bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Differences in Solvents and Concentration on the Efficacy of Propofol at Induction of Anesthesia
Authors: Obata Yukako , Adachi Yushi U. , Suzuki Katsumi , Itagaki Taiga , Kato Hiromi , Satomoto Maiko , Nakajima Yoshiki
Published: January 2016

Background. Propofol is a popular intravenous anesthetic and varieties of formulations were produced from different laboratories. The present study compared efficacy of propofol of different laboratories and different concentrations (1 and 2%) during induction of anesthesia.Methods. Seventy-five scheduled surgical patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The patients of group D1 received AstraZeneca Diprivan 1% (Osaka, Japan) at a rate of 40 mg kg−1 h−1. Group M1 was given 1% Maruishi (Maruishi Pharmaceutical, Osaka, Japan) and group M2 was given 2% formulation at the same rate of propofol. Achieving hypnosis was defined as failure to open their eyes in response to a verbal command and the venous blood sample was withdrawn.Results. The hypnotic doses of M2 were significantly larger (D1:91.4±30.9, M1:90.7±26.7, and M2:118.4±40.2 mg, resp. (mean ± SD).p<0.005). Age and gender were selected as statistically significant covariates using general linear model-ANOVA. The blood concentration showed no significant difference among the groups (3.73±2.34,4.10±3.04, and4.70±2.12 μg mL−1, resp.).Conclusion. The required dose of propofol was different among the formulations; however, the serum concentration showed no significant difference. This trial is registered with UMIN Clinical Trial Registry:UMIN000019925.
Effect of Mo-Doped Mesoporous Al-SSP Catalysts for the Catalytic Dehydration of Ethanol to Ethylene
Authors: Chanchuey Titinan , Autthanit Chaowat , Jongsomjit Bunjerd
Published: January 2016

The catalytic dehydration of ethanol to ethylene over the mesoporous Al-SSP and Mo-doped Al-SSP catalysts was investigated. The Al-SSP catalyst was first synthesized by the modified sol-gel method and then doped with Mo by impregnation to obtain 1% Mo/Al-SSP and 5% Mo/Al-SSP catalysts (1 and 5 wt% of Mo). The final catalysts were characterized using various techniques such as XRD, N2physisorption, SEM/EDX, TEM, and NH3-TPD. The catalytic activity for all catalysts in gas-phase ethanol dehydration reaction was determined at temperature range of 200°C to 400°C. It was found that the most crucial factor influencing the catalytic activities appears to be the acidity. The acid property of catalysts depended on the amount of Mo loading. Increased Mo loading in Al-SSP resulted in increased weak acid sites, which enhanced the catalytic activity. Besides acidity, the high concentration of Al at surface of catalyst is also essential to obtain high activity. Based on the results, the most suitable catalyst in this study is 1% Mo/Al-SSP catalyst, which can produce ethylene yield of ca. 90% at 300°C with slight amounts of diethyl ether (DEE) and acetaldehyde.
Myeloablative Conditioning with PBSC Grafts for T Cell-Replete Haploidentical Donor Transplantation Using Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Solomon Scott R. , Solh Melhem , Morris Lawrence E. , Holland H. Kent , Bashey Asad
Published: January 2016

Relapse is the main cause of treatment failure after nonmyeloablative haploidentical transplant (haplo-HSCT). In an attempt to reduce relapse, we have developed a myeloablative (MA) haplo-HSCT approach utilizing posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT/Cy) and peripheral blood stem cells as the stem cell source. We summarize the results of two consecutive clinical trials, using a busulfan-based (n=20) and a TBI-based MA preparative regimen (n=30), and analyze a larger cohort of 64 patients receiving MA haplo-HSCT. All patients have engrafted with full donor chimerism and no late graft failures. Grade III-IV acute GVHD and moderate-severe chronic GVHD occurred in 23% and 30%, respectively. One-year NRM was 10%. Predicted three-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and relapse were 53%, 53%, and 26%, respectively, in all patients and 79%, 74%, and 9%, respectively, in patients with a low/intermediate disease risk index (DRI). In multivariate analysis, DRI was the most significant predictor of survival and relapse. Use of TBI (versus busulfan) had no significant impact on survival but was associated with significantly less BK virus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis. We contrast our results with other published reports of MA haplo-HSCT PT/Cy in the literature and attempt to define the comparative utility of MA haplo-HSCT to other methods of transplantation.
BET Bromodomain Inhibitors Enhance Efficacy and Disrupt Resistance to AR Antagonists in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Asangani Irfan A. , Wilder-Romans Kari , Dommeti Vijaya L. , Krishnamurthy Pranathi M. , Apel Ingrid J. , Escara-Wilke June , Plymate Stephen R. , Navone Nora M. , Wang Shaomeng , Feng Felix Y. , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: January 2016

