bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Respiratory Tract Complaints, Functional Status, and Smoking in Hairdressers, Auto Painters, and Carpenters
Authors: Toru Ümran , Arbak Peri Meram , Süner Kezban Özmen , Yavuz Özlem , Karataş Naciye
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim. It was observed that occupation and smoking increased each other’s effects on the development of airway diseases. We aimed to search the relationship between respiratory symptoms, smoking, and occupation.Materials and Methods. 225 employees in Düzce, Turkey, were applied a survey questioning respiratory complaints, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cotinine measurements in urine.Results. Cough (26.7%), phlegm (30.7%), and chest tightness (21.3%) were encountered more in carpenters compared to other groups and phlegm was statistically higher at significant level compared to other groups. The complaints of cough (30.4%), phlegm (27.4%), and chest tightness (21.5%) were significantly higher in individuals whose cotinine level was above 500 ng/mL and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, maximum midexpiratory flow rate (MMFR) values were significantly lower. Dyspnea complaint of auto painters whose cotinine level was below 500 ng/mL was significantly higher and also expected MMFR% value of this group was significantly lower compared to other groups. While age had independent effect on respiratory function tests, type of the job was found to be independently effective on MMFR.Conclusion. Smoking increases respiratory complaints of employees. In auto painters, the occupation causes airway disease regardless of smoking.
The Vertical-Tube Solar Collector: A Low-Cost Design Suitable for Temperate High-Latitude Locations
Authors: Juanicó Luis , Di Lalla Nicolás
Published: July 2014

A new low-cost solar collector based on thick (4.5′′) vertical tubes related to the previous design based on long 1.5′′ plastic hoses connected directly between water-grid supply and consumption is presented. This novel design could noticeably improve its performance for temperate locations mid and high latitudes, as was demonstrated by dynamic thermal modeling. This tool has been useful for understanding the particular characteristics of this kind of water-pond collector and besides, for noticeably improving its performance by optimizing its parameters, like tube diameter and number of glazing layers. By this way, the optimized design could fully satisfy the household demand up to midnight along the whole year for Buenos Aires (35°S) and during summers (remaining as a useful preheater for the whole year) for Ushuaia (55°S). Besides, its high simplicity makes it available for user’s own construction, costing down 50 dollars for a single-family unit.
Effect ofPseudomonas putidaon Growth and Anthocyanin Pigment in Two Poinsettia(Euphorbia pulcherrima)Cultivars
Authors: Zulueta-Rodriguez Ramon , Cordoba-Matson Miguel Victor , Hernandez-Montiel Luis Guillermo , Murillo-Amador Bernardo , Rueda-Puente Edgar , Lara Liliana
Published: July 2014

Pseudomonas putidais plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that have the capacity to improve growth in plants. The purpose of this study was to determine growth and anthocyanin pigmentation of the bracts in two poinsettiaEuphorbia pulcherrimacultivars (Prestige and Sonora Marble) using three strains ofP. putida, as well as a mixture of the three (MIX). Comparison with the control group indicated for the most part that Prestige grew better than the Sonora Marble cultivars with the PGPR strains. Prestige with the MIX strain grew better compared to control for the number of cyathia (83 versus 70.4), volume of roots (45 versus 35 cm3), number of leaves (78 versus 58), and area of leaf (1,788 versus 1,331 cm2), except for the number of flowers (8.8 versus 11.6). To the naked eye, coloration of plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. For all plants withP. putidastrains, there was less anthocyanin pigment, but biomass was always greater with PGPR strains. Nevertheless, to the naked eye, the coloration of the plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. This is the first study reporting the positive effects ofP. putidarhizobacteria treatments on growth of poinsettia cultivars.
Discretized Lyapunov Function Approach for Switched Linear Systems under Dwell Time Constraint
Authors: Zhao Yongchi , Zhuang Shengxian , Xiang Weiming , Du Lin
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with the stability and disturbance attenuation properties of switched linear system with dwell time constraint. A novel time-scheduled Lyapunov function is introduced to deal with the problems studied in this paper. To numerically check the existence of such time-scheduled Lyapunov function, the discretized Lyapunov function technique usually used in time-delay system is developed in the context of switched system in continuous-time cases. Based on discretized Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions ensuring dwell-time constrained switched system global uniformly asymptotically stable are established, then the disturbance attenuation properties in the sense ofL2gain are studied. The main advantage of discretized Lyapunov function approach is that the derived sufficient conditions are convex in subsystem matrices, which makes the analysis results easily used and generalized. Thus, theH∞control synthesis problem is considered. On the basis of analysis results in hand, the control synthesis procedures including both controller and switching law design are unified into one-step method which explicitly facilitates the control synthesis process. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results within our paper.
Partition of a Binary Matrix into k (k ≥ 3) Exclusive Row and Column Submatrices Is Difficult
Authors: Liu Peiqiang , Zhu Daming , Xiao Jinjie , Xie Qingsong , Mao Yanyan
Published: July 2014

