bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Novel Papillomavirus in a Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) With Viral Production in Cartilage
Authors: Gaynor A. M. , Fish S. , Duerr R. S. , Cruz F. N. Dela , Pesavento P. A.
Published: July 2014

We report the identification of a novel papillomavirus, Fulmarus glacialis papillomavirus 1 (FgPV1), present within an interdigital foot mass of a Northern Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis). The mass of interest was composed of normal stratified and keratinized epithelium and dense mesenchymal cells with central cartilaginous islands. Within the nuclei of many chondrocytes were loose aggregates or paracrystalline arrays of virions approximately 50 nm in size. Degenerate polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the virus as a putative papillomavirus, and the entire viral genome of 8132 base pairs was subsequently amplified and sequenced. Analysis revealed canonical papillomavirus architecture, including the early open reading frames E6, E7, E1, and E2 and the 2 late proteins L1 and L2. FgPV1 is most closely related to a cluster of avian and reptilian papillomaviruses as visualized by phylogenetic trees. This observation suggests that papillomavirus virion production can occur in mesenchymal cells.
Changing lives and changing minds: the experiences of adoptive parents from application to approval
Authors: Dance Cherilyn , Farmer Elaine
Published: July 2014

The recruitment and preparation of adoptive parents is currently high on the UK Government's agenda and a number of far-reaching changes in policy, processes and guidance have been introduced in recent months. The fundamental aim of adoption from care remains to provide, hopefully, stable and loving families for children whose parents cannot care for them, but the experiences of adoptive parents in this process have recently moved from the wings to centre stage. This article introduces the reflections of a group of adoptive parents (n = 27) about their experience of becoming adopters. The impact of delays in the process and experiences of the preparation and assessment period are discussed. There is a particular focus on adopters' thoughts about the sorts of children they felt they could parent and how these changed in the course of their approval journey.
Challenging behaviour in foster care: what supports do foster carers want?
Authors: Octoman Olivia , McLean Sara
Published: July 2014

Foster carers frequently report receiving insufficient or inadequate support for the challenging behaviour of the children they look after. There is a need to understand the support that foster carers require. This study explores foster carers' perspectives in order to inform the development of more effective support services. One hundred and eighty-seven foster carers completed an online survey that sought information about the nature and form of that potential support. The respondents desired accurate information about children's behaviour, good quality relationships with professionals and in-home support delivered by knowledgeable people (principally other foster carers). Preferences differed among carers serving different functions but less so according to the extent of their experience.
The reality of waste management in primary health care units in Brazil
Authors: Alves Sergiane B , e Souza Adenícia CS , Tipple Anaclara FV , Rezende Keyti CAD , de Resende Fabiana R , Rodrigues Érika G , Pereira Milca S
Published: July 2014

A large number of users are serviced in primary health care units in Brazil, both in health facilities and in households. These services generate waste that must be managed safely, but there is no legislation that regulates this type of waste management in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyse the production and management of waste in primary health care. A direct observation was performed of the stages in the handling and weighing of waste generated in primary health care units in the municipality of Goiânia (Brazil). The units generated infectious, chemical, and common waste, as well as sharp objects. The generation of waste ranged between 0.027 and 0.075 kg user-day. The generated waste was classified mostly as common and recyclable. Flaws were observed in the management of all types of waste. The critical point is segregation. Only 34.1% of the waste disposed of as infectious actually belonged to this group, the rest was ordinary waste. Flaws at this stage increase the volume of infectious waste, the occupational and environmental risks, and associated costs. Intervention to change this reality is needed and it requires the careful preparation of a waste management plan, corroborating structural changes to the implementation of this plan, and professional training and public policies to guide waste management in primary care, especially those generated in households.
Foreign aid and political stability
Authors: Steinwand Martin C.
Published: July 2014

Concerns about international terrorism make the stability of failing states central to Western foreign aid policies. This paper explores how donors reduce the volatility of aid to avoid political destabilization of recipient countries. Using a formal model, we show that stability-oriented donors control the risk of conflict, but they never fully eliminate it. Recipient governments can exploit donor preferences for stability through increased rent extraction. As a result, stability-oriented aid reduces the risk of political destabilization only under narrow circumstances. If these conditions are not met, stability aid makes conflict more likely. We present evidence for key predictions of our model.
Maternity Leave Duration and Full-time/Part-time Work Status Are Associated with US Mothers’ Ability to Meet Breastfeeding Intentions
Authors: Mirkovic Kelsey R. , Perrine Cria G. , Scanlon Kelley S. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence M.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for infants and mothers; however, many infants are not breastfed as long as recommended or desired by mothers. Maternal employment is frequently cited as a barrier to breastfeeding.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess whether maternity leave duration and return status (full-time [FT], part-time [PT]) were associated with not meeting a mother’s intention to breastfeed at least 3 months.

