bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss metabolic rate is affected by dietary Aloe vera inclusion but not by mounting an immune response against formalin‐killed Aeromonas salmonicida
Authors: Zanuzzo F. S. , Urbinati E. C. , Nash G. W. , Gamperl A. K.
Published: May 2015

The oxygen consumption of two groups of 10° C acclimated steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was measured for 72 h after they were given a 100 µl kg−1 intraperitoneal injection of formalin‐killed Aeromonas salmonicida (ASAL) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). In addition, plasma cortisol levels were measured in fish from both groups prior to, and 1 and 3 h after, they were given a 30 s net stress. The first group was fed an unaltered commercial diet for 4 weeks, whereas the second group was fed the same diet but with 0·5% (5 g kg−1) Aloe vera powder added; A. vera has potential as an immunostimulant for use in aquaculture, but its effects on basal and acute phase response (APR)‐related metabolic expenditures and stress physiology, are unknown. Injection of ASAL v. PBS had no measurable effect on the of O. mykiss indicating that the APR in this species is not associated with any net increase in energy expenditure. In contrast, incorporating 0·5% A. vera powder into the feed decreased routine metabolic rate by c. 8% in both injection groups and standard metabolic rate in the ASAL‐injected group (by c. 4 mg O2 kg−1 h−1; 5%). Aloe vera fed fish had resting cortisol levels that were approximately half of those in fish on the commercial diet (c. 2·5 v. 5·0 ng ml−1), but neither this difference nor those post‐stress reached statistical significance (P > 0·05).
Defense mechanisms of sargassacean species against the epiphytic red alga Neosiphonia harveyi
Authors: Nakajima Noboru , Ohki Kaori , Kamiya Mitsunobu
Published: May 2015

Flora diversity and abundance of epiphytes are specific to their basiphyte species and may relate to variations in the defensive abilities of basiphytes. Thus, investigating the interactions between epiphytes and basiphytes is useful for a better understanding of the biological impact of epiphytism and the survival strategies of basiphytes. We examined the epiphyte density on five sargassacean species at six locations between two study sites, which showed that the epiphytic red alga Neosiphonia harveyi was remarkably less abundant on Sargassum siliquastrum at all locations. To assess its defense mechanism against N. harveyi, we performed bioassays of phlorotannins, which are considered effective in deterring fouling, by culturing sargassacean blades with N. harveyi carpospores and observed the process by which sargassacean blades remove epiphytes. When the carpospores were incubated with various concentrations of dissolved phlorotannins, settlement and germination were inhibited only at the highest concentrations (>0.1 g · L−1), and this effect did not significantly differ among the five sargassacean species. When the carpospores were combined with blades from the five species, many of the spores attached and germinated on every blade. Because N. harveyi penetrated rhizoids into basiphyte tissues, cuticle peeling observed in all five sargassacean species could not remove this epiphyte after germination. However, in S. siliquastrum, the blade tissues around the germlings became swollen and disintegrative, and were removed together with the germlings. The spores normally grew on the dead blades, suggesting that the tissue degradation of S. siliquastrum is triggered by the infection of N. harveyi.
Creative Spirituality: Entering the World of Tagore's Jivan Devata
Authors: Bhattacharya Kumkum
Published: May 2015

Rabindranath Tagore has been hailed as a deeply spiritual poet, an identity that is abundantly revealed in the Gitanjali poems where we see a spirituality that is almost stripped of all embellishment and trappings and we see Tagore absorbed in surrender to the Supreme Being. Tagore conceived Jivan Devata in quite a different way. This concept has been variously interpreted by scholars and critics – many have argued that Jivan Devata is another name for the poetic muse while there are some who have argued that Jivan Devata is sublimated spirituality. However, it has come to be accepted as an important link in the understanding of Tagore's creativity given the extent and intensity of Tagore's engagement with the concept over a long period of his life. This paper argues that there is enough room for more nuanced understanding of Jivan Devata through which we may reach a ‘more complete’ understanding of Tagore's creativity. The paper attempts to develop the trope of ‘creative spirituality’ founded on reciprocity between the self and creative energy as a satisfactory explanation of Jivan Devata.
Intermittent cardiac overload results in adaptive hypertrophy and provides protection against left ventricular acute pressure overload insult
Authors: Moreira‐Gonçalves Daniel , Henriques‐Coelho Tiago , Fonseca Hélder , Ferreira Rita , Padrão Ana Isabel , Santa Cátia , Vieira Sara , Silva Ana Filipa , Amado Francisco , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Duarte José Alberto
Published: May 2015

Key points

The present study aimed to test whether a chronic intermittent workload could induce an adaptive cardiac phenotype

Chronic intermittent workload induced features of adaptive hypertrophy

This was paralleled by protection against acute pressure overload insult

The heart may adapt favourably to balanced demands, regardless of the nature of the stimuli.

