bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying activity: a new assay reveals T‐cell signalling in tiny skin biopsy samples
Authors: Dornmair Klaus
Published: March 2014

Tissue‐invasive T cells are observed in many inflammatory dermatological diseases, but in most cases, it is not known how they were attracted, what they might recognize, and to which extent they are activated. Answering these questions is surely essential for understanding pathogeneses of the diseases. In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology, Smith et al. showed that early signalling events in skin‐resident T cells may be investigated by multiplex immunoprecipitation flow cytometry, even if only few T cells are available from skin biopsy samples. This new technology will most likely contribute to elucidating the role of skin‐invasive T cells and to understanding the pathology of dermatological diseases.
Fatigue assessment of thin‐welded joints with pronounced terminations
Authors: Malikoutsakis M. , Savaidis G.
Published: March 2014

The present paper reviews and contains simple modifications to extend the applicability of global and local fatigue concepts to thin‐welded specimens with pronounced weld terminations (starts/ends). Experimental fatigue data reported by Kaffenberger and Vormwald have been used for the validation of the proposed procedures. Special attention is paid to the notch strain concept. The material state is explicitly considered by means of corresponding strain–life curves in conjunction with PSWT, PMorrowor the experimental mean stress sensitivity factors proposed by Olivier. The accuracy of Neuber's sharp and mild notch formulas, Seeger–Beste's formulation and Glinka's strain energy density rule within the context of the notch strain approach has been investigated. Simple rules accounting for stress relaxation effects have been additionally proposed and implemented into the calculations. Comparison of experimental with theoretical fatigue lives validates the accuracy and robustness of the proposed procedures to calculate fatigue designS–Ncurves.
Climate variability and vulnerability to climate change: a review
Authors: Thornton Philip K , Ericksen Polly J , Herrero Mario , Challinor Andrew J
Published: March 2014

The focus of the great majority of climate change impact studies is on changes in mean climate. In terms of climate model output, these changes are more robust than changes in climate variability. By concentrating on changes in climate means, the full impacts of climate change on biological and human systems are probably being seriously underestimated. Here, we briefly review the possible impacts of changes in climate variability and the frequency of extreme events on biological and food systems, with a focus on the developing world. We present new analysis that tentatively links increases in climate variability with increasing food insecurity in the future. We consider the ways in which people deal with climate variability and extremes and how they may adapt in the future. Key knowledge and data gaps are highlighted. These include the timing and interactions of different climatic stresses on plant growth and development, particularly at higher temperatures, and the impacts on crops, livestock and farming systems of changes in climate variability and extreme events on pest‐weed‐disease complexes. We highlight the need to reframe research questions in such a way that they can provide decision makers throughout the food system with actionable answers, and the need for investment in climate and environmental monitoring. Improved understanding of the full range of impacts of climate change on biological and food systems is a critical step in being able to address effectively the effects of climate variability and extreme events on human vulnerability and food security, particularly in agriculturally based developing countries facing the challenge of having to feed rapidly growing populations in the coming decades.
Soil carbon balance following conversion of grassland to oil palm
Authors: Goodrick Iain , Nelson Paul N. , Banabas Murom , Wurster Christopher M. , Bird Michael I.
Published: March 2014

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) crops are expanding rapidly in the tropics, with implications for the global carbon cycle. Little is currently known about soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics following conversion to oil palm and virtually nothing for conversion of grassland. We measured changes in SOC stocks following conversion of tropical grassland to oil palm plantations in Papua New Guinea using a chronosequence of plantations planted over a 25‐year period. We further used carbon isotopes to quantify the loss of grassland‐derived and gain in oil palm‐derived SOC over this period. The grassland and oil palm soils had average SOC stocks of 10.7 and 12.0 kg m−2, respectively, across all the study sites, to a depth of 1.5 m. In the 0–0.05 m depth interval, 0.79 kg m−2 of SOC was gained from oil palm inputs over 25 years and approximately the same amount of the original grass‐derived SOC was lost. For the whole soil profile (0–1.5 m), 3.4 kg m−2 of SOC was gained from oil palm inputs with no significant losses of grass‐derived SOC. The grass‐derived SOC stocks were more resistant to decrease than SOC reported in other studies. Black carbon produced in grassfires could partially but not fully account for the persistence of the original SOC stocks. Oil palm‐derived SOC accumulated more slowly where soil nitrogen contents where high. Forest soils in the same region had smaller carbon stocks than the grasslands. In the majority of cases, conversion of grassland to oil palm plantations in this region resulted in net sequestration of soil organic carbon.
Aerobic stability of sugar‐cane silage inoculated with tropical strains of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Carvalho B. F. , Ávila C. L. S. , Miguel M. G. C. P. , Pinto J. C. , Santos M. C. , Schwan R. F.
Published: March 2014

