bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Untreated Prostate Specific Antigen Radiorecurrent Prostate Cancer in Men with Favorable Prognostic Indicators
Authors: Martin Neil E. , Chen Ming-Hui , Beard Clair J. , Nguyen Paul L. , Loffredo Marian J. , Renshaw Andrew A. , Kantoff Philip W. , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose. Life expectancy data could identify men with favorable post-radiation prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure kinetics unlikely to require androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).Materials and Methods. Of 206 men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer in a randomized trial of radiation versus radiation and ADT, 53 experienced a PSA failure and were followed without salvage ADT. Comorbidity, age and established prognostic factors were assessed for relationship to death using Cox regression analyses.Results. The median age at failure, interval to PSA failure, and PSA doubling time were 76.6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 71.8–79.3), 49.1 months (IQR: 37.7–87.4), and 25 months (IQR: 13.1–42.8), respectively. After a median follow up of 4.0 years following PSA failure, 45% of men had died, none from prostate cancer and no one had developed metastases. Both increasing age at PSA failure (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25;P=0.008) and the presence of moderate to severe comorbidity (HR: 12.5; 95% CI: 3.81–41.0;P<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of death.Conclusions. Men over the age of 76 with significant comorbidity and a PSA doubling time >2 years following post-radiation PSA failure appear to be good candidates for observation without ADT intervention.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Magnetorheological (MR) Damper
Authors: Mangal S. K. , Kumar Ashwani
Published: February 2014

The design of a MR damper, consisting of piston and cylinder arrangement, is presented in this paper. In this paper, a 2D axisymmetric model based on finite element method (FEM) concept has been developed on the ANSYS platform to analyze and examine the MR damper characteristics. Based on the FEM model, a prototype of the MR damper is fabricated and tested experimentally in the semi active vibration laboratory of the department. The comparison of both these model analyses indicates that the FEM based model is effectively portraying the experimental behavior of the MR damper in terms of its damping force. The results obtained in this paper will be helpful for the designers to create more efficient and reliable MR dampers and also to predict its damping force characteristics.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Computer Virus Model with Infection Delay and Recovery Delay
Authors: Song Haitao , Wang Qiaochu , Jiang Weihua
Published: February 2014

A computer virus model with infection delay and recovery delay is considered. The sufficient conditions for the global stability of the virus infection equilibrium are established. We show that the time delay can destabilize the virus infection equilibrium and give rise to Hopf bifurcations and stable periodic orbits. By the normal form and center manifold theory, the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and stability of the bifurcating periodic orbits are determined. Numerical simulations are provided to support our theoretical conclusions.
Comparative Analysis of Bulge Deformation between 2D and 3D Finite Element Models
Authors: Qin Qin , Shang Shu , Wu Diping , Zang Yong
Published: February 2014

Bulge deformation of the slab is one of the main factors that affect slab quality in continuous casting. This paper describes an investigation into bulge deformation using ABAQUS to model the solidification process. A three-dimensional finite element analysis model of the slab solidification process has been first established because the bulge deformation is closely related to slab temperature distributions. Based on slab temperature distributions, a three-dimensional thermomechanical coupling model including the slab, the rollers, and the dynamic contact between them has also been constructed and applied to a case study. The thermomechanical coupling model produces outputs such as the rules of bulge deformation. Moreover, the three-dimensional model has been compared with a two-dimensional model to discuss the differences between the two models in calculating the bulge deformation. The results show that the platform zone exists in the wide side of the slab and the bulge deformation is affected strongly by the ratio of width-to-thickness. The indications are also that the difference of the bulge deformation for the two modeling ways is little when the ratio of width-to-thickness is larger than six.
Discussion onα-ψContractions on Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal
Published: February 2014

