bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of Geobacillus stearothermophilus Strains 22 and 53, Isolated from the Garga Hot Spring in the Barguzin River Valley of the Russian Federation
Authors: Rozanov Aleksey S. , Logacheva Maria D. , Peltek Sergey E.
Published: November 2014

Geobacillus stearothermophilus
strains 22 and 53 were isolated from sediment samples isolated from the Garga hot spring (72°C) located in the valley of the river Barguzin (the Baikal region, Russian Federation) (54°19′3.72″N, 110°59′38.4″E).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cryobacterium roopkundensis
Strain RuGl7, Isolated from a Soil Sample in the Vicinity of Roopkund Lake, Himalayas, India
Authors: Sathyanarayana Reddy Gundlapally , Sreenivas Ara , Shivaji Sisinthy
Published: November 2014

We report the 4.36-Mb genome of
Cryobacterium roopkundensis
strain RuGl7, isolated from a soil sample collected in the periphery of Roopkund Lake, Himalayas, India. The draft genome consists of 4,356,863 bp, 4,048 protein-coding sequences, and 50 RNAs, with 65.3% G+C DNA content.
Influence of Acupuncture on Bioelectrical Impedance Measures in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Grundmann Oliver , Yoon Saunjoo L , Williams Joseph J
Published: November 2014

Background

Patients with gastrointestinal cancers often suffer from malnutrition and cachexia caused by inflammatory processes due to malignancy and therapeutic intervention. Evaluation of nutritional status and well-being of patients is essential to prevent or slow down the progression of cachexia. In addition, acupuncture as a complementary intervention may help reduce cachexia and unintentional weight loss.

Methods

Seven patients with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract enrolled in this pilot study were provided with eight acupuncture sessions in addition to their regular treatment schedule. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements were taken at every other acupuncture session to evaluate the body composition of patients. BIA is a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive method for evaluating fluid, fat and muscle mass distribution which correlates with nutritional status.

Results

All patients enrolled in the pilot study completed the acupuncture intervention and BIA measurements. The average weight loss and reduction in body weight was 1.3%, which is less than the average weight loss of 5% reported in the literature. Both phase angle and fat-free mass decreased in patients, indicating a worsening of the condition. However, a shift from intracellular to extracellular fluid was not observed, which is usually associated with a loss of cell integrity.

Conclusions

This pilot study indicates that patients tolerate acupuncture treatments well. The BIA results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. A larger randomised placebo-controlled study is currently being conducted to further investigate the influence of acupuncture and to provide insights into BIA as a reliable tool for evaluating body composition in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Influence of porcine circovirus type 2 vaccination on the probability and severity of pneumonia detected postmortem
Authors: Raith J. , Kuchling S. , Schleicher C. , Schobesberger H. , Köfer J.
Published: November 2014

To evaluate the influence of porcine circovirus type 2 vaccination (PCV‐2) on the probability and severity of pneumonia, postmortem findings of 247,505 pigs slaughtered between 2008 and 2011 were analysed by applying a cumulative link mixed model. Three major effects could be observed: (1) PCV‐2 vaccination significantly (P<0.01) reduced the odds (coefficient: −0.05) of postmortem findings of mild, moderate and severe pneumonia for vaccinated pigs. (2) Pigs from fattening farms were less likely (coefficient: −0.44; P<0.05) to exhibit signs of pneumonia at slaughter than pigs from farrow‐to‐finish farms. (3) When vaccinated, the odds of detecting postmortem signs showed an even more pronounced reduction (coefficient: −0.19; P<0.001) for pigs from fattening farms. Combining PCV‐2 vaccination, farm type and interaction effects between these two factors, a pig vaccinated against PCV‐2 from a fattening farm had only half the chance (OR 0.51) of pneumonia being detected at postmortem than a non‐vaccinated pig from a farrow‐to‐finish farm. The study demonstrates the benefit of a vaccination programme against PCV‐2 as an important tool to reduce the risk of postmortem pneumonia findings and the severity of pneumonia in pigs at slaughter.
Principal Dynamic Mode Analysis of the Hodgkin–Huxley Equations
Authors: Eikenberry Steffen E. , Marmarelis Vasilis Z.
Published: November 2014

