bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperelastic cloaking theory: transformation elasticity with pre-stressed solids
Authors: Norris A. N. , Parnell W. J.
Published: May 2012

Transformation elasticity, by analogy with transformation acoustics and optics, converts material domains without altering wave properties, thereby enabling cloaking and related effects. By noting the similarity between transformation elasticity and the theory of incremental motion superimposed on finite pre-strain, it is shown that the constitutive parameters of transformation elasticity correspond to the density and moduli of small-on-large theory. The formal equivalence indicates that transformation elasticity can be achieved by selecting a particular finite (hyperelastic) strain energy function, which for isotropic elasticity is semilinear strain energy. The associated elastic transformation is restricted by the requirement of statically equilibrated pre-stress. This constraint can be cast as tr
F
= constant, where
F
is the deformation gradient, subject to symmetry constraints, and its consequences are explored both analytically and through numerical examples of cloaking of anti-plane and in-plane wave motion.
Effects of manidipine vs. amlodipine on intrarenal haemodynamics in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Ott Christian , Schneider Markus P. , Raff Ulrike , Ritt Martin , Striepe Kristina , Alberici Marco , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: May 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used antihypertensive drugs. Evidence from animal studies indicates there are differences between CCBs in their renal haemodynamic effects suggesting that manidipine reduces, whereas amlodipine increases intraglomerular pressure but data from humans are scarce.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• In this study amlodipine was found to increase significantly intraglomerular pressure whereas manidipine decreased intraglomerular pressure in people with essential hypertension. This difference was attributed to significant vasodilation of the afferent arteriole with amlodipine compared with manidipine. This study for the first time has confirmed in humans data from experimental models on the different action of CCBs on dilatory capacity on efferent and afferent arterioles.

AIMS Intraglomerular pressure is one of the main drivers of progression of renal failure. Experimental data suggest that there are important differences between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in their renal haemodynamic effects: manidipine reduces, whereas amlodipine increases intraglomerular pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manidipine and amlodipine treatment on intragomerular pressure (Pglom) in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

METHODS In this randomized, double‐blind, parallel group study, hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to receive manidipine 20 mg (n= 54) or amlodipine 10 mg (n= 50) for 4 weeks. Renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined by constant‐infusion input‐clearance technique with p‐aminohippurate (PAH) and inulin. Pglom and resistances of the afferent (RA) and efferent (RE) arterioles were calculated according to the model established by Gomez.

RESULTS Pglom did not change in the manidipine group (P= 0.951), whereas a significant increase occurred in the amlodipine group (P= 0.009). There was a significant difference in the change of Pglom by 1.2 mmHg between the manidipine and amlodipine group (P= 0.042). In both treatment arms, RA was reduced (manidipine P= 0.018; amlodipine P < 0.001). The reduction of RA was significantly more pronounced with amlodipine compared with manidipine treatment (P < 0.001). RE increased in both treatment arms (manidipine P= 0.012; amlodipine P= 0.002), with no difference between the treatment arms. Both CCBs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (both P < 0.001). However, amlodipine treatment resulted in a significantly greater decrease of BP compared with manidipine (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS In accordance with experimental data after antihypertensive treatment of 4 weeks, intraglomerular pressure was significantly lower with the CCB manidipine than with amlodipine, resulting and explaining their disparate effects on albuminuria.
Comparison of Timothy grass pollen extract‐ and single major allergen‐induced gene expression and mediator release in airway epithelial cells: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Röschmann K. I. L. , van Kuijen A.‐M. , Luiten S. , Jonker M. J. , Breit T. M. , Fokkens W. J. , Petersen A. , van Drunen C. M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and its prevalence has increased considerably in the last decades. As the allergic response with its clinical manifestations is triggered by only a few proteins within natural extracts, there is an increasing tendency for single‐component‐resolved diagnosis and immunotherapy.

Objective

As natural exposure is not to single proteins, but to complex mixtures of molecules, we were interested in comparing the activation of respiratory epithelial cells induced by the purified major allergen Phl p 1 with the induction caused by a complete extract of Timothy grass pollen (GPE).

Methods

NCI‐H292 cells were exposed to GPE or Ph1 p 1 for 24 h, isolated RNA and cell culture supernatants were used for microarray analysis, multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and subsequent analysis.

Results

We found 262 genes that showed a GPE‐induced change of at least 3‐fold, whereas Ph1 p 1‐stimulation resulted in 71 genes with a fold induction of more than 3‐fold. Besides genes that were regulated by both stimuli, we also detected genes displaying an opposite response after stimulation, suggesting that GPE might be more than purified major allergens with regard to induced immune responses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Additional components within GPE and the resulting modulation of general processes affecting gene transcription and signalling pathways might be crucial to maintain/overcome the diseased phenotype and to induce the influx of cells contributing to late‐phase allergic responses. When the initial process of sensitization is the matter of interest or late‐phase allergic responses, one might miss important immune modulatory molecules and their interaction with allergens by applying single components only.
Absence of IgE neosensitization in house dust mite allergic patients following sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Baron‐Bodo V. , Batard T. , Nguyen H. , Fréreux M. , Horiot S. , Harwanegg C. , Bergmann K. C. , de Beaumont O. , Moingeon P.
Published: May 2012

Background

The impact of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on IgE neosensitization remains to be evaluated in large cohorts of patients.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of antibody responses induced in patients with allergic rhinitis during a 12‐month treatment with sublingual tablets of house dust mites (HDM) allergen extracts.

