bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Was Nicolaus the Sophist a Christian?
Authors: Gibson Craig A.
Published: November 2010

In Progymnasmata 45.9-21, Nicolaus the Sophist uses the Christian word παιδοφόρος (“boy-corrupter”) in its typically Christian pairing with µοιχός (“adulterer”) to express what seems to be a Christian sentiment about avoiding detailed discussion of wicked acts. This suggests that he was a Christian, a possibility that previous scholars have considered but were unable to find evidence for.
A.J. Tomlinson’s Emerging Ecclesiology
Authors: Hunter Harold D.
Published: November 2010

This study seeks to engage the question of how A.J. Tomlinson formulated the theological platform that influenced the ecclesiologies of various Churches of God. The cast includes R.G. Spurling and R. Frank Porter, a forgotten figure but one who, together with Spurling, organized the Holiness Church at Camp Creek in western North Carolina on May 15, 1902. I will argue that, absent the intervention of A.J. Tomlinson on June 13, 1903, the work of Spurling, Porter, and W.F. Bryant would have suffered the ill-fated demise common to hundreds of like works in Appalachia. Yet Tomlinson was more than an organizer; he was also someone who influenced the mission adopted by the early Church of God (Cleveland, TN). This article has particular relevance in the face of awakened sensitivities to Pentecostal ecclesiology in the light of the Edinburgh 1910 centenary celebrations around the world and the World Council of Churches’ working document, Nature and Mission of the Church. Here I will frame the discussion as a response to Dale Coulter’s article, “The Development of Ecclesiology in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN): A Forgotten Contribution?” in Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies 29, no. 1 (2007): 59-85.
The Transnational Location of Two Leading Evangelical Churches in the Global South
Authors: Offutt Stephen
Published: November 2010

Religion remains critically important in the Global South even as globalization intensifies. As international political and economic structures evolve, transnational religions shift societal locations within countries. These shifts cause changes within religions themselves, altering patterns of interaction that may in turn have political and economic consequences. By examining Iglesia Josue in El Salvador and Rhema Bible Church in South Africa, this article shows that the current leading Pentecostal churches and actors in developing countries are often located in upper-middle-class neighborhoods. Strong institutional and personal networks that stretch across borders transnationally embed such churches at multiple levels. The transnational orientation of leading churches has important implications for the rest of the in-country Pentecostal community.
An EU Right to Interim Protection during Appeal Proceedings in Asylum Cases?
Authors: Reneman Marcelle
Published: November 2010

Does EU law provide for a right to interim protection in asylum cases and if so under what circumstances and in what form? These questions are addressed in this article on the basis of relevant EU legislation, the EU principle of effectiveness and the right to effective judicial protection, and finally international human rights law, which serves as a source of inspiration for these principles. It is argued that Article 39 of the Procedures Directive, interpreted in the light of the EU principle of effectiveness and the EU right to effective judicial protection, requires a remedy with automatic suspensive effect in all asylum cases, regardless of their arguability. It is therefore conceivable that this provision offers broader protection than the right to an effective remedy, laid down in international human rights treaties, such as Article 13 ECHR.
EU Blue Card Scheme: The Right Step in the Right Direction?
Authors: Gümüs Yasin Kerem
Published: November 2010

In October 2007, the European Commission adopted a controversial proposal on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals for highly qualified employment. The Blue Card scheme is intended to provide Member States and European Union (EU) companies with additional “tools” to recruit, retain and better allocate the workers they require, and so to increase the competitiveness of the EU economy through legal immigration and provide the EU with an advantage to compete with the US Green Card. However, the EU Blue Card scheme has been the subject of much controversy among not only EU Member States but also among less developed countries. This article aims to analyze the Blue Card scheme, which was adopted on 25 May 2009 and gives Member States two years to incorporate the new provisions into their domestic legislation. After providing an overview of the scheme, the second part deals with critics of the scheme and national responses of Member States to the scheme. Finally, the third part of the article seeks to answer the question: is the Blue Card scheme the right step in the right direction?
Discovering the Characteristics of Collegia—Collegia Sodalicia and Collegia Tenuiorum in 1 Corinthians 8, 10 and 15
Authors: Kwon Oh-Young
Published: November 2010

In 1 Corinthians 8, 10 and 15 Paul appears to argue against some of the Corinthian Christians who would have regarded their Christian community as analogous to a sort of voluntary collegia in the first century Greco-Roman world. Some characteristics of the collegia are exhibited in these chapters. Especially 8:1-13 and 10:1-22 contains the characteristics of collegia sodalicia, while 15:29 comprises those of collegia tenuiorum. This finding provides an alternative to the current scholarly interpretation of the Pauline description of the Corinthians’ eating food sacrificed to idols (1 Cor 8:1-13 and 10:1-22) and of their engagement in baptism for (or on behalf of) the dead (1 Cor 15:29).
Explaining Liberal Aggression: The International Community and Threat Perception
Authors: Buchan Russell
Published: November 2010