We develop an autoregressive model framework based on the concept of Principal Dynamic Modes (PDMs) for the process of action potential (AP) generation in the excitable neuronal membrane described by the Hodgkin–Huxley (H–H) equations. The model's exogenous input is injected current, and whenever the membrane potential output exceeds a specified threshold, it is fed back as a second input. The PDMs are estimated from the previously developed Nonlinear Autoregressive Volterra (NARV) model, and represent an efficient functional basis for Volterra kernel expansion. The PDM-based model admits a modular representation, consisting of the forward and feedback PDM bases as linear filterbanks for the exogenous and autoregressive inputs, respectively, whose outputs are then fed to a static nonlinearity composed of polynomials operating on the PDM outputs and cross-terms of pair-products of PDM outputs. A two-step procedure for model reduction is performed: first, influential subsets of the forward and feedback PDM bases are identified and selected as the reduced PDM bases. Second, the terms of the static nonlinearity are pruned. The first step reduces model complexity from a total of 65 coefficients to 27, while the second further reduces the model coefficients to only eight. It is demonstrated that the performance cost of model reduction in terms of out-of-sample prediction accuracy is minimal. Unlike the full model, the eight coefficient pruned model can be easily visualized to reveal the essential system components, and thus the data-derived PDM model can yield insight into the underlying system structure and function.
Using black shales to constrain possible tectonic and structural influence on foreland-basin evolution and cratonic yoking: late Taconian Orogeny, Late Ordovician Appalachian Basin, eastern USA
Authors: Ettensohn Frank R. , Lierman R. Thomas
Published: November 2014

Black shales are integral parts of most foreland-basin deposits and, because they typically reflect maximum basin subsidence, their distributions serve as proxies for the extent of foreland-basin development. In the United States Appalachian area, the distribution of Middle–Upper Ordovician black shales suggests that the Taconian Orogeny proceeded from south to north along the eastern Laurentian margin and that Taconian tectophases were mediated by convergence at continental promontories. In the Late Ordovician Taconic tectophase, changes in the distribution of the Martinsburg and Utica black shales support a reversal of subduction polarity that effected the reactivation of basement structures and basin migration sufficient to yoke the Appalachian foreland basin with adjacent intracratonic basins. Shale distribution suggests that early Chatfieldian (late Sandbian–early Katian), east-verging subduction early in the tectophase generated a cratonic extensional regime with a narrow foreland basin that developed along reactivated Iapetan basement structures. Abruptly, in late Chatfieldian–early Edenian (early Katian) time, westwards migration of basinal Utica black shales and an underlying unconformity suggests change to a compressional regime and westwards subduction vergence. The coincidence of changes in basin shape and migration with the shifts in subduction polarity suggests a causal relationship.
A New Equation for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Cancer Patients
Authors: Giglio Daniel
Published: November 2014

Background: The accuracy of the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation in cancer patients was tested. An equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was created that was adapted to cancer patients. Methods: Data from 641 oncology patients referred for 51Cr-EDTA measurements were included. Factors that may affect GFR, i.e. gender, hypertension, diabetes, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), exposure to chemotherapy, age, weight, height, BMI, body surface area and creatinine value were correlated to 51Cr-EDTA-measured GFR. The significant factors were then included in a multiple regression analysis correlated to the measured GFR (mGFR). Results: The equation of log10 (GFR; ml/min/1.73 m2) = 2.36-0.33*log10 (age) - 0.78*log10 (creatinine) + 0.87*log10 (weight) - 0.03*NSAID*log10 (creatinine) + gender (1 = female, 0 = male)*(0.05*NSAID - 0.003*BMI) was generated. Expressed as a mean (standard deviation) of mGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, this equation, the ‘New Equation', overestimated GFR by 26 (33)%, while CG, MDRD and CKD-EPI overestimated GFR by 26 (40)%, 32 (42)% and 48 (47)%, respectively. For mGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, the New Equation underestimated GFR by only 3 (16)%, while CG, MDRD and CKD-EPI overestimated GFR by 12 (25)%, 10 (26)% and 5 (23)%, respectively. Conclusion: This study describes a novel equation with a higher accuracy than other commonly used GFR equations for estimating GFR in cancer patients.
Functional Outcome After Primary Endovascular Therapy or IV Thrombolysis Alone for Stroke. An Observational, Comparative Effectiveness Study
Authors: Abilleira Sònia , Ribera Aida , Dávalos Antonio , Ribó Marc , Chamorro Angel , Cardona Pere , Molina Carlos A. , Martínez-Yélamos Antonio , Urra Xabier , Dorado Laura , Roquer Jaume , Martí-Fàbregas Joan , Aja Lucía , Tomasello Alejandro , Castaño Carlos , Blasco Jordi , Cánovas David , Castellanos Mar , Krupinski Jerzy , Guimaraens Leopoldo , Perendreu Joan , Ustrell Xavier , Purroy Francisco , Gómez-Choco Manuel , Baiges Joan Josep , Cocho Dolores , Saura Júlia , Gallofré Miquel ,   for the Catalan Stroke Code and Reperfusion Consortium
Published: November 2014

