bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early mercaptoacetyltriglycine(MAG‐3) diuretic renography results after pyeloplasty
Authors: Faure Alice , London Kevin , Smith Grahame H.H.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the drainage and functional outcome of paediatric pyeloplasty, 1 week after stent removal 7–9 weeks after pyeloplasty using diuretic renography.

Patients and Methods

Between 2009 and 2014, we assessed the functional and drainage outcomes according to mercaptoacetyltriglycine MAG‐3 diuretic renograms from 66 children (69 kidneys) who underwent modified dismembered Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty for pelvi–ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. Stents were left in place for 6–8 weeks and postoperative renal units were evaluated with MAG‐3 renogram 1 week after stent removal. Surgical success was defined by improvement of drainage (half clearance time [T/2] < 20 min), stable or improved function on the postoperative MAG‐3 renogram and by decreased pyelocaliceal dilatation on ultrasonography (US) at 1 year.

Results

Of the 69 kidneys with a preoperative median range T/2 of 33.4 (7.6–200) min, 60 (87%) had improved drainage curves, with a median (range) T/2 of 6.9 (1.6–19) min. Thirteen percent (9/69) had persistent impaired drainage, with a median (range) T/2 of 36 (24–108) min. Of these nine children, one girl was found to have a persistent obstructive pattern (T/2 = 30 min) associated with a decreased split renal function (SRF; from 42 to 33%) and persistent hydronephrosis (at 28 mm). Redo pyeloplasty was performed 2 months after the initial procedure (and 18 days after stent removal) and renal function recovered to 47%. The remaining eight patients were free of symptoms; hydronephrosis improved at 1 year (anteroposterior diameter decreased from 28 to 18.5 mm; P = 1.94) and SRF remained stable (44.5 vs 48.5% after repair; P = nonsignificant). In the 29% of kidneys (20/69) that had preoperative impaired SRF, postoperative renal function improved in 75% (from 27.5 to 43%; P < 0.001), remained unchanged in 2% and one kidney (0.2%) deteriorated. The median (range) postoperative follow‐up was 18 (12–90) months.

Conclusions

There is no agreement regarding the ‘gold standard’ investigation to use after pyeloplasty for PUJ obstruction. Improvement in hydronephrosis on US is slow and often takes > 12 months. Based on animal studies, it is possible that missed recurrent obstruction will cause irreversible loss of renal function after 6 weeks; therefore, early postoperative assessment is desirable, but there have been few reports on urinary drainage changes with early diuretic renography after pyeloplasty. Most of the renal units had improved drainage on diuretic renography 7 weeks after pyeloplasty and 1 week after stent removal. An early diuretic renogram is a reliable method of documenting surgical success after pyeloplasty
The Chilean Republic in the Face of Bolivar's Expansionism (1823–1828)
Authors: ARDILA DANIEL GUTIÉRREZ
Published: April 2016

In Santiago de Chile the news of the definitive expulsion of the Royalist troops from Peru and Upper Peru was at the same time a source of relief and of uneasiness, because, even though it gave a final blow to the danger of a second Reconquest, it conferred an extraordinary military power to Simón Bolívar. This article studies the reactions of the Chilean press in the face of Bolivar's expansionism. It explores the collective creation of a repulsive portrait of Bolívar, which was to play an important role in the condemnation and collapse of his ambition of lifelong rule in the continent.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes intratracheally instilled into the rat lung induce development of pleural malignant mesothelioma and lung tumors
Authors: Suzui Masumi , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Fukamachi Katsumi , Numano Takamasa , Abdelgied Mohamed , Takahashi Satoru , Ohnishi Makoto , Omori Toyonori , Tsuruoka Shuji , Hirose Akihiko , Kanno Jun , Sakamoto Yoshimitsu , Alexander David B. , Alexander William T. , Jiegou Xu , Tsuda Hiroyuki
Published: April 2016

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have a fibrous structure and physical properties similar to asbestos and have been shown to induce malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum after injection into the scrotum or peritoneal cavity in rats and mice. For human cancer risk assessment, however, data after administration of MWCNT via the airway, the exposure route that is most relevant to humans, is required. The present study was undertaken to investigate the carcinogenicity of MWCNT‐N (NIKKISO) after administration to the rat lung. MWCNT‐N was fractionated by passing it through a sieve with a pore size of 25 μm. The average lengths of the MWCNT were 4.2 μm before filtration and 2.6 μm in the flow‐through fraction; the length of the retained MWCNT could not be determined. For the present study, 10‐week‐old F344/Crj male rats were divided into five groups: no treatment, vehicle control, MWCNT‐N before filtration, MWCNT‐N flow‐through and MWCNT‐N retained groups. Administration was by the trans‐tracheal intrapulmonary spraying (TIPS) method. Rats were administered a total of 1 mg/rat during the initial 2 weeks of the experiment and then observed up to 109 weeks. The incidences of malignant mesothelioma and lung tumors (bronchiolo‐alveolar adenomas and carcinomas) were 6/38 and 14/38, respectively, in the three groups administered MWCNT and 0/28 and 0/28, respectively, in the control groups. All malignant mesotheliomas were localized in the pericardial pleural cavity. The sieve fractions did not have a significant effect on tumor incidence. In conclusion, administration of MWCNT to the lung in the rat induces malignant mesothelioma and lung tumors.
Food Price Bubbles and Government Intervention: Is China Different?
Authors: Li Jian , Li Chongguang , Chavas Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2016

