bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological Factors Affecting Survival and Recurrence after Initial Hepatectomy in Non-B Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Comparison to Hepatitis B or C Virus
Authors: Okuda Yoshihiro , Mizuno Shugo , Shiraishi Taizou , Murata Yasuhiro , Tanemura Akihiro , Azumi Yoshinori , Kuriyama Naohisa , Kishiwada Masashi , Usui Masanobu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Tabata Masami , Yamada Tomomi , Isaji Shuji
Published: March 2014

We evaluated clinicopathological factors affecting survival and recurrence after initial hepatectomy in non-B non-C (NBNC) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with comparison to hepatitis B or C virus, paying attention to relationship between alcohol consumption and histopathological findings. The medical records on the 201HCC patients who underwent initial hepatectomy between January 2000 and April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. NBNC patients had higher prevalence of hypertension (47.4%), diabetes mellitus (35.5%), alcohol consumption (>20 g/day) (61.8%), and preserved liver function than hepatitis B or C patients. The 5-year survival rate of NBNC patients (74.1%) was significantly better than hepatitis B (49.1%) or C (65.0%) patients (NBNC versus B,P=0.031). Among the NBNC patients, there was no relationship between alcohol consumption and clinicopathological findings including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS). However, the 5-year OS and RFS rates in the alcohol-unrelated NBNC patients tend to be better than in the alcohol-related. By multivariate analysis, independent factors for OS in NBNC patients were Child-Pugh B/C, intrahepatic metastasis (im), and extrahepatic recurrence. NBNC patients, who were highly associated with lifestyle-related disease and preserved liver function, had significantly better prognosis compared to hepatitis B/C patients; however, there was no association between alcohol consumption and histopathological findings.
Ultrastructural and Molecular Changes in the Developing Small Intestine of the ToadBufo regularis
Authors: Sakr S. A. , Badawy G. M. , El-Borm H. T.
Published: March 2014

The ontogenetic development of the small intestine of the toadBufo regulariswas investigated using twofold approaches, namely, ultrastructural and molecular. The former has been done using transmission electron microscope and utilizing the developmental stages 42, 50, 55, 60, 63, and 66. The most prominent ultrastructural changes were recorded at stage 60 and were more evident at stage 63. These included the appearance of apoptotic bodies/nuclei within the larval epithelium, the presence of macrophages, swollen mitochondria, distorted rough endoplasmic reticulum, chromatin condensation, and irregular nuclear envelop, and the presence of large vacuoles and lysosomes. The molecular investigation involved examining DNA content and fragmentation. The results showed that the DNA content decreased significantly during the metamorphic stages 60 and 63 compared with both larval (50 and 55) and postmetamorphic (66) stages. The metamorphic stages (60 and 63) displayed extensive DNA laddering compared with stages 50, 55, and 66. The percentage of DNA damage was 0.00%, 12.91%, 57.26%, 45.48%, and 4.43% for the developmental stages 50, 55, 60, 63, and 66, respectively. In conclusion, the recorded remodeling of the small intestine represents a model for clarifying the mechanism whereby cell death and proliferation are controlled.
Tumor Genetic Analyses of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and Extended Benefit from mTOR Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Voss Martin H. , Hakimi A. Ari , Pham Can G. , Brannon A. Rose , Chen Ying-Bei , Cunha Luis F. , Akin Oguz , Liu Han , Takeda Shugaku , Scott Sasinya N. , Socci Nicholas D. , Viale Agnes , Schultz Nikolaus , Sander Chris , Reuter Victor E. , Russo Paul , Cheng Emily H. , Motzer Robert J. , Berger Michael F. , Hsieh James J.
Published: March 2014

Purpose: Rapalogs are allosteric mTOR inhibitors and approved agents for advanced kidney cancer. Reports of clonal heterogeneity in this disease challenge the concept of targeted monotherapy, yet a small subset of patients derives extended benefit. Our aim was to analyze such outliers and explore the genomic background of extreme rapalog sensitivity in the context of intratumor heterogeneity.

Experimental Design: We analyzed archived tumor tissue of 5 patients with renal cell carcinoma, who previously achieved durable disease control with rapalogs (median duration, 28 months). DNA was extracted from spatially separate areas of primary tumors and metastases. Custom target capture and ultradeep sequencing was used to identify alterations across 230 target genes. Whole-exome sequence analysis was added to investigate genes beyond this original target list.

Results: Five long-term responders contributed 14 specimens to explore clonal heterogeneity. Genomic alterations with activating effect on mTOR signaling were detected in 11 of 14 specimens, offering plausible explanation for exceptional treatment response through alterations in two genes (TSC1 and MTOR). In two subjects, distinct yet functionally convergent alterations activated the mTOR pathway in spatially separate sites. In 1 patient, concurrent genomic events occurred in two separate pathway components across different tumor regions.

