bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unintended Pregnancy and Its Correlates among Female Attendees of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in Eastern China
Authors: Ma Qiaoqin , Pan Xiaohong , Cai Gaofeng , Yan Jiezhe , Xu Yun , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro
Published: June 2013

This study is to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and its risk factors among the female attendees of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Zhejiang Province, China. A self-administered questionnaire survey of a cross-sectional design was administered to attendees at four STD clinics in 2007. Of the 313 female STD clinic attendees, 42.5% reported that they had at least one unintended pregnancy; the induced abortion rate was 39.0%. Over their lifetime, 12.1% responded “use condoms always/often” and 5.4% “always/often used oral contraceptives.” The risk factors for the unintended pregnancy identified by the multivariate analysis were as follows: being married, experience of nonconsensual sex, and a history of STD, having two and over two sexual partners. Unintended pregnancies and induced abortion by female STD clinic attendees have reached an alarming prevalence. Doctors at STD clinics should attach importance not only to the STD problem of the female attendees, but also to the unintended pregnancy and the associated factors. Targeted contraceptive counseling and intervention should be promoted at STD clinics as a strategy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the reproductive health services in China.
Origin and Status of Homologous Proteins of Biomineralization (Biosilicification) in the Taxonomy of Phylogenetic Domains
Authors: Pamirsky Igor E. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: June 2013

The taxonomic affiliation (in the systematisation of viruses, and biological domains) of known peptides and proteins of biomineralization (silicateins, silaffins, silacidins and silicase) and their primary structure homologues were analyzed (methodsin silico; using Uniprot database). The total number of known peptides and proteins of biosilicification was counted. The data of the quantitative distribution of the detected homologues found in nature are presented. The similarity of the primary structures of silaffins, silacidins, silicateins, silicase, and their homologues was 21–94%, 45–98%, 39–50%, and 28–40%, respectively. These homologues are found in many organisms, from the Protista to the higher plants and animals, including humans, as well as in bacteria and extracellular agents, and they perform a variety of biological functions, such as biologically controlled mineralisation. The provisional classification of these biomineralization proteins is presented. The interrelation of the origin of the first organic polymers and biomineralization is discussed.
Averaging Methods for Design of Spacecraft Hysteresis Damper
Authors: Gama Ricardo , Guerman Anna D. , Seabra Ana , Smirnov Georgi V.
Published: June 2013

This work deals with averaging methods for dynamics of attitude stabilization systems. The operation of passive gravity-gradient attitude stabilization systems involving hysteresis rods is described by discontinuous differential equations. We apply recently developed averaging techniques for discontinuous system in order to simplify its analysis and to perform parameter optimization. The results obtained using this analytic method are compared with those of numerical optimization.
The Effect of Ouhyul Herbal Acupuncture Point Injections on Shoulder Pain after Stroke
Authors: Seo Yu-Ri , Jung Woo-Sang , Park Seong-Uk , Moon Sang-Kwan , Park Jung-Mi , Park Joo-Young
Published: June 2013

An effective and safe remedy for shoulder pain is needed as shoulder pain is a common complication of stroke and restricts recovery of patients. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Ouhyul herbal acupuncture point injection (O-API) on shoulder pain in patients with stroke. Twenty-four participants with shoulder pain after stroke were recruited and randomized to the O-API and control groups. Treatment was conducted for 2 weeks three times per week. We evaluated the effects of treatment with a numerical rating scale (NRS), painless passive range of motion (PROM) of external shoulder rotation, and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMMA) at baseline, each week, and 1 week after the final treatment. All measures were similar between the O-API and control groups at baseline. The O-API group showed significant improvement on the NRS compared with that in the control group after 2 weeks of treatment, and the treatment effect was maintained until the follow-up period. PROM decreased significantly in both groups, but the reduction was maintained only in the O-API group. No significant difference was observed on the FMMA between the two groups. O-API resulted in significant improvement in shoulder pain after stroke, and its effect was maintained after termination of treatment without any severe side effects.
Fluorescent Thiol-Derivatized Gold Clusters Embedded in Polymers
Authors: Carotenuto G. , De Nicola S. , Nicolais L.
Published: June 2013

Owing to aurophilic interactions, linear and/or planar Au(I)-thiolate molecules spontaneously aggregate, leading to molecular gold clusters passivated by a thiolate monolayer coating. Differently from the thiolate precursors, such cluster compounds show very intensive visible fluorescence characteristics that can be tuned by alloying the gold clusters with silver atoms or by conjugating the electronic structure of the metallic core with unsaturated electronic structures in the organic ligand through the sulphur atom. Here, the photoluminescence features of some examples of these systems are shortly described.
A Wavelet-Based Robust Relevance Vector Machine Based on Sensor Data Scheduling Control for Modeling Mine Gas Gushing Forecasting on Virtual Environment
Authors: Ting Wang , Lin-qin Cai , Yao Fu , Tingcheng Zhu
Published: June 2013

