bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phlomoides binaludensis (Phlomideae, Lamioideae, Lamiaceae), a new species from northeastern Iran
Authors: Salmaki Yasaman , Joharchi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2014

The new species Phlomoides binaludensis (Phlomideae, Lamioideae, Lamiaceae) from Binalud Mountains in the Khorasan province in NE Iran, is here described and illustrated. It belongs to Phlomoides section Filipendula and resembles P. labiosiformis and P. laciniata in general morphology, but differs primarily in corolla and calyx size, corolla color and stem indumentum. Notes on the ecology and conservation status of the new species are also given.
Effects of Waves on Tabular Ice-Shelf Calving
Authors: Ren Diandong , Leslie Lance M.
Published: June 2014

As a conveyor belt transferring inland ice to ocean, ice shelves shed mass through large, systematic tabular calving, which also plays a major role in the fluctuation of the buttressing forces. Tabular iceberg calving involves two stages: first is systematic cracking, which develops after the forward-slanting front reaches a limiting extension length determined by gravity–buoyancy imbalance; second is fatigue separation. The latter has greater variability, producing calving irregularity. Whereas ice flow vertical shear determines the timing of the systematic cracking, wave actions are decisive for ensuing viscoplastic fatigue. Because the frontal section has its own resonance frequency, it reverberates only to waves of similar frequency. With a flow-dependent, nonlocal attrition scheme, the present ice model [Scalable Extensible Geoflow Model for Environmental Research-Ice flow submodel (SEGMENT-Ice)] describes an entire ice-shelf life cycle. It is found that most East Antarctic ice shelves have higher resonance frequencies, and the fatigue of viscoplastic ice is significantly enhanced by shoaling waves from both storm surges and infragravity waves (~5 × 10−3 Hz). The two largest embayed ice shelves have resonance frequencies within the range of tsunami waves. When approaching critical extension lengths, perturbations from about four consecutive tsunami events can cause complete separation of tabular icebergs from shelves. For shelves with resonance frequencies matching storm surge waves, future reduction of sea ice may impose much larger deflections from shoaling, storm-generated ocean waves. Although the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) total mass varies little in the twenty-first century, the mass turnover quickens and the ice conveyor belt is ~40% more efficient by the late twenty-first century, reaching 70 km3 yr−1. The mass distribution shifts oceanward, favoring future tabular calving.
“Political” Corporate Social Responsibility in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Wickert Christopher
Published: June 2014

“Political” corporate social responsibility (CSR) involves businesses taking a political role to address “regulatory gaps” caused by weak or insufficient social and environmental standards and norms. The literature on political CSR focuses mostly on how large multinational corporations (MNCs) can address environmental and social problems that arise globally along their supply chains. This article addresses political CSR of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs represent a major share of economic value creation worldwide and are increasingly exposed to regulatory gaps. Although SMEs differ substantially from MNCs in terms of organizational characteristics, behavioral guiding principles, and financial and human resources, they should still tackle such regulatory gaps by accepting a political role. Drawing on Zadek’s model of CSR-based organizational learning and Young’s concept of social connection, this study develops a conceptual framework as the basis for discussing why SMEs should become involved in political CSR, how they can manage political CSR internally and systematically, and how their progress can be assessed by third-party observers externally.
Association of Carotid Intima–media Thickness and Atherosclerotic Plaque with Periodontal Status
Authors: Yu H. , Qi L.T. , Liu L.S. , Wang X.Y. , Zhang Y. , Huo Y. , Luan Q.X.
Published: June 2014

