bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury Poisoning as a Cause of Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Gençpınar Pınar , Büyüktahtakın Başak , İbişoğlu Zeynep , Genç Şakir , Yılmaz Aygen , Mıhçı Ercan
Published: August 2014

Mercury poisoning is a rare but fatal toxicologic emergency. Neurologic manifestations involving the central nervous system are seen usually with chronic mercury intoxication. The most commonly seen complaints are headache, tremor, impaired cognitive skills, weakness, muscle atrophy, and paresthesia. Here, we present a male patient who was chronically exposed to elemental mercury and had papilledema and intracranial hypertension without parenchymal lesion in the central nervous system. A 12-year-old male patient was referred to our emergency room because of severe fatigue, generalized muscle pain and weakness, which was present for a month. Physical examination revealed painful extremities, decreased motor strength and the lack of deep tendon reflexes in lower extremities. He had mixed type polyneuropathy in his electromyography. Whole blood and 24-hour urinary mercury concentrations were high. A chelation therapy with succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid) was started on the fourth day of his admission. On the seventh day of his admission, he developed headache and nausea, and bilateral papilledema and intracranial hypertension were detected on physical examination. Acetazolamide was started and after 1 month of treatment, the fundi examination was normal. The patient stayed in the hospital for 35 days and was then discharged with acetazolamide, vitamin B6, gabapentin, and followed as an outpatient. His clinical findings were relieving day by day. Although headache is the most common symptom in mercury poisoning, the clinician should evaluate the fundus in terms of intracranial hypertension.
Explaining Dimensions of State-Level Punitiveness in the United States
Authors: Neill Katharine A. , Yusuf Juita-Elena (Wie) , Morris John C.
Published: August 2014

The United States currently imprisons more citizens than any other Western nation. Over the last few decades, the trend across the United States has been to increase penalties for many offenses. This increase in state punitiveness has likely contributed to the existing state of mass incarceration. If there are certain factors that enhance a state’s penchant for punitiveness, identifying these factors can offer a better understanding of mass incarceration and why certain policy choices are made. Drawing from theories of social control and racial threat, we test social and economic explanations for variations in state punitiveness across several dimensions. We find the effect of the independent variables is not uniform across the dimensions, suggesting there is a difference in how criminal justice policy decisions are made depending on the policy area in question. This finding begs for further investigation into the issue of state punitiveness.
Synthesis of soluble polyimides based on ether-linked cyclohexyldiamine and their ultraviolet shielding behavior
Authors: Revathi Rajamanickam , Prabunathan Pichaimani , Devaraju Subramani , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: August 2014

A series of polyimides (PIs) based on ether-linked cyclohexyldiamine were prepared using pyromellitic dianhydride (PI-1), benzophenone dianhydride (PI-2), naphthalene dianhydride (PI-3), and perylene dianhydride (PI-4) in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) medium to obtain respective polyamic acids and are subsequently converted into PIs through thermal imidization. The resulting PIs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and impedance analyses. In addition, the ultraviolet (UV) shielding ability of PIs was also studied and discussed. The vibrational analysis confirms the imidization, and the XRD profile indicates the amorphous nature of the resulting PIs. The PIs synthesized in the present work exhibit good solubility in organic solvents such as NMP, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The PI-4-based imide possesses very good solubility with the highest glass transition temperature value of 256°C, highest char yield of 50.16%, highest dielectric constant of 3.9 and higher UV shielding performance of 89% than those of other PIs. Further, the good solubility also makes them useful for coating applications in aerospace and liquid crystal displays.
Organosoluble and optically active polyamides based on axially asymmetric 9,9′-spirobifluorene moieties
Authors: Wu Zuolin , Han Baochun , Zhang Chunhua , Zhu Danyang , Peng Bo , Gao Lianxun , Ding Mengxian , Yang Zhenghua
Published: August 2014

Optically active polyamides containing axially asymmetric 9,9′-spirobifluorene units in the main chain were synthesized for the first time by low-temperature solution polycondensation of ( R)-2,2′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-9,9′-spirobifluorene with various diacyl chlorides. All these polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.28–0.43 dL g−1. These polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in many organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrolidone, N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dimethyl sulfoxide, and tetrahydrofuran. The glass transition temperatures of these polyamides were recorded in the range of 199–261°C by differential scanning calorimetry, and the 10% weight loss temperatures were over 410°C both under nitrogen and in air atmospheres. The specific rotations of these chiral polyamides oscillated between 65.0° and 127.8° depending on the structures of the diacid chlorides. All the optically active polymers exhibited high chiral stability in solid state or in DMAc solvent at high temperature due to incorporation of chiral spirobifluorone unit in polymer backbones. The ultraviolet–visible and circular dichroism spectroscopic properties of these chiral polyamides in solutions were also studied.
Vibrational energy flow analysis of coupled cylindrical shell-plate structure with general boundary and coupling conditions
Authors: Chen YH , Jin GY , Liu ZG
Published: August 2014