It is wellknown that mine gas gushing forecasting is very significant to ensure the safety of mining. A wavelet-based robust relevance vector machine based on sensor data scheduling control for modeling mine gas gushing forecasting is presented in the paper. Morlet wavelet function can be used as the kernel function of robust relevance vector machine. Mean percentage error has been used to measure the performance of the proposed method in this study. As the mean prediction error of mine gas gushing of the WRRVM model is less than 1.5%, and the mean prediction error of mine gas gushing of the RVM model is more than 2.5%, it can be seen that the prediction accuracy for mine gas gushing of the WRRVM model is better than that of the RVM model.
HER1R497K andHER2I655V Polymorphisms Are Linked to Development of Breast Cancer
Authors: AbdRaboh Naglaa R. , Shehata Hanan H. , Ahmed Manal B. , Bayoumi Fatehia A.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Polymorphism of the genes of Human Epidermal growth factor receptor1 (HER1) and receptor2 (HER2) have been reported to be linked to pathogenesis of several malignant tumors but still there is contradiction regarding their association with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In this case control study we aimed to analyze the frequency ofHER1R497K (rs 11543848) andHER2I655V (rs 1136201) Polymorphisms in breast cancer.

SUBJECT AND METHOD: The frequency ofHER1Arg(R) 497Lys (K) andHER2Ile (I) 655Val (V) polymorphisms were tested in 64 breast cancer patients and 86 normal control by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment polymorphism detection. Immunohistochemical analysis was done for HER2 protein on the available 18 malignant tissue samples.

RESULTS:HER1497K andHER2655V variant had significantly increased breast cancer risk (OR=2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.2, OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1, p< 0.05) respectively. Moreover, combinedHER1K497 andHER2V655 variant was detected in 26.6% malignant in comparison to 8.14% of control group (OR=4.1, 95% CI 1.58–10.57), but, no significant association was noticed between both Polymorphisms and clinicopathological features of the disease. As regard HER2 immunohistochemical expression no significant correlation was revealed with HER2 655V polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest thatHER1497K andHER2655V polymorphisms are potential risk factor for development of breast cancer.
Smoothing the Sample Autocorrelation of Long-Range-Dependent Traffic
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2013

This paper depicts our work in smoothing the sample autocorrelation function (ACF) of traffic. The experimental results exhibit that the sample ACF of traffic may be smoothed by the way of average. In addition, the results imply that the sum of sample ACFs of traffic convergences. Considering that the traffic data used in this research is long-range dependent (LRD), the latter may be meaningful for the theoretical research of LRD traffic.
Development of Sandglass Shape FBG Sensor to Reduce Cross Sensitivity Effect
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: June 2013

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have received considerable attention in applications of temperature, axial strain, and transverse pressure measurement. However, the cross-sensitivity of strain and temperature measurement is the key problem of FBG sensors. In this paper, a sandglass shape FBG is proposed to divide cross-sensitivity of temperature and transverse pressure. The principle and structure of sandglass FBG are introduced, and the experiment results show cross-sensitivity avoidable in the transverse pressure sensor.
A Priori Bounds in and in for Solutions of Elliptic Equations
Authors: Monsurrò Sara , Transirico Maria
Published: June 2013

We give an overview on some recent results concerning the study of the Dirichlet problem for second-order linear elliptic partial differential equations in divergence form and with discontinuous coefficients, in unbounded domains. The main theorem consists in an -a priori bound, . Some applications of this bound in the framework of non-variational problems, in a weighted and a non-weighted case, are also given.
MTHFRGene C677T Mutation andACEGene I/D Polymorphism in Turkish Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Inanir Ahmet , Yigit Serbulent , Tural Sengul , Cecen Osman , Yildirim Eren
Published: June 2013

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder resulting in destruction of articular cartilage, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone sclerosis. In recent years, numerous genetic factors have been identified and implicated in osteoarthritis. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T mutation and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) variations on the risk of osteoarthritis.

Genomic DNA is obtained from 421 persons (221 patients with osteoarthritis and 200 healthy controls).ACEgene I/D polymorphism genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction using I and D allele-specific primers. TheMTHFRC677T mutation was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. We found significant difference between the groups with respect to bothACEandMTHFRgenotype distributions (p< 0.001,p< 0.001 respectively). Our study suggests thatACEgene DD genotype andMTHFRgene CC genotype could be used as genetic markers in osteoarthritis in Turkish study populations.
Susceptibility to Stress Corrosion of Laser-Welded Composite Arch Wire in Acid Artificial Saliva
Authors: Zhang Chao , Sun Xinhua
Published: June 2013

The corrosion resistance of laser-welded composite arch wire (CoAW) with Cu interlayer between NiTi shape memory alloy and stainless steel wire in artificial saliva with different acidities and loads was studied. It was found that both the solution pH and the stress had a significant influence on the corrosion behaviors of the CoAW samples. Decreasing the solution pH or increasing the loading stress caused the increase of Cu release and weight loss. The corroded morphology formed on the surfaces of the CoAW was the consequence under the combined effect of corrosion and stress.
Interval Arithmetic for Nonlinear Problem Solving
Authors: Stradi-Granados Benito A.
Published: June 2013

