bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Novelty in Conserved Gene Families
Authors: Markov Gabriel V. , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: June 2012

One of the major aims of contemporary evolutionary biology is the understanding of the current pattern of biological diversity. This involves, first, the description of character distribution at various nodes of the phylogenetic tree of life and, second, the functional explanation of such changes. The analysis of character distribution is a powerful tool at both the morphological and molecular levels. Recent high-throughput sequencing approaches provide new opportunities to study the genetic architecture of organisms at the genome-wide level. In eukaryotes, one overarching finding is the absence of simple correlations of gene count and biological complexity. Instead, the domain architecture of proteins is becoming a central focus for large-scale evolutionary innovations. Here, we review examples of the evolution of novelty in conserved gene families in insects and nematodes. We highlight how in the absence of whole-genome duplications molecular novelty can arise, how members of gene families have diversified at distinct mechanistic levels, and how gene expression can be maintained in the context of multiple innovations in regulatory mechanisms.
Antiepidermal Growth Factor Receptor Therapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Shaib Walid , Kono Scott , Saba Nabil
Published: June 2012

Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is the most common neoplasm of the upper aerodigestive tract. In this paper, we attempt to summarize the role and applications of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) locally advanced as well as metastatic SCCHN. Targeted therapy in SCCHN is now incorporated in the first-line regimes for advanced disease. Novel targeted agents, including the EGFR antibody, cetuximab, have been approved for use as single agents or in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy in treatment of recurrent metastatic or locally advanced SCCHN. Refractory mechanisms that bypass the pathway of EGFR inhibitors activity are identified explaining resistance to targeted therapy. Strategies of cotargeting EGFR and other pathways are under investigation. Examples of targeted therapy being used include mammalian target of rapamycin (mtor) inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) moAb, and other inhibitors. We will be focusing our paper on the preclinical and clinical aspects of EGFR inhibition in SCCHN and touch upon other targeted therapies in application.
Systemic-Lupus-Erythematosus-Related Acute Pancreatitis: A Cohort from South China
Authors: Yang Yanlong , Ye Yujin , Liang Liuqin , Wu Tianfu , Zhan Zhongping , Yang Xiuyan , Xu Hanshi
Published: June 2012

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of SLE. The current study evaluated the clinical characteristics and risk factors for the mortality of patients with SLE-related AP in a cohort of South China.Methods. Inpatient medical records of SLE-related AP were retrospectively reviewed.Results. 27 out of 4053 SLE patients were diagnosed as SLE-related AP, with an overall prevalence of 0.67%, annual incidence of 0.56‰ and mortality of 37.04%. SLE patients with AP presented with higher SLEDAI score (21.70±10.32versus16.17±7.51,P=0.03), more organ systems involvement (5.70±1.56versus3.96±1.15,P=0.001), and higher mortality (37.04% versus 0,P=0.001), compared to patients without AP. Severe AP (SAP) patients had a significant higher mortality rate compared to mild AP (MAP) (75% versus 21.05%,P=0.014). 16 SLE-related AP patients received intensive GC treatment, 75% of them exhibited favorable prognosis.Conclusion. SLE-related AP is rare but concomitant with high mortality in South Chinese people, especially in those SAP patients. Activity of SLE, multiple-organ systems involvement may attribute to the severity and mortality of AP. Appropriate glucocorticosteroid (GC) treatment leads to better prognosis in majority of SLE patients with AP.
Carotid Velocities Determine Cerebral Blood Flow Deficits in Elderly Men with Carotid Stenosis <50%
Authors: Siennicki-Lantz Arkadiusz , Wollmer Per , Elmståhl Sölve
Published: June 2012

To examine if mild carotid stenosis correlates with silent vascular brain changes, we studied a prospective population-based cohort “Men born in 1914.” Data from followups at ages 68 and 81, have been used. Carotid ultrasound was performed at age 81, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured with SPECT at age 82. Out of 123 stroke-free patients, carotid stenosis <50% was observed in 94% in the right and 89% in the left internal carotid arteries (ICAs). In these subjects, Peak Systolic Velocities in ICA correlated negatively with CBF in a majority of several brain areas, especially in mesial temporal area. Results were limited to normotensive until their seventies, who developed late-onset hypertension with a subsequent blood pressure, pulse pressure, and ankle-brachial index growth. Elderly with asymptomatic carotid stenosis <50% and peak systolic velocities in ICA 0.7–1.3 m/s, should be offered an intensified pharmacotherapy to prevent stroke or silent cerebrovascular events.
Multiple-System Atrophy in Long-Term Professional Painter: A Case Report
Authors: Nagai Yusa , Kitazawa Riko , Nakagawa Miku , Komoda Munenori , Kondo Takeshi , Haraguchi Ryuma , Kitazawa Sohei
Published: June 2012

