bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Mainstreaming and Transplant Surgery
Authors: Teegen Eva Maria , Krebs Isabell , Langelotz Corinna , Pratschke Johann , Rau Beate
Published: July 2016

Background: Gender differences in medicine are gaining in importance. In transplant surgery, not only the patient's gender but also that of the donor play an important role in the outcome of transplantation due to sociocultural and genetic factors. Methods: This review article gives an overview of the latest investigations into gender-related influences in the field of visceral transplantation. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was performed. Results: In general, women are less often evaluated for and subjected to transplantation worldwide. Significantly poorer outcome can be observed in women with liver transplantation following hepatitis C cirrhosis. Furthermore, female renal grafts are less favorable in terms of outcome and survival. Gender disparities affect transplant medicine due to subtle gender-specific immunological factors. Sociocultural factors also lead to differences in the clinical treatment of men and women, which may influence overall survival. Conclusion: For a better understanding of gender-specific differences in transplant medicine and a possible improvement in outcome, further research in this field is necessary.
NASH Cirrhosis - the New Burden in Liver Transplantation: How Should It Be Managed?
Authors: Canbay Ali , Sowa Jan-Peter , Syn Wing-Kin , Treckmann Jürgen
Published: July 2016

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a continuously increasing cause of chronic liver disease and a health burden in all populations affected by the obesity and metabolic syndrome pandemic. Cirrhotic alterations or hepatocellular carcinoma developing from NAFLD may require liver transplantation (LTx). Methods: Current literature was screened for data on LTx in the setting of NAFLD. Results: NAFLD-associated LTx is expected to increase in number and relevance during the next decade. NAFLD is part of the metabolic syndrome and thus connected to various metabolic alterations and comorbidities such as diabetes or hyperlipidemia. Moreover, NAFLD comprises an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease, which again are important risk factors for outcome of surgical interventions. Postoperative immunosuppression, possible steatosis of the liver graft, and a continued presence of metabolic alterations may lead to early recurrence of steatosis or even non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Currently, no data are available on combined approaches of weight loss and LTx for NAFLD. Conclusion: Specific guidelines on how to manage NAFLD-associated LTx are lacking. This particular situation requires close monitoring of metabolic syndrome-associated comorbidities. NAFLD represents a novel challenge to established LTx procedures.
Morbidity and Mortality Rounds in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kocabayoglu Peri , Husen Martin , Witzke Oliver , Kribben Andreas , Saner Fuat H. , Canbay Ali , Gerken Guido , Paul Andreas
Published: July 2016

Background: Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs) provide powerful opportunities for learning, reflection, and improvement. The current literature gives examples of how MMCs can be designed; however, no systematic review of cases and no original data related to liver transplantation are available. Liver transplantation requires a multidisciplinary approach to case identification, presentation, and analysis. Framework structures that guide case investigation are needed to successfully follow up on outcome measures and provide the basis for quality assessment and transparency in transplant programs. Methods: All cases presented at our department's transplant-related MMCs in the years 2014 and 2015 were analyzed. Patient data were collected from our electronic database and meeting minutes. Cases were summarized according to type of transplantation. Liver-related transplant cases were analyzed for in-house deaths and time from death until presentation at an MMC. A literature review was performed, and our center's MMC design was compared with the literature available on conducting MMCs and improving patient safety and quality of care. Results: Within 2 years, 15 MMCs were held at our department. 38 cases were discussed of which 25 were liver transplant-related. Most cases were in-house postoperative deaths, mainly due to sepsis or primary non-function. We provide a summary of recommendations for conducting MMCs based on conferences held in our department combined with the literature. Conclusion: We present our experience with MMCs held over the past 24 months in consideration of guidelines on MMCs provided in the literature. As there is little conformity to known models for analyzing medical incidents, models for best practice in conduction MMCs are urgently needed.
Ficolins Promote Fungal Clearance in vivo and Modulate the Inflammatory Cytokine Response in Host Defense against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Genster Ninette , Præstekjær Cramer Elisabeth , Rosbjerg Anne , Pilely Katrine , Cowland Jack Bernard , Garred Peter
Published: July 2016

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes severe invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Innate immunity plays a major role in protection against A. fumigatus. The ficolins are a family of soluble pattern recognition receptors that are capable of activating the lectin pathway of complement. Previous in vitro studies reported that ficolins bind to A. fumigatus, but their part in host defense against fungal infections in vivo is unknown. In this study, we used ficolin-deficient mice to investigate the role of ficolins during lung infection with A. fumigatus. Ficolin knockout mice showed significantly higher fungal loads in the lungs 24 h postinfection compared to wild-type mice. The delayed clearance of A. fumigatus in ficolin knockout mice could not be attributed to a compromised recruitment of inflammatory cells. However, it was revealed that ficolin knockout mice exhibited a decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs compared to wild-type mice following A. fumigatus infection. The impaired clearance and cytokine production in ficolin knockout mice was independent of complement, as shown by equivalent levels of A. fumigatus-mediated complement activation in ficolin knockout mice and wild-type mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ficolins are important in initial innate host defense against A. fumigatus infections in vivo.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Astray or on the Path?
Authors: Müller Albrecht M. , Huppertz Sascha , Henschler Reinhard
Published: July 2016

