bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving education into the digital age: the contribution of teachers' professional development
Authors: Twining P. , Raffaghelli J. , Albion P. , Knezek D.
Published: August 2013

This article introduces the main outcomes of discussions at EDUsummIT 2011 by the specific Technical Working Group on Teacher Professional Development (TWG3). The focus was to explore how professional development of teachers may ensure that teachers are better prepared to use information and communication technology (ICT) to promote 21st century learning. The article is organized into three main sections: a review of key literature on professional development of teachers (TPD), in general and with specific reference to ICT; a summary of the key points emerging from TWG3's discussions; and recommendations for action.

On the basis of discussions held within the TWG3, the authors concluded that effective TPD requires changes at several levels of educational systems (political, institutional and individual), and that ICTs should be seen as an opportunity for introducing new goals, structures and roles that support these changes. It is significant that while many of the issues highlighted by the group are well established, addressing them continues to be problematic globally.
Five patients with melanosis of the nipple and areola clinically mimicking melanoma
Authors: Isbary G. , Coras‐Stepanek B. , Dyall‐Smith D. , Guther S. , Tillmann A. , Stolz W.
Published: August 2013

Background

Pigmented lesions on the nipple and areola concern patients and physicians as melanoma and pigmented mammary Paget's disease must be considered in the differential diagnoses. There have been only six case reports of melanosis of the nipple and areola in the medical literature yet five cases presented to our department in a 26‐month period.

Method

Five women aged between 26 and 34 years presented with pigmentation of the areola and/or nipple. Two patients were pregnant and one also had vitiligo. All lesions were solitary, eccentrically located with a sharp but irregular contour, and homogeneous pigmentation. Dermoscopy was performed and reassuring features included light to dark brown cobblestone pigmentation with ring‐like structures and reticulation. Blue‐white veil and irregular centred black dots were not seen. Histology confirmed melanosis of the nipple and areola.

Conclusion

Melanosis of the nipple and areola is probably significantly underreported in the medical literature and, based on our experience, is likely to be the most common cause of pigmentation at this site. Considering this, benign condition on clinical and dermoscopic features should lead to biopsy rather than excision to confirm the diagnosis. Further reports of the dermoscopic features will help to define this condition further.
Genetic variation and the performance of a mass‐reared parasitoid, Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), in laboratory trials
Authors: Guzmán‐Larralde A. , Cerna‐Chávez E. , Rodríguez‐Campos E. , Loyola‐Licea J. C. , Stouthamer R.
Published: August 2013

During mass rearing, adaptation of biological control agents to the rearing environment is a potential problem. Using the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma pretiosum, the performance of 26 highly inbred lines, five composite ‘populations’ (created from the inbred lines) and one insectary‐reared population was compared using fertility life tables. Of the composite populations, three were created with maximal and identical genetic variation as a mixture of all 26 inbred lines, but these were then reared for a different number of generations (2, 6 or 17) before their performance was measured. The remaining two composite populations were created based on the performance of the individual inbred lines: one was a combination of two inbred lines with a high intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), ‘high rm’; and the other was a combination of two lines with a ‘low rm’. High and low rm populations were reared for two generations prior to testing. Parameters measured were fertility, longevity and sex ratio. We found no difference between the maximally variable population reared for two generations and the ‘high rm’ population (rm = 0.285 and 0.282, respectively). ‘Low rm’ was the population with the lower performance (rm = 0.255). Genetically variable population reared for two generations for 48 h produced significantly more offspring than the populations reared for 6 and 17 generations. Hybrid population derived from the high‐rm lines did significantly better than that derived from the low‐rm lines. Low‐performance populations become more male based than high performance at 48 h. The potential benefits to improve population's performance using inbred lines for mass rearing are discussed.
The Ecology of Pneumocystis: Perspectives, Personal Recollections, and Future Research Opportunities
Authors: Walzer Peter D.
Published: August 2013

I am honored to receive the second Lifetime Achievement Award by International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists and to give this lecture. My research involves Pneumocystis, an opportunistic pulmonary fungus that is a major cause of pneumonia (“PcP”) in the immunocompromised host. I decided to focus on Pneumocystis ecology here because it has not attracted much interest. Pneumocystis infection is acquired by inhalation, and the cyst stage appears to be the infective form. Several fungal lung infections, such as coccidiomycosis, are not communicable, but occur by inhaling < 5 μm spores from environmental sources (buildings, parks), and can be affected by environmental factors. PcP risk factors include environmental constituents (temperature, humidity, SO2, CO) and outdoor activities (camping). Clusters of PcP have occurred, but no environmental source has been found. Pneumocystis is communicable and outbreaks of PcP, especially in renal transplant patients, are an ongoing problem. Recent evidence suggests that most viable Pneumocystis organisms detected in the air are confined to a patient's room. Further efforts are needed to define the risk of Pneumocystis transmission in health care facilities; to develop more robust preventive measures; and to characterize the effects of climatological and air pollutant factors on Pneumocystis transmission in animal models similar to those used for respiratory viruses.
Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with dicaffeoylquinic acids attenuates the reduced expression of nicotinic receptors, elevated level of oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis caused by β-amyloid peptide
Authors: Deng Jie , Qi Xiao-Lan , Guan Zhi-Zhong , Yan Xiu-Ming , Huang Yong , Wang Yong-Lin
Published: August 2013

Objectives

This in vitro investigation was designed to examine potential neuroprotection by dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb herba erigerontis and their effects against the toxicity induced by β-amyloid peptide (Aβ25–35).