Conclusions: Analysis of outlier cases can facilitate identification of potential biomarkers for targeted agents, and we implicate two genes as candidates for further study in this class of drugs. The previously reported phenomenon of clonal convergence can occur within a targetable pathway which might have implications for biomarker development beyond this disease and this class of agents. Clin Cancer Res; 20(7); 1955–64. ©2014 AACR.
Política indigenista no Brasil colonial (1570-1757)
Authors: Bellotto Heloísa Liberalli
Published: March 2014

A ação legislativa colonial portuguesa no que concerne ao trabalho e ao estatuto do indígena foi duramente combatida por colonos e por jesuítas, na medida em que restringiam-lhe o uso escravo e a manipulação das populações autóctones. Entretanto, por ser facciosa e imprecisa, a legislação não logrou possibilitar ao índio a almejada autonomia nem a necessária integração à sociedade brasileira.
Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 in the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial
Authors: Anand Inder S. , Rector Thomas S. , Kuskowski Michael , Snider James , Cohn Jay N.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Soluble ST2 (sST2), a biomarker related to inflammation, is associated with outcomes of patients with heart failure. In-depth analyses of the relationship among sST2, changes in sST2, and patient outcomes are reported.

Methods and Results—

sST2 was measured at baseline (n=1650), 4 months (n=1345), and 12 months (n=1094) in Valsartan Heart Failure Trial. Baseline sST2 averaged 28.7±16.2 ng/mL, significantly (
P
<0.001) higher in men than women but supranormal in only 9% and 15%, respectively. A continuous relationship between sST2 and the log hazard ratio for outcomes was modeled as 2 linear segments with a significant decrease in the rate of increase in hazard ratios >33.2 ng/mL. Each segment of the sST2 distribution was significantly (
P
<0.0001) associated with the risks of morbid event, mortality, and hospitalization for heart failure. Only sST2 values <33.2 ng/mL were significantly related to the outcomes when 23 readily available clinical variables including N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide were included in the Cox regression model. sST2 did not improve discrimination of patient outcomes. Compared with placebo, valsartan significantly (
P
<0.001) reduced the rate of increase in sST2. Increases in sST2 for 12 months, but not decreases, were significantly associated with subsequent outcomes, independent of clinical variables, sST2, and valsartan treatment.

Conclusions—

In this study, baseline sST2 was nonlinearly associated with patient outcomes but did not provide substantial prognostic information when added to a clinical prediction model that included N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. An increase but not decrease in sST2 was independently associated with outcomes. Additional research is needed to determine whether monitoring ST2 levels can improve patient outcomes.
From Contract to Treaty. The Legal Transformation of the Spanish Succession 1659–1713
Authors: Dhondt Frederik
Published: March 2014

The problem of the Spanish Succession kept the European diplomatic system in suspense from 1659 until 1713. Statesmen and diplomats tackled the question. Their practical vision of the law was a necessary complement to legal doctrine. Louis XIV and Emperor Leopold I used incompatible and absolute claims, which originated in private law and Spanish succession law. At the Peace of Utrecht, these arguments completely dissolved. The War of the Spanish Succession thus not only redesigned the political map of Europe: It altered the norm hierarchy in public law, strengthening international law as the framework of the 'Société des Princes'.
Responsibility While Protecting
Authors: McDougall Derek
Published: March 2014

In the evolution of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) doctrine, the most significant recent development has been the ‘responsibility while protecting’ (RWP) proposal as put forward by Brazil in September 2011, with a more detailed statement in November 2011. The RWP proposal emphasised the use of force as a last resort, and the need to avoid ‘regime change’; it also argued for closer monitoring of the use of force when R2P was invoked. Brazil’s approach to R2P was influenced by its noninterventionist attitudes deriving from its historical experience of the world. Brazil favoured caution and a focus on the responsibility of the state in relation to R2P; involvement in Haiti from 2004 highlighted the development-oriented approach to peacebuilding that Brazil preferred. The experience of R2P in Libya in 2011 was the immediate occasion for Brazil advancing the RWP proposal, with the situation in Syria also highlighting Brazilian concerns. The Brazilian proposal has been modified to some extent in subsequent discussion within the UN, but the main thrust of the proposal remains; issues relating to R2P such as sequencing and implementation have been clarified but without an overall consensus being achieved. While the Western countries generally favour flexibility in relation to R2P, the BRICS countries and the Global South are generally more cautious in their approach. The reception of the RWP proposal highlights the growing importance of the BRICS countries and the Global South in an increasingly pluralistic world.
Norms of Intervention, R2P and Libya
Authors: Steele Brent J. , Heinze Eric A.
Published: March 2014

