bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of phenology, synchrony and fecundity of breeding by African ungulates to interannual variation in rainfall
Authors: Ogutu Joseph O. , Piepho Hans-Peter , Dublin Holly T.
Published: March 2014

Context The timing and synchrony of births are important components of fitness among ungulates living in seasonal environments. Aims We investigated the effects of rainfall variation on interannual variation in the timing, synchrony and prolificity of births for six African ungulate species inhabiting an equatorial savanna with bimodal rainfall. Methods We analyse how seasonally and aseasonally breeding African savanna ungulates maintain reproductive success despite rainfall constraints, and adjust the phenology, synchrony and fecundity of their breeding to track interannual variation in rainfall. We use data on six ungulate species inhabiting the Masai Mara National Reserve (Mara) of Kenya to test five hypotheses concerning the influences of seasonality in resources, gestation length and the hider–follower strategy on the timing, synchrony and prolificity of calving. Key results Births were more synchronised for topi, warthog and zebra than for hartebeest, impala, and giraffe. Births occurred in most months, but tended to peak during the early rains when forage quality peaks for all species. The rainfall component exerting the strongest influence on timing of births varied with species. Gestation length, the hider–follower dichotomy, and hence predation, had apparently weak influences on birth synchrony. In drought years with nutritionally deficient forage, births were delayed, less synchronised and fewer. This portrayed protracted calving seasons, suppression of early conceptions, and delayed onset of births, calf losses, reproductive pauses or failures. However, in rainy years with sufficient forage, births peaked early, or were not delayed, and the synchronicity of calving increased for all species. This suggested early breeding by primiparous females; or higher fertility early in the mating period. The prolificity of calving increased with rainfall for topi and warthog but decreased for the remaining species. Conclusions Marked interannual variability in rainfall, plant phenology and forage sufficiency in tropical savannas impose strong constraints on ungulates, favouring flexible timing of births over strictly seasonal reproduction characteristic of temperate latitudes with predictable seasonal resource cues. Implications Despite high flexibility in their timing of births, widening rainfall variability expected to result from global warming could lower reproductive success of tropical ungulates by lowering their fecundity and survival prospects of their calves if droughts became more frequent and severe.
Not so high
Authors: Srishti Richa
Published: March 2014

The status of the causee argument in Hindi and other South Asian Languages has been contentious in recent literature as it takes instrumental/ablatice Case marker and hence, seems comparable to an instrumental/ablative adjunct (-se in Hindi, athi in Kashmiri, tõ: in Punjabi, and -n∂ in Manipuri). The question is whether the instrumental/ablative Case marker appearing on the causee and on an instrumental adjunct should only receive an analysis of accidental homophony or a more principled analysis between the two is possible? The paper here argues that such an analysis is certainly possible. The instrumental/ablative is an adjunct and in causatives, the causee argument is merged to the Voice head as its specifier (the position involving -se/athi/tõ:/n∂ being valued as a structural, rather than a lexical, Case). It is further argued that though, this position is υP-external, i.e. ‘high’ but not ‘high’ enough to count as the subject.
Agreement and verb types in Kutchi Gujarati
Authors: Grosz Patrick Georg , Patel-Grosz Pritty
Published: March 2014

This paper explores the φ-agreement system in Kutchi Gujarati, focusing on canonical transitive cases and on non-canonical cases involving psych predicates and modal auxiliaries. Based on the agreement pattern in the future perfect, we argue that φ-agreement in Kutchi Gujarati involves two agreement probes, a higher (number/person) probe in T, and a lower (gender/number) probe in the v/Asp area. After showing how such a system derives the split-ergative agreement pattern in canonical transitive constructions (Section 2), we extend our analysis to other types of verbs, specifically to psych predicates (such as gam ‘like’) and to constructions that involve modal auxiliaries (such as par ‘have to’), both of which require a dative-marked subject (Section 3).
Angiomotins link F-actin architecture to Hippo pathway signaling
Authors: Mana-Capelli Sebastian , Paramasivam Murugan , Dutta Shubham , McCollum Dannel
Published: March 2014

