bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic and Magnetic Behaviors Observed in BiFeO3 Nanofibers by Electrospinning
Authors: Zhang Xuehui , Liu Haiyang , Zheng Bin , Lin Yuanhua , Liu Deping , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: June 2013

Perovskite‐type BiFeO3 nanofibers with wave nodes‐like morphology were prepared by electrospinning. The nanofibers show a highly enhanced visible‐light‐active photocatalytic property. The results also showed that the diameter could affect the band gap and photocatalytic performances of nanofibers. Additionally, weak ferromagnetic behaviors can be observed at room temperature, which should be correlated to the size‐confinement effect on the magnetic ordering of BiFeO3 structure.
Molecular Pathways: P-Rex in Cancer
Authors: Pandiella Atanasio , Montero Juan Carlos
Published: June 2013

P-Rex proteins are Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors that participate in the regulation of several cancer-related cellular functions such as proliferation, motility, and invasion. Expectedly, a significant portion of these actions of P-Rex proteins must be related to their Rac regulatory properties. In addition, P-Rex proteins control signaling by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) route by interacting with PTEN and mTOR. The interaction with PTEN inhibits its phosphatase activity, leading to AKT activation. The interaction with mTOR may be important in nutrient-stimulated Rac activation and migration. In humans, several studies have implicated P-Rex proteins in the pathophysiology of various neoplasias. Thus, overexpression of P-Rex proteins has been linked to poor patient outcome in breast cancer and may facilitate metastatic dissemination of prostate cancer cells. In addition, whole-genome sequencing described P-Rex2 as a significantly mutated gene in melanoma. Furthermore, expression in melanocytes of mutated forms of P-Rex2 found in patients with melanoma showed the protumorigenic role of these P-Rex mutations in melanoma genesis. These findings open interesting opportunities for P-Rex targeting in cancer. Moreover, the implication of P-Rex partner proteins such as Rac, mTOR, or PTEN in cancer has opened the possibility of acting on P-Rex to restrict protumorigenic signaling through these pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4564–9. ©2013 AACR.
Human Herpes Virus-8 Infections among Subjects with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Normal Healthy Individuals in India
Authors: Sachithanandham J. , Kannangai R. , Abraham A.M. , Fletcher G.J. , Abraham O.C. , Daniel D. , Pulimood S.A.
Published: June 2013

Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) is etiologically associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. There is insufficient information on the epidemiology of HHV-8 infection from India. Blood samples from 87 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and 84 normal healthy blood donors were tested for the HHV-8 IgG antibodies. Further, a total of 309 whole blood samples from treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected individuals and from 70 normal healthy individuals were also collected and tested for HHV-8 DNA. The seroprevalence of HHV-8 was 4.7% in the South Indian population. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of HHV-8 in the HIV-infected and uninfected patients. None of the 379 samples tested were positive for HHV-8 DNA. Our study revealed a very low exposure of the South Indian patient population to HHV-8 and multicentric epidemiological studies are needed to understand the prevalence of HHV-8 in different regions of India and to confirm any gender-specific differences in seroprevalence.
Variations of Dietary Salt and Fluid Modulate Calcium and Magnesium Transport in the Renal Distal Tubule
Authors: Lee Chien-Te , Lien Yeong-Hau H. , Lai Li-Wen , Ng Hwee-Yeong , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: June 2013

Background: The renal distal tubule fine-tunes renal epithelial calcium transport. Dietary intake of salt and fluid varies day-to-day and the kidney adapts accordingly to maintain homeostasis. The alternations in salt and fluid balance affect calcium and magnesium transport in the distal tubule, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into high-salt, low-salt and dehydration treatment. Daily intake, water consumption and urine output were recorded. At the end of the experiment, blood and urine samples were collected for hormonal and biochemical tests. Genetic analysis, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies were then performed to assess the alterations of calcium and magnesium transport-related molecules. Results: High-salt treatment increased urinary sodium, calcium and magnesium excretion. Low-salt treatment and dehydration were associated with decreased urinary excretion of all electrolytes. High-salt treatment was associated with increased intact parathyroid hormone levels. A significant increase in gene expression of TRPV5, TRPV6, calbindin-D28k and TRPM6 was found during high-salt treatment, while low salt and dehydration diminished expression. These findings were confirmed with immunofluorescence studies. High-salt and low-salt intake or dehydration did not cause any significant changes in WNK1, WNK3 and WNK4. Conclusions: Alternations in salt and water intake affect renal calcium and magnesium handling. High-salt intake increases the distal delivery of the divalent cations which upregulates distal tubule calcium and magnesium transport molecules, while the opposite effects are associated with low-salt intake or dehydration.
Limiting Cardiac Ischemic Injury by Pharmacological Augmentation of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor–AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction
Authors: Wang Jingying , Tong Chao , Yan Xiaoyan , Yeung Eddie , Gandavadi Sunilkumar , Hare Alissa A. , Du Xin , Chen Yibang , Xiong Huabao , Ma Changxing , Leng Lin , Young Lawrence H. , Jorgensen William L. , Li Ji , Bucala Richard
Published: June 2013

Background—

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) exerts a protective effect on ischemic myocardium by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Small molecules that increase the affinity of MIF for its receptor have been recently designed, and we hypothesized that such agonists may enhance AMPK activation and limit ischemic tissue injury.