Background: Among the acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions and contraindications for the use of IV thrombolysis, mainly on oral anticoagulation or presenting too late, primary endovascular therapy is often performed as an alternative to the standard therapy even though evidence supporting the use of endovascular reperfusion therapies is not yet established. Using different statistical approaches, we compared the functional independence rates at 3 months among patients undergoing primary endovascular therapy and patients treated only with IV thrombolysis. Methods: We used data from a prospective, government-mandated and externally audited registry of reperfusion therapies for ischemic stroke (January 2011 to November 2012). Patients were selected if treated with either IV thrombolysis alone (n = 1,582) or primary endovascular thrombectomy (n = 250). A series of exclusions were made to homogenize the clinical characteristics among the two groups. We then carried out multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching analyses on the final study sample (n = 1,179) to compare functional independence at 3 months, as measured by the modified Rankin scale scores 0-2, between the two groups. Results: The unadjusted likelihood of good outcome was poorer among the endovascular group (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.47-1.0). After adjustment, no differences by treatment modality were seen (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.93-2.43 for primary endovascular therapy). Patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy within 180-270 min (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.17-7.15) and patients with severe strokes (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02-3.35) did better than their intravenous thrombolysis counterparts. The propensity score-matched analyses with and without adjustment by additional covariates showed that endovascular thrombectomy was as effective as intravenous thrombolysis alone in achieving functional independence (OR for unadjusted propensity score matched: 1.35; 95% CI: 0.9-2.02, OR for adjusted propensity score matched: 1.45; 95% CI: 0.91-2.32). Conclusion: This comparative effectiveness study shows that in ischemic stroke patients with contraindications for IV thrombolysis, primary endovascular treatment might be an alternative therapy at least as effective as IV thrombolysis alone. Randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.
Coronary artery endothelial cells and microparticles increase expression of VCAM-1 in myocardial infarction
Authors: Radecke Christopher , Warrick Alexandra , Singh Gagan , Rogers Jason , Armstrong Ehrin , Simon Scott
Published: November 2014

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is characterised by progressive atherosclerotic plaque leading to flow-limiting stenosis, while myocardial infarction (MI) occurs due to plaque rupture or erosion with abrupt coronary artery occlusion. Multiple inflammatory pathways influence plaque stability, but direct assessment of endothelial inflammation at the site of coronary artery stenosis has largely been limited to pathology samples or animal models of atherosclerosis. We describe a technique for isolating and characterising endothelial cells (ECs) and EC microparticles (EMPs) derived directly from the site of coronary artery plaque during balloon angioplasty and percutaneous coronary intervention. Coronary artery endothelial cells (CAECs) were identified using imaging flow cytometry (IFC), and individual CAEC and EMP expression of the pro-atherogenic adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was assessed immediately following angioplasty. Patients with MI registered 73 % higher VCAM-1 expression on their CAECs and 79 % higher expression on EMPs compared to patients with stable CAD. In contrast, VCAM-1 expression was absent on ECs in the peripheral circulation from these same subjects. VCAM-1 density was significantly higher on CAECs and EMPs among patients with MI and positively correlated with markers of myocardial infarct size. We conclude that increased VCAM-1 expression on EC and formation of EMP at the site of coronary plaque is positively correlated with the extent of vascular inflammation in patients with myocardial infarction.
Treating Atherosclerosis With Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Foks Amanda C. , Lichtman Andrew H. , Kuiper Johan
Published: November 2014

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the regulation of T-cell–mediated immune responses through suppression of T-cell proliferation and secretion of inhibitory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β. Impaired Treg numbers and function have been associated with numerous diseases, and an imbalance between proinflammatory/proatherogenic cells and Tregs promotes atherosclerotic disease. Restoration of this balance by inducing Tregs has great therapeutic potential to prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition to suppressing differentiation and function of effector T cells, Tregs have been shown to induce anti-inflammatory macrophages, inhibit foam cell formation and to influence cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, Tregs suppress immune responses of endothelial cells and innate lymphoid cells. In this review, we focus on the recent knowledge on Treg subsets, their activity and function in atherosclerosis, and discuss promising strategies to use Tregs as a therapeutic tool to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Prolonged QTc Interval Predicts Poststroke Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hoshino Takao , Nagao Takehiko , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Maruyama Kenji , Toi Sono , Mizuno Satoko , Ishizuka Kentaro , Shimizu Satoru , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is often difficult to detect in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess the predictive value of a prolonged QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) in PAF detection after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We enrolled 972 patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively extracted from our observational stroke registry system. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) AF on the initial 12-lead ECG (n=171); (2) previously diagnosed PAF (n=47); and (3) the use of a cardiac pacemaker (n=10). Of the 972 patients, 744 (mean age, 67.6 years; men, 62.6%) were eligible for analysis. The clinical characteristics and 12-lead ECG findings of the patients with and without PAF were compared, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poststroke PAF.

