bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trading Legitimacy: Everyday Corruption and Its Consequences for Medical Regulation in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Lê Gillian
Published: November 2013

Government regulation of health professionals is believed to ensure the efficacy and expertise of practitioners for and on behalf of patients. Certification and licensing are two common means to do so, legalizing a physician to practice medicine. However, ethnography from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) suggests that in corrupt socioeconomic environments, certification and licensing can alternatively produce a trade in legitimacy. Drawing on participant observations during 15 months of fieldwork with 25 medical acupuncturists in private practice in HCMC, southern Vietnam, and their patients, I argue that everyday practices of corruption and the importance of personal networks meant that legality, efficacy, and expertise separated. Certificates and licenses did not unproblematically validate expertise and efficacy. Consequently, compliance and enforcement of regulations as solutions to inadequate medical care may not achieve the effects intended.
Successful treatment of a dog with massive 5‐fluorouracil toxicosis
Authors: Friedenberg Steven G. , Brooks Aimee C. , Monnig Andrea A. , Cooper Edward S.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation and successful treatment of a dog that ingested a lethal dose (approximately 330 mg/kg) of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU).

Case Summary

A 1‐year‐old male intact German Shepherd dog was presented to the Emergency Service of the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center after ingesting 10 g of 5% 5‐FU cream. The dog rapidly developed refractory seizures and was managed by inducing heavy sedation with phenobarbital, benzodiazepines, ketamine, and propofol, necessitating 48 hours of mechanical ventilation. Seizure activity continued despite these treatments until IV administration of levetiracetam. The dog was discharged from the hospital 6 days after admission and remains neurologically normal currently, with no further seizure activity after 9 months.

New Information Provided

This report documents the first successful treatment of a dog that ingested > 43 mg/kg of 5‐FU. In this case, the use of rapid decontamination, heavy sedation with anticonvulsant medications including levetiracetam to control seizures, and mechanical ventilation may have contributed to a positive outcome.
IscR Is a Global Regulator Essential for Pathogenesis of Vibrio vulnificus and Induced by Host Cells
Authors: Lim Jong Gyu , Choi Sang Ho
Published: November 2013

A mutant that exhibited less cytotoxic activity toward INT-407 human intestinal epithelial cells than the wild type was screened from a random transposon mutant library of
Vibrio vulnificus
, and an open reading frame encoding an Fe-S cluster regulator, IscR, was identified using a transposon-tagging method. A mutational analysis demonstrated that IscR contributes to mouse mortality as well as cytotoxicity toward the INT-407 cells, indicating that IscR is essential for the pathogenesis of
V. vulnificus
. A whole-genome microarray analysis revealed that IscR influenced the expression of 67 genes, of which 52 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Among these, 12 genes most likely involved in motility and adhesion to host cells, hemolytic activity, and survival under oxidative stress of the pathogen during infection were selected and experimentally verified to be upregulated by IscR. Accordingly, the disruption of
iscR
resulted in a significant reduction in motility and adhesion to INT-407 cells, in hemolytic activity, and in resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H
2
O
2
and
tert
-butyl hydroperoxide (
t
-BOOH). Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that
iscR
expression was induced by exposure of
V. vulnificus
to the INT-407 cells, and the induction appeared to be mediated by ROS generated by the host cells during infection. Consequently, the combined results indicated that IscR is a global regulator that contributes to the overall success in the pathogenesis of
V. vulnificus
by regulating the expression of various virulence and survival genes in addition to Fe-S cluster genes.
Threat of paediatric hyperthermia in an enclosed vehicle: a year-round study
Authors: Duzinski Sarah V , Barczyk Amanda N , Wheeler Tareka C , Iyer Sujit S , Lawson Karla A
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe temperature change throughout the workday in an enclosed vehicle in Austin, Texas across the calendar year while accounting for heat index.

Methods

In this observational study, vehicular temperature was measured 1 day per month during 2012 in Austin, Texas. Data were recorded at 5-min intervals via an EL-USB-1-PRO digital temperature sensor from 8:00 to 16:00. Selected days were primarily cloud-free (with ‘clear’ or ‘few clouds’) with a predicted ambient temperature high within ±20°F of the 30-year normal high. Referent temperature and 30-year normal data were collected via the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) weather station. The NWS heat index and corresponding hazard levels were used as a guideline for this study.

Results

Per NWS guidelines, the enclosed vehicle temperature rose to ‘danger’ levels of ≥105°F (41°C) in all months except January and December and to ‘extreme caution’ levels of ≥90°F (32°C) in every month of the year. In June, the vehicle rose to ≥105°F (41°C) by 9:25. The hottest vehicular temperature achieved was 137°F (58°C). In 9 months of the year, the vehicle reached ≥90°F (32°C) by noon. We also found that an ambient temperature as low as 68°F was associated with vehicular temperatures ≥105°F (41°C).