Introduction. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and severe adult-onset, sporadic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we describe an autopsy case of MSA in a long-term professional painter. Although typical glial cytoplasmic inclusion (GCI) was not observed in a routine histological examination, strong α-synuclein immunostaining in the nucleus confirmed the diagnosis of MSA.Case Presentation. A 48-year-old Japanese man with a long occupational history of professional painter was sent to the emergency room, where he died of multiple organ failure. The patient had suffered tremors and inarticulateness at age 28, developed diabetes at 42 and was diagnosed with spinocerebellar degeneration at 46. A histopathological examination showed severe neuronal loss, gliosis, and tissue rarefaction in the paleostriatum, striate body of the substantia nigra, the pons, and the olivary nucleus of the upper medulla oblongata, intermediolateral of the spinal gray matter (sacral region). α-synuclein-positive GCI in oligodendroglia was occurred in the cerebral cortex, the midbrain, the medulla oblongata, and the spinal cord. These findings confirmed the presence of multiple-system atrophy (OPCA+SDS).Conclusion. Although the pathogenesis of MSA is still unclear, prolonged, and extensive exposure to organic solvents, together with a hyperglycemic morbidity attributed to diabetes, may have contributed to the onset and clinical course of the present case.
The Impact of Polarized Extragalactic Radio Sources on the Detection of CMB Anisotropies in Polarization
Authors: Tucci Marco , Toffolatti Luigi
Published: June 2012

Recent polarimetric surveys of extragalactic radio sources (ERS) at frequencies ν≳1 GHz are reviewed. By exploiting all the most relevant data we study the frequency dependence of polarization properties of ERS between 1.4 and 86 GHz. For flat-spectrum sources the median (mean) fractional polarization increases from 1.5% (2–2.5%) at 1.4 GHz to 2.5–3% (3–3.5%) atν>10 GHz. Steep-spectrum sources are typically more polarized, especially at high frequencies where Faraday depolarization is less relevant. Current data suggest that at high radio frequencies(ν≥20) GHz the fractional polarization of ERS does not depend on total flux density and moderately increases with frequency. We estimate ERS number counts in polarization and the contribution of unresolved polarized ERS to angular power spectra. A first application is for thePlancksatellite mission: we predict that only a dozen polarized ERS will be detected by thePlanckLFI, and a few tens by the HFI. As for CMB power spectra, ERS should not be a strong contaminant to the CMB E-mode polarization atν≳70 GHz, but they can become a relevant constraint for the detection of the cosmological B-mode polarization if the tensor-to-scalar ratio is≲0.01.
Helicobacter  pyloriEradication Therapies in the Era of Increasing Antibiotic Resistance: A Paradigm Shift to Improved Efficacy
Authors: Georgopoulos Sotirios D. , Papastergiou Vasilios , Karatapanis Stylianos
Published: June 2012

With the rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, the eradication rates ofHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)with standard treatments are decreasing to unacceptable levels (i.e., ≤80%) in most countries. After these disappointing results, several authorities have proposed that infection withH. pylorishould be approached and treated as any other bacterial infectious disease. This implicates that clinicians should prescribe empirical treatments yielding a per protocol eradication of at least 90%. In recent years several treatments producing ≥90% cure rates have been proposed including sequential therapy, concomitant quadruple therapy, hybrid (dual-concomitant) therapy, and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. These treatments are likely to represent the recommended first-line treatments in the near future. In the present paper, we are considering a series of critical issues regarding currently available means and approaches for the management ofH. pyloriinfection. Clinical needs and realistic endpoints are taken into account. Furthermore, emerging strategies for the eradication ofH. pyloriand the existing evidence of their clinical validation and widespread applicability are discussed.
Glycopeptide Resistance in Gram-Positive Cocci: A Review
Authors: Sujatha S. , Praharaj Ira
Published: June 2012

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens in the past two decades all over the world and have seriously limited the choices available to clinicians for treating infections caused by these agents. Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, perhaps the most notorious among the nosocomial pathogens, was till recently susceptible to vancomycin and the other glycopeptides. Emergence of vancomycin nonsusceptible strains ofS. aureushas led to a worrisome scenario where the options available for treating serious infections due to these organisms are very limited and not well evaluated. Vancomycin resistance in clinically significant isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci is also on the rise in many setups. This paper aims to highlight the genetic basis of vancomycin resistance inEnterococcusspecies andS. aureus. It also focuses on important considerations in detection of vancomycin resistance in these gram-positive bacteria. The problem of glycopeptide resistance in clinical isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci and the phenomenon of vancomycin tolerance seen in some strains ofStreptococcus pneumoniaehas also been discussed. Finally, therapeutic options available and being developed against these pathogens have also found a mention.
Permanence of a Single Species System with Distributed Time Delay and Feedback Control
Authors: Shen Yali , Zhang Fengqin , Wang Kai
Published: June 2012

We study the permanence of a classofsingle species system with distributed time delay and feedback controls. General criteria on permanence are established in this paper. A very important fact is found in our results; that is, the feedback control is harmless to the permanence of species.
Hypertension-Related Admissions and Outcome in a Tertiary Hospital in Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Kolo P. M. , Jibrin Y. B. , Sanya E. O. , Alkali M. , Peter Kio I. B. , Moronkola R. K.
Published: June 2012