We discuss the existence and uniqueness of fixed points ofα-ψcontractive mappings in complete generalized metric spaces, introduced by Branciari. Our results generalize and improve several results in the literature.
Feasibility of Crosslinked Acrylic Shape Memory Polymer for a Thrombectomy Device
Authors: Muschenborn Andrea D. , Hearon Keith , Volk Brent L. , Conway Jordan W. , Maitland Duncan J.
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing a system of SMP acrylates for a thrombectomy device by determining an optimal crosslink density that provides both adequate recovery stress for blood clot removal and sufficient strain capacity to enable catheter delivery. Methods. Four thermoset acrylic copolymers containing benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) and bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylate (Mn∼512, BPA) were designed with differing thermomechanical properties. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to ensure that the materials were able to undergo the strains imposed by crimping, and fabricated devices were subjected to force-monitored crimping, constrained recovery, and bench-top thrombectomy. Results. Devices with 25 and 35 mole% BPA exhibited the highest recovery stress and the highest brittle response as they broke upon constrained recovery. On the contrary, the 15 mole% BPA devices endured all testing and their recovery stress (5 kPa) enabled successful bench-top thrombectomy in 2/3 times, compared to 0/3 for the devices with the lowest BPA content. Conclusion. While the 15 mole% BPA devices provided the best trade-off between device integrity and performance, other SMP systems that offer recovery stresses above 5 kPa without increasing brittleness to the point of causing device failure would be more suitable for this application.
Adjacent-Compensation Consensus Algorithm in Asynchronously Coupled Form for Second-Order Multiagent Network under Communication Delay
Authors: Liu Cheng-Lin , Liu Fei
Published: February 2014

General asynchronously coupled consensus algorithm associated with adjacent compensations, is proposed to solve the dynamical consensus problem of second-order multiagent network with communication delay under leader-following coordination control framework. Based on frequency-domain analysis, firstly, delay-independent consensus convergence is proved for the second-order multiagent systems with a spanning tree topology that has the leader root and then delay-dependent consensus condition is obtained for the multiagent systems with communication delay under a general leader-following interconnection topology. Simulation illustrates the correctness of the results.
Determining Balıkesir’s Energy Potential Using a Regression Analysis Computer Program
Authors: Yüksel Bedri , Ateş Ergun
Published: February 2014

Solar power and wind energy are used concurrently during specific periods, while at other times only the more efficient is used, and hybrid systems make this possible. When establishing a hybrid system, the extent to which these two energy sources support each other needs to be taken into account. This paper is a study of the effects of wind speed, insolation levels, and the meteorological parameters of temperature and humidity on the energy potential in Balıkesir, in the Marmara region of Turkey. The relationship between the parameters was studied using a multiple linear regression method. Using a designed-for-purpose computer program, two different regression equations were derived, with wind speed being the dependent variable in the first and insolation levels in the second. The regression equations yielded accurate results. The computer program allowed for the rapid calculation of different acceptance rates. The results of the statistical analysis proved the reliability of the equations. An estimate of identified meteorological parameters and unknown parameters could be produced with a specified precision by using the regression analysis method. The regression equations also worked for the evaluation of energy potential.
Effects of Igneous Intrusion on Microporosity and Gas Adsorption Capacity of Coals in the Haizi Mine, China
Authors: Jiang Jingyu , Cheng Yuanping
Published: February 2014

This paper describes the effects of igneous intrusions on pore structure and adsorption capacity of the Permian coals in the Huaibei Coalfield, China. Twelve coal samples were obtained at different distances from a ~120 m extremely thick sill. Comparisons were made between unaltered and heat-affected coals using geochemical data, pore-fracture characteristics, and adsorption properties. Thermal alteration occurs down to ~1.3 × sill thickness. Approaching the sill, the vitrinite reflectance (Ro) increased from 2.30% to 2.78%, forming devolatilization vacuoles and a fine mosaic texture. Volatile matter (VM) decreased from 17.6% to 10.0% and the moisture decreased from 3.0% to 1.6%. With decreasing distance to the sill, the micropore volumes initially increased from 0.0054 cm3/g to a maximum of 0.0146 cm3/g and then decreased to 0.0079 cm3/g. The results show that the thermal evolution of the sill obviously changed the coal geochemistry and increased the micropore volume and adsorption capacity of heat-affected coal (60–160 m from the sill) compared with the unaltered coals. The trap effect of the sill prevented the high-pressure gas from being released, forming gas pocket. Mining activities near the sill created a low pressure zone leading to the rapid accumulation of methane and gas outbursts in the Haizi Mine.
Coplanar Waveguide Fed Compact Wide Circular-Slotted Antenna for Wi-Fi/WiMAX Applications
Authors: Samsuzzaman M. , Islam T. , Abd Rahman N. H. , Faruque M. R. I. , Mandeep J. S.
Published: February 2014

A coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed printing and wide circular slotted, dual band antenna for Wi-Fi/WiMAX applications are presented. The antenna mainly encompasses a ground with a wide circular slot in the centre, a rectangular feeding strip, and two pairs of symmetric planar invertedL(SPIL) strips connecting with the slotted ground. The tuning effects of the rectangular patch, ground size, and SPIL strips to the resonance and matching condition are examined by HFSS and the prototype is fabricated and measured. The simulation and experimental results show that the antenna has an impedance bandwidth with −10 dB reflection coefficients 600 MHz (3.26–3.86 GHz, lower band) and 1040 MHz (5.02–6.26 GHz, upper band), which can cover both the Wi-Fi 5.2/5.5/5.8 GHz and WiMAX 3.3/3.5/3.7/5.8 GHz bands. Moreover, a stable omnidirectional radiation pattern and average peak gain for lower band 3.23 dB and upper band 5.93 dB have been achieved, respectively.
Doping Induced Structural Stability and Electronic Properties of GaN Nanotubes
Authors: Srivastava Anurag , Khan Mohammad Irfan , Tyagi Neha , Swaroop Khare Purnima
Published: February 2014

The present paper discusses the effect of manganese doping on the structural stability and electronic band gap of chiral (2, 1), armchair (3, 3), and zigzag ((6, 0) and (10, 0)) single walled GaN nanotube by using density functional theory based Atomistix Toolkit (ATK) Virtual NanoLab (VNL). The structural stability has been analyzed in terms of minimum ground state total energy, binding, and formation energy. As an effect of Mn doping (1–4 atoms), all the GaN nanotubes taken into consideration show semiconducting to metallic transition first and after certain level of Mn doping changes its trend.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of 81 Chinese Herb Extracts and Their Correlation with the Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Chen Chang-Liang , Zhang Dan-Dan
Published: February 2014

Inducible nitrogen oxide synthase (iNOS) is the primary contributor of the overproduction of nitric oxide and its inhibitors have been actively sought as effective anti‐inflammatory agents. In this study, we prepared 70% ethanol extracts from 81 Chinese herbs. These extracts were subsequently evaluated for their effect on nitrogen oxide (NO) production and cell growth in LPS/IFNγ‐costimulated and unstimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells by Griess reaction and MTT assay. Extracts of Daphne genkwa Sieb.et Zucc, Caesalpinia sappan L., Iles pubescens Hook.et Arn, Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, Zingiber officinale Rosc, Inula japonica Thunb., and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort markedly inhibited NO production (inhibition > 90% at 100 μg/mL). Among active extracts (inhibition > 50% at 100 μg/mL), Rubia cordifolia L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Iles pubescens Hook.et Arn, Nigella glandulifera Freyn et Sint, Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, and Scutellaria barbata D. Don displayed no cytotoxicity to unstimulated RAW246.7 cells while increasing the growth of LPS/IFNγ‐costimulated cells. By analyzing the correlation between their activities and their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) characteristics, herbs with pungent flavor displayed potent anti‐inflammatory capability. Our study provides a series of potential anti‐inflammatory herbs and suggests that herbs with pungent flavor are candidates of effective anti‐inflammatory agents.
Characterization and Thermal Dehydration Kinetics of Highly Crystalline Mcallisterite, Synthesized at Low Temperatures
Authors: Moroydor Derun Emek , Senberber Fatma Tugce
Published: February 2014