An analytical study on the vibration and energy flow behaviors of a coupled cylindrical shell-plate structure is presented. An analytical model capable of handling general boundary and coupling conditions is developed in which the interactions of all internal forces and moments for both the shell and plate have been taken into account at the junction via four types of coupling springs with arbitrary stiffness and covering all the degrees of freedom, and each of the plate and shell displacement functions is expressed as the superposition of a two-dimensional Fourier series and several supplementary functions. The unknown expansions coefficients are obtained using the Rayleigh-Ritz procedure. The effectiveness and accuracy of the present solution are validated against the FEM results. The energy flow behaviors through this structure are investigated through parametric power flow and structural intensity analysis. The contribution of internal forces or moments to the power flow and the influence of key system parameters on the energy flow are analyzed numerically, including coupling locations, coupling conditions, boundary conditions, and excitation location. The results shed light on the effects of system parameters on the energy flow behaviors of the class of coupled shell-plate structure.
A case of relapsed visceral Kaposi’s sarcoma with bilateral chylothoraces successfully treated with paclitaxel
Authors: Natarajan Pavithra , Miller Alastair
Published: August 2014

Chylothorax is a rare complication of visceral Kaposi’s sarcoma. We report a case with bilateral chylothoraces secondary to relapsed visceral Kaposi’s sarcoma who was successfully treated with paclitaxel chemotherapy.
Assessment of Internalized Stigma Among Patients With Mental Disorders in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India
Authors: James Tintu T. , Kutty V. Raman
Published: August 2014

This study aims to compare the prevalence of high internalized stigma of mental illness among patients attending community-based and psychiatric hospital–based care in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India and to examine the factors associated with high internalized stigma. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 290 patients, mean age 45 years, 38.2% and 61.8% female. A Malayalam version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness inventory was used for assessing internalized stigma. A multistage random sampling method was adopted. The prevalence of high internalized stigma was higher among patients from community-based care (44.7%) as compared with those from psychiatric hospital–based care (34.1%). Apart from treatment in community-based care, age ≤45 years, unemployment, absence of long-term friendships, no hope of cure with medication, presence of other illnesses, and substance use were significantly associated with high internalized stigma. More than one third of the subjects had high internalized stigma.
Hematology as a diagnostic tool in bovine medicine
Authors: Roland Leonie , Drillich Marc , Iwersen Michael
Published: August 2014

The objective of the current review is to provide the reader with an overview of the bovine hematological profile. Sample collection, bovine reference ranges, and cattle-specific characteristics of erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters are reviewed. Furthermore, diseases associated with abnormalities in the complete blood cell count of cattle are discussed.
Sensorimotor Adaptation
Authors: Della-Maggiore Valeria , Landi Sofia M. , Villalta Jorge I.
Published: August 2014

One of the most striking properties of the adult central nervous system is its ability to undergo changes in function and/or structure. In mammals, learning is a major inducer of adaptive plasticity. Sensorimotor adaptation is a type of procedural—motor—learning that allows maintaining accurate movements in the presence of environmental or internal perturbations by adjusting motor output. In this work, we will review experimental evidence gathered from rodents and human and nonhuman primates pointing to possible sites of adaptation-related plasticity at different levels of organization of the nervous system.
Sustainability and Transportation
Authors: Leuenberger Deniz Zeynep , Bartle John R. , Chen Can
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the evolution of the U.S. transportation system with a particular focus on transportation sustainability. Drawing from transportation history and emerging sustainability practice, the paper articulates new roles for public administration practitioners to enable them to promote sustainable transportation.
Impacts of inland water area changes on the local climate of Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhou Xuefan , Ooka Ryozo , Chen Hong , Kawamoto Yoichi , Kikumoto Hideki
Published: August 2014

A distinct feature of Wuhan is that almost a quarter of the total area of this city is covered with water, leading to its unique hot and humid climate characteristics in summer. However, according to records, water area in built-up zone of Wuhan has been reduced by 130.5 km2 from 1965 to 2008, while the annual average air temperature has been increased by more than 3℃. To investigate the quantitative connection between the water area reduction and air temperature increase, three scenarios were simulated in a summer; to evaluate the impact of water reduction on the local thermal environment in different water areas; and to study the impact of water reduction on the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. Meso-scale meteorological models of Weather Research and Forecasting model were applied in this study for quantitative assessment and prediction. With the predictions, this study reveals that the decreased water area could affect air temperature, wind velocity and wind flow direction, energy balance and the UHI intensity. The simulations show that areas with significant wind velocity, wind direction and air temperature differences are distributed among the downwind zones. Moreover, the areas with high UHI intensity are wider and farther from the boundary of urban areas because of the reduction of water areas.
Transformation of the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic Into a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Day Unit
Authors: Manu Chris A. , Mustafa Omar G. , Bates Maureen , Vivian Gill , Mulholland Nicola , Elias David , Huang Dean Y. , Deane Colin , Cavale Naveen , Kavarthapu Venu , Rashid Hisham , Edmonds Michael
Published: August 2014

