bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking HIV/Aids Programme Evaluation: Lessons from Malaysia and the Philippines
Authors: Chong Susan , Lin Vivian , Barraclough Simon
Published: November 2013

Funds to developing countries for HIV/AIDS programmes have noticeably increased. For civil society organisations (CSOs), one challenge of project implementation is the difficulty in assessing their interventions. A qualitative study was conducted in Malaysia and the Philippines with CSOs to identify the obstacles to HIV project evaluation. Twenty‐five bodies—CSOs, donors, governments and the United Nations—in both countries were interviewed. The findings show that despite contrasting political and socio‐economic contexts, both countries' CSOs share similar impediments to evaluation, including the lack of evaluation expertise, inadequate resources, onerous reporting obligations and constraints in evaluating interventions with marginalised groups. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stroboscopic microscopy—direct imaging of structure development and phase separation during spin‐coating
Authors: Toolan Daniel T. W. , Hodgkinson Richard , Howse Jonathan R.
Published: November 2013

Spin‐coated polymer blends possess a rich variety of accessible non‐equilibrium morphologies, formed through a process of phase separation and self‐assembly, the complexities of which remain incompletely understood. The technique of stroboscopic microscopy has now been developed to allow direct observations of microscopic and mesoscopic morphological development during spin‐coating and has afforded unequivocal information regarding morphological development. The technique so far has three modes of operation providing information on topographical, compositional, and crystal development. In this review, we look at the technique's development, its applications and comment on the future potential for this technique. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 17–25
The quantitative description between zeta potential and fluorescent particle adsorption on Cu surface
Authors: Mei Hegeng , Lu Xinchun
Published: November 2013

The influence factor for polystyrene based fluorescent particles' adsorption on Cu surface in liquid environment was investigated. The fluorescent particles with a size of 100 nm were used as the adsorbing particle for avoiding the disturbance to the adsorption result. The contrast between the fluorescent image and SEM image showed that there was a one‐to‐one correspondence between the fluorescent spot and the particle. This revealed the method of counting the fluorescent spot to obtain the adsorbing particle result is accurate. Zeta potential and ionic strength would affect the value of electrical double layer force. And the electrical double layer force and Van der Waals force between particles and surface determined the behavior of particles when particles got close to Cu surface. Results showed that particle adsorption on Cu surface was linear to the multiply of zeta potential for particles and Cu surface. Also, the influence of ionic strength on fluorescent particle adsorption was investigated. Finally, the quantitative description between zeta potential, ionic strength and particle adsorption was given. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LOCALLY FINITE GROUPS WHOSE SUBGROUPS HAVE FINITE NORMAL OSCILLATION
Authors: DE GIOVANNI F. , MARTUSCIELLO M. , RAINONE C.
Published: November 2013

If $X$ is a subgroup of a group $G$, the cardinal number $\min \{ \vert X: X_{G}\vert , \vert {X}^{G} : X\vert \} $ is called the normal oscillation of $X$ in $G$. It is proved that if all subgroups of a locally finite group $G$ have finite normal oscillation, then $G$ contains a nilpotent subgroup of finite index.
HISTORY TO UNDERSTAND, AND HISTORY TO REFORM, ENGLISH PUBLIC LAW
Authors: Allison J. W. F.
Published: November 2013

This article considers the contentious invocations of history that have become prominent in debates about English public law. It presents them as uses of history not simply to understand English public law but to reform it, through the reconstruction of historic authorities or reappraisal of historical sources. This article addresses the criticism they have attracted by distinguishing different kinds of orthodox and unorthodox reformist history. It advocates their transparent use and thoroughly deliberative history for reformist purposes in public law. It does so in three distinctive ways: first, by suggesting implications of Coke's dictum on causal understanding for whig historical approaches in the common law; secondly, by reassessing Maitland's dichotomy between the lawyer's logic of authority and the historian's logic of evidence; and, thirdly, by arguing that much can be learnt from the methodological caution, deliberation and rigour promoted by comparativists in their developed literature on legal transplants and law reform.
MEDICAL AUXILIARIES AND THE NEGOTIATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN COLONIAL NORTH-WESTERN TANZANIA
Authors: Webel Mari
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the development and employment of African medical auxiliaries during the German campaign against sleeping sickness in colonial north-western Tanzania. A case study from the kingdom of Kiziba demonstrates how widespread illness and colonial public health interventions intersected with broader political and social change in the early twentieth century. Ziba auxiliaries known as gland-feelers operated within overlapping social and occupational contexts as colonial intermediaries, royal emissaries, and familiar local men. The changing fortunes of the campaign and its auxiliaries illustrate how new public health interventions became a means for the kingdom's population to engage with or avoid both royal and colonial power.
On tamely ramified pro-p-extensions over -extensions of
Authors: ITOH TSUYOSHI , MIZUSAWA YASUSHI
Published: November 2013

For an odd prime numberpand a finite setSof prime numbers congruent to 1 modulop, we consider the Galois group of the maximal pro-p-extension unramified outsideSover the${\mathbb Z}_p$-extension of the rational number field. In this paper, we classify allSsuch that the Galois group is a metacyclic pro-pgroup.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight in Western Australian school-aged children; 2008 compared with 2003
Authors: Martin Karen , Rosenberg Michael , Pratt Iain Stephen , Miller Margaret , McCormack Gavin , Giles-Corti Billie , Magarey Anthea , Bull Fiona , Devine Amanda
Published: November 2013

Objective

Due to rising rates of obesity globally, the present study aimed to examine differences in overweight and underweight prevalence in Western Australian schoolchildren in 2008 compared with 2003.