The Hippo pathway regulates the transcriptional coactivator YAP to control cell proliferation, organ size, and stem cell maintenance. Multiple factors, such as substrate stiffness, cell density, and G protein–coupled receptor signaling, regulate YAP through their effects on the F-actin cytoskeleton, although the mechanism is not known. Here we show that angiomotin proteins (AMOT130, AMOTL1, and AMOTL2) connect F-actin architecture to YAP regulation. First, we show that angiomotins are required to relocalize YAP to the cytoplasm in response to various manipulations that perturb the actin cytoskeleton. Second, angiomotins associate with F-actin through a conserved F-actin–binding domain, and mutants defective for F-actin binding show enhanced ability to retain YAP in the cytoplasm. Third, F-actin and YAP compete for binding to AMOT130, explaining how F-actin inhibits AMOT130-mediated cytoplasmic retention of YAP. Furthermore, we find that LATS can synergize with F-actin perturbations by phosphorylating free AMOT130 to keep it from associating with F-actin. Together these results uncover a mechanism for how F-actin levels modulate YAP localization, allowing cells to make developmental and proliferative decisions based on diverse inputs that regulate actin architecture.
The endeavor of total synthesis and its impact on chemistry, biology and medicine
Authors: Nicolaou K. C. , Hale Christopher R. H.
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of urea in 1828 set in motion the discipline of organic synthesis in general and of total synthesis in particular, the art and science of synthesizing natural products, the molecules of living nature. Early endeavors in total synthesis had as their main objective the proof of structure of the target molecule. Later on, the primary goal became the demonstration of the power of synthesis to construct complex molecules through appropriately devised strategies, making the endeavor an achievement whose value was measured by its elegance and efficiency. While these objectives continue to be important, contemporary endeavors in total synthesis are increasingly focused on practical aspects, including method development, efficiency, and biological and medical relevance. In this article, the emergence and evolution of total synthesis to its present state is traced, selected total syntheses from the author's laboratories are highlighted, and projections for the future of the field are discussed.
Deformation field heterogeneity in punch indentation
Authors: Murthy Tejas G. , Saldana Christopher , Hudspeth Matthew , M'Saoubi Rachid
Published: March 2014

Plastic heterogeneity in indentation is fundamental for understanding mechanics of hardness testing and impression-based deformation processing methods. The heterogeneous deformation underlying plane-strain indentation was investigated in plastic loading of copper by a flat punch. Deformation parameters were measured,
in situ
, by tracking the motion of asperities in high-speed optical imaging. These measurements were coupled with multi-scale analyses of strength, microstructure and crystallographic texture in the vicinity of the indentation. Self-consistency is demonstrated in description of the deformation field using the
in situ
mechanics-based measurements and post-mortem materials characterization. Salient features of the punch indentation process elucidated include, among others, the presence of a dead-metal zone underneath the indenter, regions of intense strain rate (e.g. slip lines) and extent of the plastic flow field. Perhaps more intriguing are the transitions between shear-type and compression-type deformation modes over the indentation region that were quantified by the high-resolution crystallographic texture measurements. The evolution of the field concomitant to the progress of indentation is discussed and primary differences between the mechanics of indentation for a rigid perfectly plastic material and a strain-hardening material are described.
IFNL4/IL-28B haplotype structure and its impact on susceptibility to hepatitis C virus and treatment response in the Japanese population
Authors: Ochi Hidenori , Miki Daiki , Hayes C. Nelson , Abe Hiromi , Hayashida Yasufumi , Kubo Michiaki , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: March 2014

A new type III interferon, IFN lambda 4 (IFNL4), and its single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ss469415590 causing a frame shift have been recently reported strongly to affect antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in African and Caucasian populations compared to previously reported IL-28B SNPs rs12979860 and rs8099917. To compare the predictability for treatment outcome among those polymorphisms, we estimated haplotype structure of IFNL4/IL-28B consisting of the three SNPs in 4630 Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients and 1122 healthy controls and then compared their impact on response to pegylated-IFN (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) combined therapy in 903 HCV-1b-infected patients. A total of five haplotypes were identified, although two major haplotypes accounted for >99 % of the variation. The SNPs were tightly linked but not in absolute linkage disequilibrium. We could not find any difference in the predictive impact of any of these three SNPs with regard to susceptibility to HCV and treatment response. However, patients with favourable rs8099917 TT, linked to unfavourable genotypes of ss469415590 and rs12979860, showed poor initial viral response compared with those with all favourable genotypes (P = 0.0022). These findings suggest that, in part, ss469415590 and rs12979860 may have better predictive impact on response to PEG-IFN plus RBV therapy in the Japanese population, especially in patients with any of the minor haplotypes consisting of these SNPs.
The type IV secretion protein TraK from theEnterococcusconjugative plasmid pIP501 exhibits a novel fold
Authors: Goessweiner-Mohr Nikolaus , Fercher Christian , Arends Karsten , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Laverde-Gomez Diana , Huebner Johannes , Grohmann Elisabeth , Keller Walter
Published: March 2014

Conjugative plasmid transfer presents a serious threat to human health as the most important means of spreading antibiotic resistance and virulence genes among bacteria. The required direct cell–cell contact is established by a multi-protein complex, the conjugative type IV secretion system (T4SS). The conjugative core complex spans the cellular envelope and serves as a channel for macromolecular secretion. T4SSs of Gram-negative (G−) origin have been studied in great detail. In contrast, T4SSs of Gram-positive (G+) bacteria have only received little attention thus far, despite the medical relevance of numerous G+ pathogens (e.g.enterococci, staphylococci and streptococci). This study provides structural information on the type IV secretion (T4S) protein TraK of the G+ broad host rangeEnterococcusconjugative plasmid pIP501. The crystal structure of the N-terminally truncated construct TraKΔ was determined to 3.0 Å resolution and exhibits a novel fold. Immunolocalization demonstrated that the protein localizes to the cell wall facing towards the cell exterior, but does not exhibit surface accessibility. Circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography confirmed the protein to be a monomer. With the exception of proteins from closely related T4SSs, no significant sequence or structural relatives were found. This observation marks the protein as a very exclusive, specialized member of the pIP501 T4SS.
3′-Azidothymidine in the active site ofEscherichia colithymidine phosphorylase: the peculiarity of the binding on the basis of X-ray study
Authors: Timofeev Vladimir , Abramchik Yulia , Zhukhlistova Nadezda , Muravieva Tatiana , Fateev Ilya , Esipov Roman , Kuranova Inna
Published: March 2014