Cardiovascular disease has reached near epidemic proportion in sub-Saharan Africa, and systemic hypertension (SH) remains the driver of cardiovascular complications. We studied hypertension-related admissions and their outcome at the Abubaker Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria. Records of all patients admitted into the medical wards between 1st November 2010 and 31st October 2011 were studied, and case files of those managed for SH complications were selected for detailed examination. Of the total 3108 admissions, 735 (23.7%) were hypertension related. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were167.4±18.2and98.6±13.5,respectively, at presentation. Although, hypertension-related admissions were 23.7% of total admissions, there was an excess of mortality associated with SH complications (42.9%). Stroke was the commonest, and it accounted for 44.4% of cases. Stroke had the highest mortality (39.3%), followed by chronic kidney disease (36.6%); hypertensive emergencies (30.9%) and hypertensive heart failure had the lowest intrahospital mortality (27.5%). In conclusion, SH-related admissions are common among medical admissions in Bauchi Nigeria and are associated with high mortality. Community interventions that promote early diagnosis and reduction of cardiovascular risk profiles are urgently needed to reduce SH deaths.
Calorie Restriction with a High-Fat Diet Effectively Attenuated Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress-Related Markers in Obese Tissues of the High Diet Fed Rats
Authors: Park Seungae , Park Na-Young , Valacchi Giuseppe , Lim Yunsook
Published: June 2012

Obesity characterized by increased mass of adipose tissue leads to systemic inflammation. Calorie restriction (CR) improves parameters associated with immune response and antioxidant defense. We hypothesized that CR with a high fat diet (HFCR) regulates local and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress damage in a high fat diet induced obesity (HF group). We investigated effect of HFCR on inflammation and oxidative stress-related markers in liver and adipose tissues as well as adipokines in plasma. HFCR lowered liver triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels, and the plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio to normal levels and improved glucose tolerance. HFCR also improved fatty liver and normalized adipocyte size and morphology. HFCR reduced lipid peroxidation and decreased the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthetase, cyclooxygenase-2, NF-E2-related factor, and heme oxygenase-1 in the liver. Moreover, HFCR suppressed the expression levels of C- reactive protein and manganese superoxide dismutase in the adipose tissue in the HF group. These results suggest that HFCR may have beneficial effects on inflammation and oxidative stress as well as lipid profiles in the HF diet induced obesity. Moreover, HFCR may be a good way to increase compliance in obese patients and to prevent obesity induced complications without changes in dietary pattern.
Inhibition of the Kit Ligand/c-Kit Axis Attenuates Metastasis in a Mouse Model Mimicking Local Breast Cancer Relapse after Radiotherapy
Authors: Kuonen François , Laurent Julien , Secondini Chiara , Lorusso Girieca , Stehle Jean-Christophe , Rausch Thierry , Faes-van't Hull Eveline , Bieler Grégory , Alghisi Gian-Carlo , Schwendener Reto , Andrejevic-Blant Snezana , Mirimanoff René-Olivier , Rüegg Curzio
Published: June 2012

Purpose: Local breast cancer relapse after breast-saving surgery and radiotherapy is associated with increased risk of distant metastasis formation. The mechanisms involved remain largely elusive. We used the well-characterized 4T1 syngeneic, orthotopic breast cancer model to identify novel mechanisms of postradiation metastasis.

Experimental Design: 4T1 cells were injected in 20 Gy preirradiated mammary tissue to mimic postradiation relapses, or in nonirradiated mammary tissue, as control, of immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Molecular, biochemical, cellular, histologic analyses, adoptive cell transfer, genetic, and pharmacologic interventions were carried out.

Results: Tumors growing in preirradiated mammary tissue had reduced angiogenesis and were more hypoxic, invasive, and metastatic to lung and lymph nodes compared with control tumors. Increased metastasis involved the mobilization of CD11b+c-Kit+Ly6GhighLy6Clow(Gr1+) myeloid cells through the HIF1-dependent expression of Kit ligand (KitL) by hypoxic tumor cells. KitL-mobilized myeloid cells homed to primary tumors and premetastatic lungs, to give rise to CD11b+c-Kit− cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF1, silencing of KitL expression in tumor cells, and inhibition of c-Kit with an anti-c-Kit–blocking antibody or with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor prevented the mobilization of CD11b+c-Kit+ cells and attenuated metastasis. C-Kit inhibition was also effective in reducing mobilization of CD11b+c-Kit+ cells and inhibiting lung metastasis after irradiation of established tumors.

Conclusions: Our work defines KitL/c-Kit as a previously unidentified axis critically involved in promoting metastasis of 4T1 tumors growing in preirradiated mammary tissue. Pharmacologic inhibition of this axis represents a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent metastasis in breast cancer patients with local relapses after radiotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4365–74. ©2012 AACR.
Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats Are Protected Against Vascular Defects Related to Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Beyer Andreas M. , Raffai Gabor , Weinberg Brian , Fredrich Katherine , Lombard Julian H.
Published: June 2012

