bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gremlin, a Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonist, Is a Crucial Angiogenic Factor in Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Koketsu Kenta , Yoshida Daizo , Kim Kyongsong , Ishii Yudo , Tahara Shigeyuki , Teramoto Akira , Morita Akio
Published: March 2015

Gremlin is an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a major driving force in skeletal modeling in the fetal stage. Several recent reports have shown that Gremlin is also involved in angiogenesis of lung cancer and diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Gremlin in tumor angiogenesis in pituitary adenoma. Double fluorescence immunohistochemistry of Gremlin and CD34 was performed in pituitary adenoma tissues obtained during transsphenoidal surgery in 45 cases (7 PRLoma, 17 GHoma, 2 ACTHoma, and 2 TSHoma). Gremlin and microvascular density (MVD) were detected by double-immunofluorescence microscopy in CD34-positive vessels from tissue microarray analysis of 60 cases of pituitary adenomas (6 PRLoma, 23 GHoma, 22 NFoma, 5 ACTHoma, and 4 TSHoma). In tissue microarray analysis, MVD was significantly correlated with an increased Gremlin level (linear regression:P<0.005,  r2=0.4958). In contrast, Gremlin expression showed no correlation with tumor subtype or Knosp score. The high level of expression of Gremlin in pituitary adenoma tissue with many CD34-positive vessels and the strong coherence of these regions indicate that Gremlin is associated with angiogenesis in pituitary adenoma cells.
Optimal Design of a Secondary Optical Element for a Noncoplanar Two-Reflector Solar Concentrator
Authors: Chen Yi-Cheng , You Chia-Chi
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the results of a parametric design process used to achieve an optimal secondary optical element (SOE) in a noncoplanar solar concentrator composed of two reflectors. The noncoplanar solar concentrator comprises a primary parabolic mirror (M1) and a secondary hyperbolic mirror (M2). The optical performance (i.e., acceptance angle, optical efficiency, and irradiance distribution) of concentrators with various SOEs was compared using ray-tracing simulation. The parametric design process for the SOE was divided into two phases, and an optimal SOE was obtained. The sensitivity to assembly errors of the solar concentrator when using the optimal SOE was studied and the findings are discussed.
The Dimensional Structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire Adapted for Children (SPQ-C-D): An Evaluation in the Dutch Population and a Comparison to Adult Populations
Authors: van Rijn Sophie , Kroonenberg Pieter , Ziermans Tim , Swaab Hanna
Published: March 2015

The increasing interest in dimensional approaches towards schizophrenia spectrum pathology calls for instruments that can be used to study developmental markers conveying risk for psychopathology prior to onset of the disorder. In this study we evaluated the Dutch child version (SPQ-C-D) of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) developed by Raine, in terms of reliability and factorial structure in comparison to SPQ data from two studies with adults. The 74-item SPQ-C-D was completed by 219 children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years. Internal consistency was assessed and the factorial structure was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis. Results showed that most of the subscales had high Cronbach’s alphas, indicating good internal consistency. PCA resulted in three components, similar to the adult studies: Cognitive-Perceptual, Interpersonal, and Disorganization. The pattern of individual subscales loading on each of the components was identical to the original Raine study, except for one additional subscale loading on the Disorganization component. In addition, forcing Raine’s factorial structure on our data with confirmatory factor analysis resulted in an overall adequate model fit. In conclusion, the SPQ-C-D appears to be a suitable dimensional measure of schizotypal traits in populations aged 9 to 18 years.
An On-Line Solid Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Determination of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Drinking and Surface Waters
Authors: Mazzoni Michela , Rusconi Marianna , Valsecchi Sara , Martins Claudia P. B. , Polesello Stefano
Published: March 2015

An UHPLC-MS/MS multiresidue method based on an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of 9 perfluorinated carboxylates (from 4 to 12 carbon atoms) and 3 perfluorinated sulphonates (from 4 to 8 carbon atoms). This work proposes using an on-line solid phase extraction before chromatographic separation and analysis to replace traditional methods of off-line SPE before direct injection to LC-MS/MS. Manual sample preparation was reduced to sample centrifugation and acidification, thus eliminating several procedural errors and significantly reducing time-consuming and costs. Ionization suppression between target perfluorinated analytes and their coeluting SIL-IS were detected for homologues with a number of carbon atoms less than 9, but the quantitation was not affected. Total matrix effect corrected by SIL-IS, inclusive of extraction efficacy, and of ionization efficiency, ranged between −34 and +39%. The percentage of recoveries, between 76 and 134%, calculated in different matrices (tap water and rivers impacted by different pollutions) was generally satisfactory. LODs and LOQs of this on-line SPE method, which also incorporate recovery losses, ranged from 0.2 to 5.0 ng/L and from 1 to 20 ng/L, respectively. Validated on-line SPE-LC/MS/MS method has been applied in a wide survey for the determination of perfluoroalkyl acids in Italian surface and ground waters.
New Viewpoints about Pseudo Measurements Method in Equality-Constrained State Estimation
Authors: Zhu Bingjie , Luo Yingting , Zhu Yunmin
Published: March 2015