Methods

The neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was treated with Aβ or 3, 4-diCQA, 3, 5-diCQA or 4, 5-diCQA. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction was assayed by spectrophotometrical method, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) on the basis of the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, the activity of superoxide dismutase by the xanthine oxidase procedure, the frequency of apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the levels of α3 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit proteins by Western blotting.

Key findings

When the cells were exposed to Aβ25–35, MTT reduction declined, oxidative stress and apoptosis were enhanced, and the expression of α3 and α7 nAChR subunit proteins was lowered. Expression of the α7 nAChR subunit protein was increased by all three diCQAs, and the level of α3 was increased by 3, 5-diCQA and 4, 5-diCQA. Significantly, pretreatment with diCQAs attenuated the neurotoxic effects of Aβ25–35, a neuroprotective effect in which the upregulation of α7 and α3 nAChR may be involved.

Conclusion

The diCQAs exert a protective effect on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and a potential underlying mechanism involving stimulation of nAChRs.
C
ucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) and D-chiro-inositol modulate the redox state and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Fortis-Barrera Ángeles , Alarcón-Aguilar Francisco Javier , Banderas-Dorantes Tania , Díaz-Flores Margarita , Román-Ramos Rubén , Cruz Miguel , García-Macedo Rebeca
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Cucurbita ficifolia (characterised by its D chiro inositol (DCI) content) and of synthetic DCI on the redox state, mRNA expression and secretions of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we evaluated the insulin-mimetic action of both treatments by assessing protein kinase B (PKB) activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Methods

Adipocytes were treated with C. ficifolia and synthetic DCI. The redox state was determined by spectrophotometry as changes in the reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities; H2O2 levels were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and the protein level of cytokines were determinate by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activation of PKB activation was detected by Western blot.

Key findings

C. ficifolia extract and synthetic DCI reduced oxidative stress by decreased H2O2 levels, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, DCI decreased the mRNA expression and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and resistin, while C. ficifolia reduced protein levels of resistin and increased IL-6 levels. Only DCI demonstrated insulin-mimetic action.

Conclusions

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. ficifolia extract can be explained in part by its DCI content, which modulates the GSH/GSSG ratio and contributes to a reduced proinflammatory state. C. ficifolia and DCI treatments may reduce the disturbances caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, DCI may improve insulin sensitivity through its insulin-mimetic effects.
Effects of unconditioned stimulus intensity and fear extinction on subsequent sleep architecture in an afternoon nap
Authors: Sturm Anna , Czisch Michael , Spoormaker Victor I.
Published: August 2013

Impaired fear extinction and disturbed sleep coincide in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the nature of this relationship is unclear. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation impairs fear extinction recall in rodents and young healthy subjects, and animal models have demonstrated both disrupted sleep after fear conditioning and normalized sleep after extinction learning. As a correlation between unconditioned stimulus (US) responding and subsequent sleep architecture has been observed in healthy subjects, the goal of this study was to test whether US intensity would causally affect subsequent sleep. Twenty‐four young healthy subjects underwent a fear conditioning session with skin conductance response measurements before an afternoon session of polysomnographically recorded sleep (up to 120 min) in the sleep laboratory. Two factors were manipulated experimentally in a 2 × 2 design: US (electrical shock) was set at high or low intensity, and subjects did or did not receive an extinction session after fear conditioning. We observed that neither factor affected REM sleep amount, that high US intensity nominally increased sleep fragmentation (more Stage 1 sleep, stage shifts and wake after sleep onset), and that extinction increased Stage 4 amount. Moreover, reduced Stage 1 and increased Stage 4 and REM sleep were associated with subjective sleep quality of the afternoon nap. These results provide evidence for the notion that US intensity and extinction affect subsequent sleep architecture in young healthy subjects, which may provide a translational bridge from findings in animal studies to correlations observed in PTSD patients.
How to contend with paraphyly in the taxonomy of the delphinine cetaceans?
Authors: Perrin William F. , Rosel Patricia E. , Cipriano Frank
Published: August 2013

Molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted over the past 15 yr have consistently had difficulties resolving relationships among the cetacean species in the subfamily Delphininae. In addition, paraphyly of the genera Tursiops and Stenella in these molecular phylogenies has been a recurrent problem since the first appearance of such a phylogeny in 1999, suggesting that these genera do not accurately reflect the evolutionary relationships of the species they contain. Morphological analyses have not resolved the issues. The genera in Delphininae originated in the 19th Century on questionable morphological grounds. The species were nearly all originally described in the genus Delphinus of Linnaeus. Recent molecular phylogenies based on various mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers have suggested a wide range of possible relationships among these taxa, and several authors have suggested synonymizing all the taxa (Lagenodelphis, Stenella, Sousa, and Tursiops) under Delphinus. Until molecular and/or morphological analyses adequately sort out relationships in this very recently radiated group, one possible solution indeed would be to merge all the delphinine genera with Delphinus. Implications of such a move and alternatives are discussed.