Studies have suggested an association between clinical/subclinical atherosclerosis and periodontal status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association among maximal carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), atherosclerotic plaque, and periodontal status in Chinese elderly patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 847 participants (age, 70.64 ± 9.03 yr) with ≥10 teeth. A questionnaire survey, routine biochemical tests, a periodontal examination, and maximal cIMT measurement were performed for each. Traditional risk factors for atherogenesis were considered in the statistical analysis. Mean plaque index, which reflects oral hygiene, was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in the study sample overall (β = 0.068, p < .001; OR = 2.051, p < .001) and in euglycemic participants (β = 0.066, p = .008; odds ratio = 2.122, p = .009). In hyperglycemic participants, multiple linear regression analysis ( p = .006) and multivariate logistic regression analysis ( p = .025) revealed a linear and dose-dependent association between mean clinical attachment loss and maximal cIMT after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss corresponded to a 0.018-mm increase in maximal cIMT. The risk of atherosclerotic plaque increased by 18.3% with each 1-mm increase in mean clinical attachment loss. Other indicators of periodontal exposure, including percentage of sites with attachment loss ≥ 3 to 5 mm (3%-5%), were also correlated with cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in hyperglycemic patients. In this elderly population, a linear and dose-dependent association among mean clinical attachment loss, attachment loss 3% to 5%, maximal cIMT, and atherosclerotic plaque was verified in those with hyperglycemia. Poor oral hygiene was correlated with maximal cIMT and atherosclerotic plaque in all participants, including those with normal blood glucose.
High Reading Skills Mask Dyslexia in Gifted Children
Authors: van Viersen Sietske , Kroesbergen Evelyn H. , Slot Esther M. , de Bree Elise H.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated how gifted children with dyslexia might be able to mask literacy problems and the role of possible compensatory mechanisms. The sample consisted of 121 Dutch primary school children that were divided over four groups (typically developing [TD] children, children with dyslexia, gifted children, gifted children with dyslexia). The test battery included measures of literacy (reading/spelling) and cognitive abilities related to literacy and language (phonological awareness [PA], rapid automatized naming [RAN], verbal short-term memory [VSTM], working memory [WM], grammar, and vocabulary). It was hypothesized that gifted children with dyslexia would outperform children with dyslexia on literacy tests. In addition, a core-deficit model including dyslexia-related weaknesses and a compensational model involving giftedness-related strengths were tested using Bayesian statistics to explain their reading/spelling performance. Gifted children with dyslexia performed on all literacy tests in between children with dyslexia and TD children. Their cognitive profile showed signs of weaknesses in PA and RAN and strengths in VSTM, WM, and language skills. Findings indicate that phonology is a risk factor for gifted children with dyslexia, but this is moderated by other skills such as WM, grammar, and vocabulary, providing opportunities for compensation of a cognitive deficit and masking of literacy difficulties.
Workplace Empowerment and Disempowerment
Authors: Murray Gregor , Lévesque Christian , Le Capitaine Catherine
Published: June 2014

This study of workplace union delegates in the education sector identifies a typology of the experience of workplace union representatives according to their assessment of their degree of influence in their workplace and their union and their degree of control over their work as a union representative. When combined, these two assessments yield different types of disempowerment and empowerment. While workplace context plays an important role in delegates’ degree of control, their influence in the workplace and union is strongly associated with different types of power resources (internal and external networks) and strategic capabilities (learning and articulating or bridging). Unions seeking to increase workplace representative influence should therefore look to the reinforcement of delegates’ power resources and strategic capabilities while looking at how to reinforce their ability to deal with more difficult contexts associated with feeling a loss of control.
The Contingent Value of Unmobilized Social Capital in Getting a Good Job
Authors: Chua Vincent
Published: June 2014

While research on nonsearching underscores the importance of unmobilized social capital for job matching and status attainment, relatively little is known about its role and value in different kinds of labor market contexts. Although current research focuses on how personal attributes such as gender, race, and work experience modify the impact of unmobilized social capital on status attainment, some researchers are beginning to look into how broader structures such as employment sector affect the role and value of unmobilized social capital. Using representative survey data from Singapore, this paper shows that meritocracy in the formal state sector does not reduce the importance of unmobilized social capital for status attainment. That unmobilized social capital adds more to status attainment in the state sector as compared with the small business sector underlines the significance of employment sector differences in the extent to which unmobilized social capital is useful for getting ahead.
Cycles of Conflict
Authors: McClelland Kent
Published: June 2014

In a new theory of conflict escalation, Randall Collins engages critical issues of violent conflict and presents a compellingly plausible theoretical description based on his extensive empirical research. He also sets a new challenge for sociology: explaining the time dynamics of social interaction. However, despite heavy reliance on the quantitative concept of positive feedback loops in his theory, Collins presents no mathematical specification of the dynamic relationships among his variables. This article seeks to fill that gap by offering a computational model that can parsimoniously account for many features of Collins’s theory. My model uses perceptual control theory to create an agent-based computational model of the time dynamics of conflict. With greater conceptual clarity and more wide-ranging generalizability, my alternative model opens the door to further advances in theory development by revealing dynamic aspects of conflict escalation not found in Collins’s model.
Reconsidering Virtuosity
Authors: Goldman Marion , Pfaff Steven
Published: June 2014

Spiritual virtuosity is an important but neglected concept for theoretical and empirical scholarship about movements for religious and social change. Weber focused primarily on ascetic spiritual virtuosi who sought to transcend the world. We suggest that when virtuosi enter the larger society and become leaders in movements to democratize access to sanctification, their influence can be dramatic. By approaching virtuosity as a social form and focusing on activist virtuosi, we are able to consider virtuosi’s individual attributes, their collective relationships, and the social contexts that shape the success or failure of their movements. We advance our argument with the help of case studies of two very different virtuosi-led movements: the central European Reformation and the American Human Potential Movement.
Real-time unstart prediction and detection of hypersonic inlet based on recursive Fourier transform
Authors: Chang Juntao , Wang Lei , Qin Bin , Bao Wen , Yu Daren
Published: June 2014