Design

Cross-sectional study at two time points; using two-stage stratified sampling, primary and secondary schools in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan Western Australia; sample selected was representative of the State's population figures.

Settings

Seventeen primary and thirteen secondary (2008) and nineteen primary and seventeen secondary (2003) schools. Government and non-government funded schools in metropolitan and non-metropolitan (regional/rural) Western Australia were recruited.

Subjects

Height and weight were measured for 1708 (961 primary and 747 secondary) students in 2008 and 1694 (876 primary and 817 secondary) students in 2003.

Results

Overweight and obesity prevalence in primary students was similar in 2008 (22·9 %) to 2003 (23·2 %; P > 0·05). In secondary girls overweight and obesity prevalence dropped from 23·1 % (2003) to 15·9 % (2008; P = 0·002). Secondary boys showed a slight decrease in overweight and obesity prevalence; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0·102). Higher proportions of underweight in primary girls were observed in 2008 (9·9 %) compared with 2003 (4·2 %; P < 0·001) and in secondary girls in 2008 (9·4 %) compared with 2003 (5·5 %; P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Western Australian primary students was stable; however, it declined in secondary students. Both primary and secondary girls showed an increase in underweight prevalence. Public health interventions are needed for the high percentage of youth still overweight, whereas the observed increase in underweight girls warrants attention and further investigation.
Modeling of the Hemodynamic Responses in Block Design fMRI Studies
Authors: Shan Zuyao Y , Wright Margaret J , Thompson Paul M , McMahon Katie L , Blokland Gabriella G A M , de Zubicaray Greig I , Martin Nicholas G , Vinkhuyzen Anna A E , Reutens David C
Published: November 2013

The hemodynamic response function (HRF) describes the local response of brain vasculature to functional activation. Accurate HRF modeling enables the investigation of cerebral blood flow regulation and improves our ability to interpret fMRI results. Block designs have been used extensively as fMRI paradigms because detection power is maximized; however, block designs are not optimal for HRF parameter estimation. Here we assessed the utility of block design fMRI data for HRF modeling. The trueness (relative deviation), precision (relative uncertainty), and identifiability (goodness-of-fit) of different HRF models were examined and test–retest reproducibility of HRF parameter estimates was assessed using computer simulations and fMRI data from 82 healthy young adult twins acquired on two occasions 3 to 4 months apart. The effects of systematically varying attributes of the block design paradigm were also examined. In our comparison of five HRF models, the model comprising the sum of two gamma functions with six free parameters had greatest parameter accuracy and identifiability. Hemodynamic response function height and time to peak were highly reproducible between studies and width was moderately reproducible but the reproducibility of onset time was low. This study established the feasibility and test–retest reliability of estimating HRF parameters using data from block design fMRI studies.
Microvascular Sprouting, Extension, and Creation of New Capillary Connections with Adaptation of the Neighboring Astrocytes in Adult Mouse Cortex under Chronic Hypoxia
Authors: Masamoto Kazuto , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Seki Chie , Taniguchi Junko , Itoh Yoshiaki , Tomita Yutaka , Toriumi Haruki , Unekawa Miyuki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi , Suzuki Norihiro , Kanno Iwao
Published: November 2013

The present study aimed to determine the spatiotemporal dynamics of microvascular and astrocytic adaptation during hypoxia-induced cerebral angiogenesis. Adult C57BL/6J and Tie2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice with vascular endothelial cells expressing GFP were exposed to normobaric hypoxia for 3 weeks, whereas the three-dimensional microvessels and astrocytes were imaged repeatedly using two-photon microscopy. After 7 to14 days of hypoxia, a vessel sprout appeared from the capillaries with a bump-like head shape (mean diameter 14  μm), and stagnant blood cells were seen inside the sprout. However, no detectable changes in the astrocyte morphology were observed for this early phase of the hypoxia adaptation. More than 50% of the sprouts emerged from capillaries 60  μm away from the center penetrating arteries, which indicates that the capillary distant from the penetrating arteries is a favored site for sprouting. After 14 to 21 days of hypoxia, the sprouting vessels created a new connection with an existing capillary. In this phase, the shape of the new vessel and its blood flow were normalized, and the outside of the vessels were wrapped with numerous processes from the neighboring astrocytes. The findings indicate that hypoxia-induced cerebral angiogenesis provokes the adaptation of neighboring astrocytes, which may stabilize the blood–brain barrier in immature vessels.
Hydrogen-bond networks in polymorphs and solvates of metallorganic complexes containing ruthenium and aminoamide ligands
Authors: Bacchi A. , Cantoni G. , Crocco D. , Granelli M. , Pagano P. , Pelagatti P.
Published: November 2013