Aerobic stability is an important feature in the evaluation of silages. The aims were to investigate the chemical and microbiological changes that occur in sugar‐cane (Saccharum spp.) silage after aerobic exposure, to identify the major species of yeasts associated with the aerobic deterioration process and to select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains that can improve the aerobic stability of this silage. Fourteen wild LAB strains belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum, L. brevis and L. hilgardii were evaluated using experimental silos. Silage samples were collected at 0, 96 and 216 h after aerobic exposure to determinate the DM, WSC, pH, products of fermentation, to evaluate the silage temperatures and to identify yeast species associated with the aerobic deterioration of silage. The strains tested were able to modify the fermentative and chemical parameters and the diversity of yeasts species of silage after aerobic exposure. There was no association between the facultative or obligatory heterofermentative fermentation patterns and the increased aerobic stability of silage. Aerobic stability of sugar‐cane silages was associated with high acetic acid and 1,2‐propanediol concentrations. L. hilgardii UFLA SIL51 and UFLA SIL52 strains promoted an increase in aerobic stability of silage.
Replication of Migraine GWAS Susceptibility Loci in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Fan Xiaoping , Wang Jing , Fan Wen , Chen Lixue , Gui Bei , Tan Ge , Zhou Jiying
Published: March 2014

Background

Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 3 genetic variants that are strongly associated with migraine in Europeans. The effect of these risk variants in other populations is unknown. To further replicate the GWAS findings, we investigated the 3 variants rs2651899 (1p36.32, PRDM16), rs10166942 (2q37.1, TRPM8), and rs11172113 (12q13.3, LRP1) for their association with migraine in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We performed a case–control association study. Genomic DNA was collected from 608 unrelated individuals, including 304 migraineurs (41 migraine with aura and 263 migraine without aura) and 304 healthy controls. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed by ligase detection reaction method.

Results

We identified the minor allele of rs2651899 located in PRDM16 to be associated with migraine (P = .005, odds ratio = 1.382, 95% confidence interval = 1.100‐1.736), the association remain significant after Bonferroni correction. For the other 2 SNPs (rs10166942 and rs11172113), no statistically significant differences were observed in the allele/genotype frequencies between cases and controls. None of the 3 SNP was associated with specific migraine features.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the association of PRDM16 to migraine susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. The results also indicated that replication studies of previous GWAS findings across populations is of importance to validate these associations and to gain a better understanding of migraine susceptibility of potential genetic heterogeneity between populations. Further work is necessary to understand the functional mechanisms underlying these variants identified by GWAS.
Diagnosis and classification of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: Current concepts and remaining challenges
Authors: Hashimoto Etsuko , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Ludwig Jurgen
Published: March 2014

The high prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has made the condition an important public health issue. Two clinical entities are manifestations of NAFLD, namely, non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The former tends to be benign and non‐progressive while the latter can progress to cirrhosis, which in rare cases gives rise to hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of NAFLD is based on: (i) a history of no or limited daily alcohol intake (<20 g for women and <30 g for men); (ii) presence of hepatic steatosis by imaging or by histology; and (iii) exclusion of other liver diseases. NAFL is defined histologically by the presence of bland, primarily macrovesicular, hepatocellular fatty change, while NASH features fatty change with inflammation and evidence of hepatocyte injury, such as ballooning degeneration. Presence of fibrosis is a sign of chronicity. Thus, the diagnosis of NAFL/NASH rests on clinicopathological criteria; it always requires both clinical and biopsy‐based information. NAFLD could be both the result and the cause of metabolic syndrome, with a vicious cycle operating between these conditions. Remaining challenges are: (i) the lack of a clear threshold alcohol intake for defining “non‐alcoholic”; (ii) a lacking consensus for the classification of fatty liver disease; and (iii) absence of a histological definition of NASH, which currently remains the gold standard for the diagnosis. Further challenges include the overlap of the criteria for NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease as many obese individuals also consume considerable volumes of alcohol.
Changes in the oral‐health‐related quality of life of Brazilian children after an educational preventive programme: an 1‐month longitudinal evaluation
Authors: Amato JN , Barbosa TS , Kobayashi FY , Gavião MBD
Published: March 2014

Objective

This 1‐month longitudinal study assessed whether the oral status and the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children changed after four sessions of an educational preventive programme.

Study population and methods

Fifty Brazilian students (11–12 year old) were examined for signs and symptoms of gingivitis using the Community Periodontal Index and two questions about gingival bleeding. The OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child‐OIDP). Higher scores indicated worse OHRQoL. The results were analysed using the Shapiro–Wilk, Chi‐square, Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney tests. The magnitude of the mean change was calculated using the effect size.

Results

Twenty‐four percentage of children had more than six sites with bleeding at follow‐up compared with 58% at baseline. There was a significant decline in the intensity and extension of impacts at follow‐up. A significant improvement in the clinical status and oral hygiene was observed for both transitional categories. There was a significant decline in the Child‐OIDP scores of those reporting ‘much improved’. A significant improvement in the global ratings of oral health was observed at follow‐up.