Methods:

We used data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a cohort study. Analyses were limited to women employed prenatally who intended to breastfeed 3 months or longer (n = 1172). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between maternity leave duration and return-to-work status (< 6 weeks/FT, < 6 weeks/PT, 6 weeks-3 months/FT, 6 weeks-3 months/PT, not working by 3 months) and meeting a mother’s intention to breastfeed at least 3 months.

Results:

Overall, 28.8% of mothers did not meet their intention to breastfeed at least 3 months. Odds of not meeting intention to breastfeed at least 3 months were higher among mothers who returned to work FT before 3 months (< 6 weeks/FT: adjusted odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.23-4.12; 6 weeks-3 months/FT: adjusted odds ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval, 1.30-2.56), compared with mothers not working at 3 months.

Conclusion:

Returning to work full-time before 3 months may reduce a mother’s ability to meet her intention to breastfeed at least 3 months. Employer support for flexible work scheduling may help more women achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Sector Choice
Authors: Child Curtis , Witesman Eva M. , Braudt David B.
Published: July 2014

This article advances scholarship on the institutional choice literature by examining how, when both options are available, entrepreneurs choose between establishing for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The article accounts for a fuller range of motivations that shape entrepreneurial decisions than is typically recognized in the scholarship. Data come from semi-structured interviews with founders of businesses and nonprofits in the fair trade industry, where both organizational forms are common. We find support for some, but not all, of the assumptions that are built into prevailing theories of the nonprofit sector and find that founders are motivated by factors not often addressed in the relevant scholarship—especially the normative and symbolic meanings they attach to organizational form. Based on these findings, we propose a new supply theory that focuses on four motivations for sector choice.
Preparation of aliphatic–aromatic polyimide particles by polycondensation of diethyl hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalate and diaminooctane in ethylene glycol
Authors: Namikoshi Takeshi , Odahara Keita , Wakino Akira , Murata Miki , Watanabe Shinji
Published: July 2014

Polycondensation of nylon salt-type monomer composed of diethyl hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalate and diaminooctane was performed at 130°C in ethylene glycol to form confetti-shaped particles. Before the polycondensation, the salt monomer solution was homogeneous. As the polycondensation proceeded, the solution became turbid and polyimide particles grew to around 7 μm for 8 h. After the polycondensation, small particles precipitated and got deposited onto large particles to form confetti-shaped particles. Rod-shaped particles were also formed by the polycondensation at low monomer concentration in a long reaction time. They were found to be crystalline in form.
Micromanufacturing: A review—part II
Authors: Jain VK , Dixit US , Paul CP , Kumar Arvind
Published: July 2014

This article discusses an overview of microforming, microcasting and microwelding processes. In the case of microforming, the processes reviewed are micro deep drawing, microforging, microextrusion, microrolling, microstamping, microhydroforming and incremental microforming. This section also throws some light on how the lasers have been used for microbending and micropunching purposes. The work done in the area of physics of microforming processes has also been discussed briefly.

This article also deals with different types of microcasting processes particularly permanent mold and investment microcasting processes. The applications of these microcasting processes have been specified in different fields of engineering, biomedical and so on. Some areas in which further research work is needed have been identified. It includes both theoretical and experimental works which need attention. The last part of this article deals with microjoining in general and laser microjoining in particular. This section discusses the types of the lasers that are being used for microjoining purposes. The process parameters (laser, optics, system and material) have been explained, and some work done on the parametric analysis has been reported briefly. Various applications of laser microjoining have been elaborated before the last section on concluding remarks. This last section presents, in very brief, the areas in which further work is required in microjoining processes.
Prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in China: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Yu-jie , Wang Bing-xiang , Yan Jun-wei , Wan Ya-nan , Wang Jing
Published: July 2014

The distribution of prevalent HIV-1 strains are still complex in China. Men who have sex with men (MSM) play an important bridging role in spreading HIV. The aim of our study was to quantitatively evaluate the prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes among the MSM population in China from published studies. Relevant studies were searched by selection criteria from CNKI, CBM, Pubmed, etc. We computed the estimates of the pooled proportion of HIV-1 subtypes. Heterogeneity between studies was investigated and measured using Cochran’s Q statistic and the I2 statistic. All analyses were conducted by the R statistical package version 2.13.1. A meta-analysis was performed, which included 19 articles. For comprehensive analysis of env, gag and pol genes, the pooled estimates for the prevalence of subtype B was 28.25% (95% CI: 18.10–39.66%), CRF01_AE was 53.46% (95% CI: 46.11–60.74%), CRF07_BC was 18.66% (95% CI: 13.06–25.01%) and CRF08_BC was 5.85% (95% CI: 2.73–10.07%), respectively. In subgroup analysis, the proportion of subtype B decreased, while the proportion of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC showed an increasing tendency. Beijing, Guangdong and Henan provinces had high proportions of subtype CRF01_AE while Guangdong and Hebei provinces had the highest proportions of subtype B and CRF07_BC, respectively. A high genetic variability of HIV-1 presents a serious challenge for HIV prevention and treatment strategies among MSM in China.
Caring supporters or daring usurpers? Representation of women in Akan proverbs
Authors: Diabah Grace , Appiah Amfo Nana Aba
Published: July 2014