Unstart is an abnormal operation, and special care is devoted to this phenomenon for a hypersonic inlet. The process of a two-dimensional hypersonic inlet from start to unstart is experimentally demonstrated by recording the corresponding time history of the wall static pressure. By analyzing the pressure signals, it can be found that the oscillation of shock train flow can be used to characterize the location of shock train leading-edge. The register of shock train leading-edge at T14 located close to inlet throat is a good precursor for unstart prediction. T8 located in the upstream of last ramp compression shock is the optimum transducer for unstart detection because its pressure just goes through steady flow and unstart flow. Based on the differences in frequency domain among steady flow, shock train flow and unstart flow, recursive Fourier transform for unstart prediction and detection is introduced. The algorithm description, algorithm application, and parameters influence of the detection method are discussed, and the results show the validity of the detection method.
Overcoming Stereotypes Through the Other Women’s Communicative Daily Life Stories
Authors: García-Yeste Carme
Published: June 2014

Communicative daily life stories (CDLS) conducted with Other women (without academic background) from migrant or ethnic minority descent are contributing to dismantle existing sexist and racist stereotypes and prevent gender violence. In this article, drawing from a research focused on the effects of nonacademic mothers on learning activities, it is shown how these women’s stories on their own participation make them reflect on the intersection of discrimination and the ways in which they are active agents that are already contributing to dismantling them. Through the use of CDLS, under the communicative approach, the present article contributes to the ongoing debate about the implications of the intersectionality at the research methodological level.
Falls in people with MS—an individual data meta-analysis from studies from Australia, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Nilsagård Y , Gunn H , Freeman J , Hoang P , Lord S , Mazumder Rajarshi , Cameron Michelle
Published: June 2014

Background:

Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Previous studies have generally included small samples and had varied methods.

Objectives:

The objectives of this paper are to compile fall rates across a broad range of ages and disease severity and to definitively assess the extent to which MS-associated and demographic factors influence fall rates.

Methods:

Individual data from studies in four countries that prospectively measured falls for three months were analyzed. We determined fall rates, prevalence of fallers (≥1 falls) and frequent fallers (≥2 falls), location and timing of falls, and fall-related demographic factors.

Results:

A total of 537 participants reported 1721 falls: 56% were fallers and 37% frequent fallers. Most falls occurred indoors (65%) between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (75%). Primary progressive MS was associated with significantly increased odds of being a faller (odds ratio (OR) 2.02; CI 1.08–3.78). Fall risk peaked at EDSS levels of 4.0 and 6.0 with significant ORs between 5.30 (2.23–12.64) and 5.10 (2.08–12.47). The fall rate was lower in women than men (relative risk (RR) 0.80; CI 0.67–0.94) and decreased with increasing age (RR 0.97 for each year, CI 0.95–0.98).

Conclusion:

PwMS are at high risk of falls and there are important associations between falls and MS-associated disability, gender and age.
Bodies as means for continuing post-death relationships
Authors: Leichtentritt Ronit D , Mahat Shamir Michal , Barak Adi , Yerushalmi Ayelet
Published: June 2014

Secondary analysis of data from 30 people in three interview studies shows that bereaved people use their own and the deceased’s body in their continuing efforts to maintain a relationship with the departed. Following the continuing bond perspective, the study reveals three body-associated strategies for maintaining post-death relationships: (a) the presence of the deceased in the bereaved’s body, (b) body-associated actions and activities, and (c) sensing and caring for the deceased’s body. The conceptual dimension of embodiment is used to interpret results. Attention is also given to the bereaved’s sense of disembodiment due to social rejection of these strategies for maintaining post-death relationships. Implications for health psychologists are offered.
Development of a pseudo/anonymised primary care research database: Proof-of-concept study
Authors: MacRury Sandra , Finlayson Jim , Hussey-Wilson Susan , Holden Samantha
Published: June 2014

General practice records present a comprehensive source of data that could form a variety of anonymised or pseudonymised research databases to aid identification of potential research participants regardless of location. A proof-of-concept study was undertaken to extract data from general practice systems in 15 practices across the region to form pseudo and anonymised research data sets. Two feasibility studies and a disease surveillance study compared numbers of potential study participants and accuracy of disease prevalence, respectively. There was a marked reduction in screening time and increase in numbers of potential study participants identified with the research repository compared with conventional methods. Accurate disease prevalence was established and enhanced with the addition of selective text mining. This study confirms the potential for development of national anonymised research database from general practice records in addition to improving data collection for local or national audits and epidemiological projects.
Inter-regional networks in Brussels: Analyzing the information exchanges among regional offices
Authors: Beyers Jan , Donas Tom
Published: June 2014