Conclusions

In the studied sample, an improvement occurred with respect to the severity of disease, intensity and extension of impacts and global ratings of oral health after 1‐month follow‐up. These results suggest that improving the global transition in health by enhancing coping and management skills while inducing slight changes in the clinical status and the specific aspects of health compromised by the disease is possible.
Assessment of spontaneous platelet aggregation using laser light scattering in healthy subjects: an attempt to standardize
Authors: Suzuki S. , Kudo H. , Koyama T.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

When measuring platelet aggregation using laser light scattering, small aggregates forming without the addition of agonists may be observed. This event is called ‘spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA)’. The platelet hyperactivity observed in arterial thrombotic diseases can be detected with relative ease by measuring SPA. Standardization is urgently needed because of differences between measurement conditions among various laboratories.

Methods

We conducted a systematic study of factors that affect SPA measurement, compared SPA results to flow cytometry detection of surface antigens expressed on activated platelet membranes (P‐selectin, activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa), and determined conditions that yield stable measurements.

Results and Conclusions

We evaluated results from 125 healthy volunteers and established conditions for a stable measurement of SPA. As the occurrence of SPA tended to increase with age, we determined conditions valid for subjects aged 20–60 years. Blood should be collected using a syringe, and the sample should be prepared after allowing the whole blood to rest for 30 min after collection. To isolate platelet‐rich plasma, a 2‐mL tube should be used and centrifuged at 150 g. The sample should be stored at room temperature, the platelet count of the sample should be (250 ± 10) × 109/L, and the measurement should be completed within 90 min of blood collection.
Val/Leu247 polymorphism of β2‐glycoprotein I and thrombosis in Chinese patients with SLE
Authors: Liang W. , Zhou J. , Zhou S. , Wang T. , Yang L. , Xu D. , Deng G. , Huang D. , Mei C. , He Y. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

To determine the polymorphism at position 247 of the β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) gene in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls in the Chinese Han Population and elucidate the relationship between β2GPI polymorphisms and anti‐β2GPI levels, and furthermore investigate the correlation between β2GPI polymorphisms and thrombosis in patients with SLE.

Methods

The β2GPI polymorphisms of 300 patients with SLE and 300 healthy controls were examined by single‐specific–primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP‐PCR), the efficacy of which was confirmed by sequencing technology. Anti‐β2GPI antibodies were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. β2GPI polymorphisms associated with thrombosis and the presence of anti‐β2GPI antibodies were also statistically evaluated with SPSS software.

Results

The genotype expressions and the allele frequencies were obtained in both patients with SLE and healthy controls. The SLE patients with thrombosis had significantly higher frequencies of the VV genotype and V allele than those without thrombosis and the controls, and there were no differences in VV genotype and V allele expression between the SLE patients without thrombosis and the controls. In contrast, the presence of anti‐β2GPI antibody was related to the VV genotype of β2GPI, and the anti‐β2GPI‐positive patients had obviously higher frequencies of the VV genotype than the negative ones and the controls.

Conclusion

The study results suggested that the V/V genotype and the V‐encoding allele at position 247 of the β2GPI gene had strong correlation with the occurrence of thrombosis and the production of the anti‐β2GPI antibodies, showing that the Val247 β2GPI allele may be one of the genetic risk factors for the development of thrombosis in patients with SLE.
Race-Ethnicity and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease – Comparison between Chinese and White Populations
Authors: Mok Vincent , Srikanth Velandai , Xiong Yunyun , Phan Thanh G. , Moran Chris , Chu Shuguang , Zhao Qianhua , Chu Winnie W. C. , Wong Adrian , Hong Zhen , Liu Xinfeng , Wong Lawrence K. S. , Ding Ding
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

Studies in stroke patients suggest that lacunar stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage might be more common in Chinese than Whites. We hypothesized that other manifestations of subclinical cerebral small vessel disease, namely white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, and microbleeds, are also more common in Chinese than Whites. We compared the community prevalence of these lesions between Han Chinese and White Australians.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (1·5-Tesla) was performed on participants of the Shanghai Aging Study ( n = 321, mean age 69 ± 6 years) and Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait ( n = 397, mean age 72 ± 7 years). A single-rater recorded measures of WMH, lacunes, and microbleeds. We compared lesion prevalence between age- and gender-matched subgroups from the two cohorts. Among all subjects ( n = 718), we performed multivariable logistic regression to examine if race-ethnicity was independently associated with these lesions.

Results

Among age- and gender-matched subjects, confluent WMH were significantly more prevalent in Chinese (38·5%) than Whites (28·4%; P = 0·01). There was no difference in the prevalence of lacunes (Chinese 29·1% vs. Whites 29·5%, P = 0·93) and microbleeds (Chinese 10·1% vs. 9·0%, P = 0·67) between Chinese and Whites. In multivariable logistic regression, Chinese ethnicity was associated with confluent WMH (odds ratio 1·7, 95% confidence interval 1·1–2·6, P = 0·01), but no differences were seen for lacunes and microbleeds. The association between Chinese ethnicity with confluent WMH became insignificant when subjects with history of stroke were excluded.