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the best characterized adult stem cells and the only stem cell type in routine clinical use. The concept of stem cell transplantation laid the foundations for the development of novel cell therapies within, and even outside, the hematopoietic system. Here, we report on the history of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and of HSC isolation, we briefly summarize the capabilities of HSCs to reconstitute the entire hemato/lymphoid cell system, and we assess current indications for HCT. We aim to draw the lines between areas where HCT has been firmly established, areas where HCT can in the future be expected to be of clinical benefit using their regenerative functions, and areas where doubts persist. We further review clinical trials for diverse approaches that are based on HCT. Finally, we highlight the advent of genome editing in HSCs and critically view the use of HSCs in non-hematopoietic tissue regeneration.
Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Frese Laura , Dijkman Petra E. , Hoerstrup Simon P.
Published: July 2016

In regenerative medicine, adult stem cells are the most promising cell types for cell-based therapies. As a new source for multipotent stem cells, human adipose tissue has been introduced. These so called adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be ideal for application in regenerative therapies. Their main advantage over mesenchymal stem cells derived from other sources, e.g. from bone marrow, is that they can be easily and repeatable harvested using minimally invasive techniques with low morbidity. ADSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into various cell types of the tri-germ lineages, including e.g. osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, vascular endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, pancreatic β-cells, and hepatocytes. Interestingly, ADSCs are characterized by immunosuppressive properties and low immunogenicity. Their secretion of trophic factors enforces the therapeutic and regenerative outcome in a wide range of applications. Taken together, these particular attributes of ADSCs make them highly relevant for clinical applications. Consequently, the therapeutic potential of ADSCs is enormous. Therefore, this review will provide a brief overview of the possible therapeutic applications of ADSCs with regard to their differentiation potential into the tri-germ lineages. Moreover, the relevant advancements made in the field, regulatory aspects as well as other challenges and obstacles will be highlighted.
Critical Role of Coaptive Strain in Aortic Valve Leaflet Homeostasis: Use of a Novel Flow Culture Bioreactor to Explore Heart Valve Mechanobiology
Authors: Maeda Katsuhide , Ma Xiaoyuan , Chalajour Fariba , Hanley Frank L. , Riemer R. Kirk
Published: July 2016

Background

Aortic valve (
AV
) disease presents critical situations requiring surgery in over 2% of the
US
population and is increasingly the reason for cardiac surgery. Throughout the
AV
cycle, mechanical forces of multiple types and varying intensities are exerted on valve leaflets. The mechanisms whereby forces regulate leaflet homeostasis are incompletely understood. We used a novel flow bioreactor culture to investigate alteration of
AV
opening or closure on leaflet genes.

Methods and Results

Culture of rat
AV
was conducted in a flow bioreactor for 7 days at 37°C under conditions approximating the normal stroke volume. Three force condition groups were compared: Cycling (n=8); always open (Open; n=3); or always closed (Closed; n=5). From each culture,
AV
leaflets were pooled by force condition and
RNA
expression evaluated using microarrays. Hierarchical clustering of 16 transcriptome data sets from the 3 groups revealed only 2 patterns of gene expression: Cycling and Closed groups clustered together, whereas Open
AV
were different (
P
<0.05). Sustained
AV
opening induced marked changes in expression (202 transcripts >2‐fold;
P
<0.05), whereas Closed
AV
exhibited similar expression pattern as Cycling (no transcripts >2‐fold;
P
<0.05). Comparison with human sclerotic and calcific
AV
transcriptomes demonstrated high concordance of >40 Open group genes with progression toward disease.

Conclusions

Failure of
AV
to close initiates an extensive response characterized by expression changes common to progression to calcific aortic valve disease.
AV
coaptation, whether phasic or chronic, preserved phenotypic gene expression. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that coaptation of valve leaflets is a fundamentally important biomechanical cue driving homeostasis.
Considering Corruption’s Curse: Venality across Time and Space
Authors: Rotberg Robert I.
Published: July 2016

Despite its main title, Mungiu-Pippidi’s The Quest for Good Governance is primarily about the conceptualization, measurement, and reduction of corruption throughout history. Its wealth of provocative heuristic ideas is invaluable for contemporary social science. For readers of this journal, across several disciplines, the book offers an admirable re-thinking of many received notions that have influenced our understanding of how American, European, Asian, and African governments have coped with the realities of corruption, and how corruption continues to distort their various national and/or developmental trajectories.
Confirmation of Calamagrostis salina in China, previously misidentified as C. macilenta, and notes about C. kokonorica and C. macilenta (Poaceae, Agrostidinae)
Authors: PASZKO BEATA , CHEN WEN-LI , LIU BING
Published: July 2016

