bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of soft bracing or taping on a lateral ankle sprain: a non‐randomised controlled trial evaluating recurrence rates and residual symptoms at one year
Authors: Kemler Ellen , van de Port Ingrid , Schmikli Sandor , Huisstede Bionka , Hoes Arno , Backx Frank 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAfter sustaining an ankle sprain, taping is often the standard treatment in primary care. Ankle braces are sometimes used as an alternative. This study aimed to compare the effects of four weeks of soft bracing or taping following acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprain (ALALS) on sprain recurrence rates and residual symptoms at one year.MethodsIn this pragmatic, non‐randomised controlled trial, 157 adult participants with an ALALS caused by an inversion trauma were alternately allocated to a four week treatment with a soft brace (intervention group) or a four week treatment with ankle tape (control group) in order of presentation. The primary outcome was the 1‐year incidence of the self‐reported recurrence of ALALS. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of residual symptoms.ResultsBaseline characteristics did not differ appreciably between the treatment groups. Thirteen patients (17%) in the brace group reported a re‐injury versus 11 patients (14%) treated with tape, corresponding to a risk difference of 3.1% (relative risk 1.2, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.6). Cox regression analysis showed a hazard ratio of self‐reported ankle sprain recurrence within 52 weeks in the brace group compared to the tape group of 0.9 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.9). After one year, patients in the brace group had poorer scores on the manual anterior ankle test, corresponding to a risk difference of 15.4% (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.0).ConclusionALALS recurrences and residual symptoms appear to be similar at one year when an ALALS is treated with four weeks of soft bracing or taping.Trial registrationISRCTN92030205
The histone methyltransferase SDG8 mediates the epigenetic modification of light and carbon responsive genes in plants
Authors: Li Ying , Mukherjee Indrani , Thum Karen E , Tanurdzic Milos , Katari Manpreet S , Obertello Mariana , Edwards Molly B , McCombie W Richard , Martienssen Robert A , Coruzzi Gloria M 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background
Histone methylation modifies the epigenetic state of target genes to regulate gene expression in the context of developmental and environmental changes. Previously, we used a positive genetic screen to identify an Arabidopsis mutant, cli186, which was impaired in carbon and light signaling. Here, we report a deletion of the Arabidopsis histone methyltransferase SDG8 in this mutant (renamed sdg8-5), which provides a unique opportunity to study the global function of a specific histone methyltransferase within a multicellular organism.

Results
To assess the specific role of SDG8, we examine how the global histone methylation patterns and transcriptome were altered in the sdg8-5 deletion mutant compared to wild type, within the context of transient light and carbon treatments. Our results reveal that the sdg8 deletion is associated with a significant reduction of H3K36me3, preferentially towards the 3′ end of the gene body, accompanied by a reduction in gene expression. We uncover 728 direct targets of SDG8 that have altered methylation in the sdg8-5 mutant and are also bound by SDG8. As a group, this set of SDG8 targets is enriched in specific biological processes including defense, photosynthesis, nutrient metabolism and energy metabolism. Importantly, 64% of these SDG8 targets are responsive to light and/or carbon signals.

Conclusions
The histone methyltransferase SDG8 functions to regulate the H3K36 methylation of histones associated with gene bodies in Arabidopsis. The H3K36me3 mark in turn is associated with high-level expression of a specific set of light and/or carbon responsive genes involved in photosynthesis, metabolism and energy production.
Whole genome bisulfite sequencing of cell-free DNA and its cellular contributors uncovers placenta hypomethylated domains
Authors: Jensen Taylor J , Kim Sung K , Zhu Zhanyang , Chin Christine , Gebhard Claudia , Lu Tim , Deciu Cosmin , van den Boom Dirk , Ehrich Mathias 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background
Circulating cell-free fetal DNA has enabled non-invasive prenatal fetal aneuploidy testing without direct discrimination of the maternal and fetal DNA. Testing may be improved by specifically enriching the sample material for fetal DNA. DNA methylation may allow for such a separation of DNA; however, this depends on knowledge of the methylomes of circulating cell-free DNA and its cellular contributors.