Conclusions

Infants and children in states that experience mild winter temperatures face the threat of vehicular hyperthermia disability and death across the calendar year. Prevention efforts that focus on awareness of a childhood heat vulnerability, parental perception of susceptibility to forgetting a child in a vehicle and universal availability of vehicular safety devices may reduce paediatric vehicular hyperthermia death.
Experimental evidence simultaneously confirms and contests assumptions implicit to otolith microchemistry research
Authors: Veinott Geoff , Westley Peter A.H. , Purchase Craig F. , Warner Lucas
Published: November 2013

Otolith microchemistry has become an integral fisheries tool, yet the utility of this tool hinges on the assumptions that (i) elements are temporally stable once deposited in the otolith and (ii) the influence of maternal effects are temporally limited. Here we test these assumptions by quantifying through time the chemical signatures from two families of brown trout (Salmo trutta), differing in maternal life history (i.e., mothers were either anadromous or nonanadromous). Concentrations of zinc, strontium, and barium were temporally stable in the core signatures between different aged siblings, but significant differences in the elemental concentrations of magnesium and manganese were detected. The Sr concentration (indicative of maternal influence) on the growing surface of otoliths converged briefly between families at 3–5 weeks post-emergence, but never stabilized during the course of the experiment. Taken together, these results both confirm and call into question assumptions implicit to otolith microchemistry research. To the extent that the patterns observed here are representative across species, caution is warranted when using otolith microchemistry to address certain types of ecological questions in nature.
Pollen cone production in jack pine: spatial and temporal patterns subject to natural disturbance by the jack pine budworm
Authors: Hughes Josie S. , Fortin Marie-Josée , Nealis Vince , Régnière Jacques
Published: November 2013

Patterns of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lambert) pollen cone production are of interest because they may help explain jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus Freeman) outbreak patterns. We used generalized linear mixed models to analyze pollen cone production in 180 permanent plots in Ontario, Canada between 1992 and 2008. Pollen cone production increased with stand age, and large trees in sparsely-populated stands produced more pollen cones. Defoliation decreased the propensity of trees to produce pollen cones for at least two years. We also identified important patterns that are not explained by defoliation and stand characteristics. Pollen cone production is spatially synchronized among years, trees in central Ontario produced more pollen cones than trees in northwestern Ontario, and background cone production increased over time in the central region but not in more northwestern plots. Synchronized reproduction is common among tree species, but has not previously been noted for jack pine pollen cones. Increasing cone production in central Ontario may be evidence of changing forest and (or) climatic conditions and deserves further investigation. Our model can be used to quantitatively predict pollen cone production and assess the risk of jack pine budworm defoliation.
EXTERNAL MEMORY ORTHOGONAL RANGE REPORTING WITH FAST UPDATES
Authors: NEKRICH YAKOV
Published: November 2013

In this paper we describe data structures for two-dimensional orthogonal range reporting in external memory that support fast update operations. The query costs either match the query costs of the best previously known data structures or differ by a small multiplicative factor.
HIERARCHY OF LÉVY–LAPLACIANS AND QUANTUM STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
Authors: VOLKOV BORIS O.
Published: November 2013

We consider a family of infinite dimensional Laplace operators which contains the classical Lévy–Laplacian. We prove a representation of these operators as a quadratic functions of quantum stochastic processes. Particularly, for the classical Lévy–Laplacian, the following formula is proved: ΔL = lim ε→0 ∫‖s-t‖<ε bsbtdsdt, where bt is the annihilation process.
CLASSES OF MRM-APPLICABLE MEASURES FOR THE POWER FUNCTION OF GENERAL ORDER
Authors: KUBO IZUMI , KUO HUI-HSIUNG , NAMLI SUAT
Published: November 2013

The authors have previously studied multiplicative renormalization method (MRM) for generating functions of orthogonal polynomials. In particular, they have determined all MRM-applicable measures for renormalizing functions h(x) = ex, h(x) = (1 - x)-κ, κ = 1/2, 1, 2. For the cases h(x) = ex and (1 - x)-1, there are very large classes of MRM-applicable measures. For the other two cases κ = 1/2, 2, MRM-applicable measures belong to special classes of a certain kind of beta distributions. In this paper, we determine all MRM-applicable measures for h(x) = (1 - x)-κ with κ ≠ 0, 1, 1/2.
PATH INTEGRAL METHOD FOR LIMITING DISTRIBUTION OF AN ESTIMATOR ARISING FROM AN AR(1)-PROCESS WITH A UNIT ROOT
Authors: HUANG SHIH-FENG , LEE YUH-JIA , SHIH HSIN-HUNG
Published: November 2013

We propose the path-integral technique to derive the characteristic function of the limiting distribution of the unit root test in a first order autoregressive model. Our results provide a new and useful approach to obtain the closed form of the characteristic function of a random variable associated with the limiting distribution, which is realized as a ratio of Brownian functionals on the classical Wiener space.
BURES DISTANCE FOR COMPLETELY POSITIVE MAPS
Authors: BHAT B. V. RAJARAMA , SUMESH K.
Published: November 2013

Bures had defined a metric on the set of normal states on a von Neumann algebra using GNS representations of states. This notion has been extended to completely positive maps between C*-algebras by Kretschmann, Schlingemann and Werner. We present a Hilbert C*-module version of this theory. We show that we do get a metric when the completely positive maps under consideration map to a von Neumann algebra. Further, we include several examples and counter examples. We also prove a rigidity theorem, showing that representation modules of completely positive maps which are close to the identity map contain a copy of the original algebra.
AN INVERSION FORMULA FOR THE GAUSSIAN RADON TRANSFORM FOR BANACH SPACES
Authors: HOLMES IRINA
Published: November 2013