We discuss the pseudo measurement method which is one of the main approaches to equality-constrained state estimation for a dynamic system. We demonstrate by the fundamental theory of Kalman filtering that reviewing the equality constraint as a pseudo measurement seems questionable. The main reason is that the additional pseudo measurement is actually a constant here which cannot help to estimate the state. More specifically, when the states in an unconstrained dynamic system model have already satisfied the equality constraint, the extra constraint is obviously not necessary. When the true equality-constrained states do not satisfy the unconstrained dynamic process equation, the effect of pseudo measurement is projecting the estimate which is not optimal onto the constraint set. However, since the performance of a projected estimate is also certainly influenced by its original estimate, we show through a numerical example that the pseudo measurement method is not always a good choice, especially when the process equation mismatch is large.
A Framework for Cloud-Based Healthcare Services to Monitor Noncommunicable Diseases Patient
Authors: Al-Qurishi Muhammad , Al-Rakhami Mabrook , Al-Qershi Fattoh , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi , Alamri Atif , Khan Hameed Ullah , Xiang Yang
Published: March 2015

Monitoring patients who have noncommunicable diseases is a big challenge. These illnesses require a continuous monitoring that leads to high cost for patients’ healthcare. Several solutions proposed reducing the impact of these diseases in terms of economic with respect to quality of services. One of the best solutions is mobile healthcare, where patients do not need to be hospitalized under supervision of caregivers. This paper presents a new hybrid framework based on mobile multimedia cloud that is scalable and efficient and provides cost-effective monitoring solution for noncommunicable disease patient. In order to validate the effectiveness of the framework, we also propose a novel evaluation model based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which incorporates some criteria from multiple decision makers in the context of healthcare monitoring applications. Using the proposed evaluation model, we analyzed three possible frameworks (proposed hybrid framework, mobile, and multimedia frameworks) in terms of their applicability in the real healthcare environment.
Hsp27 Inhibition with OGX-427 Sensitizes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells to Erlotinib and Chemotherapy
Authors: Lelj-Garolla Barbara , Kumano Masafumi , Beraldi Eliana , Nappi Lucia , Rocchi Palma , Ionescu Diana N. , Fazli Ladan , Zoubeidi Amina , Gleave Martin E.
Published: March 2015

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent cause of death from cancer worldwide. Despite the availability of active chemotherapy regimens and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, all advanced patients develop recurrent disease after first-line therapy. Although Hsp27 is a stress-induced chaperone that promotes acquired resistance in several cancers, its relationship to treatment resistance in NSCLC has not been defined. Understanding adaptive responses of acquired resistance will help guide new strategies to control NSCLC. Hsp27 levels were evaluated in an HCC827 erlotinib-resistant–derived cell line (HCC-827Resistant), and sensitivity to erlotinib was examined in Hsp27-overexpressing A549 cells. The role of Hsp27 in both erlotinib and cytotoxic treatment resistance was evaluated in HCC-827 and A549 NSCLC cells using the Hsp27 antisense drug OGX-427. The effect of OGX-427 in combination with erlotinib was also assessed in mice bearing A549 xenografts. Hsp27 is induced by erlotinib and protects NSCLC cells from treatment-induced apoptosis, whereas OGX-427 sensitizes NSCLC cells to erlotinib. Interestingly, increased resistance to erlotinib was observed when Hsp27 was increased either in HCC827 erlotinib-resistant or overexpressing A549 cells. Combining OGX-427 with erlotinib significantly enhanced antitumor effects in vitro and delayed A549 xenograft growth in vivo. OGX-427 also significantly enhanced the activity of cytotoxic drugs used for NSCLC. These data indicate that treatment-induced Hsp27 contributes to the development of resistance, and provides preclinical proof-of-principle that inhibition of stress adaptive pathways mediated by Hsp27 enhances the activity of erlotinib and chemotherapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(5); 1107–16. ©2015 AACR.
Contemporary Trends in the Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Changes in Age and Etiology
Authors: Bellucci Carlos Henrique Suzuki , de Castro Filho Jose Everton , Gomes Cristiano Mendes , de Bessa Jr. José , Battistella Linamara Rizzo , Rubio de Souza Daniel , Scazufca Márcia , Bruschini Homero , Srougi Miguel , Barros Filho Tarcisio E.P.
Published: March 2015