A biclustering problem consists of objects and an attribute vector for each object. Biclustering aims at finding a bicluster—a subset of objects that exhibit similar behavior across a subset of attributes, or vice versa. Biclustering in matrices with binary entries (“0”/“1”) can be simplified into the problem of finding submatrices with entries of “1.” In this paper, we consider a variant of the biclustering problem: the k‐submatrix partition of binary matrices problem. The input of the problem contains an n × m matrix with entries (“0”/“1”) and a constant positive integer k. The k‐submatrix partition of binary matrices problem is to find exactly k submatrices with entries of “1” such that these k submatrices are pairwise row and column exclusive and each row (column) in the matrix occurs in exactly one of the k submatrices. We discuss the complexity of the k‐submatrix partition of binary matrices problem and show that the problem is NP‐hard for any k ≥ 3 by reduction from a biclustering problem in bipartite graphs.
Isocudraxanthone K Induces Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis in Oral Cancer Cells via Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α
Authors: Shin Mee-Ran , Lee Hwa-Jeong , Kang Soo-Kyung , Auh Q-Schick , Lee Young-Man , Kim Youn-Chul , Kim Eun-Cheol
Published: July 2014

Isocudraxanthone K (IK) is a novel, natural compound from a methanol extract of the root bark ofCudrania tricuspidata. It has not been shown previously that IK possessed antitumor activity. We investigated the antitumor effects and molecular mechanism of IK and related signal transduction pathway(s) in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCCs). The MTT assay revealed that IK had an antiproliferative effect on OSCCCs, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IK induced apoptosis in OSCCCs, as identified by a cell-cycle analysis, annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining, and the nuclear morphology in cell death. IK caused time-dependent phosphorylation of Akt, p38, and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase). In addition, IK increased the cytosolic to nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-αin HN4 and HN12 cells. Furthermore, IK treatment downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) and its target gene, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a HIF-1αactivator, attenuated the IK-induced growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects, and blocked IK-induced expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins, such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, and cytochrome c. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence of antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of IK as a HIF-1αinhibitor and suggest it may be a drug candidate for chemotherapy against oral cancer.
Association Studies of Fcγ Receptor Polymorphisms with Outcome in HER2+ Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Trastuzumab in NCCTG (Alliance) Trial N9831
Authors: Norton Nadine , Olson Rebecca M. , Pegram Mark , Tenner Kathleen , Ballman Karla V. , Clynes Raphael , Knutson Keith L. , Perez Edith A.
Published: July 2014

Patients with HER2+ breast cancer treated with trastuzumab and chemotherapy have superior survival compared with patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Polymorphisms within FCGR2A and FCGR3A are associated with binding affinity of natural killer cells to the IgG1 portion of trastuzumab, and a polymorphism in FCGR2B (I232T) is associated with impaired regulatory activity. The association of these polymorphisms with clinical response among trastuzumab-treated patients is equivocal, with both positive and negative associations. We performed genotyping analysis on the FCGR3A V158F, FCGR2A R131H, and FCGR2B I232T polymorphisms in 1,325 patients from the N9831 clinical trial. Patients in arm A (N = 419) received chemotherapy only. Patients in arms B (N = 469) and C (N = 437) were treated with chemotherapy and trastuzumab (sequentially in arm B and concurrently in arm C). Using log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models, we compared disease-free survival (DFS) among genotypic groups within pooled arms B/C. We found no differences in DFS between trastuzumab-treated patients who had the FCGR3A 158 V/V and/or FCGR2A 131 H/H high-affinity genotypes and patients without those genotypes. Furthermore, there was no significant interaction between FCGR3A and FCGR2A and treatment. However, there was a difference in DFS for FCGR2B I232T, with I/I patients deriving benefit from trastuzumab (P < 0.001), compared with the T carriers who did not (P = 0.81). The interaction between FCGR2B genotype and treatment was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Our analysis did not reveal an association between FcγR high-affinity genotypes and outcomes. However, it seems that the FCGR2B inhibitory gene may be predictive of adjuvant trastuzumab benefit. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 962–9. ©2014 AACR.
Anacardic Acid from Brazilian Cashew Nut Trees Reduces Dentine Erosion
Authors: Silveira Cintia , Oliveira Flávia , dos Santos Maria Lucilia , de Freitas Thiago , Imparato José Carlos , Magalhães Ana Carolina
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of solutions containing saturated anacardic acid (AA) on dentine erosion in vitro. AA was chemically isolated from natural cashew nutshell liquid obtained by continuous extraction in a Soxhlet extractor and was fully saturated by catalytic hydrogenation. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity, when exposed to buffers containing 100 µmol/l AA, was analyzed using zymography. Bovine root samples were subjected to erosive demineralization (Sprite Zero™, 4 × 90 s/day) and remineralization with artificial saliva between the erosive cycles for 5 days. The samples were treated as follows, after the first and the last acid exposure (1 min; n = 12/group): (1) 100 µmol/l epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (positive control); (2) 0.05% NaF; (3) 100 µmol/l saturated AA; (4) saturated AA and EGCG; (5) saturated AA, EGCG and NaF; (6) untreated (negative control). Dentine erosion was measured using a contact profilometer. Two dentine samples from each group were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Saturated AA reduced the activity of MMP-2. ANOVA and Tukey's test revealed that all treatments significantly reduced dentine loss compared to the negative control (6.03 ± 0.98 µm). Solutions containing saturated AA (1.97 ± 1.02 µm) showed the greatest reduction in dentine erosion compared to the NaF (3.93 ± 1.54 µm) and EGCG (3.79 ± 0.83 µm) solutions. Therefore, it may be concluded that AA significantly reduces dentine erosion in vitro, possibly by acting as an MMP-2 inhibitor.
Dentifrice Fluoride and Abrasivity Interplay on Artificial Caries Lesions
Authors: Nassar Hani M. , Lippert Frank , Eckert George J. , Hara Anderson T.
Published: July 2014

