bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-Based Surveys for Determining the Prevalence of HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea in Men Having Sex with Men in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong H. T. H. , Wong K. H. , Lee S. S. , Leung R. W. M. , Lee K. C. K.
Published: April 2013

Background. Community sampling of men having sex with men (MSM) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections prevalence studies poses challenges in view of problems in logistics and the hidden nature of MSM population. Methods. MSM in Hong Kong were recruited through social venues and the Internet. All participants were invited to complete a behavioural questionnaire and submit a urine specimen for HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhoea testing. Results. Totally, 994 MSM were recruited. No differences between venue and online-recruited respondents were identified regarding their demographics and infection status. The prevalence of HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhoea was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.6–5.0%), 4.7% (95% CI: 3.6–6.2%), and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1–0.7%), respectively. Of all HIV cases, only 8.3% were aware of the infection; reflecting newly infected MSM were probably overrepresented. Some 58.3% had had HIV test within the past year, and 11.1% had CT/NG coinfection. HIV infection was associated with group sex [aOR: 2.67 (1.03–6.92)], receiving money for anal sex [aOR: 4.63 (1.12–19.18)], and unprotected anal sex with nonregular partners [aOR: 3.047 (1.16–8.01)]. Conclusion. Difference between venue- and online-recruited MSM was observed. A combination of sampling methods is complementary for epidemiology purpose. Overall, risk behaviours practised by undiagnosed HIV-positive MSM remains a cause for concern.
Nonindustrial Family Forest Landowners' Stated Willingness-to-Participate in Forest Cooperatives in Southern China
Authors: Yang Lifei , Wen Yali , Aguilar Francisco X.
Published: April 2013

Forest landowner cooperatives have emerged as a formal institution capable of fostering professional forest management. There are many reasons to motivate participation in forest cooperatives. For instance, cooperatives could ease nonindustrial family forest landowners (NIFFLs) access to financial assistance and enhance market entrance opportunities. In China, various forms of forest cooperatives supported by government agencies are developing rapidly in an effort to facilitate forest management at a large scale. However, the development of forest cooperatives is still in its early stages. An understanding of NIFFLs' attitudes towards the development of cooperatives is instrumental for crafting policies and organizational structures that motivate landowners' participation. Three hundred and ten NIFFLs from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces in Southern China were interviewed to elicit their attitudes and willingness-to-participate in forest cooperatives. Logistic regression was used to evaluate landowner, household, forest resource, and institutional factors associated with NIFFLs' stated decision to participate in a forest cooperative. Results show that NIFFLs' stated willingness-to-participate in forest cooperatives was associated with demographic characteristics like education, forest-related income, size of forestland, and attitudes toward land tenure reform and cooperatives. This paper outlines suggestions on how to further develop forest cooperatives in Southern China.
Getting Personal with Neoantigen-Based Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Hacohen Nir , Fritsch Edward F. , Carter Todd A. , Lander Eric S. , Wu Catherine J.
Published: April 2013

Despite years of preclinical efforts and hundreds of clinical studies, therapeutic cancer vaccines with the routine ability to limit or eliminate tumor growth in humans have been elusive. With advances in genome sequencing, it is now possible to identify a new class of tumor-specific antigens derived from mutated proteins that are present only in the tumor. These “neoantigens” should provide highly specific targets for antitumor immunity. Although many challenges remain in producing and testing neoantigen-based vaccines customized for each patient, a neoantigen vaccine offers a promising new approach to induce highly focused antitumor T cells aimed at eradicating cancer cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(1); 11–15. ©2013 AACR.
Genetic Variation at NCAN Locus Is Associated with Inflammation and Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Morbid Obesity
Authors: Gorden Alexis , Yang Rongze , Yerges-Armstrong Laura M. , Ryan Kathleen A. , Speliotes Elizabeth , Borecki Ingrid B. , Harris Tamara B. , Chu Xin , Wood G. Craig , Still Christopher D. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Gerhard Glenn S. ,   the GOLD Consortium1
Published: April 2013

Objective: Obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may cause liver dysfunction and failure. In a previously reported genome-wide association meta-analysis, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near PNPLA3, NCAN, GCKR, LYPLAL1 and PPP1R3B were associated with NAFLD and with distinctive serum lipid profiles. The present study examined the relevance of these variants to NAFLD in extreme obesity. Methods: In 1,092 bariatric surgery patients, the candidate SNPs were genotyped and association analyses with liver histology and serum lipids were performed. Results: We replicated the association of hepatosteatosis with PNPLA3 rs738409[G] and with NCAN rs2228603[T]. We also replicated the association of rs2228603[T] with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. rs2228603[T] was associated with lower serum low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglycerides. After stratification by the presence or absence of NAFLD, these associations were present predominantly in the subgroup with NAFLD. Conclusion:NCAN rs2228603[T] is a risk factor for liver inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that this locus is responsible for progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis. In this bariatric cohort, rs2228603[T] was associated with low serum lipids only in patients with NAFLD. This supports a NAFLD model in which the liver may sequester triglycerides as a result of either increased triglyceride uptake and/or decreased lipolysis.
High-Density Lipoprotein: A Novel Marker for Risk of In-Hospital Infection in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients?
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Ana , Fuentes Blanca , Martínez-Sánchez Patricia , Prefasi Daniel , Martínez-Martínez Marta , Correas Elisa , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio
Published: April 2013