Methods and Results—

Treatment of cardiomyocytes with the candidate MIF agonist, MIF20, augmented AMPK phosphorylation, increased by 50% the surface localization of glucose transporter, and enhanced by 25% cellular glucose uptake in comparison with MIF alone. In mouse hearts perfused with MIF20 before no-flow ischemia and reperfusion, postischemic left ventricular function improved commensurately with an increase in cardiac MIF-AMPK activation and an augmentation in myocardial glucose uptake. By contrast, small-molecule MIF agonism was not effective in cells or tissues genetically deficient in MIF or the MIF receptor, verifying the specificity of MIF20 for MIF-dependent AMPK signaling. The protective effect of MIF20 also was evident in an in vivo regional ischemia model. Mice treated with MIF20 followed by left coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion showed a significant reduction in infarcted myocardium.

Conclusions—

These data support the pharmacological utility of small-molecule MIF agonists in enhancing AMPK activation and reducing cardiac ischemic injury.
The Risk of Congenital Malformations Associated With Exposure to β-Blockers Early in Pregnancy
Authors: Yakoob Mohammad Y. , Bateman Brian T. , Ho Eugenia , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Franklin Jessica M. , Goodman Julie E. , Hoban Rebecca A.
Published: June 2013

β-blockers are commonly used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Data about risks of congenital anomalies in offspring have not been summarized. We performed a meta-analysis to determine teratogenicity of β-blockers in early pregnancy. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Clinical Trials, and hand search. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models based on odds ratios (ORs). Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Randomized controlled trials or observational studies examining risks of congenital malformations associated with first trimester β-blocker exposure compared with no exposure were included. Thirteen population-based case–control or cohort studies were identified. Based on meta-analyses, first-trimester oral β-blocker use showed no increased odds of all or major congenital anomalies (OR=1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.10; 5 studies). However, in analyses examining organ-specific malformations, increased odds of cardiovascular defects (OR=2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–3.42; 4 studies), cleft lip/palate (OR=3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.79–5.43; 2 studies), and neural tube defects (OR=3.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–10.67; 2 studies) were observed. The effects on severe hypospadias were nonsignificant (1 study). Causality is difficult to interpret given the small number of heterogeneous studies and possibility of biases. Given the frequency of this exposure in pregnancy, further research is needed.
Complex phylogeography in Rhinoclemmys melanosterna: conflicting mitochondrial and nuclear evidence suggests past hybridization (Testudines: Geoemydidae)
Authors: VARGAS-RAMÍREZ MARIO , CARR JOHN L. , FRITZ UWE
Published: June 2013

We examined differentiation within the Colombian wood turtle Rhinoclemmys melanosterna, and among R. melanosterna and the closely allied species R. diademata, R. funerea and R. punctularia, based on 1060 base pairs of the mitochondrial cyt b gene. We also assessed the phylogenetic relationships among these species using 2050 bp of mtDNA (partial cyt b, 12S and 16S genes) and 3620 bp of nuclear DNA (partial Rag 1, Rag 2, C-mos, R35 and ODC genes). There is consider-able phylogeographic structuring within R. melanosterna, with seven distinct clades distributed across the species’ range. These clades correlate to some extent with previously described differences in the dorsal pattern of head coloration. Indi-vidual and combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA indicated contradictory relationships among R. melanosterna, R. diademata, R. funerea and R. punctularia. Mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed R. melanosterna to be non-monophyletic with respect to R. diademata, R. funerea and R. punctularia. In contrast, R. melanosterna constituted a well-supported monophyletic clade using nuclear DNA. This conflict between mitochondrial and nuclear data suggests past gene flow among the allopatrically and parapatrically distributed species R. melanosterna, R. diademata, R. funerea and R. punctularia. Compared to the other Rhinoclemmys species, the taxa under study are weakly differentiated. To assess their taxonomic status, further research is warranted using additional nuclear markers and additional samples of R. diade-mata, R. funerea and R. punctularia. For the time being, a continued classification of R. melanosterna, R. diademata, R. funerea and R. punctularia as distinct species is justified owing to their allopatric and parapatric distributions, and to con-serve the established usage of names that is based on morphological and karyotypic differentiation.
Major Powers and Militarized Conflict
Authors: Chiba Daina , Machain Carla Martinez , Reed William
Published: June 2013