Editor's Note: Papers from past Norris Award winners have primarily been a revised or reduced version of the actual presentation given as a plenary talk at the biennial conference. Dr. Perrin requested being allowed to take a topic from his presentation and expand on it to present a set of ideas in the form of an essay that could pass the rigors of the peer‐review process. As a result, this Norris Award paper has undergone peer‐review and has taken longer than usual for a Norris Award paper to appear in the journal following its presentation at the biennial conference. It also has co‐authors, with varying opinions on the issues discussed in the essay, to cover appropriately and more thoroughly those components of the paper that required additional expertise. I believe this approach has produced an excellent, thought‐provoking essay and is an approach that should be available to future Norris Award winners if they so choose to take it. Since this essay is meant to elicit dialogue, comments are welcome and will be considered for publication in Letters to the Editor.
Migratory movements of individual humpback whales photographed off the eastern coast of Australia
Authors: Burns Daniel , Brooks Lyndon , Harrison Peter , Franklin Trish , Franklin Wally , Paton David , Clapham Phil
Published: August 2013

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate long distances each year on a return journey from low‐latitude breeding grounds to high‐latitude feeding grounds. Migration is influenced by subtle and complex social behaviors and the assumption that whales transit directly through the migratory corridor off the east coast of Australia requires further investigation. From 2003 to 2005, we followed the movements of 99 individual whales within one migratory cycle from three locations, off Byron Bay during the whales' northern migration and in Hervey Bay and at Ballina during the southern migration. The median sighting interval of whales between Byron Bay and Hervey Bay (n = 26) was 52 d (IQR = 42.5–75.5); between Byron Bay and Ballina (n = 21) was 59 d (IQR = 47.0–70.0); and between Hervey Bay and Ballina (n = 33) was 9 d (8.0–14.0). The overall pattern observed from these resightings suggests that Group E1 humpback whales spend approximately two months in the northern quarter of their range during the austral winter months. Intraseason resightings of whales at Ballina (n = 13, median sighting interval = 7 d) also suggest that some individuals, particularly adult males, may circle back north during their general southward journey along this part of the coast, perhaps in an attempt to increase mating opportunities.
Mutual Abrasion of Endocardial Leads: Analysis of Explanted Leads
Authors: KUTARSKI ANDRZEJ , MAŁECKA BARBARA , KOŁODZINSKA AGNIESZKA , GRABOWSKI MARCIN
Published: August 2013

Background

Abrasion of the outer insulation in crush syndrome and in the pocket region is a common cause of endocardial lead failure. Lead fracture at the level of the tricuspid valve has also been described.

Methods and Results

We examined 1,212 endocardial leads removed percutaneously from 700 patients. The average time the leads had been in place was 77.3 ± 55.9 months. Macroscopic examination revealed abrasion of the outer insulation with exposure of the metal conductor in the intracardiac parts of 199 leads removed from 177 patients. Lead abrasion was confirmed by examination with an optical microscope. Multivariate analysis showed that the phenomenon was associated with the number of extracted leads, the time the leads had been in place, infections of the cardiovascular electronic device, location of the lead in the coronary sinus, and excessive lead length.

Conclusion

We conclude that the described mechanical abrasion of the outer lead insulation in the heart chambers could result from mutual friction. It is highly likely that intracardiac lead abrasion might play a role in the formation of intracardiac vegetation and lead‐dependent endocarditis.
Efficacy of subtenon block in infants – a comparison with intravenous fentanyl for perioperative analgesia in infantile cataract surgery
Authors: Sethi Sameer , Ghai Babita , Sen Indu , Ram Jagat , Wig Jyotsna
Published: August 2013

Background

General anesthesia with opioids provides good perioperative analgesia in infantile ocular surgeries but is associated with the risk of respiratory depression and postoperative emesis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of subtenon block for providing perioperative analgesia in infants undergoing cataract surgeries.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double‐blinded trial, 63 infants of ASA grade I and II (1–12 months) were recruited to receive either subtenon block (Group SB) or 1 μg·kg−1 i.v. fentanyl (Group F) after induction of anesthesia. Primary outcome was the number of infants requiring rescue analgesia during 4‐h study period before discharge of the infants. Secondary outcomes assessed were CRIES pain score, incidence of oculocardiac reflex, surgical difficulty, and incidence of postoperative emesis.