We prove a disintegration theorem for the Gaussian Radon transform Gf on Banach spaces and use the Segal–Bargmann transform on abstract Wiener spaces to find a procedure to obtain f from its Gaussian Radon transform Gf.
Existence and Convergence Theorems by an Iterative Shrinking Projection Method of a Strict Pseudocontraction in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Ungchittrakool Kasamsuk
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to provide some existence theorems of a strict pseudocontraction by the way of a hybrid shrinking projection method, involving some necessary and sufficient conditions. The method allows us to obtain a strong convergence iteration for finding some fixed points of a strict pseudocontraction in the framework of real Hilbert spaces. In addition, we also provide certain applications of the main theorems to confirm the existence of the zeros of an inverse strongly monotone operator along with its convergent results.
Grappling the High Altitude for Safe Edible Bamboo Shoots with Rich Nutritional Attributes and Escaping Cyanogenic Toxicity
Authors: Waikhom Sayanika Devi , Louis Bengyella , Sharma Chandradev K. , Kumari Pushpa , Somkuwar Bharat G. , Singh Mohendro W. , Talukdar Narayan C.
Published: November 2013

Consumption of bamboo species with high level of total cyanogenic content (TCC) in Asia by many ethnic groups is significantly associated with food poisoning and occasionally Konzo (a neurological disorder). Adequate characterization of edible bamboo species with low level of TCC and high nutritious attributes is required for consumer’s safety as well as for the conservation of the gene pool. Here, we employed morphological descriptors, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, RAPD, and trnL-F intergenic spacer to characterize 15 indigenous edible bamboo species of north-east India. The study indicates that morphologically and genetically evolved edible bamboo species having large and robust bamboo-shoot texture and growing at low altitude contain high level of TCC, low antioxidant properties, and low levels of beneficial macronutrients and micronutrients. Importantly,Dendrocalamusspecies are shown to be rich in TCC irrespective of the growing altitude whileBambusaspecies are found to have moderate level of TCC. The findings clearly demonstrated thatChimonobambusa callosagrowing at high altitude represents safe edible bamboo species with nutritious attributes.
Multilinear Singular and Fractional Integral Operators on Weighted Morrey Spaces
Authors: Wang Hua , Yi Wentan
Published: November 2013

We will study the boundedness properties of multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operators and multilinear fractional integrals on products of weighted Morrey spaces with multiple weights.
The NADH Oxidase ENOX1, a Critical Mediator of Endothelial Cell Radiosensitization, Is Crucial for Vascular Development
Authors: Venkateswaran Amudhan , Sekhar Konjeti R. , Levic Daniel S. , Melville David B. , Clark Travis A. , Rybski Witold M. , Walsh Alexandra J. , Skala Melissa C. , Crooks Peter A. , Knapik Ela W. , Freeman Michael L.
Published: November 2013

ENOX1 is a highly conserved NADH oxidase that helps to regulate intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels in many cell types, including endothelial cells. Pharmacologic and RNA interference (RNAi)–mediated suppression of ENOX1 impairs surrogate markers of tumor angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, providing support for the concept that ENOX1 represents an antiangiogenic druggable target. However, direct genetic evidence that demonstrates a role for ENOX1 in vascular development is lacking. In this study, we exploited a zebrafish embryonic model of development to address this question. Whole-mount in situ hybridization coupled with immunofluorescence performed on zebrafish embryos demonstrate that enox1 message and translated protein are expressed in most tissues, and its expression is enriched in blood vessels and heart. Morpholino-mediated suppression of Enox1 in Tg(fli1-eGFP) and Tg(flk1-eGFP) zebrafish embryos significantly impairs the development of vasculature and blood circulation. Using in vivo multiphoton microscopy, we show that morpholino-mediated knockdown of enox1 increases NADH levels, consistent with loss of enzyme. VJ115 is a small-molecule inhibitor of Enox1′s oxidase activity shown to increase intracellular NADH in endothelial cells; we used VJ115 to determine if the oxidase activity was crucial for vascular development. We found that VJ115 suppressed vasculogenesis in Tg(fli1-eGFP) embryos and impaired circulation. Previously, it was shown that suppression of ENOX1 radiosensitizes proliferating tumor vasculature, a consequence of enhanced endothelial cell apoptosis. Thus, our current findings, coupled with previous research, support the hypothesis that ENOX1 represents a potential cancer therapy target, one that combines molecular targeting with cytotoxic sensitization. Cancer Res; 74(1); 38–43. ©2013 AACR.
Aneurysm Global Epidemiology Study
Authors: Sidloff David , Stather Philip , Dattani Nikesh , Bown Matthew , Thompson John , Sayers Robert , Choke Edward
Published: November 2013

Background—

Contemporary data from Western populations suggest steep declines in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) mortality; however, international trends are unclear. This study aimed to investigate global AAA mortality trends and to analyze any association with common cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods and Results—