Background: Epidemiological features of spinal cord injury (SCI) have been changing over the last decades. We evaluated the contemporary trends in the epidemiology of traumatic SCI patients from a rehabilitation center. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a consecutive series of 348 patients with traumatic SCI were evaluated. Variables were collected through an epidemiological form, which included gender, age at injury, duration and cause of SCI. We investigated SCI epidemiological trends over time including the association between gender and age at injury with SCI features such as etiology, injury severity and level. Results: The mean age at SCI has increased from 26.0 ± 11.8 in patients with SCI before 2003 to 37.9 ± 15.7 in those with SCI after 2009 (p < 0.001). Gunshot wounds were the main cause of injury in patients with SCI before 2003, dropping from 40.6 to 16.9% after 2009 and being surpassed by road traffic injuries (38.6%) and falls (31.4%) after 2009 (p < 0.001). Gender, SCI severity and level have not changed significantly over the time. Conclusions: There was a major increase in the average age of patients as well as changes in the etiology of SCI over the past fifteen years, including a significant decrease in gunshot wounds and an increase in the frequency of road traffic injuries and falls. These changes and accompanying risk factors must be taken into consideration when planning measures to prevent SCI.
Serum Anti-60S Ribosomal Protein L29 Antibody as a Novel Prognostic Marker for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Muro Shinichiro , Miyake Yasuhiro , Kato Hironari , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Recently, we found the presence of anti-60S ribosomal protein L29 antibody (anti-RPL29) in human sera, inhibiting the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. We aimed to estimate the association of serum anti-RPL29 levels with clinical features in patients affected with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Serum anti-RPL29 levels were measured by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cut-off was represented by the 95th percentile in 62 healthy volunteers. Results: Median survival time (MST) was 11.1 months in 49 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level >cut-off and 7.4 months in 56 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level ≤cut-off. In locally advanced disease, MST was 17.9 months in 22 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level >cut-off and 10.0 months in 19 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level ≤cut-off. In metastatic disease, MST was 8.7 months in 27 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level >cut-off and 5.9 months in 37 patients showing serum anti-RPL29 level ≤cut-off. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, serum anti-RPL29 level >cut-off, abdominal or back pain, performance status, and metastatic disease were identified as independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: Serum anti-RPL29 levels may be a novel candidate for a prognostic marker for unresectable pancreatic cancer.
A Pilot Study of Selective Lipopolysaccharide Adsorption and Coupled Plasma Filtration and Adsorption in Adult Patients with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Yaroustovsky Michail , Abramyan Marina , Krotenko Nickolay , Popov Dmitry , Plyushch Marina , Rogalskaya Ekaterina
Published: March 2015

Aim: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined extracorporeal therapy in patients with severe sepsis after cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients received combined extracorporeal therapy (LPS-adsorption with Toraymyxin columns + CPFA). The inclusion criteria were clinical signs of severe sepsis, EAA = 0.6, and PCT >2 ng/ml. 20 comparable patients in the control group received only standard therapy. Results: Each patient in the study group received 2 daily treatments of combined extracorporeal therapy. In contrast to controls, we noted an increase in the values of MAP from 73 to 82 mm Hg, (p < 0.001) and the mean oxygenation index (from 180 to 246, p < 0.001), decrease of EAA from 0.77 to 0.55, p < 0.001, and PCT (from 6.23 to 2.83 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The 28-day survival rate was 65 and 35% in the study and control groups respectively, p = 0.11. Conclusion: The combined use of LPS-adsorption and CPFA in a single circuit with standard therapy is a safe and possibly effective adjunctive method for treating severe sepsis.
CCL2/CCR2-Dependent Recruitment of Th17 Cells but Not Tc17 Cells to the Lung in a Murine Asthma Model
Authors: Wang Aili , Wang Zhengyun , Cao Yong , Cheng Sheng , Chen Huilong , Bunjhoo Hansvin , Xie Jungang , Wang Congyi , Xu Yongjian , Xiong Weining
Published: March 2015

Background: Interleukin (IL)-17 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and the progression of airway inflammation. Here, we used a model of allergic asthma and found that the frequencies of IL-17-secreting T helper (Th)17 and CD8 (Tc)17 cells were both significantly increased, as was the expression of the CC chemokine receptor (CCR2) on the surface of these cells. CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) has been shown to mediate the activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells in asthma, which are also skewed after ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. However, the role of CCL2 on Th17 cells and Tc17 cells in asthma has not been illuminated. Methods: Mice that were sensitized and challenged with OVA received anti-CCL2 antibody (Ab; 5 μg/day intratracheally) or CCR2 antagonist (RS504393, 2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) prior to the challenge. Some mice received an isotype control Ab or vehicle alone. We then assessed the effects of allergic asthma and anti-CCL2 Ab or CCR2 antagonist treatment on the levels of IL-17 and CCL2, the Th17 and Tc17 cell frequencies and lung tissue inflammation. Results: We demonstrated that CCL2 and IL-17 levels and the frequency of Th17 and Tc17 cells in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased in the asthma group compared with the normal control mice. Blocking the CCL2/CCR2 axis greatly reduced the Th17 but not the Tc17 cell frequency, and revealed a suppressive effect on airway inflammation. Conclusion: These findings indicate a role for the CCL2/CCR2 axis in mediating Th17 but not Tc17 cell migration during acute allergic airway inflammation.
Distribution of Resistant Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in the Resected Specimens of Clinical Stage III Patients after Chemoradiation: Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Neishaboori Nastaran , Wadhwa Roopma , Nogueras-González Graciela M. , Elimova Elena , Shiozaki Hironori , Sudo Kazuki , Charalampakis Nikolaos , Hiremath Adarsh , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Weston Brian , Blum Mariela A. , Rogers Jane E. , Garris Jeana L. , Rice David C. , Komaki Ritsuko , Swisher Stephen G. , Skinner Heath D. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: March 2015