It has been widely suggested that the March 2011 NATO intervention in Libya is evidence of a new international norm that has emerged as a consequence of advocacy of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle. Before this assessment solidifies into conventional wisdom, we propose an alternative reading: that the policies that led to the Libya intervention, particularly in the United States, were also driven by a generation of foreign policy elites who used the failures of the 1990s as a set of ‘formative experiences’ that provided shortcut comparisons to springboard the Libya intervention in 2011. Yet the substantive normative basis for these elites’ claims are based on norms and practices that have been around for some time, suggesting that humanitarian intervention is something states may choose to do under certain circumstances, but are under no obligation to do. In short, it is a permissive norm invoked at the discretion of foreign policy elites as a way to justify or enable policies that they see to be in their states’ interests.
The Eagle has Landed: Groping for a Korean Role in the Pacific War
Authors: Caprio Mark E.
Published: March 2014

The first Americans to arrive in Korea following Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II brought with them a quartet of Korean soldiers that U.S. officials had recruited for the Eagle Project, the most ambitious American effort to use Koreans in the Pacific War that punctuated a long wartime effort to enlist Allied diplomatic and military support for overseas Koreans. In response, U.S. officials had insisted that Korean exiles in the United States unify their efforts. This condition referenced squabbles among Korean groups in general, with the most transparent being those between Syngman Rhee and Haan Kilsoo. While Korean combatants on the Asian mainland managed to gain some U.S. support for their cause, recognition of their potential came too late in the war for them to help liberate their country. Ultimately, the United States turned to the Japanese and Japanese-trained Koreans to assist in this occupation. Reviewing the history of both Korean lobbying and U.S. response to it provides the opportunity to ask whether better handling of the Korean issue during World War II could have provided U.S. occupation forces with better circumstances to prepare southern Korea for a swift, and unified, independence.
Fighting for Peanuts: Reimagining South Korean Soldiers’ Participation in the Wŏllam Boom
Authors: Jo Eun Seo
Published: March 2014

Using oral history sources, this article takes a bottom-up approach to explain why South Koreans volunteered to fight in the Vietnam War, comprising the largest group of foreign troops that participated after U.S. forces. Because these soldiers received pay in U.S. dollars for their military service in Vietnam, there has been considerable scholarly debate about whether they were mercenaries. This article goes beyond this question to examine how the South Korean socio-economic context and political culture pushed these men to fight in another postcolonial civil war so similar to the one they themselves recently had experienced. An obligation to provide financial support for their impoverished families and a cult of militarized valor prompted young men to choose war as a way to fulfill their masculine roles. South Korean President Pak Chŏng-hŭi [Park Chung Hee] also urged young men to see themselves as defenders of the “Free World” and inspired them to fight alongside American soldiers they had respected as children during the Korean War. Ultimately, this article explains how South Koreans found themselves fighting in a new Cold War conflict in Asia even while their own nation remained precariously divided and damaged because of a similar war.
First record of the genus Australonura Cassagnau 1980 (Collembola: Neanuridae) in the New World, with description of a new species from Paraguay
Authors: PALACIOS-VARGAS JOSÉ G. , DEHARVENG LOUIS
Published: March 2014

The genus Australonura Cassagnau 1980 is newly recorded from South America. The Patagonian species Paleonura limnophila (Cassagnau & Rapoport, 1962) and Paleonura friasica Cassagnau & Oliveira, 1990 are redescribed from type material and recombined in Australonura. A new species, A. paraguayensis sp. nov., is described from Paraguay and assigned to Australonura for its head tubercle arrangement. It differs from other species of the genus by its adjacent but separate dorso-internal tubercles of Abd. V.
“The Most Belligerent Non-resistant”
Authors: Vetter Lisa Pace
Published: March 2014

Lucretia Mott is widely recognized as a moral and spiritual leader in the abolitionist and early women’s rights movements. She has been characterized as a disciple of William Lloyd Garrison, a proliferator of Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas, and a religious promoter of human rights whose efforts were surpassed by the theoretically sophisticated and politically astute Elizabeth Cady Stanton. These portrayals paradoxically elevate Mott’s status while understating the originality of her views. This analysis examines Mott’s speeches and writings in detail and finds that her unique theoretical contributions are shaped by a combination of elements: a radically anti-dogmatic worldview rooted in her progressive religious faith, an unwavering commitment to autonomy for all people, and an egalitarian conception of power. Careful study of Mott’s work reveals a compelling alternative viewpoint in the early women’s rights and abolitionist movements and provides important insight into the philosophical roots of contemporary feminism and pacifism.
On Revolution in Kant and Marx
Authors: Ypi Lea
Published: March 2014