AAA mortality (1994–2010) using
International Classification of Diseases
codes were extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database and age standardized. The World Health Organization InfoBase and International Mortality and Smoking Statistics provided risk factor data. Nineteen World Health Organization member states were included (Europe, 14; Australasia, 2; North America, 2; Asia, 1). Regression analysis of temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors (1946–2010) was done independently for correlations to AAA mortality trends. Global AAA mortality trends show substantial heterogeneity, with the United States and United Kingdom recording the greatest national decline, whereas internationally, male individuals and those <75 years of age demonstrated the greatest reductions. AAA mortality has increased in Hungary, Romania, Austria, and Denmark; therefore, the mortality decline is not universal. A positive linear relationship exists between global trends in systolic blood pressure (
P
≤0.03), cholesterol (
P
≤0.03), and smoking prevalence (
P
≤0.02) in males and females. Body mass index demonstrated a negative linear association with AAA mortality (
P
≤0.007), whereas fasting blood glucose showed no association.

Conclusions—

AAA mortality has not declined globally, and this study reveals that differences between nations can be explained by variations in traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Declines in smoking prevalence correlate most closely with declines in AAA mortality, and a novel obesity paradox has been identified that requires further investigation. Public health measures could therefore further reduce global AAA mortality, with greatest benefits in the younger age group.
Genome dosage effect and colouration features in hybridogenetic water frogs of the Pelophylax esculentus complex
Authors: Kierzkowski Piotr , Kosiba Piotr , Rybacki Mariusz , Socha Małgorzata , Ogielska Maria
Published: November 2013

There are three taxons of central European water frogs of the Pelophylax esculentus complex: two morphologically distinct species, Pelophylax lessonae (LL) and Pelophylax ridibundus (RR), and hybrids Pelophylax esculentus, which can be either diploid (RL) or triploid (LLR or RRL). The morphology of hybrids is supposed to follow genome dosage effect. We describe colouration of water frogs with genome composition verified by chromosome analysis. Typical colouration features in LL were: spots on the ventral side, brown limbs, “weak” femur spotting pattern, brown dorsal folds and yellow-green colour in “waist”. Typical RR had dark-green or olive-green limbs, “full” femur spotting pattern, no hip spot and no yellow colour in “waist”. For all hybrids the most typical features were strong spots on the ventral side and a mosaic of green and brown colour on limbs. Typical LLR had brown-greenish dorsal folds underlined by a partial black line, “weak” femur spotting pattern and yellow-greenish colour in “waist” and on femur. Typical RL had greenish hind limbs, green dorsal folds, no yellow colour in “waist”, and no hip spot. Typical RRL was similar to RL, but had a continuous black line under dorsal folds. There were, however, numerous exceptions to these trends, with the most prominent being much higher than expected variability of colouration of Pelophylax lessonae. Therefore caution must be advised when trying to estimate genome composition of water frogs solely on the basis of colouration.
Taxonomic notes on Castanopsis (Fagaceae, Castaneoideae) from China
Authors: Chen Li , Li Xin Wei , Li Jian Qing
Published: November 2013

The taxonomy of some Chinese Castanopsis species is clarified in the present paper. C. semifabri is accepted as the taxonomically correct name, having priority over C. ledongensis. C. wuzhishanensis is treated as a new synonym of C. semifabri. C. qiongbeiensis described from Hainan is a new synonym of the widely distributed and more variable C. chinensis. C. lantsangensis and Quercus pinfaensis are reduced to synonyms of C. ceratacantha and C. eyrei rather than synonyms of C. mekongensis and C. fargesii, respectively. The variety C. carlesii var. spinulosa is subsumed as a new synonym of C. carlesii. C. formosana is resurrected as a separate species rather than treated as a synonym of C. jucunda. In addition, an accurate description of C. wenchangensis is given to replace the inaccurate one given in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China.
Three extensions of Ćirić quasicontraction on partial metric spaces
Authors: Ilić Dejan , Pavlović Vladimir , Rakočević Vladimir
Published: November 2013

In this paper we define and study three extensions of the notion of Ćirić quasicontraction to the context of partial metric spaces. For such mappings, we prove fixed point theorems. Among other things, we generalize a recent result of Altun, Sola and Simsek, of Ilić et al., of Matthews, and the main result of Ćirić is also recovered. The theory is illustrated by some examples.

MSC:15A09, 15A24.
Transcription factor regulation and cytokine expression following in vitro infection of primary chicken cell culture with low pathogenic avian influenza virus
Authors: Jiang Haijun , Yu Kangzhen , Kapczynski Darrell R
Published: November 2013

Background

Avian influenza virus (AIV) induced proinflammatory cytokine expression is believed to contribute to the disease pathogenesis following infection of poultry. However, there is limited information on the avian immune response to infection with low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV).

Methods

To gain a better understanding of the early viral-host interactions of LPAIV in chickens, primary chicken embryo hepatocytes (CEH) were infected with four different LPAIVs of U.S. origin. Kinetics of virus replication, transcription factor (c-Jun, p50 and IRF-3) activation and immune response gene (IL-6, IL-1beta, IFN-alpha and Mx) expression were studied at four different time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 hours) post infection and compared to non-infected controls.