Background: Several studies have shown that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol provides protection against bacterial infections. Our aim was to investigate the influence of HDL cholesterol levels on the risk of developing in-hospital infectious complications after an acute ischemic stroke (IS) as well as the possible effect of prestroke statin treatment on this association. Methods and Results: Observational study that included consecutive IS patients during a 5-year period (2006-2010). We analyzed vascular risk factors, prestroke treatments (including statins), laboratory data (including HDL cholesterol levels), stroke severity, and the development of infectious complications (pneumonia, urinary tract infection and sepsis). A multivariate analysis that included HDL cholesterol levels, prior statin treatment and the interaction between both variables was performed to identify those factors associated with the presence of infectious complications. A total of 1,385 patients were included, 130 of whom (9.4%) developed in-hospital infections. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed the predictive value of HDL cholesterol with an area under the curve of 0.597 (95% CI, 0.526-0.668; p = 0.006) and pointed to 38.5 mg/dl of HDL cholesterol (65.5% sensitivity and 53.4% specificity) as the optimal cutoff level for developing infectious complications during hospitalization. An HDL cholesterol level ≥38.5 mg/dl was an independent predictive factor for lower risk of infection (OR 0.308; 95% CI 0.119-0.795), whereas prestroke statin treatment was not associated with the development of infection. Conclusions: An HDL cholesterol level ≥38.5 mg/dl was independently associated with lower risk for developing infectious complications in acute IS patients. Statins do not influence this association.
Ghrelin and Its Relation with N-Terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide, Endothelin-1 and Nitric Oxide in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Yang Dan , Liu Zhihong , Yang Zihe
Published: April 2013

Objectives: To investigate ghrelin levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and the association of ghrelin with N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (N-BNP), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO). Methods: Plasma ghrelin, N-BNP, ET-1 and NO were measured, and echocardiography was performed in 20 IPAH patients and in 20 control subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index. Results: Plasma ghrelin and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in IPAH patients compared with values in control subjects (p < 0.05). In IPAH patients, ghrelin levels correlated positively with N-BNP (r = 0.616, p = 0.004), NO (r = 0.464, p = 0.039), right ventricle diameter (RVD; r = 0.485, p = 0.030) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP; r = 0.591, p = 0.006). N-BNP levels correlated positively with RVD (r = 0.551, p = 0.012) and ET-1 (r = 0.451, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Plasma ghrelin levels were elevated in IPAH. Increased ghrelin levels correlated positively with N-BNP, PASP, RVD and NO, and N-BNP levels correlated positively with RVD and ET-1. Pulmonary vascular pathology is a complex imbalance of opposing forces. Ghrelin may not only provide a novel prognostic biomarker for IPAH but also be a potential new therapeutic strategy.
Ginseng Treatment Attenuates Chronic Cyclosporine Nephropathy via Reducing Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Mouse Model
Authors: Doh Kyoung Chan , Lim Sun Woo , Piao Shang Guo , Jin Long , Heo Seong Beom , Zheng Yu Fen , Bae Soo Kyung , Hwang Gyu Hyun , Min Kyoung Il , Chung Byung Ha , Yang Chul Woo
Published: April 2013

Background: This study was performed to investigate whether ginseng extract has a protective effect in an experimental mouse model of chronic cyclosporine (CsA) nephropathy. Methods: Mice were treated with CsA (30 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) with or without Korean red ginseng extract (KRG) (0.2, 0.4 g/kg/day, orally) on a 0.01% salt diet for 4 weeks. The effect of KRG on CsA-induced renal injury was evaluated by assessing renal function and pathology, mediators of inflammation, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and apoptotic cell death. Using an in vitro model, we also examined the effect of KRG on CsA-treated proximal tubular cells (HK-2). Oxidative stress was measured by assessing 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in 24-hour urine, tissue sections, and culture media. Results: Four weeks of CsA treatment caused renal dysfunction, typical pathologic lesions and apoptotic cell death. KRG treatment reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and histopathology and increased creatinine clearance. Proinflammatory and profibrotic molecules such as induced nitric oxide synthase, cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β1-inducible gene h3 and apoptotic cell death, also decreased with KRG treatment. Consistent with these results, in vitro studies showed that addition of KRG protected against CsA-induced morphological changes, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptotic cell death as demonstrated by annexin V binding. These changes were accompanied by decrease in the level of 8-OHdG in urine and culture supernatant after KRG treatment. Conclusion: The results of our in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that KRG has a protective effect in CsA-induced renal injury via reducing oxidative stress.
A Comparative Study of Meiotic Recombination in Cattle (Bos taurus) and Three Wildebeest Species (Connochaetes gnou, C. taurinus taurinus and C. t. albojubatus)
Authors: Vozdova M. , Sebestova H. , Kubickova S. , Cernohorska H. , Vahala J. , Rubes J.
Published: April 2013