Incipient caries lesions on smooth surfaces may be subjected to toothbrushing, potentially leading to remineralization and/or abrasive wear. The interplay of dentifrice abrasivity and fluoride on this process is largely unknown and was investigated on three artificially created lesions with different mineral content/distribution. 120 bovine enamel specimens were randomly allocated to 12 groups (n = 10), resulting from the association of (1) lesion type [methylcellulose acid gel (MeC); carboxymethylcellulose solution (CMC); hydroxyethylcellulose gel (HEC)], (2) slurry abrasive level [low (REA 4/ RDA 69); high (REA 7/RDA 208)], and (3) fluoride concentration [0/275 ppm (14.5 mM) F as NaF]. After lesion creation, specimens were brushed in an automated brushing machine with the test slurries (50 strokes 2×/day). Specimens were kept in artificial saliva in between brushings and overnight. Enamel surface loss (SL) was determined by optical profilometry after lesion creation, 1, 3 and 5 days. Two enamel sections (from baseline and post-brushing areas) were obtained and analyzed microradiographically. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's tests (α = 5%). Brushing with high-abrasive slurry caused more SL than brushing with low-abrasive slurry. For MeC and CMC lesions, fluoride had a protective effect on SL from day 3 on. Furthermore, for MeC and CMC, there was a significant mineral gain in the remaining lesions except when brushed with high-abrasive slurries and 0 ppm F. For HEC, a significant mineral gain took place when low-abrasive slurry was used with fluoride. The tested lesions responded differently to the toothbrushing procedures. Both slurry fluoride content and abrasivity directly impacted SL and mineral gain of enamel caries lesions.
Central Venous Catheter Management prior to the Start of the Dialysis Session: A New Device to Improve a Critical Procedure
Authors: Mambelli Emanuele , Piattoni Juri , Mancini Elena , Elia Cinzia , Guadagno Vincenza , Santoro Antonio
Published: July 2014

Background: Central venous catheter (CVC) preparation for a haemodialysis (HD) session is a critical non-standardized manoeuvre. Methods: We compared the procedure in use at our centre (C) versus the use of Haemocatch® (H), a device recently presented for the management of CVC, in 12 patients, with C during 7 dialysis sessions and H during the subsequent 7 sessions. Results: Out of 75 HD sessions with C and 75 with H, both the number of connections and disconnections of the CVC via a syringe and the amount of blood wasted during the manoeuvres proved significantly lower with H (2.19 ± 0.59 for H vs. 4.23 ± 0.78 for C, p = 0.00093; 5.97 ± 2.77 ml for H vs. 14.57 ± 6.3 ml for C, p = 0.000078, respectively). Conclusions: The new device could improve the quality of care in the HD patients carrying a CVC: standardization of the procedure, reduced blood wasting and infection risk.
MRI-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Neuro-Oncology: A Review of Its Current Clinical Applications
Authors: Rahmathulla Gazanfar , Recinos Pablo F. , Kamian Kambiz , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Barnett Gene H.
Published: July 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality with recent increasing use to ablate brain tumors. When originally introduced in the late 1980s, the inability to precisely monitor and control the thermal ablation limited the adoption of LITT in neuro-oncology. Popularized as a means of destroying malignant hepatic and renal metastatic lesions percutaneously, its selective thermal tumor destruction and preservation of adjacent normal tissues have since been optimized for use in neuro-oncology. The progress made in real-time thermal imaging with MRI, laser probe design, and computer algorithms predictive of tissue kill has led to the resurgence of interest in LITT as a means to ablate brain tumors. Current LITT systems offer a surgical option for some inoperable brain tumors. We discuss the origins, principles, current indications, and future directions of MRI-guided LITT in neuro-oncology.
Combining mutations that modulate inter-subunit interactions and proteolytic inactivation enhance the stability of factor VIIIa
Authors: Wakabayashi Hironao , Wintermute Jennifer M. , Fay Philip J.
Published: July 2014