Background: We have limited knowledge of the geographic distribution of resistant esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in resected specimens, but its clinical importance can be enormous. Method: We selected patients with baseline stage III EAC who had had chemoradiation followed by surgery and had residual EAC (resistant cases only). Outcomes were correlated with various endpoints (percentage of resistant EAC and anatomic distribution). Results: A total of 100 clinical stage III patients were studied; 90% had an R0 resection, and 99% had either moderate or poorly differentiated EAC. Twelve percent had >50% residual cancer, 31% had 11-50% residual cancer, 53% had 1-10% residual cancer, and 3% had positive nodes only. Each compartment was frequently involved: mucosa/submucosa (66%), muscularis propria (76%), and serosa (62%); all compartments were involved in 35% of the cases. Lack of EAC (meaning response) was observed in the mucosa/submucosa (34%), muscularis propria (24%), serosa (38%), and nodes (42%). Although the endoscopic biopsies prior to surgery showed no EAC in 79% of the patients, in the surgical specimens, resistant EAC was frequently occurring in the mucosa/submucosa (66%). Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis that resistant EAC would be frequent in the nodes, our data show that its distribution is heterogeneous and unpredictable. Most importantly, the postchemoradiation biopsies are misleading, and a decision to delay/avoid surgery based on negative biopsies can be detrimental for the patients.
Role of Amyloid from a Multiple Sclerosis Perspective: A Literature Review
Authors: Chandra Avinash
Published: March 2015

The traditional concept of multiple sclerosis (MS), that it is primarily a white matter inflammatory disease, has changed a great deal. Thanks to the recent development witnessed in MS research, a whole new idea has emerged that MS is a neurodegenerative disease, and neurodegeneration occurs rather earlier in the pathological process. This has also led to the foundation of the hypothesis that two fundamentally different diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and MS, may share a common mechanism of neurodegeneration. Conventionally, amyloid is thought to be a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation and is most notorious for its association with debilitating and chronic human diseases. Amyloid is implicated to be related with the deterioration and progression of AD. The finding of amyloid precursor protein expression in axons around the plaque in MS, as well as the correlation of amyloid-β (Aβ) with different stages of MS, has clearly indicated that amyloid plays some kind of key role in MS disease pathogenesis. Excitingly, a paradoxical phenomenon of Aβ has also been observed in several studies recently. It has been shown that amyloid might actually be helping in ameliorating the inflammatory effect in diseases like AD and MS. Amyloid imaging allows earlier diagnosis of MS by taking advantage of the relation of amyloid with MS. This will have a big impact on patient diagnosis and management. In this review I have included the findings of research studies dating from several years back to the most recent ones. Through this review I have tried to show the critical role of amyloid in MS and the importance of investigating through PET imaging.
Effectiveness and safety of dabigatran therapy in daily-care patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ebertz Franziska , Förster Kati , Gelbricht Vera , Michalski Franziska , Köhler Christina , Werth Sebastian , Endig Heike , Pannach Sven , Tittl Luise , Sahin Kurtulus , Daschkow Katharina , Weiss Norbert , Beyer-Westendorf Jan
Published: March 2015

summary

The effectiveness and safety of dabigatran for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (SPAF) demonstrated in RE-LY needs to be confirmed in daily care. To evaluate treatment persistence, effectiveness and safety of dabigatran therapy in SPAF patients in daily care, we used data from an ongoing, prospective, non-interventional registry of more than 2,500 patients on novel oral anticoagulants in daily care. Between October 1, 2011 and February 28, 2013, a total of 341 SPAF patients receiving dabigatran were enrolled. The combined endpoint of stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism occurred at a rate of 2.93/100 patient-years in the intention-to-treat analysis (95%-CI 1.6–4.9) and at 1.9/100 patient-years in the on treatment analysis (events within three days after last intake). On-treatment rates were higher in patients selected for 110 mg dabigatran (n=183) BID compared to the 158 patients selected for 150 mg BID (2.88 [95% CI 1.16–5.93] vs 0.86/100 patient-years [95% CI 0.10, 3.12]). On treatment, major bleeding occurred at a rate of 2.3/100 patient-years and numerically more often in patients receiving the 110 mg BID dose compared to the 150 mg BID dose (2.9 vs 1.7/100 patient-years). Dabigatran treatment discontinuation occurred in a total of 124 patients during follow-up (25.8 per 100 patient-years in Kaplan Meier analysis). Main reasons for treatment discontinuation were nonbleeding side effects. Our data contribute to the confirmation of effectiveness and relative safety of dabigatran in unselected patients in daily care. However, discontinuation rates are not lower than those reported for patients treated with vitamin K antagonists.
Identification of Novel Long Noncoding RNAs Underlying Vertebrate Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Kurian Leo , Aguirre Aitor , Sancho-Martinez Ignacio , Benner Christopher , Hishida Tomoaki , Nguyen Thai B. , Reddy Pradeep , Nivet Emmanuel , Krause Marie N. , Nelles David A. , Esteban Concepcion Rodriguez , Campistol Josep M. , Yeo Gene W. , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos
Published: March 2015

Background—

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical epigenetic regulators with important functions in development and disease. Here, we sought to identify and functionally characterize novel lncRNAs critical for vertebrate development.