In this article I intend to uncover the ideological factors that sustain the international community’s campaign for liberal development. I argue that this is because the international community perceives non-liberal states to be a threat to their liberal peace. I submit that the international community perceives non-liberal states to be a threat because non-liberal governments are considered to be in a state of aggression with their own people. This is based upon the belief by the international community that liberal democracy represents a universally desired system of governance. To this end, the population agitate against the non-liberal regime, campaigning for liberal reform, seeking to realise their liberal desires, which thus creates a state of aggression between the ruler and the ruled. Considering that liberal states regard domestic conduct to be the primary indicator of likely international conduct, the international community perceives non-liberal states to be likely aggressive international actors. Thus, for the international community the only way that they can avert the threat posed by non-liberal states is by subjecting them to liberal reform. In the final section of this article I will reveal how the international community determines which non-liberal states should be prioritised for liberal reformation.
The Character of the Conflict in Gaza: Another Argument towards Abolishing the Distinction between International and Non-international Armed Conflicts
Authors: Mastorodimos Konstantinos
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this article is twofold. It will attempt to address the character of this conflict, in line with the traditional distinction between international and non-international. In this particular conflict, there were differing views due to the status of Hamas, Gaza and the varying interpretations of the relevant legal standards. After examining several options it will become evident that arguments on both the international or non-international character of the conflict could stand. As this is not the first time that there is a considerable difficulty in making the proper classification, the author will further argue in favour of abolishing this dichotomy.
History, Before and Beyond the Limit
Authors: Honenberger Phillip
Published: November 2010

What is the relation between past and present, and what role does historical research, writing and thinking play in regards to that relation? Does it, for instance, primarily record the features of objective breaks and continuities between past and future (as A. Danto has it) or does it rather institute those breaks and continuities (as C. Fasolt has recently argued)? Here I stress that historical understanding is a basic dimension of understanding in general, including understanding of the relation of past and future. Historical research, writing and thinking promise indefinite expansion and qualification of that understanding. In contrast to Danto and with Fasolt, I hold that the possibilities of qualification cannot be definitively foreclosed; against Fasolt I urge an epistemological optimism about the consequences of that admission.
Truth, Narrative, and the Materiality of Memory: An Externalist Approach in the Philosophy of History
Authors: Malpas Jeff
Published: November 2010

One of the most influential and significant developments in the philosophy of language over the last thirty years has been the rise of externalist conceptions of content. This essay aims to explore the implications of a form of externalism, largely derived from the work of Donald Davidson, for thinking about history, and in so doing to suggest one way in which contemporary philosophy of language may engage with contemporary philosophy of history. Much of the discussion focuses on the elaboration of the externalism that is at issue, along with the holistic approach to content with which it is connected. It will be argued that such holistic externalism is itself thoroughly in keeping with the very character of historical inquiry itself, and can be seen to provide an underpinning to certain contemporary developments in historical thinking.
Historical Consciousness and the Identity of Philosophy
Authors: Piercey Robert
Published: November 2010

It is now widely accepted that philosophers should be historically self-conscious. But what does this mean in practice? How does historical consciousness change the way we philosophize? To answer this question, I examine two philosophers who put historical consciousness at the heart of their projects: Richard Rorty and Paul Ricoeur. Rorty and Ricoeur both argue that historical consciousness leads us to see philosophy as fragmented. It leads us to view our thinking from multiple perspectives at once, perspectives that are often in considerable tension. But Rorty and Ricoeur reach radically different conclusions about how we should respond to this fragmentation. Their disagreement, I argue, is closely connected to their views of identity. Rorty and Ricoeur have different understandings of what it means for something to be unified, and thus different ideas about what it would take for our perspectives on ourselves to be brought together. My argument for this claim has four parts. First, I try to identify the problems that historical consciousness raises for philosophy, and explain why the most common response to them is unsatisfactory. Second, I discuss Rorty’s claim that historical consciousness ought to make us ironists about our philosophical views, and to abandon truth as a goal of inquiry. Third, I contrast Rorty’s position with Ricoeur’s. Ricoeur argues that we can be historically self-aware and still see philosophy as a rational enterprise that aims at truth. I argue that Ricoeur’s optimism on this point is rooted in his view of identity, and specifically in his distinction between idem- and ipse-identity. Finally, I ask what all of this shows about the options available to historically minded philosophers today.
Drought Indices Based on the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and Ensemble NLDAS
Authors: Mo Kingtse C. , Long Lindsey N. , Xia Youlong , Yang S. K. , Schemm Jae E. , Ek Michael
Published: November 2010