The last decade has witnessed different price trajectories in the international and Chinese agricultural commodity markets. This paper compares and contrasts these dynamic patterns between markets from the perspective of price bubbles. A newly developed right‐tailed unit root testing procedure is applied to detect price bubbles in the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and Chinese agricultural futures market during the period 2005–14. Results show that Chinese markets experienced less prominent speculative bubbles than the international markets for its high self‐sufficiency commodities (wheat and corn), but not for low self‐sufficiency commodities (soybean). The difference in price behavior is attributed to differences in market intelligence, and to Chinese agricultural policies related to trade as well as domestic government policies. Besides, it discusses challenges to the sustainability of the stable price trajectory in Chinese markets.

Au cours de la dernière décennie, les prix des produits agricoles sur les marchés chinois et international ont suivi des trajectoires variées. Dans le présent article, nous comparons les divers marchés sur le plan des bulles de prix des produits agricoles. Nous avons utilisé un nouveau test de racine unitaire qui exploite la queue de droite de la distribution de la statistique pour déceler les bulles de prix des produits agricoles sur le Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) et sur les marchés à terme chinois au cours de la période 2005–14. Les résultats de notre étude montrent que les marchés chinois ont connu des bulles spéculatives moins prononcées que les marchés internationaux dans le cas des produits agricoles pour lesquels l'autosuffisance de la Chine est très élevée (le blé et le maïs), par rapport aux produits pour lesquels l'autosuffisance est faible (le soja). La différence sur le plan du comportement des prix est attribuable aux différences sur le plan de l'information commerciale ainsi qu'aux politiques agricoles chinoises en matière de commerce et à la politique intérieure du pays. Nous avons également examiné les défis par rapport à la durabilité d'une trajectoire de prix stables sur les marchés chinois.
828. NEOSHIRAKIA JAPONICA
Authors: Baldwin Harry
Published: April 2016

Neoshirakia japonica, (formerly known as Sapium japonicum and Shirakia japonica) is one of two species in the genus, both hardy trees in tribe Hippomaneae of the Euphorbiaceae. In this article the taxonomic history, distribution, habitat and cultivation of the species are discussed, accompanied by a detailed description and a colour plate by Christine Battle.
Measurement of visual ability in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Deramore Denver Belinda , Froude Elspeth , Rosenbaum Peter , Wilkes‐Gillan Sarah , Imms Christine
Published: April 2016

Aim

To identify and evaluate measures of visual ability used with children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Eight databases were searched for measures of visual ability. Key selection criteria for measures were: use with children with CP; focus of visual ability measurement at the Activities and Participation domain of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Checklist was used to assess psychometric properties.

Results

From 6763 papers retrieved, 25 were relevant and 19 measures of visual ability were identified. Only 10 measures were supported with evidence of validity or reliability. No discriminative measure analogous to existing CP functional classification systems was found. No outcome measure valid for evaluation of visual abilities of children with CP was found.

Interpretation

Vision impairment is recognized as relevant to the functioning of children with CP; however, measurement of vision is most often focused at ‘Body Function’ levels, for example visual acuity. Measuring visual abilities in the Activities and Participation domain is important in considering how a child with CP functions in vision‐related activities. The lack of psychometrically strong measures for visual ability is a gap in current clinical practices and research.
Shared decision‐making in the care of individuals with diabetes
Authors: Serrano V. , Rodriguez‐Gutierrez R. , Hargraves I. , Gionfriddo M. R. , Tamhane S. , Montori V. M.
Published: April 2016

