bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow up of paediatric liver transplant recipients: outcomes following transfer to adult healthcare in New Zealand
Authors: Harry R. , Fraser‐Irwin C. , Mouat S. , Gane E. , Munn S. , Evans H. M.
Published: May 2015

Poor outcomes are reported in young people with chronic health conditions. We performed a retrospective notes review of New Zealand paediatric liver transplant recipients transferred to adult services. Two patients were lost to follow up. Out of 20, 12 were non‐adherent, and out of 12, 7 developed rejection. Other risk behaviours were common in the non‐adherent group. We conclude that dedicated services for these young people may be needed to optimise outcomes.
Cultural Integration in the Muslim Second Generation in the Netherlands: The Case of Gender Ideology
Authors: Maliepaard Mieke , Alba Richard
Published: May 2015

In the Netherlands, relations between Muslims and non-Muslims have become polarized around issues of religion and gender. On the basis of a dataset with 669 parent–child dyads, we assess attitudes among the second generation concerning the gendered division of paid work and family responsibilities, that is, gender ideology, as compared to their parents. The aggregate picture indicates movement toward more egalitarian attitudes, indicating mainstream assimilation. At the same time, a sizable subgroup turns out to be more traditional than their parents, indicative of reactive ethnicity. Embeddedness in the ethnic community and education are shown to explain part of these divergent patterns.
Turning the Immigration Policy Paradox Upside Down? Populist Liberalism and Discursive Gaps in South America
Authors: Arcarazo Diego Acosta , Freier Luisa Feline
Published: May 2015

A paradox of officially rejecting but covertly accepting irregular migrants has long been identified in the immigration policies of Western immigrant receiving states. In South America, on the other hand, a liberal discourse of universally welcoming all immigrants, irrespective of their origin and migratory status, has replaced the formally restrictive, securitized and not seldomly ethnically selective immigration rhetoric. This discursive liberalization has found partial translation into immigration laws and policies, but contrary to the universality of rights claimed in their discourses, governments reject recently increasing irregular south–south migration from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean to varying degrees. This paper applies a mixed methodological approach of discourse and legal analysis and process tracing to explore in how far recent immigration policies in South America constitute a liberal turn, or rather a reverse immigration policy paradox of officially welcoming but covertly rejecting irregular migrants. Based on the comparative analysis of Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador, the study identifies and explains South American “populist liberalism” in the sphere of migration. We highlight important implications for migration theory, thereby opening up new avenues of research on immigration policy making outside Western liberal democracies, and particularly in predominantly migrant sending countries.
Stabilization of Nanoalumina Colloidal Slips
Authors: Tsetsekou Athena , Petrakli Fotini , Tsoutsouva M. G. , Sioulas Dimitris
Published: May 2015

The processing of nanosized powders to produce dense components is a difficult task, mainly due to the strong agglomeration of nanoparticles. In this work, deagglomeration studies were carried out on sol–gel‐derived γ‐alumina suspensions through the addition of dispersant or dispersant in combination with ethylene glycol as binder and the proper wet ball‐milling. For this purpose, zeta‐potential, viscosity, and sedimentation studies were carried out, whereas dilatometric studies accompanied by XRD analyses were performed on the powders derived from the most stable suspensions. Sintering studies followed and the as received ceramics were evaluated by SEM. The optimum stabilization was achieved through the synergistic addition of 2.75 mg/g ammonium polymethacrylate with 1 wt% ethylene glycol. The respective powder, although it indicates a shift of the sintering start to higher temperature, leads to the densest ceramic with the finest (500 nm mean grain size) and the most homogeneous microstructure.
Against Substitutive Harm
Authors: Schwartz Daniel
Published: May 2015

Frances Kamm's Principle of Secondary Permissibility (PSP) specifies a class of exceptions to the general rule not to kill as a means. The principle allows us to harm as a means some of those who would have been otherwise harmed as side effects. ‘For example, suppose it is impermissible to paralyze A's legs as a means to a greater good. It would still be permissible to do this as the alternative to permissibly killing A as a mere indirect side effect.’ I argue that, despite of its great appeal, PSP is incorrect; it is simply not true that the victims of substitutive harm are not worse off than they would otherwise permissibly have been. In fact, there is no moral difference between the purportedly substitutive harm licensed by PSP (and its extension) and the standard sort of harming as means repudiated by nonconsequentialists.
Medication Routines and Adherence Among Hypertensive African Americans
Authors: Solomon Abida , Schoenthaler Antoinette , Seixas Azizi , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Jean‐Louis Girardin , Lai Dejian
Published: May 2015