Methods and Results—

By relying on human pluripotent stem cell differentiation models, we investigated lncRNAs differentially regulated at key steps during human cardiovascular development with a special focus on vascular endothelial cells. RNA sequencing led to the generation of large data sets that serve as a gene expression roadmap highlighting gene expression changes during human pluripotent cell differentiation. Stage-specific analyses led to the identification of 3 previously uncharacterized lncRNAs,
TERMINATOR
,
ALIEN
, and
PUNISHER
, specifically expressed in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, cardiovascular progenitors, and differentiated endothelial cells, respectively. Functional characterization, including localization studies, dynamic expression analyses, epigenetic modification monitoring, and knockdown experiments in lower vertebrates, as well as murine embryos and human cells, confirmed a critical role for each lncRNA specific for each analyzed developmental stage.

Conclusions—

We have identified and functionally characterized 3 novel lncRNAs involved in vertebrate and human cardiovascular development, and we provide a comprehensive transcriptomic roadmap that sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying human embryonic development, mesodermal commitment, and cardiovascular specification.
Synonymy of three South American genera in Apocynaceae, and new combinations in Oxypetalum and Tassadia
Authors: Liede-Schumann Sigrid , Meve Ulrich
Published: March 2015

Three small South American genera of Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae are included in a phylogeny of South American Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae using the trnT–L and trnL–F intergenic spacers and the trnL and rps16 introns. Two genera, Widgrenia and Rhyssostelma, are nested in the large genus Oxypetalum. One, Stenomeria, is congeneric with Tassadia. The correspondent and necessary new combinations, Oxypetalum nigricans and O. corymbosum, and Tassadia decalepis, T. fosteri and T. pentalepis are made. The new combination Tassadia guanchezii is proposed for a hitherto insufficiently known species of white sand savannas of Colombia and Venezuela. Lorostelma struthianthus, a synonym of Tassadia decalepis, is lectotypified. This manuscript proposes taxonomic changes that reflect advances in Oxypetalinae and Tassadiinae, and it emends the description of Tassadia guanchezii.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 65 New synonyms in Scapaniaceae
Authors: Vána Jiri , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: March 2015

Scapania portoricensis Hampe & Gottsche (1852: 342) is the only Scapania (Dumortier 1831: 38) Dumortier (1835: 14) species endemic to the Neotropics, and one of three species of this genus known from this area. It is widespread in mountain regions of tropical America (From Mexico and West Indies to Bolivia and SE Brazil). The species was studied in detail by Herzog (1928) and Hong (1988), but two species cited below as conspecific with Scapania. portoricensis were not included in these studies.
First report of the Eucalyptus gall wasp, Ophelimus maskelli (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive pest on Eucalyptus, from the Western Hemisphere
Authors: BURKS ROGER A. , MOTTERN JASON L. , WATERWORTH REBECCAH , PAINE TIMOTHY D.
Published: March 2015

Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was found in southern California, USA, on March 17, 2014, in Riverside County, University of California Riverside Campus (UCR), and has been common there since then. It has also been found in other locations in southern California, including San Diego County (San Diego Safari Park on November 1, 2014), and Orange County (Laguna Niguel Regional Park). Specimens collected from UCR were compared with voucher specimens of O. maskelli collected from Lazio, Italy, and were found to be conspecific. This represents the first report of O. maskelli from the Western Hemisphere.
Structure and properties of nanocomposites based on poly(butylene succinate) and supercritical carbon dioxide-processed montmorillonite
Authors: He Wentao , Xu Chen , Yao Yong , Xiang Yushu , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: March 2015

Montmorillonite is intercalated with different amounts of tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride in supercritical carbon dioxide and poly(butylene succinate)-based nanocomposites are prepared with the organically modified or commercial organoclay via melt-mixing. The effect of amount of tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride on the structure of organically modified montmorillonite tactoids, organically modified montmorillonite dispersion and finally on properties of nanocomposites is systematically investigated. Different from the compact spherical structure for pristine montmorillonite tactoids, flexible expanded structure with large cavities on the surface can be obtained for organically modified montmorillonites, and their structure show slight difference with the tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride amount. It is interesting to find that, despite almost no polymer molecule being intercalated into the interlayer, significant dispersion can be achieved for the scCO2-processed organically modified montmorillonite in polymer matrix, due to the easily broken tactoid structure. It is noteworthy, montmorillonite-tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride 08, which is modified with 0.8 CEC tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride, less than in most of the literature, shows almost the same degree of dispersion in poly(butylene succinate) matrix as commercial montmorillonite, which has a stronger interaction with the polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic modulus analysis results demonstrate that the crystallization temperature and storage modulus of poly(butylene succinate)-based nanocomposites increase with the amount of tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride, and montmorillonite-tetradecyltrihexylphosphonium chloride08/poly(butylene succinate) shows even higher crystallization temperature and low-temperature storage modulus compared to commercial montmorillonite/poly(butylene succinate).
Oral Disease Profiles in Chronic Graft versus Host Disease
Authors: Bassim C.W. , Fassil H. , Mays J.W. , Edwards D. , Baird K. , Steinberg S.M. , Cowen E.W. , Naik H. , Datiles M. , Stratton P. , Gress R.E. , Pavletic S.Z.
Published: March 2015