People with diabetes often live with other chronic conditions and lead complicated lives. Determining what is the best management decision for a patient requires consideration of each individual's personal, social and biomedical context, what he or she values, the reasons he or she has to value the available options, and the relative contribution of each option in terms of benefits, harms, costs and inconveniences. Empathic conversations between patients and clinicians to diagnose the patient situation that necessitates action and the range of evidence‐based actions that best address the situation, so‐called shared decision‐making, are essential to the personalized care of people with diabetes. The aim of the present review was to present key elements of shared decision‐making and propose three different approaches for its application. The first approach focuses on transferring information to patients so that they can make decisions. The second approach, choice, focuses on cultivating the individual's ability to give voice to which choice is best for them. The third approach, conversation, establishes an empathic conversational environment through which the individual with diabetes and their clinician think and talk through how to address the problems of living with diabetes and related illnesses. These approaches are manifest in the design of evidence‐based decision aids created to support shared decision‐making. In randomized trials, decision aids can efficiently improve patient's knowledge, satisfaction, risk awareness, decisional conflict and involvement. Further research, however, is needed to better understand when and how to promote the empathic conversations, patient, clinician and service and policy contexts necessary to routinely implement shared decision‐making in different at scale healthcare systems. In the interim, sufficient evidence and tools exist for persons with diabetes and their clinicians to gain expertise in making decisions together.
Interchangeability among reference insulin analogues and their biosimilars: regulatory framework, study design and clinical implications
Authors: Dowlat H. A. , Kuhlmann M. K. , Khatami H. , Ampudia‐Blasco F. J.
Published: April 2016

Biosimilars are regulated differently from small‐molecule generic, chemically derived medicines. The complexity of biological products means that small changes in manufacturing or formulation may result in changes in efficacy and safety of the final product. In the face of this complexity, the regulatory landscape for biosimilars continues to evolve, and global harmonization regarding requirements is currently lacking. It is essential that clinicians and patients are reassured that biosimilars are equally safe and effective as their reference product, and this is particularly important when interchangeability, defined as ‘changing one medicine for another one which is expected to achieve the same clinical effect in a given clinical setting in any one patient’, is considered. Although the automatic substitution (i.e. substitution without input from the prescribing healthcare provider) of biosimilars for reference products is currently not permitted by the majority of countries, this may change in the future. In order to demonstrate interchangeability between reference products and a biosimilar, more stringent and specific studies of the safety and efficacy of biosimilars are likely to be needed; however, guidance on the design of and the need for any such studies is currently limited. The present article provides an overview of the current regulatory framework around the demonstration of interchangeability with biosimilars, with a specific focus on biosimilar insulin analogues, and details experiences with other biosimilar products. In addition, designs for studies to evaluate interchangeability with a biosimilar insulin analogue product are proposed and a discussion about the implications of interchangeability in clinical practice is included.
STRATEGIC ENFORCEMENT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND CONTRACTUAL R&D
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Marjit Sugata , Xu Xinpeng , Yang Lei
Published: April 2016

This study examines the role of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in contractual research and development (R&D) in developing countries. We find that strong IPRs provide incentives for firms, both multinational and local, to specialize in R&D activities in which they have competitive advantage (the specialization effect). They also facilitate the switching process from imitators to potential innovators for local firms (the switching effect). Moreover, we also demonstrate that a multinational firm's strategic IPRs enforcement behavior can be an effective instrument for subsidizing contractual R&D in developing countries (the subsidizing effect). We further illustrate how a policy mix of IPRs and a foreign direct investment subsidy in these countries affects R&D activities by adding an offshore R&D subsidiary as an additional organizational form. (JEL L13, O31, O34)
The matrix matters, but how should we manage it? Estimating the amount of high‐quality matrix required to maintain biodiversity in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Ruffell Jay , Clout Mick N. , Didham Raphael K.
Published: April 2016

Improving matrix quality may be a powerful strategy for conserving biodiversity in fragmented landscapes, but effectively implementing this strategy requires a better understanding of how much of the matrix needs to be converted to ‘high‐quality’ land uses to achieve conservation goals. Here, we use data on the distribution of forest birds across > 1000 landscapes throughout New Zealand to quantify how the impacts of habitat loss (declining native forest cover) change as the proportion of matrix that is a high‐quality land use (exotic plantation forest) increases. As expected, we found that the amount of plantation forest in the matrix strongly influenced the extent to which native forest loss impacted bird communities: a decline in native forest cover from 90 to 1% caused a 60% decrease in bird species richness when there was no plantation forest in the matrix, but only a 15% decrease when 99% of the matrix was plantation forest. However, this plantation forest effect was strongly nonlinear, with most of the benefits of increasing plantation forest cover occurring before plantations reached even 10% of the matrix. Conversely, increasing plantation forest cover had minimal effects when the matrix was already dominated by plantation forest, or when native forest cover was high. Previous research has confirmed that matrix quality can strongly influence the biodiversity of fragmented landscapes, but results from our study system suggest that managing the matrix to benefit biodiversity could be surprisingly straightforward. Most of these benefits may be achieved by maintaining a small proportion of the matrix as high‐quality land uses.
The Travels of Democracy and Education: A Cross‐Cultural Reception History
Authors: Striano Maura
Published: April 2016