Poor adherence to prescribed medication regimens remains an important challenge preventing successful treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. While studies have documented differences in the time of day or weekday vs weekend on medication adherence, no study has examined whether having a medication‐taking routine contributes to increased medication adherence. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify patients’ sociodemographic factors associated with consistent medication‐taking routine; (2) examine associations between medication‐taking consistency, medication adherence, and blood pressure (BP) control. The study included black patients with hypertension (n = 190; 22 men and 168 women; age, mean±standard deviation 54 ± 12.08 years) who completed a practice‐based randomized controlled trial. Findings showed that medication‐taking consistency was significantly associated with better medication adherence (F = 9.54, P = .002). Associations with the consistency index were not statistically significant for diastolic BP control (odds ratio, 1.319; 95% confidence interval, 0.410–4.246; P = .642) and systolic BP control (odds ratio, 0.621; 95% confidence interval, 0.195–1.974; P = .419).
Why do we need systematic reviews to inform healthcare decisions in the disaster context
Authors: Kadhiravan Tamilarasu
Published: May 2015

Decision‐making in the disaster setting is often guided by the precautionary principle and the pressure to do something. All such actions do not necessarily translate into improved outcomes, however well‐reasoned and well‐intentioned they might be. Systematic reviews of interventions could provide the credible evidence needed to inform decision‐making in the disaster context. In this paper, which was presented at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India, I emphasize this point by reflecting upon the response to the recent pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.
The first center for evidence‐based medicine in Lithuania: an opportunity to change culture and improve clinical practice
Authors: Beinortas Tumas , Bauza Karolis , Howick Jeremy , Nunan David , Mahtani Kamal R.
Published: May 2015

In post‐Soviet countries, where medical practice largely relies on experience alone, the incorporation of the best research evidence in clinical practice is limited. In order to promote the awareness and utilization of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among Lithuanian doctors, we organized EBM conferences in each of the two Lithuanian medical schools. More than 500 medical professionals and students attended the conferences in Vilnius (2013) and Kaunas (2014) demonstrating that there is a high demand for formal EBM teaching. Building on the success of these seminal conferences, and to start addressing the lack of EBM practice in the country, the first Lithuanian Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine was established at Vilnius University Medical Faculty in 2014. The Centre will focus on the implementation of EBM teaching in medical school curriculum, formulating management guidelines, writing systematic reviews and supporting Lithuanian authors in doing so.
A novel multiplex RT‐qPCR method based on dual‐labelled probes suitable for typing all known genotypes of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
Authors: Vázquez D , López‐Vázquez C , Skall H F , Mikkelsen S S , Olesen N J , Dopazo C P
Published: May 2015

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is a notifiable fish disease, whose causative agent is a rhabdovirus isolated from a wide range of fish species, not only in fresh but also in marine and brackish waters. Phylogenetic studies have identified four major genotypes, with a strong geographical relationship. In this study, we have designed and validated a new procedure – named binary multiplex RT‐qPCR (bmRT‐qPCR) – for simultaneous detection and typing of all four genotypes of VHSV by real‐time RT‐PCR based on dual‐labelled probes and composed by two multiplex systems designed for European and American/Asiatic isolates, respectively, using a combination of three different fluorophores. The specificity of the procedure was assessed by including a panel of 81 VHSV isolates covering all known genotypes and subtypes of the virus, and tissue material from experimentally infected rainbow trout, resulting in a correct detection and typing of all strains. The analytical sensitivity was evaluated in a comparative assay with titration in cell culture, observing that both methods provided similar limits of detection. The proposed method can be a powerful tool for epidemiological analysis of VHSV by genotyping unknown samples within a few hours.
Liquid fat, a potential abiotic vector for horizontal transmission of salmonid alphavirus?
Authors: Stene A , Hellebø A , Viljugrein H , Solevåg S E , Devold M , Aspehaug V
Published: May 2015

Viral diseases represent serious challenge in marine farming of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L). Pancreas disease (PD) caused by a salmonid alphavirus (SAV) is by far the most serious in northern Europe. To control PD, it is necessary to identify virus transmission routes. One aspect to consider is whether the virus is transported as free particles or associated with potential vectors. Farmed salmonids have high lipid content in their tissue which may be released into the environment from decomposing dead fish. At the seawater surface, the effects of wind and ocean currents are most prominent. The aim of this study was primarily to identify whether the lipid fraction leaking from dead infected salmon contains SAV. Adipose tissue from dead SAV‐infected fish from three farming sites was submerged in beakers with sea water in the laboratory and stored at different temperature and time conditions. SAV was identified by real‐time RT‐PCR in the lipid fractions accumulating at the water surface in the beakers. SAV‐RNA was also present in the sea water. Lipid fractions were transferred to cell culture, and viable SAV was identified. Due to its hydrophobic nature, fat with infective pathogenic virus at the surface may contribute to long‐distance transmission of SAV.
Roles of hypoxia, stem cells and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the spread and treatment resistance of head and neck cancer
Authors: Gammon Luke , Mackenzie Ian C.
Published: May 2015