Results

The number of infants requiring rescue analgesia during 4‐h study period was significantly less in Group SB (n = 6/32, 18.8%) compared to Group F (n = 14/31, 45.2%, P = 0.032). CRIES scores were significantly lower at and after 40 min compared to immediate postoperative period in Group F while these were comparable at all time intervals in Group SB. CRIES scores were significantly lower in Group SB compared to Group F at all time intervals except at 1 h. The incidence of oculocardiac reflex and the postoperative emesis were comparable in both the groups.

Conclusion

Subtenon block is an effective superior technique for postoperative analgesia compared to intravenous fentanyl in infants undergoing cataract surgery.
Outcomes of fetal listed patients awaiting heart transplantation
Authors: Conway Jennifer , Chrisant Maryanne R. K. , West Lori J. , Ameduri Rebecca K. , Alejos Juan C. , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Das Bibhuti , Gilbert Deborah , Tresler Margaret , Naftel David C. , Miyamoto Shelley D.
Published: August 2013

HTx in neonates is mainstay therapy for those with severe cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease. Fetal listing for HTx has been proposed as a way to increase the potential window for a donor with outcomes predicted to be similar to the neonatal population. Data from the PHTS, a prospective multicenter study, were used to examine the outcomes of fetuses listed between 1993 and 2009. Four thousand three hundred and sixty‐five children were listed for HTx during this period. Fetuses comprised 1% and neonates 19.8% of listed patients. In those patients listed as fetus and transplanted, the median wait time from listing to HTx was 55 days (range 4–255), with a median of 25 days (range 0–233) after birth. By six months post‐listing, a higher proportion of fetal listed patients had undergone HTx with a lower waitlist mortality when compared with neonate. There was no significant difference in survival following HTx between the two group (p = 0.4). While the results of this study may be less applicable to current practice due to changes in referrals for fetal listing, they do indicate that fetal listing can be a reasonable option. These results are of particular interest at the present time given the ongoing public discourse on the proposed elimination of fetal listing within UNOS.
Micronutrient deficiencies in pediatric and young adult intestinal transplant patients
Authors: Ubesie Agozie C. , Cole Conrad R. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Tiao Greg M. , Alonso Maria H. , Mezoff Adam G. , Henderson Carol J. , Kocoshis Samuel A.
Published: August 2013

Intestinal transplant recipients are at risk of micronutrient deficiency due to the slow process of post‐transplant adaptation. Another contributing factor is calcineurin inhibitor–induced renal tubular dysfunction. Patients are typically supplemented with micronutrients during PN; however, the risk of deficiency may persist even after a successful transition to FEN. The goal was to determine the prevalence of, and associated risk factors for, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, folate, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12 deficiency in pediatric intestinal transplant recipients after successful transition to FEN. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from children who underwent intestinal transplantation at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center was done. Deficiencies of various micronutrients were defined using the hospital reference values. Twenty‐one intestinal transplant recipients, aged one to 23 yr, who were successfully transitioned to FEN were included in the study. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiency was 95.2%. The common deficient micronutrients were iron (94.7%) and magnesium (90.5%). Age ≤ 10 yr (p = 0.002) and tube feeding (p = 0.02) were significant risk factors for micronutrient deficiencies. Pediatric intestinal transplant recipients have a high risk of micronutrient and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies were more common among younger patients and those who received jejunal feeding.
Protection against hyperoxia‐induced lung fibrosis by KGF‐induced MSCs mobilization in neonatal rats
Authors: Yao Lan , Liu Cheng‐jun , Luo Qing , Gong Min , Chen Jie , Wang Li‐Jia , Huang Ying , Jiang Xiaohua , Xu Feng , Li Ting‐Yu , Shu Chang
Published: August 2013

MSCs have been shown to improve functional and pathological outcome in lung fibrosis. However, low in vivo cell engraftment of the transplanted cells limits their overall effectiveness. KGF (also known as FGF‐7) is a critical mediator of pulmonary epithelial repair through stimulation of epithelial cell proliferation. However, the role of KGF in MSCs and its therapeutic effects have not been identified. In this study, we investigated the effect of KGF on MSCs and its preventive role in hyperoxia‐induced fibrosis in neonatal rats. Neonatal rats exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia were randomly assigned to receive intraperitoneal injections of normal saline (PL), MSCs, or KGF pretreated MSCs on the fourth day of exposure. Our results showed that as compared to PL, while MSCs attenuated lung fibrosis, KGF pretreated MSCs exhibited enhanced preventive effect against lung fibrosis. This effect was partly attributed to enhanced mobilization of MSCs to the fibrotic lungs. In addition, the SHH signaling pathway, which is associated with the differentiation of stem cells was activated by KGF. Our data suggest that MSCs, especially KGF preconditioned MSCs, can attenuate lung fibrosis and KGF may regulate the MSCs behavior by activating SHH pathway.
Plant RNA virus fitness predictability: contribution of genetic and environmental factors
Authors: Elena S. F. , Lalić J.
Published: August 2013