After its publication in 1916, Democracy and Education opened up a global debate about educational thought that is still ongoing. Various translations of Dewey's work, appearing at different times, have aided in introducing his ideas within different conversations and across different cultures. The introduction of Dewey's masterwork through academic, institutional, or political avenues has influenced its reception within contemporary educational scenarios; these avenues need to be taken into account when analyzing the book's reception as well as its impact on the reconstruction of educational discourse.
“A Liberation of Powers”: Agency and Education for Democracy
Authors: Boyte Harry C. , Finders Margaret J.
Published: April 2016

In this essay Harry Boyte and Margaret Finders argue that addressing the “shrinkage” of education and democracy requires acting politically to reclaim and augment Deweyan agency‐focused concepts of democracy and education. Looking at agency from the vantage of civic studies, which advances a politics of agency — a citizen politics that is different from ideological politics — and citizens as cocreators of political communities, Boyte and Finders explore the technocratic trends that have eclipsed agency. These disempower educators, students, and communities. Using the case study of the youth empowerment initiative Public Achievement and its translation into the Special Education Program and partnerships of Augsburg College, the authors conclude with an examination of how agentic practices have survived in “shadow spaces” in schools, how such spaces might be turned into “free spaces” for democratic change, and how teacher education needs to prepare “citizen teachers” as well as promoting pedagogies of empowerment. These suggest grounds for a movement of hope and democratic change.
Educating Homo Oeconomicus? “The Disadvantages of a Commercial Spirit” for the Realization of Democracy and Education
Authors: Stengel Barbara S.
Published: April 2016

At present, the structures, practice, and discourse of schooling are anchored to a “commercial spirit” that understands students, educators, and parents as economic operators trading competitively in human capital and to a discourse of failure that is disabling those who seek to understand and enact John Dewey's notion of education as democratic practice. Here Barbara Stengel illustrates both the commercial spirit in public schools and the discourse of school failure across two geopolitical settings: Shanghai, China, and urban U.S. schools. She argues that framing the educational enterprise in terms of economic success and failure makes it difficult for educators to address Dewey's vision of democracy and education substantively. Stengel concludes with an acknowledgment that, regardless of putative political commitments, these two public school systems are schooling — though not often educating — the same neoliberal subject, but that Dewey's vision of democracy and education nonetheless remains critical and compelling.
Reply to letter to editor: Maxillary odontogenic myxoma in young horses: Six cases (2003–2011)
Authors: Fjordbakk C. T.
Published: April 2016

See article by C. T. Fjordbakk and correspondence by BJ Hilbert
Letter to editor: Maxillary odontogenic myxoma in young horses: Six cases (2003–2011)
Authors: Hilbert B. J.
Published: April 2016

See article and correspondence by C. T. Fjordbakk
Management and treatment of the sick equine neonate in ambulatory practice
Authors: Austin S. M.
Published: April 2016

The ambulatory practitioner is usually the first to evaluate the equine neonate and must assess the foal and determine its health status. If one or more abnormalities are identified, the practitioner must initiate appropriate treatment and determine whether the foal can be managed successfully on the farm or referred to a specialty centre. This article describes the basic requirements that should be met and the limitations involved in treating compromised neonates on the farm. Treatments for common foal disorders are discussed.
Why Requiring Parents to Pay for Postsecondary Education is Unconstituional and Bad Policy
Authors: Arzoumanidis Sophia
Published: April 2016

For divorced parents, the question of who should pay for their child's college tuition is very difficult, especially when the issue was never addressed in their separation agreement. Consequently, some states allow judges the discretion to extend child support duties for noncustodial parents after considering certain factors. Such factors may lead to the requirement of parental contributions to their child's postsecondary education. While many states have amended their statutes to encompass extended child support, Pennsylvania is the only state to have found their statute unconstitutional. Based on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in Curtis v. Kline, this Note argues that, in order to diminish inequalities between divorced and nondivorced parents, as well as between children of divorced and nondivorced parents, all states should amend their child support statutes to declare that no parent is obligated to pay for his/her child's postsecondary education, unless voluntarily agreed to, in writing, prior to the child entering college.
High Frequency Trading and US Stock Market Microstructure: A Study of Interactions betweenComplexities, Risks and Strategies Residing in U.S. Equity Market Microstructure
Authors: Abrol Samir , Chesir Benjamin , Mehta Nikhil , Ziegler Ron
Published: April 2016

We examine the conditions, complexities and risks of a fragmented market microstructure to contextualize the role of algorithmic and high frequency trading in the US equity markets. The establishment of a national market system and Regulation NMS was meant to promote competition, recognizing the evolution and changing dynamics introduced by technological innovation. This evolution and governing rule set has had many positive effects in terms of competition, fee compression, tighter spread potential and volumes. Our paper identifies certain unintended consequences and complexities of the national market system including fragmentation, sub second quoting and trading, complex order types, data asymmetry, technological innovation, unique strategies and the algorithms that power them. When acting in concert, these complexities give rise to opportunities as well as emerging risks.