This article attempts to answer the question of why major powers engage in more active foreign policy behaviors than minor powers. It does so by comparing two explanations for the increased conflict propensity of major powers. The first explanation focuses on major powers’ observable capabilities, while the second stresses their different behavior. We incorporate both into an ultimatum model of conflict in which a state’s cost of conflict consists of both observable and behavioral components. Using data from the period from 1870 to 2001, we empirically illustrate the observable and behavioral differences between major and minor powers. We then utilize a decomposition model to assess the relative significance of the two explanations. The results suggest that most of the difference in conflict propensity between major and minor powers can be attributed to observable differences.
Teaching the Enemy
Authors: Chatagnier J. Tyson
Published: June 2013

This article considers the way in which the likelihood of being observed by others affects a state’s conflict behavior. The analysis examines the effect of potential observation on the probability that a dispute will escalate to violence as well as the duration of war and peace. To analyze escalation, I employ the nonparametric local logit model, which frees estimation from restrictive functional form assumptions. The evidence suggests that outside observation can change states’ behaviors and that observers tend to modify their own actions based on what they learn. These results indicate that the typical assumption that international conflict is unobserved and unaffected by outside actors is empirically untenable.
Losing One’s Cool
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Fetterman Adam K. , Hopkins Kay , Krishnakumar Sukumarakurup
Published: June 2013

Provocations and frustrating events can trigger an urge to act aggressively. Such behaviors can be controlled, but perhaps more so for people who can better distinguish effective from ineffective courses of action. The present three studies (total N = 285) introduce a scenario-based measure of this form of social competence (SC). In Study 1, higher levels of SC predicted lower levels of trait anger. Study 2 presented provocation scenarios and asked people whether they would engage in direct, indirect, and symbolic forms of aggression when provoked. SC was inversely predictive of all forms of aggressive responding. Study 3 focused on reactions to frustrating events in daily life. Such events were predictive of hostile behavior and cognitive failures particularly at low levels of SC. The research establishes that SC can be assessed in an objective manner and that variations in it are systematically predictive of reactive aggression.
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Keep Working
Authors: Nguyen Helena , Groth Markus , Johnson Anya
Published: June 2013

Although absenteeism has been identified in theoretical models as a key long-term consequence of emotional labor, few studies have empirically examined this link. In this article, we investigate the relationship between surface acting and absenteeism and the moderating role of surface acting self-efficacy. Drawing on resource perspectives, we argue and show that when valued resources are threatened or lost as a result of surface acting, employees will actively strive to prevent further resource loss by withdrawing from work. We propose, however, that surface acting self-efficacy can help buffer the resource depleting effects of surface acting leading to withdrawal. Using data from two sources, collected at two points in time, we surveyed 121 nurses and linked these data to absenteeism data collected 12 months postsurvey. Results showed direct effects of surface acting on absenteeism; in addition, higher surface acting self-efficacy minimized the detrimental effects of surface acting on absenteeism. We also found support for the mediating role of affective commitment in explaining this interaction effect. These results suggest that the effects of surface acting on absenteeism are less detrimental for employees with high surface acting self-efficacy as these individuals are less negatively affected by the drain on the motivational resources that keep them feeling attached to their workplace and, in turn, keep them at work. This study extends our understanding of emotional labor processes and provides insights into the active process whereby employees are driven by the motivation to conserve resources and prevent further losses.
Examining the Performance of IPOs
Authors: Bhatia Shikha , Singh Balwinder
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the performance of 648 initial public offerings (IPOs) listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) from June 1992 to March 2002 over a five-year period. Voluminous research across the world suggests that IPOs unanimously witness very high returns in the short run; as opposed to it, the long-run performance of IPOs does not observe any ubiquitous pattern and this paper is an attempt to draw conclusions about the performance of IPOs in India. In order to get robust conclusions on IPO performance, the patterns of IPO performance have been analyzed for 60 months subsequent to listing. Furthermore, the study attempts to find out the factors that determine the performance of Indian IPOs.
Agreement and understanding about honesty and deception rules in romantic relationships
Authors: Roggensack Katlyn Elise , Sillars Alan
Published: June 2013

This research describes perceived rules pertaining to honesty in romantic relationships, identifies sources of accuracy and bias affecting consensus on rules, and clarifies implications for couple conflict. Couples typically idealize honesty; yet, situational rules are vulnerable to different interpretations due to ambiguous properties of deception and pressures to balance openness with discretion. The research distinguishes obligatory rules, which prescribe disclosure or proscribe deception, and discretionary rules, which grant flexibility. Couples agreed on obligatory rules more than discretionary rules, although females endorsed obligatory rules more than males. Individuals overestimated agreement, overattributed sex-stereotypic rule endorsement to the partner, and showed minimal understanding of expectations unique to the partner. Agreement on obligatory rules was associated with lower conflict, whereas understanding predicted greater conflict.
The Wheel of Fortune vs. the Mustard Seed: A Comparative Study of European and Chinese Painting
Authors: Gao Jianping
Published: June 2013