This essay compares the thoughts of Kant and Marx on revolution. It focuses in particular on two issues: the contribution of revolutionary enthusiasm to the cause of emancipatory political agents and its educative role in illustrating the possibility of progress for future generations. In both cases, it is argued, the defence of revolution is offered in the context of illustrating the possibility of moral progress for the species, even if not for individual human beings, and brings out the centrality of collective agency in moving toward universal moral goals. Discussing the implications of these points is of significant historical interest: it allows us to defend an interpretation of Kant’s political thought which is sensitive to the material conditions of historical development and to rescue Marx from an amoral reading of his philosophy of history. Reflecting on the role and preconditions of transformative collective agency is also of normative interest: it allows us to better evaluate the significance of political events that, firstly, re-shape the boundaries of political feasibility and, secondly, play a crucial educative role in motivating future progressive initiatives.
Synthesis and characterization of siloxane-based polyurethane elastomers using hexamethylene diisocyanate
Authors: Zia Khalid Mahmood , Ahmad Aftab , Anjum Sohail , Zuber Mohammad , Anjum Muhammad Naveed
Published: March 2014

The present research work was performed to study the properties of siloxane-based polyurethane (SPU) elastomers using aliphatic diisocyanate. SPU samples constituting of hexamethylene diisocyanate, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were synthesized by two-step polymerization technique. Molecular engineering and surface characterization were carried out, and the outcome of the results was discussed. The conventional spectroscopic characterization of the synthesized samples using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the existence of the proposed SPU structure. Surface properties of the synthesized material were studied determining the percentage of water absorption and equilibrium of the degree of swelling. It was found that by increasing the mole ratio of PDMS, the synthesized PU samples showed hydrophobic behavior while placing them in water and in dimethylsulfoxide solvent.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for nontuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Matsuoka Katsunari , Imanishi Naoko , Matsuoka Takahisa , Nagai Shinjiro , Ueda Mitsuhiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: March 2014

Background

The number of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterium infection is increasing in Japan, and therefore surgical treatment is also being applied with increasing frequency. Although the effectiveness of surgery for nontuberculous mycobacterium disease has been established and reported by a number of authors, the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the surgical treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterium disease has not been sufficiently investigated.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively investigated 10 patients, comprising 5 males and 5 females, who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy for nontuberculous mycobacterium disease at our institution between February 2006 and November 2012. The average patient age was 59.5 years (range 53–65 years). We performed lobectomy in 6 cases and segmentectomy in 4.

Results

All surgical procedures were completed under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and none required conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperatively, air leakage continuing for 7 days occurred in 2 patients but there was no severe postoperative complication. The median periods of postoperative drainage and hospitalization were 4.0 and 5.5 days, respectively. Among 8 cases followed up at our institution, reactivation of nontuberculous mycobacterium disease occurred in one case 4 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and useful procedure for lobectomy and segmentectomy in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterium disease.
Young Children’s Analogical Reasoning
Authors: Chiu Shuhui , Alexander Patricia A.
Published: March 2014

In this study, a computerized measure, Interactive Analogical Measure (IAM), was developed and used to assess young children’s ability to reason analogically. The IAM was equipped to provide corrective feedback and the effects of that feedback were tested for experimental and control groups. A group of 5-year-olds ( N = 80) participated in the study. Children were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group and the IAM was similarly implemented with the exception of the feedback indicators. There were significant differences between the experimental and control groups for overall performance. Data suggested that the effect of immediate, corrective feedback emerged very early during the test and manifested a cumulative effect across the entire test. It seems that an interactive measure provides meaningful problem-solving experience for young children.
Study on toughening of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) with various thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Bu Hongru , Qiu Weiping , Tan Zhiyong , Li Qirong , Rong Jianhua
Published: March 2014

Poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP)/elastomer (ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM), polyolefin elastomer (POE), and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)) blends with various mass fraction were prepared using a twin-screw extruder in the melt state. Mechanical properties, the fracture morphology, melting and crystallization behavior, and melt flow rate of PMP and PMP/elastomer blends were investigated by universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, and melt flow indexer. The effect of elastomer and their content on the microstructure and properties of the PMP/elastomer blends were discussed. The results showed that EPDM, POE, and SBS all had good effect on PMP toughening. Therein, PMP/POE blends had the best comprehensive property, which was attributed to the comprehensive effects of phase morphology, molecular chains tangle, and the degree of crystallinity of PMP phase.
Bringing the minority back to the party: An informational theory of majority and minority parties in Congress
Authors: Ramey Adam
Published: March 2014

Scholars of Congress and other legislative institutions have posited that majority agenda-setting is one of the primary mechanisms by which a majority party demonstrates its power over legislation. However, this line of work has difficulty explaining why the floor median would delegate such power to the majority. In this paper, I develop a theory of lawmaking in an incomplete-information environment. The model allows for information transmission through both majority agenda-setting and minority speech making. This is one of the first models of parties in Congress that allows for the minority to have an active and vital role. Comparative statics show that, for a wide set of parameter values, the institutional arrangement proposed is optimal for the floor median when compared to strict majoritarian and minority-free settings.
Recommendations for Internet-Based Qualitative Health Research With Hard-to-Reach Populations
Authors: Wilkerson J. Michael , Iantaffi Alex , Grey Jeremy A. , Bockting Walter O. , Rosser B. R. Simon
Published: March 2014