The hydrogen-bond networks of half-sandwich Ru(ii) complexes containing primary and secondary amide groups are described together with their guest inclusion properties.
Structures and interface mapping of the TIR domain-containing adaptor molecules involved in interferon signaling
Authors: Enokizono Yoshiaki , Kumeta Hiroyuki , Funami Kenji , Horiuchi Masataka , Sarmiento Joy , Yamashita Kazuo , Standley Daron M. , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa , Inagaki Fuyuhiko
Published: November 2013

Significance

Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) homology domains mediate the downstream signaling of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), but the molecular mechanism of the signal transduction is elusive on the structural basis. Here, we determined the structures of TIR domain-containing adaptor molecule (TICAM) 1 and TICAM-2 TIR domains and demonstrated their homotypic and heterotypic interaction surfaces. Both TICAM-1 and TICAM-2 TIR domains form a BB-loop–mediated homodimer. The dimerization of TICAM-2 TIR presents an interaction surface for TICAM-1 TIR. The present result is consistent with the notion that the BB-loop mutant is dominant negative and that dimerization of upstream TIRs is crucial for recruiting downstream TIRs.
Interaction between human Ctf4 and the Cdc45/Mcm2-7/GINS (CMG) replicative helicase
Authors: Kang Young-Hoon , Farina Andrea , Bermudez Vladimir P. , Tappin Inger , Du Fang , Galal Wiebke Chemnitz , Hurwitz Jerard
Published: November 2013

Significance

We describe interaction between the cell division cycle 45 (Cdc45)/minichromosome maintenance 2-7 (Mcm2-7)/Go, Ichi, Nii, and San (GINS) (the CMG complex) and chromosome transmission fidelity 4 (Ctf4). The CMG complex catalyzes parental duplex DNA separation during eukaryotic replication. Ctf4 was reported previously to bind yeast DNA polymerase α (Pol α) and be essential for human DNA replication. Here, we show that human Ctf4 (hCtf4) interacts with human CMG (hCMG) complex to form the dimeric hCtf4–monomeric hCMG complex, which, like hCMG, contains DNA helicase activity. Complex formation involves interactions of hCtf4 with multiple hCMG components. We propose that Ctf4 links the replicative Pol α–primase complex to the replicative helicase, coordinating DNA unwinding and polymerase activities.
Velar variation in French
Authors: Berns Janine
Published: November 2013

It is commonly noted that French velar plosives tend to take a fronted realization when followed by a front vowel. These observations are generally not accompanied by representative data, and consequently, little is known about the actual characteristics and spread of the phenomenon. This study provides a corpus analysis of velar palatalization in contemporary French, and addresses the potential linguistic and sociolinguistic factors involved. Moreover, the synchronic results are considered in the light of the palatalization processes that took place in the history of French.
Verbal inflection errors in child L1
Authors: Buijs Simone , van Reijen Sabine , Weerman Fred
Published: November 2013

Song, Sundara & Demuth (2009) find an asymmetrical pattern for verbal inflection errors in child English: They observe more errors in sentence medial position than in sentence final position. To account for this asymmetry, they point towards the surface differences of both sentence positions. A similar asymmetry in Dutch, in which embedded clauses cause fewer problems for verbal inflection than main clauses, has been related to V2 (van Kampen 1997; Bastiaanse & van Zonneveld 1998; Weerman, Duinmeijer & Orgassa 2011). The present study disentangles both explanations (sentence position, i.e. ‘phonology’ vs. V2, i.e. ‘syntax’), and aims to provide a unified account for both the patterns found in English and Dutch. The inclusion of PP-over-V constructions in a sentence repetition task with monolingual Dutch children (aged 4;0 to 6;2) enables us to show that the phonological account proposed for English can account for the Dutch pattern as well.
Rethinking the distribution of English finite clausal complements
Authors: Nye Rachel
Published: November 2013

This paper advocates a new conception of the properties which determine the distribution of finite clausal complements (FCCs) in English. I argue against the orthodox view that FCCs are selected by matrix predicates on the basis of their interpretive type (Grimshaw 1979; Rizzi 1997; Ginzburg & Sag 2000), and propose that distribution rather depends on the specification of the FCC in terms of the syntactically encoded properties [+/-wh, +/-factive]. This proposal is motivated by new distributional patterns which emerge when the typology of English FCCs is expanded to take into account complementiser-how clauses (CHCs) (Legate 2010; Nye 2012). CHCs have their own unique interpretation, yet, strikingly, have exactly the same distribution as embedded exclamatives. This is unexpected under the traditional view of FCC selection, but is explained if CHCs and exclamatives are selected on the basis of a common [+wh, +factive] syntactic specification.
Tracking reference with null subjects
Authors: Pinto Manuela
Published: November 2013