The present study aimed to test whether submitting the healthy heart to intermittent and tolerable amounts of workload, independently of its nature, could result in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Male Wistar rats were subjected to treadmill running (Ex) (n = 20), intermittent cardiac overload with dobutamine (ITO) (2 mg kg–1, s.c.; n = 20) or placebo administration (Cont) (n = 20) for 5 days week–1 for 8 weeks. Animals were then killed for histological and biochemical analysis or subjected to left ventricular haemodynamic evaluation under baseline conditions, in response to isovolumetric contractions and to sustained LV acute pressure overload (35% increase in peak systolic pressure maintained for 2 h). Baseline cardiac function was enhanced only in Ex, whereas the response to isovolumetric heartbeats was improved in both ITO and Ex. By contrast to the Cont group, in which rats developed diastolic dysfunction with sustained acute pressure overload, ITO and Ex showed increased tolerance to this stress test. Both ITO and Ex developed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy without fibrosis, no overexpression of osteopontin‐1 or β‐myosin heavy chain, and increased expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ protein. Regarding hypertrophic pathways, ITO and Ex showed activation of the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway but not calcineurin. Mitochondrial complex IV and V activities were also increased in ITO and Ex. Chronic submission to controlled intermittent cardiac overload, independently of its nature, results in an adaptive cardiac phenotype. Features of the cardiac overload, such as the duration and magnitude of the stimuli, may play a role in the development of an adaptive or maladaptive phenotype.
Demonstration of an AlGaN-based solar-blind high-voltage photoconductive switch
Authors: Chen Yunfeng , Lu Hai , Chen Dunjun , Ren Fangfang , Zhou Dong , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: May 2015

A solar-blind photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) is first fabricated on high-resistivity Al0.4Ga0.6N layer grown on sapphire substrate. The PCSS exhibits a cutoff wavelength of ∼280 nm and a dark resistivity of ∼1012 Ω cm. A maximum blocking voltage of more than 950 V is obtained, corresponding to a breakdown electric-field of >1.35 MV/cm for the active AlGaN layer. When excited by a 266 nm ultraviolet pulsed laser, the PCSS under 500 V bias could produce a peak photocurrent density of 11.5 kA/cm2 within a rise time of ∼15 ns. The fall time of the photocurrent pulse is mainly RC time limited.
Targeting the duodenum to control diabetes
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: May 2015

Resveratrol and metformin act in the intestine, stimulating a gut-brain-liver axis that improves organismal glucose metabolism.
Antibodies Targeting the Envelope of HIV-1
Authors: Mayr Luzia M. , Zolla-Pazner Susan
Published: May 2015

Antibodies (Abs) are a critical component of the human immune response against viral infections. In HIV-infected patients, a robust Ab response against the virus develops within months of infection; however, due to numerous strategies, the virus usually escapes the biological effects of the various Abs. Here we provide an overview of the different viral evasion mechanisms, including glycosylation, high mutation rate, and conformational masking by the envelope glycoproteins of the virus. In response to virus infection and to its evolution within a host, “conventional Abs” are generated, and these can also be induced by immunization; generally, these Abs are limited in their neutralization breadth and potency. In contrast, “exceptional Abs” require extended exposure to virus to generate the required hypermutation in the immunoglobulin variable regions, and they occur only in rare HIV-infected individuals, but they display impressive breadth and potency. In this review, we describe the major regions of the HIV envelope spike that are targeted by conventional and exceptional Abs. These include the first, second, and third variable loops (V1, V2, and V3) located at the apex of the envelope trimer, the CD4 binding site, and the membrane-proximal external region of the gp41 ectodomain. Lastly, we discuss the challenging task of HIV immunogen design and approaches for choosing which immunogens might be used to elicit protective Abs.
Mobile DNA in the Pathogenic
Neisseria
Authors: Obergfell Kyle P. , Seifert H. Steven
Published: May 2015

The genus
Neisseria
contains two pathogenic species of prominant public health concern:
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
and
Neisseria meningitidis
. These pathogens display a notable ability to undergo frequent programmed recombination events. The recombination-mediated pathways of transformation and pilin antigenic variation in the
Neisseria
are well-studied systems that are critical for pathogenesis. Here we will detail the conserved and unique aspects of transformation and antigenic variation in the
Neisseria
. Transformation will be followed from initial DNA binding through recombination into the genome with consideration to the factors necessary at each step. Additional focus is paid to the unique type IV secretion system that mediates donation of transforming DNA in the pathogenic
Neisseria
. The pilin antigenic variation system uses programmed recombinations to alter a major surface determinant, which allows immune avoidance and promotes infection. We discuss the
trans
- and
cis
- acting factors which facilitate pilin antigenic variation and present the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process.
DNA Recombination Strategies During Antigenic Variation in the African Trypanosome
Authors: McCulloch Richard , Morrison Liam J. , Hall James P.J.
Published: May 2015