What triggers the information exchange among the regional offices in Brussels? To answer this question, we develop a framework based on network theory and present the first large-N quantitative study on European Union-level inter-regional networks. Our results show that information exchanges take place predominantly among regions from the same member state. Furthermore, the likelihood of regular information exchanges between two regional offices depends on the resources invested in regional representation, the joint involvement in inter-regional associations, and geographical proximity. In contrast to our expectations, our findings refute the hypotheses that more regional autonomy and more experience in Brussels increase the propensity toward cross-border inter-regional networking, a practice that might potentially contribute to the fragmentation of member state representation.
A Wavelet-Statistical Features Approach for Nonconvulsive Seizure Detection
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Khan Yusuf Uzzaman , Farooq Omar , Tripathi Manjari , Adeli Hojjat
Published: June 2014

The detection of nonconvulsive seizures (NCSz) is a challenge because of the lack of physical symptoms, which may delay the diagnosis of the disease. Many researchers have reported automatic detection of seizures. However, few investigators have concentrated on detection of NCSz. This article proposes a method for reliable detection of NCSz. The electroencephalography (EEG) signal is usually contaminated by various nonstationary noises. Signal denoising is an important preprocessing step in the analysis of such signals. In this study, a new wavelet-based denoising approach using cubical thresholding has been proposed to reduce noise from the EEG signal prior to analysis. Three statistical features were extracted from wavelet frequency bands, encompassing the frequency range of 0 to 8, 8 to 16, 16 to 32, and 0 to 32 Hz. Extracted features were used to train linear classifier to discriminate between normal and seizure EEGs. The performance of the method was tested on a database of nine patients with 24 seizures in 80 hours of EEG recording. All the seizures were successfully detected, and false positive rate was found to be 0.7 per hour.
Constructing Indignation: Anger Dynamics in Protest Movements
Authors: Jasper James M.
Published: June 2014

In recent years sociological research on social movements has identified emotional dynamics in all the basic processes and phases of protest, and we are only beginning to understand their causal impacts. These include the solidarities of groups, motivations for action, the role of morality in political action, and the gendered division of labor in social movements. Anger turns out to be at the core of many of these causal mechanisms.
Comment: Kolnai’s Disgust
Authors: Korsmeyer Carolyn , Smith Barry
Published: June 2014

In The Meaning of Disgust (2011), Colin McGinn employs elements of the phenomenological theory of disgust advanced by Aurel Kolnai in 1929. Kolnai’s treatment of what he calls “material” disgust and of its primary elicitors—putrefying organic matter, bodily wastes and secretions, sticky contaminants, vermin—anticipates more recent scientific treatments of this emotion as a mode of protective recoil. While Nina Strohminger (2014) charges McGinn with neglecting such scientific studies, we here attempt to show how Kolnai goes beyond experimental findings in his careful description of the phenomenological differences between disgust and other emotions of forceful disapproval.
Comment: Scholarly Disgust and Related Mysteries
Authors: Rottman Joshua , Young Liane
Published: June 2014

Strohminger (2014) is revolted by McGinn’s (2011) book, The Meaning of Disgust. We argue that her reaction of repugnance highlights one of the greatest mysteries in the psychology of disgust: this emotion is at times elicited by abstract ideological concerns rather than physical threats of infection or contamination. Here we describe the theoretical challenge of accounting for nonpathogenic disgust elicitors, which include spiritual defilement, violations of the “natural order,” and, apparently, McGinn’s latest publication.
Comment: Alternatives to Wood et al.’s Conclusions
Authors: Jones Benedict Christopher
Published: June 2014

Wood, Kressel, Joshi, and Louie (2014) report that published, but not unpublished, studies of masculinity, dominance, symmetry, and health preferences show significant overall effects of cycle phase. They interpret this as evidence that reports of cyclic shifts in mate preferences are artifacts of publication bias. I will first discuss why these conclusions do not necessarily follow straightforwardly from their results. I will then discuss their findings for health preferences specifically, concluding that their dismissal of a significant overall effect of cycle phase is unreasonable.
Comment: Interdiscipline
Authors: Pizarro David
Published: June 2014

The Meaning of Disgust (McGinn, 2011) is a vivid example of how interdisciplinary research can go horribly wrong. Strohminger’s (2014) criticisms serve as a good starting point to discuss some of the issues that need to be addressed by the growing number of researchers who choose to conduct interdisciplinary research in philosophy and psychology. I argue that McGinn’s approach to science in The Meaning of Disgust serves as a useful contrast to the ideal, and that it illustrates the most important virtue necessary for being a good interdisciplinarian: intellectual humility.
Author Reply: Grasping the Nebula: Inelegant Theories for Messy Phenomena
Authors: Strohminger Nina
Published: June 2014

Grand unified theories of messy topics like emotion tend to fail at capturing all the important dimensions of their subject. Why is this? I take on this question while responding to commentaries.
No prosthetic management of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears
Authors: Castagna Alessandro , Garofalo Raffaele , Cesari Eugenio
Published: June 2014