Drought indices derived from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) are compared with indices derived from the ensemble North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) and the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) over the United States. Uncertainties in soil moisture, runoff, and evapotranspiration (E) from three systems are assessed by comparing them with limited observations, including E from the AmeriFlux data, soil moisture from the Oklahoma Mesonet and the Illinois State Water Survey, and streamflow data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The CFSR has positive precipitation (P) biases over the western mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and the Ohio River valley in winter and spring. In summer, it has positive biases over the Southeast and large negative biases over the Great Plains. These errors limit the ability to use the standardized precipitation indices (SPIs) derived from the CFSR to measure the severity of meteorological droughts. To compare with the P analyses, the Heidke score for the 6-month SPI derived from the CFSR is on average about 0.5 for the three-category classification of drought, floods, and neutral months. The CFSR has positive E biases in spring because of positive biases in downward solar radiation and high potential evaporation. The negative E biases over the Great Plains in summer are due to less P and soil moisture in the root zone. The correlations of soil moisture percentile between the CFSR and the ensemble NLDAS are regionally dependent. The correlations are higher over the area east of 100°W and the West Coast. There is less agreement between them over the western interior region.
Study of the Influence of the Pressure Drop Rate on the Foaming Behavior and Dynamic-Mechanical Properties of CO2 Dissolution Microcellular Polypropylene Foams
Authors: Antunes Marcelo , Realinho Vera , Velasco José Ignacio
Published: November 2010

This article presents the preparation of microcellular polypropylene foams produced by a CO2 batch-foaming process and their characterization regarding the influence of the pressure drop rate on the foaming behavior and dynamic—mechanical properties. A polypropylene-based material was prepared by melt-mixing in a twin-screw extruder, cooled, and pelletized and later compression-molded in a hot-plate press to solid discs. These discs were finally foamed inside a high pressure vessel by dissolving CO2 and carefully controlling its sudden decompression drop. The dynamic—mechanical properties of the different expansion ratio-produced PP foams were studied, analyzing the influence of the pressure drop rate and residual pressures on the cellular structure and subsequent dynamic—mechanical behavior of the foams. With increasing the sudden pressure drop by reducing the residual pressure value, higher expansion ratio PP foams were obtained, reaching a maximum value of 3. Only slight differences were observed between foams regarding the cell size (maximum cell size ≈ 100 μm), the foams presenting slightly lower specific storage moduli than that of the solid material, indicating the efficiency of this process in nucleating and generating relatively high expansion ratio foams with a closed-cell type of structure and cell sizes in the micrometer range.
Sleep loss and acute drug abuse can induce DNA damage in multiple organs of mice
Authors: Alvarenga TA , Ribeiro DA , Araujo P , Hirotsu C , Mazaro-Costa R , Costa JL , Battisti MC , Tufik S , Andersen ML
Published: November 2010

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the genetic damage induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in combination with cocaine or ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) in multiple organs of male mice using the single cell gel (comet) assay. C57BL/6J mice were submitted to PSD by the platform technique for 72 hours, followed by drug administration and evaluation of DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver and brain tissues. Cocaine was able to induce genetic damage in the blood, brain and liver cells of sleep-deprived mice at the majority of the doses evaluated. Ecstasy also induced increased DNA migration in peripheral blood cells for all concentrations tested. Analysis of damaged cells by the tail moment data suggests that ecstasy is a genotoxic chemical at the highest concentrations tested, inducing damage in liver or brain cells after sleep deprivation in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that cocaine and ecstasy/MDMA act as potent genotoxins in multiple organs of mice when associated with sleep loss.
The World Library of Toxicology, Chemical Safety, and Environmental Health (WLT)
Authors: Wexler Philip , Gilbert Steven G , Thorp Nick , Faustman Elaine , Breskin Donna D
Published: November 2010

The World Library of Toxicology, Chemical Safety, and Environmental Health, commonly referred to as the World Library of Toxicology (WLT), is a multilingual online portal of links to key global resources, representing a host of individual countries and multilateral organizations. The Site is designed as a network of, and gateway to, toxicological information and activities from around the world. It is built on a Wiki platform by a roster of Country Correspondents, with the aim of efficiently exchanging information and stimulating collaboration among colleagues, and building capacity, with the ultimate objective of serving as a tool to help improve global public health. The WLT was publicly launched on September 7, 2009, at the Seventh Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (CTDC-VII) in Sun City, South Africa.
A traditional formula, Chunggan extract, attenuates thioacetamide-induced hepatofibrosis via GSH system in rats
Authors: Kwak Kyeong-Gue , Wang Jing-Hua , Shin Jang-Woo , Lee Dong-Soo , Son Chang-Gue
Published: November 2010