The difference between European and Chinese traditions of painting has been widely discussed. This study argues that this difference can be seen in the different use of copybooks: a source from which many interesting theories can be developed. The paper compares several medieval European books, including Villard de Honnecourt’s Constructions: The Wheel of Fortune, with the Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting from China, and argues that, while the Europeans lay emphasis on geometric forms and the mathematical laws behind them, the Chinese learn painting in the manner of practicing calligraphy, paying more attention to the way of making lines and dynamic structures. The author argues that this divergence between the Chinese and Europeans in painting is based on their different views on the nature of creation.
Physical properties of aramid fiber reinforced castor oil-based polyurethane/epoxy resin IPN composites
Authors: Chen Shoubing , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: June 2013

A series of organic aramid fiber filled castor oil-based polyurethane/epoxy resin graft interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composites were prepared. The tensile and impact strengths, impact fractured surfaces, damping properties and thermal stability of the IPN composites were studied systematically in terms of composition. Results revealed that the addition of aramid fiber can significantly improve not only the tensile strength but also the impact strength. The damping properties were better when the aramid fiber content were 5% and 7%. The thermal decomposition temperature was also slightly improved by the incorporation of aramid fiber. It is expected that the aramid fiber modified polyurethane/epoxy resin IPN composites may be used as structural damping materials.
Research on bearing capacity of single tooth to composite pre-tightened teeth connection
Authors: Deng An Zhong , Zhao Qi Lin , Li Fei , Chen Haosen
Published: June 2013

As the new composite connection technology, pre-tightened teeth connection can play better mechanical performance for composite materials. To this connection technology, the ultimate bearing capacity of the first tooth is very important. In this article, the ultimate bearing capacity of the single tooth is researched by the experiment and theory. Firstly by the experiment, the optimal tooth depth and an effective teeth length are obtained. Secondly on the basis of reasonable simplified load model of a single tooth, the theoretical solution of the interlaminar stress distribution on a single tooth is worked out. And depending on the interlaminar stress distribution theory, the concepts of optimal tooth depth and tooth length are explained and their determination methods are given out. Finally combined with tests, the approach to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the single tooth is put forward, hence offering design method for the final connection.
Review of current fire design rules for cold-formed steel wall systems
Authors: Gunalan Shanmuganathan , Mahendran Mahen
Published: June 2013

Light gauge steel frame wall systems are commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings, and there is a need for simple fire design rules to predict their load capacities and fire resistance ratings. During fire events, the light gauge steel frame wall studs are subjected to non-uniform temperature distributions that cause thermal bowing, neutral axis shift and magnification effects and thus resulting in a combined axial compression and bending action on the studs. In this research, a series of full-scale fire tests was conducted first to evaluate the performance of light gauge steel frame wall systems with eight different wall configurations under standard fire conditions. Finite element models of light gauge steel frame walls were then developed, analysed under transient and steady-state conditions and validated using full-scale fire tests. Using the results from fire tests and finite element analyses, a detailed investigation was undertaken into the prediction of axial compression strength and failure times of light gauge steel frame wall studs in standard fires using the available fire design rules based on Australian, American and European standards. The results from both fire tests and finite element analyses were used to investigate the ability of these fire design rules to include the complex effects of non-uniform temperature distributions and their accuracy in predicting the axial compression strength of wall studs and the failure times. Suitable modifications were then proposed to the fire design rules. This article presents the details of this investigation on the fire design rules of light gauge steel frame walls and the results.
Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor
Authors: Zhang Jian-guo , Hu Wen-zhong , Zhao Rui-jiao , Kong Ling-fei
Published: June 2013

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors are rare, surgically curable, neuronal-glial neoplasms affecting young patients with intractable epilepsy. Its recognition is needed to avoid unnecessary adjuvant therapy. The authors reviewed the records of 15 patients with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors who underwent epilepsy surgery using intraoperative electrocorticography monitoring, including 8 males and 7 females (mean age, 15.8 years). Neuroimaging showed a predominantly intracortical location, the presence of septations, a triangular pattern of distribution, a lack of contrast enhancement, and an absence of peritumoral edema. Eleven cases were classified as complex type, 3 as simple type, and 1 as “nonspecific” type. Associated cortical dysplasia was found in 5 cases and leptomeningeal involvement in 1 case. Its immunophenotype suggested a pluripotential neuroepithelial origin. The mean follow-up was 37.5 months; 2 patients had tumor recurrence. Although they are generally benign neoplasms, recurrences sometimes occur. Complete resection of the tumor with the epileptogenic zone is important for a favorable outcome.
Assessment of cutting forces in high-speed milling of Inconel 718 considering the dynamic effects
Authors: Li Huaizhong , Wang Jun
Published: June 2013

