bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Role of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Structural Protein GP2 in Apoptosis Inhibition
Authors: Pujhari Sujit , Baig Tayyba T. , Zakhartchouk Alexander N.
Published: January 2014

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a serious threat to the pork industry, and its pathogenesis needs further investigations. To study the role of two structural proteins of PRRSV in virus-host cells interactions, two stable cell lines (MARC-2a and MARC-N) expressing GP2 and N proteins, respectively, were established. We induced apoptosis in these cells by treating them with staurosporine and found a significant reduction in the number of apoptotic cells in MARC-2a as compared to MARC-N and MARC-145 cells. In addition, we found significantly higher activities of transcriptional factors (NF-κB and AP-1) in both cell lines as compared to MARC-145 (parent cells). Overall, our data suggest that, although both stable cell lines activate NF-κB and AP-1, GP2 triggers the antiapoptotic process through an intermediate step that needs to be further investigated.
Reference Ranges for Serum Uric Acid among Healthy Assamese People
Authors: Das Madhumita , Borah N. C. , Ghose M. , Choudhury N.
Published: January 2014

This study was designed to establish reference ranges for serum uric acid among healthy adult Assamese population. Samples from 1470 aged 35–86 years were used to establish age and sex related reference range by the centile method (central 95 percentile) for serum uric acid level. There were 51% (n=754) males and 49% (n=716) females; 75.9% (n=1115) of them were from urban area and the rest 24.1% (n=355) were from the rural area. Majority of the population were nonvegetarian (98.6%,n=1450) and only 1.4% (n=20) were vegetarian. The mean age, weight, height, and uric acid of the studied group were53.6±11.3years,62.6±10.5 kg,160±9.4 cm, and5.5±1.4 mg/dL, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean value of the abovementioned parameters between male and female. The observed reference range of uric acid in the population is 2.6–8.2 mg/dL which is wider than the current reference range used in the laboratory. Except gender (P<0.0001), we did not find any significant relation of uric acid with other selected factors.
Peritoneal Equilibration Test in Costa Rica: Discrepancies from Other Populations
Authors: Avellan-Boza Marta , Hernández Fabio , Ramos-Esquivel Allan
Published: January 2014

Objective. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) is a kidney replacement therapy that has been recently incorporated in developing countries. We aim to establish our reference values, to compare them with the original and the Mexican population, and to associate some variables with the type of peritoneal transport.Methods. Thirty peritoneal equilibration tests (PET) were performed. The ratio for D/P creatinine and the D/D0ratio for glucose were calculated and compared to reference values. We conducted a retrospective analysis to correlate peritoneal transporters with some predictive variables.Results. D/P creatinine ratio at 2 hours, D/D0glucose ratio at 4 hours, and net ultrafiltrate volume (nUFV) were significantly different from those reported by Twardowski et al. The results documented in the Mexican population only coincide with our results for the D/P creatinine ratio at 4 hours. Any of the studied variables were associated with a specific type of peritoneal transport.Conclusions. Peritoneal permeability among Costa Rican CAPD patients is different from the original population described by Twardowski et al. and from other Latin-American population. This supports the theory that ethnical differences could be responsible for such variations and they validate our statement that each region should possess value references of their own.
Case Study on Human Walking during Wearing a Powered Prosthetic Device: Effectiveness of the System “Human-Robot”
Authors: Grosu Svetlana , Cherelle Pierre , Verheul Chris , Vanderborght Bram , Lefeber Dirk
Published: January 2014

It is known that force exchanges between a robotic assistive device and the end-user have a direct impact on the quality and performance of a particular movement task. This knowledge finds a special reflective importance in prosthetic industry due to the close human-robot collaboration. Although lower-extremity prostheses are currently better able to provide assistance as their upper-extremity counterparts, specific locomotion problems still remain. In a framework of this contribution the authors introduce the multibody dynamic modelling approach of the transtibial prosthesis wearing on a human body model. The obtained results are based on multibody dynamic simulations against the real experimental data using AMP-Foot 2.0, an energy efficient powered transtibial prosthesis for actively assisted walking of amputees.
Dynamic Sliding Mode Control Design Based on an Integral Manifold for Nonlinear Uncertain Systems
Authors: Khan Qudrat , Bhatti Aamer Iqbal , Ferrara Antonella
Published: January 2014

An output feedback sliding mode control law design relying on an integral manifold is proposed in this work. The considered class of nonlinear systems is assumed to be affected by both matched and unmatched uncertainties. The use of the integral sliding manifold allows one to subdivide the control design procedure into two steps. First a linear control component is designed by pole placement and then a discontinuous control component is added so as to cope with the uncertainty presence. In conventional sliding mode the control variable suffers from high frequency oscillations due to the discontinuous control component. However, in the present proposal, the designed control law is applied to the actual system after passing through a chain of integrators. As a consequence, the control input actually fed into the system is continuous, which is a positive feature in terms of chattering attenuation. By applying the proposed controller, the system output is regulated to zero even in the presence of the uncertainties. In the paper, the proposed control law is theoretically analyzed and its performances are demonstrated in simulation.
Finite‐Time Stability Analysis of Discrete‐Time Linear Singular Systems
Authors: Wo Songlin , Han Xiaoxin
Published: January 2014