Implementation of interval arithmetic in complex problems has been hampered by the tedious programming exercise needed to develop a particular implementation. In order to improve productivity, the use of interval mathematics is demonstrated using the computing platform INTLAB that allows for the development of interval-arithmetic-based programs more efficiently than with previous interval-arithmetic libraries. An interval-Newton Generalized-Bisection (IN/GB) method is developed in this platform and applied to determine the solutions of selected nonlinear problems. Cases 1 and 2 demonstrate the effectiveness of the implementation applied to traditional polynomial problems. Case 3 demonstrates the robustness of the implementation in the case of multiple specific volume solutions. Case 4 exemplifies the robustness and effectiveness of the implementation in the determination of multiple critical points for a mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide. The examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by finding all existing roots with mathematical certainty.
Convergence Analysis of EFOP Estimate Based on Frequency Domain Smoothing
Authors: Zhang Yulai , Lo Kueiming , Su Yang
Published: June 2013

The classic methods for frequency domain transfer function estimation such as the Empirical Transfer Function Estimate (ETFE) and cross spectral method do not work well when the noise signal is complex. Combines the time domain and frequency domain methods the Empirical Frequency-domain Optimal Parameter (EFOP) Estimate was presented. It could improve the precision of system's transfer function estimation and identification efficiency. The convergence of the EFOP based on frequency domain smoothing is investigated in this paper. The transfer function is weighted by a frequency window and the GPE criterion is extended to the integral form. Convergence rate and consistent properties for the EFOP estimate are given. Finally, some simulation results are included to illustrate the advantage of the EFOP based smoothing method.
Flow-Volume Parameters in COPD Related to Extended Measurements of Lung Volume, Diffusion, and Resistance
Authors: Jarenbäck Linnea , Ankerst Jaro , Bjermer Leif , Tufvesson Ellen
Published: June 2013

Classification of COPD into different GOLD stages is based on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) but has shown to be of limited value. The aim of the study was to relate spirometry values to more advanced measures of lung function in COPD patients compared to healthy smokers. The lung function of 65 COPD patients and 34 healthy smokers was investigated using flow-volume spirometry, body plethysmography, single breath helium dilution with CO-diffusion, and impulse oscillometry. All lung function parameters, measured by body plethysmography, CO-diffusion, and impulse oscillometry, were increasingly affected through increasing GOLD stage but did not correlate with FEV1within any GOLD stage. In contrast, they correlated fairly well with FVC%p, FEV1/FVC, and inspiratory capacity. Residual volume (RV) measured by body plethysmography increased through GOLD stages, while RV measured by helium dilution decreased. The difference between these RV provided valuable additional information and correlated with most other lung function parameters measured by body plethysmography and CO-diffusion. Airway resistance measured by body plethysmography and impulse oscillometry correlated within COPD stages. Different lung function parameters are of importance in COPD, and a thorough patient characterization is important to understand the disease.
Biomarkers Associated with Vascular and Valvular Calcification in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lee Chien-Te , Chua Sarah , Hsu Chung-Yao , Tsai Yu-Che , Ng Hwee-Yeong , Kuo Chien-Chun , Wu Chien-Hsing , Chen Te-Chun , Chiu Terry Ting-Yu , Lee Yueh-Ting
Published: June 2013

Background: Cardiovascular calcification, including arterial intimal and medial calcification (AIC and AMC) and valvular calcification (VC) are important predictors of outcome in chronic dialysis patients. We aimed to compare their prevalence and analyze respective risk factors in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: A total of 81 HD patients were enrolled. Vascular calcification was assessed by plain film radiography of the pelvis and VC was diagnosed by echocardiography. Demographic data was reviewed and serum levels of calcification-relevant biomarkers were determined. Patients with and without calcification were then compared.

Results: The prevalence study indicated that 36 patients had AIC (44.4%), 17 had AMC (21%) and 60 (74.1%) had VC. Patients with vascular calcification were older, and had a higher prevalence of diabetes. Their IL-6, osteoprotegerin, and uric acid levels were higher. Serum fetuin-A was lower in patients with VC. Logistic regression analysis revealed age, uric acid and diabetes to be independently associated with AIC; uric acid, diabetes and osteoprotegerin with AMC. Fetuin-A was the sole associate of VC.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the prevalence of cardiovascular calcification in chronic HD patients was high with cardiac valve involvement more frequent. Factors associated with different type of calcification were not identical. Changes in biomarkers may represent clinical clues for assessment of cardiovascular calcification in HD patients.
Gingival Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Hyperplastic Benignancy as the First Clinical Manifestation of AIDS: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rozza-de-Menezes Rafaela Elvira , Jeronimo Ferreira Stefânia , Lenzi Capella Diogo , Schwartz Stephan , Willrich Ana Helena , de Noronha Lúcia , Batista Rodrigues Johann Aline Cristina , Couto Souza Paulo Henrique
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an unusual case of gingival ALCL, which mimicked a benign hyperplastic lesion that occurred in a 57-year-old white man representing the first clinical manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient was referred to the Dental Clinic of PUCPR complaining of a lobulated nodule on the gingiva of his upper central incisors. The presence of advanced chronic periodontitis and dental plaque raised suspicion for a benignancy. An excisional biopsy was performed, and large pleomorphic cells with an abundant cytoplasm, sometimes containing prominent nucleoli and “Hallmark” cells, were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. The tumor cells showed strong CD30 expression, EMA, Ki-67, and LCA, and negative stain forp80NPM/ALK, CKAE1/AE3, CD20, CD3, CD56, and CD15. The final diagnosis was ALCL (ALK-negative). Further laboratory tests revealed positivity for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The patient was submitted to chemotherapy, but four months after diagnosis, the patient died due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Oral anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare disorder. Only 5 cases involving the gingiva have been reported, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported of the ALCL, which mimicked a hyperplastic benignancy as the first clinical manifestation of AIDS.
Hardware Acceleration of Beamforming in a UWB Imaging Unit for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Colonna Francesco , Graziano Mariagrazia , Casu Mario R. , Guo Xiaolu , Zamboni Maurizio
Published: June 2013