A massive rotator cuff tear is not necessarily irreparable. Number of tendons involved, muscle-tendon unit quality, and decreased acromionhumeral distance (AHD) are as important as tear size in determining reparability of lesion. Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears cannot be anatomically repaired to the bone and are a common source of pain and disability even in middle-aged patients. In these patients when conservative management has failed, it is possible to perform different surgical techniques. A functional repair can help to restore the horizontal force couple of the cuff on the humeral head and to increase the AHD. Debridement of irreparable tears and biceps tenotomy or tenodesis can have a role in low functional demand patients but results deteriorate over time. Recently, several commercially available tissue-engineered biological and synthetic scaffolds have been developed to augment rotator cuff repairs. The aim is to provide a mechanical improvement in case of poor quality tissue at time zero and give a support to have a better cuff healing. In selected cases, the scaffold can be used also to bridge tendon defect. Patients who not have pseudoparalysis, cuff tear arthropathy and with intact deltoid function can benefit from tendon transfers with satisfactory outcomes. These different procedures should be chosen for each patient with selected criteria and after a satisfactory explanation about the really possible expectation after surgery.
Elements of Condom-Use Decision Making among South African Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Siegler Aaron J. , Voux Alex de , Phaswana-Mafuya Nancy , Bekker Linda-Gail , Sullivan Patrick S. , Baral Stefan D. , Winskell Kate , Kose Zamakayise , Wirtz Andrea L. , Stephenson Rob
Published: June 2014

South African men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HIV infection, and male condoms are fundamental to HIV prevention programs. We explored condom use experiences through in-depth interviews with 34 South African MSM from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. For data analysis, we generated a codebook and used the constant comparison method. Condom use reinforcing elements included use of alternative sexual strategies, having a high level of self-worth that was linked to protective behaviors, and use of ready-made condom negotiation scripts. Elements inhibiting condom use included perceiving substantial declines in sexual pleasure/performance, experiences of condom failure (possibly related to petroleum-based lubricant), and being in trusted relationships. Our findings suggest nuanced HIV prevention approaches such as bolstering condom negotiation skills based on successful tactics already in use. Further research is needed to address how to mitigate perceptions and experiences that condoms negatively impact sexual pleasure and performance.
In-Country Migration and Risk Factors for HIV Acquisition among Pregnant Women in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Viani Rolando M. , Araneta Maria R. , Spector Stephen A.
Published: June 2014

Objective:

To compare HIV prevalence and HIV acquisition risk behaviors between pregnant women residents and migrants.

Design:

A cross-sectional study of pregnant women of unknown HIV status seeking care at Tijuana General Hospital, Mexico.

Methods:

Pregnant women attending the labor and delivery unit or the prenatal clinic had a rapid HIV test drawn, with positive results confirmed by Western blot. Migrants were defined as women who had resided in Tijuana for less than 5 years.

Results:

Between 2007 and 2008, a total of 3331 pregnant women consented to participate. The HIV seroprevalence did not differ between Tijuana residents (18 of 2502, 0.72%) and migrants (3 of 829, 0.36%, P = .32). In multivariate regression analyses, HIV acquisition risk behaviors included methamphetamine use (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 6.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–15.8, P < .001) and first presentation at labor (adjusted OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.6–15.3, P = .005), adjusted for migrant status, age, and history of sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion:

The overall HIV seroprevalence was 0.63% and did not differ between Tijuana residents and migrants.
Should health insurers target prevention of cardiovascular disease?: a cost-effectiveness analysis of an individualised programme in Germany based on routine data
Authors: Aljutaili Majed , Becker Christian , Witt Sabine , Holle Rolf , Leidl Reiner , Block Michael , Brachmann Johannes , Silber Sigmund , Bestehorn Kurt , Stollenwerk Björn
Published: June 2014

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, making their prevention a major health care challenge. In 2006, a German statutory health insurance company presented a novel individualised prevention programme (KardioPro), which focused on coronary heart disease (CHD) screening, risk factor assessment, early detection and secondary prevention. This study evaluates KardioPro in CHD risk subgroups, and analyses the cost-effectiveness of different individualised prevention strategies.

Methods

The CHD risk subgroups were assembled based on routine data from the statutory health insurance company, making use of a quasi-beta regression model for risk prediction. The control group was selected via propensity score matching based on logistic regression and an approximate nearest neighbour approach. The main outcome was cost-effectiveness. Effectiveness was measured as event-free time, and events were defined as myocardial infarction, stroke and death. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios comparing participants with non-participants were calculated for each subgroup. To assess the uncertainty of results, a bootstrapping approach was applied.

Results

The cost-effectiveness of KardioPro in the group at high risk of CHD was €20,901 per event-free year; in the medium-risk group, €52,323 per event-free year; in the low-risk group, €186,074 per event-free year; and in the group with known CHD, €26,456 per event-free year. KardioPro was associated with a significant health gain but also a significant cost increase. However, statistical significance could not be shown for all subgroups.