Next-generation antiandrogen therapies, such as enzalutamide and abiraterone, have had a profound impact on the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, mCRPC patients invariably develop resistance to these agents. Here, a series of clonal cell lines were developed from enzalutamide-resistant prostate tumor xenografts to study the molecular mechanism of resistance and test their oncogenic potential under various treatment conditions. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling was maintained in these cell lines, which acquired potential resistance mechanisms, including expression of AR-variant 7 (AR-v7) and glucocorticoid receptor. BET bromodomain inhibitors were shown previously to attenuate AR signaling in mCRPC; here, we demonstrate the efficacy of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer models. AR antagonists, enzalutamide, and ARN509 exhibit enhanced prostate tumor growth inhibition when combined with BET inhibitors, JQ1 and OTX015, respectively. Taken together, these data provide a compelling preclinical rationale to combine BET inhibitors with AR antagonists to subvert resistance mechanisms.

Implications: Therapeutic combinations of BET inhibitors and AR antagonists may enhance the clinical efficacy in the treatment of mCRPC.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/14/4/324/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 14(4); 324–31. ©2016 AACR.
Negativity for Specific Autoantibodies in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes That Developed on a Background of Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Milota Tomáš , Šumník Zdeněk , Obermannová Barbora , Králíčková Pavlína , Vondrák Karel , Klocperk Adam , Kayserová Jana , Šedivá Anna ,   the ESID Registry Working Party
Published: January 2016

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by disturbed antibody production and a dysregulated immune system. Aside from recurrent infections, the most common complications of CVID are autoimmune complications, particularly autoimmune cytopenias. To date, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in combination with CVID has only been described as an unusual complication in several reports, but the true incidence of T1D with CVID remains unknown. We describe 2 patients with a combination of T1D and CVID with serious impairment of antibody production. We also provide a review of the available literature. T1D-specific insulin autoantibodies and autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase and tyrosine phosphatase IA2 were not detected in either of our patients at the time of diagnosis or during the course of the disease. In both cases, T1D manifestation and diagnosis preceded the discovery of CVID by several years. Following the diagnosis of immunodeficiency and the start of immunoglobulin substitution therapy, their clinical status improved, manifesting as a lower frequency of infections and improved T1D control, with decreased glycosylated hemoglobin A1c values. Based on these reported cases, we assume that T1D might be more frequent than previously reported in patients with CVID. To verify the actual incidence of T1D among CVID patients, we searched the European Society for Immunodeficiencies Registry database, and found 25 cases of T1D in 1,671 listed CVID patients, suggesting a higher occurrence of T1D among CVID patients than previously thought. Early diagnosis and treatment of immunodeficiency improve both the prognosis and the course of CVID, reduce the frequency and severity of infections and may contribute to better management of T1D.
The Effect of Increased Frequency of Hemodialysis on Volume-Related Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trials
Authors: Raimann Jochen G. , Chan Christopher T. , Daugirdas John T. , Depner Tom , Gotch Frank A. , Greene Tom , Kaysen George A. , Kliger Alan S. , Kotanko Peter , Larive Brett , Lindsay Robert , Rocco Michael V. , Chertow Glenn M. , Levin Nathan W. ,   and the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Trial Group
Published: January 2016

In previous reports of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network trials, frequent hemodialysis (HD) reduced extracellular fluid (ECF) and left ventricular mass (LVM), with more pronounced effects observed among patients with low urine volume (UVol). We analyzed the effect of frequent HD on interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and a time-integrated estimate of ECF load (TIFL). We also explored whether volume and sodium loading contributed to the change in LVM over the study period. Treatment effects on volume parameters were analyzed for modification by UVol and the dialysate-to-serum sodium gradient. Predictors of change in LVM were determined using linear regression. Frequent HD reduced IDWG and TIFL in the Daily Trial. Among patients with UVol <100 ml/day, reduction in TIFL was associated with LVM reduction. This suggests that achievement of better volume control could attenuate changes in LVM associated with mortality and cardiovascular morbidity. TIFL may prove more useful than IDWG alone in guiding HD practice. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at http://www.karger.com/?doi=441966.
Effects of Different Insertion Techniques of a Cochlear Implant Electrode on the Intracochlear Pressure
Authors: Todt Ingo , Ernst Arneborg , Mittmann Philipp
Published: January 2016

To achieve a functional atraumatic insertion, low intracochlear pressure changes during the procedure are assumed to be important. The aim of this study was to observe intracochlear pressure changes due to different insertion techniques in a cochlear model. Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artificial cochlear model to record intracochlear pressure changes with a micropressure sensor to evaluate the maximum amplitude and frequency of pressure changes under different insertional conditions. We found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of intracochlear pressure peak changes comparing different techniques. Based on our model results, an insertion should be maximally supported to minimize micromovement-related pressure changes.
The Formation of Aberrant Collateral Vessels during Coronary Arteriogenesis in Dog Heart
Authors: Guan Yinglu , Cai Baizhen , Liu Zhenghua , Ye Feng , Deng Panyue , Cai Wei-Jun , Schaper Jutta , Schaper Wolfgang
Published: January 2016