The finite‐time stability (FTS) problem of discrete‐time linear singular systems (DTLSS) is considered in this paper. A necessary and sufficient condition for FTS is obtained, which can be expressed in terms of matrix inequalities. Then, another form of the necessary and sufficient condition for FTS is also given by using matrix‐null space technology. In order to solve the stability problem expediently, a sufficient condition for FTS is given via linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach; this condition can be expressed in terms of LMIs. Finally, an illustrating example is also given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of Five Earthy-Musty Odorants in Environmental Water by HS-SPME/GC-MS
Authors: Ding Zhen , Peng Shifu , Xia Weiwen , Zheng Hao , Chen Xiaodong , Yin Lihong
Published: January 2014

The pressing issue of earthy and musty odor compounds in natural waters, which can affect the organoleptic properties of drinking water, makes it a public health concern. A simple and sensitive method for simultaneous analysis of five odorants in environmental water was developed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), includinggeosmin(GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), as well as dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS),β-cyclocitral, andβ-ionone. Based on the simple modification of original magnetic stirrer purchased from CORNING (USA), the five target compounds can be separated within 23 min, and the calibration curves show good linearity with a correlation coefficient above 0.999 (levels = 5). The limits of detection (LOD) are all below 1.3 ng L−1, and the relative standard deviation (%RSD) is between 4.4% and 9.9% (n = 7) and recoveries of the analytes from water samples are between 86.2% and 112.3%. In addition, the storage time experiment indicated that the concentrations did not change significantly for GSM and 2-MIB if they were stored in canonical environment. In conclusion, the method in this study could be applied for monitoring these five odorants in natural waters.
Oxidative Stress Is Predominant in Female but Not in Male Patients with Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: January 2014

As the involvement of oxidative stress (OS) in autoimmune thrombocytopenia (AITP) has been reported, a fast and rapid test for the reliable measurement of OS and antioxidant capacities (AOCs) might be a useful tool in extending current diagnostic possibilities. The free oxygen radical test (FORT) and free oxygen radical defence (FORD) assay (Callegari, Italy) are easy to perform and reliable, with results available within 15 minutes. Thirty-seven AITP patients and 37 matched healthy individuals were included in this study. All participants responded to a standard questionnaire provided by these assays. Female patients with AITP were observed to demonstrate significantly higher OS in comparison to female controls (P=0.0027) and male AITP patients (P=0.0018). The AOCs were not reduced in patients with AITP (P=0.7648). Correlation of OS with platelet count identified a weak positive correlation (P=0.0327, SpearmanR=0.4672). The questionnaire revealed that ITP patients in comparison to healthy controls are more stressed, feel exhausted and fatigued, and eat a healthier diet. In conclusion, OS is predominant in female but not in male patients with AITP suggesting gender-specific differences in the pathomechanisms of AITP. Identification of patients with high levels of OS might be beneficial in the management of AITP.
Will an Unsupervised Self-Testing Strategy Be Feasible to Operationalize in Canada? Results from a Pilot Study in Students of a Large Canadian University
Authors: Pant Pai Nitika , Bhargava Madhavi , Joseph Lawrence , Sharma Jigyasa , Pillay Sabrina , Balram Bhairavi , Tellier Pierre-Paul
Published: January 2014

Background.A convenient, private, and accessible HIV self-testing strategy stands to complement facility-based conventional testing. Over-the-counter oral HIV self-tests are approved and available in the United States, but not yet in Canada. Canadian data on self-testing is nonexistent. We investigated the feasibility of offering an unsupervised self-testing strategy to Canadian students.Methods.Between September 2011 and May 2012, we recruited 145 students from a student health clinic of a large Canadian university. Feasibility of operationalization (i.e., self-test conduct, acceptability, convenience, and willingness to pay) was evaluated. Self-test conduct was computed with agreement between the self-test performed by the student and the test repeated by a healthcare professional. Other metrics were measured on a survey.Results.Participants were young (median age: 22 years), unmarried (97%), and 47% were out of province or international students. Approximately 52% self-reported a history of unprotected casual sex and sex with multiple partners. Self-test conduct agreement was high (100%), so were acceptability (81%), convenience (99%), and willingness to pay (74%) for self-tests. Concerns included accuracy of self-tests and availability of expedited linkages.Conclusion.An unsupervised self-testing strategy was found to be feasible in Canadian students. Findings call for studies in at-risk populations to inform Canadian policy.
A Computer-Based System for Evaluation of Slub Yarn Characteristics
Authors: Abd El-khalek R. , El-Bealy R. , El-Deeb A.
Published: January 2014