New data on the taxonomy and distribution of three Calamagrostis (including Euroasian Deyeuxia) species (C. kokonorica, C. macilenta, and C. salina) in northwestern and northern China are discussed. Studies were undertaken on the morphological characters to establish relatedness or not of species, and identify characters of diagnostic importance. Chinese herbarium specimens of C. salina previously have been misidentified as Deyeuxia macilenta (= C. macilenta). All available for study Chinese specimens referred to this species should be identified as C. salina. Calamagrostis salina significantly differs from C. kokonorica and C. macilenta by the palea length, relative lengths of palea and lemma, and anther length. Calamagrostis salina is confirmed for Xinjiang, and reported for the first time from Gansu, Nei Mongol and Qinghai. Calamagrostis kokonorica is confirmed for Gansu and Qinghai. The presence of C. macilenta in China is in need of further confirmation. A revised key for C. salina and related species are provided. The descriptions of all taxa are accompanied by information on their geographical distribution in China and adjacent countries.
Two new whiprays, Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. and M. bineeshi sp. nov. (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae), from the northern Indian Ocean
Authors: MANJAJI-MATSUMOTO B. MABEL , LAST PETER R.
Published: July 2016

Two new medium-sized whiprays, Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. and M. bineeshi sp. nov., are described from specimens collected in coastal habitats of the northern Indian Ocean, off India and Pakistan. Both species superficially resemble M. randalli (Last, Manjaji-Matsumoto & Moore), and appear to have been confused with a more widely distributed whipray M. gerrardi Gray, and another undescribed species from the Indian Ocean. Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. (attains at least 63 cm DW) is diagnosed by a combination of external characters, i.e. morphometrics (e.g. relatively short disc, narrow interspaces between paired structures on the head), squamation (relatively slow denticle development and a characteristic denticle band shape), plain dorsal disc coloration (rather than spotted), and tail light brown and banded beyond the caudal sting in juveniles but almost plain in adults. Maculabatis bineeshi sp. nov. (attains at least 66 cm DW) is diagnosed by a combination of characters, i.e. morphometrics (e.g. suboval to weakly rhombic disc in young), squamation (rapid denticle development and broad denticle band with margins truncate near pectoral-fin insertions), plain dorsal disc coloration (no white spots), and a dark blackish tail (especially in young) with weakly mottled banding on its dorsal surface beyond the caudal sting. Maculabatis arabica sp. nov. appears to be confined to the Arabian Sea (from Pakistan to western India), whereas M. bineeshi sp. nov. occurs in the Arabian Sea (off Pakistan and northwestern India) and in the Bay of Bengal (confirmed off Odisha, eastern India).
Annotated checklist of Dryopidae and Heteroceridae (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea) of Iran
Authors: MASCAGNI ALESSANDRO , JÄCH MANFRED A. , OSTOVAN HADI , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: July 2016

The distribution of Dryopidae and Heteroceridae (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea) of Iran is summarized. A total of ten species of Dryopidae in three genera (Dryops Olivier, Parahelichus Löbl & Smetana, and Praehelichus Löbl & Smetana), and 18 species of Heteroceridae in two genera (Augyles Schiödte and Heterocerus Fabricius) are listed. Augyles hispidulus (Kiesenwetter, 1843) (Heteroceridae) is recorded from Iran for the first time.
Differences in the Climatological Characteristics of Precipitation between Active and Break Spells of the Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Rao T. Narayana , Saikranthi K. , Radhakrishna B. , Bhaskara Rao S. Vijaya
Published: July 2016

Climatological characteristics of precipitation during the active and break spells of the monsoon are studied using 15 years of TRMM measurements. The spatial variation of rain fraction suggests that most of the seasonal rainfall occurs in spells of active monsoon over India, except for the zones along the east coast. The broader reflectivity distribution at higher altitudes and larger average storm height during active spells indicate the high prevalence of deep systems during this spell. The spatial distribution of the occurrence and fraction of different types of rain exhibits large variability from land to ocean and between the spells. The higher occurrence and fraction of stratiform rain during the active spell, particularly over the core monsoon zone, is due to the prevalence of organized mesoscale systems with large stratiform portions. The break spells are characterized by higher occurrence of shallow rain and larger fraction of convective rain. While an evening peak is observed over land during the break spell, the phase of the diurnal cycle exhibits large spatial variability during the active spell. The rainfall peaks from late night to midnight in southeastern India and in the morning near the foothills of the Himalayas during the active spell. The diurnal and semidiurnal components together explain more than 90% of total variance over many of the zones during both spells. The observed differences in precipitation between the spells are discussed in light of the differences in synoptic- and mesoscale mechanisms responsible for the production of precipitation.
The Importance of School Attendance: Findings From the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development on the Life-Course Effects of Truancy
Authors: Rocque Michael , Jennings Wesley G. , Piquero Alex R. , Ozkan Turgut , Farrington David P.
Published: July 2016