Survival of the African trypanosome in its mammalian hosts has led to the evolution of antigenic variation, a process for evasion of adaptive immunity that has independently evolved in many other viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens. The essential features of trypanosome antigenic variation have been understood for many years and comprise a dense, protective Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat, which can be changed by recombination-based and transcription-based processes that focus on telomeric
VSG
gene transcription sites. However, it is only recently that the scale of this process has been truly appreciated. Genome sequencing of
Trypanosoma brucei
has revealed a massive archive of >1000
VSG
genes, the huge majority of which are functionally impaired but are used to generate far greater numbers of VSG coats through segmental gene conversion. This chapter will discuss the implications of such VSG diversity for immune evasion by antigenic variation, and will consider how this expressed diversity can arise, drawing on a growing body of work that has begun to examine the proteins and sequences through which VSG switching is catalyzed. Most studies of trypanosome antigenic variation have focused on
T. brucei
, the causative agent of human sleeping sickness. Other work has begun to look at antigenic variation in animal-infective trypanosomes, and we will compare the findings that are emerging, as well as consider how antigenic variation relates to the dynamics of host–trypanosome interaction.
Site-specific DNA Inversion by Serine Recombinases
Authors: Johnson Reid C.
Published: May 2015

Reversible site-specific DNA inversion reactions are widely distributed in bacteria and their viruses. They control a range of biological reactions that most often involve alterations of molecules on the surface of cells or phage. These programmed DNA rearrangements usually occur at a low frequency, thereby preadapting a small subset of the population to a change in environmental conditions, or in the case of phages, an expanded host range. A dedicated recombinase, sometimes with the aid of additional regulatory or DNA architectural proteins, catalyzes the inversion of DNA. RecA or other components of the general recombination-repair machinery are not involved. This chapter discusses site-specific DNA inversion reactions mediated by the serine recombinase family of enzymes and focuses on the extensively studied serine DNA invertases that are stringently controlled by the Fis-bound enhancer regulatory system. The first section summarizes biological features and general properties of inversion reactions by the Fis/enhancer-dependent serine invertases and the recently described serine DNA invertases inBacteroides. Mechanistic studies of reactions catalyzed by the Hin and Gin invertases are then explored in more depth, particularly with regards to recent advances in our understanding of the function of the Fis/enhancer regulatory system. These include the steps leading to the formation of the active recombination complex (invertasome) containing the recombinase tetramer and Fis/enhancer element and the process of DNA strand exchange by rotation of synapsed subunit pairs within the invertasome. The role of DNA topological forces that function in concert with the Fis/enhancer controlling element in specifying the overwhelming bias for DNA inversion over deletion and intermolecular recombination is also discussed.
Surgical outcomes of the endoscopic transsphenoidal route to pituitary tumours in paediatric patients >10 years of age: 5 years of experience at a single institute
Authors: Zhan Rucai , Xu Guangming , Wiebe Timothy M , Li Xingang
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) for the management of pituitary adenomas in paediatric patients >10 years of age.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify 56 paediatric patients between 10 and 18 years of age who underwent an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for the resection of a pituitary adenoma during the last 5 years. The age, sex, symptoms, tumour size, extent of tumour resection, clinical outcome and surgical complications of patients were reviewed.

Results

Total resection was achieved in 49 (87.5%) cases, subtotal resection was achieved in 7 (12.5%) cases and no patient had a partial or insufficient resection. Of the 35 patients who experienced preoperative deterioration of vision, 33 (94.2%) achieved visual remission with rates of 34.2% and 60% for normalisation and improvement, respectively. Endocrinological normalisation was achieved in 13 (31.7%) of 41 patients who had preoperative hyperhormonal levels; hormone levels decreased in 25 (61.0%) patients, and 3 (7.3%) patients had no change in hormone level. Two (3.5%) patients incurred postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which was resolved after lumbar drainage. Four (7.1%) patients developed hypopituitarism, which required hormone therapy. Post-surgery, five (8.9%) patients incurred transient diabetes insipidus (DI), of which one (1.7%) patient developed persistent DI and was administered Minirin. Meningitis occurred in one (1.7%) patient who was cured by the administration of a third-generation antibiotic. There were no cases of intracranial haematoma, reoperation or death.