Researchers new to online qualitative health research frequently have questions about how to transfer knowledge of offline data collection to an online environment. In this article, we present best-practice guidelines derived from the literature and our experience to help researchers determine if an online qualitative study design is appropriate for their research project and, if so, when to begin data collection with a hard-to-reach population. Researchers should reflect on administrative, population, and data collection considerations when deciding between online and offline data collection. Decisions must be made regarding whether to conduct interviews or focus groups, to collect data using asynchronous or synchronous methods, and to use only text or to incorporate visual media. Researchers should also reflect on human subjects, recruitment, research instrumentation, additional data collection, and public relations considerations when writing protocols to guide the research team’s response to various situations. Our recommendations direct researchers’ reflection on these considerations.
Possible Cognitive Benefits of Acute Physical Exercise in Children With ADHD
Authors: Grassmann Viviane , Alves Marcus Vinicius , Santos-Galduróz Ruth Ferreira , Galduróz José Carlos Fernandes
Published: March 2014

Objective: Studies have suggested that even a single session of physical exercise enhances executive functions. ADHD is among the most common developmental disorders in childhood, but little is known about alternative treatments for this disorder. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the literature to analyze articles that evaluated the executive functions of children with ADHD after an acute exercise session. Method: We reviewed articles indexed in the PubMed, American Psychiatric Association (APA) psychNET, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases between 1980 and 2013. Results: Of 231 articles selected, only three met the inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Based on these 3 articles, we concluded that 30 min of physical exercise reportedly improved the executive functions of children with ADHD. Due to the small number of articles selected, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Genetic and phenotypic characterisation of Escherichia coli producing cefotaximase-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases: first evidence of the ST131 clone in cats with urinary infections in Italy
Authors: Nebbia Patrizia , Tramuta Clara , Odore Rosangela , Nucera Daniele , Zanatta Renato , Robino Patrizia
Published: March 2014

The incidence of cefotaximase (CTX-M)-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli has increased dramatically in humans and animals since the middle of the last century. E coli that produce CTX-M β-lactamase represent a major cause of urinary tract infections, and pose a significant therapeutic challenge to both human and veterinary medicine. As data on uropathogenic CTX-M-producing strains in cats are limited, the aim of this study was to describe the genetic character and antibiotic resistance phenotypes of CTX-M-producing E coli isolated from cats with cystitis. Seven of 15 E coli bacteria isolated from 138 urine samples had the CTX-M gene and were therefore included in this study. These isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of 14 extra-intestinal virulence factors, class 1 and class 2 integrons, and to identify their phylogenetic groups. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of the strains and susceptibility testing (disc diffusion method) were also performed. Virulence factor iutA was the most frequent determinant identified (86.7%), and the majority of CTX-M-producing strains (n = 5) carried class 1 integrons. MLST allowed us to discriminate four known sequence types (ST131, ST555, ST602, ST155) and three novel sequence types (ST3847, ST3848, ST4181). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report uropathogenic CTX-M-producing E coli ST131 in cats in Italy. Accurate diagnostics and prudent use of antimicrobials are recommended to avoid the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in veterinary medicine and to prevent their transmission to humans.
Oesophageal angioleiomyosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Teo Lesley HW , Cahalan Stephen D , Benigni Livia , Halfacree Zoe
Published: March 2014

A female spayed domestic longhair cat aged 3 years and 9 months was referred for investigation of regurgitation and weight loss of 2 months’ duration. Thoracic radiographs revealed a soft tissue mass within the cranial mediastinum causing focal oesophageal dilation. Computed tomography confirmed a contrast-enhancing mass located cranial to the heart base, possibly originating from the oesophagus. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed an intramural soft tissue mass within the ventral oesophageal wall. Surgical excision of the mass and reconstruction of the oesophagus around an oesophageal tube was performed successfully. Histopathological examination of the mass was compatible with a spindle cell tumour with a prominent vasoformative component. Immunohistochemistry was positive for α-smooth muscle actin and von Willebrand factor protein, and negative for CD117/c-kit protein. Both histopathological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of an angioleiomyosarcoma. The cat was clinically well 6 months postoperatively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an oesophageal angioleiomyosarcoma in a cat.
Hypokalaemia in a hyperthyroid domestic shorthair cat with adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Fryers Adele , Elwood Clive
Published: March 2014

