bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Controllable Excitons Behavior by a Mixed Interlayer between Fluorescence Blue and Phosphorescence Yellow-Emitting Layers
Authors: Gao Chun-Hong , Shi Xiao-Bo , Zhou Dong-Ying , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: April 2013

A highly efficient hybrid white organic light-emitting diode (HWOLED) has been demonstrated with a mixed interlayer between fluorescent blue and phosphorescent yellow-emitting layers. The device structure is simplified by using a controllable fluorescence-mixed interlayer-phosphorescence emission layer structure. The electroluminance (EL) performance can be modulated easily by adjusting the ratio of the hole-predominated material to the electron-predominated material in the interlayer. It is found that the HWOLED with a ratio of 3 : 2 exhibits a current efficiency of 34 cd/A and a power efficiency of 29 lm/W at 1000 cd/m2with warm white Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE1931) coordinates of (0.4273, 0.4439). The improved efficiency and adaptive CIE coordinates are attributed to the controllable mixed interlayer with enhanced charge carrier transport, optimized excitons distribution, and improved harvestings of singlet and triplet excitons.
Outcomes after Radical Prostatectomy in Ghanaians: A Surgeon's Early Experience
Authors: Kyei Mathew Yamoah , Mensah Edward James , Gepi-Attee Samuel , Kwami Devine , Ampadu Kwabena , Asante Emmanuel , Klufio George Oko , Yeboah Edward Donkoh
Published: April 2013

Background. There is a lack of expertise in the procedure of open radical retropubic prostatectomy in West Africa therefore necessitating the training of urologists in the subregion in this procedure. Aim. This report looks at the early outcomes of a single surgeon in this procedure after an SIU fellowship. Methodology. A prospective study of the initial twenty consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer that underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital, Accra.
Results. The mean followup was 19.5 months (range 7 months–36 months). The mean age was 62.7 yrs. For the clinical stage, 60% were T1c and 40% T2a with a mean Gleason score of 6.5. The mean estimated blood loss was 1140.0 mLs with a transfusion rate of 70%. For the pathologic stage, pT2 cancers formed 60%, pT3 25%, and pT4 5% with a mean Gleason score of 6.8. No lymph node involvement was noted. The perioperative complications rate was 15%, a postoperative potency recovery rate of 78.6% with all the patients being continent of urine. The tPSA of 95% of the patients had remained less than 0.4 ng/mL. Conclusion. The SIU scholarship offers an avenue for training in radical prostatectomy for sub-Saharan Africa.
Cordycepin Increases Nonrapid Eye Movement Sleep via Adenosine Receptors in Rats
Authors: Hu Zhenzhen , Lee Chung-Il , Shah Vikash Kumar , Oh Eun-Hye , Han Jin-Yi , Bae Jae-Ryong , Lee Kinam , Chong Myong-Soo , Hong Jin Tae , Oh Ki-Wan
Published: April 2013

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a naturally occurring adenosine analogue and one of the bioactive constituents isolated fromCordyceps militaris/Cordyceps sinensis, species of the fungal genusCordyceps. It has traditionally been a prized Chinese folk medicine for the human well-being. Because of similarity of chemical structure of adenosine, cordycepin has been focused on the diverse effects of the central nervous systems (CNSs), like sleep regulation. Therefore, this study was undertaken to know whether cordycepin increases the natural sleep in rats, and its effect is mediated by adenosine receptors (ARs). Sleep was recorded using electroencephalogram (EEG) for 4 hours after oral administration of cordycepin in rats. Sleep architecture and EEG power spectra were analyzed. Cordycepin reduced sleep-wake cycles and increased nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Interestingly, cordycepin increasedθ(theta) waves power density during NREM sleep. In addition, the protein levels of AR subtypes (A1,A2A,andA2B) were increased after the administration of cordycepin, especially in the rat hypothalamus which plays an important role in sleep regulation. Therefore, we suggest that cordycepin increases theta waves power density during NREM sleep via nonspecific AR in rats. In addition, this experiment can provide basic evidence that cordycepin may be helpful for sleep-disturbed subjects.
Right Aortic Arch and Kommerell’s Diverticulum Repaired without Reconstruction of Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery
Authors: Osawa Hiroshi , Shinohara Daisuke , Orii Kouan , Hosaka Shigeru , Fukuda Shoji , Akashi Okihiko , Furukawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

Right aortic arch with Kommerell’s diverticulum is a very rare situation. Surgical treatment is recommended for symptomatic patients or asymptomatic patients with a large diverticulum. However planning the strategy of operation is difficult without a 3D imaging. We report a case of a 57-year-old man with right aortic arch, Kommerell’s diverticulum, and aberrant left subclavian artery. After a 3D-CT imaging, the patient underwent descending aortic replacement without reconstruction of aberrant left subclavian artery. After operation, there was no signs or symptoms of ischemia of the left arm. If the reconstruction of the aberrant subclavian artery was too difficult, closing its orifice is an acceptable decision. It has been found advantageous because of a decrease blood loss and a shorter cardiopulmonary bypass duration. If an ischemia of the arm is noticed, additional reconstruction will have to be considered. 3D-CT imaging was very useful to have a proper orientation and plan for the operative strategy.
Utilization of Preventive Measures for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis among Veterans with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Thanou Aikaterini , Ali Tauseef , Haq Omar , Kaitha Sindhu , Morton Jordan , Stavrakis Stavros , Humphrey Mary Beth
Published: April 2013