Evidence from a wide range of studies indicates that hypoxia and the resulting cellular changes that are induced by HIF‐1α lead to transcriptional up‐regulation of a diversity of genes that play major roles in modifying the cellular behaviour of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although the mechanisms of cell adaptation to hypoxia are still not entirely clear, many studies relate hypoxia to enhanced survival of malignant cells. Stronger staining of tissue sections for HIF‐1α correlates with poor prognostic outcomes, and the hypoxic tumour microenvironment generates selective pressures that enhance the ability of cancer stem cells (CSCs) to evade therapeutically induced cell death. The ability of hypoxia to further increase the resistance of CSCs to conventional therapeutics, whether they act by induction of apoptosis, senescence or autophagy, appears to limit therapeutic effectiveness of current agents. The demonstration of hypoxic induction of phenotypic changes leading to a subpopulation of CSCs with high motility, greater invasive properties and yet greater therapeutic resistance, complicates the issue still further. It appears that therapeutic interventions that allow manipulation of HIF‐1α levels and responses, whether induced by hypoxia or by other mechanisms, could provide more effective actions of chemo‐ and radiotherapies at lower therapeutic dosages and thus result in better control of tumours with less toxicity to patients.
Determination of influence of food intake after a single oral dose of mosapride in beagle dogs using nonlinear mixed effect modeling
Authors: Chae J.‐W. , Hwang J.‐A. , Baek I.‐H. , Pradhan S. , Song B. , Back H.‐M. , Yun M. , Pai C. , Bang J. S. , Yun H.‐Y. , Kang W. , Kwon K.‐I.
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study was to describe the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of mosapride under fasting and fed conditions. A single 5‐mg oral dose of mosapride was administered to fasted (n = 15) and fed (n = 12) beagle dogs. Plasma concentrations of mosapride were subsequently measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using modeling approaches with the NONMEM 7.2 software. A one‐compartment open PK model utilizing model event time (MTIME) with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination was found to be more appropriate than all other PK models tested. The absorption rate constants of mosapride were significantly decreased under fed conditions, compared to fasting conditions. The observed bootstrap medians of PK parameters were generally consistent with the corresponding population mean estimates. Furthermore, with the exception of some mosapride concentrations, most of observed data fell into the range of the 5th and 95th percentiles of the simulated values. Overall, the final model was able to describe the observed mosapride concentrations reasonably well. These findings suggest that food intake affects both the rate and extent of absorption of mosapride and that the pharmacological effect of mosapride can differ significantly depending on food intake.
Breath methane in functional constipation: response to treatment with Ispaghula husk
Authors: Vega A. B. , Perelló A. , Martos L. , García Bayo I. , García M. , Andreu V. , Abad A. , Barenys M.
Published: May 2015

Background

Colonic fermentation produces hydrogen (H2), and also produces methane (CH4) in subjects with methanogenic flora (M+). Methane production has been associated with chronic constipation (CC) and with changes in gut motility. To determineCH4production inCCcompared to controls, and to assess whether the therapeutic response to Ispaghula husk inCCdiffers betweenCH4‐producers and non‐producers.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients with functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome‐constipation and 19 healthy age‐and‐sex‐matched volunteers (HV) filled in a 1‐week symptom diary and a dietary questionnaire. They then underwent a lactulose breath test (LBT) to measure H2andCH4production (peak and area under the time‐concentration curve,AUC‐) and a colonic transit time (CTT) assessment. In patients, measurements were repeated after a 4‐week treatment with Ispaghula husk.

Key Results

Prevalence of M+ in patients was 60.5%vs52.6% inHV(p = 0.37). Patients had significantly longerCTTand greater production of both H2andCH4duringLBT. There was a significant correlation betweenCH4production andCTT(r = 0.51;p = 0.07). Treatment response rate was similar for M+ and M− patients (58.3%vs52.9%;p = 0.76) as were the increases in bowel movements and Bristol score, changes in abdominal discomfort and bloating. In M+, treatment reducedCTT(−10 ± 35 h;p = 0.029vsbaseline) andCH4levels: peakCH4(−13 ± 24 ppm;p = 0.014) andCH4‐AUC(−817 ± 3100 ppm/min;p = 0.04).

Conclusions & Inferences

AlthoughCH4production has been associated withCCpathophysiology, we found thatCH4status did not negatively affect the response to Ispaghula husk treatment. The measurement ofCH4levels as a biomarker tool forCCrequires further appraisal.
Sewage pollution: mitigation is key for coral reef stewardship
Authors: Wear Stephanie L. , Thurber Rebecca Vega
Published: May 2015

Coral reefs are in decline worldwide, and land‐derived sources of pollution, including sewage, are a major force driving that deterioration. This review presents evidence that sewage discharge occurs in waters surrounding at least 104 of 112 reef geographies. Studies often refer to sewage as a single stressor. However, we show that it is more accurately characterized as a multiple stressor. Many of the individual agents found within sewage, specifically freshwater, inorganic nutrients, pathogens, endocrine disrupters, suspended solids, sediments, and heavy metals, can severely impair coral growth and/or reproduction. These components of sewage may interact with each other to create as‐yet poorly understood synergisms (e.g., nutrients facilitate pathogen growth), and escalate impacts of other, non‐sewage–based stressors. Surprisingly few published studies have examined impacts of sewage in the field, but those that have suggest negative effects on coral reefs. Because sewage discharge proximal to sensitive coral reefs is widespread across the tropics, it is imperative for coral reef–focused institutions to increase investment in threat‐abatement strategies for mitigating sewage pollution.
Wider neck circumference is related to severe asthma in children
Authors: Hacihamdioglu Bulent , Arslan Mutluay , Yeşilkaya Ediz , Gok Faysal , Yavuz Suleyman Tolga
Published: May 2015

Background

Obesity is an established risk factor for asthma in children. Measures of central obesity are reported to be more associated with the severity of asthma in adults. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between fat distribution, which is determined by anthropometric measures including neck circumference (NC) and asthma severity in children.

