bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional cooperation at a basin level: For what, by whom? Lessons learned from Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake
Authors: Keskinen Marko , Varis Olli 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWater is fundamental for the development of any society. Several concepts in water management promote integration, cooperation and a basin‐wide approach as a means to achieve sustainable development of water resources. Management institutions aiming to put these concepts into practice are developed around the world, with varying success. This paper looks at the institutional setting in the Tonle Sap Lake area in Cambodia, and analyses three initiatives for establishing a coordinating organization for the lake basin. Due to the significance of the Tonle Sap to the entire country and the transboundary Mekong River Basin, the area's management is an important yet contested issue. Our study indicates that while the discussion about the most suitable forms of management revolves around commonly accepted ideals of cooperation and sustainability, the actual drivers for institutional reforms are strongly influenced by the existing institutions and their political rivalries and interests. Following, the basin‐wide approach currently dominant in water management — for good and logical reasons — can actually hinder institutional cooperation, as the existing institutional hegemons may see it as a threat to their mandate. We therefore argue that a process seeking to establish a new basin organization should pay particular attention to the existing institutions, including the way the differing scales, levels and boundaries within the basin affect their relations.
Seizures and epilepsy in Sotos syndrome: Analysis of 19 Caucasian patients with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Nicita Francesco , Ruggieri Martino , Polizzi Agata , Mauceri Laura , Salpietro Vincenzo , Briuglia Silvana , Papetti Laura , Ursitti Fabiana , Grosso Salvatore , Tarani Luigi , Segni Maria , Savasta Salvatore , Parisi Pasquale , Verrotti Alberto , Spalice Alberto 
Published: February 2012

SummarySotos syndrome (SS) is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by typical facial appearance, learning disability, and macrocephaly as cardinal diagnostic features. Febrile (FS) and afebrile seizures are reported in 9–50% of cases. There is no evidence that patients with SS and FS later develop epilepsy, and no studies have investigated the electroclinical features and the long‐term outcome in epileptic SS patients. The authors report a series of 19 SS patients with FS and/or epilepsy during childhood and a long‐term follow‐up. More than half of FS evolved to epilepsy. Temporal lobe seizures were recorded in 40% of patients with SS. Seizures were easy to control with common antiepileptic drugs in almost all patients. A careful neurologic evaluation is useful for SS patients, since seizures are an important finding among people with this overgrowth syndrome.
Capacity and Efficiency in Small‐ to Medium‐Sized Biodiesel Production Systems
Authors: Kovács András J. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThis article applies principles of industrial ecology to small‐ and medium‐sized biodiesel production facilities. A large potential for gains in efficiency and profit are realized through technology retrofits and the novel application and reuse of process materials.Our basic criteria for sustainability of farm‐scale biodiesel production systems are measured by the following questions: Are all of the resources, mass, and energy flows in the system rational and harmonized? Is the feedstock produced without adverse effects on natural resources or the food chain?We answer these questions by presenting and applying the latest chemical engineering and technology research to support the harmonized and rationalized use of resources and energy within the system boundaries of a farm economy. The feedstock must include refuse and secondary oil sources with low impact on the food chain. Emissions must be reduced to a minimum for a smaller carbon footprint and positive emissions balance from seed to exhaust. Discharges should be avoided; wastes must be turned into primary and intermediary products or energy resources. Proper techniques and routines should serve environmental and human health and safety targets.Reuse of existing assets is considered for improving unit capacity and efficiency, thus lowering costs of conversion. Significant benefits in profitability and production capacity, combined with improved environmental performance, are the main outcomes of the recommended restructuring of production at farm‐scale.