This high‐speed system can be unstable and susceptible to inherent conflicts of interest, market abuse and price shocks. These shocks can be amplified by positive feedback loops accelerating single stock declines and also posing systemic risks in time scales beyond real‐time physical human comprehension and reaction times. Furthermore they can produce contagion, which we refer to as ‘Flash Splashes’ caused by rapid withdrawals and injections of liquidity in increasingly linked asset classes, indices, sectors and global liquidity pools. High frequency trading strategies can be both passive and aggressive and usually display risk averse and low inventory characteristics. These strategies leverage fragmentation as they create or capture informational asymmetries. They interact directly with sell side algorithms that can hide intentions, hunt liquidity and sweep the order book. These interactions create market dynamics that can benefit and challenge anyone exposed to US equity markets.

Every market participant has a risk profile unique to their strategy and objective and while regulations will be enriched or revised and certain unfair practices eliminated great attention should be paid to understanding modern high speed trading risks and both the positive and negative impacts on all stakeholders. We have examined the regulations, complexities and risks to bring clarity and understanding to the current trading ecosystem for its users.
High retention of 15N‐labeled nitrogen deposition in a nitrogen saturated old‐growth tropical forest
Authors: Gurmesa Geshere Abdisa , Lu Xiankai , Gundersen Per , Mao Qinggong , Zhou Kaijun , Fang Yunting , Mo Jiangming
Published: April 2016

The effects of increased reactive nitrogen (N) deposition in forests depend largely on its fate in the ecosystems. However, our knowledge on the fates of deposited N in tropical forest ecosystems and its retention mechanisms is limited. Here, we report the results from the first whole ecosystem 15N labeling experiment performed in a N‐rich old‐growth tropical forest in southern China. We added 15N tracer monthly as 15NH415NO3 for 1 year to control plots and to N‐fertilized plots (N‐plots, receiving additions of 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for 10 years). Tracer recoveries in major ecosystem compartments were quantified 4 months after the last addition. Tracer recoveries in soil solution were monitored monthly to quantify leaching losses. Total tracer recovery in plant and soil (N retention) in the control plots was 72% and similar to those observed in temperate forests. The retention decreased to 52% in the N‐plots. Soil was the dominant sink, retaining 37% and 28% of the labeled N input in the control and N‐plots, respectively. Leaching below 20 cm was 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in the control plots and was close to the N input (51 kg N ha−1 yr−1), indicating N saturation of the top soil. Nitrogen addition increased N leaching to 73 kg N ha−1 yr−1. However, of these only 7 and 23 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in the control and N‐plots, respectively, originated from the labeled N input. Our findings indicate that deposited N, like in temperate forests, is largely incorporated into plant and soil pools in the short term, although the forest is N‐saturated, but high cycling rates may later release the N for leaching and/or gaseous loss. Thus, N cycling rates rather than short‐term N retention represent the main difference between temperate forests and the studied tropical forest.
Evaluating Groundwater Interbasin Flow Using Multiple Models and Multiple Types of Data
Authors: Ye Ming , Wang Liying , Pohlmann Karl. F. , Chapman Jenny B.
Published: April 2016

The groundwater interbasin flow, Qy, from the north of Yucca Flat into Yucca Flat simulated using the Death Valley Regional Flow System (DVRFS) model greatly exceeds assessments obtained using other approaches. This study aimed to understand the reasons for the overestimation and to examine whether the Qy estimate can be reduced. The two problems were tackled from the angle of model uncertainty by considering six models revised from the DVRFS model with different recharge components and hydrogeological frameworks. The two problems were also tackled from the angle of parametric uncertainty for each model by first conducting Morris sensitivity analysis to identify important parameters and then conducting Monte Carlo simulations for the important parameters. The uncertainty analysis is general and suitable for tackling similar problems; the Morris sensitivity analysis has been utilized to date in only a limited number of regional groundwater modeling. The simulated Qy values were evaluated by using three kinds of calibration data (i.e., hydraulic head observations, discharge estimates, and constant‐head boundary flow estimates). The evaluation results indicate that, within the current DVRFS modeling framework, the Qy estimate can only be reduced to about half of the original estimate without severely deteriorating the goodness‐of‐fit to the calibration data. The evaluation results also indicate that it is necessary to develop a new hydrogeological framework to produce new flow patterns in the DVRFS model. The issues of hydrogeology and boundary flow are being addressed in a new version of the DVRFS model planned for release by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Effect of Temporal Changes in Air Injection Rate on Air Sparging Performance Groundwater Remediation
Authors: Ben Neriah Asaf , Paster Amir
Published: April 2016