Conclusions

In this population-based cross-national comparison, Han Chinese had a higher prevalence of confluent WMH than White Australians, but had a similar prevalence of lacunes and microbleeds.
Sexual life of Japanese patients with erectile dysfunction taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: An Internet survey using the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales‐Short Form questionnaire
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Soda Tetsuji , Takezawa Kentaro , Okuda Hidenobu , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Takao Tetsuya , Nonomura Norio , Miyagawa Yasushi
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To investigate details of sexual function of erectile dysfunction in Japanese patients taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Methods

A Japanese version of the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales‐Short Form was used to carry out a nationwide survey using the Internet. A total of 556 erectile dysfunction patients (age 30–70 years) who had been prescribed a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and had attempted sexual intercourse within the past 6 months were included in this survey. Scores were compared in relation to the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors most frequently taken within the past 6 months.

Results

In the subdomains of self‐confidence and spontaneity of the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales‐Short Form, scores for vardenafil and tadalafil were significantly higher than those for sildenafil. In the subdomain of time concern of the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales‐Short Form, the score for tadalafil was significantly lower than that for others.

Conclusions

Our findings support the hypothesis that Japanese patients with erectile dysfunction have high sexual self‐confidence, spontaneity and low time concerns when taking tadalafil. These characteristics of tadalafil could be associated with high patient satisfaction and high preference.
Effects of dutasteride on storage and voiding symptoms in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms as a result of benign prostatic obstruction: The 1‐year outcomes from a prospective urodynamic study
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Gotoh Momokazu , Kato Masashi , Funahashi Yasuhito , Narita Michiro , Mitsui Kotoko
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To investigate the effects of dutasteride 0.5 mg once daily for 12 months on lower urinary tract symptoms in treatment‐naïve patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

The present open‐label, single‐center, prospective study recruited 105 outpatients. International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, quality of life score testing and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index were used for assessing subjective symptoms. Urodynamic study including uroflowmetry, cystometry and pressure flow study were carried out to evaluate objective symptoms. As parameters of storage function, first desire to void, maximum cystometric capacity and occurrence of involuntary detrusor contraction were measured, whereas maximum flow rate, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, post‐void residual urine and bladder outlet obstruction index were assessed as parameters of voiding function. Wilcoxon's rank–sum test, Student's t‐test and the χ2‐test were carried out to evaluate changes in subjective and objective symptoms.

Results

A total of 97 patients with a mean age of 68.8 years and mean prostate volume of 57.6 mL were included in the analysis. Subjective symptom parameters improved significantly after 2 months, and progressively improved until after 12 months. Significant improvements in storage function objective parameters and voiding function objective parameters were observed after 6 months, and further improvements were obtained after 12 months.

Conclusions

Dutasteride is effective in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms by improving storage and voiding function, as well as subjective symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in the Korean population: A 5‐year propensity‐score matched comparative analysis versus open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Koo Kyo Chul , Tuliao Patrick , Yoon Young Eun , Chung Byung Ha , Hong Sung Joon , Yang Seung Choul , Rha Koon Ho
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To compare the oncological outcomes of robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with those of open radical prostatectomy in contemporary Korean prostate cancer patients.

Methods

From a group of 1172 patients consisting of 592 (50.5%) robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 580 (49.5%) open radical prostatectomy cases carried out between 1992 and 2008, 175 robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy cases were matched with an equal number of open radical prostatectomy cases by propensity scoring based on patient age, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score and clinical tumor stage. Competing‐risks survival analyses were used to evaluate oncological outcomes, including rates of positive surgical margin, biochemical‐recurrence, adjuvant therapy, cancer‐specific survival, overall survival and metastasis‐free survival during the mean follow up of 58.4 months.

Results

Positive surgical margin rates were comparable between robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy cohorts (19.4% vs 21.8%), with comparable rates for all pathological stages and risk subgroups. Positive surgical margin rates according to location were comparable, with the apical margin being the most common location. Robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy recovered higher lymph node yields compared with open radical prostatectomy (12.5 vs 3.8; P < 0.001). The robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and the open radical prostatectomy groups showed equal oncological outcomes regarding 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival (log‐rank P = 0.651), metastasis‐free survival (log‐rank P = 0.876), cancer‐specific survival (log‐rank P = 0.076) and overall survival (log‐rank P = 0.648), respectively. Between groups, there was no difference in the rate of adjuvant therapy, time to first adjuvant therapy failure or in the rate of subsequent secondary treatment.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy represents an effective surgical approach for the treatment of prostate cancer in the Korean population, as it provides equivalent oncological outcomes to open radical prostatectomy.
Evaluation of a clinical pathway for ‘radical laparoscopic prostatectomy’: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Rotter Thomas , Machotta Andreas , Kinsman Leigh , Champion Robert
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was a rigorous evaluation of a clinical pathway (CP) in patients who underwent a radical laparoscopic prostatectomy (RLP). The study was performed at a German university hospital. The Department of Urology has considerable expertise and performs more than 200 RLP per year. The CP for ‘RLP’ was developed based on the best available evidence and introduced in July 2003. It was composed of six modules, and in each module standardized recommendations for clinical examination, therapy and outcome measurement were given. An interrupted time series design with multiple linear regression models was used to measure the effects of a CP for ‘RLP’ on length of hospital stay, and durations of operation and anaesthesia before and after implementation. χ2 tests were used to compare the number of patients admitted to intensive care unit, the number requiring re‐operation during admission, the number requiring transfusion(s) of blood products and 30‐d readmission rates. A total of 254 patients were analysed. A significant reduction in operation time and admission to intensive care but also a significant increase of patients readmitted to the hospital after the implementation of a CP was observed. Inconclusive results always warrant careful exploration, and measures on CP uptake should always be used to evaluate the success or failure of the implementation strategy.
Responsibility, Mobility, and Power: Translocal Carework Negotiations of Nicaraguan Families
Authors: Winters Nanneke
Published: March 2014