The Ultrawideband (UWB) imaging technique for
breast cancer detection is based on the fact that cancerous
cells have different dielectric characteristics than healthy tissues.
When a UWB pulse in the microwave range strikes a cancerous
region, the reflected signal is more intense than the backscatter
originating from the surrounding fat tissue. A UWB imaging
system consists of transmitters, receivers, and antennas for the RF
part, and of a digital back-end for processing the received signals.
In this paper we focus on the imaging unit, which elaborates
the acquired data and produces 2D or 3D maps of reflected
energies. We show that one of the processing tasks, Beamforming,
is the most timing critical and cannot be executed in software
by a standard microprocessor in a reasonable time. We thus
propose a specialized hardware accelerator for it. We design the
accelerator in VHDL and test it in an FPGA-based prototype.
We also evaluate its performance when implemented on a CMOS
45 nm ASIC technology. The speed-up with respect to a software
implementation is on the order of tens to hundreds, depending
on the degree of parallelism permitted by the target technology.
Assessment of Aurora a Kinase Expression in Breast Cancer: A Tool for Early Diagnosis?
Authors: Ferchichi Imen , Sassi Hannachi Samia , Baccar Amal , Marrakchi Triki Raja , Cremet Jean Yves , Ben Romdhane Khaled , Prigent Claude , Ben Ammar El Gaaied Amel
Published: June 2013

Aurora A kinase is overexpressed in many cancers but the status of this protein in the breast cancer often varies. We investigate the expression and localization of Aurora A protein in relation with tumor emergence and progression in breast cancer. Aurora A kinase status was evaluated in 107 patients using immunohistochemistry. The experimental findings showed that high expression of the Aurora A protein was correlated with elevated nuclear grade, low expression of progesterone receptor and positive nodal status. The experimental results showed also that the localization of this kinase shifts from cytoplasm in non malignant adjacent tissue to both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments in tumoral tissue, suggesting an oncogenic role of the nuclear accumulation. We have, furthermore, detected the overexpression of this protein in non malignant adjacent tissue. The expression of the Aurora A kinase in non malignant tissue may represent an earlier diagnosis tool for breast cancer.
Pain Sensitivity and Observer Perception of Pain in Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Allely C. S.
Published: June 2013

The peer‐reviewed literature investigating the relationship between pain expression and perception of pain in individuals with ASD is sparse. The aim of the present systematic PRIMSA review was twofold: first, to see what evidence there is for the widely held belief that individuals with ASD are insensitive to pain or have a high pain threshold in the peer‐reviewed literature and, second, to examine whether individuals with ASD react or express pain differently. Fifteen studies investigating pain in individuals with ASD were identified. The case studies all reported pain insensitivity in individuals with ASD. However, the majority of the ten experimental studies reviewed indicate that the idea that individuals with ASD are pain insensitive needs to be challenged. The findings also highlight the strong possibility that not all children with ASD express their physical discomfort in the same way as a neurotypical child would (i.e., cry, moan, seek comfort, etc.) which may lead caregivers and the medical profession to interpret this as pain insensitivity or incorrectly lead them to believe that the child is in no pain. These results have important implications for the assessment and management of pain in children with ASD.
Parameters Online Detection and Model Predictive Control during the Grain Drying Process
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Cui Helei , Li Hongli , Han Feng , Zhang Yaqiu , Wu Wenfu
Published: June 2013

In order to improve the grain drying quality and automation level, combined with the structural characteristics of the cross-flow circulation grain dryer designed and developed by us, the temperature, moisture, and other parameters measuring sensors were placed on the dryer, to achieve online automatic detection of process parameters during the grain drying process. A drying model predictive control system was set up. A grain dry predictive control model at constant velocity and variable temperature was established, in which the entire process was dried at constant velocity (i.e., precipitation rate per hour is a constant) and variable temperature. Combining PC with PLC, and based on LabVIEW, a system control platform was designed.
AURKA Governs Self-Renewal Capacity in Glioma-Initiating Cells via Stabilization/Activation of β-catenin/Wnt Signaling
Authors: Xia Zhibo , Wei Ping , Zhang Heng , Ding Zhiming , Yang Lixuan , Huang Zhengsong , Zhang Nu
Published: June 2013