Results

CEH can support growth of the tested LPAIVs when with trypsin supplementation. All four immune response genes tested were upregulated following infection as were transcription factors c-Jun, p50 and IRF-3. Amplification of these genes was dependant on virus replication (e.g. inclusion of trypsin), such that immune response genes and transcription factors were upregulated as viral titers increased.

Conclusion

The results of these studies demonstrate the requirement of virus replication for innate immune regulation and broaden our understanding of transcription factor responses related to LPAIV infection in chickens.
Anisotropy in plastic deformation of extruded magnesium alloy sheet during tensile straining at high temperature
Authors: Cipoletti David E , Bower Allan F , Krajewski Paul E
Published: November 2013

Experimental measurements are used to characterize the anisotropy of flow stress in extruded magnesium alloy AZ31 sheet during uniaxial tension tests at temperatures between 350°C and 450°C, and strain rates ranging from 10-5 to 10-2 s-1. The sheet exhibits lower flow stress and higher tensile ductility when loaded with the tensile axis perpendicular to the extrusion direction compared to when it is loaded parallel to the extrusion direction. This anisotropy is found to be grain size, strain rate, and temperature dependent, but is only weakly dependent on texture. A microstructure based model (D. E. Cipoletti, A. F. Bower, P. E. Krajewski, Scr. Mater., 64 (2011) 931–934) is used to explain the origin of the anisotropic behavior. In contrast to room temperature behavior, where anisotropy is principally a consequence of the low resistance to slip on the basal slip system, elevated temperature anisotropy is found to be caused by the grain structure of extruded sheet. The grains are elongated parallel to the extrusion direction, leading to a lower effective grain size perpendicular to the extrusion direction. As a result, grain boundary sliding occurs more readily if the material is loaded perpendicular to the extrusion direction.
False-Positive [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose-Avid Lymph Nodes on Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography After Allogeneic but Not Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Patients With Lymphoma
Authors: Ulaner Gary A. , Lilienstein Joshua , Gönen Mithat , Maragulia Jocelyn , Moskowitz Craig H. , Zelenetz Andrew D.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Determine the clinical significance of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–avid lesions in patients with lymphoma treated with stem-cell transplantation.

Methods

All patients who underwent stem-cell transplantation for lymphoma at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between January 2005 and December 2009 and had post-transplantation FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examinations were included. PET/CT examinations were evaluated for FDG-avid lesions suggestive of disease. Clinical records, biopsy results, and subsequent imaging examinations were evaluated for malignancy.

Results

Two hundred fifty-one patients were identified, 107 with allogeneic and 144 with autologous stem-cell transplantation. Of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation recipients, 50 had FDG-avid lesions suggestive of lymphoma, defined as FDG-avidity greater than liver background. However, only 29 of these 50 demonstrated lymphoma on biopsy, whereas biopsy attempts were benign in the other 21 patients. Sensitivity analysis determined that a 1.5-cm short axis nodal measurement distinguished patients with malignant from nonmalignant biopsies. In 21 of 22 patients with FDG-avid lymph nodes ≤ 1.5 cm, biopsy attempts were benign. In the absence of treatment, these nodes either resolved or were stable on repeat imaging. Disease-free survival of patients with FDG-avid ≤ 1.5 cm lymph nodes was comparable with patients without FDG-avid lesions. In comparison, autologous stem-cell transplantation patients rarely demonstrated FDG-avid lesions suggestive of disease without malignant pathology.

Conclusion

Twenty percent (21 of 107) of patients with an allogeneic stem-cell transplantation demonstrated FDG-avid lymph nodes up to 1.5 cm in short axis on PET/CT, which did not represent active lymphoma. After allogeneic stem-cell transplantation of patients with lymphoma, benign FDG-avid ≤ 1.5 cm lymph nodes can mimic malignancy.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Disrupt Smad Signaling in Gonadotrope Cells Leading to Inhibition of FSHβ Gene Expression
Authors: Garrel Ghislaine , Simon Violaine , Denoyelle Chantal , Ishaq Muhammad , Rouch Claude , Dairou Julien , Magnan Christophe , Migrenne Stéphanie , Cruciani-Guglielmacci Céline , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle
Published: November 2013

Reproductive function is highly dependent on nutritional input. We recently provided evidence that the unsaturated ω6 fatty acid (FA), linoleic acid (linoleic), interferes with transcription and secretion of the gonadotropin LH, highlighting the existence of a lipid sensing in pituitary gonadotropes. Here, we show, using a combination of in vivo and in vitro models, that linoleic differentially regulates Lhb and Fshb expression. Central exposure of rats to linoleic over 7 days was associated with increase of Lhb but not Fshb transcript levels. Consistently, exposure of rat pituitary cells or LβT2 cells to linoleic increased Lhb, whereas it dramatically decreased Fshb transcript levels without affecting its stability. This effect was also induced by ω9 and ω3-polyunsaturated FA but not by saturated palmitic acid. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms in LβT2 cells using small interfering RNA revealed that early growth response protein 1 mediates linoleic stimulation of Lhb expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that linoleic counteracts activin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 stimulation of Fshb expression. Using Western blotting and Smad-responsive reporter gene assays, linoleic was shown to decrease basal Smad2/3 phosphorylation levels as well as activin- and bone morphogenetic protein-2-dependent activation of Smad, uncovering a new FA-sensitive signaling cascade. Finally, the protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A was shown to mediate linoleic inhibition of basal Smad phosphorylation and Fshb expression, identifying protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A as a new target of FA in gonadotropes. Altogether, this study provides a novel mechanism by which FAs target gene expression and underlines the relevant role of pituitary gonadotropes in mediating the effects of nutritional FA on reproductive function.
Identification of PENDRIN (SLC26A4) Mutations in Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism and “Apparent” Thyroid Dysgenesis
Authors: Kühnen Peter , Turan Serap , Fröhler Sebastian , Güran Tülay , Abali Saygin , Biebermann Heike , Bereket Abdullah , Grüters Annette , Chen Wei , Krude Heiko
Published: November 2013