The natural history of the diabetic foot is aggressive and complex. To counteract this, we describe the transformation of a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic into a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Day Unit, which delivers an emergency open access system for patients, with a “one-stop,” same day service in which investigations are performed, results reviewed and treatment implemented. It also provides joint clinics with vascular, orthopaedic, and plastic surgeons and specialized clinics for casting of complex neuropathic feet and for the administration of intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics on the same day. The aim was to document these increasingly wide-ranging facilities by undertaking a retrospective evaluation over a 6-week period, with analysis of notes, investigations, and an anonymous patient satisfaction survey. The clinic was visited by 597 patients who attended in 1076 appointments, of which 112 (10.4%) were emergency visits; these patients attended the clinic without a booked appointment but via an open access policy, 93 of whom were known to the clinic, but 19 were new self-referred patients to the service. Furthermore, 197 (18%) were seen in a Joint Vascular Diabetic Foot Clinic and 98 (9%) were seen in a Joint Orthopaedic Plastic Diabetic Foot Clinic, 570 (53%) were seen in an Active Ulcer Clinic and 97 (9%) in a Total Contact Casting Clinic. Forty-five percent of patients were prescribed antibiotics, including 188 (76%) as oral and 45(18%) as intravenous antibiotics and 15(6%) as intramuscular injections. Of the 1076 appointments, 150 (14%) patients were in the foot clinic for more than 4 hours. Sixty (10%) patients were reviewed 4 or more times over the 6-week period. Only 22 (2%) were admitted to hospital. Of the 125 survey responders, 98% were satisfied with this service, which has evolved from a Diabetic Foot Clinic into a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Day Unit.
Varied Overground Walking Training Versus Body-Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Adults Within 1 Year of Stroke
Authors: DePaul Vincent G. , Wishart Laurie R. , Richardson Julie , Thabane Lehana , Ma Jinhui , Lee Timothy D.
Published: August 2014

Background: Although task-related walking training has been recommended after stroke, the theoretical basis, content, and impact of interventions vary across the literature. There is a need for a comparison of different approaches to task-related walking training after stroke. Objective: To compare the impact of a motor-learning-science–based overground walking training program with body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in ambulatory, community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke onset. Methods: In this rater-blinded, 1:1 parallel, randomized controlled trial, participants were stratified by baseline gait speed. Participants assigned to the Motor Learning Walking Program (MLWP) practiced various overground walking tasks under the supervision of 1 physiotherapist. Cognitive effort was encouraged through random practice and limited provision of feedback and guidance. The BWSTT program emphasized repetition of the normal gait cycle while supported on a treadmill and assisted by 1 to 3 therapy staff. The primary outcome was comfortable gait speed at postintervention assessment (T2). Results: In total, 71 individuals (mean age = 67.3; standard deviation = 11.6 years) with stroke (mean onset = 20.9 [14.1] weeks) were randomized (MLWP, n = 35; BWSTT, n = 36). There was no significant between-group difference in gait speed at T2 (0.002 m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.11, 0.12; P > .05). The MLWP group improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.09, 0.19), and the BWSTT group improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.08, 0.20). Conclusions: In this sample of community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke, a 15-session program of varied overground walking-focused training was not superior to a BWSTT program of equal frequency, duration, and in-session step activity.
Objectively measured sleep and β-amyloid burden in older adults: A pilot study
Authors: Spira Adam P , Yager Christopher , Brandt Jason , Smith Gwenn S , Zhou Yun , Mathur Anil , Kumar Anil , Brašić James R , Wong Dean F , Wu Mark N
Published: August 2014

Background/aims:

Although disturbed sleep is associated with cognitive deficits, the association between sleep disturbance and Alzheimer’s disease pathology is unclear. In this pilot study, we examined the extent to which sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep-disordered breathing are associated with β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in the brains of living humans.

Methods:

We studied 13 older adults (8 with normal cognition and 5 with mild cognitive impairment). Participants completed neuropsychological testing, polysomnography, and Aβ imaging with [11C]-Pittsburgh compound B.

Results:

Among participants with mild cognitive impairment, higher apnea–hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index were associated with greater Aβ deposition, globally and regionally in the precuneus. There were no significant associations between sleep-disordered breathing and Aβ deposition among cognitively normal participants. There were no significant associations between sleep duration or sleep fragmentation and Aβ deposition.

Conclusion:

These preliminary results suggest that among older adults with mild cognitive impairment, greater sleep-disordered breathing severity is associated with greater Aβ deposition.
How Humanae Vitae has Advanced Reproductive Health
Authors: Doroski Derek M.
Published: August 2014

By encouraging doctors and scientists to improve the regulation of births through the observation of natural fertility rhythms, Humanae vitae promoted the development of natural family planning (NFP). The study of NFP has lead to NFP-based methodologies in reproductive healthcare that are promoting advances in treatment of infertility, miscarriage, and a number of reproductive health disorders. In contrast, the contraceptive mentality has stunted the development of reproductive healthcare. Humanae vitae has provided a great gift to science and reproductive healthcare that all Catholics should be proud of.
Grain size dependence of low-temperature remanent magnetization in natural and synthetic magnetite: Experimental study
Authors: Smirnov Aleksey V.
Published: August 2014

