bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labour market reforms in Japan and the Republic of Korea: A comparative case study of policy‐making in the 2000s
Authors: Yun Ji‐Whan 
Published: February 2012

Abstract.As from the late 1990s, Japan and the Republic of Korea embarked upon labour market reforms that have often been presented as a simple process of flexibilization. Taking Polanyi's perspective of “double movement”, however, this paper explores how these countries combined “more market” with the pursuit of social stability. Reviewing legislative activities concerned with employment liberalization and income maintenance, the author analyses the different approaches taken by Japan and Korea in reforming their dual labour markets. In conclusion, he argues that their divergent reform paths originated in differences between the two countries' policy‐making mechanisms and environments.
Occupational contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine and its impurities
Authors: Suuronen Katri , Pesonen Maria , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina 
Published: February 2012

Background. Contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine has been attributed to its impurities dimethylaminopropylamine and cocamidopropyl dimethylamine.Objectives. To describe patients with positive patch test reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds in an occupational dermatology clinic.Methods. We reviewed the 2002–2009 patch test records at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health for allergic reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine, dimethylaminopropylamine, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine.Results. Irritant reactions to at least one of the test substances were seen in 39% of the 1092 patients tested. Fifteen (1.3%) patients showed allergic reactions: 13 to cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, 11 to dimethylaminopropylamine, 8 to oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, and 2 to cocamidopropyl betaine. Concomitant reactions to cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, dimethylaminopropylamine and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine were common. Ten of the 15 patients were diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds. The sources of occupational exposure included hair care products, hair colours, perm wave solutions, and liquid soaps. Multiple contact allergies and exposure to several irritant factors were common, and all patients had hand eczema.Conclusions. Patch test reactions to cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds are difficult to interpret, owing to extremely common irritant reactions. Cocamidopropyl betaine itself is probably not an allergen. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamidopropyl betaine‐related compounds is relatively rare and, unlike non‐occupational cocamidopropyl betaine‐related allergy, typically manifests as hand dermatitis.
Slip Casting of a Si3N4‐Based System
Authors: Hostaša Jan , Silvestroni Laura , Piancastelli Andreana , Sciti Diletta , Martino Daniela Di , Esposito Laura 
Published: February 2012

Silicon oxynitride ceramics were prepared by aqueous slip casting in plaster moulds. The colloidal behavior of slurries prepared with various dispersants was optimized through the electrokinetic sonic amplitude and rheological measurements. Samples with dimensions up to 5 × 10 × 2 cm were produced and the optimal processing and sintering conditions were determined. The flexural strength and dielectric constant of selected samples were similar to the values reported in literature for materials obtained with more expensive shaping techniques. The results showed that the preparation of large silicon oxynitride components by slip casting is feasible.
Bimodal effect of retinoic acid on melanocyte differentiation identified by time‐dependent analysis
Authors: Inoue Yu , Hasegawa Seiji , Yamada Takaaki , Date Yasushi , Mizutani Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko , Akamatsu Hirohiko 
Published: February 2012

SummaryRetinoic acid (RA) is considered to control melanocytes; however, its precise mechanism remains unclear because of a bimodal effect, which promotes or inhibits melanin synthesis depending on the cell type, culture condition of melanocytes and skin conditions. In this study, we examined the effects of RA throughout each stage of differentiation of melanocytes using a mouse embryonic stem cell culture system to induce melanocytes. The results showed that RA has significantly different effects depending on the stage of differentiation of melanocytes. More specifically, RA promoted differentiation in earlier stages, wherein embryonic stem cells became melanoblasts via neural crest cells, and inhibited differentiation in later stages, wherein melanoblasts became melanocytes. It was revealed for the first time that melanocytes show markedly different reactions to RA depending on the stage of differentiation.
Melanocortin‐1 receptor‐mediated signalling pathways activated by NDP‐MSH and HBD3 ligands
Authors: Beaumont Kimberley A. , Smit Darren J. , Liu Yan Yan , Chai Eric , Patel Mira P. , Millhauser Glenn L. , Smith Jennifer J. , Alewood Paul F. , Sturm Richard A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBinding of melanocortin peptide agonists to the melanocortin‐1 receptor of melanocytes results in eumelanin production, whereas binding of the agouti signalling protein inverse agonist results in pheomelanin synthesis. Recently, a novel melanocortin‐1 receptor ligand was reported. A β‐defensin gene mutation was found to be responsible for black coat colour in domestic dogs. Notably, the human equivalent, β‐defensin 3, was found to bind with high affinity to the melanocortin‐1 receptor; however, the action of β‐defensin as an agonist or antagonist was unknown. Here, we use in vitro assays to show that β‐defensin 3 is able to act as a weak partial agonist for cAMP signalling in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing human melanocortin‐1 receptor. β‐defensin 3 is also able to activate MAPK signalling in HEK cells stably expressing either wild type or variant melanocortin‐1 receptors. We suggest that β‐defensin 3 may be a novel melanocortin‐1 receptor agonist involved in regulating melanocyte responses in humans.
Immigrant Children and Families and the Public Child Welfare System: Considerations for Legal Systems
Authors: Dettlaff Alan J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTRecent research findings have provided new information on children of immigrants who come to the attention of the child welfare system. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the involvement of children of immigrants in this system, their exposure to risk factors, and their experience of maltreatment. The article also presents the challenges child welfare and legal systems face when children of immigrants enter the child welfare system that may impact their well‐being, and concludes with recommendations for legal systems to work in collaboration with child welfare systems to facilitate positive outcomes for children in immigrant families.
Study of Cavitation Erosion Pits on 1045 Carbon Steel Surface in Corrosive Waters
Authors: Karrab S. A. , Doheim M. A. , Aboraia Mohammed S. , Ahmed S. M. 
Published: February 2012