The karyotypic evolution in the family Bovidae is based on centric fusions of ancestral acrocentric chromosomes. Here, the frequency and distribution of meiotic recombination was analyzed in pachytene spermatocytes from Bos taurus (2n = 60) and 3 wildebeest species (Connochaetes gnou, C. taurinus taurinus and C. t. albojubatus) (2n = 58) using immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Significant differences in mean numbers of recombination events per cell were observed between B. taurus and members of the genus Connochaetes (47.2 vs. 43.7, p < 0.001). The number of MLH1 foci was significantly correlated with the length of the autosomal synaptonemal complexes. The average interfocus distance was influenced by interference. The male recombination maps of bovine chromosomes 2 and 25 and of their fused homologues in wildebeests were constructed. A significant reduction of recombination in the fused chromosome BTA25 was observed in wildebeests (p = 0.005). This was probably caused by interference acting across the centromere, which was significantly stronger than the intra-arm interference. This comparative meiotic study showed significant differences among the species from the family Bovidae with the same fundamental number of autosomal arms (FNa = 29) which differ by a single centric fusion.
Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Activation Prevents Sepsis-Related Cardiac Dysfunction and Mortality In Mice
Authors: Drosatos Konstantinos , Khan Raffay S. , Trent Chad M. , Jiang Hongfeng , Son Ni-Huiping , Blaner William S. , Homma Shunichi , Schulze P. Christian , Goldberg Ira J.
Published: April 2013

Background—

Cardiac dysfunction with sepsis is associated with both inflammation and reduced fatty acid oxidation. We hypothesized that energy deprivation accounts for sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

Escherichia coli
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered to C57BL/6 mice (wild type) induced cardiac dysfunction and reduced fatty acid oxidation and mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-α and its downstream targets within 6–8 hours. Transgenic mice in which cardiomyocyte-specific expression of PPARγ is driven by the α-myosin heavy chain promoter (αMHC-PPARγ) were protected from LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. Despite a reduction in PPARα, fatty acid oxidation and associated genes were not decreased in hearts of LPS-treated αMHC-PPARγ mice. LPS treatment, however, continued to induce inflammation-related genes, such as interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in hearts of αMHC-PPARγ mice. Treatment of wild-type mice with LPS and the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, but not the PPARα agonist (WY-14643), increased fatty acid oxidation, prevented LPS-mediated reduction of mitochondria, and treated cardiac dysfunction, as well as it improved survival, despite continued increases in the expression of cardiac inflammatory markers.

Conclusions—

Activation of PPARγ in LPS-treated mice prevented cardiac dysfunction and mortality, despite development of cardiac inflammation and PPARα downregulation.
Acetylcysteine for the Prevention of Renal Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Angiography
Authors: Berwanger Otavio , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Sousa Amanda M.G. , Buehler Anna , Castello-Júnior Helio José , Cantarelli Marcelo J.C. , Mangione José Armando , Bergo Ricardo R. , São Thiago Luiz Eduardo K. , Nunes Paulo M.S. , da Motta Paulo Antônio Marra , Kodama Alessandra , Victor Elivane , Carvalho Vitor Oliveira , Sousa Jose Eduardo
Published: April 2013

Background—

Diabetes mellitus represents an independent risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury. We report the results of a prespecified substudy of patients with diabetes mellitus included in the Acetylcysteine for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Trial (ACT), the largest randomized study evaluating the effects of acetylcysteine for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury conducted to date.

Methods and Results—

From the 2308 patients included in the ACT, 1395 had diabetes mellitus and were considered for the present analysis. The study drugs (acetylcysteine 1200 mg or matching placebo) were administered orally twice daily for 2 doses before and 2 doses after the procedure. The allocation was concealed (central Web-based randomization). Participants, healthcare staff, data collectors, and outcome assessors were blinded. All analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. The incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (primary end point) was 13.8% in the acetylcysteine group and 14.7% in the control group (relative risk 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–1.26;
P
=0.64). A combined end point of death or need for dialysis at 30 days was also similar in both the groups (2.2% and 2.1%, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–2.19;
P
=0.86).