Chunggan extract (CGX) is a hepatotherapeutic herbal formula which has been traditionally used for patients suffering from various hepatic disorders. This study aimed to elucidate antifibrotic effect and mechanisms of CGX in thioacetamide (TAA) model. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in 45 Sprague-Dawley rats by TAA (200 mg kg–1, intraperitoneally [ip]) on twice per week for 12 weeks. CGX (100 or 200 mg kg–1, per oral [po]) was administrated once a day throughout the experiment. CGX treatment ameliorated serum biomarkers. CGX administration significantly attenuated distortion of histopathologic finding, and accumulation of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde (MDA). CGX treatment significantly decreased transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) concentrations and inactivated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). CGX treatment drastically restored glutathione (GSH) system, while inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) significantly down-regulated in liver tissue. CGX showed antifibrotic effect in thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury model. Its corresponding mechanisms may be mediated via anti-oxidative stress property sustaining GSH system and inhibition of ROS production.
Postrelease Specialization and Versatility in Sexual Offenders Referred for Civil Commitment
Authors: Harris Danielle A. , Knight Raymond A. , Smallbone Stephen , Dennison Susan
Published: November 2010

Offense specialization and versatility has been explored previously in the prior criminal records of sexual offenders. The present study expanded these findings by examining offense specialization and versatility in the postrelease offending of a sample of sexual offenders referred for civil commitment and released. Criminal versatility (not limiting one’s offending to sexual crime) both before and after commitment was the most commonly observed offending pattern in the sample. Specialist offenders (those for whom sexual offenses constituted more than half of their total number of previous arrests) were more likely than versatile offenders to specialize in sexual offending on release, perhaps indicating that specialization is a stable offending tendency. When compared by referral status, recidivism records indicated that offenders who were committed for treatment were more likely than observed, noncommitted offenders to specialize in sexual offending on release. When compared by offender classification, child molesters and offenders with mixed aged victims were much more likely than rapists and incest offenders to specialize in sexual offending on release.
Predictive factors for multiple sclerosis in patients with clinically isolated spinal cord syndrome
Authors: Ruet Aurélie , Deloire Mathilde SA , Ouallet Jean-Christophe , Molinier Sandrine , Brochet Bruno
Published: November 2010

Objectives: To identify predictors of conversion to definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with a cord clinically isolated syndrome.

Methods: The predictive values for conversion to MS of clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) variables in 114 patients with acute partial myelitis confirmed by a spinal cord lesion on MRI were studied. Other causes of cord syndromes were excluded.

Results: MS was diagnosed in 78 patients (86%) during 4.0 ± 1.9 years of follow-up. Some 67 of these patients had a second clinical episode. The diagnosis of isolated myelitis was maintained for 36 patients, 78% of whom (28 cases) were followed for at least 2 years, comparable to the MS patients. Age, bladder involvement, ≥2 cord lesions on MRI, ≥9 brain lesions, ≥3 periventricular lesions and intrathecal IgG synthesis predicted conversion to clinically definite MS. Multivariate logistic analysis identified three predictors of MS diagnosis: age ≤40 years, inflammatory CSF and ≥3 periventricular lesions on brain MRI.

Conclusion: Two out of three baseline factors (age, periventricular lesions and inflammatory CSF) predicted conversion to MS with better accuracy than the revised McDonald criteria for dissemination in space.
Impact of the Staphylococcus epidermidis LytSR two-component regulatory system on murein hydrolase activity, pyruvate utilization and global transcriptional profile
Authors: Zhu Tao , Lou Qiang , Wu Yang , Hu Jian , Yu Fangyou , Qu Di
Published: November 2010

Background

Staphylococcus epidermidis has emerged as one of the most important nosocomial pathogens, mainly because of its ability to colonize implanted biomaterials by forming a biofilm. Extensive studies are focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation. The LytSR two-component regulatory system regulates autolysis and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. However, the role of LytSR played in S. epidermidis remained unknown.

Results

In the present study, we demonstrated that lytSR knock-out in S. epidermidis did not alter susceptibility to Triton X-100 induced autolysis. Quantitative murein hydrolase assay indicated that disruption of lytSR in S. epidermidis resulted in decreased activities of extracellular murein hydrolases, although zymogram showed no apparent differences in murein hydrolase patterns between S. epidermidis strain 1457 and its lytSR mutant. Compared to the wild-type counterpart, 1457ΔlytSR produced slightly more biofilm, with significantly decreased dead cells inside. Microarray analysis showed that lytSR mutation affected the transcription of 164 genes (123 genes were upregulated and 41 genes were downregulated). Specifically, genes encoding proteins responsible for protein synthesis, energy metabolism were downregulated, while genes involved in amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis, amino acid transporters were upregulated. Impaired ability to utilize pyruvate and reduced activity of arginine deiminase was observed in 1457ΔlytSR, which is consistent with the microarray data.

Conclusions

The preliminary results suggest that in S. epidermidis LytSR two-component system regulates extracellular murein hydrolase activity, bacterial cell death and pyruvate utilization. Based on the microarray data, it appears that lytSR inactivation induces a stringent response. In addition, LytSR may indirectly enhance biofilm formation by altering the metabolic status of the bacteria.
Maternal common mental disorders and infant development in Ethiopia: the P-MaMiE Birth Cohort
Authors: Servili Chiara , Medhin Girmay , Hanlon Charlotte , Tomlinson Mark , Worku Bogale , Baheretibeb Yonas , Dewey Michael , Alem Atalay , Prince Martin
Published: November 2010

Background

Chronicity and severity of early exposure to maternal common mental disorders (CMD) has been associated with poorer infant development in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs), perinatal CMD is inconsistently associated with infant development, but the impact of severity and persistence has not been examined.