Purpose. We examined current osteoporosis prevention practices in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on chronic steroid using the 2003 American Gastroenterological Association guidelines as standard of care. Methods. We identified all IBD patients followed at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center from January 2003 to December 2010, who had been on daily oral steroids (prednisone ≥5 mg or budesonide ≥6 mg) for ≥3 consecutive months. Associations of calcium and vitamin D (vitD) prescribing and bone mineral density (BMD) testing with patient characteristics were examined by logistic regression. Results. Sixty-three of 384 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria. Among 86 steroid courses, calcium and vitD were concurrently prescribed in 46%, and BMD was tested in 30%. There was no association of demographic and clinical characteristics with calcium/vitD prescribing and BMD testing. By multivariate analysis, steroid initiation after 2006, compared to before 2006, was associated with a significant increase in calcium (OR = 3.17 and P=0.02) and vitD (OR = 2.96 and P=0.02) prescribing and BMD testing (OR = 4.63 and P=0.004). Conclusions. We observed a low, yet increasing, adherence to osteoporosis prevention guidelines in IBD since 2003, which highlights the need for continued physician education to enhance guideline awareness and implementation.
Distributed Beacon Drifting Detection for Localization in Unstable Environments
Authors: Xia Ming , Sun Peiliang , Wang Xiaoyan , Jin Yan , Chen Qingzhang
Published: April 2013

Localization is a fundamental research issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In most existing localization schemes, several beacons are used to determine the locations of sensor nodes. These localization mechanisms are frequently based on an assumption that the locations of beacons are known. Nevertheless, for many WSN systems deployed in unstable environments, beacons may be moved unexpectedly; that is, beacons are drifting, and their location information will no longer be reliable. As a result, the accuracy of localization will be greatly affected. In this paper, we propose a distributed beacon drifting detection algorithm to locate those accidentally moved beacons. In the proposed algorithm, we designed both beacon self-scoring and beacon-to-beacon negotiation mechanisms to improve detection accuracy while keeping the algorithm lightweight. Experimental results show that the algorithm achieves its designed goals.
Unique Presentation of Urachal Cyst Disease: Incidental Finding to Complicated Infection
Authors: Lee Seong K. , Kiffin Chauniqua , Sanchez Rafael , Carrillo Eddy , Rosenthal Andrew
Published: April 2013

Urachal remnant disease is uncommon in adults and can present with symptoms ranging from drainage near the umbilicus to a severe abdominal infection. Most cases are referred for treatment once diagnosed either clinically or radiographically with ultrasound or computerized tomography. We present a unique case of an infected urachal cyst visualized on a series of CT scans in an adult patient with abdominal pain over a period of years.
A Rare Case of Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma in the Nasal Cavity
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Hyun Dong Woo , Cho Hyung-Ju , Lee Jeung-Gweon
Published: April 2013

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) is an extremely rare neoplasm that mainly arises from the lymphoid tissues of the immune system. Although this neoplasm typically occurs anywhere along the lymph nodes, it can also be found at extranodal sites, especially in the head and neck. We experienced a rare case of extranodal IDCS in the nasal cavity, a location that has not been previously reported. A 73-year-old woman presented with a polyp-like mass in the nasal cavity and underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. A histologic study confirmed the mass as IDCS by immunohistochemistry with S-100 antibody, and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was administered. Although the incidence is extremely rare, this case suggests that extranodal IDCS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal cavity masses.
Major Histocompatibility Class II Pathway Is Not Required for the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Willemin Gilles , Roger Catherine , Bauduret Armelle , Minehira Kaori
Published: April 2013

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms within major histocompatibility class II (MHC II) genes have been associated with an increased risk of drug-induced liver injury. However, it has never been addressed whether the MHC II pathway plays an important role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common form of liver disease. We used a mouse model that has a complete knockdown of genes in the MHC II pathway (MHCIIΔ/Δ). Firstly we studied the effect of high-fat diet-induced hepatic inflammation in these mice. Secondly we studied the development of carbon-tetra-chloride- (CCl4-) induced hepatic cirrhosis. After the high-fat diet, both groups developed obesity and hepatic steatosis with a similar degree of hepatic inflammation, suggesting no impact of the knockdown of MHC II on high-fat diet-induced inflammation in mice. In the second study, we confirmed that the CCl4injection significantly upregulated the MHC II genes in wild-type mice. The CCl4treatment significantly induced genes related to the fibrosis formation in wild-type mice, whereas this was lower in MHCIIΔ/Δmice. The liver histology, however, showed no detectable difference between groups, suggesting that the MHC II pathway is not required for the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4.
Marchiafava-Bignami Disease in a Nonalcoholic Diabetic Patient
Authors: Yadala Sisira , Luo Jin Jun
Published: April 2013