The hydrothermal synthesis of a mcallisterite (Mg2(B6O7(OH)6)2·9(H2O)) mineral at low temperatures was characterized. For this purpose, several reaction temperatures (0–70°C) and reaction times (30–240 min) were studied. Synthesized minerals were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, experimental analyses of boron trioxide (B2O3) content and reaction yields were performed. Furthermore, thermal gravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) were used for the determination of thermal dehydration kinetics. According to the XRD results, mcallisterite, which has a powder diffraction file (pdf) number of “01-070-1902,” was formed under certain reaction parameters. Pure crystalline mcallisterite had diagnostic FT-IR and Raman vibration peaks and according to the SEM analysis, for the minerals which were synthesized at 60°C and 30 min of reaction time, particle size was between 398.30 and 700.06 nm. Its B2O3content and reaction yield were50.80±1.12% and85.80±0.61%, respectively. Finally, average activation energies (conversion values(α)that were selected between 0.1 and 0.6) were calculated as 100.40 kJ/mol and 98.31 kJ/mol according to Ozawa and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods, respectively.
The G Protein–Coupled Receptor GALR2 Promotes Angiogenesis in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Banerjee Rajat , Van Tubergen Elizabeth A. , Scanlon Christina S. , Vander Broek Robert , Lints Joel P. , Liu Min , Russo Nickole , Inglehart Ronald C. , Wang Yugang , Polverini Peter J. , Kirkwood Keith L. , D'Silva Nisha J.
Published: February 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is an aggressive disease with poor patient survival. Galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) is a G protein–coupled receptor that induces aggressive tumor growth in SCCHN. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which GALR2 promotes angiogenesis, a critical oncogenic phenotype required for tumor growth. The impact of GALR2 expression on secretion of proangiogenic cytokines in multiple SCCHN cell lines was investigated by ELISA and in vitro angiogenesis assays. Chemical inhibitor and genetic knockdown strategies were used to understand the key regulators. The in vivo impact of GALR2 on angiogenesis was investigated in mouse xenograft, chick chorioallantoic membrane, and the clinically relevant mouse orthotopic floor-of-mouth models. GALR2 induced angiogenesis via p38-MAPK–mediated secretion of proangiogenic cytokines, VEGF, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, GALR2 activated small-GTP-protein, RAP1B, thereby inducing p38-mediated inactivation of tristetraprolin (TTP), which functions to destabilize cytokine transcripts. This resulted in enhanced secretion of proangiogenic cytokines and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In SCCHN cells overexpressing GALR2, inactivation of TTP increased secretion of IL-6 and VEGF, whereas inhibition of p38 activated TTP and decreased cytokine secretion. Here, we report that GALR2 stimulates tumor angiogenesis in SCCHN via p38-mediated inhibition of TTP with resultant enhanced cytokine secretion. Given that p38 inhibitors are in clinical use for inflammatory disorders, GALR2/p38-mediated cytokine secretion may be an excellent target for new adjuvant therapy in SCCHN. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(5); 1323–33. ©2014 AACR.
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Extravascular Stent Placement for Renal Nutcracker Syndrome: Initial Experience
Authors: Li Pu , Shao Pengfei , Qin Chao , Ju Xiaobing , Meng Xiaoxin , Li Jie , Lv Qiang , Cao Qiang , Yin Changjun
Published: February 2014

Objective: To report our initial experience in treating renal nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stenting. Patients and Methods: Two male patients, aged 13 and 16 years, were diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome and received retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent placement. The perioperative data were collected and evaluated. The follow-up was 10 and 18 months. Results: Both procedures were successful without obvious complications. Total operative time was 65 and 50 min, estimated blood loss was 110 and 70 ml, and postoperative hospital stay was 4 and 6 days. The symptom of gross hematuria ceased 3 and 6 days after surgery. Both patients had normal findings during follow-up. Conclusions: Treatment of nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic extravascular stent placement is a safe and feasible procedure, especially for youngsters in the period of physical development. Longer follow-up and further experience are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure.
Does Strategy Training Reduce Age-Related Deficits in Working Memory?
Authors: Bailey Heather R. , Dunlosky John , Hertzog Christopher
Published: February 2014

Background: Older adults typically perform worse on measures of working memory (WM) than do young adults; however, age-related differences in WM performance might be reduced if older adults use effective encoding strategies. Objective: The purpose of the current experiment was to evaluate WM performance after training individuals to use effective encoding strategies. Methods: Participants in the training group (older adults: n = 39; young adults: n = 41) were taught about various verbal encoding strategies and their differential effectiveness and were trained to use interactive imagery and sentence generation on a list-learning task. Participants in the control group (older: n = 37; young: n = 38) completed an equally engaging filler task. All participants completed a pre- and post-training reading span task, which included self-reported strategy use, as well as two transfer tasks that differed in the affordance to use the trained strategies - a paired-associate recall task and the self-ordered pointing task. Results: Both young and older adults were able to use the target strategies on the WM task and showed gains in WM performance after training. The age-related WM deficit was not greatly affected, however, and the training gains did not transfer to the other cognitive tasks. In fact, participants attempted to adapt the trained strategies for a paired-associate recall task, but the increased strategy use did not benefit their performance. Conclusions: Strategy training can boost WM performance, and its benefits appear to arise from strategy-specific effects and not from domain-general gains in cognitive ability.
Genetic Variations within Metalloproteinases Impact on the Prophylaxis of Depressive Phases in Bipolar Patients
Authors: Drago Antonio , Monti Barbara , De Ronchi Diana , Serretti Alessandro
Published: February 2014