Magnetic measurements at cryogenic temperatures (<300 K) proved to be useful in paleomagnetic and rock magnetic research, stimulating continuous interest to low-temperature properties of magnetite and other magnetic minerals. Here I report new experimental results on a grain size dependence of the ratio (R
LT) between a low-temperature (20 K) saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) imparted in magnetite after cooling in a 2.5 T field (field cooling, FC) and in a zero field environment (zero field cooling, ZFC). Synthetic magnetite samples ranged in mean grain size from 0.15 to 100 μm, representing nearly single-domain (SD), pseudosingle-domain (PSD), and multidomain (MD) magnetic states. The R
LT ratio monotonically increases from 0.58 to 1.12 with the decreasing mean grain size, being close to unity for PSD grains (0.15-5 μm) and smaller than unity for MD magnetite (12-100 μm). The R
LT ratio of 1.27 is observed for acicular magnetite characterized by nearly SD behavior. These observations indicate that within the range of ~0.15 to ~5 μm, the low-temperature SIRM may be higher than that expected from “normal” magnetic domain wall displacement. Such a behavior can be caused by the presence of a SD-like component in the magnetization of these grains, which origin, however, is uncertain. The natural rocks containing nearly stoichiometric magnetite manifest a dependence of the R
LT ratio on magnetic domain state identical to that observed from synthetic magnetites. Therefore, the comparison of FC SIRM and ZFC SIRM at very low temperatures may allow a crude estimate of magnetic domain state in some magnetite-bearing rocks, such as shallow mafic intrusions or some marine sediments.
The Taíno: Phenomena, Concepts, and Terms
Authors: Curet L. Antonio
Published: August 2014

The Taíno term and concept has traditionally been used as a designation of some form of cultural identity for the groups that occupied the Greater Antilles at the time of contact. This perspective assumes that these groups shared a cultural background because of a common ancestry. However, this position has been questioned in recent years, and many problems with the concept have been brought to light. This article presents the history of the concept and discusses three recent studies that have proposed new ways to approach the problem. It ends by presenting the implications of this new perspective for future research, their limitations, how they may be misapplied, and to what extent they are applicable in different situations.
Felipa's Braid: Women, Culture, and the Law in Eighteenth-Century Oaxaca
Authors: Premo Bianca
Published: August 2014

This article reassesses the notions of culture that are tied up with our understandings of gender and ethnicity in colonial Oaxaca. It examines the lawsuits indigenous women leveled against husbands and lovers in the eighteenth century to revisit some canonical scholarly claims about gender culture among the region's inhabitants. Traditional scholarship has approached such cases as evidence of women's assertion of agency in their relationships with husbands and lovers or as the ethnic defense of community against the Spanish colonial state. Such approaches sidestep the law itself as a subject of analysis. When compared to the legal activities of inhabitants elsewhere in the empire, we find women's engagement with Spanish justice in Oaxaca was reluctant at best and, at times, at odds with judges' notion of the law as beyond the control of the participants. But women's instrumental engagement with law was not wholly unique to the region. It followed patterns observable in other communities, including Spain. Thus, rather than look at these documents through an ethnic or gendered lens alone, one can also read them as evidence of Oaxacan women's dynamic participation in the creation of a broader imperial legal culture that pitted local peace against legal process.
“Adaptive Resistance,” Conservation, and Development in the Brazilian Amazon: Contradictions of Political Organization and Empowerment in the Kaiabi Diaspora
Authors: Athayde Simone , Schmink Marianne
Published: August 2014

Indigenous peoples have been active players in the process of securing land rights and conserving about 21 percent of the Brazilian Amazon. In this article, we examine advances and contradictions in the process of “adaptive resistance” by Amazonian indigenous peoples in terms of their seeking alliances and funding from outside allies, adapting institutions and social organization, and reconstructing self-representations for securing and managing their territories. Drawing from long-term research among the Kaiabi (Tupi-Guarani) indigenous people, we compare the process of formation of indigenous leaders and indigenous political organizations among three Kaiabi groups—Xingu, Teles Pires, and Rio dos Peixes—following the relocation of the majority of Kaiabi to Xingu Park starting in the 1960s. New models of leadership emerging from interaction with other indigenous groups—from the history of the creation of Xingu Park in Brazil and from access to resources brought by the alliance between indigenous peoples and environmentalism—were important factors enabling political empowerment among the displaced Xingu Kaiabi in contrast with the other two groups. We discuss contradictions of political empowerment and strengthening of indigenous organizations in the Amazon, which may also lead to trade-offs and to the risk of dependence on outside funds and agents. Multicultural organization and alliances provide important platforms to the adaptive resistance and empowerment of diverse Amazonian indigenous peoples.
Beyond Body Counts: A Centennial Rethinking of the Ludlow Massacre
Authors: Rees Jonathan
Published: August 2014