At least half of patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD), the leading cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, have oral manifestations: mucosal lesions, salivary dysfunction, and limited mouth-opening. cGVHD may manifest in a single organ or affect multiple organ systems, including the mouth, eyes, and the skin. The interrelationship of the 3 oral manifestations of cGVHD with each other and with the specific manifestations of extraoral cGVHD has not been studied. In this analysis, we explored, in a large group of patients with cGVHD, the potential associations between: (1) oral mucosal disease and erythematous skin disease, (2) salivary gland dysfunction and lacrimal gland dysfunction, and (3) limited mouth-opening and sclerotic skin cGVHD. Study participants, enrolled in a cGVHD Natural History Protocol (NCT00331968, n = 212), underwent an oral examination evaluating: (1) mucosal cGVHD [NIH Oral Mucosal Score (OMS)], (2) salivary dysfunction (saliva flow and xerostomia), and (3) maximum mouth-opening measurement. Parameters for dysfunction (OMS > 2, saliva flow ≤ 1 mL/5 min, mouth-opening ≤ 35 mm) were analyzed for association with skin cGVHD involvement (erythema and sclerosis, skin symptoms), lacrimal dysfunction (Schirmer’s tear test, xerophthalmia), Lee cGVHD Symptom Scores, and NIH organ scores. Oral mucosal disease (31% prevalence) was associated with skin erythema ( P < 0.001); salivary dysfunction (11% prevalence) was associated with lacrimal dysfunction ( P = 0.010) and xerostomia with xerophthalmia (r = 0.32, P = 0.001); and limited mouth-opening (17% prevalence) was associated with skin sclerosis ( P = 0.008) and skin symptoms ( P = 0.001). There was no association found among these 3 oral cGVHD manifestations. This analysis supports the understanding of oral cGVHD as 3 distinct diseases: mucosal lesions, salivary gland dysfunction, and mouth sclerosis. Clear classification of oral cGVHD as 3 separate manifestations will improve clinical diagnosis, observational research data collection, and the definitions of outcome measures in clinical trials.
Global Burden of Untreated Caries
Authors: Kassebaum N.J. , Bernabé E. , Dahiya M. , Bhandari B. , Murray C.J.L. , Marcenes W.
Published: March 2015

We aimed to consolidate all epidemiologic data about untreated caries and subsequently generate internally consistent prevalence and incidence estimates for all countries, 20 age groups, and both sexes for 1990 and 2010. The systematic search of the literature yielded 18,311 unique citations. After screening titles and abstracts, we excluded 10,461 citations as clearly irrelevant to this systematic review, leaving 1,682 for full-text review. Furthermore, 1,373 publications were excluded following the validity assessment. Overall, 192 studies of 1,502,260 children aged 1 to 14 y in 74 countries and 186 studies of 3,265,546 individuals aged 5 y or older in 67 countries were included in separate metaregressions for untreated caries in deciduous and permanent teeth, respectively, using modeling resources from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. In 2010, untreated caries in permanent teeth was the most prevalent condition worldwide, affecting 2.4 billion people, and untreated caries in deciduous teeth was the 10th-most prevalent condition, affecting 621 million children worldwide. The global age-standardized prevalence and incidence of untreated caries remained static between 1990 and 2010. There is evidence that the burden of untreated caries is shifting from children to adults, with 3 peaks in prevalence at ages 6, 25, and 70 y. Also, there were considerable variations in prevalence and incidence between regions and countries. Policy makers need to be aware of a predictable increasing burden of untreated caries due to population growth and longevity and a significant decrease in the prevalence of total tooth loss throughout the world from 1990 to 2010.
The roles of developer’s status and competitive intensity in presale pricing in a residential market: A study of the spatio-temporal model in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Hui Eddie Chi Man , Liang Cong , Wang Ziyou , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2015

This study investigates the roles of developer’s status and competitive intensity in presale pricing in residential markets. The study examines various competitive factors in Hangzhou, China, within a spatial-temporal framework. These factors include competitive intensity and developer’s status, plus two independent variable groups: external attributes and project features. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional valuation methods, the estimation makes use of spatial and temporal data via three different approaches. They are the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regressions (GTWR), Spatial Temporal Hedonic Model (STHM) and Spatial Temporal Autoregressive Model (STAR). The analysis reveals that there exists spatial and temporal dependence in the Hangzhou real estate market. Not only does this study provide new findings and a better understanding of the factors affecting presale pricing, but it also offers valuable implications about competitive intensity for policymakers and urban planners in the spatio-temporal context.
Transfer of development rights and public facility planning in Taiwan: An examination of local adaptation and spatial impact
Authors: Shih Mi , Chang Hsiutzu Betty
Published: March 2015