The article examines the representation of women as espoused in a number of Akan (Niger-Congo, Kwa) proverbs. The objective is to analyze traditional views on the perceptions and roles of the woman in Akan society and explore the interrelation between language, gender and culture. Using a (Feminist) Critical Discursive Approach, 62 Akan proverbs about women, selected from both written and oral sources, are examined. We argue that although the contexts within which these proverbs are used may not always be gendered, by focusing on women (and men), Akans tend to present women in particular stereotypical ways through the use of these gendered proverbs, most of which can be interpreted as derogatory, negative or subservient. We also argue that although women are sometimes represented positively, such representations, which are seen as virtues, often lure them into accepting and playing these traditional stereotyped roles, thus reinforcing hegemonic masculinity and femininity.
Social capital and job satisfaction: The case of Europe in times of economic crisis
Authors: Lange Thomas
Published: July 2014

This study uses data for 23 countries elicited from the 2010/11 wave of the European Social Survey to examine the stability of social capital as a predictor of job satisfaction at a time of economic crisis. The analysis reveals a remarkably resilient impact of social capital and its constituent components during the economic downturn. However, this resilience is much less pronounced when the focus is on countries where the crisis was most severe, suggesting an economic development threshold below which certain social capital components lose their associational impact. However, religious activity is significantly associated with workers’ job satisfaction in these economies, providing comfort during times of socio-economic difficulty. The extent of organizational trust, measured by proxy variables for participative decision-making, has by far the strongest association with job satisfaction. This suggests that employers need to think again about the way they treat their employees to maximize the benefits of social capital and, ultimately, improve the job satisfaction scores of their workers.
Multiproxy study of the last meal of a mid-Holocene Oyogos Yar horse, Sakha Republic, Russia
Authors: Gravendeel Barbara , Protopopov Albert , Bull Ian , Duijm Elza , Gill Fiona , Nieman Aline , Rudaya Natalia , Tikhonov Alexei N , Trofimova Svetlana , van Reenen Guido BA , Vos Rutger , Zhilich Snezhana , van Geel Bas
Published: July 2014

The last meal of a horse that lived in the northern part of the Sakha Republic (Russia) c. 5400 years ago was studied using pollen, spores, botanical macroremains, lipid composition, and ancient DNA in order to reconstruct its components. Pollen of Poaceae was superabundant, but this may be because of over-representation as a consequence of grazed inflorescenses of grasses. We evaluate the paleo-environmental indicator value of the different methods applied. Botanical macrofossils and chemical data show what the animal had eaten. Pollen grains and the aDNA record also give information about taxa that occurred elsewhere in the landscape. The combined data point to an open landscape of a coastal tundra dominated by graminoids (Poaceae, Cyperaceae) with a limited amount of Birch and Alder.
Testicular development of male mice offsprings exposed to acrylamide and alcohol during the gestation and lactation period
Authors: Şen E , Tunali Y , Erkan M
Published: July 2014

Acrylamide (Ac) in the foods and alcohol (Al) in the drinks are unavoidable. Several previous studies demonstrated that these substances which are taken into the body via diet may cause adverse effects in the cells. However, there is no study about how Ac and Al may affect the male reproductive system of the offspring when consumed by the mother during pregnancy and lactation. For this purpose, sexual development in male mice was evaluated after intake of 14 mg/kg Ac and 2 g/kg Al from gestation day 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21. The weight of the offspring was reduced at birth and PND 21 for those exposed to Ac and/or Al. The gonadosomatic index of male offsprings was reduced except for the Ac-treated lactation group. Both substances induced multinuclear giant cells, degenerative cells, atrophic tubules, and maturation-arrested tubules, while decreased Leydig, Sertoli, and spermatogenic cell numbers. Lipid peroxidation level and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity increased in both Al-treated and Ac and Al-treated groups. There was only reduction in the catalase activity during the gestation and lactation periods. These findings suggest that consumption of Ac together with Al may induce impairments on testicular spermatogenesis in male offsprings.
A magnet-induced buckled-beam piezoelectric generator for wideband vibration-based energy harvesting
Authors: Zhu Yang , Zu Jean
Published: July 2014