This research aims to build a computer-based system for measuring slub yarn characteristics and evaluating the results using statistical methods. The measuring system was based on the electrical condenser of the Uster evenness tester as a measuring sensor. A digital storage oscilloscope was used to convert the analogue output signals into digital data to be recorded on a computer. A designed computer program was constructed using MatLab language for signal analysis based on a proposed method. Final results from this system contained graphical plots for the three measured slub yarn geometrical parameters slub length, slub distance, and slub thickness and a final report for all the measured slub yarn characteristics. The results of tested slub yarn samples showed that actual slub geometrical parameters differ from nominal values and the difference had two level: prevailing difference and outlier values. Outliers which are considered slub yarn defects were detected and counted in a final report using the box plot statistical method which could be an effective industrial tool for evaluation of both yarn quality and machine performance. The prevailing difference was assessed using histogram comparison which could help in adjusting the setting of slub yarn device to obtain the required appearance.
Refractory Status Epilepticus: Experience in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hernandez O. H. , Zapata J. F. , Jimenez M. , Massaro M. , Guerra A. , Arango J. C. , Ciro J. D. , Delgado H. , Suarez J. I.
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) has significant morbidity and mortality, and its management requires an accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Objectives. To describe the experience of management of RSE in a neurological intensive care unit (NeuroICU) and determine predictors of short-term clinical outcome. Methods. We reviewed cases of RSE from September 2007 to December 2008. Management was titrated to findings on continuous video EEG (cVEEG). We collected patients’ demographics, RSE etiology, characteristics of seizures, cVEEG findings, treatments, and short-term outcome. Control of RSE was to achieve burst suppression pattern or electrographic cessation of ictal activity. Results. We included 80 patients; 63.8% were in coma, 25% had subclinical seizures, and 11.3% had focal activity. 51.3% were male and mean age was 45 years. Etiology was neurological lesion in 75.1%, uncontrolled epilepsy in 20%, and systemic derangements in 4.9%. 78.8% were treated with general anesthesia and concomitant anticonvulsant drugs. The control of RSE was 87.5% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 22.5%. The factors associated with unfavorable short-term outcome were coma and age over 60 years. Conclusions. RSE management guided by cVEEG is associated with a good seizure control. A multidisciplinary approach can help achieve a better short-term functional outcome in noncomatose patients.
Enhancing Hydrogen Diffusion in Silica Matrix by Using Metal Ion Implantation to Improve the Emission Properties of Silicon Nanocrystals
Authors: Bornacelli J. , Reyes-Esqueda J. A. , Rodríguez-Fernández L. , Ruvalcaba-Sil J. L. , Jaimes F. J. , Oliver A.
Published: January 2014

Efficient silicon-based light emitters continue to be a challenge. A great effort has been made in photonics to modify silicon in order to enhance its light emission properties. In this aspect silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) have become the main building block of silicon photonic (modulators, waveguide, source, and detectors). In this work, we present an approach based on implantation of Ag (or Au) ions and a proper thermal annealing in order to improve the photoluminescence (PL) emission of Si-NCs embedded in SiO2. The Si-NCs are obtained by ion implantation at MeV energy and nucleated at high depth into the silica matrix (1-2 μm under surface). Once Si-NCs are formed inside the SiO2we implant metal ions at energies that do not damage the Si-NCs. We have observed by, PL and time-resolved PL, that ion metal implantation and a subsequent thermal annealing in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere could significantly increase the emission properties of Si-NCs. Elastic Recoil Detection measurements show that the samples with an enhanced luminescence emission present a higher hydrogen concentration. This suggests that ion metal implantation enhances the hydrogen diffusion into silica matrix allowing a better passivation of surface defects on Si NCs.
Stochastic Separated Continuous Conic Programming: Strong Duality and a Solution Method
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing
Published: January 2014

We study a new class of optimization problems called stochastic separated continuous conic programming (SSCCP). SSCCP is an extension to the optimization model called separated continuous conic programming (SCCP) which has applications in robust optimization and sign‐constrained linear‐quadratic control. Based on the relationship among SSCCP, its dual, and their discretization counterparts, we develop a strong duality theory for the SSCCP. We also suggest a polynomial‐time approximation algorithm that solves the SSCCP to any predefined accuracy.
TPCA-1 Is a Direct Dual Inhibitor of STAT3 and NF-κB and Regresses Mutant EGFR-Associated Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Nan Jing , Du Yuping , Chen Xing , Bai Qifeng , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Xinxin , Zhu Ning , Zhang Jing , Hou Jianwen , Wang Qin , Yang Jinbo
Published: January 2014