This article is a review of the historiography of the Ludlow Massacre of 1914, beginning in the immediate aftermath of that tragedy and continuing to the present day. During the weeks and years following the massacre, union allies played up the deaths of innocent women and children to bring sympathy to their cause. Once historians began to place the tragedy in context, the victims at Ludlow ceased to be the center of the story. Jonathan Rees suggests that this change in focus distracts from the overall cause of trade unionism because the agency that miners exercised at Ludlow, particularly during the days immediately following the massacre, can inspire a new generation of activists.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ir and Rh Complexes Supported on Layered K4Nb6O17 as a Heterogeneous Photocatalyst for Visible-Light-Induced Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Kawashima Masayoshi , Mori Kohsuke , Aoyama Junya , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: August 2014

Immobilization of photosensitizer cyclometalated iridium(III) ([Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]+) and proton reduction catalyst tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)rhodium(III) ([Rh(bpy)3]3+) complexes onto layered niobate (K4Nb6O17) has been achieved with the aim of developing a photocatalyst for H2 production under visible light irradiation. Ir LIII-edge and Rh K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements suggest that the Ir and Rh complexes are easily immobilized with little effect on the surrounding ligand structure. The photoluminescence emission of the immobilized Ir complex near 550 nm decreases with increasing amounts of adjacent Rh complex, suggesting direct electron transfer from Ir to Rh. The Ir–Rh/K4Nb6O17 acts as a heterogeneous photocatalyst enabling both visible light sensitization and H2 production from an aqueous solution without an electron relay reagent. Leaching and agglomeration of the active metal complexes are not observed after catalytic reactions, and the recovered photocatalyst can be repeatedly recycled without deterioration in its catalytic activity. Moreover, use of exfoliated K4Nb6O17 nanosheets is proven to significantly enhance photocatalytic activity.
How to Calculate the Number of Stereoisomers of Inositol Homologs
Authors: Yajima Arata
Published: August 2014

It is well known that there are nine stereoisomers of inositol that are composed of seven achiral compounds with a pair of enantiomers. However, there is no report regarding larger inositol homologs, contiguously substituted cycloalkane polyols; therefore, the numbers of stereoisomers of such compounds are unknown. This study provides a simple method to calculate the number of stereoisomers of inositol homologs with any carbon number. The established formulae may be useful in attracting novice students to the field of organic chemistry.
Microstructure and the Mobility of Fluorinated Carbon Chain of Reversed Micelles Formed by Cationic Polyfluorinated Surfactant
Authors: Nagashima Minoru , Tsukamoto Takamasa , Shimada Tetsuya , Tryk Donald A , Takagi Shinsuke , Inoue Haruo
Published: August 2014

Cationic polyfluorinated surfactants (CnF2n+1CONH(CH2)2N+(CH3)2(CH2)15CH3Br−; CnF (n = 1–3)) form reversed micelles in organic solvents such as toluene. The reversed micelle formation and their properties were studied by 1H NMR and 19F NMR measurements. The cmc (critical reversed micelle concentration) and the aggregation numbers of reversed micelles formed by fluorinated surfactants were determined. The aggregation numbers of reversed micelles formed by fluorinated surfactant were calculated to be 9–12 in toluene. According to the analysis of NMR longitudinal relaxation time T1, the polyfluorinated reversed micelles were shown to have a very unique microstructure, in which the perfluoroalkyl chains orientate at the interface between organic and water phase, and the mobility of perfluoroalkyl chains in reversed micelles was relatively larger than that of micelles and vesicles. The 19F-T1 values of fluorine nuclei in the terminal trifluoromethyl group of were 750 ± 23, 740 ± 29, and 855 ± 93 ms for C1F, C2F and C3F, respectively.
CyKEGGParser: tailoring KEGG pathways to fit into systems biology analysis workflows
Authors: Nersisyan Lilit , Samsonyan Ruben , Arakelyan Arsen
Published: August 2014

The KEGG pathway database is a widely accepted source for biomolecular pathway maps. In this paper we present the CyKEGGParser app (http://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/cykeggparser) for Cytoscape 3 that allows manipulation with KEGG pathway maps. Along with basic functionalities for pathway retrieval, visualization and export in KGML and BioPAX formats, the app provides unique features for computer-assisted adjustment of inconsistencies in KEGG pathway KGML files and generation of tissue- and protein-protein interaction specific pathways. We demonstrate that using biological context-specific KEGG pathways created with CyKEGGParser makes systems biology analysis more sensitive and appropriate compared to original pathways.
Application of Statistical Methods and Multidimensional Phase Space Methods for Estimation of Chaotic Dynamics of Neuromuscular System Parameters under Acoustic Effects
Authors: Козлова  , Kozlova V. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev Aleksandr , Филатова  , Filatova O.
Published: August 2014