A 13-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with polyphagia and weight loss. Marked systolic hypertension was found on examination. Elevated total thyroxine levels confirmed hyperthyroidism, and hypokalaemia was also documented. A euthyroid state and normotension were achieved following 4 weeks of treatment with carbimazole and amlodipine. Despite potassium supplementation, the hypokalaemia worsened. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed left adrenomegaly. Plasma aldosterone concentrations were initially in the lower half of the reference interval and, when repeated 2 months later, were undetectable. Urea and creatinine remained in the lower half of the reference interval throughout treatment, and urine specific gravity suggested good urine concentrating ability. The fractional excretion of potassium confirmed a renal source of potassium loss. Blood gas analysis was unremarkable. It was theorised that an aldosterone precursor was causing signs of mineralocorticoid excess and undetectable plasma aldosterone levels. Treatment with an aldosterone receptor antagonist successfully increased the serum potassium concentration. Owing to difficulties administering medication and associated effects on life quality the cat was euthanased. Adrenal hyperplasia was apparent on post-mortem histopathology
Reclaiming eroticism in the academy
Authors: Bell Emma , Sinclair Amanda
Published: March 2014

In this article we address the question ‘what are we to do with ourselves?’ by arguing for the reclamation of the erotic in higher education. By defining the erotic in a way which encompasses the pursuit of pleasure and love, we seek to re-differentiate the collapsed categories of sex and eros. Universities have always been environments where a love of learning and pleasure in pedagogy is possible. Yet a range of cultural and societal factors have rendered academic life on the one hand disembodied, and on the other, commodified and sexualized, especially for women. Our suggestion is that these effects strip out the opportunities to love and enjoy academic life. We therefore pursue the possibility of reclaiming eroticism and the erotic in ways which refuse commodified sexualized norms. Drawing on the work of feminist theorists, we make three proposals for reclaiming eros in the academy: by exploring the relationship between bodies and knowledge; recognizing love in learning and wisdom; and cultivating the pleasure and nurturance that arise in collegial and pedagogic relations. Our view is that exploring broader notions of eros and eroticism in the university will invite a more meaningful understanding of academic work as embodied practice, involving pleasure and love.
Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockade by telmisartan reduces impairment of spatial maze performance induced by both acute and chronic stress
Authors: Wincewicz Dominik , Braszko Jan J
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

Despite recognition of stress as a causation of severe neuropsychological dysfunctions, no casual and clinically effective anti-stress therapeutic strategy has yet been found. We have previously shown that blockade of initial stress response by angiotensin receptor blockers alleviates the negative effect of prolonged stress on cognitive non-spatial functions of rats. Here we aimed to find whether telmisartan reduces stress-related memory decline in spatial hippocampal-dependent learning tasks conditioned upon differences in level of stress induced by aversive nature of memory tests.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats were exposed to chronic restraint stress for three weeks and daily treated with either vehicle or telmisartan (1 mg/kg). Afterwards rats were tested in three spatial learning and memory paradigms: Morris water maze (MWM), radial arm maze (RAM), and Barnes maze (BM).

Results:

Stressed animals demonstrated significantly impaired performance in all the tests, which was normalized in the animals stressed and treated with telmisartan. Interestingly, despite the fact that MWM and RAM are more stressful, which affects animal behavior, therefore considered less sensitive than BM, more significant effect of telmisartan was found in MWM and RAM than BM.

Conclusions:

AT1 angiotensin receptor blockade attenuates negative effect of both acute and chronic stress on spatial memory.
Anatomic feasibility of endovascular reconstruction in aortic arch aneurysms
Authors: Sonesson B , Landenhed M , Dias N , Kristmundsson T , Ingemansson R , Koul B , Malina M , Resch T
Published: March 2014

The purpose was to estimate the proportion of current open aortic arch reconstructions that might be feasible for endovascular repair. From all elective repair made in Southern Sweden in one center between 2005 and 2012, 129 open and eight endovascular aortic arch repairs were identified. The anatomy of the ascending arch and descending aorta as well as the arch vessels was categorized from multiplanar and axial computed tomography scans. Of 129 open cases, only two (1.5%) were suitable for endovascular repair. Among 137 all arch open and endovascular arch reconstructions performed during the study period, only 10 (7%) were candidates for endovascular repair. The most common exclusion for endovascular repair was an excessively large ascending aortic diameter. In conclusion, only a small proportion of patients having an open arch repair are suitable for endovascular arch repair, a finding related to the large diameter of the ascending aorta.
Total body irradiation causes long-term mouse BM injury via induction of HSC premature senescence in an Ink4a- and Arf-independent manner
Authors: Shao Lijian , Feng Wei , Li Hongliang , Gardner David , Luo Yi , Wang Yong , Liu Lingbo , Meng Aimin , Sharpless Norman E. , Zhou Daohong
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Total body irradiation causes long-term bone marrow suppression by selectively inducing HSC senescence. The induction of HSC senescence is independent of telomere shortening and p16Ink4a and Arf.
Refining prognosis in BCR-ABL1–positive ALL
Authors: Raetz Elizabeth A. , Carroll William L.
Published: March 2014

In this issue of Blood, van der Veer et al report the negative prognostic impact of IKZF1 deletions in children with BCR-ABL1–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), despite the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.1
The DNA methylome: a novel biomarker
Authors: Lossos Izidore S.
Published: March 2014