The structural study of complexes of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) with nucleoside analogues which inhibit its activity is of special interest because many of these compounds are used as chemotherapeutic agents. Determination of kinetic parameters showed that 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (3′-azidothymidine; AZT), which is widely used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, is a reversible noncompetitive inhibitor ofEscherichia colithymidine phosphorylase (TP). The three-dimensional structure ofE. coliTP complexed with AZT was solved by the molecular-replacement method and was refined at 1.52 Å resolution. Crystals for X-ray study were grown in microgravity by the counter-diffusion technique from a solution of the protein in phosphate buffer with ammonium sulfate as a precipitant. The AZT molecule was located with full occupancy in the electron-density maps in the nucleoside-binding pocket of TP, whereas the phosphate-binding pocket of the enzyme was occupied by phosphate (or sulfate) ion. The structure of the active-site cavity and conformational changes of the enzyme upon AZT binding are described in detail. It is found that the position of AZT differs remarkably from the positions of the pyrimidine bases and nucleoside analogues in other known complexes of pyrimidine phosphorylases, but coincides well with the position of 2′-fluoro-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (N3FddU) in the recently investigated complex ofE. coliTP with this ligand (Timofeevet al., 2013). The peculiarities of the arrangement of N3FddU and 3′-azidothymidine in the nucleoside binding pocket of TP and correlations between the arrangement and inhibitory properties of these compounds are discussed.
Is the ‘Constitution of Equality’ Parliamentary, Presidential or Hybrid?
Authors: Ganghof Steffen
Published: March 2014

What does the value of political equality imply for the institutional design of democracies? The existing normative literature highlights the importance of proportional representation and legislative majority rule, but neglects the choice of an executive format. This paper explores two potential egalitarian trade-offs in this choice. First, while presidential systems tend to achieve too little bundling of separable decision-making issues (within political parties), parliamentary systems often tend towards too much bundling (between political parties), thus establishing informal veto positions in the democratic process. This is a trade-off between the ‘adversarial’ and ‘deliberative’ aspects of equality. Second, there is a trade-off between ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical’ equality. Neither pure presidentialism nor pure parliamentarism may be able to maximise both dimensions of equality simultaneously. The paper argues that certain hybrids between parliamentarism and presidentialism have the potential to mitigate both trade-offs. These hybrids establish power separation between the executive and legislature without allowing for popular executive elections. The argument also has potential implications for the democratisation of the European Union.
The Importance of Local Parties and Incumbency to the Electoral Prospects of the Liberal Democrats
Authors: Johnson Craig
Published: March 2014

It has been argued, based upon national polling and mid-term election results, that Britain's Liberal Democrats will lose a substantial number of seats at the next general election. However, such argument is in danger of underestimating the unique importance of strong local party organisation and incumbency to the Liberal Democrats as a platform for subsequent general electoral success. This article examines the changing income, expenditure and membership of the party's strongest local constituency associations since 2010, and concludes with a short assessment of the possible implications for the Liberal Democrats at the next election and beyond.
Russia and Asia-Pacific: From ‘Competing’ to ‘Complementary’ Regionalisms?
Authors: Kuhrt Natasha C.
Published: March 2014

This article addresses Russia's role in the Asia-Pacific region and asks whether and how its conception of its role has changed. It is suggested that within Russia there is a re-evaluation of regionalism, underway in both academic and public spheres, which seeks to engage with ‘Eurocentric’ approaches to regionalism and, to some extent, challenge it – much of this remains at a discursive or rhetorical level. However, there is also evidence to show that Russia is attempting to diversify relations in the region away from China due to the overdependence of Russia's Far Eastern region on China in economic terms.
Natural food resources bank in the form of forestry and grassland: Scenarios to ensure sustainable food security
Authors: Wu Wenbiao , Yang Yixing , Brennan Charles S. , Huang Wei
Published: March 2014