Background: The genetic background of the antidepressant response to pharmacological treatment in bipolar disorder (BD) remains elusive. This issue is of primary relevance in that the depressive phases of BD are difficult to treat and they are associated with suicide. Aim: We investigated the role of a set of genetic variations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) harbored by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as predictors of response to treatment in depressed BD patients. Methods: 654 BD patients from the publicly available Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder study were investigated. The outcome was the number of depressive events corrected by the number of times patients were assessed. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were tested as possible stratification factors and included in the analysis if necessary. Genetic predictors were 43 SNPs harbored by 17 MMPs. Imputation, quality check and pruning were conducted according to standards. Results were corrected for multitesting. Results: rs486055 (MMP-10) was associated with the outcome. TT homozygotes had 5.08 ± 3.51 events, CT had 3.47 ± 3.18 and CC had 2.57 ± 2.96 depressive events corrected for the times they had been assessed. The time during which BD patients were observed was not significantly different between the rs486055 genotypes. We found evidence that MMP-10 may be a mediator of the number of depressive phases during BD. Due to the limits of the study including the small-to-medium sample size, the naturalistic design and the possible occurrence of false-positive findings, independent analyses are warranted.
Association of Low Serum Complement C3 with Reduced Patient and Renal Survival in Antimyeloperoxidase-Associated Small-Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Molad Yair , Tovar Ana , Ofer-Shiber Shachaf
Published: February 2014

Objective: This study aimed to determine the value of hypocomplementemia in predicting the renal and patient survival of patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with AAV and followed at our hospital from 1996 to 2011 was performed. Renal outcome was determined by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Disease outcome measures included patient survival and accrual of chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 from the date of diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of survival. Results: At presentation, 6 (20%) patients had a low C3 level, which was significantly associated with older age (p = 0.009), higher C-reactive protein (p = 0.02), a lower eGFR (p = 0.03), and anti-MPO antibody positivity (p = 0.03). A low C3 level at presentation was significantly associated with a reduced eGFR at the last study visit (p = 0.015, OR = 11; 95% CI 1.27-95.15). During a mean follow-up of 9.0 ± 6.2 years, 8 (26.6%) patients had accrued CKD that was significantly associated with low C3 levels at presentation (p = 0.002, OR = 22; 95% CI 2.36-204.7). Mortality was significantly associated with low serum C3 levels at presentation (p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found that a low serum C3 level at the time of diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced renal and patient survival in patients with anti-MPO AAV. Our results suggest a role for complement activation in the pathogenesis of AAV.
Pap, Gruel, and Panada: Early Approaches to Artificial Infant Feeding
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: February 2014

This paper collects information on artificial infant feeding published before 1860, the year when commercial formula became available. We have extensive artifactual evidence of thousands of feeding vessels since the Bronze Age. Special museum collections can be found in London, Paris, Cologne, Fécamp, Toronto, New Mexico, and elsewhere. The literature on the use of animal milk for infant feeding begins with Soranus in the 2nd century CE. Literature evidence from the very first printed books in the 15th century proves that physicians, surgeons, midwives, and the laity were aware of the opportunities and risks of artificial infant feeding. Most 17th to 19th century books on infant care contained detailed recipes for one or several of the following infant foods: pap, a semisolid food made of flour or bread crumbs cooked in water with or without milk; gruel, a thin porridge resulting from boiling cereal in water or milk, and panada, a preparation of various cereals or bread cooked in broth. During the 18th century, the published opinion on artificial feeding evolved from health concerns to a moral ideology. This view ignored the social and economic pressures which forced many mothers to forego or shorten breast-feeding. Bottle-feeding has been common practice throughout history.
Prognostic Factors in Continuous Hemofiltration Therapy for Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Li Xing , Mao Huijuan , Yu Xiangbao , Zeng Ming , Zhang Bo , Yang Guang , Ge Yifei , Zhu Yamei , Xu Xianrong , Xing Changying , Kong Xiangqing
Published: February 2014