Conclusions—

In this subanalysis, acetylcysteine did not reduce the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury or other clinically relevant outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular angiography.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00736866.
Deficiency of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters A1 and G1 in Macrophages Increases Inflammation and Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Westerterp Marit , Murphy Andrew J. , Wang Mi , Pagler Tamara A. , Vengrenyuk Yuliya , Kappus Mojdeh S. , Gorman Darren J. , Nagareddy Prabhakara R. , Zhu Xuewei , Abramowicz Sandra , Parks John S. , Welch Carrie , Fisher Edward A. , Wang Nan , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , Tall Alan R.
Published: April 2013

Rationale:

Plasma high-density lipoprotein levels are inversely correlated with atherosclerosis. Although it is widely assumed that this is attributable to the ability of high-density lipoprotein to promote cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, direct experimental support for this hypothesis is lacking.

Objective:

To assess the role of macrophage cholesterol efflux pathways in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results:

We developed mice with efficient deletion of the ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) in macrophages (MAC-ABC
DKO
mice) but not in hematopoietic stem or progenitor populations. MAC-ABC
DKO
bone marrow (BM) was transplanted into
Ldlr
−/−
recipients. On the chow diet, these mice had similar plasma cholesterol and blood monocyte levels but increased atherosclerosis compared with controls. On the Western-type diet, MAC-ABC
DKO
BM–transplanted
Ldlr
−/−
mice had disproportionate atherosclerosis, considering they also had lower very low-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than controls. ABCA1/G1-deficient macrophages in lesions showed increased inflammatory gene expression. Unexpectedly, Western-type diet–fed MAC-ABC
DKO
BM–transplanted
Ldlr
−/−
mice displayed monocytosis and neutrophilia in the absence of hematopoietic stem and multipotential progenitor cells proliferation. Mechanistic studies revealed increased expressions of machrophage colony stimulating factor and granulocyte colony stimulating factor in splenic macrophage foam cells, driving BM monocyte and neutrophil production.

Conclusions:

These studies show that macrophage deficiency of ABCA1/G1 is proatherogenic likely by promoting plaque inflammation and uncover a novel positive feedback loop in which cholesterol-laden splenic macrophages signal BM progenitors to produce monocytes, with suppression by macrophage cholesterol efflux pathways.
Four-Limb Blood Pressure as Predictors of Mortality in Elderly Chinese
Authors: Sheng Chang-Sheng , Liu Ming , Zeng Wei-Fang , Huang Qi-Fang , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: April 2013

The predictive value of blood pressure (BP) for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality diminishes in the elderly, which may be confounded and compensated by the BP differences across the 4 limbs, markers of peripheral arterial disease. In a prospective elderly (≥60 years) Chinese study, we performed simultaneous 4-limb BP measurement using an oscillometric device in the supine position, and calculated BP differences between the 4 limbs. At baseline, the mean age of the 3133 participants (1383 men) was 69 years. During 4 years (median) of follow-up, all-cause and cardiovascular deaths occurred in 203 and 93 subjects, respectively. In multiple regression analyses, arm BPs on the higher arm side of systolic BP did not predict mortality (
P
≥0.06) except for a negative association between mean arterial pressure and total mortality (
P
=0.04). However, in adjusted analyses, the hazard ratios associated with a 1-SD decrease in ankle-brachial BP index or increase in interarm or interankle BP difference were 1.15 to 1.23 for total mortality (
P
≤0.01) and 1.17 to 1.24 for cardiovascular mortality (
P
≤0.04). In categorical analyses, similar results were observed for a decreased ankle-brachial index (≤0.90, ≤0.95, or ≤1.00) or increased interarm or interankle difference (≥15 mm Hg or ≥10 mm Hg). In conclusion, in the elderly, above and beyond arm BP level and together with ankle-brachial index, the interarm and interankle BP differences improve prediction of mortality. Simultaneous 4-limb BP measurement has become feasible with current technology and might be useful in cardiovascular prevention.
Negative Diffusion-Weighted Imaging After Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator is Rare and Unlikely to Indicate Averted Infarction
Authors: Freeman Jason W. , Luby Marie , Merino José G. , Latour Lawrence L. , Auh Sungyoung , Song Shlee S. , Magadán Alejandro , Lynch John K. , Warach Steven , Hsia Amie W.
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—

Some patients treated with intravenous (IV) tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) have negative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on follow-up imaging. Without a visible infarct, there may be uncertainty as to whether the patient was having a stroke that was averted by tPA or whether the symptoms had not been cerebrovascular in origin. We evaluated patients presenting with suspected acute stroke with a positive DWI lesion before IV tPA to determine the probability of finding a negative DWI up to 48 hours after treatment.