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological disorder mostly seen in alcoholic and malnourished patients with a pathognomonic hallmark of corpus callosum demyelination. MBD in nonalcoholics without malnutrition has rarely been reported. We report a case of MBD in a diabetic patient, without alcoholism or malnutrition, caused by a wide range of glycemic level fluctuations. A 38-year-old man presented with sudden onset of alteration in speech and multiple falls in three days. Neurologic examination showed dysarthria, dysmetria, and ataxia but, otherwise, normal cranial nerves, motor and sensory functions, and tendon reflexes. Brain MRI showed symmetric abnormalities in the splenium of the corpus callosum. In addition, demyelination was also observed in bilateral posterior limbs of the internal capsule and brachium ponti. His symptoms significantly improved after stabilization and normalization of his plasma glucose level and administration of multivitamins and corticosteroids. The underlying pathophysiology of the development of MBD in our case is likely to be osmotic stress from a wide range of glycemic fluctuations causing structural and functional disturbance of oligodendrocytes, which may be reversible in its early stage.
Increasing Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels Differently Influence Prostate Cancer Detection Rates of Two Different 12-Core Prostate Biopsy Schemes
Authors: Lodeta Branimir , Benko Goran , Trkulja Vladimir
Published: April 2013

Objective: To compare two 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy schemes in respect to cancer detection rates. Methods: Retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive patients (n = 897) who underwent prostate biopsy (S1) with all 12 cores from far lateral areas (n = 269) or prostate biopsy (S2) with 6 cores from parasagittal and 6 from far lateral areas (n = 628). Results: Crude cancer detection rates with S1 and S2 were similar (39.0 and 38.9% for the first biopsy and 29.4 and 31.3% for repeated biopsies, respectively). Abnormal digital rectal exam, lower prostate volume and higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were independently associated with higher odds of cancer detection. Regarding first biopsies (n = 747), there was significant interaction between biopsy scheme and PSA (p < 0.001). Overall, the adjusted odds of cancer detection were higher with S1 (S1/S2 odds ratio = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.12-5.74), but the S1-S2 relationship was conditional on PSA: odds ratios progressively increased with increasing PSA from 0.64 (95% CI: 0.40-1.02) at PSA 5 ng/ml to 39.1 (95% CI: 2.71-566) at 75 ng/ml. Conclusion: Higher PSA levels increase the probability of cancer detection with 12-core prostate biopsies, but relative efficiency of different procedures appeared conditional on the PSA level. Data suggest that PSA levels should be considered in the choice of prostate biopsy sampling scheme.
12/15-Lipoxygenase Expression Is Increased in Oligodendrocytes and Microglia of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Haynes Robin L. , van Leyen Klaus
Published: April 2013

Oxidative stress involving premyelinating oligodendrocytes (OLs) is a major factor in the pathogenesis of preterm white matter injury. In animal and cell culture studies, activation of the lipid-oxidizing enzyme 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) plays a central role as an inflammatory mediator in the pathology of oxidative stress and OL cell death, as well as ischemia and neuronal death. The role of 12/15-LOX, however, is unclear in the developing human brain. The mechanism of 12/15-LOX involves the production of reactive oxygen species through the metabolism of arachidonic acid, as well as direct detrimental effects on organelle membranes. Here we tested the hypothesis that the density of 12/15-LOX-expressing cells is increased in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Using immunocytochemistry (ICC) in human paraffin-embedded tissue, 12/15-LOX expression was seen in macrophages of the focally necrotic lesions in the periventricular white matter, as well as in glial cells throughout the surrounding white matter with reactive gliosis. Interestingly, no significant 12/15-LOX expression was detected in neurons in the cerebral cortex overlying the damaged white matter. Using a scoring system from 0 to 3, we assessed the density of 12/15-LOX-expressing cells in diffusely gliotic white matter from 20 to 43 postconceptional (PC) weeks in 19 PVL cases (median = 36 PC weeks) and 10 control (non-PVL) cases (median = 34 PC weeks). The density of 12/15-LOX-positive cells was significantly increased in the diffuse component of PVL (score = 1.17 ± 0.15) compared to controls (score = 0.48 ± 0.21; p = 0.014). Using double-label ICC, 12/15-LOX was observed in PVL in OLs of the O4 and O1 premyelinating stages, as well as in mature OLs as determined with the mature OL marker adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). In addition, 12/15-LOX expression was present in a population of CD68-positive activated microglia. There was no 12/15-LOX expression in reactive astrocytes. Finally we observed terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end-labeling-positive cells within the white matter of PVL that expressed 12/15-LOX and/or within close proximity of 12/15-LOX-positive cells. Our data support a role for 12/15-LOX activation as an inflammatory mediator of injury in PVL, with a contribution of 12/15-LOX to PVL-induced damage to or cell death of OLs, including those at the O1 and O4 stages.
Duplication of Isodicentric Chromosome 13, idic(13)(p11.2), Leading to Pentasomy 13q in Acute Myeloid Leukemia without Maturation
Authors: Kjeldsen E. , Kallenbach M.
Published: April 2013