Methods

A nested population-based cohort of 258 pregnant women was identified from the Perinatal Maternal Mental Disorder in Ethiopia (P-MaMiE) study, and 194 (75.2%) were successfully followed up until the infants were 12 months of age. Maternal CMD was measured in pregnancy and at two and 12 months postnatal using the WHO Self-Reporting Questionnaire, validated for use in this setting. Infant outcomes were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

Results

Antenatal maternal CMD symptoms were associated with poorer infant motor development (β^-0.20; 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.03), but this became non-significant after adjusting for confounders. Postnatal CMD symptoms were not associated with any domain of infant development. There was evidence of a dose-response relationship between the number of time-points at which the mother had high levels of CMD symptoms (SRQ ≥ 6) and impaired infant motor development (β^= -0.80; 95%CI -2.24, 0.65 for ante- or postnatal CMD only,β^= -4.19; 95%CI -8.60, 0.21 for ante- and postnatal CMD, compared to no CMD; test-for-trend χ213.08(1), p < 0.001). Although this association became non-significant in the fully adjusted model, theβ^coefficients were unchanged indicating that the relationship was not confounded. In multivariable analyses, lower socio-economic status and lower infant weight-for-age were associated with significantly lower scores on both motor and cognitive developmental scales. Maternal experience of physical violence was significantly associated with impaired cognitive development.

Conclusions

The study supports the hypothesis that it is the accumulation of risk exposures across time rather than early exposure to maternal CMD per se that is more likely to affect child development. Further investigation of the impact of chronicity of maternal CMD upon child development in LAMICs is indicated. In the Ethiopian setting, poverty, interpersonal violence and infant undernutrition should be targets for interventions to reduce the loss of child developmental potential.
Role of endometrial blood flow assessment with color Doppler energy in predicting pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET cycles
Authors: Wang Lina , Qiao Jie , Li Rong , Zhen Xiumei , Liu Zhaohui
Published: November 2010

This is a prospective study of 182 women (38 yrs or younger) undergoing IVF-ET. Endometrial thickness, echo pattern and blood flow on transvaginal ultrasonography were recorded eight hours prior to hCG administration. The patients were divided into three groups: A (n = 10) with undetectable endometrial blood flow; B (n = 82) with sub-endometrial blood flow; C (n = 90) with both endometrial and sub-endometrial blood flow. According to IVF-ET outcomes, all patients were re-divided into three groups: 1 non-pregnancy (n = 92); 2 intrauterine pregnancy with live fetus (n = 70); 3 others (n = 20 including biochemical pregnancy, embryonic diapause, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage). Intrauterine pregnancy with live fetus in Group C (62.2%) was much higher than that in Group A and B (0% and 17.1%, p less than or equal to 0.001). The implantation rate (33.2%) was much higher than that in Group A and B (0% and 19.90%, p less than or equal to 0.001). The pulsatility index, resistance index, and S/D of endometrial spiral arteries were 0.1 +/- 0.2, 0.6 +/- 0.1 and 2.5 +/- 0.4 in Group 2, which were much lower than those in Group 1 and Group 3 (p1-2 less than 0.001, p2-3 less than 0.05). The patients with detectable endometrial blood flow had higher clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates.
In vitro fertilisation with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone requires less IU usage compared with highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin: results from a European retrospective observational chart review
Authors: Trew Geoffrey H , Brown Adam P , Gillard Samantha , Blackmore Stuart , Clewlow Christine , O'Donohoe Paul , Wasiak Radoslaw
Published: November 2010

Background

Previous studies have reported conflicting results for the comparative doses of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) and highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG-HP) required per cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF); the aim of this study was to determine the average total usage of rFSH versus hMG-HP in a 'real-world' setting using routine clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective chart review of databases from four European countries investigated gonadotrophin usage, oocyte and embryo yield, and pregnancy outcomes in IVF cycles (± intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) using rFSH or hMG-HP alone. Included patients met the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline criteria for IVF and received either rFSH or hMG-HP. Statistical tests were conducted at 5% significance using Chi-square or t-tests.