We previously reported excessive growth of collateral vessels in the dog heart during arteriogenesis induced by implantation of an ameroid constrictor around the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. In the present study, using histology and immunocofocal microscopy, we further investigated how these aberrant collateral vessels form. By comparison with mature collateral vessels the following findings were made: perivascular space was very narrow where damage of the perivascular myocardium occurred; the neointima was very thick, resulting in a very small lumen; elastica van Gieson staining revealed the absence of the internal elastic lamina and of elastic fibers in the adventitia, but abundant collagen in the adventitia as well as in the neointima; smooth muscle cells of the neointima expressed less α-SM actin and little desmin; expression of the fibroblast growth factors aFGF, bFGF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB was observed mainly in the endothelial cells and abluminal region, but transforming growth factor-β1 was only present in the adventitia and damaged myocardium; angiogenesis in the neointima was observed in some collateral vessels expressing high levels of eNOS, and cell proliferation was mainly present in the abluminal region, but apoptosis was in the deep neointima. In conclusion, these data for the first time reveal that the formation of the aberrant collateral vessels in the dog heart involves active extracellular proteolysis and a special expression profile of growth factors, eNOS, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The finding of a narrow perivascular space and perivascular myocardial damage suggests that anatomical constraint is most likely the cause for exacerbated inward remodeling in aberrant collateral vessels in dog heart.
Serum IL-33 Is Elevated in Children with Asthma and Is Associated with Disease Severity
Authors: Bahrami Mahneh Sedigheh , Movahedi Masoud , Aryan Zahra , Bahar Mohammad Ali , Rezaei Arezou , Sadr Maryam , Rezaei Nima ,   Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN)
Published: January 2016

Background: The role of IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family, in airway hyperresponsiveness and asthma has still to be fully understood. Objectives: This study is aimed at investigating serum IL-33 in children with asthma and its association with asthma severity. Methods: This age- and sex-matched case-control study comprised 61 children with asthma and 63 healthy controls. The mean age of the participants was 9.21 years (range: 6-14). Serum IL-33 was measured using ELISA and was compared between children with asthma and controls. In addition, the association of serum IL-33 with asthma severity was investigated. Results: The level of serum IL-33 was significantly higher in children with asthma than in controls (15.17 ± 32.3 vs. 0.61 ± 2.16 pg/ml; p = 0.028). It was significantly increased proportionately to asthma severity, namely 9.92 ± 30.26 pg/ml in children with mild asthma, 13.68 ± 29.27 pg/ml in children with moderate asthma and 31.92 ± 41.45 pg/ml in children with severe asthma (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Serum IL-33 is increased in children with asthma and is associated with disease severity.
Assessment of an Alternative to the Uterine Vein for Venous Drainage in Human Uterine Transplantation: A Case Series Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: Arnolds Katrin , Gomez Nadia , Berry Adam , Stadtlander Kevin , Watson Melissa , Tzakis Andreas , Falcone Tommaso , Zimberg Stephen
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: To determine an alternative to the uterine vein, considering the utero-ovarian vein (UOV) for venous drainage in human uterine transplantation. Methods: A case series of 10 total laparoscopic hysterectomies was conducted for benign indications and a vascular study was performed ex vivo on the surgical specimen, demonstrating ipsilateral and contralateral flow between the uterine artery (UA) and UOV visualizing anastomoses between these vessels. The flow pattern was documented using heparinized saline and illustrated through fluoroscopy using Isovue-300 dye. Results: Successful cannulation of UA was accomplished in all 10 cases. Ipsilateral flow between the UA and UOV was demonstrated in all except one case, and contralateral flow was observed. Due to the long interval between the time of specimen retrieval and vascular study, the time to cannulation limited the ability to demonstrate ipsilateral and contralateral flow in 2 cases. Conclusion: Uterine transplantation has become a viable option for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. However, this surgery requires extensive surgical dissection, and the surgical retrieval of the uterine vein proposes a challenge. We present a potential option for venous drainage in uterine transplant surgery, considering the UOV for venous drainage as an alternative to the uterine vein and a possibility for minimally invasive approach.
Clopidogrel Use as Single Antiplatelet Therapy in Outpatients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Prevalence, Correlates and Association with Prognosis (from the CORONOR Study)
Authors: Lemesle Gilles , Schurtz Guillaume , Meurice Thibaud , Tricot Olivier , Lemaire Nestor , Caudmont Sébastien , Philias André , Ketelers Régis , Lamblin Nicolas , Bauters Christophe
Published: January 2016