FVIIIa is labile due to the dissociation of A2 subunit. Previously, we introduced hydrophobic mutations at select A1/A2/A3 subunit interfaces yielding more stable FVIII(a) variants. Separately we showed that altering the sequence flanking the primary FXa cleavage site in FVIIIa (Arg336) yielded reduced rates of proteolytic inactivation of FVIIIa. In this study we prepared the FXa-cleavage resistant mutant (336(P4-P3’)562) combined with mutations of Ala108Ile, Asp519Val/ Glu665Val or Ala108Ile/Asp519Val/Glu665Val and examined the effects of these combinations relative to FVIII thermal stability, rates of FVIIIa decay and proteolytic inactivation of FVIIIa by FXa. Thermal decay rates for 336(P4-P3’)562/Ala108Ile, 336(P4-P3’)562/Asp519Val/ Glu665Val, and 336(P4-P3’)562/Ala108Ile/Asp519Val/Glu665Val variants were reduced by ∼2– to 5-fold as compared with wild-type (WT) primarily reflecting the effects of the A domain interface mutations. FVIIIa decay rates for 336(P4-P3’)562/Asp519Val/Glu665Val and 336(P4-P3’)562/Ala108Ile/Asp519Val/Glu665Val variants were reduced by ∼25 fold, indicating greater stability than the control Asp519Val/Glu665Val variant (∼14-fold). Interestingly, 336(P4-P3’)562/Asp519Val/Glu665Val and 336(P4-P3’)562/Ala108Ile/ Asp519Val/Glu665Val variants showed reduced FXa-inactivation rates compared with the 336(P4-P3’)562 control (∼4-fold), suggesting A2 subunit destabilisation is a component of proteolytic inactivation. Thrombin generation assays using the combination variants were similar to the Asp519Val/Glu665Val control. These results indicate that combining multiple gain-of-function FVIII mutations yields FVIII variants with increased stability relative to a single type of mutation.
Contribution of Homeostatic Chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and Their Receptor CCR7 to Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Cai Wenzhi , Tao Jie , Zhang Xiaolin , Tian Xiaoxiang , Liu Tengfei , Feng Xueyao , Bai Jing , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: July 2014

Objective—

Our aim was to identify the role of the homeostatic chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their common receptor CCR7 in atherogenesis and to study the relationships between
CCL19
,
CCL21
, and
CCR7
gene variants and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population.

Approach and Results—

Immunohistochemical analysis of samples with atherosclerosis of various stages showed increased CCL19, CCL21, and CCR7 expression in atherosclerotic coronary plaques compared with nonatherosclerotic controls. Expression levels increased in positive correlation with coronary lesion stage. Cell adhesion assays confirmed that CCL19 promoted monocyte adhesion, which was induced by CCR7, to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, an effect partially antagonized by atorvastatin. After the human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with CCR7-neutralizing antibody, both CCL19- and CCL21-induced monocyte to human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and CCL19-induced monocyte to human umbilical vein endothelial cell adhesion were abolished. The associations between genetic variants of
CCL19
,
CCL21
,
CCR7
, and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The following single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with coronary artery disease:
CCL19
rs2227302,
CCL21
rs2812377, and
CCR7
rs588019. Individuals with the
CCL19
rs2227302 T allele or
CCL21
rs2812377 G allele had higher plasma CCL19 levels than those with C/C genotype and higher CCL21 levels than those with T/T genotype in both case and control subjects.

Conclusion—

CCL19/CCL21–CCR7 is a novel homeostatic chemokine system that modulates human monocyte adhesion and migration, promoting atherogenesis. It is associated with coronary artery disease risk in Chinese Han individuals. These data suggest that the CCL19/CCL21–CCR7 axis plays an important role in atherosclerosis progression.
MicroRNA-24 Regulates Macrophage Behavior and Retards Atherosclerosis
Authors: Di Gregoli Karina , Jenkins Nicholas , Salter Rebecca , White Stephen , Newby Andrew C. , Johnson Jason L.
Published: July 2014

Objective—

Our recent studies have highlighted membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 as a selective marker for an invasive subset of macrophages potentially related to atherosclerotic plaque progression. Moreover, colony stimulating factors (CSF) may exert divergent effects on macrophage MMP expression, possibly through microRNAs. We, therefore, aim to identify and test the pathophysiological role of microRNAs, which modulate macrophage MMP-14 expression in atherosclerotic plaque progression.

Approach and Results—

Compared with macrophage CSF–differentiated macrophages, granulocyte/macrophage CSF–matured macrophages exhibited reduced MMP-14 mRNA levels but increased protein expression and activity, which resulted in heightened macrophage invasion. MicroRNA-24, identified to target MMP-14, was accordingly increased in macrophage CSF compared with granulocyte/macrophage CSF macrophages. Silencing microRNA-24 in macrophage CSF macrophages significantly increased MMP-14 expression and enhanced their invasive capacity, mimicking granulocyte/macrophage CSF macrophages, and suggesting that granulocyte/macrophage CSF modulates MMP-14 protein expression and subsequent macrophage invasion in a microRNA-24–dependent manner. In human coronary atherosclerotic plaques, increased MMP-14 protein expression in foam cell macrophages was associated with lesions exhibiting histological characteristics associated with an unstable phenotype. Furthermore, microRNA-24 expression in these atherosclerotic plaques was inversely related to MMP-14 protein expression. Moreover, stable plaques contained higher microRNA-24 levels than unstable plaques, and microRNA-24 colocalized with foam cell macrophages that exhibited low MMP-14 protein expression. Finally, in atherosclerotic mice (apolipoprotein E-deficient), microRNA-24 inhibition increased plaque size and macrophage MMP-14 expression.