Air sparging (AS) is a commonly applied method for treating groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When using a constant injection of air (continuous mode), a decline in remediation efficiency is often observed, resulting from insufficient mixing of contaminants at the pore scale. It is well known that turning the injection on and off (pulsed mode) may lead to a better remediation performance. In this article, we investigate groundwater mixing and contaminant removal efficiency in different injection modes (i.e., continuous and pulsed), and compare them to those achieved in a third mode, which we denote as “rate changing.” In this mode, injection is always on, and its rate is varying with time by abrupt changes. For the purpose of this investigation, we conducted two separate sets of experiments in a laboratory tank. In the first set of experiments, we used dye plume tracing to characterize the mixing induced by AS. In the second set of experiments, we contaminated the tank with a VOC and compared the remediation efficiency between the different injection modes. As expected, we observed that time‐variable injection modes led to enhanced mixing and contaminant removal. The decrease in contaminant concentrations during the experiment was found to be double for the “rate changing” and “pulsed” modes compared to the continuous mode, with a slightly preferable performance for the “rate changing” mode. These results highlight the critical role that mixing plays in AS, and support the need for further investigation of the proposed “rate changing” injection mode.
The Introduction and Formalization of Civil Law in the East Syrian Church in the Late Sasanian–Early Islamic Periods
Authors: Simonsohn Uriel
Published: April 2016

This essay is concerned with the social and ideological accommodations of the East Syrian Church in Late Antiquity, by first incorporating, and later expanding a body of civil law. First under late Sasanian rule and then under its Islamic successor, East Syrian church leaders sought to promote and elaborate a distinct communal law that would solidify the primacy of ecclesiastical institutions and the communal fidelity of East Syrian Christians. An East Syrian ecclesiastical interest in worldly affairs was initially manifested in the contexts of an institutionally permeable Sasanian setting and of a rich matrix of Christian–Zoroastrian ties. Following the Islamic takeover, the expansion and subsequent codification of civil regulations in the eighth and ninth centuries were the products of a clearly defined community. Under early Islamic rule, the incorporation of civil regulations in ecclesiastical law speaks of the growing purview of the ecclesiastical judiciary and the institutional and theological competition that was posed by Islam.
Electrochemical dissolution of fractured nickel–titanium instruments in human extracted teeth
Authors: Kowalczuck A. , Silva Neto U. X. , Fariniuk L. F. , Westphalen V. P. D. , Laurindo C. A. H. , Carneiro E.
Published: April 2016

Aim

To assess the effect of sodium chloride concentration in fluoridated solutions during the electrochemical dissolution of fractured rotary endodontic instruments.

Methodology

Two solutions were assessed (solution 1: NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 1 g L−1, pH = 5.0; and solution 2: NaF 12 g L−1 + NaCl 180 g L−1, pH = 5.0) using two tests: the ProTaper Universal F1 (PTU F1) instrument polarization test and the polarization test for intracanal PTU F1 fragments fractured in mandibular incisors. In the first test, two sets of five instruments were separately and partially immersed in each solution, and the electrical current was evaluated over 30 min. In the second test, 45 PTU F1 instruments were fractured within the root canals of mandibular incisors and subjected to potentiodynamic polarization for 30 min. The electrical current and the variations in the length of PTU F1 fragments were measured. The data were analysed statistically (anova and Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests, respectively).

Results

Solution 2 was associated with more corrosive effects in both tests. In the first test, the PTU F1 instruments immersed in solution 2 had a higher electrical current (P < 0.001) and had a total dissolution time of approximately 540 s. In the second test, a larger difference between the baseline and final lengths of the fragments was noted in solution 2 (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

Saturation of fluoridated solution with sodium chloride led to an increase in electrical current and microscopic reductions in the length of fractured instrument fragments subjected to electrochemical dissolution.
Knowledge, use and perceived relevance of a profession’s Competency Standards; implications for Pharmacy Education
Authors: Nash Rose E , Chalmers Leanne , Stupans Ieva , Brown Natalie
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine the extent of use and perceived relevance of the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia (NCS). Based on these findings, to suggest approaches for the enhancement of pharmacy education for the profession locally and globally.

Methods

Convenience sampling techniques were employed between November 2013 and June 2014 in conducting an online survey with Australian pharmacy students, interns, pharmacists and educators.

Key findings

Data from 527 participants were included in the final analysis. Fewer students (52%, 96/183) and interns 78% (69/88) knew the NCS framing pharmacy practice compared with pharmacists (86%, 115/134). Despite knowledge that the NCS existed most participants reported poor familiarity with and use of the NCS. Registered pharmacists reported annual use but not for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plans or annual re-registration requirements. Respondents reported that practical use of NCS (e.g. mentoring interns) increased their use for personal needs. Some participants suggested regular instruction on self-assessment skills development would enhance meaningful use of the NCS.