Conclusions

EETA allows neurosurgeons to safely and effectively remove paediatric pituitary adenomas with low morbidity and mortality.
Altered Structural and Functional Feature of Striato-Cortical Circuit in Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes
Authors: Luo Cheng , Zhang Yaodan , Cao Weifang , Huang Yue , Yang Fei , Wang Jianjun , Tu Shipeng , Wang Xiaoming , Yao Dezhong
Published: May 2015

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECT) is the most common form of childhood idiopathic focal epilepsy syndrome. We investigated quantitative evidence regarding brain morphology and functional connectivity features to provide insight into the neuroanatomical foundation of this disorder, using high resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting state functional MRI in 21 patients with BECT and in 20 healthy children. The functional connectivity analysis, seeded at the regions with altered gray-matter (GM) volume in voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis, was further performed. Then, the observed structural and functional alteration were investigated for their association with the clinical and behavior manifestations. The increased GM volume in the striatum and fronto-temporo-parietal cortex (striato-cortical circuit) was observed in BECT. The decreased connections were found among the motor network and frontostriatal loop, and between the default mode network (DMN) and language regions. Additionally, the GM of striatum was negatively correlated with age at epilepsy onset. The current observations may contribute to the understanding of the altered structural and functional feature of striato-cortical circuit in patients with BECT. The findings also implied alterations of the motor network and DMN, which were associated with the epileptic activity in patients with BECT. This further suggested that the onset of BECT might have enduring structural and functional effects on brain maturation.
Nonlocal electrical diffusion equation
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Escobar-Jiménez R. F. , Olivares-Peregrino V. H. , Benavides-Cruz M. , Calderón-Ramón C.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present an analysis and modeling of the electrical diffusion equation using the fractional calculus approach. This alternative representation for the current density is expressed in terms of the Caputo derivatives, the order for the space domain is [Formula: see text] and for the time domain is [Formula: see text]. We present solutions for the full fractional equation involving space and time fractional derivatives using numerical methods based on Fourier variable separation. The case with spatial fractional derivatives leads to Levy flight type phenomena, while the time fractional equation is related to sub- or super diffusion. We show that the mathematical concept of fractional derivatives can be useful to understand the behavior of semiconductors, the design of solar panels, electrochemical phenomena and the description of anomalous complex processes.
Time-harmonic Analytic Solution for an Acoustic Plane Wave Scattering off an Isotropic Poroelastic Cylinder: Convergence and Form Function
Authors: Ou Miao-Jung Yvonne , Lemoine Grady I.
Published: May 2015

The scattering of a plane wave incident obliquely upon an infinite poroelastic cylinder immersed in inviscid fluid is investigated in this paper. Convergence analysis of the series expansion of the solutions for various interface conditions is conducted and it provides a priori estimates on number of terms necessary for achieving a desired accuracy. In contrast to the existing results in the literature, we consider viscous pore fluid and arbitrary interface discharge efficiency [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the approach presented here does not require any restriction on the viscodynamic operator of the poroelastic equations and hence it can handle general cases beyond the dissipation models proposed by Biot and by Johnson, Koplik and Dashen. The back scattering form function is then calculated from the coefficients of the series solution. Numerical results with various incident angles and interface discharge efficiencies are also presented in this paper.
Formation of the initial distribution of matter inhomogeneities in the era of radiation domination
Authors: Portnov Yuriy A.
Published: May 2015

This paper considers the dependence of the Universe expansion rate in the era of radiation domination of the orbital angular momentum of photons filling the Universe. It is shown that the presence of a nonzero orbital angular momentum in photons leads to increase in the rate of expansion. As a consequence, the hypothesis is made that areas of the Universe, having photons with nonzero orbital angular momentum inside them, will cool faster. In these areas the elementary particles will form earlier, compared to the rest of the Universe. Therefore, these areas become the future centers of the primary material inhomogeneity.
Runtime Resource Allocation for Software Pipelines
Authors: Jahn Janmartin , Pagani Santiago , Kobbe Sebastian , Chen Jian-Jia , Henkel Jörg
Published: May 2015

Efficiently allocating the computational resources of many-core systems is one of the most prominent challenges, especially when resource requirements may vary unpredictably at runtime. This is even more challenging when facing unreliable cores—a scenario that becomes common as the number of cores increases and integration sizes shrink.

To address this challenge, this article presents an optimal method for the allocation of the resources to software-pipelined applications. Here we show how runtime observations of the resource requirements of tasks can be used to adapt resource allocations. Furthermore, we show how the optimum can be traded for a high degree of scalability by clustering applications in a distributed, hierarchical manner. To diminish the negative effects of unreliable cores, this article shows how self-organization can effectively restore the integrity of such a hierarchy when it is corrupted by a failing core. Experiments on Intel’s 48-core Single-Chip Cloud Computer and in a many-core simulator show that a significant improvement in system throughput can be achieved over the current state of the art.
Between the lines
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: May 2015

Smartphone apps are driving changes in the way people park. Sensors, crowdsourcing, and big data are making it easier to find open parking spots.
Q&A: The Path to Clean Data
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: May 2015

Michael Stonebraker on Ingres, Postgres, dividing his time between academia and start-ups, and why "one size fits none."
Adapting Distributed LT codes to Y-Networks: An Abstraction of Collection Tree in Sensor Networks
Authors: Jafarizadeh Saber , Jamalipour Abbas
Published: May 2015