Conclusions—

Taken together, our data demonstrates that downregulation of microRNA-24 promotes an invasive macrophage subset and plays a novel regulatory role in MMP-14 proteolytic activity and, therefore, plaque stability, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Intrinsic Contrast for Characterization of Acute Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions
Authors: Celik Haydar , Ramanan Venkat , Barry Jennifer , Ghate Sudip , Leber Vivian , Oduneye Samuel , Gu Yiping , Jamali Mina , Ghugre Nilesh , Stainsby Jeffrey A. , Shurrab Mohammed , Crystal Eugene , Wright Graham A.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Both intrinsic contrast (T
1
and T
2
relaxation and the equilibrium magnetization) and contrast agent (gadolinium)–enhanced MRI are used to visualize and evaluate acute radiofrequency ablation lesions. However, current methods are imprecise in delineating lesion extent shortly after the ablation.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen lesions were created in the endocardium of 13 pigs. A multicontrast inversion recovery steady state free precession imaging method was used to delineate the acute ablation lesions, exploiting T
1
-weighted contrast. T
2
and M
o
*
maps were also created from fast spin echo data in a subset of pigs (n=5) to help characterize the change in intrinsic contrast in the lesions. Gross pathology was used as reference for the lesion size comparison, and the lesion structures were confirmed with histological data. In addition, a colorimetric iron assay was used to measure ferric and ferrous iron content in the lesions and the healthy myocardium in a subset of pigs (n=2). The lesion sizes measured in inversion recovery steady state free precession images were highly correlated with the extent of lesion core identified in gross pathology. Magnetic resonance relaxometry showed that the radiofrequency ablation procedure changes the intrinsic T
1
value in the lesion core and the intrinsic T
2
in the edematous region. Furthermore, the T
1
shortening appeared to be correlated with the presence of ferric iron, which may have been associated with metmyoglobin and methemoglobin in the lesions.

Conclusions—

The study suggests that T
1
contrast may be able to separate necrotic cores from the surrounding edematous rims in acute radiofrequency ablation lesions.
Native Title Litigation In Australia: Does The Judiciary Deliver On The Principal Objectives Defined By Mabo?
Authors: Kariyawasam Kanchana
Published: July 2014

This article considers the origin and development of native title law in Australia since the Mabo decision. It examines native title litigation in the decisions of the Federal and High Court in an attempt to determine whether such litigation has delivered on the principal objectives defined by Mabo, or has moved forward. The aim of the article is to establish whether Mabo is simply a correction of history intended to bring Australia into line with the developments adopted by other jurisdictions, or whether it is a true ‘judicial revolution’. Finally, the article makes a critical and comparative examination of native title in the United States, Canada and New Zealand, which reveals that the Australian approach to native title is far removed from the flexible approaches of those other jurisdictions.
A taxonomic study on Centaurea sect. Rhizocalathium and C. sect. Pseudoseridia (Asteraceae, Cardueae–Centaureinae) in Iran
Authors: Negaresh Kazem , RAHIMINEJAD MOHAMMAD REZA , RANJBAR MASSOUD
Published: July 2014

A taxonomic review of Centaurea sect. Rhizocalathium Tzvelev and C. sect. Pseudoseridia Wagenitz in Iran was carried out. The latter, with only one species, Centaurea stevenii, is reported here as new to Iran. In Centaurea sect. Rhizocalathium, C. lasiorhiza is treated as a correct name, C. ispahanica subsp. sirjanensis is described as a new subspecies and C. ispahanica subsp. macrocarpa is proposed as a new combination. Finally, C. ispahanica is typified and its chromosome number is reported for the first time, and a new basic chromosome number for C. sect. Rhizocalathium is proposed.
Australian water mites of the genus Hydrachna Müller, with the description of five new species (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hydrachnidae)
Authors: SMIT HARRY
Published: July 2014

A survey is given of the diversity of the water mite genus Hydrachna Müller in Australia. Five new species are described: Hydrachna cordata n. sp., H. curtiscutata n. sp., H. longiscutata n. sp., H. novaehollandica n. sp. and H. queenslandica n. sp.. The females of H. conjectoides Lundblad and H. hamata Lundblad and the male of H. tasmanica Lundblad are described for the first time. The conclusion of Lundblad (1947) that H. laceriscutata Lundblad is a synonym of H. bilobata is supported. Finally, many new records are given from Australian members of the genus.
A survey of East Palaearctic Gnaphosidae (Araneae). 1. On the Berlandina Dalmas, 1922 (Gnaphosinae) from Mongolia and adjacent regions
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M. , FOMICHEV ALEXANDER A. , OMELKO MIKHAIL M.
Published: July 2014

Five new species of Berlandina Dalmas, 1922 are described from Mongolia: B. koponeni sp. n. (♂), B. mishenini sp. n. (♂), B. nakonechnyi sp. n. (♂), B. ovtsharenkoi sp. n. (♂♀) and B. yakovlevi sp. n. (♂♀). Nine other species occurring in Mongolia and adjacent Russia, China and Kazakhstan are illustrated: B. caspica Ponomarev, 1979; B. hui Song, Zhu & Zhang, 2004; B. nabozhenkoi Ponomarev& Tsvetkov, 2006; B. nenilini Ponomarev& Tsvetkov, 2006; B. potanini (Schenkel, 1963); B. saraevi Ponomarev, 2008; B. schenkeli Marusik & Logunov, 1995; B. spasskyi Ponomarev, 1979 and B. ubsunurica Marusik & Logunov, 1995. The female of B. ubsunurica is described for the first time. Fourteen species occurring in northern Asia (Kazakhstan-Mongolia) are split into 5 species groups.
The identity of Aphodius nodifrons Randall, 1838 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) from Maine, United States of America, with designation of the lectotype and handwriting examples
Authors: KRELL FRANK-THORSTEN , ANGUS ROBERT
Published: July 2014