Conclusion

The cost-effectiveness of KardioPro differs substantially according to the group being targeted. Depending on the willingness-to-pay, it may be reasonable to only offer KardioPro to patients at high risk of further cardiovascular events. This high-risk group could be identified from routine statutory health insurance data. However, the long-term consequences of KardioPro still need to be evaluated.
Serum level and immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor for the prediction of postoperative recurrence in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fujita Naoyuki , Okegawa Takatsugu , Terado Yuichi , Tambo Mitsuhiro , Higashihara Eiji , Nutahara Kikuo
Published: June 2014

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in angiogenesis. One of the functions of VEGF is to regulate neovascularization in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). The objective of our study was to examine whether before nephrectomy serum levels of VEGF or expression of VEGF using immunohistochemistry (IHC) could predict postoperative recurrence in nonmetastatic CCRCC.

Results

Twelve patients (14.5%) had recurrence during a mean follow-up of 52.6 ± 31.2 months. The serum VEGF level was significantly higher in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence (P = 0.038). High serum VEGF levels were above 416 pg/mL; this value was chosen based on a receiver operating characteristic analysis. The recurrence-free survival rate in patients with a high serum VEGF level was significantly lower than in those with a low serum VEGF level (P = 0.003). In total, tumors from 26 patients (31.3%) showed overexpression of VEGF using IHC. The recurrence-free survival rate in the IHC-positive group was significantly lower than that in the IHC-negative group (P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis indicated that preoperative serum VEGF levels (P = 0.013) and female gender (P = 0.004) were independent predictors of postoperative recurrence in nonmetastatic CCRCC.

Conclusions

Preoperative serum VEGF levels is a useful predictor compared with IHC analysis of VEGF of postoperative recurrence in nonmetastatic CCRCC.
Effectiveness of Screening With Annual Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Mammography: Results of the Initial Screen From the Ontario High Risk Breast Screening Program
Authors: Chiarelli Anna M. , Prummel Maegan V. , Muradali Derek , Majpruz Vicky , Horgan Meaghan , Carroll June C. , Eisen Andrea , Meschino Wendy S. , Shumak Rene S. , Warner Ellen , Rabeneck Linda
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The Ontario Breast Screening Program expanded in July 2011 to screen women age 30 to 69 years at high risk for breast cancer with annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital mammography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first organized screening program for women at high risk for breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Performance measures after assessment were compared with screening results for 2,207 women with initial screening examinations. The following criteria were used to determine eligibility: known mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, or other gene predisposing to a markedly increased risk of breast cancer, untested first-degree relative of a gene mutation carrier, family history consistent with hereditary breast cancer syndrome and estimated personal lifetime breast cancer risk ≥ 25%, or radiation therapy to the chest (before age 30 years and at least 8 years previously).

Results

The recall rate was significantly higher among women who had abnormal MRI alone (15.1%; 95% CI, 13.8% to 16.4%) compared with mammogram alone (6.4%; 95% CI, 5.5% to 7.3%). Of the 35 breast cancers detected (16.3 per 1,000; 95% CI, 11.2 to 22.2), none were detected by mammogram alone, 23 (65.7%) were detected by MRI alone (10.7 per 1,000; 95% CI, 6.7 to 15.8), and 25 (71%) were detected among women who were known gene mutation carriers (30.8 per 1,000, 95% CI, 19.4 to 43.7). The positive predictive value was highest for detection based on mammogram and MRI (12.4%; 95% CI, 7.3% to 19.3%).

Conclusion

Screening with annual MRI combined with mammography has the potential to be effectively implemented into an organized breast screening program for women at high risk for breast cancer. This could be considered an important management option for known BRCA gene mutation carriers.
Involvement of PIT-1-Reactive Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Anti-PIT-1 Antibody Syndrome
Authors: Bando Hironori , Iguchi Genzo , Fukuoka Hidenori , Yamamoto Masaaki , Hidaka-Takeno Ryoko , Okimura Yasuhiko , Matsumoto Ryusaku , Suda Kentaro , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Takahashi Michiko , Tojo Katsuyoshi , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: June 2014

Context:

Anti-pituitary-specific transcriptional factor 1 (PIT-1) antibody syndrome is characterized by acquired growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiencies associated with circulating anti-PIT-1 antibodies. Although autoimmunity to PIT-1 has been suggested as a pathogenesis, the precise mechanism of the syndrome remains unclarified.

Objective:

To elucidate the involvement of antibody- or cell-mediated immunity in anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

To investigate a direct effect of anti-PIT-1 antibody on pituitary cells, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity detection assays were performed using patient serum. Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay was performed to evaluate the involvement of PIT-1-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). An immunohistochemical analysis using anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 antibody was performed to examine tissue infiltration by CTLs.