This article presents a magnet-induced buckled-beam piezoelectric generator developed for broadband vibration-based energy harvesting at low frequencies (<60 Hz) and small excitations (<0.5 g). The harvester is made of a clamped–clamped piezoelectric beam, with one end movable and subjected to a magnet-induced compressive force. Due to the magnetic force, the beam becomes buckled and bistable. The harvester works as a double-well potential oscillator under excitations, where large-amplitude inter-well oscillation is produced to enhance the energy harvesting functionality. Numerical simulations show that the proposed harvester exhibits strong nonlinearities under harmonic excitations, including snap-through motions, large-amplitude voltage outputs, and broad frequency bandwidth. A prototype harvester is fabricated and experimentally investigated to confirm the findings from numerical simulations. It is observed that for a small base excitation of 0.35 g, the harvester can produce a broad frequency bandwidth of 25.0 Hz (24.0–49.0 Hz) to constantly trigger inter-well snap-through motions and to maintain a peak-to-peak voltage of >10 V over a 1.3 MΩ load resistor. For a relatively larger base excitation of 0.5 g, such a frequency bandwidth can be further widened to 29.5 Hz.
Differential Association of Child Abuse With Self-Reported Versus Laboratory-Based Impulsivity and Risk-Taking in Young Adulthood
Authors: Sujan Ayesha C. , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Ray Lara A. , Lee Steve S.
Published: July 2014

Young adults (ages 18–26) with ( n = 20) and without ( n = 55) a history of child abuse (CA) completed self-report and laboratory-based measures of impulsivity and risk-taking. Relative to individuals without abuse histories, individuals with a history of CA self-reported a greater number of lifetime sexual partners as well as elevated trait impulsivity (specifically, elevated lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance). No group differences were observed for self-reported safety-related behaviors and risk-taking propensity. Notably, however, laboratory-based measures suggested that individuals with a history of CA showed significantly less impulsivity and risk-taking than individuals without abuse histories. These results suggest that self-report and laboratory measures of risk-taking and impulsivity measured in emerging adulthood may differentially relate to CA. Specifically, whereas laboratory-based measures may be influenced by hypervigilance or in the moment actions, self-report measures may assess more general behaviors related to real-world impulsivity and risk-taking.
Free vibration response of sandwich cylindrical shells with functionally graded material face sheets resting on Pasternak foundation
Authors: Kamarian S , Sadighi M , Shakeri M , Yas MH
Published: July 2014

This paper focuses on the free vibration characteristics of functionally graded sandwich cylindrical shells resting on Pasternak elastic foundation. The free vibration analysis is based on three-dimensional elasticity theory and the natural frequencies are obtained by means of generalized differential quadrature method. The two-constituent functionally graded shell consists of ceramic and metal. These constituents are graded through the thickness according to a generalized power-law distribution with four parameters. The benefit of using the considered power-law distribution is to illustrate and present useful results arising from symmetric, asymmetric and classic profiles. A detailed parametric study is carried out in order to reveal the effects of different profiles of ceramic volume fraction, two-parameter elastic foundation modulus, different geometrical parameters such as the mid radius-to-thickness ratio, length-to-mean radius ratio and the thickness of face sheets on the vibrational characteristics of the functionally graded sandwich cylindrical shell.
The effect of instruction on pragmatic routines in academic discussion
Authors: Bardovi-Harlig Kathleen , Mossman Sabrina , Vellenga Heidi E
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the effect of instruction on the acquisition of pragmatic routines used in academic discussion, specifically expressions of agreement, disagreement, and clarification. Thirty-seven learners, including an experimental group of 26 students and a control group of 11 students, participated in the study. Five intact classes received instruction across four 50-minute lessons. Input consisted of authentic language samples extracted from the MICASE corpus; instruction included noticing and production activities. Evaluation in the form of a pretest/posttest was administered through a computer-delivered oral-production test, which allowed for free production in a researcher-controlled context. The task included 30 items, including 10 agreement, 10 disagreement, and 10 clarification scenarios. Two-tailed paired-sample t-tests revealed that production of both speech acts and targeted expressions increased significantly in the experimental condition, whereas the control group did not show significant change. The results show that instruction has a significant positive effect on the use of expressions as measured by oral production in conversation simulations. We attribute this positive outcome to two components, instruction and means of evaluation.
Do the cognacy characteristics of loanwords make them more easily learned than noncognates?
Authors: Rogers James , Webb Stuart , Nakata Tatsuya
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the effects of cognacy on vocabulary learning. The research expands on earlier designs by measuring learning of English–Japanese cognates with both decontextualized and contextualized tests, scoring responses at two levels of sensitivity, and examining learning in a more ecologically valid setting. The results indicated that Japanese learners could successfully recall the L2 forms of more cognates than noncognates, supporting earlier findings. However, when scoring was sensitive to partial knowledge of written form, the results indicated that greater knowledge of noncognates was gained. Because there was greater potential for learning noncognates due to the higher pretest scores for cognates, relative gains were also examined. The relative gains were greater for cognates than noncognates on a form recall test. The results of a cloze test contrasted with those of the form recall test. Gains were significantly larger for noncognates than cognates immediately after the treatment although no statistically significant difference existed 1 week after learning. Taken together, the research indicates that although the L2 forms of cognates may be more easily learned, it may be more challenging for second language learners to use cognates than noncognates, at least shortly after learning.
The development of group influence on in-group identification: A multilevel approach
Authors: Jans Lise , Leach Colin Wayne , Garcia Randi L. , Postmes Tom
Published: July 2014