Background: Clopidogrel use as single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) has never been evaluated in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) outpatients either as compared to placebo or aspirin. Methods: We therefore studied 2,823 outpatients included in a prospective registry. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their antiplatelet therapy regimen: patients treated with clopidogrel were compared with those treated with aspirin alone. Results: The mean time since CAD diagnosis was 7.9 years. Altogether, 776 (27.5%) patients received clopidogrel as SAPT. Factors independently associated with clopidogrel use were prior aortic or peripheral intervention, drug-eluting stent implantation, stroke, carotid endarterectomy and time since CAD diagnosis. Clopidogrel tended to be used in higher-risk patients: composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke at 5.8 versus 4.2% (p = 0.056). However, after propensity score matching, similar event rates were observed between the groups: 5.9% when treated with clopidogrel versus 4.4% with aspirin (p = 0.207). The rate of bleeding was also similar between the groups. Conclusions: Our study shows that a significant proportion of stable CAD patients are treated with clopidogrel as SAPT in modern practice. Several correlates of such an attitude were identified. Our results suggest that this strategy is not beneficial as compared to aspirin alone in terms of ischaemic or bleeding events.
Risk-Adapted Therapy in Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Langerbeins Petra , Groß-Ophoff-Müller Carolin , Herling Carmen D.
Published: January 2016

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults and usually affects the elderly patient. More than 50% of CLL cases are diagnosed at an early disease stage, often as an incidental lymphocytosis found in a routine blood screen. For about 40 years, the classifications according to Binet or Rai have been the hands-on staging systems to stratify patients in daily clinical practice. An increasing molecular understanding of the disease and the identification of strong prognostic markers, such as genetic lesions in TP53, have urged clinical scientists to create new scoring systems that improve prognostic risk assessment and treatment allocation. Until today, studies on early treatment interventions in asymptomatic patients using single chemo- or combined chemoimmunotherapy have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit. However, improved risk stratification tools integrating molecular disease features and the availability of new targeted drugs with attractive efficacy and limited toxicity might open new possibilities to re-investigate early treatment in well-defined clinical settings in the future.
Effect of oral factor Xa inhibitor and low-molecular-weight heparin on surgical complications following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Sang-Min , Moon Young-Wan , Lim Seung-Jae , Kim Dong-Wook , Park Youn-Soo
Published: January 2016

This prospective study was conducted to report the effect of oral factor Xa inhibitor and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on surgical complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patients with an age < 60 years were randomly assigned to three groups (rivaroxaban, enoxaparin, and placebo) and the patients with an age ≥ 60 years were assigned to two groups (rivaroxaban and enoxaparin). All drug regimens started at 12 hours postoperatively and continued for two weeks after surgery. Primary measure outcome was major surgical wound complications defined as haematoma requiring any intervention, superficial wound infection, deep periprosthetic infection, and increased wound bleeding. Secondary measured outcome included minor surgical complications (swelling, drainage, erythema, and oozing), organ bleeding, and venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. A total of 184 patients aged < 60 years and 167 patients aged ≥ 60 years were included as the analysis population per group. Up to 14 days after surgery, the overall incidence of major surgical complications associated with thromboprophylaxis was 6.5 % (58/886). There were no significant differences in the rate of major surgical complications among all the three groups of the patients aged < 60 years and between two groups of the patients aged ≥ 60 years. For the patients aged < 60 years, wound oozing continued significantly longer in the pharmacological group than in the placebo group, but wound infection did not occur in any case. The VTE events were similar in all the groups.
Stem cell mobilisation by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hadamitzky Martin , Ibrahim Tareq , Groha Philip , Schunkert Heribert , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kastrati Adnan , Ott Ilka , Steppich Birgit ,   for the Regenerate Vital Myocardium by Vigorous Activation of Bone Marrow Stem Cells (REVIVAL-2) Study Investigators
Published: January 2016

Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilises cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood. Previous preclinical and early clinical trials may suggest that treatment with G-CSF leads to improved myocardial perfusion and function in acute or chronic ischaemic heart disease. In the REVIVAL-2 study we found that stem cell mobilisation by G-CSF does not influence infarct size, left ventricular function and coronary restenosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) that underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention. The objective of the present analysis was to assess the impact of G-CSF treatment on seven-year clinical outcomes from the REVIVAL-2 trial. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled REVIVAL-2 study, 114 patients with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were enrolled five days after successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were assigned to receive 10 μg/kg G-CSF (n=56) or placebo (n=58) for five days. The primary endpoint for this long-term outcome analysis was the composite of death, myocardial infarction or stroke seven years after randomisation. The endpoint occurred in 14.3% of patients in the G-CSF group versus 17.2%> assigned to placebo (p=0.67). The combined incidence of death or myocardial infarction occurred in 14.3%> of the patients assigned to G-CSF and 15.5%> of the patients assigned to placebo (p=0.85). In conclusion, these long-term follow-up data show that G-CSF does not improve clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Argatroban pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill cardiac surgical patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zimmer Emanuel , Bek Martin , Wiessner Michael , Keyl Cornelius , Trenk Dietmar
Published: January 2016