Obesity increases plasma renin activity and angiotensin II levels, leading to vascular damage, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and renal damage. Because genetic deletion of crucial parts of the renin-angiotensin system protect against obesity-related cardiovascular defects, we hypothesized that Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, a model of chronically low plasma renin activity and angiotensin II levels, would be protected against vascular defects during diet-induced obesity compared with SS.13
BN
consomic rats showing normal renin-angiotensin system regulation. We evaluated vascular function in middle cerebral arteries of SS or SS.13
BN
rats fed high-fat (45% kcal from fat) versus normal-fat diet for 15 to 20 weeks from weaning. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine (10
−8
to 10
−4
mol/L) was restored in middle cerebral arteries of high-fat SS rats versus normal-fat diet controls, whereas vasodilation to acetylcholine was dramatically reduced in high-fat SS 13
BN
rats versus normal-fat diet controls. These findings support the hypothesis that physiological levels of angiotensin II play an important role in maintaining normal vascular relaxation in cerebral arteries and suggest that the cerebral vasculature of the SS rat model is genetically protected against endothelial dysfunction in diet-induced obesity.
Dopamine and Angiotensin Type 2 Receptors Cooperatively Inhibit Sodium Transport in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Gildea John J. , Wang Xiaoli , Shah Neema , Tran Hanh , Spinosa Michael , Van Sciver Robert , Sasaki Midori , Yatabe Junichi , Carey Robert M. , Jose Pedro A. , Felder Robin A.
Published: June 2012

Little is known regarding how the kidney shifts from a sodium and water reclaiming state (antinatriuresis) to a state where sodium and water are eliminated (natriuresis). In human renal proximal tubule cells, sodium reabsorption is decreased by the dopamine D
1
-like receptors (D
1
R/D
5
R) and the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT
2
R), whereas the angiotensin type 1 receptor increases sodium reabsorption. Aberrant control of these opposing systems is thought to lead to sodium retention and, subsequently, hypertension. We show that D
1
R/D
5
R stimulation increased plasma membrane AT
2
R 4-fold via a D
1
R-mediated, cAMP-coupled, and protein phosphatase 2A–dependent specific signaling pathway. D
1
R/D
5
R stimulation also reduced the ability of angiotensin II to stimulate phospho-extracellular signal–regulated kinase, an effect that was partially reversed by an AT
2
R antagonist. Fenoldopam did not increase AT
2
R recruitment in renal proximal tubule cells with D
1
Rs uncoupled from adenylyl cyclase, suggesting a role of cAMP in mediating these events. D
1
Rs and AT
2
Rs heterodimerized and cooperatively increased cAMP and cGMP production, protein phosphatase 2A activation, sodium-potassium-ATPase internalization, and sodium transport inhibition. These studies shed new light on the regulation of renal sodium transport by the dopaminergic and angiotensin systems and potential new therapeutic targets for selectively treating hypertension.
Comparison of neuropsychological functioning and emotional processing in major depression and social anxiety disorder subjects, and matched healthy controls
Authors: Bourke Cecilia , Porter Richard J , Carter Janet D , McIntosh Virginia V , Jordan Jennifer , Bell Caroline , Carter Frances , Colhoun Helen , Joyce Peter R
Published: June 2012

Objectives:

Few studies of neuropsychological function in major depression have examined emotional processing or the impact of gender. Patients have also been compared with highly selected control participants and rarely with other patient groups. The objective of this study was to compare neuropsychological function in a major depressive episode (MDE) with a group of patients with an anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and healthy controls, to include measures of emotional processing and to analyse the effects of gender on neuropsychological function and emotional processing in these groups.

Method:

One hundred and one medication-free patients with MDE, 30 patients with SAD and 76 healthy control participants were recruited. The groups were matched for age and estimated premorbid intelligence and education. Subjects performed a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing; verbal learning and memory, visuospatial learning and memory, attention, executive function and psychomotor performance. They also performed a task measuring the accuracy of recognition of facial emotional expressions.

Results:

Compared with healthy participants and those with SAD, patients with MDE were significantly impaired in verbal learning and spatial working memory. The SAD group misclassified significantly more neutral expressions as angry and fewer as sad, compared with the MDE group and healthy controls, but there were no significant differences between the MDE group and healthy controls. The profile of performance was the same regardless of gender.

Conclusions:

The study confirms a significant impairment in neuropsychological function in a clinical sample of outpatients with MDE, which is likely to have important implications for day-to-day functioning and treatment.
Visual Representations of Children and Ritual in the Early Roman Empire
Authors: Tulloch Janet
Published: June 2012

This paper takes the position that the best way to identify figures of children participating in scenes of early Christian ritual is through a comparison of child figures in Roman art and ritual. For the purpose of this comparison we refer to Roman scenes showing children in processions, offerings/sacrifices and banquets. Early Christian scenes of offerings which continued the representation of children but omitted the priest and musicians may have aided the identification of the scene as a gift or donation rather than a Roman sacrifice. While there is no ambiguity as to the figures in many of the early Christian baptism scenes being children, there is a long standing debate whether the child figures symbolically represent Jesus’ immersion in the Jordan river or actual baptizands. Possible similarities between Roman purification rituals by immersion in water and early Christian baptism, especially with regard to the visual representation of these rituals, remain a fruitful area for future research.