Research on in-group identification typically focuses on differences in individuals’ identification at the individual level of analysis. We take a multilevel approach, examining the emergence of group influence on identification in newly formed groups. In three studies, multilevel confirmatory factor analysis confirmed two dimensions of identification—self-definition and self-investment (Leach et al., 2008)—at both the individual and the group level. As expected, the group had greater influence on individuals’ identification the more group members interacted with each other. This was shown in experiments with varying amounts of real interaction (Study 1), in a longitudinal study of student project groups (Study 2), and in a longitudinal study that experimentally mimicked the development of online communities (Study 3). Together, these studies support a developmental model of identification at the group level that has implications for the understanding of social identity and small-group dynamics.
Destination image differences between first-time and return visitors: An exploratory study on the city of Rome
Authors: Giraldi Angelo , Cesareo Ludovica
Published: July 2014

This study aims to analyse the image of the city of Rome held by first-time and return visitors, and the influence of such an image on tourist behaviour. First, we measure the cognitive and the affective image of Rome; second, we analyse whether tourists’ previous experiences in the city significantly influence the components of Rome’s perceived image; and finally, we examine the extent to which cognitive and affective images are valid predictors of tourist behavioural intentions. The objectives are pursued through quantitative analyses conducted on 312 questionnaires compiled by national and international visitors of the city. Based on the results, the study confirms the previous literature on the topic while adding some further evidence. Moreover, different managerial implications are proposed.
Situated knowledge in cross-cultural, cross-language research: a collaborative reflexive analysis of researcher, assistant and participant subjectivities
Authors: Caretta Martina Angela
Published: July 2014

This article analyzes situated knowledge through the lens of the author and her three field assistants. This work is written self-reflexively and is based on geographical fieldwork in Eastern Africa. It seeks to capitalize on the personal and professional relationships of the researcher and her field assistants to improve both research outcomes and working arrangements. Reflecting on episodes of failure, anxiety and misunderstanding, it disentangles the power geometry of situated knowledge and sheds light on the vital role played by the assistant/interpreter and by his/her positionality ‘in the making’ of cross-cultural, cross-language research. Grounded in a feminist epistemological perspective, this article shows that methodological reflexivity should engage not only the researcher or the participants but also the field assistants. This praxis is crucial to enhancing the validity of studies conducted in a cross-cultural, cross-language environment across social science.
Targeted partial finishing of barrier textiles with microparticles, and their effects on barrier properties and comfort
Authors: Kuhr Marlena , Aibibu Dilbar , Cherif Chokri
Published: July 2014

Woven barrier fabrics for filtration and operating room textiles feature permeable pore channels between yarn interlocking points (mesopores), which create an increased risk of penetration by contaminated fluids and particles. These pore channels can be reduced in size by high-density weaving. This, however, results in deteriorated drapability and performance characteristics. To meet the requirements made on the barrier effect without impairing the physiological properties of the textile, fluid-tight and particle-tight woven fabrics with adjustable porosity are being developed. This research aim could be realized by the targeted and partial application of microparticles into the mesopores. There, they form a meshed structure in the pores, whose size is thus reduced without them being entirely obstructed. The simultaneous retention of the micropores (pores between the individual filaments) in the woven fabric guarantees preservation of the physiological characteristics of the textile. The efficiency of the finishing was examined by an extensive physiological and physical characterization of the woven fabrics before and after particle application. Regarding the test method used to monitor the barrier effect and the channel paths, a test device was modified to simulate the demands of later, practical use.
Quantitative detection of the human cervical cancer oncogene for monitoring the minimal residual disease in acute leukemia
Authors: Qiao Shu-Kai , Guo Xiao-Nan , Ren Jin-Hai , Zhang Jing-Nan , Wang Ying
Published: July 2014