Only limited data are available on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of argatroban in critically ill patients under clinical conditions. We determined plasma concentrations of argatroban, and its main metabolite M1, within a time period of 48 hours in 25 critically ill cardiac surgical patients, who were suspected of heparininduced thrombocytopenia and had the clinical need for anticoagulation. Argatroban infusion was started at 0.5 µg/kg/minute, and adjusted in 0.1–0.25 µg/kg/minute increments when the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was not within the target range. Median argatroban plasma half-life was 2.7 hours (interquartile range 1.8 to 7.3). Linear regression analysis revealed that argatroban half-life was significantly related to the total bilirubin concentration (R2 = 0.66, p< 0.001), as well as to the metabolism of argatroban, which was assessed by the ratio of the areas under the concentration time curves (AUC) of argatroban and M1 (R2 = 0.60, p< 0.001). Continuous veno-venous haemodialysis did not significantly affect argatroban plasma half-life. The predictive property of argatroban plasma levels for aPTT was low (R2 = 0.28, p< 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant contributions of age and serum albumin levels to the effect of argatroban on aPTT, expressed as the AUC ratio argatroban/aPTT (R2 = 0.67, adjusted R2 = 0.65, p< 0.001). In conclusion, argatroban plasma half-life is markedly increased in critically ill cardiac surgical patients, and further prolonged by hepatic dysfunction due to impaired metabolism. Patient age and serum albumin concentration significantly contribute to the variability in the anticoagulant activity of argatroban.
Leuconidae (Crustacea: Cumacea) from the collections of the Museum Victoria, Australia
Authors: GERKEN SARAH
Published: January 2016

The collections of the Museum Victoria have yielded six new leuconid species in five genera from Australian waters: Austroleucon adiazetos n. sp., A. dolosolevis n. sp., Eudorellopsis mykteros n. sp., Kontiloleucon australiensis n. gen., n. sp., Leucon (Alytoleucon) dolichorhinos n. sp., Ommatoleucon megalopos n. sp. as well as the new genus Kontiloleucon. Leucon (Leucon) echinolophotos n. sp. is a new species from off Enderby Land, Antarctica. Keys to the Australian leuconid genera and species are included.
The Extra-Area Effect of Orographic Cloud Seeding: Observational Evidence of Precipitation Enhancement Downwind of the Target Mountain
Authors: Jing Xiaoqin , Geerts Bart , Boe Bruce
Published: January 2016

This study uses scanning X-band Doppler on Wheels (DOW) radar data to examine whether ground-based glaciogenic seeding influences orographic precipitation, inadvertently, over the foothills of a mountain ~50 km downwind of the target mountain. The data were collected during seven storms during the 2012 AgI Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation (ASCII-12) campaign in Wyoming. The DOW was located on the Sierra Madre (the target range), with excellent low-level coverage toward the Medicine Bow (the downwind range). To examine the seeding impact, two study areas are designated, both over the foothills of the downwind range: one is directly downwind of the remote silver iodide (AgI) generators (target area), and the other is offset sideways (control area). Comparisons are made between radar reflectivity measurements from a treated period and those from an untreated period. The total treated (untreated) period over seven storms is 14.3 h (21.2 h). Independent measurements of ice nuclei concentrations indicate that ground-released AgI nuclei can disperse across two mountain ranges over a distance of ~80 km. Analyses of DOW transects, DOW echo-height maps, and Doppler velocities from an airborne profiling radar suggest three different mechanisms for the vertical mixing of AgI nuclei: in all cases boundary layer mixing is active, and in some cases convection, or a lee hydraulic jump, or both are present. In all cases the radar reflectivity is higher during seeding in the target region when compared with the trend over the same period in the control region. Note that the results are not definitive proof of a downwind seeding impact since natural variability of precipitation is large and the sample size examined is small.
Air–Sea Interaction in Association with Monthly Anomaly Departure over the Western North Pacific and Tropical Indian Ocean during the Spring-to-Summer Transition
Authors: Hu Wenting , Wu Renguang
Published: January 2016

The study analyzes precipitation variability and related air–sea interaction processes over the South China Sea (SCS) and tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) during the spring-to-summer transition season. It is found that physical processes are very different for the variations of seasonal mean and the monthly departures from the seasonal mean. Corresponding to the seasonal mean anomaly, remote forcing from the equatorial Pacific is a major factor for the precipitation variability with a prominent negative feedback of the atmosphere on the ocean. However, from the viewpoint of the monthly anomaly departure from the seasonal mean, a pronounced local coupled air–sea interaction is detected in both the SCS and TIO that features a sequential process of less rainfall, higher sea surface temperature (SST), more rainfall, and lower SST. The evolution of the SST tendency is well coordinated with that of net surface heat flux in the SCS and TIO. During the transition season, shortwave radiation is a dominant term for the SST change in the SCS, whereas both shortwave radiation and latent heat flux are responsible for the SST change in the TIO. The local air–sea relationship shows an obvious spatiotemporal variation during the transition season. Furthermore, the SST anomaly departure in the TIO (SCS) in April (May) could be considered as an indicator for local precipitation anomaly departure in May (June).
Urban landscapes of adolescent substance use
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Bakken Anders
Published: January 2016