A behavior of a human body state vector (for example, a reaction of tremorogramm parameters) in response to different acoustic effects (white noise, rhythmic music, classical music, hard rock) was studied using the statistical methods of the theory of chaos and self-organization. The authors showed the distinctions in estimation of behavioral dynamics of the neuromuscular system parameters, such as various motor reaction of the left and right hands to the acoustic effect. The common regularities in the dynamics of the neuromuscular system parameters behavioral parameters at various acoustic effects were revealed in Surgut students analyzing the differential responses of the left and right hands. Increased sizes of quasi-attractors of the right hand (under acoustic effects) and variations of quasi-attractors parameters of a left hand proved it. Simultaneously, tremor indicators for left and right hands differ (in 2-3 times). Asymmetry of motor responses from the standpoint of the theory of chaos and self-organization were more marked than according to the stochastic approach.
Stochastic and Chaotic Assessment of Human Involuntary Movements
Authors: Бурыкин  , Burykin Yu. , Вохмина  , Vokhmina Yu. , Филатова  , Filatova D. , Шумилов  , Shumilov S.
Published: August 2014

According to theory of chaos and self-organization calculation of chaotic dynamics of postural tremor parameters is presented. We have shown that stochastic approach, calculation of distribution function for reiterations of measurements, tremorograms in one subject exhibits chaotic dynamics of these functions f(x). Otherwise 15 measurements by 5 seconds tremerograms show impossibility of coincidence f(x) at pairwise comparison (105 pairs) of tremerograms. Functions f(x) can coincide (for pairs of tremorograms) less than 2-5% from the general number without effect on a person. However, physical load increases the coincidence to 10-15%. Simultaneously, all the amplitude-frequency characteristics do not coincide, Lyapunov constants cannot be calculated, but autocorrelation functions do not reach zero. All the stochastic parameters exhibit constant changes. Calculation of quasi-attractors can provide real distinction between biomechanical system before static load and after. Sizes of quasi-attractor (square and volume) can show distinctions in physiological body states for continuous motions x(t), i.e. for dx/dt≠ 0.
Morphological Evaluation of Application Bubbling Sanitation in the Treatment of Aseptic Wounds in Experiment
Authors: Глухов  , Glukhov A. , Лобас  , Lobas Sergey , Микулич  , Mikulich Elena
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the study is evaluation of results of bubbling rehabilitation in treatment of aseptic wounds in experiment. The study was carried out on 48 white mongrel male rats. After simulation of aseptic wounds the rats were divided into two groups. In control group, the treatment of wounds was realized by changing of aseptic bandages 2 times a day with an interval of 8-10 hours. In addition to two-shift bandage in the basic group the software bubbling sanitation in 0.9% NaCl within 3 minutes during the morning ligation was carried out. Histological study was conducted on 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. In the preparations of the control group was lengthening of the terms of the inflammatory phase of wound healing, long-term preservation of necrosis in the muscle layer and uneven development and maturation of granulation tissue. Use of bubbling sanitation in 0,9% NaCl has led to a more rapid and complete the wounds cleansed of microorganisms and the products of tissue destruction, to the balanced development of the full granulation tissue and earlier closure of the wound defect. Higher efficiency of treatment of aseptic wounds by means of the developed method is proven and allows to achieve effective rehabilitation, to prevent the development of complications.
State and Problems of Perfecting of Digitized Array of Domestic Dissertation Research in the Specialty 14.03.10 «Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics»
Authors: Зыбина  , Zybina N. , Евдокимов  , Evdokimov V. , Трегубов  , Tregubov I.
Published: August 2014

Generalized analysis of 427 Russian dissertation researches in the specialty 14.03.10 (14.00.46) «Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics» over the period of 2000-2013 is presented. Currently complete author’s abstracts can be remotely accessed at official sites of institutions with Thesis Boards (since 2007) and at the site of State Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles, Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation (for Doctoral theses – since 2007, for Candidate’s theses – since April 2012). Thesis materials for the year 2013 don’t full in libraries, so the collection of 407 theses for the period of 2000–2012 was used for comparison. In thesis e-library of the Russian State Library 238 theses are digitized, or 55.2% of works total collection in the field of clinical laboratory diagnostics, in e-library of the Russian National Library – 331 author’s abstracts or 81.5 %. The digitized theses materials can be accessed free of charge in libraries reading halls, remote access can be provided for a fee. To optimize information support to scientific research there is a necessity to create in Russia a common theses database at Research Electronic Library, to organize a national subscription to digitized theses materials, and to coordinate the fields of documents scanning. Digitized theses database allows remote access, as well for foreign users. For integration into the world research community one should provide English abstract of the thesis (max. 250–300 characters) on the last page of the author’s abstract.
Micropapillary Pattern and Poorly Differentiated Clusters Represent the Same Biological Phenomenon in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Branca Giovanni , Vitarelli Enrica , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) with a micropapillary pattern and those showing high counts of poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are characterized by a higher probability to develop nodal metastases and have a worse prognosis. In light of the morphologic similarity to the micropapillary component, we aimed to verify whether PDCs also display an inverted secretory pattern.

Methods:

The immunohistochemical expression of MUC1 and E-cadherin was assessed in a cohort of CRCs with PDCs and compared with that observed in CRCs without PDCs.

Results:

PDCs in our cases always displayed an inverted MUC1 pattern. In addition, we found abnormal (lost or cytoplasmic) expression of E-cadherin in PDCs.