Results:

Patient serum did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and secretion of GH and PRL in GH3 cells. In addition, complement-dependent cytotoxicity was not detected in patient serum on GH3 cells or primary pituitary cells. The ELISpot assay revealed the presence of CTLs that specifically reacted to the recombinant PIT-1 protein in the patient's peripheral lymphocytes. CD8+ cell infiltrations, which is the characteristic of CTLs, were observed in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, stomach, thyroid gland, liver, and pancreas of the patient with anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the anti-PIT-1 antibody is not a cause but a marker of anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome, in which CTLs play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis.
The determination of tRNALeu recognition nucleotides for Escherichia coli L/F transferase
Authors: Fung Angela Wai Shan , Leung Charles Chung Yun , Fahlman Richard Peter
Published: June 2014

Escherichia coli leucyl/phenylalanyl-tRNA protein transferase catalyzes the tRNA-dependent post-translational addition of amino acids onto the N-terminus of a protein polypeptide substrate. Based on biochemical and structural studies, the current tRNA recognition model by L/F transferase involves the identity of the 3′ aminoacyl adenosine and the sequence-independent docking of the D-stem of an aminoacyl-tRNA to the positively charged cluster on L/F transferase. However, this model does not explain the isoacceptor preference observed 40 yr ago. Using in vitro-transcribed tRNA and quantitative MALDI-ToF MS enzyme activity assays, we have confirmed that, indeed, there is a strong preference for the most abundant leucyl-tRNA, tRNALeu (anticodon 5′-CAG-3′) isoacceptor for L/F transferase activity. We further investigate the molecular mechanism for this preference using hybrid tRNA constructs. We identified two independent sequence elements in the acceptor stem of tRNALeu (CAG)—a G3:C70 base pair and a set of 4 nt (C72, A4:U69, C68)—that are important for the optimal binding and catalysis by L/F transferase. This maps a more specific, sequence-dependent tRNA recognition model of L/F transferase than previously proposed.
Two different motor learning mechanisms contribute to learning reaching movements in a rotated visual environment
Authors: Chu Virginia Way Tong , Sanger Terence David
Published: June 2014

Practice of movement in virtual-reality and other artificially altered environments has been proposed as a method for rehabilitation following neurological injury and for training new skills in healthy humans.  For such training to be useful, there must be transfer of learning from the artificial environment to the performance of desired skills in the natural environment.  Therefore an important assumption of such methods is that practice in the altered environment engages the same learning and plasticity mechanisms that are required for skill performance in the natural environment.  We test the hypothesis that transfer of learning may fail because the learning and plasticity mechanism that adapts to the altered environment is different from the learning mechanism required for improvement of motor skill.  In this paper, we propose that a model that separates skill learning and environmental adaptation is necessary to explain the learning and aftereffects that are observed in virtual reality experiments.  In particular, we studied the condition where practice in the altered environment should lead to correct skill performance in the original environment. Our 2-mechanism model predicts that aftereffects will still be observed when returning to the original environment, indicating a lack of skill transfer from the artificial environment to the original environment. To illustrate the model prediction, we tested 10 healthy participants on the interaction between a simple overlearned motor skill (straight hand movements to targets in different directions) and an artificially altered visuomotor environment (rotation of visual feedback of the results of movement).  As predicted by the models, participants show adaptation to the altered environment and after-effects on return to the baseline environment even when practice in the altered environment should have led to correct skill performance.  The presence of aftereffect under all conditions that involved changes in environment demonstrates separation of environmental adaptation and skill learning. Our results support the existence of two distinct learning modules with different adaptation properties.  Therefore we suggest that adaptation to an altered environment may not be useful for training new skills.
Readable workflows need simple data
Authors: Pfaff Claas-Thido , Nadrowski Karin , Ratcliffe Sophia , Wirth Christian , Bruelheide Helge
Published: June 2014

Sharing scientific analyses via workflows has great potential to improve the reproducibility of science as well as communicating research results. This is particularly useful for trans-disciplinary research fields such as biodiversity - ecosystem functioning (BEF), where syntheses need to merge data ranging from genes to the biosphere. Here we argue that enabling simplicity in the very beginning of workflows, at the point of data description and merging, offers huge potentials in reducing workflow complexity and in fostering data and workflow reuse. We illustrate our points using a typical analysis in BEF research, the aggregation of carbon pools in a forest ecosystem. We introduce indicators for the complexity of workflow components including data sources. We show that workflow complexity decreases exponentially during the course of the analysis and that simple text-based measures help to identify bottlenecks in a workflow and group workflow components according to tasks. We thus suggest that focusing on simplifying steps of data aggregation and imputation will greatly improve workflow readability and thus reproducibility. Providing feedback to data providers about the complexity of their datasets may help to produce better focused data that can be used more easily in further studies. At the same time, providing feedback about the complexity of workflow components may help to exchange shorter and simpler workflows for easier reuse. Additionally, identifying repetitive tasks informs software development in providing automated solutions. We discuss current initiatives in software and script development that implement quality control for simplicity and social tools of script valuation. Taken together we argue that focusing on simplifying data sources and workflow components will improve and accelerate data and workflow reuse and simplify the reproducibility of data-driven science.
Lung transplantation in an intensive care patient with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis - a case report
Authors: Güçyetmez Bülent , Ogan Aylin , Çimet Ayyıldız Aylin , Yalçın Güder Berrin , Klepetko Walter
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by the deposition of phosphate and calcium in the alveoli. The disease progresses asymptomatically until later stages. When it becomes symptomatic, lung transplantations performed before the onset of right heart failure may improve life expectancy and quality. Here we present a case report concerning the very first Turkish PAM patient to have undergone lung transplantation surgery.