Isodicentric chromosome 13, idic(13)(p11.2), is a very rare chromosomal aberration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We describe here a novel case of AML without maturation, where the leukemic cells harbored double idic(13)(p11.2) and a normal chromosome 13 resulting in pentasomy 13q. Analyses were done on aspirated bone marrow cells from diagnosis. We utilized G-banding analysis, 24-color karyotyping and additional FISH analyses with various locus-specific probes to characterize the chromosomal complement. Oligonucleotide-based 180K aCGH analysis was done to search for submicroscopic imbalances. The karyotype was 47,XY,idic(13)(p11.2)x2[23]/46,XY[2]. Pantelomeric FISH analysis indicated critically short telomeres. Oligo-based aCGH analysis confirmed high copy gain of chromosome 13q and did not disclose other genomic imbalances. Reviewing the literature, this may be the second case of pentasomy 13q, since idic(13)(p11.2), when analyzed by conventional cytogenetics, is indistinguishable from i(13)(q10). Both cases were associated with immature AML and a poor outcome. We propose that idic(13)(p11.2) is a new recurrent abnormality in AML without maturation and suggest that pentasomy 13q is an early event in pathogenesis of AML through amplification of genes located on 13q.
A Novel Membrane Estrogen Receptor Activated by STX Induces Female Sexual Receptivity through an Interaction with mGluR1a
Authors: Christensen Amy , Micevych Paul
Published: April 2013

Membrane initiated estradiol signaling has been shown to be vital for multiple physiological processes. Several receptors have been proposed to mediate the actions of estradiol at the membrane. Here, we examined the ability of STX, an agonist of a novel putative membrane estrogen receptor, to activate sexually receptive behavior in the female rat. Infusions of STX into the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus resulted in the activation and internalization of μ-opioid receptors in the medial preoptic nucleus, an action that is required for lordosis behavior. Indeed, STX was able to augment sexual receptivity in female rats given a sub-behavioral dose of estradiol. However, if the mGluR1a antagonist, LY367,385, was administered prior to STX, its circuit-activating effects, the internalization of μ-opioid receptors, were lost. This suggests that the receptor stimulated by STX activates rapid membrane-initiated signaling through an interaction with mGluR1a - an effect previously described for estrogen receptor-α at the membrane.
Galileo and Tennis: Reconciling the New Physics with Commonsense
Authors: Gattei Stefano
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses a passage from the Second Day of Galileo’s Dialogue in which explicit reference is made to the game of tennis and, more specifically, to spinning balls. This often overlooked passage forms part and parcel of the tightly-knit argumentative structure of the work, and provides key arguments against Aristotelian physics. Furthermore, Galileo’s choice of terms shows how careful he was in his use of analogies as effective tools to reconcile the new physics that he was struggling to introduce, with common sense. Finally, and most interestingly, by comparing this passage with a similar one from Galileo’s unpublished writings, this paper shows the extent to which Galileo was interested in the physics of spinning balls and how he planned to include a discussion of it in a work that he began shortly after the publication of the Sidereus Nuncius, but never managed to finish.
Jacob Bernoulli and the Mathematics of Tennis
Authors: Sylla Edith Dudley
Published: April 2013

Jacob Bernoulli’s Lettre à un Amy sur les Parties du Jeu de Paume employs the sorts of mathematical techniques that had been applied to games of chance by Pascal and Huygens to a game, now called Court Tennis or Royal Tennis, the outcomes of which depended, as he thought, not on chance but on athletic skill. He assumed that the players’ relative strengths could be determined a posteriori or by observation. Bernoulli’s work shows an alternate route by which mathematics was applied to the real world in the seventeenth century, one which did not involve Platonic conceptions of the role of mathematics, but rather the techniques of commercial arithmetic and, in particular, of algebra.
Two new species of Fiorinia Targioni-Tozzetti (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) from China
Authors: WEI JIUFENG , ZHANG BIN , FENG JINIAN
Published: April 2013

The adult females of two new species of armored scale, Fiorinia tianshuiensis Wei & Feng sp. n. and F. dinghuensis Wei & Feng sp. n., are described and illustrated from specimens collected from China. A key is provided for the all Fiorinia species known from China.
A new species of Dicranophora Macquart (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) from Bahia State, Brazil and a key to species of the genus
Authors: DE GODOI FABIO SIQUEIRA PITALUGA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: April 2013