Forecasting plant virus emergence depends on identifying the factors that determine the distribution of genetic variants within the primary host as well as across potential new hosts. It is crucial to determine: (i) the distribution of mutational fitness effects (DMFE) on the primary host, (ii) how it changes on different hosts, (iii) the way in which multiple mutations interact in determining viral fitness in the primary host, and (iv) whether this interaction is host‐dependent. To illustrate points (i) and (ii), this paper reviews recent reports showing that the DMFE for a potyvirus markedly differs between natural and non‐natural hosts. Changes in genetic variance for fitness are the main cause of the observed pattern among related hosts, whereas sign pleiotropy mainly explains differences observed among unrelated hosts. To illustrate point (iii), comments are made on experiments showing significant epistasis among random pairs of mutations in the potyvirus genome. A large fraction of the interactions correspond to the reciprocal sign epistasis, meaning that the sign of the effects of mutations at two loci are mutually dependent. Finally, to illustrate point (iv), evidence is presented that epistatic interactions for an RNA virus varied among hosts, with magnitude epistasis being stronger in the primary host but becoming weaker as host's taxonomic relatedness decreased. The existence of all these interactions jeopardizes the prediction of the fitness and evolutionary fate of a given mutation, as it will depend on the genetic background but also on the host wherein the virus replicates.
Women's Religious Affiliation in the Jōdo Shinshū
Authors: Starling Jessica
Published: August 2013

How can we talk about female religious professionals in a non‐celibate Buddhist tradition with no formal ordination or convents for nuns? Is there any distinction between laywomen and nuns? In this survey essay, I summarize the body of research on women in the Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land Buddhism) to highlight the importance of women's roles as wives and mothers to their identities as religious professionals. On the other hand, laywomen in this tradition are notable for their organization into all‐female confraternities, and later into modern women's associations, whose members were voracious consumers of religious educational literature. I conclude the essay by pointing the way for future scholarship on these subjects and exploring the potential contributions of this theme to our understanding of women in Buddhism more broadly.
What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 2: From Religious Mobilization to “Spiritual Care”
Authors: McLaughlin Levi
Published: August 2013

Buddhist, Christian, Shinto, and other religious responses to devastation in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters in northeast Japan have included a great deal more than providing material aid and seeing to the ritual needs of the dead and the bereaved. This article considers ways in which burgeoning collaborations of religious professionals, clinical care workers, and academics are crafting a public persona of religion as “spiritual care,” a new formulation designed to meet the needs of a Japanese public that welcomes therapeutic interventions for disaster victims yet remains leery of religion. While the move from the religious to the spiritual presents novel opportunities to rehabilitate Japanese religion's public image, it appears as if some post‐disaster religious initiatives challenge definitions of what “religion” may include. These initiatives also pose open questions about how Japanese religious institutions and practices may change as they adapt to the priorities of a public in need of help but ill‐disposed toward religion.
Inequity in American Schools: A New Perspective on the Distributional Effects of School Expenditures on Economic Well‐Being
Authors: Mahoney Melissa Holly
Published: August 2013

This article explores how inequities in public K‐12 school spending impact the distribution of economic well‐being across American households with public school students in 1989 and 2000. Adapting concepts from the public finance literature, I explore the impact of school spending on the vertical and horizontal equity and its impact relative to other types of public spending on social programs and taxation. Conventionally, vertical equity refers to the size of the income gaps between households. Horizontal equity refers to the ranking of households along the income distribution with any change in ranks producing horizontal inequity. My main findings show that school spending, when converted into a component of income, served to reduce extended‐income inequality through improvements in vertical equity without the discriminatory implications of exacerbating horizontal inequity across households. Additionally, this impact was at least as large as that of spending on other social programs. This finding bolsters standard arguments for equity and progressivity of school finance across students.
Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Openness in Sub‐Saharan Economies: A Panel Data Granger Causality Analysis
Authors: Seyoum Mebratu , Wu Renshui , Lin Jihong
Published: August 2013

This study uses annual balanced panel data for 25 sub‐Saharan African economies over the period 1977‐2009 to investigate the Granger causality relationship between trade openness and foreign direct investment (FDI) for the region. We took advantage of recent developments in econometric testing techniques for Granger noncausality heterogeneous panels that takes into consideration the effects of cross section dependence across the units of the panel data set to analyse the trade–FDI nexus in the region. The empirical result of this study reveals a bidirectional causal relationship between trade openness and foreign direct investment in sub‐Saharan economies. Concurrently, African countries should devote more emphasis for the promotion and attraction of FDI in order to expand their productive capacity to produce and export; in this way, by addressing supply‐side constraints, FDI will have positive multiplier effects on trade.
Hyperleukocytosis and leukocytapheresis in acute leukaemias: experience from a single centre and review of the literature of leukocytapheresis in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bruserud Ø. , Liseth K. , Stamnesfet S. , Cacic D. L. , Melve G. , Kristoffersen E. , Hervig T. , Reikvam H.
Published: August 2013

Background

Hyperleukocytosis is usually defined as leukocyte count >100 × 109 L−1 and can be seen in newly diagnosed leukaemias. Hyperleukocytic leukaemia is associated with a risk of organ failure and early death secondary to leukostasis. Mechanical removal of leukocytes by the apheresis technique, leukocytapheresis, is a therapeutic option in these patients.