An evaluation was conducted to establish the feasibility of a Natural Food Resources Bank (NFRB), in the form of forestry or grassland, to achieve both continuous food production and an accumulation of primary nutrients in living perennial plants. The development of an NFRB protects our living environment from deterioration (especially soil erosion) by increasing the surface coverage of the world's land, even in mountainous areas. Additionally a functioning NFRB enhances food sustainably and security, representing a tangible and renewable food resource production system. Research has identified the prospects of cultivating the NFRB in the form of forestry and also grassland. The review investigated the distinct differences of an NFRB from a range of approaches and discusses the environmental advantage and feasibility of cultivating NFRB. The ability of the NFRB to realize sustainable food resources production for ensuring food security is evaluated in terms of environmental and economical feasibility. A NFRB can attenuate climatic change by increasing CO2 absorption and fixation. It is worth considering the replacement of the annual food production system by the NFRB (especially in steeplands) in environmental law, and replacing the policy of maintaining annual food reserves by the NFRB in food security policy.
Association of perceived neighborhood characteristics, socioeconomic status and rural residency with health outcomes in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: one center study
Authors: Abdul‐Sattar Amal B. , Abou El Magd Sahar
Published: March 2014

Objective

To investigate the role of perceived neighborhood characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES) and rural residency in influencing the health status outcome of Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Eighty patients affected with SLE were consecutively included in this a single‐center cross‐sectional study from July, 2011 to July, 2013. Outcome measures included the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) score, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 Health Survey physical functioning score and Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D score of ≥ 19 points). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Results from multivariate logistic regression analyses, a separate adjusted model of each perceived neighborhood characteristic, indicate associations of worse perceived social cohesion with higher SLAQ scores (P < 0.01) and associations of worse perceived neighborhood aesthetics and safety with lower SF‐36 physical functioning scores after adjusting for covariates (P < 0.01). Regarding the association of socioeconomic status and rural residency with health status outcomes, the results found association of poor socioeconomic status with the three health status outcome measures and association between rural residency and depression symptoms. Individuals had increased odds of depressive symptoms if they perceived worse neighborhood social cohesion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14; CI: 1.42–2.80), if they perceived worse neighborhood safety (OR: 1.64; CI: 1.02–2.40) and if they perceived worse neighborhood aesthetic characteristics (OR: 2.79; CI: 1.84–3.38).

Conclusions

Study findings indicate that poor socioeconomic status, rural residency and perceived neighborhood characteristics are associated with depression; worse perceived neighborhood aesthetics and safety are associated with lower SF‐36 physical functioning, and worse neighborhood social cohesion is associated with higher disease activity among patients with SLE.
Performance Analysis of a Miniature Turbine Generator for Intracorporeal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Pfenniger Alois , Vogel Rolf , Koch Volker M. , Jonsson Magnus
Published: March 2014

Replacement intervals of implantable medical devices are commonly dictated by battery life. Therefore, intracorporeal energy harvesting has the potential to reduce the number of surgical interventions by extending the life cycle of active devices. Given the accumulated experience with intravascular devices such as stents, heart valves, and cardiac assist devices, the idea to harvest a small fraction of the hydraulic energy available in the cardiovascular circulation is revisited. The aim of this article is to explore the technical feasibility of harvesting 1 mW electric power using a miniature hydrodynamic turbine powered by about 1% of the cardiac output flow in a peripheral artery. To this end, numerical modelling of the fluid mechanics and experimental verification of the overall performance of a 1:1 scale friction turbine are performed in vitro. The numerical flow model is validated for a range of turbine configurations and flow conditions (up to 250 mL/min) in terms of hydromechanic efficiency; up to 15% could be achieved with the nonoptimized configurations of the study. Although this article does not entail the clinical feasibility of intravascular turbines in terms of hemocompatibility and impact on the circulatory system, the numerical model does provide first estimates of the mechanical shear forces relevant to blood trauma and platelet activation. It is concluded that the time‐integrated shear stress exposure is significantly lower than in cardiac assist devices due to lower flow velocities and predominantly laminar flow.
Current approach to iron chelation in children
Authors: Aydinok Yesim , Kattamis Antonis , Viprakasit Vip
Published: March 2014

Transfusion‐dependent children, mostly with thalassaemia major, but also and occasionally to a more significant degree, with inherited bone marrow failures, can develop severe iron overload in early life. Moreover, chronic conditions associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, such as non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (NTDT), may lead to iron overload through increased gut absorption of iron starting in childhood. Currently, the goal of iron chelation has shifted from treating iron overload to preventing iron accumulation and iron‐induced end‐organ complications, in order to achieve a normal pattern of complication‐free survival and of quality of life. New chelation options increase the likelihood of achieving these goals. Timely initiation, close monitoring and continuous adjustment are the cornerstones of optimal chelation therapy in children, who have a higher transfusional requirements compared to adults in order to reach haemoglobin levels adequate for normal growth and development. Despite increased knowledge, there are still uncertainties about the level of body iron at which iron chelation therapy should be started and about the appropriate degree of iron stores’ depletion.
Efficacy and tolerability of low‐volume (2 L) versus single‐ (4 L) versus split‐dose (2 L + 2 L) polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for colonoscopy: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Téllez‐Ávila Félix I. , Murcio‐Pérez Enrique , Saúl Angela , Herrera‐Gómez Salvador , Valdovinos‐Andraca Francisco , Acosta‐Nava Victor , Barreto Rafael , Elizondo‐Rivera Javier
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a low‐volume (2‐L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for colonoscopy compared to single (4‐L) or split‐dose (2‐L + 2‐L) regimens.