The human cervical cancer oncogene (HCCR) has been shown to be over-expressed in some solid tumors, and its function is involved in negative regulation of p53 tumor suppressor gene. However, the roles of HCCR in leukemia remain unclear. The present study is to investigate whether the expression levels of HCCR mRNA are associated with clinical prognosis in patients with acute leukemia (AL) and to explore the potential use as a biomarker for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in AL. The mRNA levels of HCCR1 and HCCR2 were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow samples from 80 adult de novo AL patients and 20 normal healthy donors. The expressions of HCCR1 and HCCR2 were significantly higher in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than those in healthy donors ( P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between AML and ALL ( P > 0.05). Besides white blood cell count, we did not find any significant correlation between HCCR expression and clinical characteristics, such as age, sex, CD34 antigen expression, and response to chemotherapy. HCCR was monitored in 12 cases during remission and/or relapse. Significant reductions of both HCCR1 and HCCR2 mRNA levels were observed in patients who had achieved complete remission after chemotherapy but not in patients with non-responsive. However, an increased HCCR expression was detected in these patients who relapsed. Our findings suggest that HCCR gene is over-expressed in AL patients and may be as a useful biomarker for monitoring MRD in AL.
Update on the optimal management of patients with vascular extension of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Kassahun Woubet T
Published: July 2014

Aim

Vascular extension of pheochromocytoma is extremely rare but highly resectable. The aim of this study was to review the available information in the literature for patients with this condition.

Methods

A systematic literature search produced individual data for 29 treated patients with vascular extension of pheochromocytoma mainly to the inferior vena cava.

Results

Out of 29 reported cases, 26 have been treated surgically. Nine of these patients required cardiopulmonary bypass. Two patients died untreated and one patient declined surgical treatment and discharged to follow-up. In 24 patients including nine with primarily missed diagnosis, surgery was documented as curative.

Conclusion

Surgeons need to be aware of this extremely rare characteristic feature of pheochromocytoma and indicated medical work-up in order to properly diagnose and manage this challenging group of patients.
Mechanism of Hbγ-35-induced an increase in the activation of the human immune system by endotoxins
Authors: Heinbockel Lena , Palacios-Chaves Leyre , Alexander Christian , Rietschel Ernst , Behrends Jochen , Correa Wilmar , Fukuoka Satoshi , Gutsmann Thomas , Ulmer Artur J , Brandenburg Klaus
Published: July 2014

Endotoxins (LPS) are highly potent immune stimulatory molecules and are mainly known for triggering Gram-negative sepsis. However, besides their toxic effects, this stimulatory function may be advantageous, for example when used as an adjuvant during vaccination. Thus, there is always a narrow range between the useful wake-up of the immune system and its overwhelming reaction, which can lead to diseases like sepsis. This raises the question of which conformational properties are responsible for making the LPS aggregates more or less potent. As described previously, the size, type and form of LPS aggregates play a major role in their immune stimulatory activity. In this study we investigate the role of these parameters. On the one hand, we use a peptide (Pep19-2.5; Aspidasept) that causes a change of the LPS aggregate structure into a less toxic state; on the other hand, we use a potent immune stimulating peptide (Hbγ-35), leading to higher toxicity. We have found opposing effects on LPS aggregate conformations allowing a better understanding of the processes of immune stimulation.
Altered perineal microbiome is associated with vulvovaginitis and urinary tract infection in preadolescent girls
Authors: Gorbachinsky Ilya , Sherertz Robert , Russell Gregory , Krane L Spencer , Hodges Steve J.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Vulvovaginitis has a known association with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in girls. We hypothesize that vulvovaginitis is a major contributor to UTIs in prepubertal girls by increasing periurethral colonization with uropathogens.

Methods:

Periurethral swabs and urine specimens were obtained from a total of 101 girls (58 with vulvovaginitis and 43 without vulvovaginitis). Specimens were cultured for bacterial growth. The dominant organism in the periurethral swabs and urine cultures was recorded and antibiotic sensitivity profiles were compared.

Results:

Periurethral swabs from children with vulvovaginitis were associated with a statistically significant increase in uropathogenic bacteria (79% Enterococcus species or Escherichia coli) as the dominant culture compared with swabs from girls without vaginitis (18%) ( p < 0.05). In children with vulvovaginitis, 52% of the urine cultures were positive for UTIs, and the dominant organism in the urine cultures matched the species and antibiotic sensitivity profile of the corresponding periurethral swab. Only 11% of the urine cultures from girls without vulvovaginitis were positive for UTIs.