John Witt Randall's Coleoptera types have been assumed to be lost. In London and Harvard, we found two syntypes of Aphodius nodifrons Randall, 1838, coming from the collection of Thaddeus William Harris. We designated the lectotype and synonymised Randall's species with A. pedellus (De Geer, 1774).
Challenges in Conducting Research in Pediatric Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Larson Elaine L. , Cohen Bevin , Murray Meghan , Saiman Lisa
Published: July 2014

Background. Children residing in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have complex medical problems and unique care needs, yet research in this setting is rare. As part of an intervention study to improve patient safety (Keep It Clean for Kids [KICK]), we describe the challenges encountered and recommend approaches to build a successful and sustained collaborative relationship between pediatric LTCFs and the research team. Methods. We implemented a program with 5 components: leadership commitment, active staff participation by the creation of KICK teams, workflow assessments, staff training in the World Health Organization’s “5 Moments for Hand Hygiene,” and electronic monitoring and feedback to staff regarding hand hygiene practices. Results. Major challenges encountered were establishing trust, building research teams, enhancing staff participation, and engaging families and visitors. Approaches to deal with these challenges are discussed. Conclusions. Conducting research in pediatric LTCFs requires sustained commitment to dealing with challenges and establishing collaborative relationships with administrative and frontline staff.
Opportunities to Reduce Children’s Excessive Consumption of Calories From Beverages
Authors: Rader Ryan K. , Mullen Kathy B. , Sterkel Randall , Strunk Robert C. , Garbutt Jane M.
Published: July 2014

Objective. To describe children’s consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and 100% fruit juice (FJ), and identify factors that may reduce excessive consumption. Design. A total of 830 parents of young children completed a 36-item questionnaire at the pediatricians’ office. Results. Children consumed soda (62.2%), other SSBs (61.6%), and FJ (88.2%): 26.9% exceeded the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended daily FJ intake. 157 (18.9%) children consumed excessive calories (>200 kcal/d) from beverages (median = 292.2 kcal/d, range 203.8-2177.0 kcal/d). Risk factors for excessive calorie consumption from beverages were exceeding recommendations for FJ (odds ratio [OR] = 119.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 52.2-274.7), being 7 to 12 years old (OR = 4.3, 95%CI = 1.9-9.9), and having Medicaid insurance (OR = 2.6, 95%CI = 1.1-6.0). Parents would likely reduce beverage consumption if recommended by the physician (65.6%). Conclusions. About 1 in 5 children consumes excessive calories from soda, other SSBs and FJ, with FJ the major contributor.
Differential Reactions to School Bonds, Peers, and Victimization in the Case of Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Whaley Rachel Bridges , Hayes Rebecca , Smith Justin Matthew
Published: July 2014

The present study addresses whether sex moderates the effects of known risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug use. Simultaneously drawing on traditional delinquency theories and feminist theoretical insight, the authors first included product terms in regression equations for the total sample and then estimated separate regression equations for girls and boys to determine the extent to which the theoretical constructs differentially affected their substance use. In a large sample of 8th to 12th graders, stronger effects of peer approval, school bonds, and victimizations were evident in the equations for girls, while peer pressure mattered more for boys. Implications of moderated effects for theoretical and empirical developments are discussed.
The Relationship Between Dwelling Type and Fear of Crime
Authors: Rollwagen Heather
Published: July 2014

Urban sociologists and criminologists have maintained housing’s importance in providing individuals with a sense of security within their neighborhood. Yet it remains unclear whether all types of housing provide this sense of safety in the same way. This article provides an analysis of the relationship between dwelling type and fear of crime. Data from the 2009 Canadian General Social Survey are analyzed. Results suggest that living in a multiunit dwelling has no statistically significant impact on fear of crime in the neighborhood; however, individuals living in high-rise and low-rise residences are less likely to be fearful of crime while at home in the evening. One possible explanation for these findings is the fortress effect: High-rise buildings isolate individuals in physical space, providing security in the home, and creating physical and social distance from the rest of the neighborhood. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Crisis Resistance of Tourist Demand
Authors: Bronner Fred , de Hoog Robert
Published: July 2014

This article addresses tourist demand during the persisting economic downturn between 2008 and 2013, within the context of expenditures on other consumer goods, taking into account different types of vacations and focusing on the “why” of the development of this demand over time. The research approach is a micro-analysis of data that are partly longitudinal and partly cross-sectional. The findings show that holidays, in particular the main summer holiday, can be positioned closer to being a necessary good than to being a luxury good, at least during an economic downturn. Many vacationers are prepared to sacrifice expenditures on a variety of products just so as to keep on going on holiday. The major explanation is the high essentiality of vacations for a better quality of life. The influence of income and personal economic situation on tourist demand at the micro-level during an economic downturn is relatively minor or nonexistent.
Seeing red: a political economy of digital memory
Authors: Reading Anna
Published: July 2014