Cities are increasingly organised according to socio-spatial divisions in which groups with similar characteristics live in the same areas. This social polarisation is associated with differences in living conditions, health, morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, ‘areas of disadvantage’ have also been associated with increased risk of harmful substance use. However, some recent studies suggest that ‘areas of affluence’ may socialise adolescents into high levels of alcohol consumption. Using a combination of city district-level socio-economic data and surveys of adolescents, we investigated patterns of substance use in different city districts of Oslo, Norway, with the aim to shed more light on these conflicting previous findings. We found that adolescents in the affluent parts of Oslo West reported the highest levels of recreational smoking, snus use and alcohol use. Those in the poorer Oslo Central East reported the highest levels of daily smoking, alcohol problems and cannabis use. After controlling for individual- and family-based risk factors, significant area differences remained, except with regard to alcohol problems and cannabis use. We conclude that adolescents living in affluent areas report the highest use of several psychoactive substances, but in a manner that is usually compatible with a rather health-oriented lifestyle. By contrast, those from socio-economically disadvantaged districts near the city centre use substances in a manner that may have greater potential for social marginalisation, morbidity and mortality.
Hippocampal neurochemical markers in bipolar disorder patients following the first-manic episode: A prospective 12-month proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Silveira Leonardo E , Bond David J , MacMillan Erin Leigh , Kozicky Jan-Marie , Muralidharan Kesavan , Bücker Joana , Rosa Adriane Ribeiro , Kapczinski Flavio , Yatham Lakshmi N
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Previous studies reported decreased N-acetyl aspartate and increased Glx (the sum of glutamate plus glutamine) in bipolar disorder. Since these studies included patients at different stages of illness, it is unknown whether these changes have a causal role or a consequence of multiple episodes and treatments. The studies in early-stage bipolar disorder patients have the potential to provide answers to these issues. Therefore, we evaluated N-acetyl aspartate and Glx levels in hippocampi of first-episode bipolar disorder patients and health subjects at baseline and at 12 months, and examined the impact of episode recurrence on these measures.

Method:

We used single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare the hippocampal neurometabolites ( N-acetyl aspartate and Glx) levels between 41 patients with bipolar disorder following recovery from their first-manic episode and 27 matched healthy subjects at recruitment and 12 months later. We also compared N-acetyl aspartate and Glx levels between patients who had a recurrence of a mood episode and those who did not.

Results:

There was no main effect of either group (diagnosis) or time for hippocampal N-acetyl aspartate and Glx levels in bipolar disorder patients and healthy subjects. We also did not find any group-by-time interaction for the levels of these metabolites. There were also no differences in N-acetyl aspartate and Glx between patients who experienced a recurrence of a mood episode and those who did not over 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that N-acetyl aspartate and Glx levels are not altered in early stage bipolar disorder. Further, these data suggest that episode recurrence in early stages does not have a significant impact on the levels of these metabolites. These may suggest that there may be an early window for intervention to potentially arrest neuroprogression of the disease.
Local Confucian Revival in China
Authors: Payette Alex
Published: January 2016

Since the early 1980s, China has witnessed a progressive Confucian revival, especially in the academic and cultural spheres. In particular, since the early 2000s, there has been a progressive expansion of Confucian groups arising from local initiatives all over China in the form of local colleges and study halls. Using four previously unexplored sites, this article studies the multiple modalities of local Confucian revival in the province of Shandong. Through interviews and extensive discussion with members of these groups, we have uncovered a strong adherence to Confucian elements and a convenient religiosity through ritual performances. Therefore, this article not only agrees with previously conducted studies on the revival of Confucianism in China but also adds new empirical elements supporting their conclusions. Finally, this article introduces the ‘Countryside Confucianism experiment’, its current meaning and ties to the ongoing local Confucian resurgence in the province of Shandong as well as its shared identity ‘closure’ characteristics, prevalent among some of these local sites’ narrative.
The Silk Road as a Global Brand
Authors: Bhoothalingam Ravi
Published: January 2016