Methods—

We included patients from the Lesion Evolution in Stroke and Ischemia On Neuroimaging (LESION) project who had acute MRI screening with a positive DWI lesion before IV tPA treatment and had follow-up MRI up to 48 hours later. Experienced readers interpreted all acute and follow-up MRIs looking for ischemic lesions on DWI.

Results—

There were 231 patients who met study inclusion criteria, of which 225 patients (97.4%) had a persistent positive DWI corresponding to the acute stroke lesion on all follow-up imaging. Four patients (1.7%) had transient DWI lesion reversal with positive DWI on subsequent follow-up imaging. There were only 2 cases (0.9%) of complete DWI lesion reversal on all follow-up imaging.

Conclusions—

Averted infarction after IV tPA is rare, occurring in 0.9% of patients with pretreatment positive DWI evidence of acute ischemia. For IV tPA-treated patients who have a negative DWI on follow-up imaging, a cause other than acute stroke should be explored.
Hobbes and Theology
Authors: Fiaschi Giovanni
Published: April 2013

Going beyond the belief-unbelief controversy in the scholarly debate about Hobbes’s theological ideas, the essays in this issue look at the philosopher’s theology as a practical science for attaining particular ends, irrespective of his religious feelings. This approach is both to reassert the seriousness of Hobbes’s discourse on theology and to show how deeply political issues are involved in the development of his theological science. From this perspective his theses on heresy turn out to be the necessary corollary of his attempt to de-legitimate clerical control over politics; while in order to answer to the Foole and solve the legitimacy enigma, Almighty God appears to be the divine icon of earthly kings rather than the Lord of a transcendent world. Likewise this issue looks at the correspondence between political theology and materialism by investigating both the new meaning of ‘Potentia Dei’ in Hobbes’s theological thought and the radical outcomes he draws with his criticism of the Cartesian argument of the Deus deceptor. On the whole, all the essays converge in highlighting the strong connection between new ideas on nature and knowledge, theological nonconformity and political science in Hobbes’s thought.
The Power of Words. Political and Theological Science in Thomas Hobbes
Authors: Fiaschi Giovanni
Published: April 2013

Far from being only an insincere homage to the spirit of his time, Hobbes’s concern for theology is a consequence of his political individualism. Irrespective of God’s real existence, in order to answer the ‘Foole’ and to assure legitimation and obedience to Leviathan, calculating reason is not enough, as individual faith in God and in the binding force of His law of nature is required. In Leviathan II, chapter XXXI, the correspondence between the earthly king, i.e. the mortal god, and the immortal God proves to be the starting point for a new political theology, conceived as a practical science for the needed order of peace in this unique, material world. The divine image of sovereignty, embodied by Almighty God, is the beginning and the end of an immanent, sacred history of salvation that resembles a utopian tale, not in an attempt to oppose or overturn the present political order, but to solve the problems of modern political rationality by means of theological imagination.
The relationship and different C4 Kranz anatomy of Bassia eriantha and Bassia eriophora, two often confused Irano-Turanian and Saharo-Sindian species
Authors: AKHANI HOSSEIN , KHOSHRAVESH ROXANA
Published: April 2013

The circumscription and generic status of Bassia eriantha (≡ Londesia eriantha) and B. eriophora have often been confused in the literature. The reason is their extreme superficial similarity and phenology. In a multidisciplinary approach, we investigated both in the field, by cultivation in the laboratory, and performed anatomical, ultra-structural and molecular studies to clarify their taxonomy and relationships. Both species are not only geographically and morphologically distinct by reliable and constant characters, but surprisingly also have different anatomical C4 Kranz types and occur in different clades using ITS nrDNA sequence analysis. Using the recent broad circumscription of the genus Bassia they belong to Bassia but in different clades. In spite of their rather well distinct geography, the two species are sympatric in the south-eastern Iran and south Afghanistan. Bassia eriantha as an Irano-Turanian species occurs disjunctly as Irano-Turanian enclave in south Sinai, Jordan and W Saudi Arabia as a second sympatric range co-occurring with B. eriophora.
Accuracy of Visible Plaque Identification by Pediatric Clinicians During Well-Child Care
Authors: Dumas S. Amanda , Weaver Katelynn E. , Park Seo Young , Polk Deborah E. , Weyant Robert J. , Bogen Debra L.
Published: April 2013

Objectives. Assess pediatric providers’ ability to identify visible plaque on children’s teeth. Methods. Pediatric providers (residents, nurse practitioners, and attendings) conducting well-child care on 15-month to 5-year-olds in an academic practice examined children’s maxillary incisors for visible plaque (recorded yes/no). A dental hygienist then examined the children and recorded the degree of visible plaque present. Results. The children’s mean age was 34 months (±15 months), and 50% had visible plaque. Providers (n = 28) identified visible plaque on 39% of children (n = 118), with 55% sensitivity and 80% specificity, and agreement with hygienist measured as a κ score was 0.34. Subgroup analyses (based on provider training level, exam experience, child age, and plaque scores) did not appreciably improve sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or κ scores. Conclusions. Visible plaque exams performed during well-child care may not be accurate. To comply with caries-risk assessment guidelines, providers require further education in oral exams.
The effects of health education on patients with hypertension in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu LJ , Meng Q , He SW , Yin XL , Tang ZL , Bo HY , Lan XY
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study collected on from all research relating to health education and hypertension in China and, with the aid of meta-analysis tools, assessed the outcomes of such health education. The analysis provides a basis for the further development of health-education programmes for patients with hypertension.