Glioma-initiating cells (GIC), which are characterized by their self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity, were recently identified as a highly tumorigenic subpopulation of glioblastoma multiforme and are considered responsible for glioblastoma recurrence and chemo/radiation resistance. Previously, it was revealed that Wnt signaling activation is critical to the self-renewal of GICs. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the high expression of β-catenin, the key transcription factor of the Wnt signaling pathway, remains elusive. In this investigation, it was determined that aurora kinase A (AURKA) regulates the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of GICs by stabilizing β-catenin. In GICs, AURKA directly interacts with AXIN and disrupts the AXIN/GSK3β/β-catenin destruction complex and stabilizes β-catenin, thereby activating Wnt signaling to promote self-renewal. Stable knockdown of AURKA destabilizes β-catenin by increasing phosphorylated β-catenin bound to AXIN and suppresses Wnt signaling, which inhibits the ability of GICs to self-renew. This effect is rescued by expression of an AURKA kinase dead mutant, D274A, which lacks the ability to phosphorylate GSK3β, indicating that stabilization of β-catenin by AURKA in GICs is independent from phosphorylation of GSK3β. Functional experiments confirm that inhibition of AUKRA in GICs could suppress their “stemness,” self-renewal ability, and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo, and these effects could be rescued by stabilized β-catenin mutant. These findings indicate that AURKA competes away the binding of AXIN from β-catenin, induces β-catenin stabilization, and activates Wnt signaling in GICs.

Implications: AURKA kinase inhibition could effectively attenuate Wnt signaling, thereby inhibiting the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of GICs, and may be a novel target for glioblastoma treatment strategies. Mol Cancer Res; 11(9); 1101–11. ©2013 AACR.
Genital Powder Use and Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 8,525 Cases and 9,859 Controls
Authors: Terry Kathryn L. , Karageorgi Stalo , Shvetsov Yurii B. , Merritt Melissa A. , Lurie Galina , Thompson Pamela J. , Carney Michael E. , Weber Rachel Palmieri , Akushevich Lucy , Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan , Cushing-Haugen Kara , Sieh Weiva , Moysich Kirsten , Doherty Jennifer A. , Nagle Christina M. , Berchuck Andrew , Pearce Celeste L. , Pike Malcolm , Ness Roberta B. , Webb Penelope M. ,   for the Australian Cancer Study (Ovarian Cancer), and the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study Group;, Rossing Mary Anne , Schildkraut Joellen , Risch Harvey , Goodman Marc T.
Published: June 2013

Genital powder use has been associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in some, but not all, epidemiologic investigations, possibly reflecting the carcinogenic effects of talc particles found in most of these products. Whether risk increases with number of genital powder applications and for all histologic types of ovarian cancer also remains uncertain. Therefore, we estimated the association between self-reported genital powder use and epithelial ovarian cancer risk in eight population-based case–control studies. Individual data from each study were collected and harmonized. Lifetime number of genital powder applications was estimated from duration and frequency of use. Pooled ORs were calculated using conditional logistic regression matched on study and age and adjusted for potential confounders. Subtype-specific risks were estimated according to tumor behavior and histology. 8,525 cases and 9,859 controls were included in the analyses. Genital powder use was associated with a modest increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer [OR, 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.33] relative to women who never used powder. Risk was elevated for invasive serous (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09–1.32), endometrioid (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04–1.43), and clear cell (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01–1.52) tumors, and for borderline serous tumors (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.24–1.72). Among genital powder users, we observed no significant trend (P = 0.17) in risk with increasing number of lifetime applications (assessed in quartiles). We noted no increase in risk among women who only reported nongenital powder use. In summary, genital powder use is a modifiable exposure associated with small-to-moderate increases in risk of most histologic subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 6(8); 811–21. ©2013 AACR.
Two new species of Halacarus (Acari, Prostigmata) from Brazil
Authors: PEPATO ALMIR R.
Published: June 2013

The genus Halacarus is recorded from the Brazilian littoral for the first time. Two new species are described. Halacarus omului sp. nov., obtained from algae on the intertidal or immediate subtidal, is a member of the actenos species group and can be distinguished from most congeners by having fifth and sixth pairs of dorsal setae immediately adjacent to fourth and fifth pairs of gland pores, on same minute sclerite. Halacarus todaroi sp. nov. was obtained from sublittoral coarse sand and shell debris and can be distinguished from most congeners by lacking sexually dimorphic dorsal plates, the pres-ence of the posterior dorsal plate, although it does not bear the fourth pair of gland pores, and the presence of ocular plates as a small platelet bearing the pore canaliculi. Further diagnoses are provided along with the species descriptions.
Review of the earthworm fauna of Iran with emphasis on Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province
Authors: FARHADI ZEINAB , MALEK MASOUMEH , ELAHI ELAHE
Published: June 2013