Since the early 2000s, transfer of development rights has served as a compensatory regime to address the ‘reserved land’ issue in Taiwan, a planning challenge that has seen private owners remain uncompensated for land flagged by the government for public facilities. This article investigates two aspects of the implementation of transfer of development rights in Taiwan. First, it examines the local adaptation process by which the use of transfer of development rights has been diverted from its original function of historical preservation. Second, it maps the spatial impact of this compensation process, using Sanchong District in New Taipei City as a case study. We demonstrate that trends of high-end developments in prime locations and ‘piecemeal transfer’ in the city’s older, inner neighbourhoods show worrisome patterns of uneven development. We conclude that the neoliberal effects generated by the transfer of development rights policy have complicated the planning challenge the policy was initially intended to resolve.
Race, Ethnicity, and Structural Variations in Youth Risk of Arrest
Authors: Andersen Tia Stevens
Published: March 2015

Missing from the considerable body of literature on disproportionate minority contact is an examination of the factors that influence risk of juvenile arrest. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the author examines racial/ethnic disparities in youth arrest, net of self-reported delinquency. Drawing from research using a minority threat perspective, this study examines whether disparities are exacerbated by macro levels of the relative size of the minority population and minority economic inequality. The results indicate Black youth have a higher risk of arrest than White youth in all contextual climates, but this disparity is magnified in predominantly non-Black communities. Differences between Hispanic and White youths’ risk of arrest did not reach statistical significance or vary across communities. The findings failed to yield support for the threat perspective but strongly supported the benign neglect thesis. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
State, Illegality, and Territorial Control
Authors: Forero Jorge Enrique
Published: March 2015

The inevitable incursion of Colombian armed groups into Ecuador remained at low levels for decades, but in the late 1990s the United States increased its level of engagement in the conflict and the Colombian government permitted the expansion of paramilitaries into the South of the country. While Rafael Correa’s Plan Ecuador privileged economic development in the border region as a way of promoting peace there, the massacre by the Colombian military in Angostura (Sucumbíos) in March 2008 led to an increase in military spending and increasing violations of the human rights of the region’s people. Socioeconomic conditions remain favorable to the expansion of the paramilitary organizations, linked to drug trafficking, gasoline smuggling, and other illegal activities. Without the resurrection of Plan Ecuador, their presence will continue to threaten the sovereignty of the state and the consolidation of its progressive national project.

La incursión inevitable de los grupos armados colombianos en Ecuador se mantuvo en niveles bajos durante décadas, pero a finales de los 90s los Estados Unidos aumentaron su nivel de participación en el conflicto y el gobierno colombiano permitió la expansión de los paramilitares en el sur del país. Si bien el Plan Ecuador de Rafael Correa privilegió el desarrollo económico en la región fronteriza como una forma de promover la paz allí, la masacre por el ejército colombiano en Angostura (Sucumbíos) en marzo de 2008 generó un incremento en el gasto militar y el aumento de violaciones de los derechos humanos de la gente de la región. Las condiciones socioeconómicas siguen siendo favorables a la expansión de las organizaciones paramilitares, vinculadas al tráfico de drogas, contrabando de gasolina, y otras actividades ilegales. Sin la resurrección del Plan Ecuador, su presencia seguirá amenazando la soberanía del Estado y la consolidación de su proyecto nacional progresista.
Social Movements, the State, and the Making of Food Sovereignty in Ecuador
Authors: Peña Karla
Published: March 2015

The 2008 Constitution was the political opening for food sovereignty in Ecuador. By framing food sovereignty as a right to sumak kawsay (living well), the indigenous and peasant movements garnered support from diverse social groups and sectors forming coalitions like the Red Agraria. Through these coalitions, the social movements have shaped and negotiated policy in new ways. The Red Agraria works with the state’s Conferencia Plurinacional e Intercultural de Soberanía Alimentaria (COPISA) to formulate policies at local and regional levels and then negotiates these policies in the National Assembly. In this process, COPISA has helped create a synergistic relationship between civil society and the state. While it remains unclear whether social movements and the state will move toward implementation and practice, current gains in terms of synergies and opportunities for negotiation have been instrumental in institutionalizing food sovereignty.

La Constitución de 2008 fue la apertura política para la soberanía alimentaria en el Ecuador. Los movimientos indigenistas y campesinos han recibido el apoyo de diversos sectores y grupos sociales al concebir la soberanía alimentaria como un derecho a sumak kawsay (vivir bien). Al formar coaliciones como la Red Agraria, los movimientos sociales han formulado y negociado la política pública con nuevas estrategias. La Red Agraria trabaja con la Conferencia Plurinacional e Intercultural de Soberanía Alimentaria (COPISA) del Estado para formular políticas a nivel local y regional y luego negociar estas políticas en la Asamblea Nacional. En este proceso COPISA ha ayudado a crear una relación sinérgica entre la sociedad civil y el estado. Aunque todavía no está claro si los movimientos sociales y el estado avanzarán hacia la implementación y la práctica, los logros alcanzados en términos de sinergias y oportunidades para la negociación han sido fundamentales para institucionalizar la soberanía alimentaria.
Pilot Study Evaluating the Feasibility and Initial Outcomes of a Primary Care Weight Loss Intervention With Peer Coaches
Authors: Dutton Gareth R. , Phillips Janice M. , Kukkamalla Meghana , Cherrington Andrea L. , Safford Monika M.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this single-group pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes of a novel approach to delivering weight loss treatment in primary care using peer coaches and targeting predominantly African American patients with diabetes or prediabetes.