Results—

The poststroke cardiac work-up yielded 69 (9.3%) de novo PAF cases among the 744 patients. The QTc interval was significantly longer in patients with PAF than in those without PAF (436 versus 417 ms;
P
<0.001). Each 10-ms increase in the QTc interval was associated with an increased risk of PAF after multivariate adjustments (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.61;
P
<0.001). The optimal threshold value of QTc interval calculated by a receiver-operating characteristic curve was 438 ms, and the area under the curve was 0.73 in this data set.

Conclusions—

The QTc interval prolongation is potentially a strong and useful predictor for poststroke PAF.
Why Factions Switch Sides in Civil Wars: Rivalry, Patronage, and Realignment in Sudan
Authors: Seymour Lee J.M.
Published: November 2014

Side switching by armed groups is a prominent feature of many civil wars. Shifts in alignment have far-reaching consequences, influencing key outcomes such as civil war duration and termination, military effectiveness, levels of civilian victimization, and state-building prospects. In Sudan's wars, ideological and ethnic cleavages have not influenced factional alignments nearly as much as one might expect given the prominence of clashing political projects and ethnically organized violence in southern Sudan and Darfur. Recent explanations highlighting the role of territorial control, factional infighting, or relative power considerations also have limited value. In many wars fought in weak states characterized by low barriers to side switching, two mechanisms explain patterns of collaboration and defection: first, political rivalries that lead actors to collaborate in exchange for military support in localized struggles; and second, patronage-based incentives that induce collaboration for material gain. A nested analysis drawing on original data from wars in southern Sudan and Darfur supports this argument. The findings have implications for understanding alignments in civil wars, the role of weak states in counterinsurgency, and ethnic politics more generally, as well as policy relevance for factionalized civil wars.
Limits to Religious Diversity Practice in Indonesia
Authors: Sakai Minako , Isbah M. Falikul
Published: November 2014

Although religious diversity is legally supported in Indonesia, incidents of attacks on religious minorities and anxiety towards the practice of religious pluralism have continued to plague the country. This paper will analyse factors limiting the practice of religious diversity in post-Suharto Indonesia with a focus on two types of important grass-roots religious institutions. The first type is religious philanthropic organizations, which provide social services for natural disaster victims and the poor. The second type of religious institution is traditional Islamic schools known as pesantren salaf, one of most the important educational institutions for Islamic scholars. This paper will show that increased religiosity has contributed to the growth of socially-engaged religious organizations being used to address social problems, but these religious institutions are naturally developing their operational links within their own religious affiliations and communication beyond their religion is restricted because of mutual anxiety. This paper will also examine the challenge presented by traditional Islamic educational institutions. In order to protect Islam from secularism, these institutions are promoting theologically conservative Islamic teachings that curtail the practice of religious diversity at the grassroots level. Our case studies show that religious education has unintentionally limited the development of religious diversity in Indonesia.
Muslim Ancestor, Chinese Hero or Tutelary God
Authors: Abt Oded
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the dynamic boundaries of Chinese identities and the role of family narratives in their formation. It examines the interplay between history and memory, focusing on traditions regarding ancestors of the Fujian Guo lineage of Muslim descent in China, Taiwan and the Philippines, over six centuries. Existing scholarship approaches these traditions in ethnic terms, corresponding to the ethnic discourse prevalent in the P.R.C., focusing solely on mainland groups, but overlooking other variations found overseas. Hence, scholars portray the changing narratives as reflecting a linear process: from past sinicisation, to today’s more “historically authentic” Hui identity. The present analysis offers a broader socio-cultural overview, showing how the pan-Asian Guo lineage re-imagines familial history across time and space by highlighting the forced assimilation narrative in which their early Ming ancestors falsely adopted Guo Ziyi, a Han-Chinese national hero, as their ancestor. The paper follows the narrative’s continuous transformations, analysing different interpretations of assuming Chinese identity among Muslims’ descendants within different contexts of contemporary Asia.
Two new species of the family Pontellidae (Copepoda, Calanoida) from Arguni Bay, Kaimana, West Papua, Indonesia, with notes on their species-groups
Authors:   Mulyadi
Published: November 2014

Two new species of the family Pontellidae, Labidocera kaimanaensis and Pontella papuaensis, are described and illustrated from specimens collected in Arguni Bay, West Papua, Indonesia. L. kaimanaensis belongs to the L. detruncata species-group, is distinguishable from other species of this group by the very elongated Ur1 (urosomite 1) and the asymmetrical P5 in the female and the Pdg5 (pediger 5) and P5 in the male. P. papuaensis does not belong to any of the known five groups of Indo-West Pacific Pontella, in having Ur1 with a beak-like posterodorsal process and almost symmetrical Re’s (exopods) of P5 in the female, a rostrum with double convex lenses, the chela of the right P5 with a bilobed thumb, and the inner margin of that chela armed with a large process, in the male. The establishment of four new species-sub-groups of L. detruncata, i.e., L. d.-cervi, L. d.-farrani, L. d.-kaimanaensis, and L. d.-sinilobata, as well as the establishment of a P. papuaensis species-group, are proposed.
Historians and Miracle Claims
Authors: Licona Michael R.
Published: November 2014