Conclusion

Despite self-assessment against NCS being mandated annually, Australia’s practising pharmacists provided explanations for why this is not common in practice. The barriers provided by respondents are interconnected; their enablers are practical solutions to each barrier. The findings reinforce the notion that student pharmacists must have their competency standards, life-long learning and self-assessment skills embedded into their university curriculum to ensure a strong foundation for practice. The opportunity offered by periodic renewal of standards must prompt regular profession-wide evaluation of its education to practice nexus. Insights and author recommendations are portable to the pharmacy profession globally.
A systematic review on the association between molar incisor hypomineralization and dental caries
Authors: Americano Gabriela Caldeira Andrade , Jacobsen Pernille Endrup , Soviero Vera Mendes , Haubek Dorte
Published: April 2016

Background

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a defect of enamel. The lower strength of the enamel can lead to fractures that predispose for plaque accumulation and caries.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to assess the association between MIH and caries.

Design

Studies involving children of all ages, which reported results on MIH and caries in the permanent dentition, were considered eligible. A search was performed in PubMed and was limited to the period from January 2003 to November 2015, and to studies written in English. Reviews, meta‐analyses, and case reports were excluded. The studies were evaluated by use of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS).

Results

Seventeen publications were compiled in the review. Most publications reported that children with MIH have higher caries experience. One study did not observe a difference in DMF values among children affected or not by MIH. Three studies reported that children with MIH were 2.1 to 4.6 times more likely to have caries in the permanent dentition than children without MIH.

Conclusions

A significant association between MIH and caries was found. The results should, however, be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of high‐quality studies. The present systematic review confirms the need for further well‐designed studies.
Influenza activity in Kenya, 2007–2013: timing, association with climatic factors, and implications for vaccination campaigns
Authors: Emukule Gideon O. , Mott Joshua A. , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Viboud Cecile , Commanday Alexander , Muthoka Philip , Munywoki Patrick K. , Nokes David J. , van der Velden Koos , Paget John W.
Published: April 2016

Background

Information on the timing of influenza circulation remains scarce in Tropical regions of Africa.

Objectives

We assessed the relationship between influenza activity and several meteorological factors (temperature, specific humidity, precipitation) and characterized the timing of influenza circulation and its implications to vaccination strategies in Kenya.

Methods

We analyzed virologically confirmed influenza data for outpatient influenza‐like illness (ILI), hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), and cases of severe pneumonia over the period 2007–2013. Using logistic and negative binomial regression methods, we assessed the independent association between climatic variables (lagged up to 4 weeks) and influenza activity.

Results

There were multiple influenza epidemics occurring each year and lasting a median duration of 2–4 months. On average, there were two epidemics occurring each year in most of the regions in Kenya, with the first epidemic occurring between the months of February and March and the second one between July and November. Specific humidity was independently and negatively associated with influenza activity. Combinations of low temperature (<18°C) and low specific humidity (<11 g/kg) were significantly associated with increased influenza activity.

Conclusions

Our study broadens understanding of the relationships between seasonal influenza activity and meteorological factors in the Kenyan context. While rainfall is frequently thought to be associated with influenza circulation in the tropics, the present findings suggest low humidity is more important in Kenya. If annual vaccination were a component of a vaccination strategy in Kenya, the months of April to June are proposed as optimal for associated campaigns.
MicroRNA‐224 regulates self‐renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells via targeting DMRT1
Authors: Cui Na , Hao Guimin , Zhao Zhiming , Wang Feng , Cao Jinfeng , Yang Aimin
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs (miRs) play a key role in the control of gene expression in a wide array of tissue systems, where their functions include the regulation of self‐renewal, cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. However, the function and mechanisms of individual miRs in regulating spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) homeostasis remain unclear. In the present study, we report for the first time that miR‐224 is highly expressed in mouse SSCs. Functional assays using miRNA mimics and inhibitors reveal that miR‐224 is essential for differentiation of SSCs. Mechanistically, miR‐224 promotes differentiation of SSCs via targeting doublesex and Mab‐3‐related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1). Moreover, WNT/β‐catenin signalling pathway is involved in miR‐224‐mediated regulation of SSCs self‐renewal. We further demonstrate that miR‐224 overexpression increases the expression of GFRα1 and PLZF, accompanied by the down‐regulation of DMRT1 in mouse testes. Our findings provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms regulating differentiation of SSCs and may have important implications for regulating male reproduction.
The insights of Let‐7 miRNAs in oncogenesis and stem cell potency
Authors: Sun Xin , Liu Jian , Xu Chongwen , Tang Shou‐Ching , Ren Hong
Published: April 2016

The ability of the classic tumour‐suppressive let‐7 family to inhibit carcinogenesis, tumour progression, recurrence and pluripotency of cancer stem cells has generated significant interest in the field of cancer research. Through suppressing and degrading downstream‐targeted mRNAs, let‐7 affected most aspects of cell biology. It is perplexing how let‐7 affects oncogenesis, as the large influx of new miRNAs and other kinds of non‐coding RNAs are continuously defined. In this review, we delineate the complex functions of let‐7 and discuss the future direction of let‐7 research.
Growth hormone receptors in the atherinid Odontesthes bonariensis: characterization and expression profile after fasting–refeeding and growth hormone administration
Authors: Botta P. E. , Simó I. , Sciara A. A. , Arranz S. E.
Published: April 2016