Results

Of 30,630 IVF cycles included in this review, 74% used rFSH and 26% used hMG-HP. A significantly lower drug usage per cycle for rFSH than hMG-HP (2072.53 +/- 76.73 IU vs. 2540.14 +/- 883.08 IU, 22.6% higher for hMG-HP; p < 0.01) was demonstrated. The median starting dose was also significantly lower for rFSH than for hMG-HP (150 IU vs. 225 IU, 50% higher for hMG-HP, p < 0.01). The average oocyte yield per IVF cycle in patients treated with rFSH was significantly greater than with hMG-HP (10.80 +/- 6.02 vs. 9.77 +/- 5.53; p < 0.01), as was the average mature oocyte yield (8.58 +/- 5.27 vs. 7.72 +/- 4.59; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in pregnancy outcomes including spontaneous abortion between the two treatments. There was a significantly higher rate of OHSS (all grades) with rFSH (18.92% vs. 14.09%; p < 0.0001). The hospitalisation rate due to OHSS was low but significantly higher in the rFSH group (1.07% of cycles started vs. 0.67% of cycles started with rFSH and hMG-HP, respectively; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Based on these results, IVF treatment cycles with rFSH yield statistically more oocytes (and more mature oocytes), using significantly less IU per cycle, versus hMG-HP. The incidence of all OHSS and hospitalisations due to OHSS was significantly higher in the rFSH cycles compared to the hMG-HP cycles. However, the absolute incidence of hospitalisations due to OHSS was similar to that reported previously. These results suggest that the perceived required dosage with rFSH is currently over-estimated, and the higher unit cost of rFSH may be offset by a lower required dosage compared with hMG-HP.
Hepatitis C Treatment: current and future perspectives
Authors: Munir Saira , Saleem Sana , Idrees Muhammad , Tariq Aaliyah , Butt Sadia , Rauff Bisma , Hussain Abrar , Badar Sadaf , Naudhani Mahrukh , Fatima Zareen , Ali Muhmmad , Ali Liaqat , Akram Madiha , Aftab Mahwish , Khubaib Bushra , Awan Zunaira
Published: November 2010

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of Flaviviridae family and one of the major causes of liver disease. There are about 175 million HCV infected patients worldwide that constitute 3% of world's population. The main route of HCV transmission is parental however 90% intravenous drug users are at highest risk. Standard interferon and ribavirin remained a gold standard of chronic HCV treatment having 38-43% sustained virological response rates. Currently the standard therapy for HCV is pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) with ribavirin. This therapy achieves 50% sustained virological response (SVR) for genotype 1 and 80% for genotype 2 & 3. As pegylated interferon is expensive, standard interferon is still the main therapy for HCV treatment in under developed countries. On the other hand, studies showed that pegylated IFN and RBV therapy has severe side effects like hematological complications. Herbal medicines (laccase, proanthocyandin, Rhodiola kirilowii) are also being in use as a natural and alternative way for treatment of HCV but there is not a single significant report documented yet. Best SVR indicators are genotype 3 and 2, < 0.2 million IU/mL pretreatment viral load, rapid virological response (RVR) rate and age <40 years. New therapeutic approaches are under study like interferon related systems, modified forms of ribavirin, internal ribosome entry site (HCV IRES) inhibitors, NS3 and NS5a inhibitors, novel immunomodulators and specifically targeted anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C compounds. More remedial therapies include caspase inhibitors, anti-fibrotic agents, antibody treatment and vaccines.
Module detection in complex networks using integer optimisation
Authors: Xu Gang , Bennett Laura , Papageorgiou Lazaros G , Tsoka Sophia
Published: November 2010

Background

The detection of modules or community structure is widely used to reveal the underlying properties of complex networks in biology, as well as physical and social sciences. Since the adoption of modularity as a measure of network topological properties, several methodologies for the discovery of community structure based on modularity maximisation have been developed. However, satisfactory partitions of large graphs with modest computational resources are particularly challenging due to the NP-hard nature of the related optimisation problem. Furthermore, it has been suggested that optimising the modularity metric can reach a resolution limit whereby the algorithm fails to detect smaller communities than a specific size in large networks.

Results

We present a novel solution approach to identify community structure in large complex networks and address resolution limitations in module detection. The proposed algorithm employs modularity to express network community structure and it is based on mixed integer optimisation models. The solution procedure is extended through an iterative procedure to diminish effects that tend to agglomerate smaller modules (resolution limitations).

Conclusions

A comprehensive comparative analysis of methodologies for module detection based on modularity maximisation shows that our approach outperforms previously reported methods. Furthermore, in contrast to previous reports, we propose a strategy to handle resolution limitations in modularity maximisation. Overall, we illustrate ways to improve existing methodologies for community structure identification so as to increase its efficiency and applicability.
Associations among systemic blood pressure, microalbuminuria and albuminuria in dogs affected with pituitary- and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Lien Yu-Hsin , Hsiang Tsai-Yuan , Huang Hui-Pi
Published: November 2010

Background

Hypertension and proteinuria are medical complications associated with the multisystemic effects of long-term hypercortisolism in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC).

Methods

This study investigated the relationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulation test results, systemic blood pressure, and microalbuminuria in clinically-healthy dogs (n = 100), in dogs affected with naturally occurring pituitary-dependent (PDH; n = 40), or adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH; n = 30).