Aerospace material Inconel 718 is well known for its poor machinability. This article presents an experimental study of the cutting forces in high-speed dry milling of Inconel 718 using a milling cutter with coated carbide inserts. An assessment of the cutting force variations is conducted using statistical approaches and wavelet decomposition taking into consideration the dynamic effects. The averaged peak force values, the peak force variation range and distribution, and the skewness are evaluated. It shows that cutting speed does not have a significant influence on the averaged peak cutting force for the range tested. The tool–workpiece vibrations at the cutter entry stage and exit stage are generally more significant. Moreover, wavelet packet decomposition at level 3 with the DB4 wavelet and Shannon entropy is found to be an effective approach to identify the chatter onset.
Detecting climatic signals in an anthropogenically disturbed catchment: The late-Holocene record from the Petit Lac d’Annecy, French Alps
Authors: Jones Richard T , Reinhardt Liam J , Dearing John A , Crook Darren , Chiverrell Richard C , Welsh Katharine E , Vergès Elisabeth
Published: June 2013

Historical and documentary records from the Petit Lac d’Annecy, indicate that human activities have been the dominant ‘geomorphic process’ shaping the catchment during the late Holocene, with deforestation, agriculture and artificial drainage profoundly affecting both the pace and spatial distribution of soil erosion. The impact of past climatic change on the evolution of the catchment is less certain because of the lack of long-term climate records for the site. Previous attempts to use the sediment record from the lake to investigate the role past climate change may have played were hampered by the difficulty in isolating and disentangling the climatic signal preserved within the archive, because of overprinting of human activity. This is a common problem in regions with a long history of human activity in the landscape. In this study we use a range of novel statistical techniques (including cross-correlation and cross spectral analysis) to assess the relative importance of climate in driving landscape dynamics. The statistical analysis is carried out on an updated high-resolution palaeo-environmental data set from the Petit Lac d’Annecy. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that regional climate phenomena such as the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation are partly responsible for landscape dynamics at Petit Lac d’Annecy throughout the late Holocene. We find that the Petit Lac d’Annecy catchment typically requires decades, or longer, to respond to changes in precipitation, reflecting the stochastic nature of river sediment storage and transport. The use of a 4 yr integrated lake core record effectively attenuates the ‘signal shredding’ effect of shorter-term internally generated sediment transport processes. Nonetheless, the lake record of climatically induced geormorphic process–responses is weak compared with the pervasive impact of human activities.
Hypercalcemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Choudhry KS , Malik MZ , Buggs-Saxton C
Published: June 2013

Severe hypercalcemia is often caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), which is not commonly seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this case report an adolescent girl with a history of SLE develops mild hypercalcemia secondary to unrecognized PHP that leads to a hypercalcemic crisis with a prolonged recovery. Therefore, early diagnostic evaluation of persistent hypercalcemia in patients with SLE is important for detection and appropriate treatment of PHP to avoid a hypercalcemic crisis and associated prolonged morbidity.
CCR5delta32 in systemic lupus erythematosus: implications for disease susceptibility and outcome in a Brazilian population
Authors: Schauren JS , Marasca JA , Veit TD , Monticielo OA , Xavier RM , Brenol JCT , Chies JAB
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the CCR5delta32 polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to investigate a possible association of this allele with SLE susceptibility and clinical outcome. A total of 367 SLE patients and 435 healthy controls were genotyped for the CCR5delta32 polymorphism. We observed that, in European-derived individuals, the frequency of the CCR5delta32 allele was smaller in patients than in controls (2.7% vs. 7.5%, OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17–0.65, pBonf = 0.002), suggesting that this allele could be considered a protective factor for the disease. Regarding clinical manifestations, we observed that CCR5delta32 female African-derived carrier patients presented a higher predisposition to class IV nephritis when compared with absent nephritis/other class group (13.8% vs. 3.8%, OR 37.1, 95% CI 2.8–1854.7, pBonf = 0.030). A multivariate analysis including all female patients and controlling for the presence or absence of anti-dsDNA antibodies, ethnicity and age at diagnosis showed an increased relative risk of 3.9 times for patients carrying the CCR5delta32 allele to develop class IV nephritis as compared with noncarriers. Our data suggest that the CCR5delta32 allele is a protective factor for the disease in European-derived patients and a susceptibility factor to class IV nephritis in African-derived female patients.
A bibliometric study of literature on SLE research in PubMed (2002–2011)
Authors: Li B-Z , Pan H-F , Ye D-Q
Published: June 2013

Objective

The objective of this paper is to study the distribution regularity, development tendency and research hot spots of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) literature published in journals indexed in PubMed over a 10-year period using the bibliometric analysis method.