Methods

In‐hospital patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to: group 1 single‐dose (PEG 4 L the day before the study, n = 60); group 2: split‐dose (2 L the day before and 2 L on the day of the procedure, n = 61); and group 3: low‐volume 2‐L PEG solution (the day of the procedure, n = 59). A blinded evaluation of the quality of colonic preparation was assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale.

Results

Satisfactory bowel preparation of the right colon was more frequently reported for group 3 than for group 1 (70% vs 53%, P = 0.045), in the transverse colon it was 82% versus 69% (P = 0.032), and on the left side of the colon it was 80% versus 67.7% (P = 0.028). Compared to group 2, satisfactory bowel preparation in group 3 was similar in the transverse colon and left colon. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort were less frequent in patients of group 3. Patients in group 3 had fewer sleep disorders and fewer hours of sleep loss compared to patients in the other groups.

Conclusions

Preparation with 2 L caused less abdominal discomfort and fewer sleep disorders. The split dose had a better quality of preparation in the right colon. Both preparations were clearly better than the 4‐L preparation.
Left Ventricular Twisting Modifications in Patients with Left Ventricular Concentric Hypertrophy at Increasing After‐Load Conditions
Authors: Santoro Amato , Alvino Federico , Antonelli Giovanni , Zacà Valerio , Benincasa Susanna , Lunghetti Stefano , Mondillo Sergio
Published: March 2014

Aims

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops as a result of several clinical conditions, such as intensive training, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis. Aim of this study was to analyze the left ventricular twist (LVT) modifications in LVH patients with increasing after‐load conditions.

Methods

A total of 131 patients were enrolled: 17 healthy sedentary people (Hg), without concentric LVH; 45 water polo players (ATg); 22 patients with hypertensive cardiopathy (HPg); 47 patients with different degrees of aortic stenosis (ASg); all patients had concentric LVH, ejection fraction (EF) >54%, and were age‐matched. The left ventricular end‐systolic wall stress (LV‐ESWS) was used as index of after‐load.

Results

Left ventricular twist value showed a progressive increase from ATg to ASg, according to increasing after‐load. Longitudinal left ventricular function by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was reduced in HPg and ASg. There was a negative correlation between LVT and longitudinal systolic function at TDI and STE (r = −0.4; P < 0.001; −0.23; P < 0.05). E/A ratio was lower in HPg and ASg than ATg and Hg. LVT was linearly related to LV‐ESWS (r = 0.36; P < 0.01), E/A ratio (r = ‐0.59; P < 0.001), E/E′ ratio (r = 0.43; P < 0.001), age (r = 0.5; P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), heart rate (HR) (r = 0.3; P < 0.05), maximum (G. max), and mean transvalvular gradient (G. mean) in ASg (r = 0.37; P < 0.01, r = 0.4; P < 0.01). RWT, E/A ratio, and HR were independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.23; P = 0.007; −0.44; P = 0.001; 0.17; P = 0.049). Only in ASg, G. mean was independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.44; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Left ventricular twist showed a linear trend at increasing after‐load values to compensate the reduction in systolic longitudinal function in pathological LVH patients.
Spontaneous Bileaflet Chordal Rupture Secondary to Myxomatous Degeneration of the Mitral Valve
Authors: Ocal Lutfi , Kalcik Macit , Toprak Cuneyt , Kılıcgedik Alev , Koyuncu Atilla , Kahveci Gökhan , Ozkan Mehmet
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Various pathological changes in the mitral valve apparatus have been reported to be associated with ruptured chordae tendineae. Myxomatous degeneration is one of the most common etiologies. The incidence of posterior chordal rupture is higher than that of anterior mitral leaflet. However, spontaneous rupture of both anterior and posterior chordae is very rare. Herein, we present a patient with severe mitral regurgitation due to bileaflet chordal rupture, evaluated by two‐dimensional and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.
How to Silence Content with Porn, Context and Loaded Questions
Authors: Davies Alex
Published: March 2014

Catharine MacKinnon claimed that pornography silence's women's speech where this speech is protected by free speech legislation. MacKinnon's claim was attacked as confused because, so it seemed, pornography is not the kind of thing that can silence speech. Using ideas drawn from John Austin's account of speech acts, Rae Langton defended MacKinnon's claim against this attack by showing how speech can, in principle, be silenced by pornography. However, Langton's defence requires us to deviate from a widely held understanding of what kind of speech is protected; namely the expression of opinions, ideas, and thoughts. In this paper I provide an alternative defence of MacKinnon's claim which requires no such deviation. I argue that because the truth‐conditions of sentences are context‐sensitive it is possible for there to be contexts in which, when those in attendance believe rape myths, it is not possible to express certain opinions, ideas, or thoughts. Given that pornography is a significant contributor to rape myth acceptance, this argument addresses the accusation of confusion facing MacKinnon without the need for deviation. The cross‐examination of a complainant in a rape trial is used as an illustration.
Joint effects of population size and isolation on genetic erosion in fragmented populations: finding fragmentation thresholds for management
Authors: Méndez María , Vögeli Matthias , Tella José L. , Godoy José A.
Published: March 2014