Methods

Antibody responses were assessed in relationship with neosensitization and clinical benefit in sera from 509 European house dust mite‐allergic patients before and after 1 year of daily sublingual immunotherapy, using tablets containing Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus plus D farinae extracts or placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00674700). Patients were followed for one additional year after treatment cessation. IgE and IgG4 antibodies specific for mite extracts or purified group 1, 2 and 10 allergens were assessed using Immulite, Immunocap and ISAC assays.

Results

After 1 year of SLIT, mite‐specific IgE and IgG4 titres increased by 1.5‐fold and fourfold, respectively, in the active, but not in the placebo group. A strong IgG4 induction occurred in a subgroup (i.e. 10–15%) of “immunoreactive” patients, without any correlation with improvement in the average adjusted symptom score. Pre‐existing IgE levels to purified mite allergens were not impacted during immunotherapy, and no de novo IgE responses to group 1, 2, 10 allergens were induced in patients who were unsensitized prior to immunotherapy. Similarly, no IgE neosensitization to wheat germ or yeast components used in the mite culture medium was observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We document in a cohort of 509 patients followed over a 2‐year period that SLIT does not induce any IgE neosensitization to allergens contained in the vaccine, such as groups 1, 2 as well as the food‐related group 10 allergen. This observation further corroborates the safer safety profile of SLIT over SCIT.
Randomized marine acquisition with compressive sampling matrices
Authors: Mansour Hassan , Wason Haneet , Lin Tim T.Y. , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: May 2012

Seismic data acquisition in marine environments is a costly process that calls for the adoption of simultaneous‐source or randomized acquisition ‐ an emerging technology that is stimulating both geophysical research and commercial efforts. Simultaneous marine acquisition calls for the development of a new set of design principles and post‐processing tools. In this paper, we discuss the properties of a specific class of randomized simultaneous acquisition matrices and demonstrate that sparsity‐promoting recovery improves the quality of reconstructed seismic data volumes. We propose a practical randomized marine acquisition scheme where the sequential sources fire airguns at only randomly time‐dithered instances. We demonstrate that the recovery using sparse approximation from random time‐dithering with a single source approaches the recovery from simultaneous‐source acquisition with multiple sources. Established findings from the field of compressive sensing indicate that the choice of the sparsifying transform that is incoherent with the compressive sampling matrix can significantly impact the reconstruction quality. Leveraging these findings, we then demonstrate that the compressive sampling matrix resulting from our proposed sampling scheme is incoherent with the curvelet transform. The combined measurement matrix exhibits better isometry properties than other transform bases such as a non‐localized multidimensional Fourier transform. We illustrate our results with simulations of ‘ideal’ simultaneous‐source marine acquisition, which dithers both in time and space, compared with periodic and randomized time‐dithering.
Distinctive histopathological features that support a diagnosis of cholesterol ester storage disease in liver biopsy specimens
Authors: Hůlková Helena , Elleder Milan
Published: May 2012

Hůlková H & Elleder M  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1107–1113

Distinctive histopathological features that support a diagnosis of cholesterol ester storage disease in liver biopsy specimens

Aims:  To identify reliable criteria with which to improve the diagnosis of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency of the cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) type in liver biopsies.

Methods and results:  We analysed a series of 16 liver biopsies of LAL deficiency of the CESD type confirmed by enzyme testing and DNA sequencing. The biopsy appearances were compared with those of biopsies of other causes of fatty liver. A predominantly microvesicular steatosis in CESD patients could not be reliably distinguished from other causes of fatty liver with cytosolic lipid accumulation in fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues routinely stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The presence of luminal (cathepsin D) and membrane lysosomal markers [lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP)1, LAMP2, and lysosomal integral membrane protein 2] around the lipid vacuoles facilitated the diagnosis of CESD in fixed paraffin‐embedded material. Additional diagnostic clues included autofluorescent detection of ceroid induction in storage macrophages and the absence of lipopigment in hepatocytes. Stored liquid crystals of cholesteryl esters, which are associated with Maltese cross‐type birefringence, were best appreciated in unfixed biopsy samples.