The conventional approach for collecting data in sensor networks is the combination of automatic repeat-request techniques with a collection tree scheme in which all routes end up in the sink node. A high number of acknowledgments and retransmissions is the main drawback of this scheme. Erasure-correcting codes, in particular Fountain codes, can be employed to reduce the number of retransmissions. In the collection tree scheme, it is common for multiple routes to share a bottleneck. In such scenarios, to reach the optimal network throughput, it is necessary to combine the Fountain codes and Network Coding (NC) technique. Y-networks can be considered as an abstraction to this scenario. This article proposes a new algorithm, namely, Adaptive Distributed LT code (ADLT), for combining LT codes with NC in Y-networks. The ADLT algorithm enables belief propagation decoding by employing a novel technique called degree distribution updating, to preserve Robust Soliton degree distribution at destination. Unlike previously proposed algorithms in the literature, the ADLT algorithm has the flexibility to handle any number of sources with different block sizes and transmission rates, where sources perform standard LT coding. Simulation results confirm that the performance of the ADLT algorithm is close to that of standard LT code.
A Social Formalism and Survey for Recommender Systems
Authors: Bernardes Daniel , Diaby Mamadou , Fournier Raphaël , FogelmanSoulié Françoise , Viennet Emmanuel
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a general formalism for Recommender Systems based on Social Network Analysis. After introducing the classical categories of recommender systems, we present our Social Filtering formalism and show that it extends association rules, classical Collaborative Filtering and Social Recommendation, while providing additional possibilities. This allows us to survey the literature and illustrate the versatility of our approach on various publicly available datasets, comparing our results with the literature.
The Data Problem in Data Mining
Authors: Zimmermann Albrecht
Published: May 2015

Computer science is essentially an applied or engineering science, creating tools. In Data Mining, those tools are supposed to help humans understand large amounts of data. In this position paper, I argue that for all the progress that has been made in Data Mining, in particular Pattern Mining, we are lacking insight into three key aspects: 1) How pattern mining algorithms perform quantitatively, 2) How to choose parameter settings, and 3) How to relate found patterns to the processes that generated the data. I illustrate the issue by surveying existing work in light of these concerns and pointing to the (relatively few) papers that have attempted to fill in the gaps. I argue further that progress regarding those questions is held back by a lack of data with varying, controlled properties, and that this lack is unlikely to be remedied by the ever increasing collection of real-life data. Instead, I am convinced that we will need to make a science of digital data generation, and use it to develop guidance to data practitioners.
Erfolgreiche Behandlung eines therapierefraktären Guillain-Barré-Syndroms mit Alemtuzumab bei einem Patienten mit chronischer lymphatischer Leukämie
Authors: Tzachanis Dimitrios , Hamdan Ayad , Uhlmann Erik J. , Joyce Robin M.
Published: May 2015

Dies ist der Fall eines 79-jährigen Mannes mit chronischer lymphatischer Leukämie, der sich etwa 6 Monate nach einer Therapie mit Bendamustin und Rituximab mit einem Guillain-Barré-Syndrom vorstellte, dessen Merkmale sich mit denen des Miller-Fisher-Syndroms und der Bickerstaff-Hirnstammenzephalitis überschnitten. Zugleich lagen Antikörper gegen das Gangliosid GQ1b vor. Sein klinischer und neurologischer Zustand verschlechterte sich zusehends, obwohl er sequenziell mit Kortikosteroiden, intravenösem Immunglobulin und Plasmapherese behandelt wurde. Schließlich sprach er jedoch vollständig und dauerhaft auf eine Behandlung mit Alemtuzumab an.
A Prospective Investigation of Graves' Disease and Selenium: Thyroid Hormones, Auto-Antibodies and Self-Rated Symptoms
Authors: Calissendorff Jan , Mikulski Emil , Larsen Erik H. , Möller Marika
Published: May 2015

Background: In Graves' thyrotoxicosis tachycardia, weight loss and mental symptoms are common. Recovery takes time and varies between patients. Treatment with methimazole reduces thyroid hormone levels. According to previous research, this reduction has been faster if selenium (Se) is added. Objective: The objective was to investigate whether supplementing the pharmacologic treatment with Se could change the immune mechanisms, hormone levels and/or depression and anxiety. Methods: We prospectively investigated 38 patients with initially untreated thyrotoxicosis by measuring the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid receptor antibodies and thyroid peroxidase auto-antibodies before medication and at 6, 18 and 36 weeks after commencing treatment with methimazole and levo-thyroxine, with a randomized blinded oral administration of 200 µg Se/day or placebo. The selenoprotein P concentration was determined in plasma at inclusion and after 36 weeks. The patients were also assessed with questionnaires about depression, anxiety and self-rated symptoms before medication was started and after 36 weeks. Results: FT4 decreased more in the Se group at 18 weeks (14 vs. 17 pmol/l compared to the placebo group, p = 0.01) and also at 36 weeks (15 vs. 18 pmol/l, p = 0.01). The TSH increased more in the Se group at 18 weeks (0.05 vs. 0.02 mIU/l, p = 0.04). The depression and anxiety scores were similar in both groups. In the Se group, the depression rates correlated negatively with FT3 and positively with TSH. This was not seen in the placebo group. Conclusions: Se supplementation can enhance biochemical restoration of hyperthyroidism, but whether this could shorten clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and reduce mental symptoms must be investigated further.
Framing the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Nackers Kimberly
Published: May 2015