Null-subject languages are said to track reference and discourse-pragmatic information exploiting the array of specialized forms provided by their grammar. This argument is normally used as the baseline against which language acquisition and contact varieties (L1, 2L1, L2, L1-attrition) are evaluated. However, recent studies on Italian question the empirical validity of this pattern and call for an analysis of these issues from an empirical perspective. This paper presents the results of a study on mechanisms for introduction and tracking of reference in narratives (Frog Stories) in Italian L1/Dutch L2, Dutch L1/Italian L2, Italian/Dutch bilinguals and age-matched monolingual Italian controls. All utterances were scrutinized for form, antecedent, and discourse-pragmatic function. The results so far show an overextended use of null subjects, also in contexts of topic-shift, where overt subjects would be expected. These constructions are not ambiguous, as speakers make use of alternative devices for anaphora interpretation that exploit contextual cues.
Locality and right-dislocation
Authors: de Vries Mark
Published: November 2013

Right-dislocation constructions, including backgrounding and specificational afterthoughts, are subject to various limitations. Dislocated phrases themselves are islands for extraction. Moreover, there are proximity effects between dislocated phrases and their correlate in the host clause. The main effect reduces to the regular constraints on A-bar movement. This is explained from the perspective of a biclausal analysis in which the dislocated phrase is fronted within its own, elliptical clause. As a result, right-dislocated phrases related to a deeply embedded correlate are only possible if the embedded clause is sentence-final. Otherwise, a dislocated constituent may surface in an intraposed position, next to the embedded clause. Finally, there is an additional prosodic constraint on backgrounding, which is irrelevant for afterthoughts; consequently, the latter must follow the former if they are combined in one sentence.
Information structural transfer in advanced Dutch EFL writing
Authors: van Vuuren Sanne
Published: November 2013

This article presents a case study on the role of L1 transfer of language-specific features of information structure in very advanced L2 learners. Cross-linguistic differences in the information status of clause-initial position in a V2 language like Dutch compared to an SVO language like English are hypothesized to result in overuse of clause-initial adverbials in the writing of advanced Dutch learners of English. This hypothesis was tested by evaluating advanced Dutch EFL learners’ use of clause-initial adverbials in a syntactically annotated longitudinal corpus of student writing, compared to a native reference corpus. Results indicate that Dutch EFL learners overuse clause-initial adverbials of place as well as addition adverbials that refer back to an antecedent in the directly preceding discourse. Although there is a clear development in the direction of native writing, transfer of information structural features of Dutch can still be observed even after three years of extended academic exposure.
Effects of immediate repetition at different stages of consecutive interpreting training
Authors: Yu Wenting , van Heuven Vincent J.
Published: November 2013

The present study investigates whether immediate repetition improves consecutive interpreting performance during training. In addition, the study tries to shed light on whether the effects of immediate repetition differ between BA and MA interpreting trainees. In the experiment, ten raters judged six major quality measures of the accuracy and fluency of the interpreting output recorded from seven BA trainees and five MA trainees. The seventh quality measure expressed linguistic complexity as the number of clauses per AS-unit. The results show that the main effects of repetition and proficiency are both significant on accuracy and fluency, but the main effects are absent on linguistic complexity. Moreover, in terms of fluency BA trainees benefit significantly more from repetition than MA trainees. Accuracy improvement through repetition does not differ significantly between the two groups. The results have implications for consecutive interpreting training at different stages.
Mathematical modeling of fluorescence diffuse optical imaging of cell membrane potential changes
Authors: Ammari Habib , Garnier Josselin , Giovangigli Laure
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to provide a mathematical model for spatial distribution of membrane electrical potential changes by fluorescence diffuse optical tomography. We derive the resolving power of the imaging method in the presence of measurement noise. The proposed mathematical model can be used for cell membrane tracking with the resolution of the optical microscope.
The System of Rice Intensification and its Impacts on Household Income and Child Schooling: Evidence from Rural Indonesia
Authors: Takahashi Kazushi , Barrett Christopher B.
Published: November 2013

The yield potential of a set of improved rice management practices, known as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), has attracted much attention. Yet we know surprisingly little about SRI's socio‐economic impact. Using data from Indonesia in 2009, this study assesses the impact of SRI on household incomes and child schooling. We find that SRI generates significant estimated yield gains. However, because SRI induces a reallocation of family labor from non‐farm to farm, SRI users enjoy no household income gains. Despite the increased labor demand for farming, we find no evidence that SRI has a child labor effect.
Molecular recognition by the KIX domain and its role in gene regulation
Authors: Thakur Jitendra K. , Yadav Archana , Yadav Gitanjali
Published: November 2013