Context:

Congenital hypothyroidism, the most frequent endocrine congenital disease, can occur either based on a thyroid hormone biosynthesis defect or can predominantly be due to thyroid dysgenesis. However, a genetic cause could so far only be identified in less than 10% of patients with a thyroid dysgenesis.

Objectives:

Exome sequencing was used for the first time to find additional genetic defects in thyroid dysgenesis.

Patients and Methods:

In a consanguineous family with thyroid dysgenesis, exome sequencing was applied, and findings were further validated by Sanger sequencing in a cohort of 94 patients with thyroid dysgenesis.

Results:

By exome sequencing we identified a homozygous missense mutation (p.Leu597Ser) in the SLC26A4 gene of a patient with hypoplastic thyroid tissue, who was otherwise healthy. In the cohort of patients with thyroid dysgenesis, we observed a second case with a homozygous missense mutation (p.Gln413Arg) in the SLC26A4 gene, who was additionally affected by severe hearing problems. Both mutations were previously described as loss-of-function mutations in patients with Pendred syndrome and nonsyndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct.

Conclusion:

We unexpectedly identified SLC26A4 mutations that were hitherto diagnosed in thyroid dyshormonogenesis patients, now for the first time in patients with structural thyroid defects. This result resembles the historic description of thyroid atrophy in patients with the so-called myxedematous form of cretinism after severe iodine deficiency. Most likely the thyroid defect of the two homozygous SLC26A4 gene mutation carriers represents a kind of secondary thyroid atrophy, rather than a primary defect of thyroid development in the sense of thyroid agenesis. Our study extends the variable clinical spectrum of patients with SLC26A4 mutations and points out the necessity to analyze the SLC26A4 gene in patients with apparent thyroid dysgenesis in addition to the known candidate genes TSHR, PAX8, NKX2.1, NKX2.5, and FOXE1.
The Constitutional Situation in Venezuela: the Construction of a Socialist Communal State
Authors: Casal Jesús María
Published: November 2013

This paper will try to emphasize how, in recent years, steps have been taken aimed at replacing the pluralist and decentralized State foreseen in the Constitution for a different model, based on the penetration of the socialism in the different community spaces, which constitutes the foundation for the establishment of a new scheme of production, of conviviality and legitimacy. It will highlight the contradictions between the model presented as desirable and the real state policies and judgments.
A Rude Awakening: the Underside of Venezuela’s Civil Society in the Time of Hugo Chávez
Authors: García Guadilla María Pilar , Mallén Ana L.
Published: November 2013

Civil Society and social movements have been heralded as vehicles for democratization in Latin America under the assumption that increased citizen participation in the political process could only strengthen democratic culture. After decades of social mobilization, participatory democracy was institutionalized in the Venezuelan Constitution of 1999 endowing Civil Society with unprecedented political powers and effectively legitimizing Civil Society’s incursion into the political. While this institutionalization may have fomented democratic practices;, it also unleashed a wave of violent confrontations between pro-Chávez and anti-Chávez forces weakening Venezuela’s democratic culture in their wake. We explore how the ethical principles attributed to Civil Society were undermined by conflicts fueled by polarization and increased citizen participation in the political process.
Armed Forces and Politics in the Bolivarian Revolution
Authors: Buttó Luis Alberto
Published: November 2013

The set of changes which were introduced in Venezuelan society in February 1999 with the establishment of the Bolivarian Revolution found a privileged expression in the National Armed Forces members’ way of thinking, organization and action, to the point that it significantly impacted the civil‑ military relations model Venezuela implemented during the liberal representative democratic system (1958‑1998). Currently, an emerging type of civil military relations has been established which is mainly marked, by military politicization and the military colonization of Venezuelan civil services. A critical interpretation of this process is the focus of this paper.
Environmental Challenges of an Oil-Rent Based Economy
Authors: Gabaldón Arnoldo José
Published: November 2013