Retail Strategies for Extended Warranty Sales and Impact on Manufacturer Base Warranties
Authors: Heese H. Sebastian 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTConsider two competing manufacturers selling their products through the same retailer. If this retailer derives profits from extended warranty sales, the manufacturers face a dilemma in setting their base warranties. Although they have incentive to increase their warranties to make their products attractive to consumers, the retailer might prefer selling lower‐warranty products to enhance extended warranties sales. We develop a stylized model to determine and analyze optimal manufacturer and retailer strategies in this setting. Consistent with the ongoing decline in warranties for products that are sold through independent retailers, we show that these interactions exert downward pressure on manufacturer warranties. Rather than pitching the extended warranty at the checkout after customers have selected a certain product, we find that retailers can often benefit from inducing simultaneous consideration of product and extended warranty characteristics, for example by posting extended warranty information right on the product shelf.
The Effect of In Vitro Growth Conditions on the Resistance of Acanthamoeba Cysts
Authors: Coulon Celine , Dechamps Nathalie , Meylheuc Thierry , Collignon Anne , McDonnell Gerald , Thomas Vincent 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDespite increasing concerns of direct pathogenicity and/or their role as hosts for other microorganisms there are currently no standard methods for the inactivation of amoebae that belong to the genus Acanthamoeba. Methods used to grow amoebae and produce cysts for these tests may be important as they can dramatically modify cyst susceptibility. We compared resistance of cysts produced from trophozoites grown in peptone‐yeast extract‐glucose broth or by feeding on HEp‐2 cells and then encysted in Neff's medium. We observed that trophozoites grown using HEp‐2 cells as a nutrient source produce cysts that are significantly more resistant to SDS and to most biocides tested, including heat. Increased resistance is likely due to a higher proportion of mature cysts presenting thicker cell walls as demonstrated using transmission electron microscopy. This was confirmed by calcofluor white staining demonstrating higher cellulose content in cysts produced from trophozoites grown using HEp‐2 cells as a feeding source. These results demonstrate that not only methods used to produce cysts from trophozoites are critical, but that methods used to grow trophozoites before encystment should also be chosen carefully. This should be taken into account for the development of protocols to evaluate biocides and antimicrobials against amoebal cysts.
Hepatoblastoma in an infant with paternal uniparental disomy 14
Authors: Horii Mariko , Horiuchi Hiroko , Momoeda Mikio , Nakagawa Machiko , Hirata Michio , Kusakawa Isao , Yamanaka Michiko 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTA 29‐year‐old primigravida developed polyhydramnios at 24 weeks of gestation, requiring six serial amnioreductions. In addition, prenatal ultrasound examinations revealed a fetus with small stomach pouch, small thorax, slightly shortened limbs, and skin edema; paternal uniparental disomy 14(upd(14)pat) phenotype was suspected. At 37 weeks, the patient delivered a 2558 g female infant with characteristic facial features, webbed neck, thoracic deformity, abdominal wall defect, skin edema, overlapping fingers, placentomegaly, and small thorax with ‘coat‐hanger’ appearance of the ribs on chest X‐ray. A phenotype consistent with upd(14)pat was confirmed by DNA analysis. Although the infant's condition was initially stable, hepatoblastoma was subsequently detected and right hepatectomy was performed on day 224. On day 382, the infant was discharged with in‐home respiratory management.
Effect of working consecutive night shifts on sleep time, prior wakefulness, perceived levels of fatigue and performance on a psychometric test in emergency registrars
Authors: Haire Julia Christine Lydia , Ferguson Sally Anne , Tilleard James D , Negus Paul , Dorrian Jillian , Thomas Matthew JW 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effect of working consecutive night shifts on sleep time, prior wakefulness, perceived levels of fatigue and psychomotor performance in a group of Australian emergency registrars.Methods: A prospective observational study with a repeated within‐subjects component was conducted. Sleep time was determined using sleep diaries and activity monitors. Subjective fatigue levels and reciprocal reaction times were evaluated before and after day and night shifts.Results: A total of 11 registrars participated in the study with 120 shifts analysed. Sleep time was found to be similar during consecutive night and day shifts. The mean number of hours spent awake before the end of a night shift was 14.33. Subjective fatigue scores were worst at the end of a night shift. There was no difference in reciprocal reaction time between the end of night shift and the start of day shift.Conclusions: Registrars sleep a similar amount of time surrounding night and day shifts. Despite reporting the highest levels of fatigue at the end of a night shift, there is no significant difference in reaction times at the end of night shift compared with the beginning of day shift. This correlates with the finding that at the end of night shift the registrars have been awake for less than 16 h, which is the point at which psychomotor performance is expected to decline.