Methods

Citations from 2002 to 2011 were downloaded from the PubMed database. The core of the search was the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) “Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic.” The period of study was set from 2002 to 2011.

Results

A total of 14,053 articles were retrieved. These articles were published in 1627 different journals, nine journals contributing to one-third of all the literature. The first three journals containing the most articles were Lupus, Arthritis Rheum and J Rheumatol. America was the most productive world area followed by Japan, China and the United Kingdom. When normalized by population, Israel, Monaco and Iceland ranked as the top three. When normalized by GDP, Israel, Tunisia and Serbia were in leading positions. The steady increase of publication in SLE research can be seen during the whole study period from 2002 to 2011.

Conclusion

SLE has become a field of interest over the period 2002 to 2011. However, lupus research publications in developing countries have lagged behind.
The Production of the Past: Early Tamil Film History as a Living Archive
Authors: Hughes Stephen Putnam
Published: June 2013

This article considers a series of questions about the relationships between historical sources, archival practice, and the production of film history about Tamil cinema of the 1930s. I review the range of archival material relevant for producing histories of early Tamil film in order to consider how the issue of access to historical sources has produced various kinds of expert knowledge. What kind of limits do these various film archives impose on our historical research? How do these archives constitute their own historical narratives? And, how might we begin to think critically beyond these limitations to write alternative histories of early Tamil film? I argue that these questions are vital in order to remake film history as an ongoing, unfinished, and open-ended project that is part of the living present.
Openly lesbian team sport athletes in an era of decreasing homohysteria
Authors: Anderson Eric , Bullingham Rachael
Published: June 2013

Sociologists who have examined the issue of lesbians in American sport in the 1980s and 1990s normally found overt and covert mechanisms of social discrimination. However, homophobia has been on a rapid decline over previous decades, and studies show attitudes toward female homosexuality in sport have improved since the research conducted on lesbian athletes in the mid-1990s. This article uses data collected between that epoch and current studies to analyze athletic narratives of openly lesbian team sport athletes in 2002. We find no universal pattern for the treatment of openly lesbian athletes existed in this era of decreasing homohysteria. However, as with gay men in sport at the time, athletic capital influenced who came out, and heterosexism was prominent.
The effect of combined traditional and novel treatments on oxidative status of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) muscle lipids
Authors: Gómez-Estaca Joaquín , Gómez-Guillén M Carmen , Montero Pilar
Published: June 2013

Fish is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with beneficial effects on human health; however, these lipids are very sensitive to auto-oxidation reactions, leading to loss of nutritional and sensory quality. The effect of traditional (brining, smoking) and novel (addition of polyphenolic extracts, high pressure) preservation processes on the antioxidant/oxidative status of muscle lipids from dolphinfish and sardine was studied. Brining with oregano or rosemary aqueous extracts, as well as smoking, gave rise to deposition of phenolic compounds (9–42, 1.5–4.5 and 0.4–2.3 µg phenol/g for smoked, oregano-brined and rosemary-brined samples, respectively) in the muscle of both fish species. The antioxidant activity, as measured by ferric reducing ability, was also improved after brining with antioxidant extracts or smoking, results ranging from 8.9 to 82 mM FeSO4 · 7H2O equivalents/mg muscle depending on the treatment and the fish species. Consequently, fish lipid oxidation (as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) derived from brining and pressurizing, applied alone or in combination, was reduced between 6.6 and 69.8% depending on the treatment and the fish species. The combination of brining with oregano extract and light smoking showed an additional antioxidant effect, as compared with that obtained by smoking, on reducing sardine lipid oxidation derived from brining and pressurizing.
A comparison of composition and emulsifying properties of MFGM materials prepared from different dairy sources by microfiltration
Authors: Miocinovic Jelena , Le Trung Thien , Fredrick Eveline , Van der Meeren Paul , Pudja Predrag , Dewettinck Koen
Published: June 2013

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), due to its specific nature and composition, is known as material possessing advantageous nutritional as well as technological properties. In this study MFGM materials were produced from several dairy sources such as buttermilk (BM), butter serum (BS) and buttermilk whey (BMW) by microfiltration (MF). The obtained materials, depending on the sources, were called BM-MFGM, BS-MFGM and BMW-MFGM, respectively. The compositions of starting materials and the isolated MFGM materials as well as their emulsifying properties were analyzed and compared. As expected, the MF resulted in enrichment of polar lipids (PLs), major components of MFGM. On dry matter basis, BM-MFGM and BS-MFGM were about 2.5 times higher in PLs compared to their beginning materials while BMW-MFGM was about 8.3 times compared to buttermilk powder (BMP). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the microfiltered products still contained a high amount of non-MFGM proteins such as caseins, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin. Emulsions of 35% soya oil in water were prepared with the mentioned materials using a homogenizer at various pressures. Generally, emulsions prepared with BMP and butter serum powder had significantly higher particle sizes than those prepared with the MFGM materials. This result along with microscopy observation and viscosity measurement indicated the presence of aggregated particles in the former emulsions, probably as a result of lack of surface-active components. The differences in composition, especially in content of PLs and proteins of the materials were the main reasons for the differences in their emulsifying behaviors.
‘Why do these people’s opinions matter?’ Positioning known referents as unnameable others
Authors: Jackson Clare
Published: June 2013