School dropout has been extensively studied in the literature as a correlate of negative life outcomes. A precursor to school dropout is truancy, the unexcused or illegitimate student absence from school. Few studies have examined the relationship between truancy and involvement in crime and adjustment more generally over the life-course. This study extends previous work by exploring whether truancy at age 12 to 14 is related to later life outcomes such as crime, aggression, and adjustment using data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development. Results indicate that truancy has long-lasting associations with negative life outcomes, especially for non-violent crime and problem drinking. Importantly, these findings hold for certain outcomes controlling for a comprehensive host of environmental and individual childhood risk factors.
Retention of Teeth and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life
Authors: Tan H. , Peres K.G. , Peres M.A.
Published: July 2016

The authors aimed to critically review the literature regarding the relationship between retention of teeth and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the extent to which tooth retention can ensure OHRQoL among adults. The authors investigated studies that assessed the relationship between number of teeth and OHRQoL and how the position, type, and/or pattern of the teeth is related to OHRQoL. Relevant papers published in English from January 2004 to September 2015 were searched via PubMed and EMBASE. Twenty-nine papers—including cross-sectional, longitudinal, clinical trial, and case-control studies—were included and categorized according to 4 subthemes to achieve the stated aim: 1) number of teeth or missing teeth and OHRQoL, 2) occluding pairs or functional units and OHRQoL, 3) position of remaining or missing teeth and OHRQoL, and 4) shortened dental arches (SDAs) and OHRQoL. The main findings for each subtheme were as follows: 1) A significant association between number of teeth and OHRQoL was shown in most studies; however, those studies found different cutoff points regarding the number of teeth that affect OHRQoL, after adjusting for other factors in the analyses (e.g., age, sex, cultural background, and study locations). 2) The number of occluding pairs and the location of remaining teeth have great impacts on OHRQoL. 3) Having fewer anterior occluding pairs had a greater negative impact on aesthetics and thus affected OHRQoL. 4) Two randomized clinical trials on SDAs indicated that people with SDAs do not show worse OHRQoL than do those with removable dentures. The only 2 population-based studies on SDAs showed that adults with SDAs have no impaired OHRQoL when compared with those having more natural teeth. To conclude, this review found evidence that retention of teeth is associated with better OHRQoL. The number of occluding pairs and the location of remaining teeth have great impacts on OHRQoL. People with SDAs maintain an acceptable level of OHRQoL.
Association of Endodontic Lesions with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Liljestrand J.M. , Mäntylä P. , Paju S. , Buhlin K. , Kopra K.A.E. , Persson G.R. , Hernandez M. , Nieminen M.S. , Sinisalo J. , Tjäderhane L. , Pussinen P.J.
Published: July 2016

An endodontic lesion (EL) is a common manifestation of endodontic infection where Porphyromonas endodontalis is frequently encountered. EL may associate with increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) via similar pathways as marginal periodontitis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to delineate the associations between EL and CAD. Subgingival P. endodontalis, its immune response, and serum lipopolysaccharide were examined as potential mediators between these 2 diseases. The Finnish Parogene study consists of 508 patients (mean age, 62 y) who underwent coronary angiography and extensive clinical and radiographic oral examination. The cardiovascular outcomes included no significant CAD ( n = 123), stable CAD ( n = 184), and acute coronary syndrome (ACS; n = 169). EL was determined from a panoramic tomography. We combined data of widened periapical spaces (WPSs) and apical rarefactions to a score of EL: 1, no EL ( n = 210); 2, ≥1 WPS per 1 apical rarefaction ( n = 222); 3, ≥2 apical rarefactions ( n = 76). Subgingival P. endodontalis was defined by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization analysis, and corresponding serum antibodies were determined by ELISA. In our population, 50.4% had WPSs, and 22.8% apical rarefactions. A total of 51.2% of all teeth with apical rarefactions had received endodontic procedures. Subgingival P. endodontalis levels and serum immunoglobulin G were associated with a higher EL score. In the multiadjusted model (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, body mass index, alveolar bone loss, and number of teeth), having WPSs associated with stable CAD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.13 to 3.32, P = 0.016) and highest EL score were associated with ACS (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.09 to 5.54, P = 0.030). This association was especially notable in subjects with untreated teeth with apical rarefactions ( n = 59, OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.16 to 6.40, P = 0.022). Our findings support the hypothesis that ELs are independently associated with CAD and in particular with ACS. This is of high interest from a public health perspective, considering the high prevalence of ELs and CAD.
Tensile and forming properties of auxetic warp-knitted spacer fabrics
Authors: Wang Zhengyue , Hu Hong
Published: July 2016

Poisson’s ratio (PR) is defined as the negative ratio between the lateral strain and the longitudinal strain of a material under tensile or compressive loading condition. Auxetic fabrics are those having a negative PR, which means that when their longitudinal strain is positive, their lateral strain is also positive, and vice versa. In this work, tensile and forming properties of auxetic warp-knitted spacer fabrics were investigated and compared with those of the conventional warp-knitted spacer fabrics. Both uniaxial tensile tests and hemispherical compression experiments were conducted, and the relationships of the tensile and forming properties with the auxetic effect were discussed in terms of different fabric structural parameters. The results show that the auxetic warp-knitted spacer fabrics have a prolonged low stress stage in the wale direction, indicating that they are more prone to undergo deformation along the wale direction, and fabric with a longer low stress stage has a better auxetic effect. The results also show that the formability of auxetic warp-knitted spacer fabrics is much better than that of conventional warp-knitted spacer fabrics, due to the much low forming energies required under hemispherical compression, which can be affected by many factors such as auxetic effect, fabric thickness and stiffness, yarn materials and the structure of the spacer layer. When all other parameters are similar, auxetic fabric with a better auxetic effect will have better formability. The study has provided useful information for the design and application of this type of nonconventional spacer fabrics.
Improving semi-supervised self-training with embedded manifold transduction
Authors: Tao Ye , Zhang Duzhou , Cheng Shengjun , Tang Xianglong
Published: July 2016