Ursolic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines U251 by Suppressing TGF‐β1/miR‐21/PDCD4 Pathway
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Yongli , Wang Xiaofeng , Jiang Chuanlu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNew chemotherapeutic strategy should be investigated to enhance clinical management in human gliomas. Recently, ursolic acid (UA), as a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene, has exhibited a potent anticancer activity in various tumour cells but remains uncertain in human glioma cells. Here, we examined whether UA could suppress the proliferation of human glioma cell line U251, and if so, its possible molecular targets. Cell survival, apoptosis and molecular targets were identified by multiple detecting techniques, including trypan blue dye exclusion assay, electron microscopy, AO/EB staining, Real‐time PCR and immunoblotting in U251 cells. The results showed that 5–20 μM of UA suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of U251 cells in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. UA increased the activation of caspase‐3 and markedly suppressed levels of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) in a time‐dependent manner. The expression of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), which is a miR‐21 targeting apoptotic gene, has also been enhanced by UA. And over‐expression of miR‐21 in U251 cells abolished the enhancement of PDCD4 protein by UA. More importantly, TGF‐β1/smads signalling, as critical upstream regulators of miR‐21, has also been suppressed by UA. These findings suggest that UA inhibits cell growth via causing apoptosis in U251 cells by a UA‐triggered TGF‐β1/miR‐21/PDCD4 pathway. This study provides an evidence for testing UA efficacy in vivo and warranting future investigations examining the clinical potential of UA in human gliomas.
The Statistical Power of Inclusive Composite Interval Mapping in Detecting Digenic Epistasis Showing Common F2 Segregation RatiosF
Authors: Zhang Luyan , Li Huihui , Wang Jiankang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEpistasis is a commonly observed genetic phenomenon and an important source of variation of complex traits, which could maintain additive variance and therefore assure the long‐term genetic gain in breeding. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) is able to identify epistatic quantitative trait loci (QTLs) no matter whether the two interacting QTLs have any additive effects. In this article, we conducted a simulation study to evaluate detection power and false discovery rate (FDR) of ICIM epistatic mapping, by considering F2 and doubled haploid (DH) populations, different F2 segregation ratios and population sizes. Results indicated that estimations of QTL locations and effects were unbiased, and the detection power of epistatic mapping was largely affected by population size, heritability of epistasis, and the amount and distribution of genetic effects. When the same likelihood of odd (LOD) threshold was used, detection power of QTL was higher in F2 population than power in DH population; meanwhile FDR in F2 was also higher than that in DH. The increase of marker density from 10 cM to 5 cM led to similar detection power but higher FDR. In simulated populations, ICIM achieved better mapping results than multiple interval mapping (MIM) in estimation of QTL positions and effect. At the end, we gave epistatic mapping results of ICIM in one actual population in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
Evidence for a non-universal stellar initial mass function in low-redshift high-density early-type galaxies
Authors: Dutton Aaron A. , Mendel J. Trevor , Simard Luc 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
We determine an absolute calibration of stellar mass-to-light ratios for the densest ≃3 per cent of early-type galaxies in the local Universe (redshift z≃ 0.08) from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7. This sample of ∼4000 galaxies has, assuming a Chabrier initial mass function (IMF), effective stellar surface densities Σe &gt; 2500 M⊙ pc−2, stellar population synthesis (SPS) stellar masses log10(MSPS/M⊙) &lt; 10.8 and aperture velocity dispersions of σap = 168+37-34km s-1 (68 per cent range). In contrast to typical early-type galaxies, we show that these dense early-type galaxies follow the virial Fundamental Plane, which suggests that mass follows light. With the additional assumption that any dark matter does not follow the light, the dynamical masses of dense galaxies provide a direct measurement of stellar masses. Our dynamical masses (Mdyn), obtained from the spherical Jeans equations, are only weakly sensitive to the choice of anisotropy (β) due to the relatively large aperture of the SDSS fibre for these galaxies: Rap≃ 1.5Re. Assuming isotropic orbits (β= 0), we find a median log10(Mdyn/MSPS) = 0.233 ± 0.003, consistent with a Salpeter IMF, while more bottom-heavy IMFs and standard Milky Way IMFs are strongly disfavoured. Our results are consistent with, but do not require, a dependence of the IMF on dynamical mass or velocity dispersion. We find evidence for a colour dependence to the IMF such that redder galaxies have heavier IMFs with Mdyn/MSPS∝ (g−r)1.13 ± 0.09. This may reflect a more fundamental dependence of the IMF on the age or metallicity of a stellar population, or the density at which the stars formed.