Conclusions:

The altered expression of MUC1 and E-cadherin may account for the aggressive behavior and higher metastatic potential of CRCs with high PDC counts and indicate an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings suggest that regardless of the morphologic aspect, PDCs and the micropapillary component may reflect the same biological phenomenon in CRCs. Thus, we wonder whether the micropapillary areas should be considered a variant of CRCs or more objectively counted as PDCs to predict prognosis. We also believe that the term PDC better describes the biological phenomena underlying this peculiar morphologic aspect in comparison with the misnomer micropapillary.
Comparison Between Invasive Breast Cancer With Extensive Peritumoral Vascular Invasion and Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Manfrin Erminia , Remo Andrea , Pancione Massimo , Cannizzaro Claudia , Falsirollo Francesca , Pollini Giovanni Paolo , Pellini Francesca , Molino Annamaria , Brunelli Matteo , Vendraminelli Roberto , Ceccarelli Michele , Pagnotta Stefano Maria , Simeone Ines , Bonetti Franco
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Extensive peritumoral neoplastic lymphovascular invasion (ePVI) is a marker of aggressiveness in invasive breast carcinoma (BC).

Methods:

We explored the impact of ePVI on different BC subtypes. In a total of 2,116 BCs, 91 ePVI-BCs, 70 inflammatory breast carcinomas (IBCs), and 114 casual BCs as a control group (CG-BC) were recruited.

Results:

Patients affected by ePVI-BC were younger, had larger tumors, higher histologic grade, elevated Ki-67 score, Her2/neu overexpressed, and more lymph node metastases compared with CG-BC (P < .001). Interestingly, only younger mean age at diagnosis differentiated patients with ePVI-BC from patients affected by IBC. ePVI-BC showed a clinical outcome intermediate between the prognoses of IBC and CG-BC.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that ePVI-BC and IBC may share some pathologic processes, providing a novel perspective on the heterogeneity of BC. Epidemiologic data and molecular studies on gene expression features are needed to rationally classify these tumors into their identified subtypes.
Developmental evolution and the origins of phenotypic variation
Authors: Lickliter Robert
Published: August 2014

Because of the variability of relevant developmental resources across different environments, and because only a portion of the genome is expressed in any individual organism as a result of its specific developmental context and experience, what is actually realized during the course of individual development represents only one of many possibilities. One conclusion to be drawn from this insight is that the origin of phenotypic traits and their variation can be traced to the process of development. In this conceptual overview, I briefly explore how recent efforts to integrate genetic, epigenetic, and environmental levels of analysis through a developmental lens is advancing our understanding of the generation of the stability and variability of phenotypic outcomes observed within and across generations. A growing body of evidence indicates that phenotypes are the outcomes of the whole developmental system, comprised of the organism, with its particular genetic and cellular make-up in its specific physical, biological, and social environments. I conclude that the emergent products of development are epigenetic, not just genetic, and evolutionary explanation cannot be complete without a developmental mode of analysis.
Educational intervention for parents of adolescents with chronic illness: a pre-post test pilot study
Authors: Akre Christina , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie , Berchtold André , Suris Joan-Carles
Published: August 2014

Objective: This pilot experimental study tested the feasibility and intended effect of an educational intervention for parents to help them assist their adolescent child with chronic illness (CI) in becoming autonomous.

Methods: A two-phase pre-post pilot intervention study targeting parents of adolescents with CI was conducted. Parents were allocated to group 1 and 2 and received the four-module intervention consecutively. Intended effect was measured through online questionnaires for parents and adolescents before, at 2 months after, and at 4–6 months after the intervention. Feasibility was assessed through an evaluation questionnaire for parents.

Results: The most useful considered modules concerned the future of the adolescent and parents and social life. The most valued aspect was to exchange with other parents going through similar problems and receiving a new outlook on their relationship with their child. For parents, improvement trends appeared for shared management, parent protection, and self-efficacy, and worsening trends appeared for coping skills, parental perception of child vulnerability, and parental stress. For adolescents, improvement trends appeared for self-efficacy and parental bonding and worsening trends appeared for shared management and coping skills.

Conclusion: Parents could benefit from peer-to-peer support and education as they support the needed autonomy development of their child. Future studies should test an online platform for parents to find peer support at all times and places.
Service leadership education for university students in Hong Kong: subjective outcome evaluation
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Lin Li , Liu Ting Ting
Published: August 2014

This study examined the perceptions of students taking a subject entitled “Service Leadership” at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After taking the subject, the students were invited to respond to a subjective outcome evaluation measure assessing the perceived program qualities, instructor qualities and perceived benefits of the subject. Regarding the descriptive profile of responses to the items, students displayed positive perceptions of the subject content and teachers, and most of them regarded the subject to be beneficial to their development of service leadership qualities. While the three dimensions of subjective outcome were significantly correlated, perceived program qualities but not perceived instructor qualities predicted perceived effectiveness of the program.
Growth failure associated with early neglect: pilot comparison of neglected US children and international adoptees
Authors: Miller Bradley S. , Spratt Eve G. , Himes John H. , Condon Doreen , Summer Andrea , Papa Carrie E. , Brady Kathleen T.
Published: August 2014