Size and isolation of local populations are main parameters of interest when assessing the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation. However, their relative influence on the genetic erosion of local populations remains unclear. In this study, we first analysed how size and isolation of habitat patches influence the genetic variation of local populations of theDupont's lark (Chersophilus duponti), an endangered songbird. An information‐theoretic approach to model selection allowed us to address the importance of interactions between habitat variables, an aspect seldom considered in fragmentation studies, but which explained up to 65% of the variance in genetic parameters. Genetic diversity and inbreeding were influenced by the size of local populations depending on their degree of isolation, and genetic differentiation was positively related to isolation. We then identified a minimum local population of 19 male territories and a maximum distance of 30 km to the nearest population as thresholds from which genetic erosion becomes apparent. Our results alert on possibly misleading conclusions and suboptimal management recommendations when only additive effects are taken into account and encourage the use of most explanatory but easy‐to‐measure variables for the evaluation of genetic risks in conservation programmes.
Penile haemangiosarcoma in a breeding stallion
Authors: Byrne D. P. , Woolford L. , Booth T. M.
Published: March 2014

A 9‐year‐oldArab stallion was presented for haematuria and a haemorrhagic mass on the urethral process of the penis. Clinical examination and surgical excision suggested a tumour of the penis, histologically confirmed as a haemangiosarcoma. The stallion was successfully treated with surgical excision; however, successful breeding has not been achieved thus far (28 months). To the authors' knowledge, haemangiosarcoma of the equine penis has not previously been described.
Pain control in horses: What do we really know?
Authors: Sanchez L. C. , Robertson S. A.
Published: March 2014

Currently, approaches to pain control in horses are a mixture of art and science. Recognition of overt pain behaviours, such as rolling, kicking at the abdomen, flank watching, lameness or blepharospasm, may be obvious; subtle signs of pain can include changes in facial expression or head position, location in the stall and response to palpation or human interaction. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (i.e. phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine and firocoxib), opioids (i.e. butorphanol, morphine and buprenorphine) and α2‐adrenergic agonists (i.e. xylazine, detomidine, romifidine and medetomidine) are the most commonly used therapeutic options. Multimodal therapy using constant‐rate infusions of lidocaine, ketamine and/or butorphanol has gained popularity for severe pain in hospitalised cases. Drugs targeting neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin, are increasingly used for conditions such as laminitis. Optimal strategies for management of pain are based upon severity and chronicity, including special considerations for use of intra‐articular or epidural delivery and therapy in foals. Strategies that aim to mitigate adverse effects associated with use of various analgesic agents are briefly discussed.
A temporary filling material used for coronal sealing during endodontic treatment may cause tooth fractures in large Class II cavities in vitro
Authors: Tennert C. , Eismann M. , Goetz F. , Woelber J. P. , Hellwig E. , Polydorou O.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate the use of a zinc oxide/zinc sulphate‐based cement (Coltosol® F, Coltène Whaledent, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA) as a temporary filling material during multiple‐visit root canal treatments and the occurrence of cracks within the filling material or the tooth.

Methodology

Root canals of one hundred and twenty‐two extracted human molars were prepared using ProTaper instruments up to size F2. After root canal preparation, standardized mesial‐occlusal‐distal cavities were prepared. The buccal‐lingual/palatal width of the cavities was 4.5 mm), so that the remaining cavity walls had a mean thickness of 3.5 mm. Teeth were checked for cracks and fracture lines using a stereomicroscope with 10× magnification. A calcium hydroxide slurry was used as an intracanal dressing. The teeth were divided into three groups. In the Coltosol group, the cavity was filled with Coltosol® F. In the Coltosol‐Clearfil group, a 2‐mm layer of Coltosol® F was placed into the coronal pulp chamber, the remaining cavity was filled with Clearfil™. In the Clearfil group, a foam pellet was placed onto the orifices of the root canals, the remaining cavity was filled with Clearfil™. In the control group, the cavities were left without any filling material. The teeth were stored in water at 37 °C for 14 days and examined every 24 h under a stereomicroscope for fracture lines occurring on the tooth surface or in the filling material.

Results

In the Coltosol group, fractures within the filling material were observed in 28 (85%) of 33 teeth. 13 (39%) teeth had tooth fractures. Amongst these teeth, 8 (61%) had root fractures, 1 (8%) had a crown fracture and 4 (31%) had a root‐crown fracture.