Methods:

Literature searches were carried out to identify studies that had evaluated the impact of health education on hypertension in China. The time interval searched was from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 2010. We searched the databases of PubMed, CBM, CNKI and VIP. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen the literature. We generated meta-analyses, using Cochrane RevMan 5.0 software, of outcomes of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Results:

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Results show that, after health education for patients with hypertension, SBP and DBP is substantially lowered; the effect was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). We extended subgroup analyses of the separate effects on SBP and DBP with respect to follow-up time, intervention site, intervention method and age.

Conclusion:

This review confirms that health education plays an important role in blood pressure control in hypertensive patients (especially the elderly): short-term follow-up intervention was more effective, and the effects were similar whether intervention was at the hospital or at the community level.
Democratic Consolidation and Credibility of Governance Institutions in Bangladesh
Authors: Parnini Syeda Naushin , Othman Mohammad Redzuan
Published: April 2013

In recent years efforts have been made to improve governance by ensuring institutional performance and policing for greater transparency to sustain liberal democracy in Bangladesh and elsewhere. Since gaining independence in 1971, The People’s Republic of Bangladesh has been driven by internal power struggles and economic chaos, while attempting to develop a democratic society. A predominately Islamic country, Bangladesh’s representative government is battling poverty and rampant corruption. Although this study appreciates what Bangladesh has achieved so far, it seeks to deviate from the general trend that romanticizes Bangladesh’s democracy and its recent connection with new governance parameters. This study attempts to identify some of the major paradoxes that Bangladesh’s democracy is faced with. All these factors will be analyzed in the context of a contemporary notion of governance and democracy in Bangladesh.
Report of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations Working Group on animal identification
Authors: Dahlborn K , Bugnon P , Nevalainen T , Raspa M , Verbost P , Spangenberg E
Published: April 2013

The primary aim of this report is to assist scientists in selecting more reliable/suitable identification (ID) methods for their studies. This is especially true for genetically altered (GA) animals where individual identification is strictly necessary to link samples, research design and genotype. The aim of this Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations working group was to provide an update of the methods used to identify rodents in different situations and to assess their implications for animal welfare. ID procedures are an indispensable prerequisite for conducting good science but the degree of invasiveness differs between the different methods; therefore, one needs to make a good ethical evaluation of the method chosen. Based on the scientific literature the advantages and disadvantages of various methods have been presented comprehensively and this report is intended as a practical guide for researchers. New upcoming methods have been included next to the traditional techniques. Ideally, an ID method should provide reliable identification, be technically easy to apply and not inflict adverse effects on animals while taking into account the type of research. There is no gold standard method because each situation is unique; however, more studies are needed to better evaluate ID systems and the desirable introduction of new and modern approaches will need to be assessed by detailed scientific evaluation.
Simulink model for planning a new power transmission investment
Authors: Adetona Sunday , Salawu Raifu , Okafor Frank
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes an Investment Planning Model (IPM) that can be employed in determining the optimal period to inject new investments on some critical sections of any transmission network in the Wholesale Electricity Market in order to sustain its reliability and availability. The mathematical models for realization of the IPM are obtained by capturing the salient effect of increasing Existing Transmission Commitment on Available Transfer Capability. These mathematical models are implemented and executed with the help of embedded Matlab function blocks in the Matlab environment. The input units of the IPM were obtained via the PSAT 2.1.2 software package. In the course of simulations, the proposed IPM was used to predict the investment periods of all the transmission paths of a 14-bus IEEE test system as quickly as possible.
Designing in complexity: Simulation, integration, and multidisciplinary design optimization for architecture
Authors: Gerber David Jason , Lin Shih-Hsin Eve
Published: April 2013