In this issue of Blood, Chambwe and colleagues demonstrate the presence of promoter methylation variability in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs).1 This methylation variability correlates with the expression of specific genes and is associated with distinct survival following standard therapy—a finding that has numerous implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis of these tumors.
TTP and pregnancy
Authors: Battinelli Elisabeth M.
Published: March 2014

In this issue of Blood, Jiang et al use the Oklahoma Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP-HUS) Registry to demonstrate that in women with a previous history of TTP, associated with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, the frequency of TTP recurrence is low and pregnancy outcomes are positive.1
Does rFVIIa work solo in hemophilia?
Authors: Margaritis Paris
Published: March 2014

In this issue of Blood, Feng et al shed incisive light on how recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) corrects the bleeding defect in hemophilia.1
From the nucleation of wiggling Au nanostructures to the dome-shaped Au droplets on GaAs (111)A, (110), (100), and (111)B
Authors: Li Ming-Yu , Sui Mao , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the systematic evolution process of self-assembled Au droplets is successfully demonstrated on GaAs (111)A, (110), (100), and (111)B. On various GaAs substrates, self-assembled Au clusters begin to nucleate at around 300°C, and then, they develop into wiggly Au nanostructures at 350°C. Between 400°C and 550°C, the self-assembled dome-shaped Au droplets with fine uniformity are fabricated with various sizes and densities based on the Volmer-Weber growth mode. Depending on the annealing temperature, the size including the average height and lateral diameter and the density of Au droplets show the opposite trend of increased size with correspondingly decreased density as a function of the annealing temperature due to the difference in the diffusion length of adatoms at varied activation energy. Under an identical growth condition, depending on the surface index, the size and density of Au droplets show a clear distinction, observed throughout the temperature range. The results are systematically analyzed and discussed in terms of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, cross-sectional line profiles, and Fourier filter transform (FFT) power spectra as well as the summary plots of the size and density.
Coupled coincidence point results for a generalized compatible pair with applications
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Abbas Mujahid , Azam Akbar , Ahmad Jamshaid
Published: March 2014

In this paper, employing a new concept of generalized compatibility of a pair of mappings defined on a product space, certain coupled coincidence point results of mappings involved herein are obtained. We also deduce certain coupled fixed point results without mixed monotone property of F. Our results generalize some recent comparable results in the literature. Moreover, some examples and an application to integral equations are given here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.

MSC:46S40, 47H10, 54H25.
Activity of Local Authorities in Warmia and Mazury Region in Attracting and Promoting Investment Areas in the Context of Cooperation with Agricultural Property Agency
Authors: Lizińska Wiesława
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the activity of local authorities, particularly cooperation activities with other entities (including APA) to develop and implement a common strategy of obtaining investment areas – including actions taken to promote investment areas. Uses the results of research conducted in 2011 of 61 municipalities of Warmia and Mazury region and in 2012 – among the 36 municipalities (where there were areas of resource investment ANR). The average level of local authorities’ activity was 2.05 (on a scale of 1-5). Local authorities have declared that 26 of them cooperate with others to develop and implement a common strategy for attracting new investment areas. Cooperation with the Agricultural Property Agency was top evaluated (score 2.1 on a scale of 1-5). Among actions taken by local authorities in order to promote investment areas is mainly used passive instrument – the Internet.
Impact of Regulations on Transparency of Spa & Wellness Market in Poland
Authors: Mroczek-Czetwertyńska Agnieszka , Czetwertyński Sławomir
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses on the issue of spa & wellness services market transparency in the context of official regulations. The issue is significant, since the entire tourism sector in Poland is generally regulated to a great extent. It concerns, among others, the categories of tourist resorts and the standard of rendered services. Detailed regulations, however, do not cover spa & wellness services, which have been relatively new form of spending free time. No standards on one hand, and no relevant regulations on the other result in this market being characterized by a serious quality span depending on particular service providers. The goal of this paper is an examination of the thesis that no uniform national regulation of the Polish spa & wellness market is a reason for poor market transparency resulting from information asymmetry which, in turn, results from quality uncertainty. The theoretical thoughts have been proven by the authors' surveys focused on the shape of the spa & wellness services market in the Dolny Śląsk area. The first part of the paper presents a theoretical background of the issue related to uncertainty of the quality, information asymmetry and finally – the market transparency. The next part of the paper is focused on the Polish spa & wellness market and it comprises an analysis of the effects caused by poor transparency of the market. Another part reveals the regulations of the tourism market and proves that no uniform regulations pertaining to spa & wellness services makes that the remaining legislation ineffective in the field of shaping high-quality services. The last part of the paper deals with self-regulation of the spa & wellness market and reasons for the insufficient efficiency.
Procesos de integración de personas solicitantes de protección internacional y refugiadas en la ciudad de Alicante: Cruz Roja Española
Authors: Araujo Rocca Natalia
Published: March 2014