Aged red garlic extract reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and acute pulmonary inflammation through haeme oxygenase‐1 induction
Authors: Park H.‐J. , Jeon B. T. , Kim H. C. , Roh G. S. , Shin J.‐H. , Sung N.‐J. , Han J. , Kang D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAimIt is known that garlic has antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties. Aged red garlic (ARG), a novel aged garlic formulation, has higher antioxidant effects than fresh raw garlic. This study was performed to examine the anti‐inflammatory effects of ARG extract (ARGE).MethodsThe anti‐inflammatory effects of ARGE were evaluated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated Raw 264.7 macrophages and acute lung inflammatory mice. NO production was determined by the Griess method, and iNOS, HO‐1 and COX‐2 expressions were measured using Western blot analysis. Histology and inflammation extent of lung were analysed using haematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.ResultsARGE treatment markedly reduced LPS‐induced nitrite production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Treatment of cells with ARGE led to a significant increase in haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) protein expression, which was mediated by stimulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). Treatment with zinc protoporphyrin, a selective inhibitor of HO‐1, significantly reversed the ARGE‐mediated inhibition of nitrite production (P < 0.05). In LPS‐induced inflammatory mice, ARGE treatment down‐regulated iNOS and COX‐2 expressions, while it up‐regulated HO‐1 expression.ConclusionThese results show that ARGE reduces LPS‐induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages through HO‐1 induction and suggest that ARGE may have potential effects on prevention and treatment of acute inflammatory lung injury.
Communicating Hinduism in a Changing Media Context
Authors: Jacobs Stephen 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNew media forms have a range of implications for the way in which the Hindu community is conceived and Hinduism is practiced. Oral modes of communication continue to have a significant role in the communication of Hinduism, however, Hindus have also made effective, and often innovative, use of all media forms. The use of print made by Hindu reformers, such as Rammohun Roy, was an important feature in the conceptualization of Hinduism as a ‘world religion’. Print technology also made possible the proliferation of visual images, which have now become incorporated into the devotional practices of many Hindus. Hindus have also developed unique genres in film and television, drawing on the rich narrative traditions of Hindu mythology. Hinduism can also be found in cyberspace. Online darśan, online pūjā services and other uses of the Internet have enabled Hindus, both in India and in diaspora, to maintain a connection with gurus, sacred places and other aspects of tradition. These developments in communication technologies are important in understanding Hinduism today, and the way in which it has evolved in a global context.