Semi-supervised learning aims to utilize both labelled and unlabelled data to improve learning performance. This paper shows a distinct way to exploit unlabelled data for traditional semi-supervised learning methods, such as self-training. Self-training is a well-known semi-supervised learning algorithm which iteratively trains a classifier by bootstrapping from unlabelled data. Standard self-training barely selects unlabelled examples for training set augmentation according to the current classifier model, which is trained only on the labelled data. This could be problematic since the underlying classifier is not strong enough, especially when initial labelled data is sparse. Consequently, self-training suffers from too much classification noise accumulated in the training set. In this paper, we propose a novel self-training style algorithm, which exploits a manifold assumption to optimize the self-labelling process. Unlike standard self-training, our algorithm utilizes labelled and unlabelled data as a whole to label and select unlabelled examples for training set augmentation. In detail, two measures are employed to minimize the effect of noise introduced to the labelled training set: a transductive method based on controlled graph random walk is incorporated to generate reliable predictions on unlabelled data; secondly, the mechanism is adopted to sequentially augment the training set. Empirical results suggest that the proposed method can effectively improve classification performance.
MPEC approach for solving preventive maintenance scheduling of power units in a market environment
Authors: Naebi Toutounchi A , Seyed Shenava SJ , Taheri SS , Shayeghi H
Published: July 2016

Yearly preventive maintenance scheduling of generating units in a restructured power system is one of the most important problems that have to be solved in modern power systems. In this paper, a bilevel approach is used for modelling of the preventive maintenance scheduling problem. The upper level of this bilevel problem represents the revenue function of power units owned by a generation company (GENCO), whereas the lower-level problem represents the market-clearing process and is usually called the independent system operator (ISO) level. This bilevel problem is then formulated as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) using the primal–dual theorem, which converts the problem into a single-level mixed-integer non-linear optimization problem that can be solved using programming software. Various case studies are conducted using the IEEE reliability test system (RTS) and the obtained results are compared.
Abbreviated Steady State Intervals for Measuring Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Olejnik Laura A. , Peters Emily N. , Parrott J. Scott , Marcus Andrea F. , Brody Rebecca A. , Hand Rosa K. , Fiutem Justin J. , Byham‐Gray Laura D.
Published: July 2016

Background: Indirect calorimetry requires a steady state (SS) protocol to determine measured resting energy expenditure (mREE). Achieving stringent criteria for an SS interval may be difficult for patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), as they may become uncomfortable because of the test itself or their health status. The study aim was to explore if a shortened SS interval was within acceptable limits for bias and precision. Materials and Methods: For this cross‐sectional secondary analysis, adults (N = 125) who received MHD thrice weekly were enrolled. The indirect calorimetry test was performed for a length of total time ≤30 consecutive minutes. SS was evaluated in accordance with intervals of 10, 5, 4, 3, and 2 minutes. The mREE at the 10‐minute SS was compared with the mREE at 5, 4, 3, and 2 minutes, via t tests and Bland‐Altman analysis, to determine degree of bias and level of agreement. The a priori alpha level was set at ≤0.5. Results: The sample was primarily male, African American, and non‐Hispanic, with a mean ± SD age of 55.4 ± 12.2 years, who reported being on MHD for an average of 62.4 ± 74.3 months. None of the mREE measures were significantly different from that of the 10‐minute SS interval. Seventy‐two percent of the participants were able to achieve SS at the 10‐minute interval, 83.2% at 5 minutes, 87.2% at 4 minutes, and 89.6% for both 3 and 2 minutes. Conclusion: For patients on MHD, an abbreviated SS interval of <10 minutes (eg, 5 minutes) yielded valid mREE measurements.
Reading Achievement and Reading Efficacy Changes for Middle School Students With Disabilities Through Blended Learning Instruction
Authors: Pace Jesse R. , Mellard Daryl F.
Published: July 2016

This study evaluated the effects of a blended learning instructional experience for sixth-grade students in an English/language arts (ELA) course. Students at two treatment schools participated in a blended learning instructional paradigm, and their ELA test scores were compared to one comparison school that used a face-to-face delivery. Other variables of interest were gender status, disability status, and student reading efficacy. The results of the analysis indicated that no significant changes in reading achievement were found that could be attributed solely to treatment versus comparison, to gender, or to disability status. Perhaps of greater significance to practitioners and researchers is the identification of person and programmatic-level factors that influence adoption and implementation of effective blended instruction. Implications are discussed.
Heterogeneity in voter perceptions of party competition in multidimensional space: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Miwa Hirofumi , Taniguchi Masaki
Published: July 2016