Methods

During a 16‐year period, 16 patients were treated with leukocytapheresis (35 apheresis procedures) for hyperleukocytosis/leukostasis. We present our experience, and in addition we review previous studies of hyperleukocytosis/leukocytapheresis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Results

We used a highly standardised approach for leukocytapheresis in leukaemia patients with hyperleukocytosis. The average leukocytapheresis number for each patient was 2·2 (range 1–6). Median leukocyte count before apheresis was 309 × 109 L−1 (range 104–935); the mean leukocyte count reduction was 71%, corresponding to a mean absolute reduction of 219 × 109 L−1. No serious side effects were seen during or immediately after apheresis.

Conclusions

The data suggest that our standardised technique for leukocytapheresis effectively reduced the peripheral blood leukaemia cell counts. Previous studies in AML also support the conclusion that this is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of a potentially life‐threatening complication, but apheresis should always be combined with early chemotherapy.
Characterization of the aggregation responses of camel platelets
Authors: Ghumlas Abeer K. Al , Gader Abdel Galil M. Abdel
Published: August 2013

Background

Despite evidence of active hemostasis, camel platelets barely respond to common aggregating agents at standard doses used for human platelet aggregation.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to find out whether camel platelets can be activated by high doses or combinations of aggregation agonists, and to characterize the receptor that mediates the aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), the most potent agonist for camel platelets known so far.

Methods

Aggregation studies were performed with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in response to multiple doses or combinations of ADP, epinephrine (EPN), collagen, and arachidonic acid (AA). Aggregation responses to ADP were performed before and after the addition of the ADP receptor (P2Y12) antagonist Clopidogrel.

Results

Camel platelets responded to ADP at doses higher than the standard dose for human platelets, and to combinations of EPN and other agonists, while no aggregation was elicited with EPN or AA alone. Clopidogrel blocked the ADP‐induced aggregation responses in a dose‐dependent fashion in vitro.

Conclusions

Camel platelet aggregation can be activated by increasing the dose of some agonists such as ADP, but not AA or EPN. Irreversible aggregation of camel platelets could also be triggered by a combination of EPN and ADP, and collagen and AA. Inhibition with clopidogrel suggests that camel platelets express the ADP receptor, P2Y12. Understanding platelet function in camels will add to the understanding of platelet function in health and disease.
FEASIBILITY OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN HEALTHY CATS
Authors: Spillmann Thomas , Willard Michael D. , Ruhnke Isabelle , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: August 2013

Cats are predisposed to diseases of the biliary tract and the exocrine pancreas and these can be challenging to diagnose. In humans and dogs > 10 kg, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been successfully used to diagnose some of these disorders. The purpose of our study was to determine whether ERCP would also be feasible in cats using a pediatric duodenoscope. Four purpose‐bred, clinically healthy, castrated domestic shorthair cats participated in two studies. Study 1 compared standard white light endoscopy with chromoendoscopy for localizing the major duodenal papilla. In Study 2 ERCP was performed. Repeated clinical examinations and measurements of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) were performed before and up to 18 hours after interventions on all cats. Chromoendoscopy was subjectively judged to be superior for localizing the major papilla. Insertion of the ERCP catheter was best accomplished when cats were in dorsal recumbency. Complete ERCP was successful in two cats. In the other cats, either retrograde cholangiography or pancreatography was possible. Serum fPLI concentrations increased temporarily in two cats during Study 2 when measured immediately, 2, 4, and 18 h after ERCP. Peak fPLI concentrations were detected either immediately after ERCP or 2 h later. No clinical signs of complications were observed within 18 h after the procedures. Findings indicated that ERCP is technically demanding but feasible in healthy cats. Future studies need to determine whether the temporary increases in serum fPLI concentrations are clinically important and to investigate the utility of ERCP in feline patients.
Primitive Divisors on Twists of Fermat's Cubic
Authors: Everest Graham , Ingram Patrick , Stevens Shaun
Published: August 2013

We show that for an elliptic divisibility sequence on a twist of the Fermat cubic, u3 + v3 = m, with m cube-free, all the terms beyond the first have a primitive divisor.
Constructing Isogenies between Elliptic Curves Over Finite Fields
Authors: Galbraith Steven D.
Published: August 2013

Let E1 and E2 be ordinary elliptic curves over a finite field Fp such that #E1(Fp) = #E2(Fp). Tate's isogeny theorem states that there is an isogeny from E1 to E2 which is defined over Fp. The goal of this paper is to describe a probabilistic algorithm for constructing such an isogeny.