Conclusions:  The pathological diagnosis of CESD requires a high index of suspicion, and can be rapidly and effectively appreciated at the light microscopy level, even in routine fixed paraffin‐embedded liver samples with immuohistochemical staining for lysosomal markers.
Dissecting NDVI–species richness relationships in Hawaiian dry forests
Authors: Pau Stephanie , Gillespie Thomas W. , Wolkovich Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2012

Aim  A growing body of research has used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for productivity to predict species richness. Yet the mechanisms that produce the relationship between NDVI and species richness remain unclear because of correlated biotic and abiotic factors that influence NDVI. In this study we investigated different biotic and abiotic effects that potentially drive plant species richness–productivity relationships.

Location  Hawaiian Islands, USA.

Methods  We quantified woody plant species richness, structure (density, basal area and canopy height), and species composition along a precipitation gradient of 14 Hawaiian dry forest plots. We then used structural equation models combined with 10 years of satellite data to disentangle the effects of precipitation, structure and NDVI‐estimated productivity on species richness.

Results  Underlying the simple correlation between NDVI and species richness was the indirect effect of precipitation and direct effect of forest structure. The best‐fit model showed there was no direct effect of NDVI on species richness.

Main conclusions  Our results demonstrate that complex relationships drive simple correlations between species richness and productivity. Considering the mechanisms and underlying factors driving NDVI–species richness relationships could improve predictions of species diversity as satellite measures of productivity have an increasingly important role in habitat mapping, species distribution modelling and predictions for global change.
Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (FIRSSt4): a self‐completed 24‐h dietary recall for children
Authors: Baranowski T. , Islam N. , Douglass D. , Dadabhoy H. , Beltran A. , Baranowski J. , Thompson D. , Cullen K. W. , Subar A. F.
Published: May 2012

The Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (firsst4), is a web‐based 24‐h dietary recall (24 hdr) self‐administered by children based on the Automated Self‐Administered 24‐h recall (ASA24) (a self‐administered 24 hdr for adults). The food choices in firsst4 are abbreviated to include only those reported by children in US national surveys; and detailed food probe questions are simplified to exclude those that children could not be expected to answer (e.g. questions regarding food preparation and added fats). ASA24 and firsst4 incorporate 10 000+ food images, with up to eight images per food, to assist in portion size estimation. We review the formative research conducted during the development of firsst4. When completed, firsst4 will be hosted and maintained for investigator use on the National Cancer Institute’s ASA24 website.
Dynamic evolution of bz orthologous regions in the Andropogoneae and other grasses
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Dooner Hugo K.
Published: May 2012

Genome structure exhibits remarkable plasticity within Zea mays. To examine how haplotype structure has evolved within the Andropogoneae tribe, we have analyzed the bz gene‐rich region of maize (Zea mays), the Zea teosintes mays ssp. mexicana, luxurians and diploperennis, Tripsacum dactyloides, Coix lacryma‐jobi and Sorghum propinquum. We sequenced and annotated BAC clones from these species and re‐annotated the orthologous Sorghum bicolor region. Gene colinearity in the region is well conserved within the genus Zea. However, the orthologous regions of Coix and Sorghum exhibited several micro‐rearrangements relative to Zea, including addition, truncation and deletion of genes. The stc1 gene, involved in the production of a terpenoid insect defense signal, is evolving particularly fast, and its progressive disappearance from some species is occurring by microhomology‐mediated recombination. LTR retrotransposons are the main contributors to the dynamic evolution of the bz region. Common transposon insertion sites occur among haplotypes from different Zea mays sub‐species, but not outside the species. As in Zea, different patterns of interspersion between genes and retrotransposons are observed in Sorghum. We estimate that the mean divergence times between maize and Tripsacum, Coix and Sorghum are 8.5, 12.1 and 12.4 million years ago, respectively, and that between Coix and Sorghum is 9.3 million years ago. A comparison of the bz orthologous regions of Zea, Sorghum and Coix with those of Brachypodium, Setaria and Oryza allows us to infer how the region has evolved by addition and deletion of genes in the approximately 50 million years since these genera diverged from a common progenitor.
Dexamethasone‐Induced Eosinopenia is Associated with Lower Progesterone Production in Cattle
Authors: Kliem H , Rodler D , Ulbrich SE , Sinowatz F , Berisha B , Meyer HHD , Schams D
Published: May 2012

Contents

Eosinophilic cells accumulate in the capillaries of the bovine Graafian follicle shortly before ovulation and in the early developing corpus luteum (CL). Suppressing the migration of these eosinophilic cells by dexamethasone allowed us to evaluate their possible function in the CL development. Brown Swiss cows (n = 10) were randomly subdivided into two groups (n = 5). Every group was used once as control group and once as experimental group with two oestrous cycles between each treatment. Eighteen hours (h) after oestrus synchronization, dexamethasone or saline was given. Ovulation was induced 24 h later with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. Another injection of dexamethasone or saline was given 12 h later. Eosinophilic cells in the blood were counted daily until day 7 after the first dexamethasone injection. The collection of ovaries took place at days 1, 2 and 5. Gene expression, protein concentration and location of angiogenic factors, chemokines, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and eosinophilic cells were studied. No eosinophilic cells were found in the CL of the treatment group. Blood progesterone decreased significantly in the dexamethasone group from day 8 to 17. The protein concentration of FGF2 increased significantly in CL tissue at day 2 and VEGFA decreased. Local IGF1 gene expression in the CL was not regulated. We assume from our data that the migration of eosinophilic cells into the early CL is not an essential, but an important stimulus for angiogenesis during early CL development in cattle.
Can rodents enhance germination rates in rainforest seeds?
Authors: Elmouttie David , Mather Peter B.
Published: May 2012