Cavitation erosion resistance of steels is important in many applications. The investigation of such resistance, under different conditions, should be very useful. Cavitation erosion tests were carried out on carbon steel AISI-1045 using an ultrasonic induced cavitation facility. Cavitation erosion pits and their effect on the localized corrosion were investigated in detail in three different corrosive media: distilled water, tap water, and 3% NaCl water.The results of the investigation using SEM indicated the formation of three types of pits on cavitating specimen surfaces: corrosion pits, erosion pits, and erosion-corrosion pits. The corrosion pits have different shapes, however, the lamellar structure is the dominant structure, and has a large size of about 100 μm. The erosion pits that were formed by the cavitation microjet impacts have sizes of a few micrometers. The erosion-corrosion pits were similar to the corrosion pits, except the erosion pits formed on the corrosion pit surface due to dissolution. The eroded surface removal was the largest in the case of saline water.
Growth of Aerobic Ripening Bacteria at the Cheese Surface Is Limited by the Availability of Iron
Authors: Monnet Christophe , Back Alexandre , Irlinger Françoise 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The microflora on the surface of smear-ripened cheeses is composed of various species of bacteria and yeasts that contribute to the production of the desired organoleptic properties. The objective of the present study was to show that iron availability is a limiting factor in the growth of typical aerobic ripening bacteria in cheese. For that purpose, we investigated the effect of iron or siderophore addition in model cheeses that were coinoculated with a yeast and a ripening bacterium. Both iron and the siderophore desferrioxamine B stimulated the growth of ripening bacteria belonging to the genera
Arthrobacter
,
Corynebacterium
, and
Brevibacterium
. The extent of stimulation was strain dependent, and generally, the effect of desferrioxamine B was greater than that of iron. Measurements of the expression of genes related to the metabolism of iron by
Arthrobacter arilaitensis
Re117 by real-time reverse transcription-PCR showed that these genes were transcribed during growth in cheese. The addition of desferrioxamine B increased the expression of two genes encoding iron-siderophore ABC transport binding proteins. The addition of iron decreased the expression of siderophore biosynthesis genes and of part of the genes encoding iron-siderophore ABC transport components. It was concluded that iron availability is a limiting factor in the growth of typical cheese surface bacteria. The selection of strains with efficient iron acquisition systems may be useful for the development of defined-strain surface cultures. Furthermore, the importance of iron metabolism in the microbial ecology of cheeses should be investigated since it may result in positive or negative microbial interactions.
Biodegradation of Trichloroethylene by an Endophyte of Hybrid Poplar
Authors: Kang Jun Won , Khan Zareen , Doty Sharon L. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

We isolated and characterized a novel endophyte from hybrid poplar. This unique endophyte, identified as
Enterobacter
sp. strain PDN3, showed high tolerance to trichloroethylene (TCE). Without the addition of inducers, such as toluene or phenol, PDN3 rapidly reduced TCE levels in medium from 72.4 μM to 30.1 μM in 24 h with a concurrent release of 127 μM chloride ion, and nearly 80% of TCE (55.3 μM) was dechlorinated by PDN3 in 5 days with 166 μM chloride ion production, suggesting TCE degradation.
Genome Scanning for Conditionally Essential Genes in Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium
Authors: Khatiwara Anita , Jiang Tieshan , Sung Sam-Sun , Dawoud Turki , Kim Jeong Nam , Bhattacharya Dhruva , Kim Hee-Bal , Ricke Steven C. , Kwon Young Min 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

