. Eps8 interacts with the clathrin-mediated endocytosis machinery and depletion of Eps8 inhibits FGFR trafficking and immediate Erk signalling. Once internalized, FGFR passes through peripheral early endosomes en route to recycling and degredative compartments, through an Src- and Eps8-dependent mechanism. Thus Eps8 functions as a key coordinator in the interplay between FGFR signalling and trafficking. This work provides the first detailed mechanistic analysis of growth factor receptor clustering at the cell surface through signal transduction and endocytic trafficking. As we have characterised the Src target Eps8 as a key regulator of FGFR signalling and trafficking, and identified the early endocytic system as the site of Eps8-mediated effects, this work provides novel mechanistic insight into the reciprocal regulation of growth factor receptor signalling and trafficking.
Advertising and Consumers' Communications
Authors: Kuksov Dmitri , Shachar Ron , Wang Kangkang 
Published: December 2012

Until recently, brand identities were built by firms via brand image advertising. However, the flourishing consumer communication weakened the firms' grip on their brands. The interaction between advertising and consumer communications and their joint impact on brand identity is the focal point of this paper. We present a model in which consumer preference for functional attributes may correlate with the identity they desire to project of themselves. This correlation is known to the firm but not to the consumers. Both the firm and the consumers can communicate their desired brand identity, although the actual brand identity is determined endogeneously by the composition of consumers who purchase it (i.e., what types of people consume the brand). We find that sometimes the firm can strengthen the identity of its brand by refraining from advertising. This result is based on the following intermediate finding: advertising can diminish the endogeneous informativeness of consumer communications by making it one-sided. Furthermore, it turns out that refraining from brand image advertising may be optimal for the firm when the product is especially well positioned to create a strong identity—i.e., when consumer preferences for functional and self-expressive attributes are highly correlated.
Acute Renal Infarction
Authors: Bourgault Marie , Grimbert Philippe , Verret Catherine , Pourrat Jacques , Herody Michel , Halimi Jean Michel , Karras Alexandre , Amoura Zahir , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Izzedine Hassan , François Hélène , Boffa Jean-Jacques , Hummel Aurélie , Bernadet-Monrozies Pauline , Fouque Denis , Canouï-Poitrine Florence , Lang Philippe , Daugas Eric , Audard Vincent 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Renal infarction is an arterial vascular event that may cause irreversible damage to kidney tissues. This study describes the clinical characteristics of patients with renal infarction according to underlying mechanism of vascular injury.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study retrospectively identified 94 patients with renal infarction diagnosed between 1989 and 2011 with the aim of highlighting potential correlations between demographic, clinical, and biologic characteristics and the etiology of renal infarction. Four groups were identified: renal infarction of cardiac origin (cardiac group, n=23), renal infarction associated with renal artery injury (renal injury group, n=29), renal infarction associated with hypercoagulability disorders (hypercoagulable group, n=15), and apparently idiopathic renal infarction (idiopathic group, n=27).

Results
Clinical symptoms included abdominal and/or flank pain in 96.8% of cases; 46 patients had uncontrolled hypertension at diagnosis. Laboratory findings included increase of lactate dehydrogenase level (90.5%), increase in C-reactive protein level (77.6%), and renal impairment (40.4%). Compared with renal injury group patients, this study found that cardiac group patients were older (relative risk for 1 year increase=1.21, P=0.001) and displayed a lower diastolic BP (relative risk per 1 mmHg=0.94, P=0.05). Patients in the hypercoagulable group had a significantly lower diastolic BP (relative risk=0.86, P=0.005). Patients in the idiopathic group were older (relative risk=1.13, P=0.01) and less frequently men (relative risk=0.11, P=0.02). Seven patients required hemodialysis at the first evaluation, and zero patients died during the first 30 days.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the clinical and biologic characteristics of patients can provide valuable information about the causal mechanism involved in renal infarction occurrence.
Validity of Medication Adherence Self-Reports in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gonzalez Jeffrey S. , Schneider Havah E. , Wexler Deborah J. , Psaros Christina , Delahanty Linda M. , Cagliero Enrico , Safren Steven A. 
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE
To assess the validity of self-report measures of diabetes medication adherence and evaluate the effect of depression on the validity of these reports.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adults with type 2 diabetes, treated with oral medications, completed a set of medication adherence self-reports that varied response scales and time frames, were administered structured clinical interviews for depression, and provided blood samples for HbA1c as part of a screening for an intervention study. A subsample of participants with HbA1c ≥7.0% and clinically significant depression received Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) bottle caps to record adherence. Analyses examined relationships between adherence measures and HbA1c and, in the subsample, MEMS. Moderated linear regression evaluated whether depression severity modified relationships with HbA1c.