Aims: The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy and identify the prognostic factors of continuous hemofiltration in patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and, finally, to optimally select patients who could benefit more from this therapy. Methods: A total of 59 patients with CRS type 1 or type 2 treated with continuous hemofiltration were enrolled. We collected their clinical data and divided them into 2 groups according to their survival or death during hospitalization to conduct a retrospective analysis on factors affecting mortality. Results: The following items were significantly different between the survival (n = 30) and death (n = 29) groups: serum creatinine, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure before hemofiltration, and average dehydration volume during the hemofiltration process. Leukocytosis was a risk factor for death (OR 1.242, 95% CI 1.242-1.480), and elevated sCr was not a key negative factor in the prognosis of CRS (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.989-1.000). Conclusions: Cardiac function before hemofiltration and the amount of dehydration during the hemofiltration process both affected the prognosis. Infection and fluid overload condition at the beginning of hemofiltration were independently associated with mortality during hospitalization.
A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial of Fish Oil-Based versus Soy-Based Lipid Preparations in the Treatment of Infants with Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis
Authors: Lam Hugh S. , Tam Yuk H. , Poon Terence C.W. , Cheung Hon M. , Yu Xinting , Chan Brenda P.L. , Lee Kim H. , Lee Benjamin S.C. , Ng Pak C.
Published: February 2014

Background: Infants receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) are at risk of PN-associated cholestasis (PNAC). This can progress to hepatic failure and death if PN cannot be discontinued. Fish oil-based parenteral lipid preparation (FOLP) has been shown to be beneficial in case studies. Objectives: (1) To evaluate whether FOLP could halt or reverse the progression of PNAC compared with soy-based parenteral lipid preparation (SLP) and (2) to assess the effects of FOLP on liver function and physical growth. Methods: Design: double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting: level III neonatal intensive care unit. Participants: infants with PNAC (plasma-conjugated bilirubin concentration ≥34 µmol/l or 2 mg/dl) expected to be PN-dependent for >2 weeks. Intervention: to receive either FOLP or SLP at 1.5 g/kg/day. Primary outcome measure: reversal of PNAC within 4 months after commencement of lipid treatment; secondary outcomes: rate of change of weekly liver function tests, infant growth parameters, blood lipid profile and episodes of late-onset sepsis. Results: A total of 9 infants were randomised to the FOLP group and 7 to the SLP group. There was no significant difference in reversal of PNAC at 4 months between groups. Rates of increase of plasma-conjugated bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase in the SLP group were significantly greater than the FOLP group (13.5 vs. 0.6 µmol/l per week and 9.1 vs. 1.1 IU/l per week, respectively, p = 0.03). Increased enteral nutrition was associated with significant improvement of PNAC in infants receiving FOLP compared with SLP (-8.5 vs. -1.6 µmol/l per 10% increase in enteral nutrition, respectively). The study was terminated prematurely. Conclusions: progression of PNAC in PN-dependent infants can be halted by replacing SLP with FOLP and reversed by increasing the proportion of enteral nutrition in infants receiving FOLP. Replacement of SLP with FOLP in PN-dependent infants who develop PNAC may be considered.
Gonadal Asymmetry and Sex Determination in Birds
Authors: Guioli Silvana , Nandi Sunil , Zhao Debiao , Burgess-Shannon Jessica , Lovell-Badge Robin , Clinton Michael
Published: February 2014

Although vertebrates display a superficial bilateral symmetry, most internal organs develop and locate with a consistent left:right asymmetry. There is still considerable debate as to when this process actually begins, but it seems that, at least for some species, the initial steps occur at a very early stage of development. In recent years, a number of model systems, including the chick embryo, have been utilised to increase our understanding of the molecular basis of this complex developmental process. While the basic elements of asymmetry are clearly conserved in chick development, the chick embryo also exhibits an additional unusual asymmetry in terms of the development of the gonads. In the female chick embryo, only 1 gonad and accessory structures fully develop, with the result that the adult hen has only 1 ovary and a single oviduct - both on the left side. With a small number of exceptions, this is a consistent feature of avian development. Here, we describe the morphological development and molecular basis of this unusual asymmetry, consider the implications for avian sex determination, and discuss the possible biological reasons why many birds have adopted a single-ovary system.
Polymorphisms of the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene in Preeclampsia in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Yunqin , Wang Dongguo , Zhou Meiqian , Chen Xiangjuan , Chen Jiayu
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene has been enlisted by previous research as a candidate gene of preeclampsia predisposition. This study investigates the specific roles of 3 polymorphisms of the eNOS gene in a population of Chinese origin from mainland China. Methods: We studied the association of 3 commonly studied polymorphisms of the eNOS gene, namely 4b/a, T-786C and Glu298Asp, in a case-controlled sample of 220 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 200 healthy controls. The association between eNOS polymorphisms and preeclampsia was evaluated by performing genotyping for the eNOS variants and calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. The plasma nitrite concentration in participants was determined to examine how 3 eNOS polymorphisms affect plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in pregnant women. Results: The frequencies of both the variant 298Asp allele and eNOS 4a allele were significantly lower in preeclamptic women than in the control group and had a significantly lower OR. The variant 298Asp allele and eNOS 4a are strongly associated with higher plasma NO concentrations in pregnant women. Conclusions: Polymorphisms in the eNOS gene may be protective against preeclampsia in a Chinese population, and this protective effect may be associated with NO formation in plasma in pregnant women.
Beneficial Antioxidative Effect of the Homeopathic Preparation of Berberis vulgaris in Alleviating Oxidative Stress in Experimental Urolithiasis
Authors: Jyothilakshmi Vasavan , Thellamudhu Ganesan , Chinta Raveendar , Alok Kumar , Anil Khurana , Debadatta Nayak , Kalaiselvi Periandavan
Published: February 2014