The long-lasting impact of different neglectful environments on growth in children is not well studied. Three groups of children, 3–10 years old, were recruited (n=60): previously institutionalized international adoptees living in stable home environments for at least 2 years (IA; n=15), children with a history of neglect born in the USA (USN; n=17), and controls (n=28). Children underwent physical examination, anthropometry, and collection of serum for growth parameters. Mean height standard deviation scores (SDS) were different (p<0.05). Age-adjusted head circumference (HC) was significantly smaller (p<0.05) in IAs. Insulin growth factor (IGF-1), a marker of growth hormone action, was higher in US neglected children. IGF-1 adjusted for age and weight SDS were different (p<0.05) between control and US neglect groups. The degree of growth failure in height and HC in IAs was more severe than neglected US children. These findings may reflect differences between the impact of chronic and intermittent deprivation on the growth hormone system.
PER UNA NUOVA INTERPRETAZIONE DI ARISTIA, TrGF 9 F 1
Authors: Carrara Laura
Published: August 2014

In the only surviving fragment of Aristias’ Antaeus (TrGF 9 F 1) a difficulty arises when one tries to make sense of the proper name ∫Antaiov, which, in the only source that transmits the fragment (Herodian’s On Lexical Singularity), is featured just before what is usually considered to be the beginning of the fragment itself. Snell’s interpretation of ∫Antaiov as a piece of information provided by Herodian about the identity of the persona loquens is not convincing; however, the expunction of the word preferred by both Lehrs and Lentz is not justified either. Instead of interpreting ∫Antaiov as a word introduced by Herodian or as an explanatory gloss, this article suggests incorporating the proper name in Aristias’ verse and interpreting this new text as an acatalectic iambic tetrameter. As in dramatic poetry this kind of metre is found only in satyr play, it is worth reconsidering the evidence for attributing the Antaeus - the plot of which is far from certain - to this literary genre.
MARONIS MENTULA: VERGIL ALS PRIAPEEN-DICHTER BEI MARTIAL (MART. 9, 33)
Authors: Heil Andreas
Published: August 2014

In the traditional view, Martial’s epigram 9. 33 makes fun of a fictive character named Maro, who - thanks to his oversized phallus (mentula) - is applauded in the baths. This paper argues that the real concern of the poem are not (or not in the first place) physical body parts, but a literary corpus of obscene texts featuring the notorious mentula, namely the Priapea attributed to P. Vergilius Maro.
VARRO UND ISIDOR IN DEN GROMATICI VETERES
Authors: Lindermann Jens-Olaf
Published: August 2014

The Corpus agrimensorum Romanorum is a compilation of treatises on land-surveying which has been passed down to us in a manuscript from the sixth century AD (Arcerianus, Cod. Guelf. 36. 23 A). The best known authors included are Frontinus (ca. 40-107 AD), Hyginus gromaticus (lived during the reign of Trajan, 98-117 AD) and Siculus Flaccus (possibly third century AD). This paper addresses 11 passages in the corpus which discuss the origins of technical terms used in the text. Analysis of the content, language and style of these etymologies shows that they are later additions, which mostly originate from Varro, and should be deleted. It is also shown that, on palaeographic grounds, the order of a large body of text as found in modern editions must be reconsidered.
Decentralizing Water Services in India
Authors: Singh Satyajit
Published: August 2014

This paper examines decentralized reform initiatives in the Indian rural water sector from a policy perspective as well as from a political perspective focused on institutional design and implementation at the local level. It argues that normative economic prescriptions regarding decentralization are not very useful. The paper finds that the institutional architecture for decentralized reforms is highly contested and requires a better understanding of power and the role of micro-politics in shaping decentralization designs and outcomes. It also suggests that greater devolution in the water sector can lead to greater decentralization and democratization across sectors.
China’s Lancang Dam Cascade and Transnational Activism in the Mekong Region
Authors: Yeophantong Pichamon
Published: August 2014

Over the years, China’s Lancang dam cascade has been the target of widespread contestation arising mainly from an evolving network of dam opponents. Operating across borders, these activists play an increasingly prominent role in the transboundary governance of the Lancang-Mekong River, working to curb China’s hydropower expansion and hold its dam developers to account.
The Significance of By-elections for Political Change in Singapore’s Authoritarian Regime
Authors: Ortmann Stephan
Published: August 2014

By-elections in Singapore have played a different role depending on whether the country can be characterized as a hegemonic or competitive authoritarian regime. During the former, the ruling party was able to instrumentalize by-elections for leadership renewal and enhance its power. Conversely, they aided opposition parties as well, providing them a training ground.
Singapore’s 2011 General Elections and Beyond
Authors: Ong Elvin , Tim Mou Hui
Published: August 2014

We introduce the concept of a “credibility gap” to explain why the Workers’ Party has been more successful than other opposition political parties in recent elections in Singapore. We argue that opposition parties need to overcome a credible commitment problem with the electorate in order to win against hegemonic parties.