Cet article propose que la meilleure façon d’identifier les images d’enfants qui participaient aux scènes d’anciens rituels chrétiens est par une comparaison des images d’enfants représentés dans l’art et le rituel romains. Aux fins de cette comparaison nous nous référons à des scènes montrant des enfants romains dans les processions, les offrandes/sacrifices et les banquets. Les anciennes scènes chrétiennes de l’offrande qui ont inclus la représentation des enfants, mais qui ne représentent ni le prêtre ni les musiciens, ont pu avoir aidé à l’identification de la scène comme un cadeau ou un don chrétien plutôt que d’un sacrifice romain. Bien qu’il n’y ait aucune ambiguïté que les images dans la plupart des scènes d’ancien baptême chrétien sont des enfants, il y a un débat de longue date de savoir si les images d’enfants représentent symboliquement l’immersion de Jésus dans le fleuve Jourdain ou bien de baptisés réels. Il est possible qu’il y ait des similarités entre les rituels de purification romain par immersion dans l’eau et l’ancien baptême chrétien, en particulier à l’égard de la représentation visuelle de ces rituels, ce qui mérite davantage de recherche.
Rise Time Perception in Children With Reading and Combined Reading and Language Difficulties
Authors: Beattie Rachel L. , Manis Franklin R.
Published: June 2012

Using a non–speech-specific measure of prosody, rise time perception, Goswami and her colleagues have found that individuals with dyslexia perform significantly worse than nonimpaired readers. Studies have also found that children and adults with specific language impairment were impaired on these tasks. Despite the high comorbidity of these disorders, only one study has assessed rise time sensitivity in children with comorbid reading and oral language difficulties. The authors further examined rise time sensitivity in children with both reading and oral language difficulties. They compared performance on rise time perception tasks between 18 children with reading difficulties, 15 children with combined reading and oral language difficulties, and 17 chronological age–matched controls. The authors found a significant interaction between group and performance on auditory tasks. Further tests revealed that chronological age–matched controls were significantly better on the rise time measures compared to both groups of children with reading difficulties. Performance between the groups of children with reading difficulties did not significantly differ.
Bowling Alone: Urban Tribes in Concrete Jungles
Authors: Murty K. Radhakrishna
Published: June 2012

Utilising the modern social network theory, the present descriptive article has examined the art of urbanites’ ‘bowling alone’ in concrete jungles and its negative effect on their social and civic life. Mainly, such a process has resulted in the formation of ‘urban tribes’ characterized by their isolation from the mainstream social life influenced by people’s ego-centric and limited personal networks in the form of cliques with clique culture, dominated by rugged individualism, instead of developing broad social networks based on reciprocity that generate social capital with community feeling, collective consciousness and altruism.

Their silent withdrawal from social intercourse has affected urbanites propensity to pitch into the common tasks that bind people together with a ‘we feeling’. The net result is, today, people in large cities have collectively turned away from the responsibilities of community building, community development and community participation in civic activities and social and public affairs. The article in this context has identified some of the factors that have contributed to this urban pathology and civic malaise and, finally, offers some possible and feasible remedies to control and contain this social malady.
The Study of Pro-poor Growth and Poverty Reduction in Pakistan (1999–2006)
Authors: Zaman Khalid , Khan Muhammad Mushtaq , Ahmad Mehboob , Shabir Muhammad
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study is to examine different approaches to measuring pro-poor growth rate in the context of Pakistan’s sub-sectors, that is, agriculture, manufacturing, commodity producing and services sectors. This research is extended within the phenomenon of Pro-Poor Growth Index (PPGI) and Poverty Equivalent Growth Rates (PEGR) which is anticipated by Kakwani and Pernia (2000) and Kakwani and Son (2004) in the literature. The present article examines as to what extent the poor have benefited from growth while taking into account the magnitude of growth and the benefits of growth achieved by the poor between 1999 and 2006. The research concludes that growth is classified anti-poor in the overall Pakistan’s sub-sectors due to pro-rich federal policies.
Independent Evaluation
Authors: Brown Abigail B. , Klerman Jacob Alex
Published: June 2012

Background:

Maintaining the independence of contract government program evaluation presents significant contracting challenges. The ideal outcome for an agency is often both the impression of an independent evaluation and a glowing report. In this, independent evaluation is like financial statement audits: firm management wants both a public accounting firm to attest to the fairness of its financial accounts and to be allowed to account for transactions as it sees fit. In both cases, the evaluation or audit is being conducted on behalf of outsiders–the public or shareholders–but is overseen by a party with significant interests at stake in the outcome–the agency being evaluated or executive management of the firm.

Method:

We review the contracting strategies developed to maintain independence in auditing. We examine evidence on the effectiveness of professionalism, reputation, liability and owner oversight in constraining behavior in auditing. We then establish parallels with contracting for evaluations and apply these insights to changes that might maintain and improve evaluator independence.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

By analogy with the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 reforms in auditing, we recommend exploring using a reformulated Technical Working Group to encourage more prompt release of more evaluation results and to help insulate evaluators from inappropriate pressure to change their results or analysis approach.
The model pupil who faked the test: Social policy in the Irish crisis
Authors: Allen Kieran
Published: June 2012