On the question of how voters perceive party positions, much of the existing literature has not adequately considered the case of a multidimensional policy space. Since the ideological cues related to each issue differ in a policy space of multiple dimensions, it is possible that each individual favors different dimensional cues. To test this hypothesis, this paper focuses on Japan’s 2012 Lower House election, which took place in a two-dimensional policy space. An analysis of how voters position the three major parties relative to each other reveals that there is actually heterogeneity in the voter perception of the policy space. Further, using a mixed logit model, we find that demographic factors and political attitudes explain this heterogeneity.
Mycobacterium avium infection complicating congenital bronchial atresia
Authors: Matsuoka Katsunari , Ueda Mitsuhiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: July 2016

Bronchial atresia is a rare congenital malformation that is often complicated by infectious disease; however, mycobacterial infection is rare. Here we report a case of Mycobacterium avium infection complicating congenital bronchial atresia. A 50-year-old woman consulted our institution for further investigation of a nodular lesion in an emphysematous lung due to congenital bronchial atresia. Because we were unable to rule out malignant disease, we performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. After left S8 segmentectomy, the nodular lesion were diagnosed as Mycobacterial avium infection. Three years after surgery, there has been no recurrence of mycobacterium infection in the absence of medication.
Conspiracy Theory: Truth Claim or Language Game?
Authors: Bjerg Ole , Presskorn-Thygesen Thomas
Published: July 2016

The paper is a contribution to current debates about conspiracy theories within philosophy and cultural studies. Wittgenstein’s understanding of language is invoked to analyse the epistemological effects of designating particular questions and explanations as a ‘conspiracy theory’. It is demonstrated how such a designation relegates these questions and explanations beyond the realm of meaningful discourse. In addition, Agamben’s concept of sovereignty is applied to explore the political effects of using the concept of conspiracy theory. The exceptional epistemological status assigned to alleged conspiracy theories within our prevalent paradigms of knowledge and truth is compared to the exceptional legal status assigned to individuals accused of terrorism under the War on Terror. The paper concludes by discussing the relation between conspiracy theory and ‘the paranoid style’ in contemporary politics.
Investigation of mesoporous carbon materials by magnetic solid phase extraction of selected phthalates from water samples
Authors: Wideł Dariusz , Jedynak Katarzyna , Witkiewicz Zygfryd , Oszczudłowski Jerzy
Published: July 2016

In the present work ordered mesoporous carbon materials soft templating-acidic (STA) were applied as adsorbents in magnetic solid phase extraction technique for isolation of selected phthalates from water samples. STA materials were obtained by soft-templating method in acidic environment. Nickel nanoparticles were added on the STA synthesis stage, thus the obtained material acquired magnetic properties. The analysis of phthalates after the extraction was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Fast and easy procedure was elaborated, obtaining recoveries close to 90% for some phthalates.
With a little help from your friend
Authors: Iannone Nicole E. , McCarty Megan K. , Kelly Janice R.
Published: July 2016

Transactive memory is a system for encoding, storing, and retrieving information between people, where each person has knowledge of the other’s memory. Through two studies, we assessed whether transactive memory occurs in best friendships ( N = 682). Results showed that transactive memory systems (TMSs) do exist in best friendships. Importantly, stronger TMSs are associated with higher friendship quality (satisfaction and commitment), and their strength is related to different friendship characteristics (e.g., trust). A novel method for assessing TMS structure was developed. Mixed-gender friendships were associated with more differentiated structures (different knowledge), and friendships higher in inclusion of other in the self were associated with more integrated structures (similar knowledge). These studies have implications for the quality and operation of friendships.
Comparative analysis of pharmacological properties of xanomeline and N-desmethylclozapine in rat brain membranes
Authors: Odagaki Yuji , Kinoshita Masakazu , Ota Toshio
Published: July 2016

Background:

3(3-Hexyloxy-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methylpyridine (xanomeline) and N-desmethylclozapine are of special interest as promising antipsychotics with better efficacy, especially for negative symptoms and/or cognitive/affective impairment.

Methods:

The guanosine-5′- O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding experiments were performed using (1) conventional filtration technique, (2) antibody-capture scintillation proximity assay, and (3) immunoprecipitation method, in brain membranes prepared from rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum.

Results:

Xanomeline had agonistic activity at the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) in all brain regions, as well as at the 5-HT1A receptor in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, N-desmethylclozapine exhibited slight agonistic effects on the M1 mAChR, and agonistic properties at the 5-HT1A receptor in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This compound also behaved as an agonist at the δ-opioid receptor in the cerebral cortex and striatum. In addition, the stimulatory effects of N-desmethylclozapine on [35S]GTPγS binding to Gαi/o were partially mediated through mAChRs (most likely M4 mAChR subtype), at least in striatum.