In order to improve the understanding of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis, growth hormone (Gh)‐insulin‐like growth factor‐1(Igf1) axis, O. bonariensis growth hormone receptor type 1 (ghr1) and type 2 (ghr2) mRNA sequences were obtained. Both transcripts were ubiquitously expressed except in kidney, encephalon and anterior intestine. Alternative transcripts of both receptors were found in muscle. Interestingly, two different ghr2 transcripts with alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites located in the long 3′ untranslated region (UTR‐APA) were also found in liver. Hepatic ghr1, ghr2 and insulin‐like growth factor type 1 (igf1) transcript levels were examined under two different metabolic conditions. In the first experimental condition, fish were fasted for 2 weeks and then re‐fed for another 2 weeks. Despite igf1 mRNA relative expression did not show significant differences under the experimental period of time examined, both ghr transcripts decreased their expression levels after the fasting period and returned to their control levels after re‐feeding. In the second treatment, recombinant O. bonariensis growth hormone (r‐pjGh) was orally administered once a week. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver igf1, ghr1 and ghr2 mRNA relative expression increased (13, 4·5 and 2·1 fold, P < 0·05) compared to control values. These results add novel information to the growth hormone‐insulin‐like growth factor system in teleosts.
Pethia sanjaymoluri, a new species of barb (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the northern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Katwate U. , Jadhav S. , Kumkar P. , Raghavan R. , Dahanukar N.
Published: April 2016

Pethia sanjaymoluri, a new cyprinid, is described from the Pavana and Nira tributaries of Bhima River, Krishna drainage, Maharashtra, India. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characteristics that includes an incomplete lateral line, absence of barbels, upper lip thick and fleshy, 23–25 lateral series scales, 7–12 lateral‐line pored scales, 10 predorsal scales, 11–14 prepelvic scales, 17–20 pre‐anal scales, 4½ scales between dorsal‐fin origin and lateral line, four scales between lateral line and pelvic‐fin origin, 8–15 pairs of serrae on distal half of dorsal‐fin spine, 12–14 branched pectoral‐fin rays, 4 + 26 total vertebrae, 4 + 5 predorsal vertebrae, 4 + 13 abdominal vertebrae, 13 caudal vertebrae and a unique colour pattern comprising a humeral spot positioned below the lateral line and encompassing the third and fourth lateral‐line scales and one scale below, one caudal spot on 17th–21st lateral‐line scales with a yellow hue on its anterior side and apical half of dorsal fin studded with melanophores making the fin tip appear black. Genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence suggests that the species is distinct from other known species of Pethia for which data are available.
Identification of Risk Factors for Mortality and Poor‐Quality‐of‐Life Survival in Frail Older Women Participating in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Zaslavsky Oleg , Woods Nancy F. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Cauley Jane A. , Johnson Karen C. , Cochrane Barbara B. , Sagi Shira Zelber
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To identify potentially modifiable factors associated with overall and poor‐quality‐of‐life (QoL) survival in physically frail older women.

Design

Prospective study with 7 years of follow‐up to examine mortality and, in survivors with a QoL measurement within the next 3 years, to examine poor‐ versus good‐QoL patterns of survival.

Setting

Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS).

Participants

Frail older women (N = 11,070; average age 72.6, range 65–82).

Measurements

Frailty was defined using the modified Fried criteria. Study outcomes were overall survival and global QoL. Risk factors were measured at the first follow‐up clinic visit for WHI OS participants between 1997 and 2001.

Results

Of 11,070 frail women, 1,487 (13%) died. After 2,677 survivors with poor or unknown QoL were excluded at study baseline, 3,153 (46%) reported good QoL, and 1,263 (18%) reported poor QoL at the end of study follow‐up; QoL measures for 2,490 (38%) were unavailable. Older age, history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, poor self‐rated health, body mass index less than 25.0 kg/m2, waist circumference greater than 88 cm, systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg, high number and severity of somatic symptoms, smoking, and low education were associated with greater likelihood of poor‐QoL survival. Cumulative baseline risk scores demonstrated an approximately linear increase in probability of poor‐QoL survival with an increase in risk factors. The probability of poor‐QoL survival was 0.19 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15–0.22) in those with zero to two risk factors and 0.40 (95% CI = 0.35–0.44) in those with six or more risk factors.

Conclusion

Several potentially important risk factors for aging well that can be monitored in clinical and research settings, some of which are modifiable, were identified in a large group of frail old women.