The way we refer to third parties in talk is one means through which relationships between speaker, recipients and referents are made relevant. A range of referring expressions is available and any number of expressions might correctly refer to a referent. One guide to selection is the preference for achieving recognition and the default practice is, where possible, to use a name. This conversation analytic article describes a practice that does not fit the default pattern. In this practice, speakers select a broad social category (typically gendered, e.g. guy, woman, but not always, e.g. people) when a recognitional form could (and perhaps, ought to) have been used. Despite the designed selection of a categorical form, the referent(s) remains recognitional. For example, in one extract, a mother in conversation with her teenage daughter refers to a collective made up of her former husband and his girlfriend as ‘these people’. The daughter has no difficulty working out who ‘these people’ are and recognizes it as a reference to her father and stepmother. I show that this designedly categorical formulation often contributes to hostile action by distancing the referent(s) from parties to the interaction – making the referent(s) unnameable and not connected to the speaker and recipient. The role of demonstrative pronouns – this, that, these – are discussed in relation to constructing social distance between speakers, recipients and referents.
Analysis of deepwater offshore structures: Issues and challenges
Authors: Vendhan Chiruvai P
Published: June 2013

A brief overview of analysis of deepwater offshore structures with reference to modeling issues is presented. Floaters with moorings and risers exhibit nonlinear response under environmental loads. The modeling of such structures poses many challenges because of the flexibility of the riser/mooring system, fluid–structure interaction and random nature of wave loads. Tensioned beam finite elements can be used for structural modeling of line elements. Computational fluid dynamic modeling may be used to firm up hydrodynamic coefficients required in the Morison equation for the estimation of fluid loads on structural elements, as well as to evolve simplified models to represent vortex-induced motions. While wave-body interaction of large-volume structures may be modeled using computational fluid dynamic tools, the use of numerical models employing the fully nonlinear potential flow theory is worth exploring. Simpler analytical models for use in design analysis may be developed by employing coupled models based on nonlinear structural finite element methods and computational fluid dynamic tools. Simpler methods of evaluating stress-range statistics required for fatigue damage estimation need to be developed for the case of nonlinear stochastic response of deepwater systems.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is associated with aortic distensibility and left ventricle hypertrophy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kuloğlu Osman , Gür Mustafa , Şeker Taner , Kalkan Gülhan Yüksel , Kırım Sinan , Şahin Durmuş Y , Harbalıoğlu Hazar , Türkoğlu Caner , Acele Armağan , Elbasan Zafer , Özaltun Betül , Çaylı Murat
Published: June 2013

We aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D status and elastic properties of aorta in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We studied 136 patients with newly diagnosed DM (mean age: 62.9 ± 10.6 years). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. Aortic distensibility was calculated from the echocardiographically derived ascending aorta diameters and haemodynamic pressure measurements. Left ventricle mass index (LVMI) was determined according to the Devereux formula. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that vitamin D level is independently associated with LVMI (β = −0.259, p = 0.001), aortic distensibility (β = 0.369, p < 0.001), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β = −0.220, p = 0.002) and body mass index (β = −0.167, p = 0.015) in patients with DM. In diabetic patients, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is independently associated with aortic distensibility. Vitamin D may play a role on pathogenesis of impaired elastic properties of aorta in type 2 DM.
Medical Marijuana: Canada's Regulations, Pharmacology, and Social Policy
Authors: Graham Stephen Douglas
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

This paper gives an introduction to important aspects of Canada's medical marijuana policy. It reviews the history and the physiological effects of marijuana, as well as four social theories that have contributed to the traditional view of marijuana use as “drug abuse.”

Methods:

A PubMed search was conducted using the search words “medical marijuana Canada” for the period 1980 to 2002. Articles were included if they contained information on marijuana's physiological effects or social issues. An internet search using www.Google.com and the same search words was conducted. Websites were included if they contained information on medical marijuana policy in Canada. Secondary literature provided background on social theory.

Setting:

Canada's federal policy on medical marijuana.