This paper addresses the environmental issues taking place in Venezuela an oil rent‑ based economy and a mono producing country. This article reports on the transformations that occurred during the last ninety years since oil exploration began. The development style of a mono‑ producing country has had direct consequences in terms of the generated social and environmental impacts. But also, in terms of a number of other issues that have affected the relationship between society and nature and that has given very specific characteristics to that relationship. In consequence, the current environmental management must face a series of challenges. This paper proposes the outline of the environmental strategy that must be followed: a more challenging environmental management of oil industry; improvement of urban environmental management; sustainable management of water resources; biodiversity conservation; and sustainable development education. In conclusion it formulates some ideas that revile the most important lessons from the Venezuelan experience regarding environmental management.
Spacelike hypersurfaces in anti-de Sitter space
Authors: Zhu Y. , Hu W.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we study closed spacelike hypersurfaces in anti-de Sitter space. Using the Bonnet-Myers theorem, we obtain a rigidity theorem for spacelike hypersurfaces without the constancy condition on the mean curvature or the scalar curvature.
Reversible Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy in Pediatric Graves’ Disease
Authors: Chiu Harvey K. , Ledbetter Daniel , Richter Monica W. , Iyer Ramesh S. , Merati Albert L.
Published: November 2013

Vocal cord paralysis associated with goiter usually indicates the presence of a malignancy. Pediatric patients retain significant thymic tissue that regresses only later in life. This thymic tissue can develop significant hyperplasia during an acute autoimmune process. We describe a case of a 17-year-old girl who presented with a goiter secondary to severe Graves’ disease and a 2-month history of hoarseness, choking on liquid intake, and small-volume vomiting especially after eating. She demonstrated a left vocal cord paralysis probably secondary to a unilateral left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. A marked enlargement of the thymus was discovered on thoracic imaging. Treatment was initiated with methimazole, with near complete remission of her vocal cord paralysis within 3 months. Given the immunomodulatory effects of methimazole, a potential mechanism of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was autoimmune hyperstimulation of the thymus and consequent hyperplasia, resulting in distension of the nerve. Attenuation of the hyperactive immune process with methimazole may have resulted in regression of the mass effect of the thymus and associated reduction of the nerve distension. This case illustrates the unique risk of left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in pediatric patients with an acute immune stimulation and hyperplasia of the thymus and the reversibility in the context of mitigation of the immune hyperactivity. Methimazole may be an optimal initial treatment choice in pediatric patients with Graves’ disease and left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
Reducing Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in North Carolina NICUs
Authors: Fisher David , Cochran Keith M. , Provost Lloyd P. , Patterson Jacquelyn , Bristol Tara , Metzguer Karen , Smith Brian , Testoni Daniela , McCaffrey Martin J.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Central lines in NICUs have long dwell times. Success in reducing central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) requires a multidisciplinary team approach to line maintenance and insertion. The Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina (PQCNC) CLABSI project supported the development of NICU teams including parents, the implementation of an action plan with unique bundle elements and a rigorous reporting schedule. The goal was to reduce CLABSI rates by 75%.

METHODS:

Thirteen NICUs participated in an initiative developed over 3 months and deployed over 9 months. Teams participated in monthly webinars and quarterly face-to-face learning sessions. NICUs reported on bundle compliance and National Health Surveillance Network infection rates at baseline, during the intervention, and 3 and 12 months after the intervention. Process and outcome indicators were analyzed using statistical process control methods (SPC).

RESULTS:

Near-daily maintenance observations were requested for all lines with a 68% response rate. SPC analysis revealed a trend to an increase in bundle compliance. We also report significant adoption of a new maintenance bundle element, central line removal when enteral feedings reached 120 ml/kg per day. The PQCNC CLABSI rate decreased 71%, from 3.94 infections per 1000 line days to 1.16 infections per 1000 line days with sustainment 1 year later (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

A collaborative structure targeting team development, family partnership, unique bundle elements and strict reporting on line care produced the largest reduction in CLABSI rates for any multiinstitutional NICU collaborative.
Catechol-modified Chitosan System as a Bio-amplifier for Schizophrenia Treatment Analysis
Authors: Ben-Yoav Hadar , Winkler Thomas E. , Kim Eunkyoung , Kelly Deanna L. , Payne Gregory F. , Ghodssi Reza
Published: November 2013

Clozapine remains the most effective antipsychotic for management of schizophrenia, one of the most challenging mental disorders. Yet, this medication is underutilized due to the frequent blood draws associated with monitoring adverse side effects and maintaining effective drug levels in the body. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC)-based diagnostics at the point-of-care could decrease the burden on patients and doctors, enable personalized medicine, and improve treatment outcomes. Towards that goal, we present the development of an electrochemically active biomaterial probe to facilitate monitoring of clozapine as part of patient’s treatment regimen. The probe consists of the naturally derived polymer chitosan modified with catechol to provide a redox capacitor system, allowing for significant amplification. We demonstrate a 3- fold increase of the electrochemical signal generated by clozapine with the catechol-modified chitosan system over bare gold electrodes. The improved signal-to-noise ratio and overall performance of the bio-amplifier yield a detection limit below 1 μM, thus sufficient for the clinically relevant range of 1–3 μM. We further characterize the robustness of the biomaterial system with respect to re-use and storage, and demonstrate retention of its amplification characteristics when implemented on an electrochemical microchip. Our results align well with the clinical requirements and represent a critical first step in developing a point-of-care device for improved and personalized schizophrenia treatment.
ZnO Thin Film Transistors for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Carcia P. F. , McLean R. S. , Reilly M.H. , Malajovich I. , Sharp K.G. , Agrawal S. , Nunes G.
Published: November 2013