Results

Mean systemic blood pressure was similar between clinically healthy dogs and dogs with HAC (p= 0.803). However the incidence of hypertension was highest in dogs with ADH (p = 0.017), followed by dogs with PDH, with the lowest levels in clinically healthy dogs (p = 0.019). Presence of microalbuminuria and albuminuria in clinically healthy dogs and dogs affected with HAC was significantly different (p< 0.001); incidences of albuminuria followed the same pattern of hypertension; highest incidence in dogs with ADH, and lowest level in clinically healthy dogs; but microalbuminuria showed a different pattern: clinically healthy dogs had highest incidences and dogs with ADH had lowest incidence. The presence of albuminuria was not associated with blood pressure values, regardless of whether dogs were clinically healthy or affected with ADH or PDH (p= 0.306).

Conclusions

Higher incidence of hypertension and albuminuria, not microalbuminuria was seen in dogs affected with HAC compared to clinically healthy dogs; incidence of hypertension and albuminuria was significantly higher in dogs affected with ADH compared to PDH. However, presence of albuminuria was not correlated with systemic blood pressure.
Protein complex forming ability is favored over the features of interacting partners in determining the evolutionary rates of proteins in the yeast protein-protein interaction networks
Authors: Chakraborty Sandip , Kahali Bratati , Ghosh Tapash C
Published: November 2010

Background

Evolutionary rates of proteins in a protein-protein interaction network are primarily governed by the protein connectivity and/or expression level. A recent study revealed the importance of the features of the interacting protein partners, viz., the coefficient of functionality and clustering coefficient in controlling the protein evolutionary rates in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network.

Results

By multivariate regression analysis we found that the three parameters: probability of complex formation, expression level and degree of a protein independently guide the evolutionary rates of proteins in the PPI network. The contribution of the complex forming property of a protein and its expression level led to nearly 43% of the total variation as observed from the first principal component. We also found that for complex forming proteins in the network, those which have partners sharing the same functional class evolve faster than those having partners belonging to different functional classes. The proteins in the dense parts of the network evolve faster than their counterparts which are present in the sparse regions of the network. Taking into account the complex forming ability, we found that all the complex forming proteins considered in this study evolve slower than the non-complex forming proteins irrespective of their localization in the network or the affiliation of their partners to same/different functional classes.

Conclusions

We have shown here that the functionality and clustering coefficient correlated with the degree of the protein in the protein-protein interaction network. We have identified the significant relationship of the complex-forming property of proteins and their evolutionary rates even when they are classified according to the features of their interacting partners. Our study implies that the evolutionarily constrained proteins are actually members of a larger number of protein complexes and this justifies why they have enhanced expression levels.
Night vision by cuttlefish enables changeable camouflage
Authors: Allen Justine J. , Mäthger Lydia M. , Buresch Kendra C. , Fetchko Thomas , Gardner Meg , Hanlon Roger T.
Published: November 2010

Because visual predation occurs day and night, many predators must have good night vision. Prey therefore exhibit antipredator behaviours in very dim light. In the field, the giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama) assumes camouflaged body patterns at night, each tailored to its immediate environment. However, the question of whether cuttlefish have the perceptual capability to change their camouflage at night (as they do in day) has not been addressed. In this study, we: (1) monitored the camouflage patterns of Sepia officinalis during the transition from daytime to night-time using a natural daylight cycle and (2) tested whether cuttlefish on a particular artificial substrate change their camouflage body patterns when the substrate is changed under dim light (down to starlight, 0.003 lux) in a controlled light field in a dark room setting. We found that cuttlefish camouflage patterns are indeed adaptable at night: animals responded to a change in their visual environment with the appropriate body pattern change. Whether to deceive their prey or predators, cuttlefish use their excellent night vision to perform adaptive camouflage in dim light.
Population differences in fever and sickness behaviors in a wild passerine: a role for cytokines
Authors: Adelman James S. , Bentley George E. , Wingfield John C. , Martin Lynn B. , Hau Michaela
Published: November 2010

Immune responses benefit hosts by clearing pathogens, but they also incur physiological costs and tissue damage. While wild animals differ in how they balance these costs and benefits, the physiological mechanisms underlying such differential investment in immunity remain unknown. Uncovering these mechanisms is crucial to determining how and where selection acts to shape immunological defense. Among free-living song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) in western North America, sickness-induced lethargy and fever are more pronounced in Southern California than in Washington and Alaska. We brought song sparrows from two populations (Southern California and Washington) into captivity to determine whether these differences persist in a common environment and what physiological signals facilitate such differences. As in free-living sparrows, captive California birds exhibited more pronounced fever and lethargy than Washington birds in response to lipopolysaccharide, a non-pathogenic antigen that mimics bacterial infection. After treatment, the two populations showed similar reductions in luteinizing hormone levels, food intake and body mass, although treated birds from California lost more breast muscle tissue than treated birds from Washington. Moreover, California birds displayed higher bioactivity of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and marginally higher levels of corticosterone, a steroid hormone involved in stress, metabolism and regulating inflammatory responses. Our results show that immunological differences between these populations cannot be explained by immediate environment alone and may reflect genetic, maternal or early-life effects. Additionally, they suggest that cytokines play a role in shaping immunological variation among wild vertebrates.
Shopping for Anonymous Shell Companies: An Audit Study of Anonymity and Crime in the International Financial System
Authors: Sharman J. C
Published: November 2010