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a clinical therapeutic target to treat a subset of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutants. However, some patients with a similar kind of EGFR mutation show intrinsic resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). It indicates that other key molecules are involved in the survival of these cancer cells. We showed here that 2-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-5 -(4-fluorophenyl)-3- thiophenecarboxamide (TPCA-1), a previously reported inhibitor of IκB kinases (IKK), blocked STAT3 recruitment to upstream kinases by docking into SH2 domain of STAT3 and attenuated STAT3 activity induced by cytokines and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. TPCA-1 is an effective inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation, DNA binding, and transactivation in vivo. It selectively repressed proliferation of NSCLC cells with constitutive STAT3 activation. In addition, using pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we found that both NF-κB and STAT3 could regulate the transcripts of interleukin (IL)-6 and COX-2 in NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. Moreover, gefitinib treatment only did not efficiently suppress NF-κB and STAT3 activity. In contrast, we found that treatment with TKIs increased phosho-STAT3 level in target cells. Inhibiting EGFR, STAT3, and NF-κB by combination of TKIs with TPCA-1 showed increased sensitivity and enhanced apoptosis induced by gefitinib. Collectively, in this work, we identified TPCA-1 as a direct dual inhibitor for both IKKs and STAT3, whereas treatment targeting EGFR only could not sufficiently repress NF-κB and STAT3 pathways for lung cancers harboring mutant EGFR. Therefore, synergistic treatment of TPCA-1 with TKIs has potential to be a more effective strategy for cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(3); 617–29. ©2014 AACR.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Mutation Analysis of 27 Chinese Cases of Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Su Chang , Gong Chunxiu , Sanger Paul , Li Wenjing , Wu Di , Gu Yi , Cao Bingyan
Published: January 2014

Objectives: Long-term clinical follow-up and mutation analysis were performed in 27 Chinese congenital hyperinsulinism patients. Method: 27 hypoglycemia patients were diagnosed with CHI within 2 years of age. The long-term clinical outcome was analyzed and mutation analysis of 5 hyperinsulinism candidate genes was performed. Results: The median onset age of hypoglycemia in the patients was 60 days; 11 patients showed hypoglycemic symptoms in the neonatal stage, and hypoglycemia in most of the patients was first expressed as a seizure. Blood was collected during the hypoglycemic episode and insulin levels were significantly elevated. ABCC8, KCNJ11, GCK, HNF4a and GLUD1 genes were screened for mutation analysis. 14 mutations in ABCC8 or KCNJ11 genes in 12 cases were identified (44%). 57% (8/14) of the mutations have not been reported before. 83% (10/12) of the patients have a monoallelic mutation. 58% of these 12 patients were predicted to be focal. 73% of the patients without KATP channel mutations were sensitive to diazoxide. 26 patients were followed over a period of 1-13 years. 50% of all 27 patients showed brain impairment. Conclusions: Chinese CHI patients are similar to other ethnic groups in terms of prevalence of KATP-HI, onset age, severity of hypoglycemia and treatment. Mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 are common causes of CHI in Chinese patients. Mutation analysis showed more novel and monoallele mutations in KATP genes.
Randomized, Within-Patient, Clinical Trial Comparing Fluorine-Synthetic Fiber Socks with Standard Cotton Socks in Improving Plantar Pustulosis
Authors: Cazzaniga Simone , Lo Scocco Giovanni , Schincaglia Emiliano , Mercuri Santo Raffaele , Chimenti Sergio , Saraceno Rosita , Naldi Luigi
Published: January 2014

Background/Aims: Rubbing the skin may influence the persistence of pustulosis over time. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new fabric made with fluorine-synthetic fiber in improving plantar pustulosis. Methods: A total of 17 patients were randomized to receive on one side a sock made of fluorine-synthetic fiber and on the other a sock made of cotton fabric for 4 weeks. The main outcome was the percentage reduction of lesional area at week 4. Results: The median lesion reduction at week 4 was 42.6% in the fluorine-synthetic fiber arm and 2.7% in the cotton arm (p = 0.148). Among secondary outcomes, the overall reduction over time in the treated areas was significantly in favor of the fluorine-synthetic fiber arm (p = 0.045) as well as the perception of the disease by the patient (p = 0.025). Conclusion: Despite the fact that the primary outcome was not reached, there was a tangible reduction in the extension of the treated areas and in the perception of the disease by the patient.
In vitro and in vivo characterisation of the profibrinolytic effect of an inhibitory anti-rat TAFI nanobody
Authors: Hendrickx Maarten L. V. , Zatloukalova Monika , Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh Gholamreza , Muyldermans Serge , Gils Ann , Declerck Paul J.
Published: January 2014