In flexible electronics, plastic substrates can limit processing temperatures to less than 100° C. Consequently, most semiconductors, including amorphous silicon, may be incompatible with temperature-sensitive plastic substrates. While organic semiconductors may seem well suited to this particular application niche, their stability is questionable and their mobility is often low (∼0.1 cm2/V-s). In this paper we show that ZnO is a promising semiconductor candidate for flexible electronics, because thin film transistors can be fabricated at room temperature with higher mobility (> 1 cm2/V-s) and high on/off ratio (> 104).
Evaluation of the Use of Reverse Osmosis to Eliminate Natural Radionuclides from Water Samples
Authors: Nieto Antonio , Palomo Marta , Ruana Josep , Peñalver Alejandra , Aguilar Carme , Borrull Francesc
Published: November 2013

The objective of drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) is to supply the population with tap water that is in optimal condition and in compliance with water quality regulations. In the DWTP of L'Ampolla (Tarragona, Spain), slightly high values of gross alpha activity and the amount of salts in the raw water have been observed. Conventional treatment has reduced these levels only minimally. This study tested a tertiary treatment based on reverse osmosis is tested in an industrial pilot plant (240 m3/day) The efficiency of this pilot plant to reduce the gross alpha and beta activities and the activity of some individual radioisotopes (U238, U234, U235 and Ra226) was tested. Results showed that the elimination of alpha emitters was greater than 90%, whereas the elimination of beta emitters was about 35%. Overall, the data provided evidence that the pilot plant is effective for removing different radionuclides that can be present in the incoming water treated. Therefore, tertiary treatment based on reverse osmosis has a positive effect in water quality.
Financial Reporting Policy Committee of the American Accounting Association's Financial Accounting and Reporting Section: Accounting Standard Setting for Private Companies
Authors:   The Financial Reporting Policy Committee of the Financial Accounting and Reporting Section of the American Accounting Association, Bradshaw Mark , Bens Daniel , Frost Carol Ann , Gordon Elizabeth , McVay Sarah , Miller Gregory , Pfeiffer Ray , Plumlee Marlene , Shakespeare Catherine , Thomas Wayne , Wong Franco
Published: November 2013

SYNOPSIS

In this paper, we (the Financial Reporting Policy Committee of the American Accounting Association's Financial Accounting and Reporting Section) consider the 2011 Plan to Establish the Private Company Standards Improvement Council authored by the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF). The FAF's proposal called for a standard-setting approach more sensitive to the needs of private companies, with the likely outcome being different accounting and disclosure standards for these companies than for public companies.

Members of the committee have differences of opinion about the FAF's proposal. Five members generally support the FAF's plan (though raising significant implementation issues), while six oppose it and instead argue against different reporting standards for private companies.

In this paper, we discuss three issues and present points and counterpoints for each, along with other related standard-setting concerns. This approach is designed to present our differing views on these issues clearly, to help standard setters, preparers, users, and academics form their own views on this highly controversial matter.
Solving ill-posed magnetic inverse problem using a Parameterized Trust-Region Sub-problem
Authors: Abdelazeem Maha Mohamed
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to find a plausible and stable solution for the inverse geophysical magnetic problem. Most of the inverse problems in geophysics are considered as ill-posed ones. This is not necessarily due to complex geological situations, but it may arise because of ill-conditioned kernel matrix. To deal with such ill-conditioned matrix, one may truncate the most ill part as in truncated singular value decomposition method (TSVD). In such a method, the question will be where to truncate? In this paper, for comparison, we first try the adaptive pruning algorithm for the discrete L-curve criterion to estimate the regularization parameter for TSVD method. Linear constraints have been added to the ill-conditioned matrix. The same problem is then solved using a global optimizing and regularizing technique based on Parameterized Trust Region Sub-problem (PTRS). The criteria of such technique are to choose a trusted region of the solutions and then to find the satisfying minimum to the objective function. The ambiguity is controlled mainly by proper choosing the trust region. To overcome the natural decay in kernel with depth, a specific depth weighting function is used. A Matlab-based inversion code is implemented and tested on two synthetic total magnetic fields contaminated with different levels of noise to simulate natural fields. The results of PTRS are compared with those of TSVD with adaptive pruning L-curve. Such a comparison proves the high stability of the PTRS method in dealing with potential field problems. The capability of such technique has been further tested by applying it to real data from Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Wireless Inter-Crane Communication Method for Multi-Crane Scheduling in Maritime Container Terminals / Bezvadu Komunikācijas Tīkla Pielietojums Ostas Darba Efektivitātes Uzlabošanai
Authors: Černeckytė M. , Kurmis M. , Andziulis A. , Gaigals G.
Published: November 2013

One of the main problems in the maritime container terminals is inefficient use of technical (quay cranes, yard cranes, mobile cranes) and human resources. All this affects negatively the scheduling of transportation and storage processes in the terminals. A new method proposed for the multicrane scheduling in maritime container terminals is based on the wireless inter-crane communication networks and dynamical localization of the mobile cranes using the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technologies. It is shown that this method outperforms significantly the currently used owing to better time dependence of the crane traveling distance which allows for saving time resources.