Background: Oxidative stress is a major mediator in the pathophysiology of several kidney diseases. The cellular damage is mediated by an alteration in the antioxidant status, which increases the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the stationary state (oxidative stress). Therefore, interventions favoring the scavenging and/or depuration of ROS should attenuate or prevent the oxidative stress, thereby safeguarding the kidneys against damage. In this sense, this study attempts to evaluate the extent of oxidative stress in experimental urolithiasis by measuring some parameters of oxidant stress and antioxidant defenses in rat kidneys, before and after Berberis vulgaris homeopathic preparation supplementation, and to assess the role, if any, of homeopathic treatment in mitigating free radical toxicity in kidney stone disease. Methods: Rat model of urolithiasis was established by administering 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water, and the effects of a homeopathic preparation of B. vulgaris root bark (HPBV) on the renal antioxidative defense system as well as on potent markers of free radical activities were investigated. Results: HPBV brought about an augmentation in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and improved the nonenzymatic antioxidants, e.g., tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and glutathione. HPBV ameliorated the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and restored renal thiols almost completely. Conclusion: Thus, it is shown that HPBV acts as a renoprotective remedy in alleviating the renal calculi-associated oxidative damage by upregulating the antioxidant status.
Primary Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma during Pregnancy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Dilemma
Authors: Harris Eric M. , Allan Robert W. , Riggs Jr Charles E.
Published: February 2014

Synovial sarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that typically arises in the extremities of young adults. We report a case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman with biopsy-proven primary synovial sarcoma of the lung that was treated with chemotherapy with radiographic response. This is only the third documented case of primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma occurring during pregnancy and the first case where chemotherapy was given.
Elevated Levels of Hemoglobin A1c Are Associated With Cerebral White Matter Disease in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Rozanski Michal , Richter Tobias B. , Grittner Ulrike , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Jungehulsing Gerhard J.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

This study was conducted to investigate the association of cerebral white matter disease (WMD) on MRI with vascular risk factors and laboratory findings in consecutive first acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods—

Acute ischemic stroke patients underwent MRI ≤24 hours after stroke onset and follow-up on day 2. WMD was scored on fluid attenuated inversion recovery MRI according to the Wahlund score. Vascular risk factors and laboratory parameters were assessed during hospital stay. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results—

We included 512 patients with first acute ischemic stroke (mean age, 68.5 [SD, 13.2] years; 192 women (37.5%); median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission, 3 [interquartile range, 1–6]; and median Wahlund score, 4 [interquartile range, 2–9]). WMD was present in 460 (89.8%) patients. In univariate analysis, age, arterial hypertension, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, diabetes mellitus, and female sex were associated with the presence of WMD (
P
<0.05). In multiple regression analysis, age, arterial hypertension, and elevated levels of HbA1c (
P
<0.05) remained independently associated with the extent of WMD.