The kinase-inducible domain interacting (KIX) domain is a highly conserved independently folding three-helix bundle that serves as a docking site for transcription factors, whereupon promoter activation and target specificity are achieved during gene regulation. This docking event is a harbinger of an intricate multi-protein assembly at the transcriptional apparatus and is regulated in a highly precise manner in view of the critical role it plays in multiple cellular processes. KIX domains have been characterized in transcriptional coactivators such as p300/CREB-binding protein and mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 15, and even recQ protein-like 5 helicases in various organisms. Their targets are often intrinsically disordered regions within the transactivation domains of transcription factors that attain stable secondary structure only upon complexation with KIX. In this article, we review the KIX domain in terms of its sequence and structure and present the various implications of its ability to act as a transcriptional switch, the mechanistic basis of molecular recognition by KIX, its binding specificity, target promiscuity, combinatorial potential and unique mode of regulation via allostery. We also discuss the possible roles of KIX domains in plants and hope that this review will accelerate scientific interest in KIX and pave the way for novel avenues of research on this critical domain.
Human responses to multiple sources of directional information in virtual crowd evacuations
Authors: Bode Nikolai W. F. , Kemloh Wagoum Armel U. , Codling Edward A.
Published: November 2013

The evacuation of crowds from buildings or vehicles is one example that highlights the importance of understanding how individual-level interactions and decision-making combine and lead to the overall behaviour of crowds. In particular, to make evacuations safer, we need to understand how individuals make movement decisions in crowds. Here, we present an evacuation experiment with over 500 participants testing individual behaviour in an interactive virtual environment. Participants had to choose between different exit routes under the influence of three different types of directional information: static information (signs), dynamic information (movement of simulated crowd) and memorized information, as well as the combined effect of these different sources of directional information. In contrast to signs, crowd movement and memorized information did not have a significant effect on human exit route choice in isolation. However, when we combined the latter two treatments with additional directly conflicting sources of directional information, for example signs, they showed a clear effect by reducing the number of participants that followed the opposing directional information. This suggests that the signals participants observe more closely in isolation do not simply overrule alternative sources of directional information. Age and gender did not consistently explain differences in behaviour in our experiments.
Space–time correlations in urban sprawl
Authors: Hernando A. , Hernando R. , Plastino A.
Published: November 2013

Understanding demographic and migrational patterns constitutes a great challenge. Millions of individual decisions, motivated by economic, political, demographic, rational and/or emotional reasons underlie the high complexity of demographic dynamics. Significant advances in quantitatively understanding such complexity have been registered in recent years, as those involving the growth of cities but many fundamental issues still defy comprehension. We present here compelling empirical evidence of a high level of regularity regarding time and spatial correlations in urban sprawl, unravelling patterns about the
inertia
in the growth of cities and their
interaction
with each other. By using one of the world's most exhaustive extant demographic data basis—that of the Spanish Government's Institute INE, with records covering 111 years and (in 2011) 45 million people, distributed among more than 8000 population nuclei—we show that the inertia of city growth has a characteristic time of 15 years, and its interaction with the growth of other cities has a characteristic distance of 80 km. Distance is shown to be the main factor that entangles two cities (60% of total correlations). The power of our current social theories is thereby enhanced.
Analysis of off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas-derived RNA-guided endonucleases and nickases
Authors: Cho Seung Woo , Kim Sojung , Kim Yongsub , Kweon Jiyeon , Kim Heon Seok , Bae Sangsu , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: November 2013

RNA-guided endonucleases (RGENs), derived from the prokaryotic adaptive immune system known as CRISPR/Cas, enable targeted genome engineering in cells and organisms. RGENs are ribonucleoproteins that consist of guide RNA and Cas9, a protein component originated from Streptococcus pyogenes. These enzymes cleave chromosomal DNA, whose sequence is complementary, to guide RNA in a targeted manner, producing site-specific DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the repair of which gives rise to targeted genome modifications. Despite broad interest in RGEN-mediated genome editing, these nucleases are limited by off-target mutations and unwanted chromosomal translocations associated with off-target DNA cleavages. Here, we show that off-target effects of RGENs can be reduced below the detection limits of deep sequencing by choosing unique target sequences in the genome and modifying both guide RNA and Cas9. We found that both the composition and structure of guide RNA can affect RGEN activities in cells to reduce off-target effects. RGENs efficiently discriminated on-target sites from off-target sites that differ by two bases. Furthermore, exome sequencing analysis showed that no off-target mutations were induced by two RGENs in four clonal populations of mutant cells. In addition, paired Cas9 nickases, composed of D10A Cas9 and guide RNA, which generate two single-strand breaks (SSBs) or nicks on different DNA strands, were highly specific in human cells, avoiding off-target mutations without sacrificing genome-editing efficiency. Interestingly, paired nickases induced chromosomal deletions in a targeted manner without causing unwanted translocations. Our results highlight the importance of choosing unique target sequences and optimizing guide RNA and Cas9 to avoid or reduce RGEN-induced off-target mutations.
Circadian Phase Determines Effects of Repeated Ethanol Vapor Exposure and Withdrawal on Body Temperature and Activity Rhythms of Male Mice
Authors: Damaggio Amanda S. , Gorman Michael R.
Published: November 2013

Background

Physiological responses to acute ethanol (EtOH) injection depend critically on the timing of their administration. Whether daily timing modulates effects of longer intoxication intervals characteristic of alcohol‐dependent humans remains unknown. The present work examines time‐of‐day effects during EtOH exposure and withdrawal measured by locomotor activity (ActLoc) and body temperature (Tb) across multiple rounds of EtOH exposure/withdrawal.