Recently, carework has emerged as a key area for exploring the gendered connections between migrants and their families “home,” providing insight into family-level consequences of migration. However, the way carework shapes migration itself has not received due attention. Based on field research among Nicaraguan migrant families, this article explores the links between translocal carework and family migration decision-making by connecting the concepts of transnational caregiving and power-geometry of mobility to interpret fathers’ and female relatives’ carework involvement. In conclusion, the article highlights how translocal carework shapes family members’ access to mobility through ongoing negotiations of a wide range of responsibilities, indicating a possible direction for future explorations of migration.
Ethnic Segregation, Tipping Behavior, and Native Residential Mobility
Authors: Aldén Lina , Hammarstedt Mats , Neuman Emma
Published: March 2014

We study tipping behavior in residential mobility of the native population in Sweden between 1990 and 2007. Using regression discontinuity methods, we find that the native population growth in a neighborhood discontinuously drops once the share of non-European immigrants exceeds the identified tipping point. Native tipping behavior can be ascribed to both native flight and native avoidance. Natives with a high level of educational attainment and the highest labor earnings are more likely to move from neighborhoods that have tipped. We conclude that tipping behavior is likely to be associated with ethnic as well as to socio-economic segregation in Sweden.
Inducing Development: Social Remittances and the Expansion of Oil Palm
Authors: Montefrio Marvin Joseph F. , Ortiga Yasmin Y. , Josol Ma. Rose Cristy B.
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the relationship between social remittances and land-use change in the context of South–South migration. Focusing on the cyclical movement of Filipino oil palm workers between the Philippine province of Palawan and the Malaysian State of Sabah, we show how migrants transmit social remittances, such as ideas of prosperity associated with oil palm development and knowledge of production practices and land impacts of oil palm plantations. These social remittances affect farmers’ decisions to engage in oil palm development within the migrants’ home province, possibly transforming subsistence agricultural systems into large-scale, monocrop plantations. We argue that such land development outcomes are an understudied aspect of how migration affects developing countries, especially in the context of South–South migration. Research findings also suggest how migrants’ social remittances are transmitted, diffused, and utilized at broader social and political units, beyond return migrants’ households and immediate communities in Palawan. Decision outcomes, however, are variable, with households and communities either engaging in or opposing oil palm development, depending on how social remittances are interpreted.
Introduction to the Special Collection: South–South Migrations: What is (Still) on the Research Agenda?
Authors: De Lombaerde Philippe , Guo Fei , Neto Helion Póvoa
Published: March 2014

In this essay, the authors argue that although “South” and “North” are more and more becoming problematic categories in the social sciences, in general, and in migration studies, in particular, it still makes sense today to focus on South-South migrations. Not only because of its mere quantitative importance, but for a number of reasons. Firstly, new South-South migration patterns are observable and new data are becoming available. Secondly, South-South migrations still have a number of distinct features, including: the role of borders, the composition of migration flows, the migration-conflict nexus, regional migration governance, and the specific relationships with certain migration-related concepts and variables.
Tercentenary of Ars Conjectandi (1713): Jacob Bernoulli and the Founding of Mathematical Probability
Authors: Sylla Edith Dudley
Published: March 2014

The Tercentenary of the publication of Jacob Bernoulli's Ars Conjectandi (The Art of Conjecturing) provides an opportunity to look at the origins of mathematical probability from Jacob Bernoulli's point of view. Bernoulli gave a mathematically rigorous proof of what has come to be called the weak law of large numbers, relevant to discovering ratios of unknown factors through sampling. The Art of Conjecturing was a bridge between the mathematics of expectation in games of chance as found in Huygens's On Reckoning in Games of Chance and mathematical probability as found in Abraham De Moivre's The Doctrine of Chances. This paper looks at the conceptual context as well as the mathematics of Bernoulli's book.
Androgenetic alopecia and polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene (SNP rs6152) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate cancer
Authors: Kucerova R. , Bienova M. , Kral M. , Bouchal J. , Trtkova K.S. , Burdova A. , Student V. , Kolar Z.
Published: March 2014

Background

Both androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and carcinoma of the prostate (CaP) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are androgen‐dependent disorders.