The Irish government has been held up as a model pupil of the IMF and the EU Commission because of its adoption of an intensified neoliberal response to the crisis. It has developed a policy consensus in support of wage cuts and severe austerity in order to prop up its banking system. However, the economic expertise that it relies on displays a considerable class bias. Under the guise of a neutral, technical language, the interests of a wealthy elite are being protected. Levels of social deprivation and inequality have, as a result, risen considerably. Yet despite its apparent success, there is considerable evidence that an investment strike is under way and there is no sign of a sustained recovery.
Does β2-adrenergic stimulation attenuate fluid extravasation during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass? An experimental study in pigs
Authors: Husby P , Brekke HK , Mongstad A , Farstad M , Haugen O , Kvalheim VL
Published: June 2012

Objectives:

Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with increased fluid filtration, edema formation and, occasionally, organ dysfunction. Cold-induced reduction in endothelial barrier function may play a role. β2-adrenergic activation elevates cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which maintains endothelial barrier properties. In this study, we tested whether β-adrenergic stimulation could influence the increase in fluid extravasation observed during hypothermic CPB.

Materials and methods:

Fourteen pigs randomly received terbutaline infusion (T-group) (n=7) or a control infusion (C-group) (n=7). All animals were given 60 min of normothermic CPB, followed by 90 min of hypothermic CPB. Fluid input and losses, plasma volume, colloid osmotic pressures (plasma, interstitial fluid), hematocrit, serum proteins and total tissue water content were measured and the fluid extravasation rates (FER) calculated. Statistics: by SPSS. Values presented as mean ± SD. Repeated measure analysis of variance was performed and a t-test used when appropriate.

Results:

The commencement of normothermic CPB resulted in a 20% hemodilution, with an abrupt increase in fluid requirements during the first 10 min. FER increased from 0.18 (0.06) pre-bypass to 0.78 (0.27) ml/kg/min (T-group) (p=0.002) and from 0.16 (0.05) to 0.93 (0.26) ml/kg/min (C-group) (p<0.001) with no between-group differences. Thereafter, FER stabilized at a level of 0.32 (0.13) and 0.27 (0.14) ml/kg/min in the T-group and C-group, respectively. After the start of cooling, FER increased in the T-group to 0.55 (0.12) ml/kg/min (P=0.046) and in the C-group to 0.54 (0.13) ml/kg/min (P=0.006), with no between-group differences (P=0.738).

Conclusion:

In the present experimental study, we were unable to demonstrate any clinically relevant modulating effect of terbutaline on fluid extravasation during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.
Probable Blastomyces dermatitidis Infection in a Young Rat
Authors: Chang S. C. , Hsuan S. L. , Lin C. C. , Lee W. C. , Chien M. S. , Chen L. C. , Wu J. H. , Cheng S. J. , Chen C. L. , Liao J. W.
Published: June 2012

A 21-week-old male untreated control SHR/NCrlNarl rat was found dead during an experiment. Grossly, pulmonary lesions were characterized by multifocal to coalescing firm gray-white nodules randomly scattered on the surface. Microscopically, bronchopneumonia was found with pyogranulomas containing neutrophils, macrophages, and numerous thick-walled yeast cells. Yeast cells, 5 to 25 μm in diameter, with no branching of hyphae were observed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Diff-Quik, and periodic acid-Schiff. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using panfungal and nested PCR primers were used for detection of Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA in the lung tissue. After sequencing and matching with DNA sequences in the GenBank, the sample showed a similarity of 94.6% and 97% to Ajellomyces dermatitidis ( B. dermatitidis), respectively. On the basis of these results, probable pulmonary blastomycosis was diagnosed. The origin of the infection in the colony rat is undetermined.
Coat-hanger ache in orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Khurana Ramesh K
Published: June 2012

Background

Questionnaires administered to orthostatic hypotension (OH) patients reveal frequent occurrence of coat-hanger ache (CHA), but laboratory-based precipitation of CHA during head-up tilt (HUT) has not been investigated. This study compared the frequency and clinical aspects of CHA in the same group of OH patients during daily activities versus during HUT.

Methods

Retrospective IRB-approved review of prospectively collected data on 22 dysautonomic patients. Heart rate response to deep breathing, Valsalva manoeuver, HUT and thermoregulatory sweat test evaluated cardiovagal, adrenergic and sudomotor functions. Occurrence and clinical features of CHA during daily activities and during HUT were recorded. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

All patients demonstrated severe adrenergic (OH), cardiovagal and sudomotor impairment. Of 22 patients, 13 (59%) reported CHA within 3–5 minutes of standing or after 10 minutes to 2 hours of sitting that was relieved within 5–20 minutes of recumbency. During HUT, 4 of 13 (18%) patients developed CHA. Clinical features varied.