RESULTS
Participant (n = 170, 57% men, 81% white, mean HbA1c 8.3% [SD, 1.7]) adherence self-reports were significantly (r = −0.18 to −0.28; P &lt; 0.03) associated with lower HbA1c. In the subsample (n = 88), all self-reports were significantly (r = 0.35 to 0.55; P ≤ 0.001) associated with MEMS-measured adherence. Depression significantly moderated the relationship between three of six self-reports and HbA1c; at high levels of depression, associations with HbA1c became nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS
Results support the validity of easily administered self-reports for diabetes medication adherence. One-month, percentage-based ratings of adherence had the strongest associations with MEMS and HbA1c; those requiring the report of missed doses had weaker associations. One-week self-ratings and measures that require respondents to record the number of missed doses appear to be vulnerable to bias from depression severity.
Finite-size behaviour of a critical related observable
Authors: Yuanfang Wu , Lizhu Chen , Xue Pan , Ming Shao , Chen Xiaosong 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Accounting for the influence of system size in relativistic heavy ion collisions, the finite-size form of a critical related observable is suggested. The fixed-point and straight line methods are proposed in exploring the QCD critical point and phase boundary in relativistic heavy ion collisions. As an application, the finitesize behaviour of the ratios of higher net-proton cumulants, dynamical electric charge fluctuations, and transverse momentum correlations in Au + Au collisions at RHIC are examined.
Anosmia after exposure to a pyrethrin-based insecticide: A case report
Authors: Gobba Fabriziomaria , Abbacchini Carlotta 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe present the case of a subject developing anosmia, preceded by nasal transient irritation and short lasting phantosmia and torqosmia, upon re-entrance into a room treated with a pyrethrin-based insecticide. The concentration of the insecticide in the room is unknown, but relatively high levels are predicted basing upon the modality of exposure and by the irritation symptoms in the subject. Despite corticosteroids therapy, anosmia has persisted unmodified for more than three years; according to, and based on evidence in the literature on olfactory disturbance prognosis, anosmia in this patient is likely to be permanent. The significance of this case report is related to the current wide use of insecticides containing pyrethrin and pyrethroids and highlights the need for more adequate attention to lowering airborne concentrations of pyrethrins and pyrethroids prior to re-entering the treated rooms. In particular, in a closed space sprayed with pyrethrins and pyrethroids insecticide, any irritant symptoms and/or dysosmia should be immediately considered relevant warning signs, and must be avoided.
Selenium hyperaccumulation by Astragalus (Fabaceae) does not inhibit root nodule symbiosis
Authors: Alford Élan R. , Pilon‐Smits Elizabeth A. H. , Fakra Sirine C. , Paschke Mark W. 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of study: A survey of the root‐nodule symbiosis in Astragalus and its interaction with selenium (Se) has not been conducted before. Such studies can provide insight into how edaphic conditions modify symbiotic interactions and influence partner coevolution. In this paper plant‐organ Se concentration ([Se]) was investigated to assess potential Se exposure to endophytes.• Methods: Selenium distribution and molecular speciation of root nodules from Se‐hyperaccumulators Astragalus bisulcatus, A. praelongus, and A. racemosus was determined by Se K‐edge x‐ray absorption spectroscopy. A series of greenhouse experiments were conducted to characterize the response of root‐nodule symbiosis in Se‐hyperaccumulators and nonhyperaccumulators.• Key results: Nodules in three Se‐hyperaccumulators (Astragalus crotalariae, A. praelongus, and A. preussii) are reported for the first time. Leaves, flowers, and fruits from Se‐hyperaccumulators were routinely above the hyperaccumulator threshold (1,000 µg Se g−1 DW), but root samples rarely contained that amount, and nodules never exceeded 110 µg Se g−1 DW. Nodules from A. bisulcatus, A. praelongus, and A. racemosus had Se throughout, with a majority stored in C‐Se‐C form. Finally, an evaluation of nodulation in Se‐hyperaccumulators and nonhyperaccumulators indicated that there was no nodulation inhibition because of plant Se tolerance. Rather, we found that in Se‐hyperaccumulators higher levels of Se treatment (up to 100 µM Se) corresponded with higher nodule counts, indicating a potential role for dinitrogen fixation in Se‐hyperaccumulation. The effect was not found in nonhyperaccumulators.• Conclusions: As the evolution of Se hyperaccumulation in Astragalus developed, root‐nodule symbiosis may have played an integral role.
Microsatellite markers for Kleinia neriifolia, an endemic Asteraceae species on the Canary Islands
Authors: Chen Jun‐Lin , Li Chun , Sun Ye , Wang Fa‐Guo , Xing Fu‐Wu 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite makers were developed in Kleinia neriifolia, an endemic Asteraceae species on the Canary Islands, for investigation of the population genetic structure and colonization history of this insular species.• Methods and Results: Seventeen polymorphic and seven monomorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from K. neriifolia using the protocol of Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO). At the population level, the number of alleles detected per locus varied from two to 16, and the observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.105–1.000 and 0.100–0.923, respectively.• Conclusions: These highly informative loci are potentially useful to obtain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary process of K. neriifolia.
Microsatellite markers developed for Corallodiscus lanuginosus (Gesneriaceae) and their cross‐species transferability
Authors: Gao Lian‐Ming , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Zhou Ping , Möller Michael , Li De‐Zhu 
Published: December 2012