Objective

To investigate the relationships between male androgenetic alopecia, androgen receptor (AR) gene polymorphism (SNP rs6152) and clinical characteristics of BPH and prostate cancer.

Methods

Overall, 309 male subjects with prostate disease (BPH or CaP) were examined. We evaluated the standard grades of AGA (I–VII) by Hamilton–Norwood classification and 195 patients were also assessed by phototrichogram. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels were also measured. Polymorphism rs6152 of the AR was evaluated from blood samples by PCR‐RFLP. Data were statistically evaluated.

Results

The expected positive correlation between age and AGA grade and the expected negative correlation between hair density and age and between anagen/telogen and AGA were found. A statistically significant difference between patients with A and G alleles in terms of AGA grade was found. The predominant G allele was more frequent in patients with higher grade of alopecia and in patients with significantly higher PSA. There was no correlation between diagnosis (BPH or CaP) and polymorphism. Patients with prostate inflammation had a statistically significant higher grade of AGA, together with higher PSA.

Conclusions

We confirmed that the AR gene polymorphism (SNP rs6152 G>A) is associated with the development of AGA and higher PSA levels in patients with BPH but not cancer. A novel finding of our study is that BPH patients with prostate inflammation had a significantly higher grade of AGA together with significantly higher PSA levels.
Alleviation of chronic venous leg ulcers with a hand‐held dielectric barrier discharge plasma generator (PlasmaDerm®VU‐2010): results of a monocentric, two‐armed, open, prospective, randomized and controlled trial (NCT01415622)
Authors: Brehmer F. , Haenssle H.A. , Daeschlein G. , Ahmed R. , Pfeiffer S. , Görlitz A. , Simon D. , Schön M.P. , Wandke D. , Emmert S.
Published: March 2014

Background

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP, i.e. ionized air) is an innovating promising tool in reducing bacteria.

Objective

We conducted the first clinical trial with the novel PlasmaDerm® VU‐2010 device to assess safety and, as secondary endpoints, efficacy and applicability of 45 s/cm2 cold atmospheric plasma as add‐on therapy against chronic venous leg ulcers.

Methods

From April 2011 to April 2012, 14 patients were randomized to receive standardized modern wound care (n = 7) or plasma in addition to standard care (n = 7) 3× per week for 8 weeks. The ulcer size was determined weekly (Visitrak®, photodocumentation). Bacterial load (bacterial swabs, contact agar plates) and pain during and between treatments (visual analogue scales) were assessed. Patients and doctors rated the applicability of plasma (questionnaires).

Results

The plasma treatment was safe with 2 SAEs and 77 AEs approximately equally distributed among both groups (P = 0.77 and P = 1.0, Fisher's exact test). Two AEs probably related to plasma. Plasma treatment resulted in a significant reduction in lesional bacterial load (P = 0.04, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). A more than 50% ulcer size reduction was noted in 5/7 and 4/7 patients in the standard and plasma groups, respectively, and a greater size reduction occurred in the plasma group (plasma −5.3 cm2, standard: −3.4 cm2) (non‐significant, P = 0.42, log‐rank test). The only ulcer that closed after 7 weeks received plasma. Patients in the plasma group quoted less pain compared to the control group. The plasma applicability was not rated inferior to standard wound care (P = 0.94, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test). Physicians would recommend (P = 0.06, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) or repeat (P = 0.08, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test) plasma treatment by trend.

Conclusion

Cold atmospheric plasma displays favourable antibacterial effects. We demonstrated that plasma treatment with the PlasmaDerm® VU‐2010 device is safe and effective in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Thus, larger controlled trials and the development of devices with larger application surfaces are warranted.
Implementation of evidence‐based falls prevention in clinical services for high‐risk clients
Authors: Day Lesley , Trotter Margaret J. , Hill Keith D. , Haines Terry P. , Thompson Catherine
Published: March 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The extent to which best practice for falls prevention is being routinely delivered by health care providers for community‐dwelling older adults is unclear. We investigated falls prevention practice among Hospital Admission Risk Programs (HARP) that provide and coordinate specialized health care for people at high risk of hospitalization.

Method

Cross‐sectional survey of all HARP services in Victoria, excluding one paediatric programme (n = 34). The questionnaire focused upon medication review and exercise prescription, as these are the evidence‐based falls interventions with a good fit with HARP services.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 24 programmes (70.6%) that service 15 250 older clients (60+ years). All except one programme screened for medicine use; however, a lower proportion (65% of those that screen) target falls risk medications. Among the 17 programmes responding to the exercise prescription question, all routinely include strengthening exercises, and almost all (n = 15) include flexibility, endurance training and movement of the centre of gravity. A lesser proportion (71%) includes reducing the need for upper limb support. The majority of services (88%) undertake falls risk assessments, and all of these either make referral appointments for clients or refer to other services that make referral appointments for clients. Follow‐up of appointments and the resulting recommendations was high.