In 2013, China launched its ambitious projects—the ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ and the overland ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’—backed strongly by Chinese investments. India, along with many other countries, was invited to join these initiatives. How will these gigantic connectivity projects—aimed at linking all of Asia with Europe and Africa—alter the world as we know it? What is India’s national interest here, and how should it respond? Perhaps, understanding the term ‘Silk Road’ itself would be a good first step towards an answer.
Evidence for Bicarbonate Secretion by Ameloblasts in a Novel Cellular Model
Authors: Bori E. , Guo J. , Rácz R. , Burghardt B. , Földes A. , Kerémi B. , Harada H. , Steward M.C. , Den Besten P. , Bronckers A.L.J.J. , Varga G.
Published: January 2016

Formation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals during amelogenesis generate a large number of protons that must be neutralized, presumably by HCO3− ions transported from ameloblasts into the developing enamel matrix. Ameloblasts express a number of transporters and channels known to be involved in HCO3− transport in other epithelia. However, to date, there is no functional evidence for HCO3− transport in these cells. To address questions related to HCO3− export from ameloblasts, we have developed a polarized 2-dimensional culture system for HAT-7 cells, a rat cell line of ameloblast origin. HAT-7 cells were seeded onto Transwell permeable filters. Transepithelial resistance was measured as a function of time, and the expression of transporters and tight junction proteins was investigated by conventional and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Intracellular pH regulation and HCO3− transport were assessed by microfluorometry. HAT-7 cells formed epithelial layers with measureable transepithelial resistance on Transwell permeable supports and expressed claudin-1, claudin-4, and claudin-8—key proteins for tight junction formation. Transport proteins previously described in maturation ameloblasts were also present in HAT-7 cells. Microfluorometry showed that the HAT-7 cells were polarized with a high apical membrane CO2 permeability and vigorous basolateral HCO3− uptake, which was sensitive to Na+ withdrawal, to the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide and to H2DIDS inhibition. Measurements of transepithelial HCO3− transport showed a marked increase in response to Ca2+- and cAMP-mobilizing stimuli. Collectively, 2-dimensional HAT-7 cell cultures on permeable supports 1) form tight junctions, 2) express typical tight junction proteins and electrolyte transporters, 3) are functionally polarized, and 4) can accumulate HCO3− ions from the basolateral side and secrete them at the apical membrane. These studies provide evidence for a regulated, vectorial, basolateral-to-apical bicarbonate transport in polarized HAT-7 cells. We therefore propose that the HAT-7 cell line is a useful functional model for studying electrolyte transport by ameloblasts.
The new towns around Paris 40 years later: New dynamic centralities or suburbs facing risk of marginalisation?
Authors: Desponds Didier , Auclair Elizabeth
Published: January 2016

Launched in the middle of the 1960s, the Paris region master plan (SDAU de la région Parisienne) deeply changed the structure of the largest French agglomeration: five new towns were created in order to solve various problems in terms of urban amenities and economic development. Located in the urban fringes, they were supposed to help reorganise the whole agglomeration following a polycentric model. This decision was a strong break with the past for this very monocentric city of Paris. At first, the success of the project depended directly on State support. After that, the new towns became more autonomous, generating their own attractiveness. Forty years later, even if the process is not yet totally finished, it is possible to evaluate the consequences of this vast scheme. To begin with, the demographic weight of the new towns is not as important as initially expected: in 2010, they represented 7.9% of the population of the whole agglomeration. Their economic weight is similar, representing less than 7.7% of the agglomeration. Nevertheless, the new towns concentrate a large quantity of diversified jobs and they succeed in attracting firms in different activity sectors, even if each of them does not present the same advantages. These elements tend to show that the new towns have partly reached their initial goals. Consequently, the new towns have contributed in improving the socio-spatial organisation of the Paris suburbs. However, the recent urban policy for the Paris agglomeration called the ‘Grand Paris’ does not integrate the new towns, and this raises many questions for the future of these territories.
U.S. Marines’ Attitudes Regarding Cross-Cultural Capabilities in Military Operations
Authors: Holmes-Eber Paula , Tarzi Erika , Maki Basema
Published: January 2016

Cross-cultural competence not only emphasizes building specific skill sets such as language proficiency or negotiation skills, but also on changing the military's attitudes to other cultures by emphasizing the value and importance of cultural skills for successful military operations. In contrast to developing cultural skills, the task of shifting cultural attitudes is a far more complex process. Using empirical data from a survey of 2,406 Marines, this paper seeks to identify some of the social, demographic and experiential factors that influence military service members' attitudes to the value of culture in military operations. The authors found that of the demographic factors tested, only education and commissioning were positively related to attitudes. The greatest predictors were experiential factors: language skills, a multicultural background, travel experience and frequency of interaction with the local population during a previous deployment. Deployment alone was not a predictor. Cultural training was not related to attitudes, although satisfaction with the cultural training was a predictor of positive attitudes.
Dilemmas and Paradoxes of Regional Cultural Policy Implementation: Governance Modes, Discretion, and Policy Outcome
Authors: Lindqvist Katja
Published: January 2016