One of the main disadvantages of current t-PA thrombolytic treatment is the increased bleeding risk. Upon activation, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a very powerful antifibrinolytic enzyme. Therefore, co-administration of a TAFI inhibitor during thrombolysis could reduce the required t-PA dose without compromising the thrombolytic efficacy. In this study we generated and characterised a nanobody that is inhibitory towards rat TAFI and evaluated its profibrinolytic property in vitro and in vivo. Nanobody VHH-rTAFI-i81 inhibits (at a 16-fold molar ratio nanobody over TAFI) the thrombin/thrombomodulin (T/TM)-mediated activation of rat TAFI (rTAFI) by 83 ± 1.8% with an IC50 of 0.46 (molar ratio nanobody over TAFI). The affinity (KA) of VHH-rTAFI-i81 for rTAFI, as determined by surface plasmon resonance (Biacore®), is 2.5 ± 0.2 × 1010 M−1 and illustrates a very strong binding. In an in vitro clot lysis assay, administration of VHH-rTAFI-i81 strongly enhances the degree of lysis and reduces time to reach full lysis of t-PA-mediated clot lysis. Epitope mapping discloses that Lys392 is of primary importance for the nanobody/rTAFI interaction besides minor contributions of Tyr175 and Glu183. In vivo application of VHH-rTAFI-i81 in a tissue factor-induced mouse thromboembolism model significantly decreases fibrin deposition in the lungs in the absence of exogenous administered t-PA. Nanobody VHH-rTAFI-i81 is a very potent inhibitor of T/TM-mediated TAFI activation. Co-administration of this nanobody and t-PA enhances the fibrinolytic efficacy. In an in vivo mouse thromboembolism model, VHH-rTAFI-i81 reduces fibrin deposition in the lungs.
Automating the Explanation of Jazz Chord Progressions Using Idiomatic Analysis
Authors: Keller Robert , Schofield Alexandra , Toman-Yih August , Merritt Zachary , Elliott John
Published: January 2014

Musicians interested in improvising melodies often benefit from the ability to analyze chord progressions for tonality and from possession of an understanding of a range of idiomatic chord progressions. We describe automated analysis using an approach to representing idioms known as “bricks,” which can also be used in analysis of tonality. The brick nomenclature is attributed to Conrad Cork's “Lego Bricks” approach, as extended by John Elliott. We demonstrate a semi-automatic grammatical approach to analysis of chord sequences and sketch its implementation, which is available in the form of free, open-source software called Impro-Visor.
Modulating Brain Mechanisms Resolving Lexico-semantic Interference during Word Production: A Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Study
Authors: Henseler Ilona , Mädebach Andreas , Kotz Sonja A. , Jescheniak Jörg D.
Published: January 2014

The aim of the current study was to shed further light on control processes that shape semantic access and selection during speech production. These processes have been linked to differential cortical activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG); however, the particular function of these regions is not yet completely elucidated. We applied transcranial direct current stimulation to the left IFG and the left MTG (or sham stimulation) while participants named pictures in the presence of associatively related, categorically related, or unrelated distractor words. This direct modulation of target regions can help to better delineate the functional role of these regions in lexico-semantic selection. Independent of stimulation, the data show interference (i.e., longer naming latencies) with categorically related distractors and facilitation (i.e., shorter naming latencies) with associatively related distractors. Importantly, stimulation location interacted with the associative effect. Whereas the semantic interference effect did not differ between IFG, MTG, and sham stimulations, the associative facilitation effect was diminished under MTG stimulation. Analyses of latency distributions suggest this pattern to result from a response reversal. Associative facilitation occurred for faster responses, whereas associative interference resulted in slower responses under MTG stimulation. This reduction of the associative facilitation effect under transcranial direct current stimulation may be caused by an unspecific overactivation in the lexicon or by promoting competition among associatively related representations. Taken together, the results suggest that the MTG is especially involved in the processes underlying associative facilitation and that semantic interference and associative facilitation are linked to differential activation in the brain.
A pictorial key to the species of Aedes (Ochlerotatus and Coetzeemyia) in the Afrotropical Region (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: HUANG YIAU-MIN , RUEDA LEOPOLDO M.
Published: January 2014

Six species of the subgenus Ochlerotatus and one species of the subgenus Coetzeemyia of the genus Aedes in the Afrotropical Region are treated in a pictorial key based on diagnostic morphological features. Brief remarks on the new reclassification of the genus Aedes are also included.
Modeling Study of Variable Upwelling Circulation in the East China Sea: Response to a Coastal Promontory
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Gan Jianping
Published: January 2014

A three-dimensional, high-resolution numerical model is used to investigate processes and dynamics of an intensified upwelling that is induced by a coastal promontory over the East China Sea (ECS) shelf. The center of the intensified upwelling around the promontory has been constantly observed, but, so far, it has been dynamically unexplained. Forced by an idealized southeasterly wind stress, the model results well capture the observed upwelling at the lee of the coastal promontory. The intensified upwelling is formed by a strengthened shoreward transport downstream of the promontory as the upwelling jet veers shoreward. The jet is mainly controlled by a cross-shore geostrophic balance and is largely modulated by both centrifugal acceleration associated with nonlinear advection and by bottom stress. The strengthened shoreward transport is mainly attributed to the cross-shore geostrophic current that is induced by a countercurrent (negative) pressure gradient force (PGF) and partly attributed to the bottom Ekman transport. Based on the analyses of the momentum balance and depth-integrated vorticity dynamics, the authors provide a new explanation for the origin of negative PGF. It is found that the countercurrent PGF is generated by negative bottom stress curl and strengthened by negative vorticity advection downstream of the promontory. While the negative bottom stress curl arises from bottom shear vorticity, the source of negative advection downstream of the promontory is the negative shear vorticity on the seaside of the shoreward-bent jet. Nevertheless, cyclonic curvature vorticity at the bottom and positive vorticity advection in the water column at the promontory weakens the negative PGF. Although nonlinear advection strengthens vorticity advection, it weakens bottom stress curl and has little net effect on the countercurrent PGF.
Ending Ethnic Civil Wars: By Negotiations or by Military Defeat? Lessons on security from Sri Lanka
Authors: Weiberg-Salzmann Mirjam
Published: January 2014