Conclusions

CHA was reported by 59% of OH patients during daily activities and by only 18% during HUT. The clinical characteristics of CHA episodes displayed inter-individual and intra-individual variability. These findings militate against direct association between OH and CHA and suggest a complex pathophysiology.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Demographic Index of Cultural Exposure (DICE) in Two Mexican-Origin Community Samples
Authors: Cruz Rick A. , Wilkinson Anna V. , Bondy Melissa L. , Koehly Laura M.
Published: June 2012

Reliability and validity evidence is provided for the Demographic Index of Cultural Exposure (DICE), consisting of six demographic proxy indicators of acculturation, within two community samples of Mexican-origin adults ( N= 497 for each sample). Factor analytic procedures were used to examine the common variance shared between the six demographic indicators hypothesized to correlate with acculturation. The index was cross-validated across two samples by comparing fit indices. Finally, index criterion validity was assessed using correlations between index scores and five common behavioral/psychological domains of Latino cultural identity: language use (Spanish and English), cultural practices, folk health beliefs, and fatalism. Results indicated that the six demographic indicators loaded onto one latent factor and that this model had good fit across both samples. In addition, DICE scores correlated with four of the five behavioral/psychological measures. Future use of the DICE as an efficient way to approximate cultural exposure is discussed.
Computation of ingestion through gas turbine rim seals
Authors: Zhou Kunyuan , Wilson Michael , Owen J Michael , Lock Gary D
Published: June 2012

Three-dimensional unsteady computational fluid dynamics is applied to the ingestion of fluid from a non-uniform mainstream annulus flow via a rim-seal into a rotor-stator wheel-space. The results provide understanding of the complex flow and information for the development of more efficient computational models and analytical ‘orifice models’. The commercial computational fluid dynamics code CFX has been used to carry out unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations with an shear stress transport turbulence model. A scalar equation is employed to represent the seeded tracer gas that can be used in experiments to determine sealing effectiveness, and the variation of effectiveness with sealing flow rate is determined for a simple axial clearance seal and one combination of axial and rotational Reynolds numbers. The computational domain comprises one pitch in a row of stator vanes and rotor blades. The rotating blade is accounted for by a sliding interface between the stationary and rotating sections of the model, located downstream of the seal clearance. The unsteady computations confirm that the magnitude of the peak-to-trough pressure difference in the annulus is the principal driving mechanism for ingestion (or ingress) into the wheel-space. This pressure difference is used in orifice models to predict sealing effectiveness; its magnitude however depends on the locations in the annulus and the wheel-space that are chosen for its evaluation as well as the sealing flow rate. The computational fluid dynamics is used to investigate the appropriateness of the locations that are often used to determine the pressure difference. It is shown that maximum ingestion occurs when the static pressure peak produced by the vane combines with that produced by the blade, and that highly swirled ingested flow could contact both the stator and rotor disk when little sealing flow is provided. The relationships between the unsteady simulations and simplified, more computationally efficient steady computations are also investigated. For the system considered here, ingress is found to be dictated principally by the pressure distribution caused by the vane. The effect of the rotating blade on the pressure distribution in the annulus is investigated by comparing the unsteady results with those for steady models that do not involve a blade. It is found that the presence of the blade increases the pressure asymmetry in the annulus. Although the pressure asymmetry predicted by unsteady and steady models have a similar magnitude, the sealing effectiveness is over-predicted considerably for the corresponding steady model. If a ‘thin seal’ geometric approximation is used in the steady model, however, similar effectiveness results compared with the unsteady model may be obtained much more economically.
Late-Holocene marine radiocarbon reservoir correction (ΔR) for the west coast of South Africa
Authors: Dewar Genevieve , Reimer Paula J , Sealy Judith , Woodborne Stephan
Published: June 2012

In order to calibrate radiocarbon ages based on samples with a marine carbon component it is important to know the marine carbon reservoir correction or ΔR value. This study measured the ΔR on both known-age pre-bomb marine shells and paired marine and terrestrial samples from two regions on the west coast of South Africa: the southwestern Cape and Namaqualand. Pooling the data by region produces ΔR values that are similar enough to use a west coast weighted mean ΔR of 146 ± 85 14C years to correctly calibrate marine shell or mixed marine and terrestrial 14C ages. There are however temporal differences in ΔR throughout the Holocene, which we compare with proxy data for upwelling and sea surface temperatures.
A high-quality annually laminated sequence from Lake Belau, Northern Germany: Revised chronology and its implications for palynological and tephrochronological studies
Authors: Dörfler Walter , Feeser Ingo , van den Bogaard Christel , Dreibrodt Stefan , Erlenkeuser Helmut , Kleinmann Angelika , Merkt Josef , Wiethold Julian
Published: June 2012

The annually laminated record of Lake Belau offers an exceptional opportunity to investigate with high temporal resolution Holocene environmental change, aspects of climate history and human impact on the landscape. A new chronology based on varve counts, 14C-datings and heavy metal history has been established, covering the last 9400 years. Based on multiple varve counting on two core sequences, the easily countable laminated section spans about 7850 varve years (modelled age range c. 9430 to 1630 cal. BP). Not all of the record is of the same quality but approximately 69% of the varves sequence is classified to be of high quality and only c. 5% of low quality. The new chronology suggests dates generally c. 260 years older than previously assumed for the laminated section of the record. The implications for the vegetation and land-use history of the region as well as revised datings for pollen stratigraphical events are discussed. Tephra analysis allowed the identification of several cryptotephra layers. New dates for volcanic eruptions are presented for the Lairg B event ( c. 6848 cal. BP, 2s range 6930–6713 cal. BP), the Hekla 4 event ( c. 4396 cal. BP, 2s range 4417–4266 cal. BP), and Hekla 3 eruption ( c. 3095 cal. BP, 2s range 3120–3068 cal. BP).
Anthropogenic control of late-Holocene landscapes in the Cuzco region, Peru
Authors: Sublette Mosblech Nicole A , Chepstow-Lusty Alex , Valencia Bryan G , Bush Mark B
Published: June 2012