The last few years have seen an international campaign to ensure that the world's financial and banking systems are “transparent,” meaning that every actor and transaction within the system can be traced to a discrete, identifiable individual. I present an audit study of compliance with the prohibitions on anonymous shell companies. In particular, I describe my attempts to found anonymous corporate vehicles without proof of identity and then to establish corporate bank accounts for these vehicles. (Transactions processed through the corporate account of such a “shell company” become effectively untraceable—and thus very useful for those looking to hide criminal profits, pay or receive bribes, finance terrorists, or escape tax obligations.) I solicited offers of anonymous corporate vehicles from 54 different corporate service providers in 22 different countries, and collated the responses to determine whether the existing legal and regulatory prohibitions on anonymous corporate vehicles actually work in practice. To foreshadow the results, it seems that small island offshore centers may have standards for corporate transparency and disclosure that are higher than major OECD economies like the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Economic Crisis from a Neoclassical Perspective
Authors: Ohanian Lee E
Published: November 2010

This paper assesses the 2007–2009 recession using neoclassical business cycle theory. I find that the 2007–2009 U.S. recession differs substantially from other postwar U.S. recessions, and also from the 2008 recession in other countries, in that lower labor input accounts for virtually all of the decline in income and output in the United States, while lower productivity accounts for much of other U.S. recessions and the 2007–2009 recession in other countries. I also find that existing classes of models, including financial market imperfections models, do not explain the U.S. recession. This is because the 2007–2009 recession is almost exclusively related to what appear to be labor market distortions that drive a wedge between the marginal product of labor and the marginal rate of substitution between consumption and leisure, a topic about which current classes of financial imperfection models are largely silent. I discuss future avenues for developing this class of models, and I consider alternative hypotheses for the recession, including the view of John Taylor and others that economic policies intended to help manage the crisis, actually deepened the recession by increasing uncertainty and distorting incentives.
Cohesive Zone Modeling of Initiation and Propagation of Multiple Cracks in Hard Thin Surface Coatings
Authors: Laukkanen Anssi , Homberg Kenneth , Ronkainen Helena , Wallin Kim
Published: November 2010

Surface coatings are increasingly used to improve the tribological performance of advanced products. The novel coating deposition techniques offer numerous possibilities for tailoring surfaces with different materials and structures. The tribological contact of loaded surfaces is, however, a complicated system itself, and further complexity is introduced when functionally graded coating structures are considered or improvement of specific micro- and nanostructural features is pursued. Furthermore, the mechanisms of damage in such a system are from a modeling standpoint highly complex and to great extent remain an active and open field of study. The focus of the current work is in the numerical modeling of graded thin hard coatings on a plastically deforming metallic substrate when loaded by contact that is typically exhibited during a scratch test. A finite element approach is implemented wherein a coating crack initiation and propagation are modeled using cohesive zone formalism. The cracks are considered to initiate and propagate within the coating and also within the coating to substrate interface. The results demonstrate how an optimization of the coating structure can enhance and exceed the performance of simplistic traditional coated systems. The material parameters of the problem and their significance in terms of fracture and failure behavior are discussed. The results are compared to fracture mechanical analyses and experimental information regarding the problem under study.
Evaluation of High Temperature Rheological Characteristics of Asphalt Binder with Carbon Nano Particles
Authors: Amirkhanian Armen N. , Xiao Feipeng , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: November 2010

In recent years, nano technology, a relatively new field in science dealing with structures that are on the nano scale, have been used in numerous applications to improve properties of various materials. However, the use of this technology has not been explored in detail in the area of asphalt binder materials. The objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the high temperature rheological properties of the binders containing various percentages of carbon nano particles. The experimental design for this study included the utilization of five binder sources, three binder grades (PG 64-22, PG 64-16, and PG 52-28), one type of nano particle, and four percentages of nano particles (0.0 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, and 1.5 % by weight of the virgin binder). Some of the rheological characteristics of these binders were obtained, including rotational viscometer (four testing temperatures of 120, 135, 150 , and 165°C) and dynamic shear rheometer. The results of the experiments indicated that the addition of nano particles was helpful in increasing the viscosity, failure temperature, phase angle, and viscous and elastic modulus values and in improving the rutting resistance of the binders. On the other hand, the binder sources and grades generally influenced their rheological properties as the nano particles were added to the asphalt binder.