Conclusion

Coltosol® F, when used alone as a restorative material, led to tooth fractures in Class II cavities in teeth undergoing root canal treatment. Tooth fractures may occur 4 days after placement of the filling.
Optimising pulsed microwave‐vacuum puffing for Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) caps and comparison of characteristics obtained using three puffing methods
Authors: Liu Su‐Wen , Liu Li‐Jie , Shi Peng‐Bao , Chang Xue‐Dong
Published: March 2014

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) caps were puffed using pulsed microwave‐vacuum puffing (PMVP), microwave‐vacuum puffing (MVP) and microwave puffing (MP). The response surface method was used to optimise the process parameters for using PMVP to puff mushroom caps. The experiments were conducted using a central composite design to determine the visual appearance and initial moisture content (30–50%) of the mushroom caps. The initial moisture content and microwave power intensity showed highly significant linear relations with the expansion ratio and sensory evaluation. The optimal conditions for puffing mushroom caps were initial moisture content, microwave intensity, vacuum pressure and pulse ratio of 35%, 40 W g−1, 77.5 ± 1.5 kPa and 1.35, which resulted in an optimal expansion ratio and sensory score of 163.2% and 6.83, respectively. The caps puffed using PMVP showed better textures, sensory scores and microstructures than those puffed using either MP or MVP.
Relationship between sexual function and prostate‐specific antigen bounce after iodine‐125 permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Nishihara Kiyoaki , Nakiri Makoto , Chikui Katsuaki , Suekane Shigetaka , Matsuoka Kei , Hattori Chikayuki , Ogo Etsuyo , Abe Toshi , Matsumoto Yuuki , Ishitake Tatsuya
Published: March 2014

Objective

To analyze clinical and dosimetric factors involved in prostate‐specific antigen bounce in patients who underwent permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer, and to study the relationships among prostate‐specific antigen bounce, age and sexual function.

Methods

Between March 2007 and April 2012, 116 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent permanent implant, iodine‐125 brachytherapy. Patients receiving external‐beam radiotherapy or who used phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor pre‐ or post‐treatment were excluded. Prostate‐specific antigen bounce was defined as an increase of ≥0.2 ng/mL and ≥0.4 ng/mL above an initial prostate‐specific antigen nadir followed by a subsequent decline to or below the initial nadir without treatment. Clinical and dosimetric factors involved in prostate‐specific antigen bounce were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis with the forced entry method.

Results

The median age was 66 years (range 51–80 years), and prostate‐specific antigen bounce on a prostate‐specific antigen rise of ≥0.2 ng/mL occurred in 47 of the 116 participants (40.5%). The median period before the prostate‐specific antigen bounce was 17.5 months (range 8–36 months). Patients with prostate‐specific antigen bounce were younger and had higher sexual function before treatment (P = 0.003) than those who not show prostate‐specific antigen bounce. Regression analysis results showed that young age and a high level of pretreatment sexual function were significant predictive factors for prostate‐specific antigen bounce (P = 0.028 and P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Sexual function seems to be associated with a prostate‐specific antigen bounce in patients undergoing permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer, and it can be preserved after treatment if it is well present before treatment. Highly maintained sexual function after treatment might influence prostate‐specific antigen bounce.
Long‐term follow up of renal anastomosing hemangioma mimicking renal angiosarcoma
Authors: Heidegger Isabel , Pichler Renate , Schäfer Georg , Zelger Bernhard , Zelger Bettina , Aigner Friedrich , Bektic Jasmin , Horninger Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Anastomosing hemangioma of the kidney is a very rare neoplasm, currently 19 cases have been reported in the literature. First described in 2009, histopathologically anastomosing hemangioma is similar to aggressive angiosarcoma. No long‐term follow‐up data of anastomosing hemangioma have been described yet. Here, we present the case of a healthy 56‐year‐old man diagnosed in 2002 with a 7 × 5‐cm anastomosing hemangioma mimicking an aggressive renal angiosarcoma. The patient underwent nephrectomy and has been followed up disease free for 13 years.
Are nurse‐conducted brief interventions (NCBIs) efficacious for hazardous or harmful alcohol use? A systematic review
Authors: Joseph J. , Basu D. , Dandapani M. , Krishnan N.
Published: March 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nurse‐conducted brief interventions in reducing alcohol consumption, by looking at with treatment as usual compared with other treatments and general physician‐delivered brief interventions within the literature.

Background

Globally, the consumption of alcohol is at a worrying level and has significant effects on health when consumed to excess. Numerous studies have reported that brief intervention is effective in reducing excessive drinking. However, evidence on the efficacy of such interventions by nurses is still inconclusive.

Methods

We included randomized controlled trials of brief interventions in which nurses were primarily involved as therapists, and were designed to achieve a reduction in alcohol consumption and related problems. We used online searches to locate randomized controlled trials in this area published from 1995 till 2012.

Findings

Eleven trials were found meeting inclusion criteria, comparing nurse‐conducted brief interventions with a control group or with other treatments. Five trials reported a statistically significant reduction in alcohol consumption in the intervention group with 6–12‐month follow‐up period and two trials concluded that brief interventions delivered by nurses was as efficacious as by physicians.