Conclusion

Screening for falls risk medications could be improved and staff training in exercise prescription for balance challenge in this high‐risk group may be needed. Although evidence‐based falls prevention practice within Victorian HARP services appears strong, the effect on falls risk may not be as high as that achieved in randomized trials.
Effect of salinity on oxygen consumption in fishes: a review
Authors: Ern R. , Huong D. T. T. , Cong N. V. , Bayley M. , Wang T.
Published: March 2014

The effect of salinity on resting oxygen uptake was measured in the perch Perca fluviatilis and available information on oxygen uptake in teleost species at a variety of salinities was reviewed. Trans‐epithelial ion transport against a concentration gradient requires energy and exposure to salinities osmotically different from the body fluids therefore imposes an energetic demand that is expected to be lowest in brackish water compared to fresh and sea water. Across species, there is no clear trend between oxygen uptake and salinity, and estimates of cost of osmotic and ionic regulation vary from a few per cent to >30% of standard metabolism.
Clinical manifestations of pancreas disease outbreaks in Norwegian marine salmon farming – variations due to salmonid alphavirus subtype
Authors: Jansen M D , Jensen B Bang , Brun E
Published: March 2014

Pancreas disease (PD) in Norwegian salmonid aquaculture has traditionally been caused by salmonid alphavirus (SAV) subtype 3. Following the isolation of a novel SAV subtype in 2010, marine SAV2, two separate endemic areas have developed. It has been debated whether disease outbreaks due to marine SAV2 result in milder clinical manifestations compared to outbreaks caused by SAV3. The aim of this study was to descriptively investigate site‐level differences in the clinical manifestations of marine SAV2 and SAV3 at Norwegian seawater sites diagnosed with PD in 2012. The findings suggest that Norwegian PD outbreaks caused by marine SAV2 result in lower mortality and milder clinical signs compared to outbreaks caused by SAV3. For sites without reported PD‐related mortality, there was no difference in the mortality levels between sites infected by marine SAV2 and SAV3. The results also indicate that there are no differences in grading quality at slaughter between the SAV subtypes.
A novel simultaneous photoelastic and two‐beam interferometric system: I. Dynamic full‐field evaluation of the elasticity modulus profile of polymeric fibres
Authors: HAMZA A. A. , SOKKAR T. Z. N. , EL‐FARAHATY K. A. , RASLAN M. I.
Published: March 2014

A novel optical setup for simultaneous capturing of photoelastic and two‐beam interference patterns was designed. The designed optical setup was used to simultaneously record two types of patterns. The first pattern is two‐beam interference pattern, and the second one is photoelastic interference pattern produced by objects under stress. This simultaneous capturing of the two patterns allowed us to calculate the full‐field distribution of the elasticity modulus profile of fibres. A mathematical expression of the profile of the elasticity modulus was derived. This was applied to evaluate the elasticity modulus of anisotropic isotactic polypropylene fibres during stretching processes. The profile of the elasticity modulus was determined for both static and dynamic in situ cases where the propagation of different structural deformations was observed and studied using the designed optical setup. Patterns were given for illustration.
LRRK2: dropping (kinase) inhibitions and seeking an (immune) response
Authors: Mamais Adamantios , Cookson Mark R.
Published: March 2014

Read the full article ‘Interferon‐γinduces leucine‐rich repeat kinase LRRK2 via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase ERK5 in macrophages’ on page 980.
Evidence for an angiotensin‐(1‐7) neuropeptidase expressed in the brain medulla and CSF of sheep
Authors: Marshall Allyson C. , Pirro Nancy T. , Rose James C. , Diz Debra I. , Chappell Mark C.
Published: March 2014

Angiotensin‐(1‐7) [Ang‐(1‐7)] is an alternative product of the brain renin‐angiotensin system that exhibits central actions to lower blood pressure and improve baroreflex sensitivity. We previously identified a peptidase that metabolizes Ang‐(1‐7) to the inactive metabolite product Ang‐(1‐4) in CSF of adult sheep. This study purified the peptidase 1445‐fold from sheep brain medulla and characterized this activity. The peptidase was sensitive to the chelating agents o‐phenanthroline and EDTA, as well as the mercury compound p‐chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB). Selective inhibitors to angiotensin‐converting enzyme, neprilysin, neurolysin, and thimet oligopeptidase did not attenuate activity; however, the metallopeptidase agent JMV‐390 was a potent inhibitor of Ang‐(1‐7) hydrolysis (Ki = 0.8 nM). Kinetic studies using 125I‐labeled Ang‐(1‐7), Ang II, and Ang I revealed comparable apparent Km values (2.6, 2.8, and 4.3 μM, respectively), but a higher apparent Vmax for Ang‐(1‐7) (72 vs. 30 and 6 nmol/min/mg, respectively; p < 0.01). HPLC analysis of the activity confirmed the processing of unlabeled Ang‐(1‐7) to Ang‐(1‐4) by the peptidase, but revealed < 5% hydrolysis of Ang II or Ang I, and no hydrolysis of neurotensin, bradykinin or apelin‐13. The unique characteristics of the purified neuropeptidase may portend a novel pathway to influence actions of Ang‐(1‐7) within the brain.