• Premise of the study: Corallodiscus is widespread across China and in adjacent countries to the west and south, with C. lanuginosus covering the entire range of the genus. Microsatellite markers will be useful to address within‐complex taxonomic and biogeographic structures of this species.• Methods and Results: Fourteen markers were developed using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Polymorphism was assessed in 12 individuals each from two populations from West Yunnan, China. Nine primers displayed polymorphisms. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to six (mean: 2.7). The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 1 and from 0 to 0.772 (average: 0.487 and 0.448). Only one of the polymorphic loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Among the four congeneric species, cross‐amplification success ranged from two to eight markers.• Conclusions: The markers will be useful for population genetic and evolutionary history studies for C. lanuginosus and the allied species C. bhutanicus, C. cooperi, and C. kingianus.
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory and Hemostatic Markers and Disease Activity in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: ABOU-RAYA ANNA , ABOU-RAYA SUZAN , HELMII MADIHAH 
Published: December 2012

Objective.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease. Vitamin D has potent immunomodulatory properties that support its use in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, including SLE. We assessed vitamin D status in patients with SLE and determined alterations in inflammatory and hemostatic markers and disease activity before and after vitamin D supplementation.Methods.Patients with SLE (n = 267) were randomized 2:1 to receive either oral cholecalciferol 2000 IU/day or placebo for 12 months. Outcome measures included assessment of alterations in levels of proinflammatory cytokines and hemostatic markers, and improvement in disease activity before and after 12 months of supplementation. Disease activity was measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index. Vitamin D levels were measured by Liaison immunoassay (normal 30–100 ng/ml). Serum levels between 10 and 30 ng/ml were classified as vitamin D insufficiency and levels < 10 ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency.Results.The mean 25(OH)D level at baseline was 19.8 ng/ml in patients compared to 28.7 ng/ml in controls. The overall prevalence of suboptimal and deficient 25(OH)D serum levels among patients with SLE at baseline was 69% and 39%, respectively. Lower 25(OH)D levels correlated significantly with higher SLE disease activity. At 12 months of therapy, there was a significant improvement in levels of inflammatory and hemostatic markers as well as disease activity in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.Conclusion.Vitamin D supplementation in patients with SLE is recommended because increased vitamin D levels seem to ameliorate inflammatory and hemostatic markers and show a tendency toward subsequent clinical improvement. Clinical Trial RegistryNCT01425775.
Memory CD4+ T Cells Are Required for Optimal NK Cell Effector Functions against the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Pneumocystis murina
Authors: Kelly Michelle N. , Zheng Mingquan , Ruan Sanbao , Kolls Jay , D’Souza Alain , Shellito Judd E. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Little is known about the role of NK cells or their interplay with other immune cells during opportunistic infections. Using our murine model of Pneumocystis pneumonia, we found that loss of NK cells during immunosuppression results in substantial Pneumocystis lung burden. During early infection of C57B/6 CD4+ T cell–depleted mice, there were significantly fewer NK cells in the lung tissue compared with CD4+ T cell–intact animals, and the NK cells present demonstrated decreased upregulation of the activation marker NKp46 and production of the effector cytokine, IFN-γ. Furthermore, coincubation studies revealed a significant increase in fungal killing when NK cells were combined with CD4+ T cells compared with either cell alone, which was coincident with a significant increase in perforin production by NK cells. Finally, however, we found through adoptive transfer that memory CD4+ T cells are required for significant NK cell upregulation of the activation marker NK group 2D and production of IFN-γ, granzyme B, and perforin during Pneumocystis infection. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a role for NK cells in immunity to Pneumocystis pneumonia, as well as to establish a functional relationship between CD4+ T cells and NK cells in the host response to an opportunistic fungal pathogen.