Most biblical scholars and historians hold that the investigation of a miracle report lies outside of the rights of historians acting within their professional capacity. In this essay, I challenge this position and argue to the contrary. A definition of history should not a priori exclude the possibility of investigating miracle claims, since doing so may restrict historians to an inaccurate assessment of the past. Professional historians outside of the community of biblical scholars acknowledge the frequent absence of a consensus; this largely results from conflicting horizons among historians. If this is the present state among professionals engaged in the study of non-religious history, it will be even more so with historians of Jesus. Finally, even if some historians cannot bring themselves to grant divine causation, they, in principle, can render a verdict on the event itself without rendering a verdict on its cause.
The Domain and Function of Epistemological Humility in Historical Jesus Studies
Authors: Miller Robert J.
Published: November 2014

The epistemological humility proper to methodological naturalism is the suspension of belief in divine causation, and by entailment, of the belief that events that violate the laws of nature sometimes occur. Epistemological humility does not, however, require the suspension of knowledge of how the world works, i.e., of the laws of nature. Methodological naturalism, therefore, requires us to reject the literal truth of reports in ancient texts of events that we know to be physically impossible, regardless of whether a text attributes such events to divine causality. Reports about the deeds of Jesus are not exempt from this methodological restriction. Methodological naturalism, and the epistemological humility it subsumes, therefore, requires that historians deny, for example, that the historical Jesus (the human Jesus as reconstructed by critical historiography) literally walked on water. Since epistemological humility does not require the suspension of knowledge about how the world works, but only of belief in divine causation, it therefore does not require that one hold open the possibility that the historical Jesus walked on water, since that possibility is incompatible with naturalism (both ontological and methodological).
Albania’s Difficult Path towards Democracy
Authors: Cierco Teresa
Published: November 2014

Albania began the democratic transformation process in 1991 with a heavy post-communist legacy. Since then, it has continued to experience many difficulties in its path towards democracy, especially in relation to two critical issues: respect for the rule of law and corruption. Following the theories of transition, this paper analyses important pillars of the rule of law: horizontal accountability, effective and legitimate institutions of governance, and transparent public administration, in order to understand why it is so difficult to establish the rule of law in Albania. This paper aims to bring to focus Albania’s democratization process by looking at the institutionalization of political society. Based on the assumption that corruption is tied up with the issue of governance, we try to show how endemic corruption in the state apparatus undermines the basis of the rule of law in Albania by eroding state capacity, civil society and legal culture.
Investment Law and Poverty: Continuing the Debate through UNCTAD’s Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development
Authors: Rojid Faraz , del Carmen Vasquez Maria
Published: November 2014

The Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development (ipfsd) was formulated by unctad, among others, as a response to the challenges that least-developed and developing countries face today – because of their obligations under international investment agreements (iias) – when trying to implement development or poverty alleviation policies. By looking at selected investor-state dispute settlement cases brought against Argentina, Bolivia and South Africa in response to poverty-related regulatory measures, this paper analyses the interpretation of iia clauses by arbitral tribunals, and familiarizes the reader with the policy options provided by the ipfsd. The ipfsd recommends a “new generation” of investment policies that places inclusive growth and sustainable development at the heart of efforts to attract and benefit from foreign direct investment. The ipfsd does not explicitly focus on poverty eradication; however, its comprehensive approach to sustainable development makes of it a policy tool-kit with great potential for policy makers.
Bilateral Investment Treaties and Sustainable Development
Authors: Gazzini Tarcisio
Published: November 2014

States are increasingly critical of the current regime of protection of foreign investment. They often believe that investment treaties require undue limitations of their regulatory powers and undermine their effort to develop sustainably. The article first explores the relationship between foreign investment and sustainable development. It then examines recent treaty practice and assesses how States can take full advantage of investment treaties as vehicles for economic development without compromising on the protection of the environment, labour standard and human rights. It also provides a tentative taxonomy of the different treaty clauses and techniques that may contribute to create a stable and predictable legal framework for foreign investment that is also respectful of the various private and public interests involved.
Revisiting the Role of Anti-Circumvention Provisions under the wto Agreement: Lessons for East Asia
Authors: Kobayashi Tomohiko
Published: November 2014