The decline of large coevolved frugivorous species within fragmented habitats can have an effect on ecological processes, for example, seed dispersal and germination. It is therefore necessary for more resilient species to ensure essential processes are maintained within the system. This study investigates the influence of two rodent species, Melomys cervinipes (Fawn‐footed Melomys) and Rattus fuscipes (Bush Rat), on the germination process of rainforest fruits. Both species are endemic to north Queensland rainforest and commonly found in fragmented habitats in high densities. We found in 85% of fruit species tested, rodent feeding increased seed germination rate by a factor of 3.5. Our results suggest that rodents can play a significant role in enhancing germination rates of fruits in the tropical rainforest of far north Queensland.
Utility of atrial temporary pacing as an acute treatment for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias in the intensive care setting with preservation of atrioventricular synchrony
Authors: Pang B. , Everest E. , McGavigan A. D.
Published: May 2012

Temporary pacing is often used as an acute treatment of bradyarrhythmias and suppression of tachyarrhythmias. In patients with cardiogenic shock, loss of atrioventricular synchrony may worsen cardiovascular haemodynamics. We present a series where temporary right atrial pacing was used as an acute treatment for both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.
Views of young people with depression about family and significant other support: Interpretative phenomenological analysis study
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Lubman Dan I. , Clark Eileen
Published: May 2012

Families and significant others have an important role in helping young people cope with depression, but lack of support undermines coping. In this paper, we present the views of young people with depression about the role of family and significant others in assisting them to cope with their illness. An interpretative phenomenological analysis study was undertaken using semistructured, audio‐recorded interviews with 26 young people diagnosed with depression. The findings present two contrasting themes in the data, which reflect the young people's views about the influence of families and significant others in helping them cope with depression. The first, being supportive, highlighted how families and significant others helped through patience, tolerance, understanding, and encouragement; all of which strengthened young people's resilience as they attempted to cope with depression. The second theme, being unsupportive, showed how, in the young people's view, family conflict and change, and living in an unsupportive environment, compromised their ability to cope with depression. The findings suggest that mental health nurses, other clinicians, and primary care practitioners need to increase families' and significant others' understandings of depression and their capacity to support young people in these circumstances.
Potentiation of the P2X3 ATP receptor by PAR‐2 in rat dorsal root ganglia neurons, through protein kinase‐dependent mechanisms, contributes to inflammatory pain
Authors: Wang Shenglan , Dai Yi , Kobayashi Kimiko , Zhu Wanjun , Kogure Yoko , Yamanaka Hiroki , Wan You , Zhang Wensheng , Noguchi Koichi
Published: May 2012

Proinflammatory agents trypsin and mast cell tryptase cleave and activate protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2), which is expressed on sensory nerves and causes neurogenic inflammation. P2X3 is a subtype of the ionotropic receptors for adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP), and is mainly localized on nociceptors. Here, we show that a functional interaction of the PAR‐2 and P2X3 in primary sensory neurons could contribute to inflammatory pain. PAR‐2 activation increased the P2X3 currents evoked by α, β, methylene ATP in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Application of inhibitors of either protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A (PKA) suppressed this potentiation. Consistent with this, a PKC or PKA activator mimicked the PAR‐2‐mediated potentiation of P2X3 currents. In the in vitro phosphorylation experiments, application of a PAR‐2 agonist failed to establish phosphorylation of the P2X3 either on the serine or the threonine site. In contrast, application of a PAR‐2 agonist induced trafficking of the P2X3 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. These findings indicate that PAR‐2 agonists may potentiate the P2X3, and the mechanism of this potentiation is likely to be a result of translocation, but not phosphorylation. The functional interaction between P2X3 and PAR‐2 was also confirmed by detection of the α, β, methylene‐ATP‐evoked extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) activation, a marker of neuronal signal transduction in DRG neurons, and pain behavior. These results demonstrate a functional interaction of the protease signal with the ATP signal, and a novel mechanism through which protease released in response to tissue inflammation might trigger the sensation to pain through P2X3 activation.
Transcriptomic analysis of responses to exudates reveal genes required for rhizosphere competence of the endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72
Authors: Shidore Teja , Dinse Theresa , Öhrlein Johannes , Becker Anke , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara
Published: May 2012