While the overall performance of buildings has been established to be heavily impacted by design decisions made during the early stages of the design process, design professionals are typically unable to explore design alternatives, or their impact on energy profiles, in a sufficient manner during this phase. The research presents a new design simulation methodology based on incorporating a prototype tool (H.D.S. Beagle) that combines parametric modeling with multi-objective optimization through an integrated platform for enabling rapid iteration and trade-off analysis across the domains of design, energy use intensity, and finance. The research evaluates how the proposed method impacts design simulation processes, by either enabling and/or disrupting the early stages of design decision making. This simulation technology is presented through two major experiment sets: (1) a series of hypothetical cases emulating the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) design modeling and simulation process using our integrated simulation framework and technology; and (2) a pedagogically based experiment used for establishing benchmarks. Through these experiment data sets, both quantitative and qualitative data are collected, including human designer and computational analysis speeds, quantity of generated design alternatives, and quality of resulting solution space as defined by the evaluation metric of this research. The affordances for incorporation of real world design complexity into our computational design prototype and simulation methodology are discussed through both the enabling and the disruptive impact on the early stages of the design process.
Polymerization kinetics of polyurethanes containing trisilanol isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Fiorio Rudinei , Pistor Vincius , Zattera Ademir Jose , Petzhold Cesar Liberato
Published: April 2013

Two polyurethane model compounds obtained from 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) or MDI and trisilanol isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, polymerization kinetics of the samples obtained from an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and BDO containing 0, 0.23, 0.57, 1.14 and 2.28 wt% of POSS were studied from oscillatory rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry. A higher thermal stability was observed for MDI + POSS when compared with MDI + BDO compound. The addition of 1.14 and 2.28 wt% of POSS increased the activation energy of polymerization. The polymerization mechanisms observed were nucleation and growth (A2) at the beginning of synthesis and diffusion controlled (D n) at the last stage of conversion.
Feedforward-plus-sliding mode controller design with experimental application of coupled tank system
Authors: Musmade BB , Patre BM
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a feedforward-plus-sliding mode controller is proposed. The combination uses a feedforward controller to achieve predefined process output and the sliding mode controller is combined to assure the robustness despite uncertainty, nonlinear dynamics, and external disturbances. The effectiveness of proposed method is shown by simulations on nonlinear models of a coupled tanks system and then validated by performing a real-time experiment on the system. The studies show the improved setpoint tracking of the proposed controller compared with the classical PI controller.
Two-dimensional laser-based environment exploration and recognition for service robots
Authors: An Yi , Zhuang Yan , Hu Huosheng , Yan Fei
Published: April 2013

Environment exploration and recognition play an important role for service robots to operate in indoor environments that have a large scale and dynamic changes. This paper presents a new geometric model of the environment that is constructed with line segments and ellipses by estimating geometric properties and extracting geometric discontinuities. Two new types of indoor environment representations, namely exploration direction point and topological opening point (TOP), are defined using this model for autonomous exploration and spatial scene segmentation. The environment marks at TOPs are extracted from 2D laser data and a novel environment recognition algorithm is developed to accomplish environment recognition tasks autonomously. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can effectively explore and recognize a large-scale indoor environment in real time.
Web link-based relationships among top European universities
Authors: Figuerola Carlos G. , Alonso Berrocal José L.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, an analysis of interlinking between 100 major European universities is given. Since websites contain links to webpages for other organizations, they may reveal the strongest relationships established between two organizations. This analysis of web links allowed us to determine the different behaviours among the universities with regard to incoming or outgoing web links; some universities had significantly greater incoming than outgoing activity. In general, there was a low level of interaction between the universities studied. Also, we observed the existence of geographic–linguistic patterns in establishing links. Five primary nuclei or blocks of universities can be identified: the group composed almost exclusively of universities from the UK; the group composed in large part of German universities, along with some from Switzerland and Austria; the cluster of universities from Mediterranean countries, including various French universities; the group of Belgian and Dutch universities, along with some from French-speaking Switzerland; and finally, the group made up of universities from the Nordic countries. Although there are some universities that overlap with several groups or clusters, the overall design is rather clear. On the other hand, the whole picture seems to agree with the results of other studies based on bibliographic co-authorship production.
Local social knowledge management: A case study of social learning and knowledge sharing across organizational boundaries
Authors: Lahtinen Johanna
Published: April 2013

Knowledge management is normally approached in the context of a single organization’s activities. Recently the focus has been extended to activities which span beyond organizational boundaries, especially to the key role of social learning across organizations. The concept of ‘local social knowledge management’ has been used to stress the process of social learning in regional networking. This study describes the local social knowledge management in a regional development project. The knowledge sharing and creation practices in the theme groups of the project are described and particular attention is paid to the evolution of the social learning process. Three distinct but interdependent forms of knowledge sharing and creation were identified in networking. Operational networking helped people manage the current project responsibilities while strategic networking opened pathways to the future. The third form of networking boosted the personal development of project participants even when the cooperation was not continuing. The results show that there can be more accurate models in knowledge management research if the viewpoint is shifted to broader contexts where people normally interact.
The spring of Arab nations? Paths toward democratic transition
Authors: Ishay Micheline
Published: April 2013