Earthworms were collected in forests, damp habitats, springs, orchards and agricultural fields of the Kohgiluyeh & Boyer Ahmad Province, Iran, from April 2009 to April 2010. Specimens were collected at 20 established stations by digging and by diluted formalin methods. Ten species belonging to family Lumbricidae were identified based on morphology: Apor-rectodea caliginosa (Savigny, 1826), Ap. rosea (Savigny, 1826), Ap. jassyensis (Michaelsen, 1891), Dendrobaena veneta (Rosa, 1886), D. byblica (Rosa, 1893) complex, D. orientalis orientalis Černosvitov 1940, Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), Eiseniella tetraedra (Savigny, 1826), Octolasion lacteum (Örley, 1881), Perelia kaznakovi (Michaelsen, 1910). Ap. calig-inosa was the dominant species in this province and D. orientalis orientalis is a new record for Iran. A checklist of all earthworms species form Iran is presented, containing 19 species. Then, in order to show earthworm geographical affini-ties, hierarchical analysis were applied to available data on earthworm of Iran.
Revision of the species of the bee genus Caenohalictus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) occurring in Argentinean Patagonia
Authors: GONZALEZ-VAQUERO ROCIO ANA , ROIG-ALSINA ARTURO
Published: June 2013

The species of the halictid bee genus Caenohalictus Cameron occurring in Argentinean Patagonia are revised. Eight spe-cies are recognized, one of them here described as new: Caenohalictus flammeus n. sp. The female of C. turquesa Rojas & Toro 2000 is described for the first time. Pseudagapostemon babuarus Jörgensen 1912, based on the male holotype, is synonymized under Augochlora (Pseudaugochloropsis) thamyris Jörgensen 1912, based on the female lectotype. Lecto-types are designated for Augochlora (Pseudaugochloropsis) thamyris Jörgensen 1912 and Halictomorpha autumnalis Jör-gensen 1912. Caenohalictus cyanopygus Rojas & Toro 2000, C. galletue Rojas & Toro 2000, C. iodurus (Vachal 1903), C. opaciceps (Friese 1916), and C. turquesa Rojas & Toro 2000, all known from Chile, are cited for Argentina for the first time. Notes on the variation observed within species, images of diagnostic structures, a key to the species and distribu-tional data are provided. In addition, DNA barcoding results for four species are briefly discussed.
Aphyosemion pamaense, a new killifish species (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) from Cameroon
Authors: AGNESE JEAN-FRANCOIS , LEGROS OLIVIER , CAZAUX BENOITE , ESTIVALS GUILLAIN
Published: June 2013

Aphyosemion pamaense sp. nov. is described from the Pama River, a small tributary of the Nyong, in the surroundings of Pama, Cameroon. It belongs to the subgenus Chromaphyosemion Radda, 1971 and is distinguished from its relatives by a unique/diagnostic combination of characters: orange unpaired fins, an anal fin without spots, an orange throat and purple to blue-grey flanks. The new species is also genetically differentiated from all the other Chromaphyosemion species as revealed by mtDNA (cytochrome b) analysis and characterised by a unique karyotype showing tentative sex chromosomes with 2n=35 chromosomes in males versus 2n=36 in females.
Description of a new species of Microhyla from Bali, Indonesia (Amphibia, Anura)
Authors: MATSUI MASAFUMI , HAMIDY AMIR , ETO KOSHIRO
Published: June 2013

We describe a microhylid frog from Bali, Indonesia as a new species, Microhyla orientalis sp. nov. It belongs to the M. achatina group and is close to M. mantheyi, M. malang, and M. borneensis. It is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: small size (adult males about 16–17 mm in SVL); a faint vertebral stripe present; a black lateral stripe from behind eye to half length of trunk; snout rounded in profile; eyelid without supraciliary spines; first finger less than one-fifth of third; tips of three outer fingers weakly dilated, forming weak disks, dorsally with median longitudinal groove; outer palmar tubercle single; tibiotarsal articulation reaching up to center of eye; tips of toes distinctly dilated into disks, dorsally with median longitudinal groove; inner and outer metatarsal tubercles present; four or more phalanges on inner and outer sides of fourth toe, and three phalanges on inner side of fifth toe free of web; and tail of larva with a black marking at middle. The male advertisement call of the new species consists of a series of notes each lasts for 0.01−0.08 s and composed of 3−5 pulses with a dominant frequency of 3.2–3.6 kHz. Uncorrected sequence divergences between M. orientalis and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available were >6.6%. At present, the new species is known from rice fields between 435–815 m elevation in Wongaya Gede and Batukaru.
Observed and Modeled Global Ocean Turbulence Regimes as Deduced from Surface Trajectory Data
Authors: Nilsson Jenny A. U. , Döös Kristofer , Ruti Paolo M. , Artale Vincenzo , Coward Andrew , Brodeau Laurent
Published: June 2013