Endophytic colonization is a very complex process which is not yet completely understood. Molecules exuded by the plants may act as signals which influence the ability of the microbe to colonize the host or survive in the rhizosphere. Here we used the whole genome microarray approach to investigate the response of the diazotrophic model endophyte, Azoarcus sp. strain BH72, to exudates of O. sativa cv. Nipponbare in order to identify differentially regulated genes. On exposure to exudates, an overall expression of 4.4% of the 3992 protein coding genes of Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 was altered, out of which 2.4% was upregulated and 2.0% was downregulated. Genes with modulated expression included a few whose involvement in plant–microbe interaction had already been established, whereas a large fraction comprised of genes encoding proteins with putative or unknown functions. Mutational analysis of several differentially regulated genes like those encoding a minor pilin PilX, signal transduction proteins containing GGDEF domains and a serine–threonine kinase as a putative component of the type IV secretion system (T6SS), revealed their role in host colonization. Our data suggest that strain BH72 may be primed for the endophytic lifestyle by exudates, as the expression of bacterial genes relevant for endophytic colonization of roots is induced by root exudates.
Normal science and paradigmatic shifts: political and regulatory strategies to develop investor protection in the aftermath of crisis
Authors: O’Brien Justin
Published: May 2012

The scale of the Global Financial Crisis prompted initial systematic reflection by leading politicians from Anglo‐Saxon countries. One commonality linked the analyses put forward by Gordon Brown (UK), Barack Obama (USA) and Kevin Rudd (Australia): the crisis had roots in ethical failure. The interlinked failure of structure and agency necessitated fundamental change in the theory and practice of the regulation of capital markets. The international regulatory reform agenda has, however, focused on the technical requirements of the former and largely ignored the latter. The paper argues that this is not only a mistake. It reflects the ongoing strength of the financial services industry to determine the ideational, ideological and institutional battleground.
Campaign Africa: Exploring the Representation of Africa and its Role in British Identity
Authors: Harrison Graham
Published: May 2012

This article explores the way that Africa has been represented within British political modernity through the representations of campaign organisations. Using a model of framing, campaigns are reviewed in terms of the ways that Africa is rendered diagnostically, prognostically and motivationally. In each case, one can identity a ‘layering’ within a single campaign tradition. This tradition is based in a Christian, liberal and humanitarian nationalism that emphasises notions and norms of good Britishness at least as much as it does specific realities in African spaces. As a result, representations of Africa within campaigns are ‘domesticated’ for national consumption. The article concludes by considering the prospects of this tradition in a period when development campaigning has become more globalised.
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE OF THE SCIENCE AND RELIGION BOUNDARY
Authors: Hameed Salman
Published: May 2012

Abstract Islam's Quantum Question by Nidhal Guessoum offers a sophisticated approach to reconciling the results of modern science with Islamic tradition. The book provides a valuable critique of existing literature on Islam and science and advocates the promotion of good science and science education in the Muslim world. A central tension in the book revolves around Guessoum's efforts to promote a version of theistic science, while at the same establishing a clear boundary for science and scientific methodology. Although the latter works very well, the project of theistic science presented in the book is, at the very least, contentious. However, Islam's Quantum Question is a milestone in the literature on Islam and science and should be valuable for anyone interested in the search for meaning in both science and religion.
THE SERPENT'S TRAIL: WILLIAM JAMES, OBJECT‐ORIENTED PROGRAMMING, AND CRITICAL REALISM
Authors: Crockett Larry J.
Published: May 2012

Abstract Pragmatism has played only a small role in the half century and more of the science‐and‐religion dialogue, in part because pragmatism was at a low ebb in the 1950s. Even though Jamesean pragmatism in particular is experiencing a resurgence, owing partly to the work of Rorty and Putnam, it remains inconspicuous in the dialogue. Excepting artificial intelligence and artificial life, computer science also has not played a large role in the dialogue. Recent research into the foundations of object‐oriented programming, however, shows this increasingly pervasive practice possesses an implicit pragmatist epistemology. Although science will have to become more computational, it will have to come to terms with both object‐oriented computing and its implicit pragmatism, which in turn supports the conclusion that we have fresh warrant for recasting the science‐and‐religion dialogue in Jamesean pragmatist terms. Some preliminary consequences of such a recasting of the dialogue are explored.
FOLLOWING AT A DISTANCE (AGAIN): GENDER, EQUALITY, AND FREEDOM IN KARL BARTH'S THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Authors: SPRINGS JASON A.
Published: May 2012

This article explores the possibility of moving beyond the apparent incapacity of Karl Barth's theological anthropology to accommodate gender equality. Barth's theological anthropology is read by critics and appreciative readers alike as confining the basic form of humanity to a binary opposition (I and Thou) from which he then derives a gender‐specific, hierarchical account of man and woman, and finally, of husband and wife as a paradigmatic ethical relationship. I first forward a close reading of Barth's account of I and Thou in order to explicate the nature of the normative form that is basic to his account of human being‐in‐relation. I apply this reading as a lens through which to re‐read and re‐orient his account of Man and Woman/Husband and Wife. I argue that the inequalities that appear intrinsic to Barth's formal ordering of Man and Woman/Husband and Wife owing to the absence of a standard concept of “equal regard” might be re‐oriented, and limitations of his account surpassed, by grasping with greater precision and enunciating the orientational implications of Barth's christologically‐anchored conception of freedom as the “root and crown” of human being‐in‐relation generally, and gendered relationship in particular.
A PANENTHEIST READING OF JOHN MILBANK
Authors: MIR AMENE
Published: May 2012