Methods

Children with asthma who were followed in our pediatric allergy unit were consecutively recruited. Asthma severity was graded according to GINA guidelines. Children whose asthma was controlled with Step 1 or 2 treatment options formed Group 1 (mild asthma), whereas children who needed Step 3, 4, or 5 treatment options formed Group 2 (moderate‐to‐severe asthma). Anthropometric measures including height, weight, NC, waist circumference, and hip circumference were obtained.

Results

A total of 127 children (82 male, 64.6%) with a median age of 8.3 (6.4–11.3) years were included. Atopy was present in 77 (60.6%) patients. 91 patients (71.6) were in the mild asthma group. NC of children with severe asthma was significantly wider than children with mild asthma (29.0 cm (27.0–32.0) vs. 28.0 (26.0–30.0), p = 0.019). The prevalence of children with NC higher than 90th percentile was also more frequent in children with severe asthma (15 [41.7%] vs. 21 [23.1%]). Result of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of NC >90th percentile was associated with severe asthma in children (odds ratio; [95% confidence interval] (2.52 [1.05–6.01]; p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Neck circumference, which is a simple anthropometric tool, is associated with asthma severity in children.
Considerations for Systemic Anticoagulation in ESRD
Authors: Dager William E. , Tsu Laura V. , Pon Tiffany K.
Published: May 2015

In the setting of end‐stage kidney disease, the incidence and risk for thrombotic events are increased and use of anticoagulants is common. The incidence of bleeding, however, is also a frequent issue and creates additional challenges in the management of anticoagulation therapy. Patients with end‐stage renal disease are typically excluded from large clinical trials exploring the use of anticoagulants, which limits our knowledge of optimal management approaches. Furthermore, varying degrees of renal failure in addition to conditions that alter the pharmacokinetics of various anticoagulants or pharmacodynamic response may warrant alternative approaches to dosing. This review will explore systemic chronic anticoagulation therapy in the setting of chronic kidney disease where hemodialysis is required. Agents discussed include vitamin K antagonists, low‐molecular‐weight heparins, fondaparinux, oral factor Xa antagonists, and direct thrombin inhibitors. Clinical challenges, approaches to dosing regimens, and tools for measuring responses and reversal will be explored.
Exploring Intuitions on Moral Twin Earth: A Reply to Sonderholm
Authors: Horgan Terry , Timmons Mark
Published: May 2015

In his 2013 Theoria article, “Unreliable Intuitions: A New Reply to the Moral Twin‐Earth Argument,” Jorn Sonderholm attempts to undermine our moral twin earth (MTE) argument against Richard Boyd's moral semantics by debunking the semantic intuitions that are prompted by reflection on the thought experiment featured in the MTE argument. We divide our reply into three main sections. In section 1, we briefly review Boyd's moral semantics and our MTE argument against this view. In section 2, we set forth what we take to be Sonderholm's master debunking argument, along with his proposed Boydian explanation of the semantic intuitions he seeks to debunk. Then in section 3, we mount our defence of the semantic intuitions under scrutiny, arguing on abductive grounds that, contrary to Sonderholm, the semantic intuitions generated by reflection on MTE scenarios are to be trusted in evaluating the plausibility of Boydian moral semantics. Section 4 is our summary and conclusion.
Quantification of Strain Induced Damage in Medial Collateral Ligaments
Authors: Guo Zheying , Freeman Joseph W. , Barrett Jennifer G. , De Vita Raffaella
Published: May 2015

In the past years, there have been several experimental studies that aimed at quantifying the material properties of articular ligaments such as tangent modulus, tensile strength, and ultimate strain. Little has been done to describe their response to mechanical stimuli that lead to damage. The purpose of this experimental study was to characterize strain-induced damage in medial collateral ligaments (MCLs). Displacement-controlled tensile tests were performed on 30 MCLs harvested from Sprague Dawley rats. Each ligament was monotonically pulled to several increasing levels of displacement until complete failure occurred. The stress–strain data collected from the mechanical tests were analyzed to determine the onset of damage and its evolution. Unrecoverable changes such as increase in ligament's elongation at preload and decrease in the tangent modulus of the linear region of the stress–strain curves indicated the occurrence of damage. Interestingly, these changes were found to appear at two significantly different threshold strains (P<0.05). The mean threshold strain that determined the increase in ligament's elongation at preload was found to be 2.84% (standard deviation (SD) = 1.29%) and the mean threshold strain that caused the decrease in the tangent modulus of the linear region was computed to be 5.51% (SD = 2.10%), respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the damage mechanisms associated with the increase in ligament's elongation at preload and decrease in the tangent modulus of the linear region in the stress–strain curves in MCLs are likely different.
Low-altitude magnetic field measurements by MESSENGER reveal Mercury’s ancient crustal field
Authors: Johnson Catherine L. , Phillips Roger J. , Purucker Michael E. , Anderson Brian J. , Byrne Paul K. , Denevi Brett W. , Feinberg Joshua M. , Hauck Steven A. , Head James W. , Korth Haje , James Peter B. , Mazarico Erwan , Neumann Gregory A. , Philpott Lydia C. , Siegler Matthew A. , Tsyganenko Nikolai A. , Solomon Sean C.
Published: May 2015