A large-scale tool for systematic analyses of the dispersal and turbulent properties of ocean currents and the subsequent separation of dynamical regimes according to the prevailing trajectories taxonomy in a certain area was proposed by Rupolo. In the present study, this methodology has been extended to the analysis of model trajectories obtained by analytical computations of the particle advection equation using the Lagrangian open-source software package Tracing the Water Masses of the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean (TRACMASS), and intercomparisons have been made between the surface velocity fields from three different configurations of the global Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) ocean/sea ice general circulation model. Lagrangian time scales of the observed and synthetic trajectory datasets have been calculated by means of inverse Lagrangian stochastic modeling, and the influence of the model field spatial and temporal resolution on the analyses has been investigated. In global-scale ocean modeling, compromises are frequently made in terms of grid resolution and time averaging of the output fields because high-resolution data require considerable amounts of storage space. Here, the implications of such approximations on the modeled velocity fields and, consequently, on the particle dispersion, have been assessed through validation against observed drifter tracks. This study aims, moreover, to shed some light on the relatively unknown turbulent properties of near-surface ocean dynamics and their representation in numerical models globally and in a number of key regions. These results could be of interest for other studies within the field of turbulent eddy diffusion parameterization in ocean models or ocean circulation studies involving long-term coarse-grid model experiments.
Dynamics of Local Circulations in Mountainous Terrain during the RHUBC-II Project
Authors: Marín Julio C. , Pozo Diana , Mlawer Eli , Turner David D. , Curé Michel
Published: June 2013

The Radiative Heating in Underexplored Bands Campaign (RHUBC-II) project was held from August to October 2009 in the Atacama Desert in Chile at 5320-m altitude. Observations from this experiment and a high-resolution numerical simulation with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) were used to understand the structure and evolution of the atmosphere over a region with complex terrain and extremely dry environmental conditions. The mechanisms driving the local circulations during synoptically unperturbed conditions at the field site were studied. The study suggests that the field site is mainly affected by a mountain-scale and a plateau-scale thermally driven circulation. The latter seems to dominate. The advection of warm air by downslope flows from higher heights during nighttime may be the mechanism that counteracts the longwave radiative cooling at the surface, causing a small decrease of near-surface temperature during the night. WRF represents the near-surface and upper atmosphere reasonably well above the RHUBC-II site. Important orographic features are misrepresented in the model terrain, which may cause the observed differences in near-surface winds. The zonal pressure gradient between both sides of the mountain and the static stability of the air mass on the windward side of the terrain control the local circulations over the field site. Consequently, a misrepresentation of these mechanisms in the model may cause differences between the simulated winds and observations.
Self-Forgiveness in the Recovery of Israeli Drug-Addicted Mothers
Authors: Gueta Keren
Published: June 2013

It has been suggested that self-forgiveness plays an important role in the process of recovery from addiction, especially for women, but this issue has been largely overlooked in the research. This study explored self-forgiveness from the perspective of 25 recovering drug-addicted mothers associated with the same therapeutic community, either as current residents in the course of recovery or as past residents who maintained recovery. The participants were interviewed in a dual-research design (35 interviews) that enabled comparative-longitudinal examination of the self-forgiveness process. Qualitative methods were used to identify the emotional, cognitive, and offense-related factors associated with self-forgiveness regarding mothering patterns during addiction. The results indicated that self-forgiveness involves cognitive flexibility by using the disease model, creating new constructions of motherhood, and changing mothering patterns. Furthermore, self-forgiveness is accompanied by diminishment of guilt and enables construction of a new shame-free identity. The findings may inform self-forgiveness interventions in the addiction field.
Functional neuroanatomy of the central noradrenergic system
Authors: Szabadi Elemer
Published: June 2013

The central noradrenergic neurone, like the peripheral sympathetic neurone, is characterized by a diffusely arborizing terminal axonal network. The central neurones aggregate in distinct brainstem nuclei, of which the locus coeruleus (LC) is the most prominent. LC neurones project widely to most areas of the neuraxis, where they mediate dual effects: neuronal excitation by α1-adrenoceptors and inhibition by α2-adrenoceptors. The LC plays an important role in physiological regulatory networks. In the sleep/arousal network the LC promotes wakefulness, via excitatory projections to the cerebral cortex and other wakefulness-promoting nuclei, and inhibitory projections to sleep-promoting nuclei. The LC, together with other pontine noradrenergic nuclei, modulates autonomic functions by excitatory projections to preganglionic sympathetic, and inhibitory projections to preganglionic parasympathetic neurones. The LC also modulates the acute effects of light on physiological functions (‘photomodulation‘): stimulation of arousal and sympathetic activity by light via the LC opposes the inhibitory effects of light mediated by the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus on arousal and by the paraventricular nucleus on sympathetic activity. Photostimulation of arousal by light via the LC may enable diurnal animals to function during daytime. LC neurones degenerate early and progressively in Parkinson‘s disease and Alzheimer‘s disease, leading to cognitive impairment, depression and sleep disturbance.
Effects of escitalopram on attentional bias to cocaine-related stimuli and inhibitory control in cocaine-dependent subjects
Authors: Liu Shijing , Lane Scott D , Schmitz Joy M , Cunningham Kathryn A , John Vineeth P , Moeller F Gerard
Published: June 2013