Infectivity phenotypes of H3N2 influenza A viruses in primary swine respiratory epithelial cells are controlled by sialic acid binding
Authors: Bateman Allen C. , Busch Marc G. , Karasin Alexander I. , Olsen Christopher W. 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Bateman et al. (2012) Infectivity phenotypes of H3N2 influenza A viruses in primary swine respiratory epithelial cells are controlled by sialic acid binding. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 424–433.Background  In the late 1990s, triple reassortant H3N2 influenza A viruses emerged and spread widely in the US swine population. We have shown previously that an isolate representative of this virus‐lineage, A/Swine/Minnesota/593/99 (Sw/MN), exhibits phenotypic differences compared to a wholly human‐lineage H3N2 virus isolated during the same time period, A/Swine/Ontario/00130/97 (Sw/ONT). Specifically, Sw/MN was more infectious for pigs and infected a significantly higher proportion of cultured primary swine respiratory epithelial cells (SRECs). In addition, reverse genetics‐generated Sw/MN × Sw/ONT reassortant and point mutant viruses demonstrated that the infectivity phenotypes in SRECs were strongly dependent on three amino acids within the hemagglutinin (HA) gene.Objectives  To determine the mechanism by which Sw/MN attains higher infectivity than Sw/ONT in SRECs.Methods  A/Swine/Minnesota/593/99, Sw/ONT, and mutant (reverse genetics‐generated HA reassortant and point mutant) viruses were compared at various HA‐mediated stages of infection: initial sialic acid binding, virus entry, and the pH of virus–endosome fusion.Results/Conclusions  Sialic acid binding was the sole stage where virus differences directly paralleled infectivity phenotypes in SRECs, indicating that binding is the primary mechanism responsible for differences in the infectivity levels of Sw/MN and Sw/ONT.
Effect of Pectin, Starch, and Locust Bean Gum on the Interfacial Activity of Monostearin and β‐Lactoglobulin
Authors: López‐Castejón Maria Luisa , Fuente Julia de la , Ruiz Manuela , Muñoz José 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The behavior of some hydrocolloids widely used as stabilizers of low‐oil‐content water emulsions (starch, pectins, and a locust bean gum–pectin blend) at the air–water and model oil–water interface is analyzed. Their influence on the surface and interface activity of typical food emulsifiers, such as β‐lactoglobulin and monostearin, is also considered. It is demonstrated that the greatest interfacial activity is provided by one of the commercial pectins studied. It is capable of modifying the characteristics of monostearin and β‐lactoglobulin interfacial films in a different way depending on both the nature of the oil phase and the type of surfactant used.Practical Application:  This research may contribute not only to enhance the final‐consumer life quality by optimizing low‐oil‐content food emulsion formulations which contain “natural” stabilizers, but also to increase the added value of by‐products of some fruit juices as well as of sugar factories since pectin can be manufactured not only from citrus and apple peels but also from sugar beet pulps.
mvabund– an R package for model‐based analysis of multivariate abundance data
Authors: Wang Yi , Naumann Ulrike , Wright Stephen T. , Warton David I. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. The mvabund package for R provides tools for model‐based analysis of multivariate abundance data in ecology.2. This includes methods for visualising data, fitting predictive models, checking model assumptions, as well as testing hypotheses about the community–environment association.3. This paper briefly introduces the package and demonstrates its functionality by example.
PPARγ agonist pioglitazone improves scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice
Authors: Xiang Guo Qing , Tang Su Su , Jiang Li Ying , Hong Hao , Li Qing , Wang Chao , Wang Xiao Yun , Zhang Ting Ting , Yin Lei 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure to pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist, on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, in mice.

Methods
Pioglitazone (9 mg/kg, 18 mg/kg) was orally administered for 9 days at 30 min before intraperitoneal injection with scopolamine (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.). Cognitive function was evaluated by the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test on the 10th day after treatment. Changes in cholinergic system reactivity were also examined by measuring the acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in the hippocampus and cortex.

Key findings
Scopolamine injection induced impaired performance in the passive avoidance test and the water maze test and severe decrease of cholinergic system reactivity, as indicated by reduced acetylcholine levels, decreased choline acetyltransferase activity and increased acetylcholinesterase activity. Daily administration of pioglitazone significantly increased step-through latency in passive avoidance test, and significantly decreased the escape latency, and increased the time spent in the platform quadrant in the Morris water maze test. Pioglitazone also protected against scopolamine-induced cholinergic system deficit, including reduced acetylcholine levels, decreased choline acetyltransferase activity and increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus or cortex.

Conclusions
Pioglitazone demonstrates a significant neuroprotective effect against scopolamine-induced cholinergic system deficit and cognitive impairment.