Methods

Two groups of C57BL/6J mice (n = 8 per group), implanted with radio‐telemeters, were entrained to opposite light–dark periods (14:10 LD cycle) so that their rest/activity cycles were 12 hours apart. Under a 2‐hour skeleton photoperiod animals were simultaneously exposed to 3 daily cycles of EtOH vapor inhalation (14 hours EtOH on) and withdrawal (10 hours EtOH off). During this time, air‐only control groups (n = 4 per group) matched for entrainment were handled in a comparable manner. After the third cycle of EtOH vapor, the animals were left undisturbed for 11 days to recover. The 14‐day protocol was repeated 3 additional times.

Results

During intoxication, mice exposed to EtOH in the subjective night exhibited greater hypothermia and more overall disruptions in the Tb and ActLoc rhythms. Acute withdrawal induced hypothermia during the subjective night and hyperthermia during the subjective day. Animals in both phases demonstrated significant disruptions in ActLoc during withdrawal. ActLoc had little effect on Tb during EtOH exposure, but it significantly influenced Tb during acute withdrawal.

Conclusions

The physiological responses of both EtOH exposure and withdrawal differ as a function of time of day. These findings suggest that controlling for the circadian phase of exposure and/or withdrawal may mitigate the severity of symptomatic withdrawal.
Development and evaluation of the REACH (Recognise End of life And Care Holistically) out in Dementia toolkit
Authors: Potter Jan M , Fernando Ramesh , Humpel Nancy
Published: November 2013

Aim

To identify evidence based signs and symptoms indicative of end stage dementia, and develop the REACH toolkit as an aid for staff to consider a palliative approach.

Method

A systematic literature review was conducted of policy, position documents, guidelines and publications from 1988 to 2011. Inclusion criteria were any report or article identifying the signs and symptoms of end stage dementia which were associated with increased mortality and morbidity.

Results

Eight signs and symptoms associated with worsening function and increased mortality were identified. These were incorporated into a toolkit. Experienced clinicians reviewed the toolkit. It was then trialled in six aged care facilities (ACFs) and as a result of the trial 182 residents with dementia were identified as being at the end stage.

Conclusions

Use of the toolkit improved the recognition of end stage dementia among staff in ACFs.
Exploring the link between pholcodine exposure and neuromuscular blocking agent anaphylaxis
Authors: Brusch Anna M. , Clarke Russell C. , Platt Peter R. , Phillips Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2013

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are the most commonly implicated drugs in IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis during anaesthesia that can lead to perioperative morbidity and mortality. The rate of NMBA anaphylaxis shows marked geographical variation in patients who have had no known prior exposure to NMBAs, suggesting that there may be external or environmental factors that contribute to the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of reactions. Substituted ammonium ions are shared among NMBAs and are therefore thought to be the main allergenic determinant of this class of drugs. Substituted ammonium ions are found in a wide variety of chemical structures, including prescription medications, over‐the‐counter medications and common household chemicals, such as the quaternary ammonium disinfectants. Epidemiological studies have shown parallels in the consumption of pholcodine, a nonprescription antitussive drug which contains a tertiary ammonium ion, and the incidence of NMBA anaphylaxis. This link has prompted the withdrawal of pholcodine in some countries, with an ensuing fall in the observed rate of NMBA anaphylaxis. While such observations are compelling in their suggestion of a relationship between pholcodine exposure and NMBA hypersensitivity, important questions remain regarding the mechanisms by which pholcodine is able to sensitize against NMBAs and whether there are other, as yet unidentified, agents that can elicit similar hypersensitivity reactions. This review aims to explore the evidence linking pholcodine exposure to NMBA hypersensitivity and discuss the implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology of these reactions.
OUTPUT–EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP ACROSS SECTORS: A LONG‐ VERSUS SHORT‐RUN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Şahin Afşin , Tansel Aysit , Berument M. Hakan
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the nature of the output–employment relationship by using the Turkish quarterly data for the period 1988–2008. Even if we fail to find a long‐run relationship between aggregate output and total employment, there are long‐run relationships for the aggregate output with non‐agricultural employment and sectoral employment levels for seven of nine sectors that we consider. However, a further investigation for the output and employment relationship within a short‐run perspective does not reveal statistically significant relationships for either total employment or non‐agriculture employment, or eight of the nine sectors that we consider. Although there are various long‐run relationships between output and employment, the short‐run links between demand and employment are weak. The various implications of this for the economy and the labour market are discussed. As a result, maintaining high levels of output in the long‐run creating demand is essential for employment generation.
Neuropathology Training Worldwide—Evolution and Comparisons
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Hainfellner Johannes A. , McLean Catriona A. , Powell Suzanne Z. , Sikorska Beata , Takahashi Hitoshi , Weis Joachim , Xuereb John H.
Published: November 2013