The Responsibility to Protect (r2p), as enshrined in the 2005 World Summit Outcome document, aims to protect populations from the commission of mass atrocities. Yet both Sri Lankan government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (ltte) forces killed thousands of civilians during the conclusion of Eelam War Four in Sri Lanka, in spite of the adoption of r2p by the Sri Lankan government. In this article, I argue that these atrocities occurred with little involvement on the part of the international community to stop them, in large part due to existing international political dynamics, which the framing efforts of the Sri Lankan government played upon. The government was able to determine the dominant discourse on the conflict and portrayed it as part of the War on Terror. This facilitated states in supporting the government in the conflict, while diminishing criticism from actors that may otherwise have been more supportive of the invocation of r2p.
Involvement in Child Rearing and Firm Control Parenting by Male Cohabiting Partners in Black Low-Income Stepfamilies
Authors: Forehand Rex , Parent Justin , Golub Andrew , Reid Megan , Lafko Nicole
Published: May 2015

Cohabitation is a family structure that is rapidly increasing in the United States. The current longitudinal study examined the interplay of involvement in a youth’s daily activities and firm control parenting by male cohabiting partners (MCPs) on change in adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems. In a sample of 111 inner-city African American families, adolescents reported on involvement and parenting by MCPs at Wave 1 and biological mothers reported on adolescent problem behaviors at Waves 1 and 2. A significant interaction indicated that low involvement and low firm control by MCPs at Wave 1 were associated with the highest level of internalizing problems at Wave 2. An interaction did not emerge when externalizing problems served as the outcome. The findings indicate that male partners play an important role in parenting adolescents in cohabiting families and should be considered potential participants in prevention and intervention programs.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Directed Medication Therapy Management in Improving Diabetes Outcomes in Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Skinner Jeannine S. , Poe Brett , Hopper Rebecca , Boyer Alaina , Wilkins Consuelo H.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare medication adherence rates and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) health outcomes in a sample of underserved patients with suboptimally controlled T2DM (A1C >7%) who had received pharmacist-directed medication therapy management (MTM) to those who had not received MTM.

Methods

A retrospective review of 100 patient records was conducted. For the MTM group, a pharmacist engaged patients in patient-centered services to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Non-MTM patients received usual care. Outcomes were A1C, medication adherence, blood pressure, lipids, and creatinine. Group comparisons on clinical outcomes were analyzed before and after matching MTM and non-MTM patients on demographic characteristics.

Results

Before matching, the MTM group had a higher rate of medication adherence than the non-MTM group. The A1C levels were lower in the MTM group compared to the non-MTM group. Similarly, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was lower in the MTM group compared to the non-MTM group. After matching, medication adherence rate remained higher in the MTM group than the non-MTM group. Similarly, A1C levels remained lower in the MTM group than the non-MTM group.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of research focused on behavioral interventions for improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Our results advance the existing literature by demonstrating a positive association between pharmacist-directed MTM, medication adherence, and glycemic control in a sample of underserved patients with suboptimally controlled T2DM. A prospective pharmacy intervention and examination of long-term effects of MTM on medication adherence and T2DM health outcomes in this population is warranted.
Missing the (question) mark? What is a turn to ontology?
Authors: Woolgar Steve , Lezaun Javier
Published: May 2015

Our introductory essay in this journal’s 2013 Special Issue on the ‘turn to ontology’ examined the shift from epistemology to ontology in science and technology studies and explored the implications of the notion of enactment. Three responses to that Special Issue argue that (1) there is no fundamental qualitative difference between the ontological turn and social constructivism, (2) we need to be wary of overly generic use of the term ‘ontology’ and (3) the language of ‘turns’ imposes constraints on the richness and diversity of science and technology studies. In this brief reply, we show how each of those critiques varies in its commitment to circumspection about making objective determinations of reality and to resisting reification. We illustrate our point by considering overlapping discussions in anthropology. This brings out the crucial difference between the science and technology studies slogan ‘it could be otherwise’ and the multinaturalist motto ‘it actually is otherwise’.
On the cusp of recognition: Using critical theory to promote desistance among young offenders
Authors: Barry Monica
Published: May 2015