The algorithm proposed in this paper has exponential complexity in the worst case. Nevertheless, it is efficient in certain situations (that is, when the class number of the endomorphism ring is small). The significance of these results to elliptic curve cryptography is discussed.
The Cuspidal Modules of the Finite General Linear Groups
Authors: Deriziotis D.I. , Gotsis C.P.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we prove a conjecture due to R. Carter [2], concerning the action of the finite general linear group GLn(q) on a cuspidal module. As an application of this result, we work out the caseGL4(q).
Range of the First Three Eigenvalues of the Planar Dirichlet Laplacian
Authors: Levitin Michael , Yagudin Rustem
Published: August 2013

Extensive numerical experiments have been conducted by the authors, aimed at finding the admissible range of the ratios of the first three eigenvalues of a planar Dirichlet Laplacian. The results improve the previously known theoretical estimates of M. Ashbaugh and R. Benguria. Some properties of a maximizer of the ratio λ3/λ1 are also proved in the paper.
The Solvable Primitive Permutation Groups of Degree at Most 6560
Authors: Eick B. , Höfling B.
Published: August 2013

The authors present an algorithm to construct conjugacy class representatives of the solvable primitive subgroups of Sd for a given degree d. Using this method, they determine the solvable primitive permutation groups of degree at most 6560 (that is, 38 – 1), up to conjugacy.
Numerical Solutions of Stochastic Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Mao Xuerong
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the strong mean square convergence theory is established for the numerical solutions of stochastic functional differential equations (SFDEs) under the local Lipschitz condition and the linear growth condition. These two conditions are generally imposed to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of the true solution, so the numerical results given here were obtained under quite general conditions.
Generalized Blob Algebras and Alcove Geometry
Authors: Martin Paul P. , Woodcock David
Published: August 2013

A sequence of finite-dimensional quotients of affine Hecke algebras is studied. Each element of the sequence is constructed so as to have a weight space labelling scheme for Specht⁄standard modules. As in the weight space formalism of algebraic Lie theory, there is an action of an affine reflection group on this weight space that fixes the set of labelling weights. A linkage principle is proved in each case. Further, it is shown that the simplest non-trivial example may essentially be identified with the blob algebra (a physically motivated quasihereditary algebra whose representation theory is very well understood by Lie-theory-like methods). An extended role is hence proposed for Soergel's tilting algorithm, away from its algebraic Lie theory underpinning, in determining the simple content of standard modules for these algebras. This role is explicitly verified in the blob algebra case. A tensor space representation of the blob algebra is constructed, as a candidate for a full tilting module (subsequently proven to be so in a paper by Martin and Ryom-Hansen), further evidencing the extended utility of Lie-theoretic methods. Possible generalisations of this representation to other elements of the sequence are discussed.
Computing the Rank of Elliptic Curves over Number Fields
Authors: Simon Denis
Published: August 2013

This paper describes an algorithm of 2-descent for computing the rank of an elliptic curve without 2-torsion, defined over a general number field. This allows one, in practice, to deal with fields of degree from 1 to 5.
Computing Zeta Functions of Artin–schreier Curves over Finite Fields
Authors: Lauder Alan G. B. , Wan Daqing
Published: August 2013

The authors present a practical polynomial-time algorithm for computing the zeta function of certain Artin–Schreier curves over finite fields. This yields a method for computing the order of the Jacobian of an elliptic curve in characteristic 2, and more generally, any hyperelliptic curve in characteristic 2 whose affine equation is of a particular form. The algorithm is based upon an efficient reduction method for the Dwork cohomology of one-variable exponential sums.
A New Method for Coupling Random Fields
Authors: Breyer L. A. , Roberts G. O.
Published: August 2013

Given a Markov chain, a stochastic flow that simultaneously constructs sample paths started at each possible initial value can be constructed as a composition of random fields. Here, a method is described for coupling flows by modifying an arbitrary field (consistent with the Markov chain of interest) by an independence Metropolis-Hastings iteration. The resulting stochastic flow is shown to have many desirable coalescence properties, regardless of the form of the original flow.
Analysis of the GHS Weil Descent Attack on the ECDLP over Characteristic Two Finite Fields of Composite Degree
Authors: Maurer Markus , Menezes Alfred , Teske Edlyn
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the authors analyze the Gaudry-Hess-Smart (GHS) Weil descent attack on the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP) for elliptic curves defined over characteristic two finite fields of composite extension degree. For each such field F2N, where N is in [100,600], elliptic curve parameters are identified such that: (i) there should exist a cryptographically interesting elliptic curve E over F2N with these parameters; and (ii) the GHS attack is more efficient for solving the ECDLP in E(F2N) than for solving the ECDLP on any other cryptographically interesting elliptic curve over F2N. The feasibility of the GHS attack on the specific elliptic curves is examined over F2176, F2208, F2272, F2304 and F2368, which are provided as examples in the ANSI X9.62 standard for the elliptic curve signature scheme ECDSA. Finally, several concrete instances are provided of the ECDLP over F2N, N composite, of increasing difficulty; these resist all previously known attacks, but are within reach of the GHS attack.
Conjugacy Class Representatives in Fischer's Baby Monster
Authors: Wilson Robert A.
Published: August 2013