As more whole-genome sequences become available, there is an increasing demand for high-throughput methods that link genes to phenotypes, facilitating discovery of new gene functions. In this study, we describe a new version of the Tn-seq method involving a modified EZ:Tn
5
transposon for genome-wide and quantitative mapping of all insertions in a complex mutant library utilizing massively parallel Illumina sequencing. This Tn-seq method was applied to a genome-saturating
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium mutant library recovered from selection under 3 different
in vitro
growth conditions (diluted Luria-Bertani [LB] medium, LB medium plus bile acid, and LB medium at 42°C), mimicking some aspects of host stressors. We identified an overlapping set of 105 protein-coding genes in
S
. Typhimurium that are conditionally essential under at least one of the above selective conditions. Competition assays using 4 deletion mutants (
pyrD
,
glnL
,
recD
, and STM14_5307) confirmed the phenotypes predicted by Tn-seq data, validating the utility of this approach in discovering new gene functions. With continuously increasing sequencing capacity of next generation sequencing technologies, this robust Tn-seq method will aid in revealing unexplored genetic determinants and the underlying mechanisms of various biological processes in
Salmonella
and the other approximately 70 bacterial species for which EZ:Tn
5
mutagenesis has been established.
Efficacy of Biocides Used in the Modern Food Industry To Control Salmonella enterica, and Links between Biocide Tolerance and Resistance to Clinically Relevant Antimicrobial Compounds
Authors: Condell Orla , Iversen Carol , Cooney Shane , Power Karen A. , Walsh Ciara , Burgess Catherine , Fanning Séamus 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Biocides play an essential role in limiting the spread of infectious disease. The food industry is dependent on these agents, and their increasing use is a matter for concern. Specifically, the emergence of bacteria demonstrating increased tolerance to biocides, coupled with the potential for the development of a phenotype of cross-resistance to clinically important antimicrobial compounds, needs to be assessed. In this study, we investigated the tolerance of a collection of susceptible and multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella enterica
strains to a panel of seven commercially available food-grade biocide formulations. We explored their abilities to adapt to these formulations and their active biocidal agents, i.e., triclosan, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, and benzalkonium chloride, after sequential rounds of
in vitro
selection. Finally, cross-tolerance of different categories of biocidal formulations, their active agents, and the potential for coselection of resistance to clinically important antibiotics were investigated. Six of seven food-grade biocide formulations were bactericidal at their recommended working concentrations. All showed a reduced activity against both surface-dried and biofilm cultures. A stable phenotype of tolerance to biocide formulations could not be selected. Upon exposure of
Salmonella
strains to an active biocidal compound, a high-level of tolerance was selected for a number of
Salmonella
serotypes. No cross-tolerance to the different biocidal agents or food-grade biocide formulations was observed. Most tolerant isolates displayed changes in their patterns of susceptibility to antimicrobial compounds. Food industry biocides are effective against planktonic
Salmonella
. When exposed to sublethal concentrations of individual active biocidal agents, tolerant isolates may emerge. This emergence was associated with changes in antimicrobial susceptibilities.
Moraxella Species Are Primarily Responsible for Generating Malodor in Laundry
Authors: Kubota Hiromi , Mitani Asako , Niwano Yu , Takeuchi Kohei , Tanaka Atsushi , Yamaguchi Noriko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Hitomi Jun 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Many people in Japan often detect an unpleasant odor generated from laundry that is hung to dry indoors or when using their already-dried laundry. Such an odor is often described as a “wet-and-dirty-dustcloth-like malodor” or an “acidic or sweaty odor.” In this study, we isolated the major microorganisms associated with such a malodor, the major component of which has been identified as 4-methyl-3-hexenoic acid (4M3H). The isolates were identified as
Moraxella osloensis
by morphological observation and biochemical and phylogenetic tree analyses.
M. osloensis
has the potential to generate 4M3H in laundry. The bacterium is known to cause opportunistic infections but has never been known to generate a malodor in clothes. We found that
M. osloensis
exists at a high frequency in various living environments, particularly in laundry in Japan. The bacterium showed a high tolerance to desiccation and UV light irradiation, providing one of the possible reasons why they survive in laundry during and even after drying.
Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Changes during Encystment of Free-Living Amoebae
Authors: Fouque Emilie , Trouilhé Marie-Cécile , Thomas Vincent , Hartemann Philippe , Rodier Marie-Hélène , Héchard Yann 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Free-living amoebae are protozoa found in soil and water. Among them, some are pathogenic and many have been described as potential reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria. Their cell cycle is divided into at least two forms, the trophozoite and the cyst, and the differentiation process is named encystment. As cysts are more resistant to disinfection treatments than trophozoites, many studies focused on encystment, but until recently, little was known about cellular, biochemical, and molecular modifications operating during this process. Important signals and signaling pathways at play during encystment, as well as cell responses at the molecular level, have been described. This review summarizes our knowledge and focuses on new findings.