Implications for Nursing Policy

The findings of the review have important policy implications for the preparation of nurses as therapists for brief interventions to reduce excessive drinking in a broad range of settings such as primary healthcare and hospital settings. The adoption of this intervention into contemporary nursing practice should be considered by the International Council of Nurses and nurses around the world as, according to the literature, it provides an evidence base for the independent functioning of nurses within the realms of nursing profession and addiction medicine.

Conclusion

The results of the review suggest that nurse‐conducted brief interventions are an effective strategy for reducing alcohol consumption. We advocate more rigorous randomized controlled trials to underpin its efficacy in both research and real life scenario.
Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells efficiently home to site of injury after intravenous administration and enhance diabetic wound healing by neoangiogenesis
Authors: Tong Xiaozhe , Lv Gang , Huang Jianhua , Min Yongfen , Yang Li , Lin Pengnian Charles
Published: March 2014

Vascularization is an important factor that affects diabetic wound healing. There is increasing evidence that myeloid cell lineages play a role in neovascularization. In this study, the efficiency of Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells to home to the site of injury and enhance diabetic wound healing by neoangiogenesis after intravenous administration was investigated. Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells were injected into tail vein after establishment of dorsal window chamber, hindlimb ischaemia and ear‐punch injury in diabetic or non‐diabetic mice. The Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells efficiently homed to the site of injury after intravenous administration and increased neoangiogenesis. The chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is robustly expressed by Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells. Inhibition of CXCR4 decreases the homing ability of Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells to the site of injury, which indicates that the CXCR4/SDF‐1 axis plays an important role in the homing of Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells to the site of injury. In addition, Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells were found to improve blood flow recovery of ischaemic limb and enhance wound healing in diabetic mice by neoangiogenesis after intravenous administration. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that Gr‐1+CD11b+ myeloid cells may serve as a potential cell therapy for diabetic wound healing.
Eosinophil cationic protein levels parallel coagulation activation in the blister fluid of patients with bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Tedeschi A. , Marzano A.V. , Lorini M. , Balice Y. , Cugno M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease due to autoantibodies against two hemidesmosomal antigens, namely BP180 and BP230, and characterized by coagulation activation both at cutaneous and systemic levels. Skin‐infiltrating eosinophils contribute to bulla formation and, upon activation, are supposed to initiate the coagulation cascade.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the activation of eosinophils and coagulation are linked in BP.

Methods

We evaluated the correlation between eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels and concentrations of the prothrombotic markers F1 + 2 and D‐dimer in blister fluid and blood samples of 30 BP patients. Thirty healthy subjects were used as normal controls.

Results

ECP, F1 + 2 and D‐dimer plasma levels were significantly higher in BP patients than in normal subjects. A significant correlation was found between ECP plasma levels and blood eosinophil count (r = 0.54, P = 0.002). F1 + 2 plasma levels positively correlated with disease severity, expressed as the percentage of body surface area involved (r = 0.36, P = 0.048). A striking increase in ECP (288.8 ± 45.2 ng/mL), F1 + 2 (31 409.9 ± 2929.4 pmol/L) and D‐dimer levels (342 798.3 ± 44 206 ng/mL) was found in blister fluid from BP patients. In blister fluid, ECP levels were significantly higher than in peripheral blood (P < 0.0001) and were positively correlated with the levels of both F1 + 2 (r = 0.4, P = 0.02) and D‐dimer (r = 0.5, P = 0.0045).

Conclusions

ECP levels are strikingly elevated in blister fluids from BP patients and correlate with markers of coagulation activation, supporting the view that eosinophils initiate the coagulation cascade at skin level.
Production of High‐Aroma Instant Tea Powder Using Various Novel Technologies
Authors: Ye Danrong , Zhang Ling , Sun Shenlu , Chen Jinquan , Fang Ting
Published: March 2014

Various nonthermal processing technologies were applied, including pulsed electric field (PEF) technology, freeze concentration and vacuum freeze‐drying. The black tea was extracted with hot water extraction, cold extraction and PEF extraction. Results indicated that PEF‐assisted extraction had the best extraction efficiency for the main chemical components from tea at lower temperatures. Optimal PEF extraction conditions were achieved (tea leaves/water ratio of 1:16, electric field strengths of 20 kV/cm and pulse frequency of 125 Hz). The effects of PEF‐assisted extraction on the chemical component contents and sensory qualities of the tea infusion were investigated. Results showed that extraction yield (22.7%) of black tea powder could be enhanced over PEF‐assisted extraction, whereas its original flavor could be retained by freeze concentration and vacuum freeze‐drying. It also turned out that a total of 61 major aromatic compounds were identified in the tea powder. Floral and sweet flavor components were high and pure.

Practical Applications

Instant black tea is presently manufactured through hot water extraction or cold‐water extraction from the tea infusion and by spray/freeze‐drying of the concentrated brew of extracted tea leaves; the drawback of this method is inferior quality. The product obtained from the new method had an excellent quality and good aromatic characteristics to the other ordinary instant black tea powder manufacturing methods. The process developed in this study could be suitable for black tea manufacturers to produce high‐aroma instant black tea powder.