This article defends three basic premises. First, the same conditions and forces favorable to revolution may serve to impede efforts at post-revolutionary consolidation. Second, one can assess prospects for consolidation based on the capacity of prospective hegemonic parties to achieve several interrelated objectives: developing a shared worldview among disparate segments of the population, delivering social and economic goods, and establishing order. Third, while democratization is a home-grown process, it may require particular forms of limited intervention to offset anti-democratic forces. The goal of this article is to provide an analytical framework that informs the ongoing debates over democratic transitions while suggesting where and how external engagement may influence the transition process.
Out of the box
Authors: James Roger
Published: April 2013

Our world is being challenged by the wealth of content produced by digitization – up to now we have been thinking about the volume of information and our own cognitive limits. The rush of digitization and computerization has increased our ability to apply formulae to data, but not our ability to reason and argue. From the written word we might have been aware of the explosion in data in the significance of ‘big data’, a phenomenon which undermines the certainty of our own world in publishing and user-generated content such as the web. This article is based on the schisms in data analysis and the different philosophies of the frequentists and the Bayesians. Their philosophies illuminate a challenge from ‘big information’ – a challenge of information morality and reasonable doubt. Instinctively, we use information to remove doubt without recognizing that increasing information also changes reasonableness; the morality of information is determined by the ratio of signal to noise. ‘Smoking gun’ evidence is only compelling in that you are in no doubt as to the crime. As information increases, we assume it becomes harder to conceal the truth but forget that information itself produces falsehoods – we increase both the signal and the noise. In information poverty the essential skill is that of husbandry; in information excess the essential skill is becoming that of interpretation.
Traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions protections
Authors: Masango Charles A
Published: April 2013

This paper is located within global debates about intellectual property. International agencies, mindful that third world/developing world resources are being appropriated by global corporate bodies, seek to intervene to protect countries that are unable to fend off the often subtle alienation of their national and natural assets. In this context, the cultural and intellectual resources of countries, peoples, communities and other collectives have become the subject of policy regulation. This paper focuses on policies developed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). WIPO attempts to protect Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) (folklore) against misappropriation and misuse. In this paper, the question asked is whether it is possible or desirable to protect all types of TK and TCEs that are constituent elements of indigenous knowledge and uses the case of Cameroon to provide examples to assist with answering these questions. It is argued that in some cases, it may be both possible and desirable, but that in other cases, there are constraints, as knowledge is secret or sacred. When such knowledge is not in the public domain it cannot be protected. Seeking to protect these types of expression and knowledge might, indeed, endanger them by removing them from the very context which provides their status as indigenous knowledge.
An interrogation of the dialogic potential of insurance firm websites in Ghana
Authors: Hinson Robert Ebo , van Zyl Helena , Agbleze Selorm
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the dialogic potential of insurance firms’ websites in Ghana. Research was executed via a content analysis of insurance companies’ websites in Ghana using Kent and Taylor’s (1998) dialogic framework. Insurance companies in Ghana have been fairly successful in utilizing the dialogic features in their corporate websites. Out of the five dialogic principles proposed by Kent and Taylor (1998); the findings of the study show a preponderant use of the dialogic loop feature by the sampled insurance companies. Also comparing local and international companies, the local insurance companies seem rather more dialogic than the international companies. However the sampled insurance companies performed rather poorly on the principle of return visit and conservation of visitors. This study contributes to the scarce literature on dialogic potential of websites from a developing country context.
Performance of endovenous foam sclerotherapy in the USA for the treatment of venous disorders: ACP/SVM/AVF/SIR quality improvement guidelines
Authors: Rathbun S , Norris A , Morrison N , Gibson K , Raymond-Martimbeau P , Worthington-Kirsch R , Hohenwalter E , Lohr J , McLafferty R , Stoner J
Published: April 2013

Objective

This report summarizes the findings of the consensus panel based on the results of the comprehensive questionnaire of US American College of Phlebology annual congress attendees and results of the systematic meta-analysis of the literature and provides quality improvement guidelines for the use of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) for the treatment of venous disorders, as well as identifies areas of needed research.

Methods

Based on the above data, quality improvement guidelines were developed and reviewed by the ten US consensus panel members and approved by their respective societies.

Results

EFS is effective for the treatment of truncal and tributary varicose veins, both as primary treatment and for treatment of recurrence. It may improve the signs and symptoms associated with varicose veins including pain and swelling. EFS is contraindicated in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to previous treatment with foam or liquid sclerosant, and in patients with acute venous thrombosis events secondary to EFS.

Conclusion

These guidelines for the use of EFS in the treatment of venous disorders provide an initial framework for the safe and efficacious use of this therapy, and the impetus to promote the evaluation of the questions remaining regarding the use of EFS through well-designed randomized and cohort studies.