Training of neuropathologists varies worldwide. Systems range from highly organized specialist and subspecialist education with national certification, to regulated training with diploma recognition, to informal apprenticeships in neurological hospitals and no formal recognition. This overview compiles and summarizes the history of regulated training systems, the status of neuropathology within various countries' medical systems and the manner in which neuropathologists are trained. Anecdotal evidence suggests that countries with regulated systems of neuropathology training and an active professional organization are more likely to have an adequate supply of diagnostic specialists and a vibrant research community. The different training systems reflect the style of medical services delivery in the respective countries. In general, the existence of formal neuropathology training systems occurs only in countries with relatively high levels of per capita health expenditures, reflecting the development of medical specialization overall. Evolving diagnostic technologies and major international research endeavors, whose goals are to understand structure and function of the human brain, demand that neuropathology training is more than simply diagnostic histopathology.
Alcohol and psoriasis: sobering thoughts
Authors: Adamzik K. , McAleer M. A. , Kirby B.
Published: November 2013

The association between psoriasis and alcohol consumption is complex. Epidemiological evidence suggests that patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have an increased incidence of alcohol-related diseases and mortality. This appears to be unique to psoriasis compared with other autoimmune diseases. Excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to systemic inflammation and the comorbidities associated with psoriasis, including cardiovascular disease and depression. Screening for hazardous alcohol consumption and appropriate interventions may be useful in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Association of the tumour necrosis factor-α polymorphisms rs361525 and rs1800629 with susceptibility to psoriasis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Y. , Qin H. J. , Zhang J. X. , Liu X. L. , Li L. J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Evidence has suggested that tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α may be involved in the aetiology of psoriasis, but the underlying association of the TNF-α polymorphisms −238G/A (rs361525) and −308G/A (rs1800629) with the risk of psoriasis is still unconfirmed.

Aim

This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether the TNF-α −238G/A and −308G/A polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to psoriasis.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), CBM (Chinese biomedical literature database) and WANFANG databases within a range of published years from 1990 to August 2012. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the different associations.

Results

In total, 17 studies with 2847 cases and 2222 controls were found for −238G/A and 20 studies with 2975 cases and 2243 controls for −308G/A. The pooled results showed an overall increased risk of psoriasis for the −238G/A polymorphism (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.45–2.94, P < 0.001 for AA/GA vs. GG) and a reduced psoriasis risk with the −308G/A polymorphism (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.59–0.79, P < 0.001 for AA/GA vs. GG). This association was only present in early-onset psoriasis (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = 2.17–6.24, P < 0.001 for −238G/A; OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.43–0.72, P < 0.001 for −308G/A), whereas there was no association (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.56–1.70, P = 0.92 for −238G/A) or a unreliable association (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46–0.94, P = 0.02 for −308G/A) in late-onset psoriasis.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that the TNF-α –238 and –308 promoter polymorphisms may play different roles in conferring susceptibility to psoriasis. Functional and well-designed studies should be conducted to confirm these results.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin in the nail-matrix cells and in an onychomatricoma
Authors: Kim C.-R. , Shin H.-T. , Park J.-H. , Lee D.-Y. , Yang J.-M. , Kwon G. Y. , Jang K.-T. , Lee K.-H. , Shim J. S.
Published: November 2013

β-catenin plays an important role in hair morphogenesis. Previously, the nuclear and cytoplasmic localizations of β-catenin were identified in hair-matrix cells. To evaluate β-catenin expression in the nail matrix, we obtained human nail units. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin was used to evaluate sections of normal nail units and of sections from a single case of onychomatricoma. In the nail unit, β-catenin was expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the suprabasal nail-matrix cells. Of the other epithelial-cell types, only the cell membrane was β-catenin-positive. In the nail tissue from the onychomatricoma case, β-catenin was expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the upper epithelial layers. Our result suggests that β-catenin plays an important role in nail formation. In addition, β-catenin expression in onychomatricoma supports the presence of nail-matrix cells in this condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of β-catenin expression in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the nail matrix.
Pelvic floor reconstruction with a biological mesh after extralevator abdominoperineal excision leads to few perineal hernias and acceptable wound complication rates with minor movement limitations: single‐centre experience including clinical examination and interview
Authors: Jensen K. K. , Rashid L. , Pilsgaard B. , Møller P. , Wille‐Jørgensen P.
Published: November 2013

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe long‐term subjective and objective results of pelvic floor reconstruction using an absorbable biological mesh after extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) for low rectal cancer.

Method

Records of 53 patients who had an ELAPE with reconstruction of the pelvic floor with a Permacol® mesh between August 2007 and August 2011 were reviewed. Thirty‐one of the patients were called for interview and clinical examination.