John Milbank contends that modernity's attempt to establish an autonomous and secular realm for finite reality derives from a theological error originating primarily in the thought of Duns Scotus. Here both divine and finite reality share in a transcendental univocal Being that understands the divine as merely an extrinsic presence. Addressing this error, Milbank seeks to return to a participatory orthodoxy. This article will argue that in such a return Milbank qualifies in important ways the classical understanding of God's relation to creation and the divine attributes, allowing for a panentheist reading of his work that is both asymmetrical and dipolar in character.
Infrastructure: Real Assets and Real Returns
Authors: Bird Ron , Liem Harry , Thorp Susan
Published: May 2012

Little empirical work has been done on infrastructure as an asset class despite increased allocations by institutional investors. We build a robust factor model of infrastructure returns using US and Australian infrastructure and utility data to test manager claims that infrastructure investments offer benefits via a combination of monopolistic and defensive assets. We find evidence of excess returns and inflation hedging, but not of defensive characteristics. We compare option‐based models designed to replicate infrastructure asset returns, and identify the regulatory risk premium. A combination of inflation linked bonds and covered call strategies results in improved defensive and inflation hedging characteristics.
Discovering Immigration into Turkey: The Emergence of a Dynamic Field
Authors: Tolay Juliette
Published: May 2012

In the last couple of decades, Turkey has become an important country of immigration. In parallel, a new scholarly field has developed to study this largely unrecognized phenomenon. In this paper, I take stock of this new literature. I first show how students of immigration into Turkey had to define the field in relation to the powerful existing fields studying emigration from Turkey and internal migration in Turkey, as well as how they distinguished between “old” and “new” immigration. I then study the emergence of this field under the lead of Ahmet İçduygu and Kemal Kirişci. Later, with the establishment of two central research centres (CARIM and MiReKoç), the field gained important institutional anchors and attracted many new scholars. Today, the field is characterized by a strong dynamism, a plurality of talented scholars and a diversity of concerns and approaches. Even though the field is still at an early stage, it is bound to grow rapidly, as the phenomenon of migration into Turkey remains a highly strategic and lasting phenomenon. It is therefore crucial for the field to become self‐aware of its strength and weaknesses. Consequently, in the final section, I identify important future directions for the field, especially the need for scholars to better understand the diverse political ramifications (foreign and domestic politics) associated with immigration into Turkey.
Genetic variations of patients with familial or multiple melanoma in Southern Brazil
Authors: Grazziotin T.C. , Rey M.C.W. , Bica C.G. , Pinto L.A. , Bonamigo R.R. , Puig‐Butille J.A. , Cuellar F. , Puig S.
Published: May 2012

Background  Patients with familial melanoma or multiple primary melanoma represent a high‐risk population to hereditary melanoma. Mutations in susceptibility genes, such as CDKN2A, CDK4 and MC1R, have been associated with the development of melanoma.

Objectives  The purpose of this study was to determine the genotypic background of patients with familial and/or multiple melanoma in southern Brazil.

Methods  This study analysed 33 cases (5 patients with multiple primary melanoma and 28 patients from families with at least two well documented cases) and 29 controls. Genomic analysis of CDKN2A and CDK4 genes by PCR‐SSCP analysis and sequencing and direct sequencing of MC1R were performed in all individuals.

Results  No functional mutations in CDKN2A or CDK4 were detected in the 62 individuals. Infrequent variants in polymorphic loci of CDKN2A gene were identified in 15 participants (24.2%) and 24/33 (72.8%) cases and 19/27 (70.4%) controls reported at least one infrequent variant in MC1R (P = 0.372). Furthermore, a non‐significant tendency towards an association between melanoma risk and MC1R variants G274A and C451T and a non‐significant linear tendency to the number of infrequent high‐risk variants in MC1R were observed.

Conclusions  These results suggest that in southern Brazilian population, CDKN2A or CDK4 germinal alterations may have a weaker influence than previously thought and environmental risk factors may play a central role in melanoma susceptibility. However, considering the tendency observed for gene MC1R, low‐penetrance genes may be a relevant aetiological factor in southern Brazil with fair skin population and high sunlight exposure.
Plasma YKL‐40: a potential biomarker for psoriatic arthritis?
Authors: Jensen P. , Wiell C. , Milting K. , Poggenborg R.P. , Østergaard M. , Johansen J.S. , Skov L.
Published: May 2012

Background  Plasma YKL‐40 is an inflammatory biomarker. No useful biomarker exists in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Objective  To measure YKL‐40 and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis before and during treatment.