Bad policy design affects public service delivery and the conditions for providing public services at operational level. Fragmentation of public management due to governance reforms becomes visible in policy failure; a problem for governments, public service providers, and citizens. The poor outcome of a reformed regional museum education policy is the starting point for a study of paradoxes of regional cultural policy implementation. The article opens up the black box of policy implementation and identifies goal conflicts in regional development policy, conflicting expectations among stakeholders, as well as governance paradoxes resulting in gaps between policy intentions, output, and outcome.
‘Christ-Faith’ as an Eschatological Event (Galatians 3.23-26): A ‘Third View’ on Πίστις Χριστοῦ
Authors: Schliesser Benjamin
Published: January 2016

The meaning of πίστις Χριστοῦ in Paul (Gal. 2.16, 20; 3.22; Rom. 3.22, 26; Phil. 3.9) continues to be the subject of controversial debate in Pauline scholarship. Should the genitive construction be understood objectively as ‘faith in Christ’ or subjectively as ‘the faith(fulness) of Christ’? The prevalent either/or character of the discussion is increasingly proving to be an impediment to finding a solution to this issue. A minority view, the so-called ‘third view’, seeks to move beyond the subjective-objective dichotomy by accounting for the intrinsic complexity of the Greek genitive and pointing to the event-character of πίστις in Paul. The primary reference text for this ‘third view’ is Gal. 3.23-26, which exhibits an altogether remarkable language of faith and envisages πίστις as ‘coming’ (ἔρχεσθαι) and as ‘being revealed’ (ἀποκαλύπτεσθαι). This article reviews the exegetical status quaestionis and argues that Paul does not regard πίστις Χριστοῦ as an individual disposition or character (either Christ’s or that of the believer), but rather as an eschatological event. The aim is not to offer a comprehensive analysis of the verses in question, but to advance exegetical and theological support for the ‘third view’ and to point to its considerable explanatory power in our effort for a more nuanced appreciation of Paul’s language of faith.
The Economy of the Digital Gift: From Socialism to Sociality Online
Authors: Romele Alberto , Severo Marta
Published: January 2016

This article discusses the value of gift exchange in online social media. In the first part, the authors show how most of the commentators have considered online gifting as an alternative to the classical market economy. Yet the recent (re)territorialization of the web challenges this perspective. As a consequence, the internet can no longer be considered a reply to capitalism. In the second part, the authors argue that in anthropology and social philosophy the term ‘gift’ has often been used improperly, and that gift exchange has nothing to do with goods exchange, but with mutual recognition. In the third part, they use this definition to stress the importance of gift circulation through Facebook’s ‘Like’ button and the Twitter feature called ‘Mention’. In conclusion, the authors deal with the ‘Like economy’, i.e. the interference between gift exchange and market economy which is daily at work online.
White matter hyperintensity microstructure in amyloid dysmetabolism
Authors: Kalheim Lisa F , Bjørnerud Atle , Fladby Tormod , Vegge Kjetil , Selnes Per
Published: January 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests associations between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). White matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin (WMHs) are increased in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, but the exact pathomechanistic link is unknown. The current study investigated effects of amyloid dysmetabolism on the microstructure of WMHs in subjects with MCI or subjective cognitive decline ( N = 51), dichotomized according to pathological or normal levels of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ42) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thirty-one subjects with low CSF Aβ42 (Aβ+) and 20 subjects with normal CSF Aβ42 (Aβ−) were assessed with magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (DR), axial diffusivity (DA), and mean diffusivity (MD) were determined. There were no significant differences in WMH volume or distribution between the groups, and neither age nor WMH volume had significant impact on the DTI indices. Nevertheless, there were significantly higher DA, DR, and MD in WMHs in Aβ+ relative to Aβ−; however, no differences in FA were found. The present results suggest that amyloid accumulation is associated with impaired structural integrity (e.g. relating to more extensive demyelination and loss of axons) in WMHs putatively adding to effects of ischemia.
Polioencephalomalacia and Heart Failure Secondary to Presumptive Thiamine Deficiency, Hepatic Lipidosis, and Starvation in 2 Abandoned Siamese Cats
Authors: Anholt H. , Himsworth C. , Britton A.
Published: January 2016

Two 4-year-old spayed female Siamese cats were seized by the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after confinement to an abandoned housing unit without food for 9 weeks. One cat was found dead, and the second was euthanized within 24 hours due to neurologic deterioration despite therapy. Polioencephalomalacia of the caudal colliculus, hepatic lipidosis, cachexia, and congestive heart failure with cardiomyocyte atrophy were identified in both cats through postmortem examination and attributed to a prolonged period of starvation. Brain lesions were likely the result of thiamine deficiency (Chastek paralysis), which can be associated with both malnutrition and liver disease. This case highlights the importance of thiamine supplementation during realimentation of cats with hepatic lipidosis. Heart failure resulting from cachexia may have contributed to the death of the first cat and the morbidity of the second cat.