Conclusions:

Vulvovaginitis may cause UTIs by altering the perineal biome such that there is increased colonization of uropathogens.
Accessing Justice: The Role of Law School Legal Clinics in Conflict-affected Societies
Authors: Grimes Richard
Published: July 2014

This article looks at access to justice in the context of histories, past or present, of armed conflict and civil strife. It takes, as its starting point, the importance of the rule of law as one of the means, if not the only (or even most suitable), of rendering accountable those who violate rights and prevent the uptake of entitlements. Given the relative lack of infrastructure in many jurisdictions, it is often problematic for indigent people to secure legal help. To address such unmet needs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and legal educators (and in some instances government departments) are coming together to establish legal clinics through which clients and communities can be assisted. Where these clinics are based in or are otherwise being supported by law schools, students under professional supervision, not only help the poor and the needy but also develop their own knowledge, skills and values by applying principle to practice. The article draws on the author’s direct experience in countries emerging from conflict and asks, to what extent can legal clinics provide an appropriate, relevant and sustainable service that meets the needs of all stakeholders? Also, it seeks to address whether there are lessons to be learnt from observed developments and if there is a ‘clinical’ model that can be adapted and implemented in jurisdictions where access to justice is a major challenge.
Emphasizing the ‘Human Rights Education’ in the Indian Legal Education Context: An Analysis
Authors: Prasad M. Deva , Sarker Shuvro Prosun
Published: July 2014

Legal Education in India is becoming more concerned about serving the demands of the market and the private corporate sector. Law students and budding lawyers are therefore being trained in such a mechanical manner that they are not being sensitized towards the field of human rights. This article seeks to emphasize on the importance of human rights training in a lawyer’s career. It discusses human right provisions in light of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the guidelines provided by UNESCO in the context of Human Rights in India. The authors will further explore the present scenario of legal education in India and elaborate on the importance of clinical education in Indian context. The article will further focus on the need for legal education to be contemporary and in tune with the changing society. It will conclude by stating that human rights education should be made a compulsory part of legal training.
Book Review: The Global Clinical Movement: Educating Lawyers for Social Justice. Edited by Frank S. Bloch
Authors: Maji Eshika , N.S. Kruthika , Dasgupta Trisha
Published: July 2014

The Global Clinical Movement: Educating Lawyers for Social Justice. Edited by Frank S. Bloch, First Edition, Oxford University Press, Inc., New York, 2011, 400 Pp., $80 (Hard Bound)

This book, edited by clinical scholar Frank S. Bloch, is an important and ambitious dialogue about the spread of clinical legal education worldwide. With contributions from clinicians spanning six continents, this book gives a skilful insight into the programmatic expansion and transformation of clinical ‘legal education into justice education’. We argue how this volume causes us to question the much disputed import and purposes underlying clinical legal education at law schools worldwide. By exploring the different aspects of the social justice component of clinical legal education and the manner in which such social justice is achieved by incorporating certain concepts and techniques in imparting legal education, the authors seek to bridge the gap between legal education, legal profession, experiential learning and the civil society.
Book Review: What The Best Law Teachers Do. By Michael Hunter Schwartz, Gerald F. Hess & Sophie M. Sparrow
Authors: Treuthart Mary Pat
Published: July 2014

What The Best Law Teachers Do. By Michael Hunter Schwartz, Gerald F. Hess & Sophie M. Sparrow. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London, England, Harvard University Press, 2013, 368 pp. ISBN: 9780674049147

Published by the Harvard University Press in August 2013, the book ‘What the Best Law Teachers Do’ is a qualitative and ‘systematic, rigorous study of excellent law teachers’ written by Professors Michael Hunter Schwartz, Gerald F. Hess and Sophie Sparrow. After visiting the law schools of the profiled teachers, the authors observed their classes, read their scholarships, solicited input from the students and alumni and interviewed the subjects themselves, before analyzing the teaching techniques, attitudes and personal qualities of 26 U.S. law professors who were nominated by their students or colleagues. Despite the differences amongst the teachers in their areas of expertise, the location of their home institutions or the size of the classes they teach, the authors share a number of similarities. Most importantly, these teachers are passionate about teaching and facilitating the success of their students as aspiring legal professionals.

Worldwide, efforts to reform legal education are changing the way law courses have been taught for centuries. Greater emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking and acquisition of practical skills is deemed necessary for students to compete effectively in the transnational legal market and to assume the various roles required by contemporary lawyers. The book’s authors, who have taught, lectured and served as consultants across the globe, suggest that characteristics of excellent teachers transcend location and culture. This review concludes by briefly examining whether this statement applies equally to law teachers in the Asian region.
Book Review: Legal Education in Asia: Globalization, Change and Contexts. Edited by Stacey Steele & Kathryn Taylor
Authors: Sengupta Arpita , Rakshit Devrupa , Chatterjee Promit
Published: July 2014

Legal Education in Asia: Globalization, Change and Contexts. Edited by Stacey Steele & Kathryn Taylor, Routledge Law in Asia, 2010. Pp. 352, 95 Pounds, ISBN: 978-0-415-49433-542