Methods

Participants (N = 33) were recruited from a family medicine practice for a 6-month lifestyle intervention. Eligible patients were obese adults (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) with ≥1 additional cardiometabolic risk factor(s), including (1) elevated hemoglobin A1C or diagnosed diabetes, (2) elevated blood pressure, (3) elevated triglycerides, and/or (4) low high-density lipoprotein. The intervention included a combination of 12 group-based office visits with health professionals plus 12 individual phone contacts with peer coaches. Outcomes included weight loss, program adherence, and program satisfaction.

Results

Participants (mean age = 56 ± 10 years; BMI = 42.9 ± 11.0 kg/m2) were predominantly female (88%) and African American (85%). Treatment resulted in a significant mean weight loss of −4.5 ± 7.2 kg, and approximately 27% of participants lost ≥5% of their initial body weight. Participants completed approximately 50% of the group visits and 40% of the telephone calls with peer coaches. Participants rated both components of the intervention favorably.

Conclusions

Results of this pilot study indicated that a primary care weight management program including group-based visits and peer-delivered telephone contacts achieved significant weight loss among predominantly African American patients with weight-related comorbidities, including diabetes and prediabetes. Additional research is needed to examine the long-term outcomes of this novel approach and to identify program components supporting patients’ success.
Current Dynamics of Scholarly Publishing
Authors: Origgi Gloria , Ramello Giovanni B.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Scholarly publishing is an essential vehicle for actively participating in the scientific debate and for sustaining the invisible colleges of the modern research environment, which extend far beyond the borders of individual research institutions. However, its current dynamics have deeply transformed the scientific life and conditioned in new ways the economics of academic knowledge production. They have also challenged the perceived common sense view of scientific research.

Method:

Analytical approach to set out a comprehensive framework on the current debate on scholarly publishing and to shed light on the peculiar organization and the working of this peculiar productive sector.

Result:

The way in which scientific knowledge is produced and transmitted has been dramatically affected by the series of recent major technosocietal transformations. Although the effects are many, in particular the current overlap and interplay between two distinct and somewhat opposite stances—scientific and economic—tend to blur the overall understanding of what scholarly publishing is and produces distortion on its working which in turn affect the scientific activities. The outcome is thus a series of intended and unintended effects on the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Conclusion:

The article suggests that a substantial transformation characterizes science today that seems more like a thrusting, entrepreneurial business than a contemplative, disinterested endeavor. In this essay, we provide a general overview of the pivotal role of the scholarly publishing in fostering this change and its pros and cons connected to the idiosyncratic interplay between social norms and market stances.
Interest of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex in the management of refractory cancer pain in palliative care: Two case reports
Authors: Nizard Julien , Levesque Amélie , Denis Nathalie , de Chauvigny Edwige , Lepeintre Aurélie , Raoul Sylvie , Labat Jean-Jacques , Bulteau Samuel , Maillard Benoît , Buffenoir Kevin , Potel Gilles , Lefaucheur Jean-Pascal , Nguyen Jean Paul
Published: March 2015

Background:

Non-drug treatments should be systematically associated to the medical analgesic treatment during the terminal phase of cancer.

Cases presentation:

Patient 1, a 23-year-old woman, presented an adenocarcinoma of the rectum, with liver and lung metastases. Pain was initially treated by oral morphine and a combination of pregabalin and amitriptyline. Ketamine and intrathecal administration of morphine were both ineffective. Patient 2, a 69-year-old woman, presented a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. She was admitted to the palliative care unit with mixed pain related to cutaneous lymphomatous infiltration. World Health Organization (WHO) step 3 analgesics had not been tolerated.

Cases management:

Both patients received five consecutive 20-min sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to the right motor cortex.

Cases outcome:

Patient 1 experienced a marked improvement of her pain over the days following the first repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation session. Medical treatment was able to be rapidly decreased by about 50%, which restored an almost normal level of consciousness and lucidity. Patient 2’s pain was also markedly decreased over the days following these five consecutive sessions, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation also appeared to have had a beneficial effect on the patient’s anxiety and mood.

Conclusion:

In the context of palliative care of cancer patients experiencing refractory pain that is difficult to control by the usual treatments, motor cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, due to its noninvasive nature, can be used as an adjuvant therapy to improve various components of pain, including the emotional components. By reducing the doses of analgesics, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation decreases the severity of their adverse effects and improves the patient’s quality of life.