“Circumvention” is a growing challenge to the effectiveness of international law as the incentive to circumvent laws grows as the “legalization” of international society continues. This analysis on the anti-circumvention provisions within the wto Agreement reveals a lack of clarity and coherence in the existing disciplines. Ongoing negotiations to modify trade rules also do not fully address these concerns. Therefore, this article proposes that there is a need for a comprehensive approach consisting of amendment, coherent interpretation, use of general principles, and functional reallocation for the wto Agreement to address circumvention more effectively. In particular, to establish an efficient legal framework for economic integration in East Asia, this article notes that the priority in improving and clarifying anti-circumvention disciplines is to strike multi-dimensional balances between legitimate interests, including those between sovereign liberty and the effectiveness of international agreements, and those between the predictability of obligations and the effectiveness thereof.
The Political and the Humanitarian in Lebanon. Social Responsiveness to Emergency Crisis from the 2006 War to the Syrian Refugee Influx
Authors: Carpi Estella
Published: November 2014

This paper primarily aims at enlarging qualitative knowledge on how social settings and personal relations change while turning into spaces of humanitarian aid provision. The two major emergencies that Lebanon has faced so far will be taken into analysis: the Israel-Lebanon July War in 2006 and today’s unprecedented influx of Syrian refugees. In this framework, while dealing with the sudden presence of non-state actors replacing the void historically left by the central state, this paper will illustrate how the 2006 displaced and now the Syrian refugees have locally developed moral resilience, gratitude or mistrust towards the humanitarian programmes, and cultivated expectations of mutual assistance. In the wake of what has been first applauded—and then discarded—as the “Arab Spring”, a phenomenological analysis of the social changes, engendered by the temporary presence of humanitarian actors in chronically neglected settings, can offer an inner perspective of how people socially respond to emergency crises.
Reaching a compromise between conflicting nuclear and plastid phylogenetic trees: a new classification for the genus Cattleya (Epidendreae; Epidendroideae; Orchidaceae)
Authors: Van den Berg Cássio
Published: November 2014

A new classification for the 114 species Cattleya is proposed, based on and compatible with previously published nuclear, plastid and combined phylogenetic trees. Cattleya is divided into four subgenera, three sections and five series. A key to the infrageneric categories and a table listing all species and their placement is presented.
Stylidium javanicum (Stylidiaceae), a new triggerplant record for the Philippines
Authors: Journé Valentin , Barcelona Julie F. , LaFrankie James V. , Pelser Pieter B.
Published: November 2014

Stylidium javanicum, a very poorly known species formerly only recorded from Java, Sumba, and New Guinea, is here reported as a new record for the Philippines, where it was found in grasslands in Antique Province of Panay Island. It is morphologically similar to S. alsinoides, the only other Stylidium species known for the country, but can be distinguished from it by larger flowers, smaller fruits, and more narrowly acute petal apices.
First record of the genus Kuwaita (Annelida: Lumbrineridae) in Europe with the description of a new species and new ultramorphological data for the genus
Authors: ARIAS ANDRÉS , CARRERA-PARRA LUIS F.
Published: November 2014

A new species of the genus Kuwaita Mohammad, 1973, collected intertidally from a northern Spain estuary (Bay of Biscay), is described. Kuwaita hanneloreae sp. nov. constitutes the first evidence of this genus in European waters and is characterised by: prostomium with three small antennae protruding from nuchal fold, lack of eyes; simple multidentate hooded hooks with long hood in anterior chaetigers, and short hood in posterior ones with well defined proximal and distal teeth with several teeth between them; posterior chaetigers with very small nephridial papillae; branchiae reduced to little knobs in posterior parapodia; maxillary apparatus with five pairs of maxillae, MIII bidentate with distal tooth bigger than proximal one. We present brief notes on its ecology and remarks on the presence and ultrastructure of a notopodial sense organ newly recorded for the genus. Furthermore, an updated key of the genus Kuwaita is included.
Description of new species of Surimyia Reemer and Carreramyia Doesburg (Diptera: Syrphidae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA
Published: November 2014

Surimyia reemeri sp. n. and Carreramyia jatai sp. n. are described from the Brazilian Amazon. The diagnosis of Surimyia Reemer is emended to include S. reemeri sp. n. that differs from other species of the genus mainly by the shape of male terminalia and basoflagellomere length. In addition, S. rolanderi Reemer is recorded for Brazil for the first time. The key to species of Carreramyia Doesburg by Reemer (2008) is modified to include C. jatai sp. n., and a key to species of Surimyia is provided.
PDK Connection
Authors: Patterson Gregory A.
Published: November 2014

PDK moves to hire a new CEO; PDK is in a process of reimagining its future; Emerging Leaders say schools need better mental health standards to improve learning conditions for students.
The lesser occipital nerve visualized by high-resolution sonography—normal and initial suspect findings
Authors: Platzgummer Hannes , Moritz Thomas , Gruber Gerlinde Maria , Pivec Christopher , Wöber Christian , Bodner Gerd , Lieba-Samal Doris
Published: November 2014

Background

The lesser occipital nerve (LON) supplies the lateral part of the occiput and is—together with the greater occipital nerve (GON)—involved in headache pathogenesis. While the GON was described in high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS), the same does not apply to the LON. We aimed at characterizing the LON in HRUS, and present cases of suspect findings in the course of the LON identified by HRUS.