Comparative Analysis of the First Complete Enterococcus faecium Genome
Authors: Lam Margaret M. C. , Seemann Torsten , Bulach Dieter M. , Gladman Simon L. , Chen Honglei , Haring Volker , Moore Robert J. , Ballard Susan , Grayson M. Lindsay , Johnson Paul D. R. , Howden Benjamin P. , Stinear Timothy P. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections in health care facilities around the globe. In particular, infections caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
are becoming increasingly common. Comparative and functional genomic studies of
E. faecium
isolates have so far been limited owing to the lack of a fully assembled
E. faecium
genome sequence. Here we address this issue and report the complete 3.0-Mb genome sequence of the multilocus sequence type 17 vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
strain Aus0004, isolated from the bloodstream of a patient in Melbourne, Australia, in 1998. The genome comprises a 2.9-Mb circular chromosome and three circular plasmids. The chromosome harbors putative
E. faecium
virulence factors such as enterococcal surface protein, hemolysin, and collagen-binding adhesin. Aus0004 has a very large accessory genome (38%) that includes three prophage and two genomic islands absent among 22 other
E. faecium
genomes. One of the prophage was present as inverted 50-kb repeats that appear to have facilitated a 683-kb chromosomal inversion across the replication terminus, resulting in a striking replichore imbalance. Other distinctive features include 76 insertion sequence elements and a single chromosomal copy of Tn
1549
containing the
vanB
vancomycin resistance element. A complete
E. faecium
genome will be a useful resource to assist our understanding of this emerging nosocomial pathogen.
Re-evaluation of serological criteria for early syphilis treatment efficacy: progression to neurosyphilis despite therapy
Authors: Zhou Pingyu , Gu Xin , Lu Haikong , Guan Zhifang , Qian Yihong 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo study 17 cases of secondary syphilis that progressed to neurosyphilis despite appropriate treatments and whose rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titres showed a fourfold decrease within 6 months but did not revert to negative.MethodsSecondary syphilis patients with the following criteria were analysed: (1) RPR titres declined fourfold within 3 months after therapy, (2) patients denied high-risk sexual behaviours following treatment, (3) RPR titre remained serofast 24 months after treatment, (4) reactive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and CSF–Treponema pallidumParticle Agglutination Test (TPPA) and (5) HIV antibody negative.Results14 male and three female patients met the criteria. 13 patients were asymptomatic. The CSF leucocyte count was elevated in 10 patients of whom nine also had elevated CSF–proteins. The RPR titres following secondary syphilis treatments were ≥1:32 in five cases, 1:16 in four cases, 1:8 in six cases and 1:4 in two cases. Following treatments for neurosyphilis, four cases with neurological or psychiatric manifestations resolved or improved, nine cases with raised CSF–white blood cells returned to normal and nine of 12 cases with raised CSF–protein declined to normal.ConclusionsNeurosyphilis may be detected in immunocompetent patients despite appropriate therapy for early-stage syphilis and appropriate serological responses. Clinicians should consider a CSF examination in any treated patient with evidence of disease progression irrespective of prior treatment history and serological response.
Concordant Release of Glycolysis Proteins into the Plasma Preceding a Diagnosis of ER+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Amon Lynn M. , Pitteri Sharon J. , Li Christopher I. , McIntosh Martin , Ladd Jon J. , Disis Mary , Porter Peggy , Wong Chee Hong , Zhang Qing , Lampe Paul , Prentice Ross L. , Hanash Samir M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough the identification of peripheral blood biomarkers would enhance early detection strategies for breast cancer, the discovery of protein markers has been challenging. In this study, we sought to identify coordinated changes in plasma proteins associated with breast cancer based on large-scale quantitative mass spectrometry. We analyzed plasma samples collected up to 74 weeks before diagnosis from 420 estrogen receptor (ER)+ cases and matched controls enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative cohort. A gene set enrichment analysis was applied to 467 quantified proteins, linking their corresponding genes to particular biologic pathways. On the basis of differences in the concentration of individual proteins, glycolysis pathway proteins exhibited a statistically significant difference between cases and controls. In particular, the enrichment was observed among cases in which blood was drawn closer to diagnosis (effect size for the 0–38 weeks prediagnostic group, 1.91; P, 8.3E-05). Analysis of plasmas collected at the time of diagnosis from an independent set of cases and controls confirmed upregulated levels of glycolysis proteins among cases relative to controls. Together, our findings indicate that the concomitant release of glycolysis proteins into the plasma is a pathophysiologic event that precedes a diagnosis of ER+ breast cancer. Cancer Res; 72(8); 1935–42. ©2012 AACR.