A new species of the Neotropical Dicranophora Macquart is described and illustrated from six males collected in north-east Brazil, Bahia state (Encruzilhada district). Dicranophora femurspiculata sp. nov. is characterized by the specific pat-tern of spots on the frons, on the legs and on the abdomen, and by a distinct shape of the scutellar process and mid femur. A key to the species of the genus and a distribution map are presented.
A Method for Retrieving Mean Horizontal Wind Profiles from Single-Doppler Radar Observations Contaminated by Aliasing
Authors: Gao Jidong , Droegemeier Kelvin K. , Gong Jiandong , Xu Qin
Published: April 2013

The velocity–azimuth display (VAD) technique was designed to estimate the areal mean vertical profile of the horizontal wind above a ground-based Doppler radar. The method uses radial velocity observations under the assumption of a linear wind field, though it encounters difficulty when the observations are contaminated by velocity ambiguities, large noise, and when viable data exist only over a restricted azimuthal range. The method suggested in this paper uses gradients of radial velocity, rather than only the velocity itself, to derive wind profiles and thus is termed the gradient velocity–azimuth display (GVAD) technique.

Both the VAD and GVAD methods are tested first on simulated data to examine their sensitivity to different type of errors in radial velocity. The retrieved mean wind profiles are shown to be insensitive to random errors in radial velocity, even at large amplitude. However, the VAD method is very sensitive to systematic errors caused by velocity ambiguities. The experiments indicate that if only 3% of a full-volume scan of radial wind data is contaminated by aliasing errors, the relative rms error in the mean wind profile retrieved by VAD can reach 50%. In contrast, GVAD is very robust to such errors.

Application of GVAD to Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data collected during the 3 May 1999 tornado outbreak show that it has the ability to obtain accurate wind profiles even when the observations contain large errors caused by velocity ambiguities and random noise.
Talking work in a bank: A study of organizing properties of leadership in work interactions
Authors: Larsson Magnus , Lundholm Susanne E
Published: April 2013

Leadership is generally seen not only as an inspiring and motivating force but also as having important organizing properties. Despite this common assumption, the organizing properties of leadership have not yet been clarified sufficiently or demonstrated empirically. In this study, such organizing properties are revealed through a detailed analysis of one single work episode, drawn from an ethnographic study of leadership in a bank. Using conversation analysis, the study shows that leadership, understood as an interpersonal influence process, enables and facilitates organizing processes. As expected, this involves establishment of episodic closures, but also resistance to such. Further, the study shows important influence and organizing functions of situated collective identities-in-interaction, which render the involved individuals interdependent.
Review Article: How can we make organizational interventions work? Employees and line managers as actively crafting interventions
Authors: Nielsen Karina
Published: April 2013

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the processes of organizational interventions when evaluating the outcomes on employee health and well-being. Nevertheless, process evaluation is still in its infancy and primarily consists of checklists inspired by the public health intervention literature. In these frameworks, employees are seen as passive recipients whose reactions to pre-developed interventions should be evaluated. Current organizational intervention design rests on a participatory approach and recent process evaluations reveal that employees and line managers influence the implementation and the outcomes of organizational interventions. Following the current foci of current frameworks we may miss out on important information on the influence of both the participatory process and the line managers on intervention outcomes. I argue that current evaluation frameworks suffer from four limitations: (i) they are not aligned with state-of-the-art research and practice; (ii) and therefore they fail to apply theory to explain how and why human agents influence intervention implementation and outcomes; (iii) they do not offer suggestions as to how such agency can be measured; and (iv) nor do they discuss how we may use knowledge obtained from process evaluation proactively when designing future organizational interventions.
A demonstration of the importance of temporal considerations in the prediction of newcomer turnover
Authors: Holtom Brooks C , Tidd Simon T , Mitchell Terence R , Lee Thomas W
Published: April 2013

We theorize about and examine empirically the increase in predictive strength of antecedents of voluntary turnover over the first three years of employment using survival analysis with time-varying covariates and period effects. On the basis of employee survey data gathered from 240 newcomers working in a retail bank and organizational turnover records collected over multiple years, we find that job embeddedness and job satisfaction increase in their ability to predict voluntary turnover as tenure increases. The results of this study emphasize the importance of integrating time into theories to better understand the dynamics of the turnover process. Specifically, additional theorizing about when different effects may be manifest and how long they will persist is critical. Equally important is the development and application of research methods that are suited to dynamic modeling, such as those introduced here.
The Challenge of Diffusing Military Professionalism in Africa
Authors: Soeters Joseph , Van Ouytsel Audrey
Published: April 2013

In order to cope with the many violent conflicts all over the world and to enhance their influence, Western armed forces tend to invest in professionalizing the armed forces of developing countries. One way is to educate cadets of such countries at the military academies at home. Following in this wake, Belgium has opened up its military training programs for cadets from Francophone African countries. This article examines the experiences of young men from Benin after they have finished their studies successfully and returned to their parent armed force in this African country. The focus of our analysis is on organizational change through intergenerational diversity reflecting differences in professionalism-related experiences. The findings, suggesting that such organizational change is not self-evident, lead to a discussion about the general implications of diffusing military professionalism to developing countries, in Africa in particular.
Improving end-of-life care in nursing homes: Implementation and evaluation of an intervention to sustain quality of care
Authors: Finucane Anne M , Stevenson Barbara , Moyes Rhona , Oxenham David , Murray Scott A
Published: April 2013

Background:

Internationally, policy calls for care homes to provide reliably good end-of-life care. We undertook a 20-month project to sustain palliative care improvements achieved by a previous intervention.