Methods

The LON was examined bilaterally in eight anatomical specimens with HRUS ( n = 16). HRUS-guided ink marking and consecutive dissection was performed. Further, measurements of the LON diameter were performed in 10 healthy volunteers ( n = 20), and patient charts were reviewed to identify patients who were considered to have possible pathology of the LON.

Results

The LON was identified correctly in all cadavers on both sides and all volunteers except for one side ( n = 19). The average diameter was 1.08 ± 0.30 mm. Four patients with pain within the LON territory and presumed peripheral origin of headache (defined as resolution of headache after diagnostic HRUS-guided selective blockade) were identified, and three of these showed interference of the LON with lymph nodes or an accessory muscle belly.

Discussion

We confirm the possibility of visualization of the LON using HRUS. HRUS may be a helpful adjunct tool in the assessment of patients with atypical headache.
ELL School Readiness and Pre-Kindergarten Care
Authors: Gottfried Michael A.
Published: November 2014

The increased utilization of non-parental pre-kindergarten care has spurred interest by both researchers and policy makers as to what types of care might be effective at boosting school readiness. Under-developed in the research has been an assessment of the influence of pre-kindergarten care on school readiness for English Language Learners (ELLs). This research gap is critical to fill, as ELL students are not only a growing segment of the U.S. schooling population but also enter school at a disadvantage compared with other students. This study fills this gap by using nationally representative data (i.e., Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten [ECLS-K]) to examine the influence of pre-kindergarten care in the year before kindergarten entry on a range of socio-behavioral school readiness indicators measured at kindergarten entry. The findings indicate that ELL students in center-based care or non-center/non-parental care have lower problem behaviors and higher social skills compared with ELL students exclusively in parental care. Implications are discussed.
Differences in Error Detection Skills by Band and Choral Preservice Teachers
Authors: Stambaugh Laura A.
Published: November 2014

Band and choral preservice teachers ( N = 44) studied band and choral scores, listened to recordings of school ensembles, and identified errors in the recordings. Results indicated that preservice teachers identified significantly more errors when listening to recordings of their primary area (band majors listening to band, p = .045; choral majors listening to chorus, p = .012). Furthermore, band majors identified rhythm errors more frequently than pitch errors when listening to both types of ensembles, while chorus majors listened predominantly for pitch errors. A significant correlation existed between choral majors’ ability to detect pitch errors in choral recordings and their ability to detect pitch errors in band recordings ( r = .556). Theory course grades were not significantly correlated to error detection abilities, but aural skills course grades were related to ability to identify pitch errors outside the primary area (band majors, r = .441; choral majors, r = .611).
Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a systematic review of published reports
Authors: Al-Nouri Zayd L. , Reese Jessica A. , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N.
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Published data describe 78 drugs suspected of causing TMA. Only 22 (28%) of the 78 drugs have evidence supporting a definite causal association with TMA.
Patterns of suspected wheat‐related allergy: a retrospective single‐centre case note review in 156 patients
Authors: Christensen Morten J , Eller Esben , Mortz Charlotte G , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten
Published: November 2014

Background

Allergy to wheat can present clinically in different forms: Sensitization to ingested wheat via the gastrointestinal tract can cause traditional food allergy or in combination with exercise, Wheat‐Dependent Exercise‐Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA). Sensitization to inhaled wheat flour may lead to occupational rhinitis and/or asthma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 156 patients (age 0.7 – 73.3 years) with a case history of wheat allergy. The population was divided into three groups, 1: Wheat allergy elicited by ingestion, 2: By inhalation and 3: WDEIA. All patients were examined with detailed case history, specific IgE (sIgE), Skin Prick Test (SPT) and wheat challenge (nasal or oral ± exercise). Details of the case history were extracted from the patients´ case records.

Results

Group 1: Twenty one of 95 patients were challenge positive (15 children, 6 adults). All children had atopic dermatitis, and most (13/15) outgrew their wheat allergy. Most children (13/15) had other food allergies. Challenge positive patients showed significantly higher levels of sIgE to wheat and significantly more were SPT positive than challenge negative.

Group 2: Eleven out of 13 adults with occupational asthma or rhinitis were challenge positive. None outgrew their allergy. Seven had positive sIgE and 10 had positive SPT to wheat.

Group 3: Ten of 48 (adolescent/adults) were positive when challenged during exercise. Challenge positive patients showed significantly higher levels of sIgE to ω‐5‐gliadin. The natural course is presently unknown.