At the beginning of 21st century (ethnic) civil wars have been proliferate all over the world. Many ethnic conflicts – for example the conflict in Sri Lankan between the Sinhalese majority government and the guerrilla fighters of the Tamil minority – are characterized by constant efforts for conflict resolution interspersed with renewed violence, with cycles of military escalation and de-escalation. Also, they are marked by the helplessness of the international actors, who profess their interest in a resolution and try to mediate between the contending parties. But they are rarely successful – why? I assume that the most important question in war and peacetime is whether security is possible to achieve to prevent the security dilemma escalating. In many Asian and African countries people perceive politics and security in ethnic terms. Thus how a party defines security is of decisive importance concerning whether a conflict can end in peace or will be solved militarily. Within an exclusive security concept, security can only persist if the other is annihilated or oppressed by military means, while inclusive security concepts can achieve security by special arrangements, peace agreements or security guarantees. Third parties, who are engaged in mediating violent conflicts, have to keep in mind that it is the elusive balance of these security schemes which determine successful negotiations and at least a permanent solution. To reach a lasting peace it is not sufficient for external actors to provide security; in the long run, they must transform exclusive into inclusive security concepts.
Scaffoldless Tissue-engineered Dental Pulp Cell Constructs for Endodontic Therapy
Authors: Syed-Picard F.N. , Ray H.L. , Kumta P.N. , Sfeir C.
Published: January 2014

A major cause of apical periodontitis after endodontic treatment is the bacterial infiltration which could have been challenged by the presence of a vital pulp. In this study, self-assembled, scaffoldless, three-dimensional (3D) tissues were engineered from dental pulp cells (DPCs) and assessed as a device for pulp regeneration. These engineered tissues were placed into the canal space of human tooth root segments that were capped on one end with calcium phosphate cement, and the entire system was implanted subcutaneously into mice. Histological staining indicated that after three- and five-month implantations, tooth roots containing 3D scaffoldless engineered tissues maintained a cellular, fibrous tissue throughout, whereas empty tooth roots remained predominantly empty. Immunostaining indicated that the tissue found in the root canals containing scaffoldless DPC engineered tissues was vascular, as characterized by the expression of CD31, and contained odontoblast-like cells organized along the length of the root wall as assessed by immunostaining for dentin sialoprotein. This study shows that 3D self-assembled scaffoldless DPC engineered tissues can regenerate a vital dental pulp–like tissue in a tooth root canal system and are therefore promising for endodontic therapy.
Genes in the Dopaminergic System and Delinquent Behaviors Across the Life Course
Authors: Boardman Jason D. , Menard Scott , Roettger Michael E. , Knight Kelly E. , Boutwell Brian B. , Smolen Andrew
Published: January 2014

This article examines the interaction between social control and social risk mechanisms, and genes within the dopaminergic system (DAT1 and DRD2) as related to serious and violent forms of delinquent behavior among adolescents and young adults. We use nine waves of data from the National Youth Survey Family Study (NYSFS) to examine the relevance of protective or risky social factors at four social levels, including school, neighborhood, friends, and family within the gene–environment interaction framework. We extend previous work in this area by providing a testable typology of gene–environment interactions derived from current theories in this area. We find consistent evidence that the associations between putatively risky genotypes and delinquent behavior are suppressed within protective social environments. We also provide some evidence that supports the differential susceptibility hypothesis for these outcomes. Our findings largely confirm the conclusions of previous work and continue to highlight the critical role of the social environment within candidate gene studies of complex behaviors.
Epistemic and Technological Determinism in Development Aid
Authors: Cherlet Jan
Published: January 2014

Since the turn of the millennium, the major development agencies have been promoting “knowledge for development,” “ICT for development,” or the “knowledge economy” as new paradigms to prompt development in less-developed countries. These paradigms display an unconditional trust in the power of Western technology and scientific knowledge to trigger development—they taste of epistemic and technological determinism. This article probes, by means of a genealogy, how and when development cooperation began adhering to epistemic and technological determinism, and which forms this adhesion has taken over time. The genealogy shows, first, that knowledge and technology have always been integrally part of the very “development” idea since this idea was shaped during enlightenment. Second, while the genealogy reveals that epistemic and technological determinism were embedded in the development idea from the very beginning, it also illustrates that the determinism has always been challenged by critical voices.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: the lesser invasive thoracic surgery
Authors: Roubelakis Apostolos , Modi Amit , Holman Melanie , Casali Gianluca , Khan Ali Zamir
Published: January 2014

Objectives

We evaluated whether single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery is feasible without compromising outcomes, and whether the technique could be reproduced by a trainee.