This article intervenes into research on cultural and digital memory by arguing for the significance of the materiality of memory and its underlying political economy. Although cultural and digital memories are characterized as contested, multiple and often involving interplay and conflict between different power dynamics, what remains missing is an understanding of the material basis of digital, globally connective memory or what is termed here ‘globital memory’. In work on memory which addresses social and mobile technologies there is an emphasis on the transition from collective to ‘connective memory’ and the ways in which social media offer possibilities for the articulation of marginalized memories, as well as new forms of archiving. While current concern is signalling a return to the question of the significance of ‘mass media’ in relation to social and mobile media and digital memory, this work does not yet address the political economy of ‘globital’ memory which includes the underlying materiality and technical infrastructure of social media. Using the conceptual metaphor of mining memories, the article will attend to what lies beneath the ‘digital skin’ of memories on social networks such as YouTube. I address the socioeconomic and technical infrastructures that enable the capture, circulation and storage of data that then become the raw material of globital memory.
Visioning a Sustainable Energy Future: The Case of Urban Food-Growing
Authors: Biel Robert
Published: July 2014

This article outlines a future where society re-energizes itself, in the sense both of recapturing creative dynamism and of applying creativity to meeting physical energy needs. Both require us to embrace self-organizing properties, whether in nature or society. The author critically appraises backcasting as a methodology for visioning, arguing that backcasting’s potential for radical, outside-the-box thinking is restricted unless it contemplates a break with class society, connects with existing grassroots struggles (notably over land) and dialogues with the utopian socialist tradition. The article develops a case study of food, starting from the physical parameters of combating the entropy expressed in the loss of soil structure, and applies this to urban food-growing. Drawing upon ‘real utopias’ of existing practice, the author proposes a threefold categorization – subsistence plots, an urban forest, and an ultra-high productivity sector – and emphasizes the emergent properties of such a complex system characterized by the ‘free energy’ of societal self-organization.
The Problem of Energy
Authors: Urry John
Published: July 2014

Energy forms and their extensive scale are remarkably significant for the ways that societies are organized. This article shows the importance of how societies are ‘energized’ and especially the global growth of ‘fossil fuel societies’. Much social thought remains oblivious to the energy revolution realized over the past two to three centuries which set the ‘West’ onto a distinct trajectory. Energy is troubling for social thought because different energy systems with their ‘lock-ins’ are not subject to simple human intervention and control. Analyses are provided here of different fossil fuel societies, of coal and oil, with the latter enabling the liquid, mobilized 20th century. Consideration is paid to the possibilities of reducing fossil fuel dependence but it is shown how unlikely such a ‘powering down’ will be. The author demonstrates how energy is a massive problem for social theory and for 21st-century societies. Developing post-carbon theory and especially practice is far away but is especially urgent.
Combustion and Society: A Fire-Centred History of Energy Use
Authors: Clark Nigel , Yusoff Kathryn
Published: July 2014

Fire is a force that links everyday human activities to some of the most powerful energetic movements of the Earth. Drawing together the energy-centred social theory of Georges Bataille, the fire-centred environmental history of Stephen Pyne, and the work of a number of ‘pyrotechnology’ scholars, the paper proposes that the generalized study of combustion is a key to contextualizing human energetic practices within a broader ‘economy’ of terrestrial and cosmic energy flows. We examine the relatively recent turn towards fossil-fuelled ‘internal combustion’ in the light of a much longer human history of ‘broadcast’ burning of vegetation and of artisanal pyrotechnologies – the use of heat to transform diverse materials. A combustion-centred analysis, it is argued, brings human collective life into closer contact with the geochemical and geologic conditions of earthly existence, while also pointing to the significance of explorative, experimental and even playful dispositions towards energy and matter.
Fate of patients with extracorporeal lung assist as a bridge to lung transplantation versus patients without – a single-center experience
Authors: Lehmann S , Uhlemann M , Leontyev S , Meyer A , Garbade J , Seeburger J , Laflamme M , Bittner HB , Mohr FW
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

Mechanical lung assist (MLA; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA)) is increasingly used as a temporary bridge to lung transplantation (LTx). This study was designed to evaluate the impact of preoperative MLA on the operative outcome, including longer-term survival, in comparison to patients undergoing LTx without preoperative MLA.

Methods:

A total of 143 patients underwent LTx at our institution from 2002 to 2011. Forty-three percent (n=62) of patients presented with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 71% (n=102) presented with severely elevated pulmonary artery pressure.

Results:

Thirteen patients (9.1%) required pre-LTx MLA support (age 44 ±13 years, double LTx 73.3%, female gender 53%) whereas 130 patients did not (age 52 ±11 years, double LTx 41.5%, female gender 36.9%). In one patient, MLA was successfully weaned and the patient underwent subsequent LTx. All patients in the MLA group were intraoperatively supported with continuous ECMO. One patient had to be supported with MLA after LTx for a period of 8 days. The short-term and mid-term postoperative survival of the MLA patient group was not significantly different from the non-MLA group (LogRank p=0.28). The 30-day, 90-day and 1-year survivals were 95%, 90% and 71%, respectively, in the patients without MLA compared to 85%, 77% and 68% in the MLA group.