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Angiotensin‐(1‐7) actions are mediated by the AT7/Mas receptor and include reduced blood pressure, decreased oxidative stress, enhanced baroreflex sensitivity, and increased nitric oxide (NO). Ang‐(1‐7) is directly formed from Ang I by neprilysin (NEP). We identify a new pathway for Ang‐(1‐7) metabolism in the brain distinct from angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐dependent hydrolysis. The Ang‐(1‐7) endopeptidase (A7‐EP) degrades the peptide to Ang‐(1‐4) and may influence central Ang‐(1‐7) tone.
Role of alpha‐1 antitrypsin in human health and disease
Authors: de Serres F. , Blanco I.
Published: March 2014

Alpha‐1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an under‐recognized hereditary disorder associated with the premature onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis in children and adults, and less frequently, relapsing panniculitis, systemic vasculitis and other inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. Severe AAT deficiency mainly affects Caucasian individuals and has its highest prevalence (1 : 2000–1 : 5000 individuals) in Northern, Western and Central Europe. In the USA and Canada, the prevalence is 1: 5000–10 000. Prevalence is five times lower in Latin American countries and is rare or nonexistent in African and Asian individuals. The key to successful diagnosis is by measuring serum AAT, followed by the determination of the phenotype or genotype if low concentrations are found. Case detection allows implementation of genetic counselling and, in selected cases, the application of augmentation therapy. Over the past decade, it has been demonstrated that AAT is a broad‐spectrum anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti‐infective and tissue‐repair molecule. These new capacities are promoting an increasing number of clinical studies, new pharmacological formulations, new patent applications and the search for alternative sources of AAT (including transgenic and recombinant AAT) to meet the expected demand for treating a large number of diseases, inside and outside the context of AAT deficiency.
Electromyographic analysis of masseter and temporal muscles, bite force, masticatory efficiency in medicated individuals with schizophrenia and mood disorders compared with healthy controls
Authors: de Oliveira R. H. , Hallak J. E. C. , Siéssere S. , de Sousa L. G. , Semprini M. , de Sena M. F. , Osorio F. de L. , Nunes E. A. , Pinto J. P. , Regalo S. C. H.
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to comparatively analyse the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles at rest and during mandible postural clinical conditions (right and left laterality, protrusion and maximum voluntary contraction), right and left maximum molar bite forces and the masticatory efficiency of individuals with schizophrenia or mood disorders – all medicated (medicated groups) compared with control group (healthy volunteers) via electromyography. Individuals were distributed into three groups: Group I (Schizophrenia – 20 individuals), Group II (mood disorders – 20 individuals) and Group III (Control – 40 individuals). Basically, the results were only statistically significant for the clinical mandible conditions and bite force. The most unsatisfactory results were observed in the medicated groups in relation to the control group. The group with mood disorders obtained the most unsatisfactory results compared with the group with schizophrenia. It was suggested by these observations that the association of mood disorders and schizophrenia with medication has negatively affected the stomatognathic system in relation to controls when the electromyography and bite force were used for the analysis.
GENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF OIL FAMILIES IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SECTORS OF THE GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT
Authors: El Diasty W. Sh. , Peters K. E.
Published: March 2014

The results of geochemical analyses were used to classify ten oil samples from six fields in the central and southern sectors of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The samples were collected from sandstone pay‐zones ranging in age from Early Palaeozoic (Nubia‐C) to Miocene (Kareem Formation) at various present‐day depths. Molecular and stable isotope analyses indicate the presence of two genetic oil families (Families I and II) and suggest their probable source rocks.

The biomarker characteristics of Family 1 oils include low Pr/Ph ratio, CPI < 1.0, depleted rearranged steranes, very low diahopane concentrations, high sulphur content, high metal content and V/Ni ratio, low oleanane index, abundance of gammacerane and C27 steranes, and high relative abundance of homohopanes and C30 24‐n‐propylcholestanes. Source rock deposition took place under anoxic marine‐carbonate and hypersaline conditions. The NCR and NDR 24‐norcholestane ratios together with the presence of highly‐branched isoprenoids in this oil family are consistent with Upper Cretaceous – Lower Paleogene source rocks. These characteristics suggest that the Upper Cretaceous Duwi Formation/Brown Limestone or Lower Eocene Thebes Formation are the source rocks for the oils in this family, which occur in the central sector of the Gulf of Suez.

Family II oils have geochemical characteristics that point to a mature source rock deposited in a weakly reducing or suboxic setting under normal salinity conditions. Abundant oleananes, high 24‐ to 27‐norcholestane ratios and abundant C25 highly‐branched isoprenoids suggest a Paleogene source rock. The Lower Miocene Rudeis Formation is the best candidate to have generated these oils which occur in the southern sector of the Gulf of Suez.