Results
We perform whole genome bisulfite sequencing on a set of unmatched samples including circulating cell-free DNA from non-pregnant and pregnant female donors and genomic DNA from maternal buffy coat and placenta samples. We find CpG cytosines within longer fragments are more likely to be methylated. Comparison of the methylomes of placenta and non-pregnant circulating cell-free DNA reveal many of the 51,259 identified differentially methylated regions are located in domains exhibiting consistent placenta hypomethylation across millions of consecutive bases. We find these placenta hypomethylated domains are consistently located within regions exhibiting low CpG and gene density. Differentially methylated regions identified when comparing placenta to non-pregnant circulating cell-free DNA are recapitulated in pregnant circulating cell-free DNA, confirming the ability to detect differential methylation in circulating cell-free DNA mixtures.

Conclusions
We generate methylome maps for four sample types at single-base resolution, identify a link between DNA methylation and fragment length in circulating cell-free DNA, identify differentially methylated regions between sample groups, and uncover the presence of megabase-size placenta hypomethylated domains.
How well do radiographic, clinical and self-reported diagnoses of knee osteoarthritis agree? Findings from the Hertfordshire cohort study
Authors: Parsons Camille , Clynes Michael , Syddall Holly , Jagannath Darshan , Litwic Anna , van der Pas Suzan , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M , Edwards Mark H ,   the EPOSA research group
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Objective
Epidemiological studies of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have often used a radiographic definition. However, the clinical syndrome of OA is influenced by a broad range of factors in addition to the structural changes required for radiographic OA. Hence more recently several studies have adopted a clinical or self-reported approach to OA diagnosis rather than a radiographic approach. The aim of this study was to investigate agreement between radiographic OA and the clinical and self-reported diagnoses of OA.

Design
Data were available for 199 men and 196 women in the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS), UK. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing self-reported OA. Clinical OA was defined based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Knee radiographs were taken and graded for overall Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) score.

Results
The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of study participants was 75.2 (2.6) years and almost identical proportions of men and women. The prevalence of knee OA differed depending on the method employed for diagnosis; 21% of the study participants self-reported knee OA, 18% of the participants had clinical knee OA and 42% of the participants had radiographic OA. Of those 72 study participants with a self-reported diagnosis of knee OA 52 (72%) had a radiographic diagnosis of knee OA, while 66% (39 out of 59) of study participants with clinical knee OA had a diagnosis of radiographic knee OA. However 58% of those participants diagnosed with radiographic OA did not have either self-reported knee OA or a diagnosis of clinical OA. Therefore in comparison with the radiographic definition of OA, both the clinical and self-report definitions had high specificity (91.5% & 91.5% respectively) and low sensitivity (24.5% and 32.7% respectively).

Conclusion
There is modest agreement between the radiographic, clinical and self-report methods of diagnosis of knee OA.
Contribution of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 (C/T) gene polymorphism to the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Cameroon
Authors: Guewo-Fokeng Magellan , Sobngwi Eugene , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Donfack Olivier Sontsa , Noubiap Jean Jacques N , Ngwa Elvis Ndonwi , Mato-Mofo Edith Pascale , Fosso Priscille Pokam , Djahmeni Eric , Djokam-Dadjeu Rosine , Evehe Marie-Solange , Aminkeng Folefac , Mbacham Wilfred F , Mbanya Jean Claude 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background
Data on the genetic variants for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in sub-Saharan African populations are very scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association of transcription factor 7-like (TCF7L2) with T2DM in a Cameroonian population and explore possible genotype-phenotype correlation.

Methods
This is a case–control study involving 37 T2DM patients and 37 non-diabetic volunteers of Cameroonian ethnicity aged 40 years old and above. We collected clinical and biological data to determine phenotypic traits. TCF7L2 was analyzed by genotyping for rs7903146 (C/T) using PCR-RFLP. Biochemical analyses were performed using a spectrophotometer with Chronolab kits. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS, PS and Quanto.