Old minerals expose an ancient field

Mercury is the only terrestrial planet other than Earth with an active, internally generated magnetic field. Results from the MESSENGER spacecraft indicate that the field is almost as old as the planet. Johnson
et al.
took advantage of close flybys to extract evidence of an ancient magnetic field. Certain minerals are able to “lock in” the signature of a field at the time they crystallize. This remnant magnetization was found in a region on Mercury believed to be 3.8 billion years old.

Science
, this issue p.
892
Beneficial effects of an intradialytic cycling training program in patients with end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Groussard Carole , Rouchon-Isnard Myriam , Coutard Céline , Romain Fanny , Malardé Ludivine , Lemoine-Morel Sophie , Martin Brice , Pereira Bruno , Boisseau Nathalie
Published: May 2015

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), oxidative stress (OS) plays a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This pilot program aimed to determine whether an intradialytic aerobic cycling training protocol, by increasing physical fitness, could reduce OS and improve other CKD-related disorders such as altered body composition and lipid profile. Eighteen hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either an intradialytic training (cycling: 30 min, 55%–60% peak power, 3 days/week) group (EX; n = 8) or a control group (CON; n = 10) for 3 months. Body composition (from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), physical fitness (peak oxygen uptake and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT)), lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), and pro/antioxidant status (15-F2α-isoprostanes (F2-IsoP) and oxidized LDL in plasma; superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced/oxidized glutathione in erythrocytes) were determined at baseline and 3 months later. The intradialytic training protocol did not modify body composition but had significant effects on physical fitness, lipid profile, and pro/antioxidant status. Indeed, at 3 months: (i) performance on the 6MWT was increased in EX (+23.4%, p < 0.001) but did not change in CON, (ii) plasma TG were reduced in EX (–23%, p < 0.03) but were not modified in CON, and (iii) plasma F2-IsoP concentrations were lower in EX than in CON (–35.7%, p = 0.02). In conclusion, our results show that 30 min of intradialytic training, 3 times per week for 3 months, are enough to exert beneficial effects on the most sensitive and reliable marker of lipid peroxidation (IsoP) while improving CKD-associated disorders (lipid profile and physical fitness). Intradialytic aerobic cycling training represents a useful and easy strategy to reduce CKD-associated disorders. These results need to be confirmed with a larger randomized study.
Development of a high throughput luciferase reporter gene system for screening activators and repressors of human collagen Iα2 gene expression
Authors: Bagchi Rushita A. , Mozolevska Viktoriya , Abrenica Bernard , Czubryt Michael P.
Published: May 2015

Fibrosis, which is characterized by the excessive production of matrix proteins, occurs in multiple tissues and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite its significant negative impact on patient outcomes, therapies targeted to treat fibrosis are currently lacking. Screening for inhibitors of the expression of collagen, the primary component of fibrotic lesions, represents an option for the identification of novel lead compounds for therapeutic development with potentially fewer off-target effects compared with the targeting of multifunctional cell signaling pathways. Here we report on the generation of a stable luciferase reporter system using a fibroblast cell line, which can be used for rapidly screening both activators and repressors of human collagen COL1A2 gene transcription in a high throughput setting. This in vitro screening tool was validated using known agonists (scleraxis, TGF-β, angiotensin II, CTGF) and antagonists (TNF-α, pirfenidone) of COL1A2 gene expression. The COL1A2-luc NIH-3T3 fibroblast system provides a useful and effective screen for potential lead compounds with pro- or anti-fibrotic properties.
Effects of Concurrent Earthquake and Temperature Loadings on Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Maleki Shervin , Maghsoudi-Barmi Ali
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses the necessity of considering the concurrent effects of uniform temperature and earthquake loadings in the design of cable-stayed bridges. This load combination is not foreseen in current design standards such as AASHTO and Eurocode. Three-dimensional finite element models of cable-stayed bridges are employed for nonlinear time history analyses. A load combination is proposed that adds uniform temperature loading to the existing extreme event load combination. The proposed combination is compared with existing extreme event load combination and the changes in forces and displacements are noted. A parametric study is then conducted by varying a number of properties of the cable-stayed bridges such as, span length, shape of the pylon, the deck/pylon connection and the actual temperature load. Pylon reactions and the deck axial forces are found to be more vulnerable to concurrent loadings for cable-stayed bridges of longer spans.
A generalization of Schmidt number for multipartite states
Authors: Guo Yu , Fan Heng
Published: May 2015