Conclusion

Wheat allergy can manifest in different disease entities, rendering a detailed case history and challenge mandatory. Patient age, occupation, concomitant allergies (food or inhalant) and atopic dermatitis are important factors for evaluation.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for severe sepsis and septic shock: clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and value of a further randomised controlled trial
Authors: Soares Marta O , Welton Nicky J , Harrison David A , Peura Piia , Shankar-Hari Manu , Harvey Sheila E , Madan Jason , Ades Anthony E , Rowan Kathryn M , Palmer Stephen J
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Prior to investing in a large, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT), the National Institute for Health Research in the UK called for an evaluation of the feasibility and value for money of undertaking a trial on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as an adjuvant therapy for severe sepsis/septic shock.

Methods

In response to this call, this study assessed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of IVIG (using a decision model), and evaluated the value of conducting an RCT (using expected value of information (EVI) analysis). The evidence informing such assessments was obtained through a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Further primary data analyses were also undertaken using the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Case Mix Programme Database, and a Scottish Intensive Care Society research study.

Results

We found a large degree of statistical heterogeneity in the clinical evidence on treatment effect, and the source of such heterogeneity was unclear. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of IVIG is within the borderline region of estimates considered to represent value for money, but results appear highly sensitive to the choice of model used for clinical effectiveness. This was also the case with EVI estimates, with maximum payoffs from conducting a further clinical trial between £137 and £1,011 million.

Conclusions

Our analyses suggest that there is a need for a further RCT. Results on the value of conducting such research, however, were sensitive to the clinical effectiveness model used, reflecting the high level of heterogeneity in the evidence base.
Instantaneous monitoring of heart beat dynamics during anesthesia and sedation
Authors: Valenza Gaetano , Akeju Oluwaseun , Pavone Kara J , Citi Luca , Hartnack Katharine E , Sampson Aaron , Purdon Patrick L , Brown Emery N , Barbieri Riccardo
Published: November 2014

Anesthesia-induced altered arousal depends on drugs having their effect in specific brain regions. These effects are also reflected in autonomic nervous system (ANS) outflow dynamics. To this extent, instantaneous monitoring of ANS outflow, based on neurophysiological and computational modeling, may provide a more accurate assessment of the action of anesthetic agents on the cardiovascular system. This will aid anesthesia care providers in maintaining homeostatic equilibrium and help to minimize drug administration while maintaining antinociceptive effects. In previous studies, we established a point process paradigm for analyzing heartbeat dynamics and have successfully applied these methods to a wide range of cardiovascular data and protocols. We recently devised a novel instantaneous nonlinear assessment of ANS outflow, also suitable and effective for real-time monitoring of the fast hemodynamic and autonomic effects during induction and emergence from anesthesia. Our goal is to demonstrate that our framework is suitable for instantaneous monitoring of the ANS response during administration of a broad range of anesthetic drugs. Specifically, we compare the hemodynamic and autonomic effects in study participants undergoing propofol (PROP) and dexmedetomidine (DMED) administration. Our methods provide an instantaneous characterization of autonomic state at different stages of sedation and anesthesia by tracking autonomic dynamics at very high time-resolution. Our results suggest that refined methods for analyzing linear and nonlinear heartbeat dynamics during administration of specific anesthetic drugs are able to overcome nonstationary limitations as well as reducing inter-subject variability, thus providing a potential real-time monitoring approach for patients receiving anesthesia.
Analysis of pain level in cases treated with Invisalign aligner: comparison with fixed edgewise appliance therapy
Authors: Fujiyama Koji , Honjo Tadashi , Suzuki Makoto , Matsuoka Shinya , Deguchi Toru
Published: November 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the difference in the level of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) between cases treated with the edgewise appliance and Invisalign. In addition, the cause of pain and discomfort in the Invisalign cases was identified.

Methods

The sample consisted of 145 cases for the edgewise group (EG; n = 55), Invisalign group (IG; n = 38), and edgewise and Invisalign group (EIG; n = 52). VAS scores were collected during the first three stages (first stage: 0 to 7 days, second stage: 14 to 21 days, and third stage: 28 to 35 days) and at the end of the treatment (overall VAS score). Evaluation of the cause of pain was categorized into three different types of problem (category 1: non-smoothed marginal ridge or missing materials, category 2: deformation of attachments, and Category 3: deformation of the tray). Statistical comparison of VAS scores between groups was performed by two-way analysis of variance.

Results

A significantly higher VAS score was observed at 3 and 4 days after, at 1, 2, and 3 days after, and at 2 and 3 days after in stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in EG compared to EIG and IG. A significant difference was observed in overall VAS scores between EG and IG in intensity of pain, number of days that pain lasted, and discomfort level. Only intensity of pain resulted in a significant difference between EG and EIG. Most of the causes of problem in the Invisalign cases were deformation of the tray.

Conclusions

Invisalign may offer less pain compared to the edgewise appliance during the initial stages of treatment. In the use of Invisalign, deformation of tray must be carefully checked to avoid pain and discomfort for the patients.