Methods  In 48 patients with psoriasis, we measured YKL‐40, hs‐CRP and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at inclusion and in a subgroup of 14 patients, we repeated the measurements after four to six weeks of methotrexate treatment. In 42 patients with psoriatic arthritis, we measured YKL‐40 and hs‐CRP at inclusion and during 48 weeks of adalimumab treatment. The patients with psoriatic arthritis were divided into responders and non‐responders.

Results  In patients with psoriasis, the baseline median PASI score was 10.8 and baseline YKL‐40 was 45 μg/L. Seventeen per cent had elevated plasma YKL‐40 compared with healthy subjects. Baseline PASI and YKL‐40 were not correlated (rho = 0.14, P = 0.347) and YKL‐40 and hs‐CRP remained unchanged after treatment.

In patients with psoriatic arthritis, the median pretreatment YKL‐40 was 112 μg/L and 43% had elevated YKL‐40. YKL‐40 decreased in 33 patients who responded to adalimumab (from 112 μg/L to 68 at 48 weeks, P = 0.007). Hs‐CRP decreased (from 4.65 mg/L to 0.91, P = 0.013) in the responders. In the non‐responders (n = 9), YKL‐40 and hs‐CRP remained unchanged.

Conclusions  YKL‐40 is elevated in many patients with psoriatic arthritis, but not in patients with psoriasis. YKL‐40 decreased in patients with psoriatic arthritis who responded to treatment. YKL‐40 may be a useful biomarker to monitor the effect of treatment with tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitors in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Doing it together (DM Special Issue)
Authors: Gary Butler , Amanda Cresswell , Nikoletta Giatras , Irene Tuffrey‐Wijne
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary

We are a team of four researchers, two of whom have learning disabilities.

We did two studies using focus groups with people with learning disabilities. One study was about ‘What is it like for people with learning disabilities to have someone in their family or a friend with cancer?’ The other study was about ‘How to break bad news to people with learning disabilities?’

This article tells the story of how we did focus groups together. The researchers with learning disabilities helped to plan, to run the groups and to look at the results afterwards.

We did different things in the focus groups. We talked together and also used storytelling, role‐play and voting.

Researchers with learning disabilities can really help the group to open up and talk about difficult subjects.

This paper presents two studies using focus groups with people with learning disabilities. One study was about ‘What is it like for people with learning disabilities who have a family or friend with cancer?’ and other study was about ‘How to break bad news to people with learning disabilities?’ Two of the researchers had learning disabilities themselves. This article reports how we worked together as a team. The focus groups involved various methods for data collection such as storytelling, role‐playing and voting. Researchers with learning disabilities enable participants with learning disabilities to discuss difficult subjects.
Yes! I am a researcher. The research story of a young adult with Down syndrome
Authors: White Emma L. , Morgan Michelle F.
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary

My name is Emma.

I am 28 years old and I have Down syndrome.

This is my story about becoming a researcher.

This article

Has lots of photographs of me doing research.

Information about the things I did with research.

Has some examples of some of my research work.

Lets me share my story with other people.

Shows that I can do anything at all times.

Is about me becoming a real researcher.

It is important for people to know that people with Down syndrome have disabilities but this does not stop me from being a superwoman!

My name is Emma I am 28 years old and I have Down syndrome.

This is an article about my story about becoming a researcher.

This article has lots of photographs of me doing research. It has information about the things I did with research. It has examples of some of my research work. This article lets me share my story with other people. This article shows that I can do anything at all times, and the photographs of me being a researcher prove it.

This research project was about finding out about the everyday literacy of three young adults with intellectual disability. Two of us have Down syndrome. It was also about us becoming real researchers.

People with Down syndrome have disabilities but this does not stop me from being a superwoman!
Heidi's and Philip's stories: transitions to post‐secondary education
Authors: Wilson Heidi , Bialk Philip , Freeze Trevi B. , Freeze Rick , Lutfiyya Zana M.
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary

In this article, the formative childhood and adolescent experiences of two young adults with learning disabilities, leading to their transitions from high school to university, are chronicled.

Their university studies, as auditing students,1 and the Campus Life program2 through which their studies were supported, also are described.

Finally, their recommendations to other young people with learning disabilities who aspire to higher education are detailed.

Benefits to people with Learning Disabilities:

It is always important to hear, and help others hear, the voices, thoughts and perspectives of people with learning disabilities, especially with respect to what they think contributes to a good life. This is the story of two young adults with learning disabilities, Heidi and Philip, studying at an advanced level, deciding on real careers and, in the process, helping the university to redefine its role in the community.