Key characteristics of cocaine dependence include attentional bias to cocaine cues and impaired inhibitory control. Studies suggest that serotonin modulates both cocaine cue reactivity and inhibitory control. We investigated effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram on cocaine cue reactivity and inhibitory processes in cocaine-dependent subjects. In a double-blind placebo-controlled design, cocaine-dependent subjects received placebo ( n=12) or escitalopram ( n=11; 10 mg on days 1–3, 20 mg on days 4–24 and 10 mg on days 25–28) orally, once daily for 4 weeks. The cocaine Stroop and immediate memory task (IMT) were administered at baseline, days 1, 4, 11, 18 and 25 after placebo or escitalopram initiation. There were no significant between-group differences in baseline performance on the cocaine Stroop task or the IMT. On day 1 (acute phase), escitalopram produced a significantly greater decrease from baseline than placebo in attentional bias measured by cocaine Stroop task 5 hours post-dose. No significant changes from baseline in attentional bias were observed on subsequent test days (chronic phase). Inhibitory control as measured by IMT commission error rate was not significantly different between two groups in either the acute or chronic phase. Consistent with preclinical data, serotonin-modulating drugs like escitalopram may have acute effects on cocaine cue reactivity in human cocaine users.
Association between cognitive impairment and eating habits in elderly Chinese subjects over 90 years of age
Authors: Gao Lingyun , Dong Birong , Hao Qiu Kui , Ding Xiang
Published: June 2013

Objective

Eating habits may have a key influence on cognitive function, however, the relationship between dietary intake and cognitive impairment in the elderly Chinese population has not been explored. The present study investigated the association between cognitive impairment and eating habits in elderly Chinese subjects >90 years of age.

Methods

This study comprised data from subjects included in the 2005 Project of Longevity and Ageing in Dujiangyan, China. Subjects were divided into two groups: cognitive impairment group and normal group. Sociodemographic and dietary habit data were collected and cognitive function was assessed in all subjects using the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Results

Data from 763 subjects (249 men, 514 women) were included. There was no statistically significant difference in eating habits between the two groups. Education level in the cognitive impairment group was significantly lower than in the normal group. Significant between-group differences were detected in factors relating to subjects’ professions.

Conclusions

Eating habits were not related to cognitive impairment in elderly Chinese people >90 years of age.
Effect of Rac1 downregulation mediated by shRNA on the biological behaviour of human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Xu Ai Li , Yu Guo Qiang , Kong Xian Chao , Qiu Xiao Hong , Li Pei Ling
Published: June 2013

Objective

The function of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate1 (Rac1) in the progression of cervical cancer is unclear. This study used RNA interference technology to explore the involvement of Rac1 in the regulation of cervical cancer cells.

Methods

A short hairpin (sh) RNA plasmid targeting Rac1 was constructed and transfected into HeLa cells. Rac1 mRNA and protein levels were investigated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation and cisplatin chemosensitivity were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The Matrigel™ assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell invasion and apoptosis, respectively. The concentration of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in cell supernatants was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Rac1 expression was significantly downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in HeLa cells transfected with Rac1 shRNA, and the cell proliferation and invasion capability of cells was decreased. Rac1 downregulation was associated with a decrease in MMP-2 secretion, and increased cell chemosensitivity to cisplatin and cisplatin-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Rac1 may play an important role in cervical cancer progression and could be a potential target for anticancer therapy.
Integrating Assessment and Evaluation Into Partnership Initiatives
Authors: Giunta Nancy , Thomas M. Lori
Published: June 2013

Communities nationwide have formed cross-sector partnerships to face the needs of an aging population, particularly for the purpose of improving long-term supportive service systems. Research is limited on how evaluation strategies are incorporated into partnership work, especially in the field of aging. This retrospective qualitative study reviewed administrative and key informant interview data to examine how 15 community partnerships (CPs) within the Community Partnerships for Older Adults (CPFOA) national program incorporated evaluation into their work. The four overarching lessons drawn from our inquiry suggest that effective CPs: (a) incorporate both formative and summative methods into evaluation, (b) use and develop the knowledge and skills of its members, (c) support flexible and creative evaluation methods and strategies, and (d) use internal and external resources to support evaluation efforts, particularly with nontraditional partners. There is a need for continued research to capture the methodological complexity of partnership evaluation.
Exploring Vātsalyam: The Emotion of Love for the Child
Authors: Sen Rekha Sharma , Pandit Shilpa
Published: June 2013

The emotion of vātsalyam is perceived as central to the construction of love in the Indian cultural context. Usually understood as the love of the parents for their children, it is not confined to parental love alone. The article examines the historicity of the concept of vātsalyam as well as its contemporary expression. It combines enquiry from three domains—Indian philosophical thought, literature and folk psychology. The first section of the article provides the theoretical framework within which the concept is situated in Indian psychology. Drawing from the rasa theory, we explicate how experiencing of worldly emotions can simultaneously be the means of transformation. In the second section, we attempt to bring out the centrality of the emotion of vātsalyam in Indian psyche and its pan-Indian expression by drawing from the literatures in Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and Marathi. The third section of the article uses a short qualitative enquiry to examine contemporary understanding of vātsalyam based on responses of lay persons and artists relating to nature of vātsalyam, their modes of expression of this emotion, its manifestation in various relationships, and their views on the uniqueness of this emotion, or otherwise, to the Indian cultural context