This review discusses the content and construction of the book and reflects on its relevance with regard to the evolution of legal education in Asia. The authors of the book have contemplated the influence of globalization on legal education, and thus brought out a stark link between the reforms that have taken place in the Asian countries and the legal, social and educational paradigm of the nations. The motivations of the authors and the driving forces behind the conception of the book were to specifically bring together the perceptions of a diverse section of scholars on board. The practical approach of the book adds an edge to the otherwise prosaic account and makes it an interesting read.
Judicial Iconography in India
Authors: Khorakiwala Rahela
Published: July 2014

Courts often create an ‘image of justice’ that has different meanings for different people. These images of justice are created through the architecture, ceremony, ritual, dress and language that exist within the walls of a court. Therefore, the entire structure of the court can be said to have a story that is linked to its ‘iconography’ that covers its exterior and interior façade creating a particular ‘image of justice’. There are several academic writings in the West on judicial iconography linked to court structures that influence the way justice is imaged. However, this field of academic research is relatively nascent in India. This article relates these existing concepts to judicial iconography in India. The available literature on courts in India is the evidence of the fact that courts in India also provide a particular image of justice. This is seen through examples from the Supreme Court of India, the Bombay High Court, the Rajasthan High Court, a District Court in Tamil Nadu and the High Court of Punjab and Chandigarh. This article therefore addresses how the study of iconography extends to judicial discourse. The infinite examples and instances of the different images of justice that abound the courts create a space for research on judicial iconography wherein every court in India has a story to tell and an image to create.
Safety and efficacy of ustekinumab or golimumab in patients with chronic sarcoidosis
Authors: Judson Marc A. , Baughman Robert P. , Costabel Ulrich , Drent Marjolein , Gibson Kevin F. , Raghu Ganesh , Shigemitsu Hidenobu , Barney Joseph B. , Culver Daniel A. , Hamzeh Nabeel Y. , Wijsenbeek Marlies S. , Albera Carlo , Huizar Isham , Agarwal Prasheen , Brodmerkel Carrie , Watt Rosemary , Barnathan Elliot S.
Published: July 2014

Sarcoidosis is characterised by non-caseating granulomas that secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-12, IL-23, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Ustekinumab and golimumab are monoclonal antibodies that specifically inhibit IL-12/IL-23 and TNF-α, respectively.

Patients with chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis (lung group) and/or skin sarcoidosis (skin group) received either 180 mg ustekinumab at week 0 followed by 90 mg every 8 weeks, 200 mg golimumab at week 0 followed by 100 mg every 4 weeks, or placebo. Patients underwent corticosteroid tapering between weeks 16 and 28. The primary end-point was week 16 change in percentage predicted forced vital capacity (ΔFVC % pred) in the lung group. Major secondary end-points were: week 28 for ΔFVC % pred, 6-min walking distance, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (lung group), and Skin Physician Global Assessment response (skin group).

At week 16, no significant differences were observed in ΔFVC % pred with ustekinumab (-0.15, p = 0.13) or golimumab (1.15, p = 0.54) compared with placebo (2.02). At week 28, there were no significant improvements in the major secondary end-points, although a nonsignificant numerically greater Skin Physician Global Assessment response was observed following golimumab treatment (53%) when compared with the placebo (30%). Serious adverse events were similar in all treatment groups.

Although treatment was well tolerated, neither ustekinumab nor golimumab demonstrated efficacy in pulmonary sarcoidosis. However, trends towards improvement were observed with golimumab in some dermatological end-points.
Co-exposure to refractory ceramic fibres and asbestos and risk of pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Lacourt Aude , Rinaldo Mickael , Gramond Céline , Ducamp Stéphane , Gilg Soit Ilg Annabelle , Goldberg Marcel , Pairon Jean Claude , Brochard Patrick
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis of an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma due to co-exposure to asbestos and refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) compared to asbestos exposure alone.

Males were selected from a French case–control study conducted in 1987–1993 and from the French National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program in 1998–2006. Two population controls were frequency matched to each case by year of birth. Complete job histories were collected and occupational asbestos and RCF exposures were assessed using job exposure matrices. The dose–response relationships for asbestos exposure were estimated from an unconditional logistic regression model in subjects exposed to asbestos only (group 1) and subjects exposed to both asbestos and RCF (group 2).

A total of 988 cases and 1125 controls ever-exposed to asbestos were included. A dose–response relationship was observed in both groups but it was stronger in group 2. In comparison with subjects exposed at the minimum value of the cumulative index of exposure, the odds ratio was 2.6 (95% CI 1.9–3.4) for subjects exposed to 75 fibres·mL−1·year−1in group 1 increasing to 12.4 (95% CI 4.6–33.7) in group 2.

Our results suggest that the pleural carcinogenic effect of occupational asbestos exposure may be modified by additional exposure to RCF.