Theories of desistance increasingly acknowledge the need to engage with political and economic discourses beyond the criminal justice system. This article turns to the critical theory of Axel Honneth, Nancy Fraser and others to explore the relevance to criminology of the concepts of recognition and redistribution. Interview data from a Scottish study of youth offending and desistance illustrate the potential of these ideas in promoting desistance among young people in transition. The article concludes that desistance requires the restructuring of wider economic and social policy to ensure social justice for marginalised young people.
Imagining biosocial communities: HIV, risk and gay and bisexual men in the North East of England
Authors: Young Ingrid
Published: May 2015

Many critics have charted an increasing biomedical and individualised approach to HIV prevention among gay and bisexual men, citing a significant shift in HIV policy and practice away from the community-based approaches to HIV prevention which characterised early responses. However, this dichotomous approach to ‘the biomedical or the social’ fails to capture the complex ways in which community-based approaches and sexual practice are already inextricably linked with the biomedical. This article explores how biomedical constructions of risk are embedded in the community-based bodily management and sexual practice of gay and bisexual men in the North East of England. Drawing on Paul Rabinow’s concept of ‘biosociality’, the article proposes the notion of an imagined biosocial community: a community of gay and bisexual men who are affected by and at risk of HIV. Through this lens, the article explores how biomedical and sexual negotiations are situated in a broader history of illness, sexual politics and community. The article considers the importance of the biomedical in managing the body and the on-going significance of memory, community formation and identity in relation to ‘AIDS’. It then explores how the interplay of these elements is deployed or threatened within these imagined community norms of sexual practice, where responsibility to others is critical. In paying attention to an imagined biosocial community, this article demonstrates how perceptions of and adherence to imagined community sexual practice remain critical in addressing risk of HIV in an increasingly biomedicalised context.
The canonical projection between the shift space of an IIFS and its attractor as a fixed point
Authors: Mihail Alexandru
Published: May 2015

An important class of fractal sets is given by the attractors of iterated function systems which are defined as the fixed points of the associated fractal operators. In the study of such an attractor, an important place is taken by the canonical projection between the shift space associated with the system and the attractor. In this paper, by using different fixed point theorems, we present the canonical projection as the fixed point of a certain operator defined on the space of continuous functions from the shift space on the metric space associated with the system.
Investigation of metabolites accumulation in medical plant Gentiana rigescens during different growing stage using LC-MS/MS and FT-IR
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Ji , Zhao Yan-Li , Wang Yuan-Zhong , Huang Heng-Yu
Published: May 2015

Background

Gentiana rigescens, an important medicinal plant in China, has been widely cultivated in Yunnan province, China. Previous studies were focused on analysis and determination of the metabolites isolated from this species, the accumulation of these metabolites during growth period are not yet clear. In this study, samples for the experiments were obtained by tissue culture. FT-IR and LC-MS/MS method were performed to distinguish the variation on the major metabolites inG. rigescensduring growing stage when combined with chemometrics.

Results

Methodology validations were all within the required limits. The metabolites were visually different in tissue culture samples and mature plants. The diversity of metabolites increased proportionally with plant growth. The quantitative analysis showed the content of gentiopicroside was significantly vary during different growing stage. The highest content of gentiopicroside (122.93 ± 7.01 mg/g) was detected in leaf of regenerated plantlet, whereas its content in root significantly increased along with underground parts growth. Moreover, flavonoids mainly distributed in aerial parts showed potential competitive relationship during plant growth.

Conclusion

The distribution and accumulation of metabolites are associated with different parts and plant growth, which provide potential evidences for the rational application and exploitation ofG. rigescens.
At new heights – endodermal lineages in development and disease
Authors: Ober Elke A. , Grapin-Botton Anne
Published: May 2015

The endoderm gives rise to diverse tissues and organs that are essential for the homeostasis and metabolism of the organism: the thymus, thyroid, lungs, liver and pancreas, and the functionally diverse domains of the digestive tract. Classically, the endoderm, the ‘innermost germ layer’, was in the shadow of the ectoderm and mesoderm. However, at a recent Keystone meeting it took center stage, revealing astonishing progress in dissecting the mechanisms underlying the development and malfunction of the endodermal organs. In vitro cultures of stem and progenitor cells have become widespread, with remarkable success in differentiating three-dimensional organoids, which – in a new turn for the field – can be used as disease models.
‘Transformer’: David Bowie’s rejection of 1960s counterculture fashion through his glam reinvention and stylings in the years 1969–1972
Authors: Mills Richard
Published: May 2015