The Schmidt number is of crucial importance in characterizing the bipartite pure states. We explore and propose here a generalization of Schmidt number for states in multipartite systems. It is shown to be entanglement monotonic and valid for both pure and mixed states. In addition, the corresponding generalization of multipartite Schmidt coefficients is introduced. Our approach is applicable for systems with arbitrary number of parties and for arbitrary dimensions.
Can breathing-like pressure oscillations reverse or prevent narrowing of small intact airways?
Authors: Harvey Brian C. , Parameswaran Harikrishnan , Lutchen Kenneth R.
Published: May 2015

Periodic length fluctuations of airway smooth muscle during breathing are thought to modulate airway responsiveness in vivo. Recent animal and human intact airway studies have shown that pressure fluctuations simulating breathing can only marginally reverse airway narrowing and are ineffective at protecting against future narrowing. However, these previous studies were performed on relatively large (>5 mm diameter) airways, which are inherently stiffer than smaller airways for which a preponderance of airway constriction in asthma likely occurs. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of breathing-like transmural pressure oscillations to reverse induced narrowing and/or protect against future narrowing of smaller, more compliant intact airways. We constricted smaller (luminal diameter = 2.92 ± 0.29 mm) intact airway segments twice with ACh (10−6M), once while applying tidal-like pressure oscillations (5–15 cmH2O) before, during, and after inducing constriction (Pre + Post) and again while only imposing the tidal-like pressure oscillation after induced constriction (Post Only). Smaller airways were 128% more compliant than previously studied larger airways. This increased compliance translated into 196% more strain and 76% greater recovery (41 vs. 23%) because of tidal-like pressure oscillations. Larger pressure oscillations (5–25 cmH2O) caused more recovery (77.5 ± 16.5%). However, pressure oscillations applied before and during constriction resulted in the same steady-state diameter as when pressure oscillations were only applied after constriction. These data show that reduced straining of the airways before a challenge likely does not contribute to the emergence of airway hyperreactivity observed in asthma but may serve to sustain a given level of constriction.
Genetic Identification of SEMA3F as an Antilymphangiogenic Metastasis Suppressor Gene in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Doçi Colleen L. , Mikelis Constantinos M. , Lionakis Michail S. , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Gutkind J. Silvio
Published: May 2015

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) often metastasize to locoregional lymph nodes, and lymph node involvement represents one of the most important prognostic factors of poor clinical outcome. HNSCCs are remarkably lymphangiogenic and represent a clear example of a cancer that utilizes the lymphatic vasculature for malignant dissemination; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying lymphangiogenesis in HNSCC is still poorly understood. Of interest, we found that an axon guidance molecule, Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F), is among the top 1% underexpressed genes in HNSCC, and that genomic loss of SEMA3F correlates with increased metastasis and decreased survival. SEMA3F acts on its coreceptors, plexins and neuropilins, among which neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is highly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) but not in oral epithelium and most HNSCCs. We show that recombinant SEMA3F promotes LEC collapse and potently inhibits lymphangiogenesis in vivo. By reconstituting all possible plexin and neuropilin combinations, we found that SEMA3F acts through multiple receptors, but predominantly requires NRP2 to signal in LECs. Using orthotopic HNSCC metastasis mouse models, we provide direct evidence that SEMA3F re-expression diminishes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, analysis of a large tissue collection revealed that SEMA3F is progressively lost during HNSCC progression, concomitant with increased tumor lymphangiogenesis. SEMA3F is localized to 3p21, an early and frequently deleted locus in HNSCC and many other prevalent human malignancies. Thus, SEMA3F may represent an antilymphangiogenic metastasis suppressor gene widely lost during cancer progression, hence serving as a prognostic biomarker and an attractive target for therapeutic intervention to halt metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(14); 2937–48. ©2015 AACR.
Diagnostic Value of Frequency-Associated Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Responses in Ménière's Disease
Authors: Salviz Mehti , Yuce Turgut , Karatas Abdullah , Balikci Hasan Huseyin , Ozkul Murat Haluk
Published: May 2015

Thirty subjects with unilateral Ménière's disease (MD) and 18 age-matched controls underwent cervical (cVEMP) and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) testing using bilateral air-conducted stimulation (ACS) with stimulus frequencies of 500 and 1,000 Hz. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of frequency-associated responses in MD using oVEMP and cVEMP following 500- and 1,000-Hz ACS. In healthy controls and unaffected ears, responses to 500 Hz were found better than 1,000-Hz ACS in both oVEMP and cVEMP, while ears with MD responded to 1,000-Hz ACS better than to 500-Hz ACS in oVEMP. In cVEMP tests, affected ears responded to 500-Hz and 1,000-Hz ACS equally. Amplitude ratios of 1,000/500 Hz in both oVEMP and cVEMP were successful in differing affected ears from unaffected ears and healthy controls. This study showed frequency alteration of oVEMP and cVEMP can be used as a diagnostic test battery in MD.
Diagnosis of Hemidiaphragmatic Paresis in a Preterm Infant with Transcutaneous Electromyography: A Case Report
Authors: Kraaijenga Juliette V. , Hutten Gerard J. , de Jongh Frans H. , van Kaam Anton H.
Published: May 2015

Transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm (dEMG) is a noninvasive and easy applicable tool to measure the electrical activity of the diaphragm. dEMG monitoring has recently been introduced in the neonatal intensive care unit as a novel cardiorespiratory monitor providing direct information on diaphragmatic breathing activity. We report a preterm infant with suspected paresis of the right diaphragm measured with transcutaneous dEMG, which showed a clear reduction in the electrical activity of the right-sided diaphragm. In conclusion, dEMG provides valuable information on regional diaphragmatic activity, which can assist the clinician in diagnosing hemidiaphragmatic paresis.
Upregulation of K
2P
3.1 K
+
Current Causes Action Potential Shortening in Patients With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Schmidt Constanze , Wiedmann Felix , Voigt Niels , Zhou Xiao-Bo , Heijman Jordi , Lang Siegfried , Albert Virginia , Kallenberger Stefan , Ruhparwar Arjang , Szabó Gábor , Kallenbach Klaus , Karck Matthias , Borggrefe Martin , Biliczki Peter , Ehrlich Joachim R. , Baczkó István , Lugenbiel Patrick , Schweizer Patrick A. , Donner Birgit C. , Katus Hugo A. , Dobrev Dobromir , Thomas Dierk
Published: May 2015

Background—

Antiarrhythmic management of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a major clinical challenge. Mechanism-based approaches to AF therapy are sought to increase effectiveness and to provide individualized patient care. K
2P
3.1 (TASK-1 [tandem of P domains in a weak inward-rectifying K
+
channel–related acid-sensitive K
+
channel-1]) 2-pore-domain K
+
(K
2P
) channels have been implicated in action potential regulation in animal models. However, their role in the pathophysiology and treatment of paroxysmal and chronic patients with AF is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Right and left atrial tissue was obtained from patients with paroxysmal or chronic AF and from control subjects in sinus rhythm. Ion channel expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Membrane currents and action potentials were recorded using voltage- and current-clamp techniques. K
2P
3.1 subunits exhibited predominantly atrial expression, and atrial K
2P
3.1 transcript levels were highest among functional K
2P
channels. K
2P
3.1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in chronic AF. Enhancement of corresponding currents in the right atrium resulted in shortened action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (APD
90
) compared with patients in sinus rhythm. In contrast, K
2P
3.1 expression was not significantly affected in subjects with paroxysmal AF. Pharmacological K
2P
3.1 inhibition prolonged APD
90
in atrial myocytes from patients with chronic AF to values observed among control subjects in sinus rhythm.

Conclusions—

Enhancement of atrium-selective K
2P
3.1 currents contributes to APD shortening in patients with chronic AF, and K
2P
3.1 channel inhibition reverses AF-related APD shortening. These results highlight the potential of K
2P
3.1 as a novel drug target for mechanism-based AF therapy.
Political Thought in Xenophon: Straussian Readings of the Anabasis
Authors: Rood Tim
Published: May 2015

The main aim of this paper is to discuss some influential approaches to political thought in Xenophon’s Anabasis within the field of Political Science, especially within the United States, where the influence of Leo Strauss’ writings on Xenophon has been powerful. It starts by discussing a number of features shared by these discussions, notably a strong idealisation of Xenophon’s wisdom and accuracy; a lack of interest in the conditions under which Xenophon wrote; a pro-Hellenic perspective; and a tendency to innovative (and often allegorical) literary explication. It then discusses the two most important themes treated by Strauss and his followers, Xenophon’s piety and philosophy and politics. It argues that Straussian exegesis introduces anachronistic conceptions while neglecting the narrative dynamics of the text. The final section sets out briefly some ways of exploring Xenophon’s relationship to other currents in Greek political thought.
Remorse, Demeanor, and the Consequences of Misinterpretation
Authors: Bandes Susan A.
Published: May 2015

Although there is a rich legal literature on whether remorse should play a role in the criminal justice system, there is little discussion of how remorse can be evaluated in the legal context. There is ample evidence that perceptions of remorse play a powerful role in criminal cases. Yet the most basic question about the evaluation of remorse has received little attention: is remorse something that can be accurately evaluated in a courtroom? This article argues that evaluation of remorse requires a deep assessment of character, or of the condition of the soul, and that the legal system may not be capable of such evaluation. At the same time, the article acknowledges that remorse is so closely intertwined with judgments of culpability, it may not be feasible to bar decision-makers from considering it. Assuming that evaluation of remorse is ineradicable, the question becomes: what can be done to improve upon an evaluative process riddled with error and bias?
The Dispersion of Jesuit Books Printed in Japan: Trends in Bibliographical Research and in Intellectual History
Authors: Orii Yoshimi
Published: May 2015