Conclusions:

MLA has no impact on long-term survival rate in LTx patients, but has an influence in postoperative survival. MLA support is a valuable tool to bridge unstable patients to LTx.
Opportunity Cost of Funding Drugs for Rare Diseases
Authors: Coyle Doug , Cheung Matthew C. , Evans Gerald A.
Published: July 2014

Background. Both ethical and economics concerns have been raised with respect to the funding of drugs for rare diseases. This article reports both the cost-effectiveness of eculizumab for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and its associated opportunity costs. Methods. Analysis compared eculizumab plus current standard of care v. current standard of care from a publicly funded health care system perspective. A Markov model covered the major consequences of PNH and treatment. Cost-effectiveness was assessed in terms of the incremental cost per life year and per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Opportunity costs were assessed by the health gains foregone and the alternative uses for the additional resources. Results. Eculizumab is associated with greater life years (1.13), QALYs (2.45), and costs (CAN$5.24 million). The incremental cost per life year and per QALY gained is CAN$4.62 million and CAN$2.13 million, respectively. Based on established thresholds, the opportunity cost of funding eculizumab is 102.3 discounted QALYs per patient funded. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis confirmed the robustness of the results. If the acquisition cost of eculizumab was reduced by 98.5%, it could be considered cost-effective. Limitations. The nature of rare diseases means that data are often sparse for the conduct of economic evaluations. When data were limited, assumptions were made that biased results in favor of eculizumab. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting economic evaluations in the context of rare diseases. Eculizumab may provide substantive benefits to patients with PNH in terms of life expectancy and quality of life but at a high incremental cost and a substantial opportunity cost. Decision makers should fully consider the opportunity costs before making positive reimbursement decisions.
Associations between serum interleukin-23 levels and clinical characteristics in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Du Juan , Li Zongshu , Shi Jingwei , Bi Liqi
Published: July 2014

Objective

To analyse the association between serum interleukin (IL)-23 mRNA levels and clinical characteristics in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Serum IL-23 and IL-17 mRNA levels were quantified using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in patients with SLE and healthy controls. Disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index-2k.

Results

A total of 108 patients with SLE and 60 control subjects were recruited. IL-23 mRNA levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls, and in patients with SLE and renal involvement compared with SLE alone. IL-23 mRNA levels were not different between patients with active or inactive SLE, but the IL-17/IL-23 ratio was significantly higher in patients with active disease. IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA levels were strongly correlated.

Conclusions

Serum IL-23 mRNA was elevated in patients with SLE and renal disease, and the IL-17/IL-23 ratio was higher in patients with active SLE. These findings suggest that IL-23 may play an important role in SLE pathogenesis, and that the IL-17/IL-23 ratio may be useful biomarker for active disease.
High Injury Incidence in Adolescent Female Soccer
Authors: Clausen Mikkel Bek , Zebis Mette Kreutzfeldt , Møller Merete , Krustrup Peter , Hölmich Per , Wedderkopp Niels , Andersen Lars Louis , Christensen Karl Bang , Thorborg Kristian
Published: July 2014

Background:

Previous studies report varying rates of time-loss injuries in adolescent female soccer, ranging from 2.4 to 5.3 per 1000 athlete-exposures or 2.5 to 3.7 per 1000 hours of exposure. However, these studies collected data using traditional injury reports from coaches or medical staff, with methods that significantly underestimate injury rates compared with players’ self-reports.

Purpose:

The primary aim was to investigate the injury incidence in adolescent female soccer using self-reports via mobile telephone text messaging. The secondary aim was to explore the association between soccer exposure, playing level, and injury risk.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study and cohort study; Level of evidence, 2 and 3.

Methods:

During a full adolescent female soccer season in Denmark (February-June 2012), a population-based sample of 498 girls aged 15 to 18 years was included in the prospective registration of injuries. All players were enrolled on a team participating in Danish Football Association series. Soccer injuries and exposure were reported weekly by answers to standardized text message questions, followed by individual injury interviews. Soccer exposure and playing levels were chosen a priori as the only independent variables of interest in the risk factor analyses. Injury rates and relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression. Generalized estimation equations were used to take into account that players were clustered within teams.

Results:

There were 498 players who sustained a total of 424 soccer injuries. The incidence of injuries was 15.3 (95% CI, 13.1-17.8), the incidence of time-loss injuries was 9.7 (95% CI, 8.2-11.4), and the incidence of severe injuries was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.7-1.6) per 1000 hours of soccer exposure. Higher average exposure in injury-free weeks was associated with a lower injury risk ( P value for trend <.001), and players with low exposure (≤1 h/wk) were 3 to 10 times more likely to sustain a time-loss injury compared with other players ( P < .01). Playing level was not associated with the risk of time-loss injuries ( P = .18).

Conclusion:

The injury incidence in adolescent female soccer is high, and this includes many severe injuries. Players with low soccer participation (≤1 h/wk) have a significantly higher injury risk compared with players participating more frequently.