David Bowie’s Glam transformation between 1969 and 1972 was a personal reinvention that saw his music move away from psychedelic folk and the show tunes of his first two albums to the staging of his alter ego Ziggy Stardust on the album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Music was only one ingredient in this transformation. In this period, Bowie’s image also changed radically. His 1969 stage persona of a bubble-perm haircut and hippie psychedelic shirts was replaced by the space-alien imagery of the character Ziggy Stardust: a sequinned onesie, platform-heeled boots, dyed red spiky hair, foundation, rouge and lipstick, which helped to shift Rock music in a theatrical direction. The years under consideration, 1969 to 1972, are important because Bowie’s metamorphosis from hippie love-child to alien, Glam rocker epitomize the cultural shift in popular music fashion from the 1960s to the 1970s. Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars along with Roxy Music’s eponymous first album are the death-knell for 1960s popular cultural fashion. The 1960s look of love-beads, kaftans, denim and long hair was replaced with a more self-consciously theatrical look in the 1970s: Bowie’s performativity in 1972 was a dressing-up in flamboyant costumes in stark contrast to the 1960s street fashion of dressing-down in faded denim and corduroy.
Elegance and retrospective sartorialism among young African males
Authors: Picarelli Enrica
Published: May 2015

This article offers a set of preliminary and necessarily incomplete notes on the subculture of African dandies, who re-appropriate the styling trends of past generations of Afro-diasporic gentlemen to new aims. While dandyism has a long and respected tradition across many African states, it remains an under-investigated phenomenon, save for the bibliography of Congolese sapologie. Furthermore, this topic has found little to no space in the literature on black self-styling, in monographic studies on Afro-diasporic dandyism, and in the journalistic and artistic production on the ‘New Age’ ‘dappers’. I engage with this lack of scholarship and with the challenge of looking for the elements and stories that make African dandyism, indeed, African, rather than generally ‘black’, paying attention to the ways in which this aesthetic vocation weaves together a concern with memory and cultural pride, with professional ambitions and self-promotion.
Making sure the child is heared: Part I - human rights
Authors: Munby The Honourable Mr Justice
Published: May 2015

Article the Honourable Mr Justice Munby
published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Society for Advanced
Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for
Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal
Studies, University of London.
Investment risks and the regulator - educator or spoilsport?
Authors: Campbell Andrew
Published: May 2015

Brief commentary discussing the financial risks of investing in shares and the legal duty of the financial regulator to raise public awareness of these risks. Piece by Andrew Campbell (Director of the Centre for Business Law and Practice, School of Law, University of Leeds) published as a First page feature in Amicus Curiae – Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS (Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London).
The service contract in Russia: parties, definitions, contents and form
Authors: Ershova E.A.
Published: May 2015

The author provides commentary on the legal
regulation of service contracts, and suggests some possible
improvements. An article by Mrs E.A. Ershova (Head of the Labour
Law Department, Russian Academy of Justice; Candidate of Law,
Assistant Professor) published in Amicus Curiae – Journal of the
Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced
Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS
(Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study,
University of London).
Consumer insurance law - reform at last?
Authors: Tyldesley Peter
Published: May 2015

Comment by Peter Tyldesley, senior lecturer in the School of Law, University of Bedfordshire, on the prospects of reform in the law governing consumer insurance, following on proposals from the English and Scottish Law Commissions. Published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.
German law governing private companies in a group
Authors: Wooldridge Frank
Published: May 2015

A consideration of the German legislation governing the situation of public companies (Aktiengesellschaften) in a group of companies, taking account of a number of important decisions (involving considerable change in approach) from the Second Senate of the German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof) governing the position of private companies in such a group. The article is published in Amicus Curiae – Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS (Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London).
Reforming European financial supervision and the role of EU institutions
Authors: Alexander Kern
Published: May 2015

Article by Professor Kern Alexander considering the current and potential role of European Union institutions in the supervision of European financial markets, in the light of the financial crisis 2007-2009 and increasingly integrated financial markets. Published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.
Religious "irrationality" and civil liberties
Authors: Montgomery John Warwick
Published: May 2015

A short commentary on conflicts arising
between religious belief and civil liberties with reference to
recent English case law and issues of discrimination based on
sexual orientation. The paper is by Professor John Warwick
Montgomery, Professor Emeritus of Law and Humanities, University
of Bedforshire; Distinguished Professor, Patrick Henry College,
Virginia, USA and was published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the
Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by
the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of
Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.
Regulating credit rating agencies in the European Union: where might it lead?
Authors: McVea Harry
Published: May 2015

Short article by Dr Harry McVea (Reader in
Law, University of Bristol and an IALS Visiting Fellow in 2010)
providing a critical appraisal of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs)
in the light of their role in the subprime mortgage debacle and
describing and assessing the EU's attempts to regulate them more
strictly. Published in Amicus Curiae – Journal of the Society for
Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal
Studies. The Journal is produced by SALS at the IALS (Institute
of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University
of London).
Colombia, conflict and the rule of law
Authors: Doyle Anna
Published: May 2015

Anna Doyle, a solicitor with DLA Piper UK
LLP, provides an insight into the context of practising human
rights law in Colombia based on the experience of the Colombian
Caravana UK Lawyers Group, who travelled to Colombia in August
2010 as part of the Second International Delegation of Lawyers,
seeking to provide a link between Colombian human rights lawyers
and the legal community worldwide.