This article introduces the recent bibliographical research on Kirishitan-ban, a series of books published by the Jesuit mission press in Japan in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Afterwards, the books were dispersed through political turmoil; some are still to be found scattered across the world. In addition, the study presents a textual comparison of some Kirishitan-ban with their European originals, in order to examine the compilation and translation policies of the Jesuits in Japan. Authors or editors sometimes manipulated or revised important sections, for instance omitting a statement on predestination or adding a discourse on the immortality of the soul, illustrating the Jesuits’ strategy of balancing the Japanese and the European-Catholic intellectual climates of their time. Analyzing both the books and their contents will contribute to the study of the globalization of Jesuit intellectual history and library research.
Engaged Collecting: Culture Transforming Mission The Regis College Library, University of Toronto
Authors: Rixon S.J. Gordon
Published: May 2015

Founded in 1930 as the “house library” of a Jesuit seminary, the Regis College Library collection presents evidence of almost 400 years of Jesuit participation in the socio-cultural development of present-day Canada. Today, the Regis Library contributes to the University of Toronto Library system, the third largest aggregated research university collection in North America. The provenance of the collection offers a vantage on the cultural encounter between European Jesuits and indigenous peoples. The palimpsest of spine markings and other collection metadata signals the replacement of encyclopedic approaches to knowledge and subject mapping with a more empirical approach to book classification based on actual patterns of collection and use. A recent pilot research project extends this empirical approach by applying advanced analytic algorithms to digitized text collections. Readers are invited to reflect on the socio-political power differences introduced by book classification and challenged by access to sophisticated computational tools.
Maerua sebrabergensis (Capparaceae), a new species from Namibia
Authors: Swanepoel Wessel
Published: May 2015

Maerua sebrabergensis, here described as a new species, has a restricted range and is only known from the Zebra Mountains within the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia. Diagnostic characters for M. sebrabergensis include a geoxylic suffrutescent habit (rarely a small tree), simple, alternate leaves, petaliferous flowers with the disc not or only slightly produced and smooth, cylindrical, slightly torulose fruit. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate between M. sebrabergensis and its possible nearest relative, M. parvifolia, are provided.
Gaya xiquexiquensis (Malvaceae, Malvoideae), a new species from Bahia state, Brazil
Authors: Takeuchi Catia , Esteves Gerleni Lopes
Published: May 2015

Gaya xiquexiquensis is a new species from the state of Bahia, Brazil. This species is known only from the municipality of Xique-Xique, growing in the Caatinga biome of the Brazilian semi-arid region. Gaya xiquexiquensis is morphologically similar to Gaya aurea A. St.-Hil. We here in present its morphological description, illustrations, as well as ecological data and conservation status.
Taxonomic adjustments in Discocactus Pfeiff. (Cactaceae)
Authors: Santos Marianna Rodrigues , MACHADO MARLON CÂMARA , GARCIA FLÁVIA C. P. , TAYLOR NIGEL P.
Published: May 2015

Discocactus petr-halfarii was previously regarded as synonym or subspecies of D. bahiensis. On the basis of field surveys and literature analyses, taxonomic investigations and phylogenetic studies, this species is placed as a subspecies of D. zehntneri. New synonymy is also established for D. heptacanthus.
Revision of the Australian species of Aka White, 1879 (Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) with the description of a new genus
Authors: LÖCKER BIRGIT
Published: May 2015

The Australian species of the genus Aka White are revised. Seven new species are described: A. balma sp. nov., A. dobsonensis sp. nov., A. gwana sp. nov., A. issidopsis sp. nov., A. kuraka sp. nov., A. pirri sp. nov., A. sorellensis sp. nov. Adding to those the 5 species solely occurring in New Zealand, we have a total number of 14 species in Aka. The types of A. hardyi Muir, 1931 and part of the type series including the holotype of A. tasmani Muir, 1931 are declared lost. However, based on the original descriptions and the remaining type material, these species have been matched with new material examined and are redescribed in this paper. Neotypes are designated for A. hardyi and A. tasmani. A new monotypic genus Yanganaka gen. nov. is described from Australia. Based on characters such as the general shape of the body as well as a forked frontal carina it appears to be closely related to Aka and the New Zealand genus Chathamaka Larivière, 1999. Yanganaka ariecornia sp. nov. is described and illustrated. An identification key to differentiate between the two genera occurring in Australia, Aka and Yanganaka, is provided. Information on how to distinguish Chathamaka from the latter two genera, as well as a key to identify all Australian species of Aka is presented. Host plant associations are discussed which support the hypothesis that Aka is a Gondwanan relict.
New Aderidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) from Baltic and Bitterfeld amber
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , GRZYMALA TRACI L.
Published: May 2015

Nine extinct species and one genus of aderid beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea: Aderidae) are described from Baltic and Bitterfeld amber from Germany, Russia (Kaliningrad), Poland, and Denmark. These new species include: Escalerosia igori sp. nov., Picemelinus irinae sp. nov., Vanonus ulmerigicus sp. nov., Vanonus aestiorum sp. nov., Cnopus kraxtepellenensis sp. nov., and four species from the extinct genus Palaeocnopus gen. nov.: P. densipunctatus sp. nov., P. saeticornis sp. nov., P. glabricornis sp. nov., and P. mara sp. nov. A key to the species of Palaeocnopus in amber is provided. The newly described taxa of these ant-like leaf beetles are photographed, illustrated, and compared with extinct and related extant representatives of the genera.