Aim:

To sustain a high standard of palliative care in seven UK nursing care homes using a lower level of support than employed during the original project and to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Design:

Two palliative care nurse specialists each spent one day per week providing support and training to seven care homes in Scotland, United Kingdom; after death audit data were collected each month and analysed.

Results:

During the sustainability project, 132 residents died. In comparison with the initial intervention, there were increases in (a) the proportion of deceased residents with an anticipatory care plan in place (b) the proportion of those with Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation documentation in place and (c) the proportion of those who were on the Liverpool Care Pathway when they died. Furthermore, there was a reduction in inappropriate hospital deaths of frail and elderly residents with dementia. However, overall hospital deaths increased.

Conclusions:

A lower level of nursing support managed to sustain and build on the initial outcomes. However, despite increased adoption of key end-of-life care tools, hospital deaths were higher during the sustainability project. While good support from palliative care nurse specialists and GPs can help ensure that key processes remain in place, stable management and key champions are vital to ensure that a palliative care approach becomes embedded within the culture of the care home.
Early application of an intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Li Zhijuan , Dong Pingshuan , Liu Xiaomin , Yang Xuming , Wang Ke , Li Zhiguo , Zhao Yuwei , Jin Guoqing , Li Zhuanzen , Li Chunyan
Published: April 2013

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of early application of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Patients who had experienced STEMI for 12–72 h received (IABP group) or did not receive (control group) IABP counterpulsation for 3–5 days before PCI.

Results

One hundred patients were included. Frequencies of infarct-related artery thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow rate classes 0, I and II in the IABP group (11.5, 1.9 and 7.7%, respectively) were significantly lower than in the control group (29.1, 14.6 and 22.9%, respectively) before PCI. After PCI, the frequency of TIMI class III flow rate in the IABP group (96.2%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (81.3%). Four weeks after PCI, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly higher, and the incidence of major cardiac events was significantly lower, in the IABP group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Early use of IABP counterpulsation in STEMI patients scheduled for PCI was effective, with a favourable safety profile. IABP counterpulsation reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiac events and improved LVEF. However, IABP devices must be used at an early stage, to obtain optimal results.
An Outbreak of Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080) Intoxication in Selenium- and Copper-Deficient Sheep in California
Authors: Giannitti F. , Anderson M. , Caspe S. G. , Mete A. , East N. E. , Mostrom M. , Poppenga R.
Published: April 2013

Sodium fluoroacetate is an organofluorine compound toxic to mammals, insects, and birds, currently registered for use only in livestock protection collars as a predacide in some North American states, with restricted use in California. A flock of 445 lambs and ewes in California were moved into a native pasture on a municipal refuse disposal site. Within 24 hours, 14 ewes were found dead, and the remaining sheep were moved off the site. Both ewes and lambs exhibited disoriented running, followed by apparent blindness, weakness, ataxia, coma, and death. Over the next 4 days, 63 ewes and 80 lambs died with a peak at 3 days after grazing the suspect pasture (157/445, 35% mortality). Two dead 4-month-old lambs and 2 ewes were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory for necropsy. Grossly, there were bilateral diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema, hydrothorax and hydropericardium with fibrin clots, and multifocally extensive areas of epicardial petechiae, ecchymoses, and pallor. In 1 ewe, there was regional caudodorsal pulmonary hemorrhage and intraluminal tracheal clotted blood. Microscopically in all cases, there was multifocal acute myocardial degeneration and necrosis with nonsuppurative pleocellular myocarditis. Sodium fluoroacetate was detected in kidney from a lamb and a ewe at 27.5 and 12.5 parts per billion, respectively. All sheep were selenium deficient, and concurrent copper deficiency was diagnosed in 3. The pathological and toxicological findings were consistent with 1080 poisoning, possibly exacerbated by micronutrient deficiency. This outbreak raised an alert about the use of restricted products with potential lethal effect in animals in California.
Book Review: Nutritional Genomics: The Impact of Dietary Regulation of Gene Function on Human Disease
Authors: Li Ding‐You
Published: April 2013

Bidlack WR, Rodriguez RL, eds. Nutritional Genomics: The Impact of Dietary Regulation of Gene Function on Human Disease. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis (CRC Press); 2012. 426 pp. ISBN 978‐1‐4398‐4452‐6.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction
Authors: Gabbard Scott L. , Lacy Brian E.
Published: April 2013

Chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIP) is a rare and serious disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized as a motility disorder with the primary defect of impaired peristalsis; symptoms are consistent with a bowel obstruction, although mechanical obstruction cannot be identified. CIP is classified as a neuropathy, myopathy, or mesenchymopathy; it is a neuropathic process in the majority of patients. The natural history of CIP is generally that of a progressive disorder, although occasional patients with secondary CIP note significant symptomatic improvement when the underlying disorder is identified and treated. Symptoms vary from patient to patient depending on the location of the luminal GI tract involved and the degree of involvement; however, the small intestine is nearly always involved. Common symptoms include dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal distension, constipation or diarrhea, and involuntary weight loss. Unfortunately, these symptoms are nonspecific, which can contribute to misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Since many of the symptoms and signs suggest a mechanical bowel obstruction, diagnostic tests typically focus on uncovering a mechanical obstruction, although routine tests do not identify an obstructive process. Nutrition supplementation is required for many patients with CIP due to symptoms of dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. This review discusses the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with CIP, with an emphasis on nutrition assessment and treatment options for patients with nutrition compromise.
The naturalistic turn in feminist theory: A Marxist-realist contribution
Authors: Gunnarsson Lena
Published: April 2013

After a time dominated by nature-phobia, a naturalistic turn is emerging within feminist theory. Welcoming this new theoretical embrace of nature and sympathising with its insistence that nature is not feminism’s enemy, this article nevertheless points to some problematic features of this turn. Focusing on Elizabeth Grosz’s postmodernist readings of Charles Darwin, I suggest that their emphasis of nature’s dynamic, indeterminate and enabling qualities both implies a politically unmotivated glorification of the dynamic and unruly, and as such obscures the important fact that nature also works as a constraining factor on societies. I demonstrate, from the point of view of a Marxist-realist perspective, why an acknowledgement of nature’s limiting force is crucial for the coherence of any theoretical account of the workings of social systems. The article also addresses the feminist imperative to transcend the dualism between nature and culture, and shows how the concept of emergence offers a solution to dilemmas that tend to appear in connection to such efforts of transcendence.
Psycho-educational support for relatives of people with a recent diagnosis of mild to moderate dementia: An evaluation of a ‘Course for Carers’
Authors: Milne Alisoun , Guss Reinhard , Russ Andrew
Published: April 2013

Currently there are 820,000 people with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to reach 1.7 million by 2050. Policy and practice emphasis on early intervention in dementia and support of family carers foreground a need to explore service efficacy for relatives of those with a recent diagnosis. Existing evidence suggests that psycho-educational interventions can significantly enhance carer well being especially when well targeted and group based. A rolling programme of seven psycho-educational Courses for ‘new carers’ in one area of England was the subject of a systematic evaluation incorporating a quantitative rating scale and qualitative data. Findings suggest that the Courses achieved a number of intersecting aims: they provided psychological support; offered advice; enhanced coping skills; boosted confidence; increased knowledge; and prepared the carer for the future. That the Courses were designed and delivered by specialist staff – primarily psychologists, offered a social dimension, were time limited and free are noteworthy features. The evaluation suggests that as a model the Course has considerable short and longer term preventive potential; also that it could be replicated elsewhere in the country and achieve similar outcomes.
The Public’s Compass
Authors: Bloom Pazit Ben-Nun
Published: April 2013

Since most Americans are politically unsophisticated, but political attitudes are reasonably predictable, what is it that guides political behavior? This study suggests it is moral judgment. The article first lays down the mechanisms explaining the role of morality in attitude strength, extremity of attitude, tendency to issue voting, and participation, and then examines the extent these are accounted for by moral convictions. Sentimental and reasoned moral convictions are strong political cues, available to both ideological sides, and independent of political sophistication. Since political attitudes may be based on moral judgments that occur very quickly, via emotional and intuitive responses, coherent public opinion does not require unusual levels of political competence and motivation.
TCR triggering modulates the responsiveness and homeostatic proliferation of CD4+ thymic emigrants to IL-7 therapy
Authors: Hennion-Tscheltzoff Olga , Leboeuf Dominique , Gauthier Simon-David , Dupuis Martine , Assouline Brigitte , Grégoire Anne , Thiant Stéphanie , Guimond Martin
Published: April 2013

Key Points

TCR stimulation increases IL-7 responsiveness. CD4+SPT proliferate more to IL-7 therapy.
Phase 2 study of azacytidine plus sorafenib in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and FLT-3 internal tandem duplication mutation
Authors: Ravandi Farhad , Alattar Mona Lisa , Grunwald Michael R. , Rudek Michelle A. , Rajkhowa Trivikram , Richie Mary Ann , Pierce Sherry , Daver Naval , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Faderl Stefan , Nazha Aziz , Konopleva Marina , Borthakur Gautam , Burger Jan , Kadia Tapan , Dellasala Sara , Andreeff Michael , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop , Levis Mark
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Azacytidine and sorafenib are effective in patients with relapsed and refractory FLT3-mutated AML.
Evolutionary history of black grouse major histocompatibility complex class IIB genes revealed through single locus sequence-based genotyping
Authors: Strand Tanja , Wang Biao , Meyer-Lucht Yvonne , Höglund Jacob
Published: April 2013