La llegada a un país de residencia diferente al de origen implica, para cualquier persona, un reajuste y adaptación a la nueva realidad, y también a la propia sociedad receptora, no exenta de dificultades. Este artículo expone en primer lugar, las conclusiones acerca de cuáles son y como intervienen determinados condicionantes (internos y externos), influyentes en el proceso de integración social de las personas solicitantes de protección internacional en España, en un entorno urbano. En segundo lugar, se aborda la realidad encontrada por este colectivo durante dicho proceso de integración social, en el contexto concreto de la ciudad de Alicante.
Effects of frequency of fertilisation on production, foliar chemistry and nutrient leaching in young Norway spruce stands in Sweden
Authors: Bergh Johan , Nilsson Urban , Grip Harald , Hedwall Per-Ola , Lundmark Tomas
Published: March 2014

There is a great need to increase the production in Swedish forests to meet future demand from the forest industry and the bio-energy sector. One option to increase the production is to supply nutrients to young stands of Norway spruce. For the practical application it is important to develop and optimise fertilisation regimes in terms of production, economy and leaching of nutrients. The frequency of fertilisation is one important variable in the fertilisation regime, and this study aimed to study effects of different fertilisation frequencies on production and leaching of nitrogen. In 2001, five field experiments were established in southern, central and northern Sweden. Young stands of Norway spruce were fertilised every year, every second year and every third year. In addition, fertilisation with sludge pellets and wood-ash combined with nitrogen was investigated. The current annual increment after five years of treatment was significantly larger in fertilised than in unfertilised treatments. The difference in production between fertilisation every year and every second year was insignificant, while fertilisation every third year resulted in lower production. Sludge pellets and wood-ash fertilisation gave significantly lower production than fertilisation every second year even though approximately the same amount of nitrogen was applied. There was relatively little leaching of nitrate to ground water in all treatments; 0.6â1 kg N ha a from plots with fertilisation every year or every second year; and 2.7 kg N ha a from plots with fertilisation every third year. Most of the leaching was after the first fertilisation, in all treatments at all sites.â1â1â1â1
Past pollen production reconstructed from needle production in Pinus sylvestris at the northern timberline: a tool for evaluating palaeoclimate reconstructions
Authors: Jalkanen Risto , Hicks Sheila , Aalto Tarmo , Salminen Hannu
Published: March 2014

Annual needle production (PROD) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and pine pollen accumulation rates (PAR) are compared along a 5-site transect from the Arctic Circle to the northern timberline. PROD is calculated using the Needle Trace Method (NTM). PAR is monitored by two series of pollen traps, located in the centres of mires and within forests, respectively. There is a strong year-to-year agreement in PAR and PROD between the sites for the common 19-year period for which both proxies are available. Mean July temperature of the previous year (T) correlates statistically significantly with PROD at all five sites and with PAR in the four northernmost sites. There is also a significant relationship between T and PROD at all sites, and T and PAR at the two northernmost sites. PROD and PAR correlate most strongly in the three near tree line sites, where PROD explains up to 51% of the variation in PAR. On the basis of the calibration between PROD, PAR and T, PROD and T are used to reconstruct past PAR. That such a reconstruction is realistic is supported by its agreement with the pollen record for 1982â2000 and with records of male flowering for the period 1956â1973. The use of PROD in reconstructing past PAR can help in interpreting the fossil pollen signal in terms of climate rather than vegetation change and in evaluating the high-resolution dating of peat profiles and calculations of the rate of peat accumulation.JULâ1JUNâ1JUNJULâ1JULâ1
Effect of the aggregation of multi-cohort mixed stands on modeling forest ecosystem carbon stocks
Authors: Wutzler Thomas
Published: March 2014

Studies of the carbon sink of forest ecosystems often stratify the studied stands by the dominating species and thereby abstract from differences in the mixed-species, multi-cohort structure of many forests. This case study infers whether the aggregation of forestry data introduces a bias in the estimates of carbon stocks and their changes at the scale of individual stands and the scale of a forest district. The empirical TreeGrOSS-C model was applied to 1616 plots of a forest district in Central Germany to simulate carbon dynamics in biomass, woody debris, and soil. In a first approach each stand was explicitly simulated with all cohorts. In three other approaches the forest inventory data were aggregated in several ways, including a stratification of the stands to 110 classes according to the dominating species, age class, and site conditions. A small but significant bias was confirmed. At stand scale the initial ecosystem carbon stocks by the aggregated approach differed from that of the detailed approach by 2.3%, but at the district scale only by 0.05%. The differences in age between interspersed and dominant cohorts as well as differences in litter production were important for the differences in initial carbon stocks. The amounts of wood extracted by thinning operations were important for the differences in the projection of the carbon stocks over 100 years. Because of the smallness of bias, this case study collects evidence that the approaches, that represent stands or stratums by a single cohort, are valid at the scale of a forest district or larger.