Conclusions:

The agonistic effects on the mAChRs (particularly M1 subtype, and also probably M4 subtype), the 5-HT1A receptor and the δ-opioid receptor expressed in native brain tissues, some of which are common to both compounds and others specific to either, likely shape the unique beneficial effectiveness of both compounds in the treatment for schizophrenic patients. These characteristics provide us with a clue to develop newer antipsychotics, beyond the framework of dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, that are effective not only on positive symptoms but also on negative symptoms and/or cognitive/affective impairment.
Multi-site laser Doppler flowmetry for assessing collateral flow in experimental ischemic stroke: Validation of outcome prediction with acute MRI
Authors: Cuccione Elisa , Versace Alessandro , Cho Tae-Hee , Carone Davide , Berner Lise-Prune , Ong Elodie , Rousseau David , Cai Ruiyao , Monza Laura , Ferrarese Carlo , Sganzerla Erik P , Berthezène Yves , Nighoghossian Norbert , Wiart Marlène , Beretta Simone , Chauveau Fabien
Published: July 2016

High variability in infarct size is common in experimental stroke models and affects statistical power and validity of neuroprotection trials. The aim of this study was to explore cerebral collateral flow as a stratification factor for the prediction of ischemic outcome. Transient intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was induced for 90 min in 18 Wistar rats. Cerebral collateral flow was assessed intra-procedurally using multi-site laser Doppler flowmetry monitoring in both the lateral middle cerebral artery territory and the borderzone territory between middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. Multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess acute ischemic lesion (diffusion-weighted imaging, DWI), acute perfusion deficit (time-to-peak, TTP), and final ischemic lesion at 24 h. Infarct volumes and typology at 24 h (large hemispheric versus basal ganglia infarcts) were predicted by both intra-ischemic collateral perfusion and acute DWI lesion volume. Collateral flow assessed by multi-site laser Doppler flowmetry correlated with the corresponding acute perfusion deficit using TTP maps. Multi-site laser Doppler flowmetry monitoring was able to predict ischemic outcome and perfusion deficit in good agreement with acute MRI. Our results support the additional value of cerebral collateral flow monitoring for outcome prediction in experimental ischemic stroke, especially when acute MRI facilities are not available.
P-glycoprotein traffics from the nucleus to the plasma membrane in rat brain endothelium during inflammatory pain
Authors: Tome Margaret E , Herndon Joseph M , Schaefer Charles P , Jacobs Leigh M , Zhang Yifeng , Jarvis Chelsea K , Davis Thomas P
Published: July 2016

P-glycoprotein (PgP), a drug efflux pump in blood–brain barrier endothelial cells, is a major clinical obstacle for effective central nervous system drug delivery. Identifying PgP regulatory pathways that can be exploited clinically is critical for improving central nervous system drug delivery. We previously found that PgP activity increases in rat brain microvessels concomitant with decreased central nervous system drug delivery in response to acute peripheral inflammatory pain. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that PgP traffics to the luminal plasma membrane of the microvessel endothelial cells from intracellular stores during peripheral inflammatory pain. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we detected PgP in endothelial cell nuclei and in the luminal plasma membrane in control animals. Following peripheral inflammatory pain, luminal PgP staining increased while staining in the nucleus decreased. Biochemical analysis of nuclear PgP content confirmed our visual observations. Peripheral inflammatory pain also increased endothelial cell luminal staining of polymerase 1 and transcript release factor/cavin1 and serum deprivation response protein/cavin2, two caveolar scaffold proteins, without changing caveolin1 or protein kinase C delta binding protein/cavin3 location. Our data (a) indicate that PgP traffics from stores in the nucleus to the endothelial cell luminal membrane in response to peripheral inflammatory pain; (b) provide an explanation for our previous observation that peripheral inflammatory pain inhibits central nervous system drug uptake; and (c) suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for PgP activity in rat brain.
Manning circuits of value: Lebanese professionals and expatriate world-city formation in Beirut
Authors: Krijnen Marieke , Bassens David , van Meeteren Michiel
Published: July 2016

Advanced producer services firms and the highly skilled labour they employ are important indicators for world-city formation, as their activities allegedly grant cities the capabilities to exert command and control over global accumulation processes. To ‘stress test’ this central assumption of global city theory, we apply Burawoy’s extended case method to probe world-city formation in Beirut, Lebanon. Observing a tendency in the literature to superimpose distinctions between high- and low-skilled labour and between North and South, the study marshals a more plural conceptualization of ‘professionals’ to include expatriate or transnational Lebanese service workers. The study’s key finding is that Euro-American professionals play a relatively marginal role in Beirut’s human resource base, complicating North–South distinctions. By contrast, domestic and expat Beiruti professionals are far more crucial in manning circuits of value leading to and from the city. These professionals act as intermediaries in unlocking Gulf markets for clients, contribute to institutional change in their host countries and help build command and control functions elsewhere. Relatedly, Beirut has become susceptible to processes of ‘expatriate world-city formation’, where real estate development and the attraction of bank deposits are partly the result of these APS-professionals repatriating their management fees into Beirut’s built environment and Lebanon’s domestic banking sector. Witnessing the growth of Beirut's expatriate world-city functions in absence of financial centre redevelopment, the paper proposes to be sensitive to potential disconnects between the function and location of command and control in global cities more generally.
Geographical relational poverty studies
Authors: Elwood Sarah , Lawson Victoria , Sheppard Eric
Published: July 2016