Methods

In a 6-month period, 37 operations were performed by single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery. Of the 37 patients, 27 (73%) were male and the mean age was 45.1 ± 21 years. Twenty-three (62%) were operated on by consultants and 14 (38%) by trainees. The procedures included 19 (51.3%) operations for treatment of pneumothoraces, 8 (21.6%) metastasectomies, 7 (18.9%) lung biopsies, 2 (5.4%) empyema débridements, and 1 (2.7%) pleuropericardial window.

Results

Mean operative time was 51.8 ± 14.7 min. Patient-controlled analgesia infusion was used for 1.3 ± 1 days. Three (8.1%) patients needed an operative reintervention, but there was no intensive treatment unit admission or hospital mortality. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.3 ± 2.7 days. On follow-up, all patients had a tissue diagnosis and all lung nodules were R0 resections. Patients operated on by consultants and trainees had similar preoperative profiles and postoperative outcomes, except that those operated on by trainees used patient-controlled analgesia significantly longer (1.8 ± 1.48 vs. 1 ± 0.48 days; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery can be performed and reproduced well without compromising outcomes. It is considered aesthetically better and may reduce analgesic requirements, but it might not reduce hospital stay.
Boundaries and bridges: The influence of James Cooksey Culwick on the development of the teaching and learning of music in 19th-century Ireland
Authors: Stakelum Mary
Published: January 2014

James Cooksey Culwick (1845–1907) was born in England. Trained as chorister and organist in Lichfield Cathedral, he moved to Ireland at 21 and remained there until his death in 1907. Although his reputation as scholar, musician and teacher was acknowledged widely during his lifetime – he received an honorary doctorate from University of Dublin (1893) – little has been documented about the contribution he made to music education. This article addresses this gap in the literature and argues that it was Culwick’s singular achievement to pay attention to music pedagogy at secondary level, by recognizing that music could be seen as a serious career option for girls, and by providing a resource for teachers which could be used with pupils of all abilities. In addition, he considered Irish music as an art that had significance as music first, and Irish music second, and advocated a “laudable tolerance” for opposing views on matters of cultural identity to Ireland at the end of the 19th century.
An advertising aesthetic: Real beauty and visual impairment
Authors: Bolt David
Published: January 2014

This article considers critical responses to disability in 20th-century Anglo-American advertisements from which a problematic advertising aesthetic emerges. The aesthetic is used to test the progressiveness of a recent trilogy of Dove advertisements that represents visual impairment. The conclusion is that while there has been much progress, the ableist advertising aesthetic of decades ago remains an issue in the 21st century. More specifically, the Dove advertisements are found to be underpinned by ocularcentrism, despite their apparent appreciation of visual impairment.
An enquiry into passive and active exclusion from unreachable artworks in the museum: Two case studies of final-year students at California School for the Blind studying artworks through galleries and on the web
Authors: Hayhoe Simon J
Published: January 2014

Two case studies of students from California School for the Blind studying artworks in museums and on the Web are discussed. The analysis focuses on the traditional understanding that unreachable artworks in the museum are deciphered by non-intellectual elites primarily from the perspective of visual perception and museums are simple vessels of art, as contended by Ernst Gombrich and Pierre Bourdieu, and that exclusion is either passive or active. It is also argued that there is a bridge between sensing an object and understanding it that is beyond perceptions. The article concludes that the two students featured in the case studies were more likely to be passively rather than actively excluded from unreachable and two-dimensional artworks, and that they could still develop a symbolic intellectual and emotional connection with these artworks and the museum through verbal descriptions and being in their presence.
To Give Is to Get
Authors: Ely Todd L. , Calabrese Thad D.
Published: January 2014

Public managers and elected officials are generally restricted from supporting election campaigns with public resources. In the case of legislative referenda, the public stakeholders responsible for putting a policy question on the ballot must play a neutral role when acting in their official capacity. A system where private money supports public goals has emerged as regulatory provisions simultaneously restrict direct private giving to elected officials and public support for election campaigns. Using campaign finance disclosures, election results, and municipal bond issuance data, we find that post-election fees paid to firms making political contributions are significantly higher than for non-contributors. The finding improves the understanding of how private dollars support public policy outcomes, raises questions about the circumvention of laws restricting the use of public resources in election campaigns, and informs ongoing consideration of the need for additional regulatory action and disclosure requirements to address issue committee campaign contributions.
Succinylated polysaccharide-based thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex for protein drug delivery
Authors: Jung Young-Seok , Park Wooram , Na Kun
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex, based on polysaccharides, as carriers for long-term protein delivery. We developed a thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex formed through combined electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The copolymer (succinylated pullulan -poly(l-lactide)) showed thermosensitivity in aqueous solution and complexed with protein (lysozyme) via electrostatic attractions and hydrophobic interactions at physiological temperature which formed a thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex. The particle size of the thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex was decreased from ~520 nm at 4°C to ~190 nm at 37.5°C. These thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complexes were stable in serum and salt conditions, and maintained the bioactivity of encapsulated protein for 36 days. The thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complex had prolonged in vivo stability that was greater than the polyelectrostatic complex. Based on stability and bioactivity tests for the lysozyme-loaded thermosensitive polyelectrostatic complexes, the potential of the long-term protein delivery carrier in physiological conditions was confirmed.
Changes in Health Behaviors and Their Associations With Depressive Symptoms Among Israelis Aged 50+
Authors: Khalaila Rabia , Litwin Howard
Published: January 2014