Building a meaningful and valued life for individuals with learning disabilities requires the sustained, diligent and coordinated efforts of family members, supporters, educators and the individuals themselves. In this article, the formative childhood and adolescent experiences of two young adults with learning disabilities, leading to their transitions from high school to university, are chronicled. As co‐authors with three of their university supporters, they describe their formative experiences in elementary and secondary school and the transition years that preceded university entry. Their university studies, as auditing students, and the Campus Life program, through which their studies were supported, also are described. Finally, their recommendations to other young people with learning disabilities who aspire to higher education are detailed.
Diptera vectors of avian Haemosporidian parasites: untangling parasite life cycles and their taxonomy
Authors: Santiago‐Alarcon Diego , Palinauskas Vaidas , Schaefer Hinrich Martin
Published: May 2012

Haemosporida is a large group of vector‐borne intracellular parasites that infect amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This group includes the different malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) that infect humans around the world. Our knowledge on the full life cycle of these parasites is most complete for those parasites that infect humans and, to some extent, birds. However, our current knowledge on haemosporidian life cycles is characterized by a paucity of information concerning the vector species responsible for their transmission among vertebrates. Moreover, our taxonomic and systematic knowledge of haemosporidians is far from complete, in particular because of insufficient sampling in wild vertebrates and in tropical regions. Detailed experimental studies to identify avian haemosporidian vectors are uncommon, with only a few published during the last 25 years. As such, little knowledge has accumulated on haemosporidian life cycles during the last three decades, hindering progress in ecology, evolution, and systematic studies of these avian parasites. Nonetheless, recently developed molecular tools have facilitated advances in haemosporidian research. DNA can now be extracted from vectors' blood meals and the vertebrate host identified; if the blood meal is infected by haemosporidians, the parasite's genetic lineage can also be identified. While this molecular tool should help to identify putative vector species, detailed experimental studies on vector competence are still needed. Furthermore, molecular tools have helped to refine our knowledge on Haemosporida taxonomy and systematics. Herein we review studies conducted on Diptera vectors transmitting avian haemosporidians from the late 1800s to the present. We also review work on Haemosporida taxonomy and systematics since the first application of molecular techniques and provide recommendations and suggest future research directions. Because human encroachment on natural environments brings human populations into contact with novel parasite sources, we stress that the best way to avoid emergent and reemergent diseases is through a program encompassing ecological restoration, environmental education, and enhanced understanding of the value of ecosystem services.
Myopathic causes of exercise intolerance with rhabdomyolysis
Authors: QUINLIVAN ROS , JUNGBLUTH HEINZ
Published: May 2012

We review the muscular dystrophies and metabolic myopathies associated with myalgia and rhabdomyolysis together with some less well‐recognized associations based upon the personal practice of the authors. A careful history and clinical examination will direct investigation towards an accurate molecular diagnosis. Non‐specific exercise‐induced myalgia in the presence of muscle hypertrophy and a high creatine kinase will point towards a muscular dystrophy. Symptoms occurring within minutes of exercise and with isometric contraction, especially with a history of a ‘second wind’ phenomenon, suggest a disorder of glycogen metabolism. In those patients in whom symptoms occur after prolonged exercise, infections, fasting, stress, and cold, a disorder of fatty acid oxidation should be considered. Heat‐induced rhabdomyolysis caused by exercising in hot and humid climates should lead the clinician to suspect a mutation in RYR1. Serum creatine kinase level should be a checked in all children presenting with leg pains. A careful history and examination and laboratory confirmation of myoglobinuria will target investigations leading to a correct molecular diagnosis.
Influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic factors on outcome after total hip replacement
Authors: Krupic Ferid , Eisler Thomas , Garellick Göran , Kärrholm Johan
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 139–146

Influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic factors on outcome after total hip replacement

Background:  Previous studies have documented ethnic differences in the utilization of total hip arthroplasty. Less is known if this operation is performed at the same stage of symptoms and has equal effects in patients with different ethnicity.

Aim:  We investigated whether patients born outside Sweden report equal effects of operation with the insertion of a total hip replacement in terms of EQ‐5D, pain and overall satisfaction as those born in Sweden.

Method:  Preoperative and 1‐year postoperative data from Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register, (1216 patients,1216 hips) with primary osteoarthritis of the hip operated between years 2002 and 2006, were analysed. All patients completed the EQ‐5D form, filled in a VAS about pain preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, when a VAS about overall satisfaction was added.

Findings:  Before the operation and after adjustment for confounders, patients born abroad reported more problems (dichotomized into no or moderate/severe problems), with self‐care (p = 0.01) and anxiety/depression (p = 0.02) in the EQ‐5D form than those born in Sweden. They also had more pain (VAS, p = 0.04). One year after the operation and after statistical adjustments, patients born outside Sweden reported lower scores for self‐care (p = 0.008) and usual activities (p = 0.001) in the EQ‐5D form. They still reported more pain (VAS, p = 0.02), but no significant difference concerning degree of satisfaction (p = 0.3).

Conclusions:  Our finding of more preoperative disability and pain (VAS) before the operation in patients born abroad might depend on cultural differences, communication problems and differences in indications. Even if the effect of the total hip replacement was good, patients born abroad scored less for some of the items at 1 year. We think that this patient group could benefit from improved pre‐ and postoperative information and other measures to facilitate and improve their rehabilitation.