Results and Discussion:

In 2001, Canada became the first nation to implement a national policy allowing for the use and paid supply of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and this policy generated both vigorous debate and general public support. The new policy has been accompanied by a cooperative research effort between Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to prove marijuana's therapeutic efficacy.
Using a Secret Shopper to Evaluate Pharmacist Provision of Emergency Contraception
Authors: Cohen Marsha M. , Dunn Sheila , Cockerill Rhonda , Brown Thomas E.R.
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

Commonly known as “the morning-after pill,” hormonal emergency contraception or the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is most effective if used within 72 hours of unprotected sex. In this paper we review a pilot project in Toronto, Ontario, that aimed to increase accessibility by allowing pharmacists to dispense ECP through a pharmacist-physician collaborative agreement, using a predefined protocol. Participating pharmacists received training in the pilot protocol and about ECP. To evaluate whether participating pharmacists were following the project protocol (i.e., giving accurate information to women requesting ECP and dispensing ECP appropriately), and to determine the quality of the pharmacist-patient encounter, we sent “secret shoppers” to participating pharmacies.

Method:

Five trained “secret shoppers,” using one of two predefined scripts (Script One, where ECP was clearly appropriate, and Script Two, where ECP was not appropriate) visited 34 participating pharmacies to request ECP. At the end of the visit, the secret shopper filled in a questionnaire about the encounter and provided comments. Percentages were calculated for all variables.

Results:

For Script One encounters (n=17), most pharmacists followed the protocol correctly to dispense ECP. For Script Two encounters (n=17), 71.4% provided alternatives to ECP, but three pharmacists did not follow protocol and provided ECP. For Script One, 52.9% of pharmacists and for Script Two, 71.4%, provided a community referral for follow-up care. The majority of pharmacists (97%) treated the shopper with respect and 85% communicated clearly. Most of the shoppers' comments were positive and the main negative comment about the encounter was lack of privacy.

Conclusions:

The use of a secret shopper allowed the examination of the pharmacist-customer interaction to delineate issues of importance to the pilot project and provide feedback on areas that may require improvement in the pharmacy provision of emergency contraception, namely, dealing with women who do not qualify for ECP and providing women with community referrals for sexually transmitted infections or ongoing contraception.
Competency Assessment of Pharmacists Providing Emergency Contraception
Authors: Neubauer Shannan L. , Suveges Linda G. , Phillips Kimberly A. , Kolodziejak Lynette R.
Published: June 2013

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs; levonorgestrel or combination oral contraceptives) are used in unique regimens soon after failed contraception or unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Prompt access to these products is important, as efficacy diminishes with time since intercourse. The availability of EC from pharmacists (either as prescribed Schedule F products or via a rescheduling to Schedule II pharmacist-supervised sale) would greatly increase access. In Saskatchewan, pharmacists have received independent prescribing authority for ECPs.

This article describes the process for assessing competency to prescribe EC in that province. A faculty of pharmacy developed a workshop to educate pharmacists about emergency contraceptive products, their mechanism of action, the necessary assessment and documentation processes, ethical issues related to emergency contraception, and counselling techniques.

It also offered participants an opportunity to explore a variety of clinical cases in small groups. Participants completed a test before and after the training and were required to attain a score of 80% or greater on the latter test to become certified to prescribe. The average scores on the pre- and post-training tests were 14.4/25 (57.6%) and 22.1/26 (85.0%), respectively ( p < 0.05). Over a series of three workshops, 17.2% of Saskatchewan's 1182 pharmacists became certified to prescribe ECPs. The workshop was offered again in June and September 2003, in anticipation of the September 1, 2003, legislative changes.
Physician Perceptions of Enhanced Community Pharmacist Care in Cholesterol Management
Authors: Simpson Scot H. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Farris Karen B. , Lau Tim T.Y. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Cave Andrew , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

The Study of Cardiovascular Risk Intervention by Pharmacists (SCRIP) was a randomized controlled trial that demonstrated that community pharmacist intervention improved cholesterol management for patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this sub-study was to describe physician perceptions of the intervention program.

Design:

Surveys were mailed to all physicians contacted as part of the enhanced pharmacist care program within SCRIP. Physician opinions were collected on pharmacist participation in cholesterol management and the impact of the program on patient management and outcomes.

Results:

We received 141 usable surveys from 239 eligible physicians, a response rate of 59%. Of those who responded, 110 (78%) remembered components of the enhanced pharmacist care program, and 77 (55%) were in favour of the pharmacist's recommendations. Of the 110 physicians who recalled the intervention, 27 (25%) agreed that the program improved cholesterol management, and 11 (10%) felt the program had a major effect on patient outcomes; however, only 41 (37%) felt the program was helpful or useful. Written comments reflected opinions that the program duplicates current services and that physicians have reservations about the expanding role of pharmacists. Despite these general comments, similar interventions for other medical conditions were welcomed.

Conclusions:

Physicians had mixed attitudes toward the enhanced pharmacist care program. Despite these opinions, the main results of SCRIP were very positive. Indeed, if the physician opinions of the program had been more positive, the impact might have been even greater. The effectiveness of future programs may be enhanced through improved communication of the program's goals and collaboration of all stakeholders early in the program's implementation.