Objective: To examine the longitudinal association between changes in health behaviors and depression and determine the mediating effect of health characteristics on this association. Method: Based on the first and second waves of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)-Israel, depressive symptoms of 1,524 Israelis aged 50 or older were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Changes in physical activity and body weight are associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for confounders. However, after adding measures of health, the respective correlations of weight gain and commenced physical activity with depression disappear, and the correlation between continued activity and depression is reduced. Discussion: Changes in health behaviors are related to mental health in late life, but their effect is mediated by physical and functional health. Future interventions should nevertheless target older individuals who stop physical activity and those who remain inactive to lessen the risk of depression.
Subsidiary autonomy over industrial relations in Ireland and Spain
Authors: Belizón María Jesús , Gunnigle Patrick , Morley Michael J , Lavelle Jonathan
Published: January 2014

This article uses two parallel large-scale surveys in Ireland and Spain to test explanations of the variation in the autonomy of foreign subsidiaries of multinational companies over industrial relations policies, in particular regarding trade union engagement and employee consultation. We bring together three strands of literature: home- and host-country effects, organizational context and international human resources structures. Our results call attention to the significance of institutional effects, along with mode of entry of the subsidiary and the trajectory of new investments.
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Authors: Soares Paula , Celestino Ricardo , Gaspar da Rocha Adriana , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel
Published: January 2014

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTmC) has been increasing everywhere due to the improvement of imaging and morphological diagnoses and probably also due to environmental alterations. Despite this, the mortality caused by thyroid cancer has not increased, reflecting the low clinical aggressiveness of most papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and the quality of the available treatment. The criteria used to classify PTmC remain questionable, making the clinical risk evaluation of these lesions very difficult. There is no solid basis for establishing the most appropriate tumor size (currently <10 mm) to distinguish PTmC from PTC. Moreover, PTmCs encompass all sorts of PTC histotypes, thus turning the whole group of PTmC genetically and biologically heterogeneous. In this review, we address the 2 most interesting issues from a practical standpoint: Are there any specific morphological or molecular features distinguishing PTmC from PTC? Is it possible to predict the clinical behavior of PTmC in fine needle aspiration biopsy and in surgical specimens, using morphological and/or molecular markers?
Organizing masculine bodies in rugby league football: groomed to fail
Authors: Coupland Christine
Published: January 2014

In the article I argue that a study of high contact sports, such as rugby league, can illuminate a discursive space in which the production of organized, docile, masculine, bodies, engaged in emotional labour are crafted and mobilized through disciplinary practices. Participants from a rugby league football club and their trainers have been interviewed and observed as part of a larger ethnographic study. The analysis provides a contrast to and develops understanding from studies of the organized female body, which have long argued that they are subject to disciplinary forces in the workplace (e.g. Trethewey, 1999), by illustrating how masculine bodies may also be made docile in particular organizational contexts. The article explores the organization of masculine bodies in professional sport as an example of the production of masculinity in a work environment. I conclude by suggesting that these masculine bodies are worked upon to be fit for organizational purpose in a similar way to how women’s bodies are crafted to fit in male-dominated work environments. This is not simply through an imposition of more powerful ideologies but as simultaneous products and producers of the organized body. Furthermore, despite these efforts, the bodies become no longer fit for use with the passage of time. The erosion of ability due to injury and competition from younger, fitter, bodies ensure that their working lives are brought to an abrupt close.
Isolated bilateral horizontal gaze palsy as first manifestation of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kipfer Stefan , Crook David W
Published: January 2014

Predilection sites for infratentorial multiple sclerosis lesions are well known and frequently involve the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis leading to classical internuclear ophthalmoplegia. We report a very rare oculomotor disorder due to a demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) lesion in the medial part of the lower pontine tegmentum. A 36-year-old man presented with sudden onset of blurred vision. Clinically there was limited eye adduction and abduction to either side, which corresponds to bilateral horizontal gaze palsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a demyelinating CNS lesion affecting the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis, abducens nuclei or abducens fibres in the medial part of the lower pontine tegmentum. Furthermore there were six further demyelinating white matter lesions fulfilling all Barkhof criteria for multiple sclerosis. Demyelinating CNS lesions causing isolated bilateral horizontal gaze palsy are exceptional and usually associated with further focal neurological deficits, which was not the case in the presenting patient. This is a unique video report of isolated bilateral horizontal gaze palsy as the initial manifestation of demyelinating CNS disease, which lead to definite diagnosis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.