Results
TCF7L2 was associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population (p = 0.013 for alleles, and p = 0.013 for genotypes). The risk allele was C (9.5% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 16.56) and the protective allele was T (90.5% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.06). The risk genotype was C/T (18.9% patients vs. 0% healthy controls, OR = 18.44), while the protective genotype was T/T (81.1% patients vs. 100.0% healthy controls, OR = 0.054). The statistical power was 99.99%. TCF7L2 was not preferentially associated with a specific disease phenotype.

Conclusion
TCF7L2 is associated with T2DM in this Cameroonian population. The association is not dependent on a specific T2DM phenotype. Clinical genetic testing for TCF7L2 can help to predict the occurrence of T2DM in Cameroon.
Minireview: From the Bench, Toward the Clinic: Therapeutic Opportunities for Cannabinoid Receptor Modulation
Authors: Picone Robert P. , Kendall Debra A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The effects of cannabinoids have been known for centuries and over the past several decades two G protein-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2, that are responsible for their activity have been identified. Endogenous lipid-derived cannabinergic agents have been found, biosynthetic and catabolic machinery has been characterized, and synthetic agents have been designed to modulate these receptors. Selective agents including agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, and novel allosteric modulators targeting either CB1 or CB2 have been developed to inhibit or augment their basal tone. As a result, the role these receptors play in human physiology and their potential therapeutic applications in disease states are being elucidated. The CB1 receptor, although ubiquitous, is densely expressed in the brain, and CB2 is largely found on cells of immune origin. This minireview highlights the role of CB1 in excitotoxic assaults in the brain and its potential to limit addiction liability. In addition, it will examine the relationship between receptor activity and stimulation of insulin release from pancreatic β-cells, insulin resistance, and feeding behavior leading toward obesity. The roles of CB2 in the neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in the central manifestations of chronic HIV infection potentially converge at inflammatory cell activation, thereby providing an opportunity for intervention. Last, CB2 modulation is discussed in the context of an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Achieving exquisite receptor selectivity and elucidating the mechanisms underlying receptor inhibition and activation will be essential for the development of the next generation of cannabinergic-based therapeutic agents.
Selective Modification of Hydrophobic Paper Using a Surfactant for Protein Assay in Urine
Authors: Cai Longfei , Xu Chunxiu , Chen Yingcheng , Zhong Minghua , Wu Yunying 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
We used a surfactant to fabricate a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) by selective modification of hydrophobic filter paper. Hydrophobic tails of the surfactant penetrate and remain in the hydrophobic layer of filter cellulose while hydrophilic heads extend out of the hydrophobic layer, forming a hydrophilic layer on the hydrophobic cellulose to direct flow of aqueous solutions. A flower-shaped µPAD was fabricated by the presented method and was applied to the protein assay in human urine.
Quantification of polysaccharides fixed to Gram stained slides using lactophenol cotton blue and digital image processing
Authors: Ericksen Bryan 
Published: April 2015

Indigo rings and circles emerged when I added the non-specific polysaccharide stain lactophenol cotton blue to Gram stained slides. I attribute the dark blue staining to the presence of capsular polysaccharides and bacterial slime associated with clumps of Gram-negative bacteria. Since all bacterial cells are glycosylated and concentrate polysaccharides from the media, the majority of cells stain light blue. The contrast between dark and light staining is sufficient to enable a digital image processing thresholding technique to be quantitative with little background noise. Prior to the addition of lactophenol cotton blue, the Gram-stained slides appeared unremarkable, lacking ubiquitous clumps or stained polysaccharides. Adding lactophenol cotton blue to Gram stained slides is a quick and inexpensive way to screen cell cultures for bacterial slime, clumps and biofilms that are invisible using the Gram stain alone.
Analytic subordination theory of operator-valued free additive convolution and the solution of a general random matrix problem
Authors: Belinschi Serban T. , Mai Tobias , Speicher Roland 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
We develop an analytic theory of operator-valued additive free convolution
in terms of subordination functions. In contrast to earlier investigations our functions are not just given by power series expansions, but are defined as Fréchet analytic functions in all of the operator upper half plane. Furthermore, we do not have to assume that
our state is tracial. Combining this new analytic theory of operator-valued free convolution with Anderson’s selfadjoint version of the linearization trick we are able to provide a solution to the following general random matrix problem:
Let