A set conjugacy class representatives is given in this paper for the elements in Fischer's baby monster simple group, up to inversion.
Software Implementation of Finite Fields of Characteristic Three, for Use in Pairing-based Cryptosystems
Authors: Harrison K. , Page D. , Smart N. P.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the authors examine a number of ways of implementing characteristic three arithmetic for use in cryptosystems based on the Tate pairing. Three alternative representations of the field elements are examined, and the resulting algorithms for the field addition, multiplication and cubing are compared. Issues related to the arithmetic of supersingular elliptic curves over fields of characteristic three are also examined. Details of how to compute the Tate pairing itself are not covered, since these are well documented elsewhere.
Ergo 6: A Generic Proof Engine that Uses Prolog Proof Technology
Authors: Utting Mark , Robinson Peter , Nickson Ray
Published: August 2013

To support formal reasoning in mathematical and software engineering applications, it is desirable to have a generic prover that can be instantiated with a range of logics. This allows the prover to be applied to a wider variety of reasoning tasks than a fixed-logic prover. This paper describes the design principles and the architecture of the latest version of the Ergo proof engine, Ergo 6. Ergo 6 is a generic interactive theorem prover, similar to Isabelle, but with better support for proving schematic theorems with user-defined constraints, and with a different approach to handling variable scoping. A major theme of the paper is that Prolog implementation technology can be generalized to obtain efficient implementations of generic proof engines. This is demonstrated via a Qu-Prolog implementation of Ergo 6.
Minimal Models for 2-coverings of Elliptic Curves
Authors: Stoll Michael , Cremona John E.
Published: August 2013

This paper concerns the existence and algorithmic determination of minimal models for curves of genus 1, given by equations of the form y2 = Q(x), where Q(x) has degree 4. These models are used in the method of 2-descent for computing the rank of an elliptic curve. The results described here are complete for unramified extensions of Q2 and Q3, and for all p-adic fields for p greater than or equal to 5. The primary motivation for this work was to complete the results of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer, which are incomplete in the case of Q2. The results in this case (when applied to 2-coverings of elliptic curves over Q) yield substantial improvements in the running times of the 2-descent algorithm implemented in the program mwrank. The paper ends with a section on implementation and examples, and an appendix gives constructive proofs in sufficient detail to be used for implementation.
Primes in Elliptic Divisibility Sequences
Authors: Einsiedler Manfred , Everest Graham , Ward Thomas
Published: August 2013

Morgan Ward pursued the study of elliptic divisibility sequences, originally initiated by Lucas, and Chudnovsky and Chudnovsky subsequently suggested looking at elliptic divisibility sequences for prime appearance. The problem of prime appearance in these sequences is examined here, from both a theoretical and a practical viewpoint. We show calculations, together with a heuristic argument, to suggest that these sequences contain only finitely many primes.
Representation-Directed Diamonds
Authors: Dräxler Peter
Published: August 2013

A module over a finite-dimensional algebra is called a ‘diamond’ if it has a simple top and a simple socle. Using covering theory, the classification of all diamonds for algebras of finite representation type over algebraically closed fields can be reduced to representation-directed algebras. The author proves a criterion referring to the positive roots of the corresponding Tits quadratic form, which makes it easy to check whether a representation-directed algebra has a faithful diamond. Using an implementation of this criterion in the CREP program system on representation theory, he is able to classify all exceptional representation-directed algebras having a faithful diamond. He obtains a list of 157 algebras up to isomorphism and duality. The 52 maximal members of this list are presented at the end of this paper.
Low-Dimensional Representations of Quasi-Simple Groups
Authors: Hiss Gerhard , Malle Gunter
Published: August 2013

The authors determine all the absolutely irreducible representations of degree up to 250 of quasi-simple finite groups, excluding groups that are of Lie type in their defining characteristic. Additional information is also given on the Frobenius-Schur indicators and the Brauer character fields of the representations.
Cuspidal Modular Symbols are Transportable
Authors: Stein William A. , Verrill Helena A.
Published: August 2013

Modular symbols of weight 2 for a congruence subgroup Γ satisfy the identity {α,γ,(α)}={β,γ(β)} for all α,β in the extended upper half plane and γ ∊ Γ. The analogue of this identity is false for modular symbols of weight greater than 2. This paper provides a definition of transportable modular symbols, which are symbols for which an analogue of the above identity holds, and proves that every cuspidal symbol can be written as a transportable symbol. As a corollary, an algorithm is obtained for computing periods of cuspforms.
A Database for Field Extensions of the Rationals
Authors: Klüners Jürgen , Malle Gunter
Published: August 2013

This paper announces the creation of a database for number fields. It describes the contents and the methods of access, indicates the origin of the polynomials, and formulates the aims of this collection of fields.
Number Fields with Discriminant ±2a3b and Galois Group An or Sn
Authors: Malle Gunter , Roberts David P.
Published: August 2013

The authors present three-point and four-point covers having bad reduction at 2 and 3 only, with Galois group An or Sn for n equal to 9, 10, 12, 18, 28, and 33. By specializing these covers, they obtain number fields ramified at 2 and 3 only, with Galois group An or Sn for n equal to 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 25, 28, 30, and 33.