The rise of complex Andean cultures is tied to increasingly sophisticated use of natural resources and infrastructural development. Considerable debate surrounds the extent to which these societies were forced to respond to changing climates or whether their modifications to the landscape minimized climate impacts. Here, we present a region-wide perspective of paleoecological changes around Cuzco, Peru using three lake sediment records. We investigate whether vegetation shifts in the three records occurred simultaneously, and explore whether such changes were due to climatic conditions or human activities, or both. A new paleoecological record from Lake Huaypo reveals a transition from Amaranthaceae (i.e. quinoa) cultivars to maize at c. 2800 cal. yr BP. This agricultural change is also documented at two other Andean lakes: Marcacocha (Chepstow-Lusty A (2011) Agro-pastoralism and social change in the Cuzco heartland of Peru: A brief history using environmental proxies. Antiquity 85: 570–582) and Pacucha (Valencia BG, Urrego DH, Silman MR et al. (2010) From ice age to modern: A record of landscape change in an Andean cloud forest. Journal of Biogeography 37: 1637–1647). Wetter climatic conditions are inferred to be a leading cause behind the change from Amaranthaceae to maize cultivation. At 1300 cal. yr BP, a rapid increase in Andean forest pollen types, especially Alnus, is observed at Huaypo, with similar changes occurring at Marcacocha at c. 1000 cal. yr BP and at Pacucha at c. 500 cal. yr BP. Drier paleoclimatic conditions at the time and the importance of Alnus, a species well-known for its ability to grow quickly and its widespread use for fuel and timber, suggest that the expansion was due partly to agroforestry. The Huaypo paleoecological record reveals that the practice of agroforestry first began during the Wari Period, and then continued through the Late Intermediate Period and period of Incan rule.
Lesion morphology at 7 Tesla MRI differentiates Susac syndrome from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wuerfel Jens , Sinnecker Tim , Ringelstein E Bernd , Jarius Sven , Schwindt Wolfram , Niendorf Thoralf , Paul Friedemann , Kleffner Ilka , Dörr Jan
Published: June 2012

Background:

Although an orphan disease with still obscure aetiopathogenesis, Susac syndrome has to be considered as differential diagnosis in multiple sclerosis (MS), since its clinical presentation and paraclinical features including routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings partially overlap.

Objective:

We aimed to study a potential benefit of 7T MRI for (i) the differentiation between Susac syndrome and MS and (ii) the clarification of pathogenesis of Susac syndrome.

Methods:

Five patients suffering from Susac syndrome, 10 sex- and age-matched patients with relapsing–remitting MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 1.5) and 15 matching healthy controls were investigated at 7 Tesla MRI. The protocol included T1-weighted MPRAGE, T2*-weighted FLASH, and TIRM sequences.

Results:

Almost all T2* FLASH lesions in patients with MS were centred by a small central vein (325 lesions; 92%) and often showed a small hypointense rim (145 lesions; 41%). In contrast, white matter lesions in Susac syndrome exhibited a perivascular setting significantly less frequently (148 lesions; 54%, p=0.002), and very rarely exhibited a hypointense rim (12 lesions; 4%, p=0.004). Furthermore, in addition to callosal atrophy, Susac patients showed cerebrospinal fluid-isointense lesions within the central part of corpus callosum that are not commonly seen in MS.

Conclusion:

At 7T MRI, plaques in MS patients and patients with Susac syndrome differed substantially with respect to morphology and pattern. Thus, lesion morphology at 7T (i) may serve as a marker to distinguish Susac syndrome from MS and (ii) reflects a different pathophysiological mechanism underlying Susac syndrome, for example microinfarction rather than demyelination.
Sex ratio of multiple sclerosis in the National Swedish MS Register (SMSreg)
Authors: Boström Inger , Stawiarz Leszek , Landtblom Anne-Marie
Published: June 2012

Background:

Sex ratio in multiple sclerosis has been reported from several geographical areas. The disease is more common in women. In Europe the female-to-male ratio varies from 1.1 to 3.4. A recent study from Canada has reported a significant increase, with time, in female-to-male ratio in multiple sclerosis over the last 100 years.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyse any change in sex ratio in multiple sclerosis in the Swedish population.

Methods:

Data from the Swedish MS Register and data from the Swedish National Statistics Office were used to estimate sex ratio by year of birth and year of onset.

Results:

In the analysis of sex ratio by year of birth there were 8834 patients (6271 women and 2563 men) born between 1931 and 1985. The mean women-to-men ratio was 2.62. No clear trend was noted for the women-to-men ratio by year of birth (Spearman’s rho = 0.345, p = 0.298, n = 11). The number of patients analysed by year of onset was 9098 during the time period 1946 until 2005. The mean women-to-men ratio was 2.57. No significant change in women-to-men ratio (Spearman’s rho = −0.007, p = 0.983, n = 12) with time was observed.

Conclusion:

There is no evidence for an increasing women-to-men ratio with time amongst Swedish multiple sclerosis patients.