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

{X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)}}

be selfadjoint

N
×
N

{N\times N}

random matrices which are, for

N
→
∞

{N\to\infty}

, asymptotically free. Consider a selfadjoint polynomial p in n non-commuting variables and let

P

(
N
)

{P^{(N)}}

be the element

P

(
N
)

=

p
⁢

(

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

)

{P^{(N)}=p(X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)})}

. How can we calculate the asymptotic eigenvalue distribution of

P

(
N
)

{P^{(N)}}

out of the asymptotic eigenvalue distributions of

X
1

(
N
)

,
…
,

X
n

(
N
)

{X_{1}^{(N)},\dots,X_{n}^{(N)}}

?
Modeling and Simulation of a Pilot-Scale Bubbling Fluidized Bed Gasifier for the Gasification of High Ash Indian Coal Using Eulerian Granular Approach
Authors: Singh G. K. , Mohanty B. , Mondal P. , Chavan P. , Datta S. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The present work deals with modeling and simulation of a pilot-scale bubbling fluidized bed gasifier (BFBG) for the gasification of high ash Indian coal. Taking into account different stages of coal gasification, such as drying, volatilization, gasification and combustion processes, a two-dimensional model with quadrilateral cells is developed using FLUENT 12.0 software. The model incorporates exchange of mass, momentum and energy between gaseous phase (phase 1) and solid phase (phase 2) using Eulerian–Eulerian approach. The solid phase is described by kinetic theory of granular flows. Four heterogeneous and four homogeneous reactions covering six species in gaseous phase (CO, CO2, H2, N2, O2 and H2O) and coal in solid phase are considered for the above process. The kinetics for the homogeneous reactions are described using eddy dissipation model available in FLUENT while that for heterogeneous reactions, a user-defined function (UDF) with Arrhenius kinetics is written in C language. The validation of the above model has been done using experimental data generated in a pilot-scale BFBG at Center Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad, India. The computed exit gas compositions as well as temperature profile inside the gasifier are in good agreement (within an error band of ±10%) with experimental data. The flow behaviors and volume fraction profiles of gas and solid phases in the bed zone and freeboard zone of the gasifier have also been predicted using this model.
CO2 Sorption by Hydrotalcite-Like Compounds in Dry and Wet Conditions
Authors: Gallucci Katia , Micheli Francesca , Poliandri Alessandro , Rossi Leucio , Foscolo Pier Ugo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA pre-combustion removal option, coupling water–gas shift and CO2capture is the well-known sorption-enhanced water–gas shift (SEWGS): the removal of CO2produced by WGS reaction, shifting the thermodynamic equilibrium, enhances H2production. Among the different CO2sorbents, hydrotalcite-like compounds work at the required intermediate temperature (T= 200–400°C). Using low supersaturation method, three different sorbents were synthesized. Sieved fractions were impregnated with 20%w/wK2CO3and then dried and subjected to thermal treatment. Sample characterization was performed by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD analysis and TG-DTA analysis. Sample analysis was carried out after synthesis, thermal treatment (calcination) and after fixed bed reactor capture tests. Sorption and desorption tests were performed in a fixed bed microreactor, under cyclic conditions, at temperature level ofT= 350°C andP= 5 bar in dry and wet condition. The amount of CO2captured by the sorbent in each test was quantified by means of a first order with dead time flow distribution model applied to the experimental system. Sorption capacity of sorbents in dry conditions increases of 30% with respect to previous atmospheric pressure results obtained in fluidized bed. These sorbents seem to be good candidates to be used as a bi-functional sorbent-catalyst for SEWGS.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Dried Waste Grape Skins
Authors: Pedroza Miguel A. , Amendola Danila , Maggi Luana , Zalacain Amaya , De Faveri Dante M. , Spigno Giorgia 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was investigated for recovering of total phenolic compounds from dried waste grape skins using a domestic microwave oven. Influence of vessel geometry, irradiation cycles, irradiation power and time was investigated. The results in terms of phenolics yield, antioxidant capacity and energy consumption were compared with a reference solid–liquid extraction (SLE) carried out for 2 h at 60°C. Equivalent yield of total phenolics as in SLE was achieved with a MAE extraction time of 1,033 sec (corresponding to 83 sec of irradiation at 900 W, 83% saving in extraction time compared to SLE and with a 70% energetic efficiency). Pre-maceration of samples and solvent pre-heating are proposed for large-scale industrial processes to enhance phenolics extraction and process efficiency.