Relationality is a persistent concern of socio-spatial theory, increasingly invoked in geographical scholarship. We bring geographical scholarship on relationality to bear on relational poverty studies, an emergent body of work that challenges mainstream approaches to conceptualizing, explaining, researching and acting upon poverty. We argue that relationality scholarship provides ontological, theoretical, and epistemological interventions that extend prior relational poverty work. We synthesize these three elements to develop an explicitly geographical relationality and show how this framework offers a politics of possibility for knowing and acting on poverty in new ways.
T1ρ Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess Cartilage Damage After Primary Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Saxena Vishal , D’Aquilla Kevin , Marcoon Shannon , Krishnamoorthy Guruprasad , Gordon Joshua A. , Carey James L. , Borthakur Ari , Kneeland J. Bruce , Kelly John D. , Reddy Ravinder , Sennett Brian J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Patients who suffer anterior shoulder dislocations are at higher risk of developing glenohumeral arthropathy, but little is known about the initial cartilage damage after a primary shoulder dislocation. T1ρ is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that allows quantification of cartilage proteoglycan content and can detect physiologic changes in articular cartilage.

Purpose:

This study aimed to establish baseline T1ρ MRI values for glenoid and humeral head cartilage, determine whether T1ρ MRI can detect glenohumeral cartilage damage after traumatic primary shoulder dislocation, and assess for patterns in cartilage damage in anterior shoulder dislocation.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Nine male patients (mean age, 32.0 years; range, 20-59 years) who sustained first-time anterior shoulder dislocations underwent 3T T1ρ MRI. Five healthy controls (mean age, 27.4 years; range, 24-30 years) without prior dislocation or glenohumeral arthritis also underwent 3T T1ρ MRI. The T1ρ relaxation constant was determined for the entire glenoid and humeral head for patients with a dislocation and for healthy controls. The glenoid and humeral head were divided into 9 zones, and T1ρ values were determined for each zone in dislocated and control shoulders to identify patterns in cartilage damage in dislocated shoulders.

Results:

Average overall T1ρ values for humeral head cartilage in dislocated shoulders were significantly greater than in controls (41.7 ± 3.9 ms vs 38.4 ± 0.6 ms, respectively; P = .03). However, average overall T1ρ values for glenoid cartilage were not significantly different in dislocated shoulders compared with controls (44.0 ± 3.3 ms vs 44.6 ± 2.4 ms, respectively; P = .40), suggesting worse damage to humeral head cartilage. T1ρ values in the posterior-middle humeral head were higher in patients with a dislocation compared with controls (41.5 ± 3.8 ms vs 38.2 ± 2.2 ms, respectively; P = .021) and trended toward significance in the posterior-superior and middle-superior zones (35.2 ± 4.9 ms vs 31.3 ± 1.0 ms and 33.7 ± 5.0 ms vs 30.5 ± 1.3 ms, respectively; P = .056). These 3 humeral head zones are where Hill-Sachs lesions predominate. T1ρ values in the anterior-inferior glenoid zone trended toward significance in patients with a dislocation compared with controls (47.4 ± 5.0 ms vs 43.5 ± 3.5 ms, respectively; P = .073).

Conclusion:

Humeral head cartilage sustained greater damage than glenoid cartilage in primary dislocation. T1ρ values were higher in glenohumeral zones associated with Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions. Widespread initial cartilage damage may predispose patients to glenohumeral arthropathy.
Curcumin ameliorates insulin signalling pathway in brain of Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice
Authors: Feng Hui-li , Dang Hui-zi , Fan Hui , Chen Xiao-pei , Rao Ying-xue , Ren Ying , Yang Jin-duo , Shi Jing , Wang Peng-wen , Tian Jin-zhou
Published: July 2016

Deficits in glucose, impaired insulin signalling and brain insulin resistance are common in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); therefore, some scholars even called AD type 3 diabetes mellitus. Curcumin can reduce the amyloid pathology in AD. Moreover, it is a well-known fact that curcumin has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether or not curcumin could regulate the insulin signal transduction pathway in AD remains unclear. In this study, we used APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice as the AD model to investigate the mechanisms and the effects of curcumin on AD. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and a western blot analysis were used to test the major proteins in the insulin signal transduction pathway. After the administration of curcumin for 6 months, the results showed that the expression of an insulin receptor (InR) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 decreased in the hippocampal CA1 area of the APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice, while the expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), serine-threonine kinase (AKT) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) increased. Among the curcumin groups, the medium-dose group was the most effective one. Thus, we believe that curcumin may be a potential therapeutic agent that can regulate the critical molecules in brain insulin signalling pathways. Furthermore, curcumin could be adopted as one of the AD treatments to improve a patient’s learning and memory ability.