Results

Three (6%) patients developed perineal hernia, 11 had fistulae (nine of which were treated successfully), four patients had a perineal abscess and four patients had superficial wound infections. Removal of the mesh was necessary in one case, while another patient needed implantation of a new mesh. In 13 of the 31 interviewed patients, long‐term pain was present, but resolved after a median of 8 months (3–56). No major sitting or movement disabilities were encountered. Three‐year survival was 82%, and no local recurrences were found.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor reconstruction with a biological mesh is a feasible solution when performing ELAPE for low rectal cancer, although long‐term pain is a frequent complication.
Diversion of prescribed opioids by people living with chronic pain: Results from an Australian community sample
Authors: Belcher Jessica , Nielsen Suzanne , Campbell Gabrielle , Bruno Raimondo , Hoban Bianca , Larance Briony , Lintzeris Nicholas , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: November 2013

Introduction and Aims

There has been an increase in prescription of opioids for chronic non‐cancer pain, and concern exists over possible diversion of prescription opioids to the illicit marketplace. Recent media coverage suggests that elderly patients sell their prescribed opioids for additional income. This study investigated the extent to which an Australian community sample of chronic pain patients prescribed opioids reported supplying their prescribed opioids to others.

Design and Methods

Participants living with chronic non‐cancer pain and prescribed opioids for their pain (n = 952) were recruited across Australia via advertisements at pharmacies. A telephone interview included questions about their pain condition and opioid medication.

Results

Participants had been living with pain for a mean of 14.2 years; most common conditions included chronic back/neck problems and arthritis/rheumatism. Around half (43%) were currently prescribed one opioid, and 55% had been prescribed 2–5 opioids; the most common was oxycodone. Forty‐two participants (4%) reported ever supplying prescribed opioids to another person; one participant reported receiving payment. Participants who supplied opioids to others were younger (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.95–0.99) and engaged in a greater number of aberrant behaviours relating to their opioid medication (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.45–2.17), including tampering with doses, taking opioids by alternative routes, seeing doctors to obtain extra opioids and refilling prescriptions early.

Discussion and Conclusion

Few people with chronic non‐cancer pain divert their opioids to others. Media reports of elderly patients selling their opioids to supplement their income may be reflective of exceptional cases. Future studies may investigate the extent to which other patient groups divert prescription opioids to the illicit marketplace. [Belcher J, Nielsen S, Campbell G, Bruno R, Hoban B, Larance B, Lintzeris N, Degenhardt L. Diversion of prescribed opioids by people living with chronic pain: Results from an Australian community sample. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:27–32]
Fixation of chronic suture exostosis in a mature horse
Authors: Klein L. , Sacks M. , Fürst A. E. , Del Chicca F. , Grest P. , Jackson M. A.
Published: November 2013

This case report describes the clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of a 14‐year‐old Warmblood gelding with suture exostosis. The horse was referred to our clinic because of bilateral swelling in the region of the frontal and nasal bone junction and bilateral epiphora. Epiphora was the main concern for the owner and the reason for further investigation and treatment. Radiographic examination showed extensive bone proliferation on the dorsal frontal and nasal bones. Computed tomographic (CT) images further characterised the periosteal proliferation as new bone formation and localised it along the frontonasal and frontolacrimal suture lines. Computed tomographic images also showed pathological changes of both lacrimal ducts. A chronic fracture was suspected to be the cause of the periosteal proliferation, and surgical treatment using 2 small 2.4 Unilock plates was chosen to stabilise the suture between the frontal and nasal bones. The swelling decreased and the epiphora resolved by 6 months post operatively. A CT examination 2 years later showed complete healing.
Identification and characterization of a neuron‐specific isoform of protrudin
Authors: Ohnishi Takafumi , Shirane Michiko , Hashimoto Yutaka , Saita Shotaro , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: November 2013

Protrudin is a membrane protein that regulates polarized vesicular transport. Now, we have identified a novel isoform of protrudin (protrudin‐L) that contains an additional seven amino acids between the FFAT motif and the coiled‐coil domain compared with the conventional isoform (protrudin‐S) as a result of alternative splicing of a microexon (exon L). Protrudin‐L mRNA was found to be mostly restricted to the central nervous system in mice, whereas protrudin‐S mRNA was detected in all tissues examined. With the use of a splicing reporter minigene that produces two distinct fluorescent proteins in a manner dependent on the splicing pattern of protrudin transcripts, we found that most neurons express protrudin‐L, whereas astrocytes express both protrudin isoforms and oligodendrocytes express only protrudin‐S. Protrudin‐L associated to a greater extent with vesicle‐associated membrane protein–associated protein (VAP) than protrudin‐S. Expression of protrudin‐L in hippocampal neurons of protrudin‐deficient mice also promoted neurite outgrowth more efficiently than protrudin‐S. Our results suggest that protrudin‐L is a neuron‐specific protrudin isoform that promotes axonal elongation and contributes to the establishment of neuronal polarity.