Patient information: A 52 year-old female, Caucasian patient, already diagnosed with PAM in infancy, was admitted to the intensive care unit, diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized for 20 days. We decided to refer the patient to a specialized center for lung transplantation. Bilateral lung transplantation was performed in Vienna 14 months later and no recurrence was observed during the first postoperative year.

Conclusion: Bilateral lung transplantation may improve both the life expectancy and the quality of life of PAM diagnosed patients with severe respiratory failure who do not suffer from right heart failure. The risk of recurrence should not be considered as a justifying reason to avoid transplantation as a treatment method.
Post-operative rehabilitation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Mobasheri Ali , Szychlinska Marta Anna , Imbesi Rosa , Castrogiovanni Paola
Published: June 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative process involving the progressive loss of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation and structural changes to the subchondral bone that lead to loss of synovial joint structural features and impaired functionality of the articular cartilage. OA represents one of the most common causes of physical disability in the world. Different OA treatments are usually considered in relation to the stage of the disease. However, in the earlier stages of the disease, it is possible to recommend physical activity programs that can maintain joint health and keep the patient mobile, as recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). In the most severe and advanced cases of OA, surgical intervention is necessary. In early post-operative stages, it is essential to include rehabilitation exercise program therapies in order to restore the full function of the involved joint. Physical therapy is crucial for the success of any surgical procedure and can promote recovery of muscle strength, range of motion, coordinated walking, proprioception and mitigate joint pain. After discharge from the hospital, patients should continue the rehabilitation exercise program at home. In this review, we analyze articles from the most recent literature and provide a balanced and comprehensive overview of the latest discoveries in relation to the effects of physical exercise on post-operative rehabilitation in OA. The literature search was conducted in April 2014 using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using the keywords ‘osteoarthritis’, ‘rehabilitation’ and ‘exercise’, in a range of period 2002/2014 and out of 100 papers we have chosen 48 that we considered more appropriate. The available data suggests that physical exercise is effective, economical and accessible to everyone, and is one of the most important components of post-operative rehabilitation for OA.
Low and stable rates of antenatal syphilis and HIV in migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border: a descriptive study
Authors: McGready Rose , Kang Joy , Watts Isabella , Tyrosvoutis Mary Ellen G , Torchinsky Miriam B. , Htut Aung Myo , Tun Nay Win , Keereecharoen Lily , Wangsing Chirapat , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Nosten François H.
Published: June 2014

Objective: The antenatal prevalence of syphilis and HIV/AIDS in migrants and refugees is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to audit the first year of routine syphilis screening in migrant and refugee women on the Thai Myanmar border.

Methods: From August 2012 to July 2013, 3600 pregnant women were screened for HIV (ELISA) and syphilis (VDRL with TPHA confirmation) at clinics along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Results: Seroprevalence for HIV 0.47% (95% CI 0.30-0.76) (17/3,599), and syphilis 0.39% (95% CI 0.23-0.65) (14/3,592), were low. Syphilis was significantly lower in refugees (0.07% 95% CI 0.01-0.38) (1/1,469), than in migrants (0.61% 95% CI 0.36-1.04) (13/2,123). The three active (VDRL≥1:8 and TPHA reactive) syphilis cases with VDRL titres of 1:32 were easy to counsel and treat. Women with low VDRL titres (>75% were < 1:8) and TPHA reactive results, in the absence of symptoms and both the woman and her husband having only one sexual partner in their lifetime, and the inability to determine the true cause of the positive results presented ethical difficulties for counsellors.

Conclusion: As HIV and syphilis testing becomes available in more and more settings, the potential impact of false positive results should be considered, especially in populations with low prevalence for these diseases. This uncertainty must be considered in order to counsel patients and partners accurately and safely about the results of these tests, without exposing women to increased risk for abuse or abandonment. Our findings highlight the complexities of counselling patients about these tests and the global need for more conclusive syphilis testing strategies.