Background

Gene duplications are frequently observed in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of many species, and as a consequence loci belonging to the same MHC class are often too similar to tell apart. In birds, single locus genotyping of MHC genes has proven difficult due to concerted evolution homogenizing sequences at different loci. But studies on evolutionary history, mode of selection and heterozygosity correlations on the MHC cannot be performed before it is possible to analyse duplicated genes separately. In this study we investigate the architecture and evolution of the MHC class IIB genes in black grouse. We developed a sequence-based genotyping method for separate amplification of the two black grouse MHC class IIB genes BLB1 and BLB2. Based on this approach we are able to study differences in structure and selection between the two genes in black grouse and relate these results to the chicken MHC structure and organization.

Results

Sequences were obtained from 12 individuals and separated into alleles using the software PHASE. We compared nucleotide diversity measures and employed selection tests for BLB1 and BLB2 to explore their modes of selection. Both BLB1 and BLB2 are transcribed and display classic characteristics of balancing selection as predicted for expressed MHC class IIB genes. We found evidence for both intra- and interlocus recombination or gene conversion, as well as indication for positive but differential selection at both loci. Moreover, the two loci appear to be linked. Phylogenetic analyses revealed orthology of the black grouse MHC class IIB genes to the respective BLB loci in chicken.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the duplication of the BLB gene occurred before the species divergence into black grouse, chicken and pheasant. Further, we conclude that BLB1 and BLB2 in black grouse are subjected to homogenizing concerted evolution due to interlocus genetic exchange after species divergence. The loci are in linkage disequilibrium, which is in line with the theory of tightly coevolving genes within the MHC under the minimal essential MHC hypothesis. Our results support the conclusion that MHC form and function in birds derived from studies on the domesticated chicken are not artefacts of the domestication process.
Effects of musical training and event probabilities on encoding of complex tone patterns
Authors: Kuchenbuch Anja , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Herholz Sibylle C , Pantev Christo
Published: April 2013

Background

The human auditory cortex automatically encodes acoustic input from the environment and differentiates regular sound patterns from deviant ones in order to identify important, irregular events. The Mismatch Negativity (MMN) response is a neuronal marker for the detection of sounds that are unexpected, based on the encoded regularities. It is also elicited by violations of more complex regularities and musical expertise has been shown to have an effect on the processing of complex regularities. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated the MMN response to salient or less salient deviants by varying the standard probability (70%, 50% and 35%) of a pattern oddball paradigm. To study the effects of musical expertise in the encoding of the patterns, we compared the responses of a group of non-musicians to those of musicians.

Results

We observed significant MMN in all conditions, including the least salient condition (35% standards), in response to violations of the predominant tone pattern for both groups. The amplitude of MMN from the right hemisphere was influenced by the standard probability. This effect was modulated by long-term musical training: standard probability changes influenced MMN amplitude in the group of non-musicians only.

Conclusion

This study indicates that pattern violations are detected automatically, even if they are of very low salience, both in non-musicians and musicians, with salience having a stronger impact on processing in the right hemisphere of non-musicians. Long-term musical training influences this encoding, in that non-musicians benefit to a greater extent from a good signal-to-noise ratio (i.e. high probability of the standard pattern), while musicians are less dependent on the salience of an acoustic environment.
Chronic diarrhea as the presenting feature of primary systemic AL amyloidosis: serendipity or delayed diagnosis?
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Yue , Jin Yali , Zhou Weixun , Zhu Yanlin , Yao Fang , Qian Jiaming
Published: April 2013

Background

Chronic diarrhea in adults is a common symptom with a wide range of underlying etiologies. Although various strategies have been proposed for evaluation, there are still cases with undetermined origins even after extensive workup. Amyloidosis with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is one of the causes that should be considered in adult patients with chronic diarrhea. We report a case of primary systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, presenting initially as chronic diarrhea and weight loss.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old man with chronic diarrhea and weight loss was referred to our hospital. Prior to his presentation, extensive evaluation including an exploratory laparotomy was carried out and did not yield any valuable findings. An echocardiography performed after repeated episodes of orthostatic hypotension revealed infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Moreover, biopsies of the terminal ileum revealed amyloid deposition confirmed by Congo Red staining. Finally, a diagnosis of systemic AL amyloidosis was made after hematological workup. Anti-plasma cell therapy did ameliorate his GI symptoms.

Conclusion

Although amyloidosis with GI involvement is a rare cause of chronic diarrhea, it should be considered especially in patients with intestinal malabsorption and extra-GI manifestations, such as orthostatic hypotension. The delayed diagnosis in the present case highlights the importance of recognizing clinical “red flags” not seemingly related to one another, and underscores the need to get intestinal biopsies even with normal endoscopic appearance of the mucosa.