The Perpetual Uncertainty of Civil Society: Case Study of an Anti-Hunger Organization in South Africa
Authors: Warshawsky Daniel N. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSouth Africa has one of the most active civil societies in the world, with more than 85,000 registered civil society organizations (CSOs). However, the growth of CSOs in post-apartheid South Africa does not necessarily imply that the sector is strong. While it is true that the demise of the apartheid regime increased democratic representation within South Africa, CSOs have experienced a series of institutional challenges which have weakened their organizational stability. This has included increased oversight by the state, inefficient and inconsistent funding from government, fickle demands by private donors, and competition from other sectors. Through an in-depth case study of a historically prominent CSO in South Africa, this paper critically analyzes the institutional challenges faced by CSOs in South Africa. Data findings suggest that lack of long-term funding support, ineffective state funding mechanisms, and competition from state programs and new CSOs have resulted in perpetual uncertainty for some CSOs. In all, these institutional problems may have the potential to shrink, destabilize, and limit the viability of South African CSOs. Moreover, this suggests that South African democratization may have simultaneously produced new opportunities for some CSOs, yet reinforced unequal power relations for other CSOs and thus produced a highly polarized CSO landscape.
Charitable Incorporated Organisations: An Analysis of the Three UK Jurisdictions
Authors: Morgan Gareth G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe specific legal forms available for charitable organisations have received much less attention by scholars as compared to work on the definition of charity, the boundaries of charitable status and the duties of charity trustees. Under each of the three UK jurisdictions, it could be argued that all charitable property is held on trust (in the sense that it is held for interests of the charity’s beneficiaries) but many charities are no longer formed using the structure of a trust. Charitable organisations can have many possible structures including charitable trusts, charitable associations, charitable companies and now charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs). Until recently the UK lacked any specific legal form for charities. The CIO was created to remedy this: a corporate body with limited liability, formed purely by registration with the appropriate charity regulator. Since 2008 it has been enshrined in statute in all three UK jurisdictions, though implementation dates only from 2011 in Scotland and from 2013 in England and Wales. The focus of this paper is a comparison of the CIO form in the three UK charity law jurisdictions. It analyses the frameworks for CIOs established in England and Wales, Scottish CIOs (SCIOs) and the (yet to be implemented) CIOs in Northern Ireland. It concludes that whilst the CIO concept is effectively reflected in all three jurisdictions, the differences between these three types of CIOs are much more than just those needed to comply with the different regimes of charity regulation – the differences raise important choices for those seeking to establish new charities operating UK-wide.
PENGEMBANGAN PENDIDIKAN BUDAYA DAN KARAKTER BANGSA DALAM UPAYA MENGHADAPI TANTANGAN GLOBAL
Authors: Arief Armai 
Published: April 2015

Building nation’s characters is an interesting issue to discuss. The issue cannot be separated from other issues within the nation. In this case, education plays a significant role. Education has to be able to lead the nation to solve various problems, including the changing values and its implication. It is important to note how education can contribute to the process of revitalization of cultural values within the context of social changes. Indonesian education is very fortunate to have Pancasila as its basic principle. Actualization of the values of Pancasila can be seen as a promising alternative in developing nation’s characters and culture. Pancasila is the core of national philosophy and ideology that has been formulated based on Indonesia’s culture and religions. It is important to note that the spirit of Pancasila is manifest in the formulation of the objectives of the national education. DOI: 10.15408/tjems.v1i2.1269