Conclusions—

Among known risk factors, higher levels of HbA1c were associated with cerebral WMD in stroke patients. This may suggest that chronic disturbance of glycemia measured by HbA1c plays a role in the pathophysiology of WMD.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00715533.
Why “Race Suicide”? Cultural Factors in U.S. Fertility Decline, 1903–1908
Authors: MacNamara Trent
Published: February 2014

Study of a sample of 605 newspaper articles produced between 1903 and 1908 tracks Americans' explanations for fertility decline, demonstrating the perceived importance of economic and “cosmic” factors but arguing that these factors and others are best understood in the context of individual-level moral views. For contemporaries seeking to explain the trend toward smaller families, the most significant frames of analysis involved dichotomies concerning self and society, worldliness and transcendence, and near- and long-term sensibilities about time.
“The Negro at the Gate”: Enslaved Labor in Eighteenth-Century Boston
Authors: Hardesty Jared Ross
Published: February 2014

In eighteenth-century Boston, slaves participated in a diversified economy that allowed some of its members to challenge and manipulate the institution of slavery from within, thus bringing themselves a measure of autonomy and the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The Continuity of Sacred Urban Open Space: Facilitating the Indian Conversion to Catholicism in Mesoamerica
Authors: Logan Wagner E.
Published: February 2014

‭During the sixteenth century, the Spanish crown sent Mendicant friars of the Franciscan, Dominican, and Augustinian monastic orders to evangelize and convert the indigenous people of America. With huge populations to convert, spread over an extremely vast territory, a limited number of friars had to find expedient ways to facilitate the conversion effort. Among the many conversion strategies used by the Mendicant friars under the early guidance of Fray Pedro de Gante were: to locate places of Christian worship over or near native ceremonial centers and continue the use of ceremonial open urban space; the incorporation of native religious rituals deemed compatible with Catholic liturgy such as processions, music, art, and dance; the creation of new architectural forms and open urban spaces to provide a setting for these rituals; and the substitution of native rituals for Catholic ceremonies including adjusting native and Catholic ritual calendric dates. Based on recent architectural field surveys and ethnographic documentation, this research focuses on the architectural and urban space adaptations that the missionary friars undertook to facilitate conversion efforts.‬
An Artist Photographs the Visual Witness of Grave Images
Authors: Hettinga Kathy T.
Published: February 2014

‭I have always been drawn to the wildness and beauty of the rural cemeteries in Southern Colorado where I grew up. Widowed at a young age, I decided to photograph all of the cemeteries in the San Luis Valley—burial plots, private and public, Pentecostal, Penitente, Protestant, and Catholic—to explain to myself and to others the mysteries of death, and faithful hope. I found a shared sorrow in the grave images in the cemeteries, and I was comforted. I then sought to offer comfort to others through my art—photographs, digital prints, and artist’s books. This article describes my experiences of the grave markers. I have coined the term “grave images,” at the heart of which is a simplicity that creates a powerful expressive form that carries the Holy. The grave artisans of the San Luis Valley in their myriad approaches—in sandstone carving, in concrete forming, in their alchemy of transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary ones—show their adept ability to visualize and transmit the Divine into material form. The mountain desert cemeteries are a sacred space filled with objects that reflect Divine realities and remind us of what lies beyond our prosaic life in this physical world.‬
An Artist-Scholar Finds Beauty from Ashes: Brazilian Artist Duda Penteado
Authors: Casale Taylor Basker J.
Published: February 2014

‭Duda Penteado’s Beauty for Ashes Project addresses the dilemma of contemporary artists finding their own voice after the art movements of the twentieth century. His background as a Brazilian and a believing Christian gives him a unique response. He appropriates and transforms the work of great modern artists without a need for elaborate theoretical justification. Much influenced by Paulo Friere and his belief in the significance of art for social change, Duda is involved in art projects with students and the public around the world. In these projects, ideas are developed, and creative art installations are built that he hopes will inspire people to search deeper for meaning in life. He believes that faith is not a process of convincing but an encounter. Curiosity must be sparked to begin the process for each individual to make the journey. Duda is convinced that art holds a significant role in society and that the artistic image expresses the essence of society. His work represents a genre of artwork derived from ethnic tradition and religious experience. Duda believes that great art comes from within and is the true language of the soul. To create art is an act of faith in itself.‬
The Modern World-System IV: Centrist Liberalism Triumphant, 1789–1914, Immanuel Wallerstein, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011
Authors: Khachaturian Rafael
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The book continues Immanuel Wallerstein’s historical narrative of the modern world-system. It focuses primarily on the social and political developments in the European core during the nineteenth century, tracing the rise of liberal hegemony, the growth of the administrative state, and the emergence of modern social science. It also examines the rise of anti-systemic socialist, feminist, and nationalist movements that challenged the liberal project. The book successfully illustrates how the world-systems framework can be used to analyse the intersection between the national and the international spheres. Through its historical critique of the human sciences, it also makes an effective case for the viability of world-systems analysis as an alternative mode of critical social-scientific inquiry.
Ongoing Activities and Natura 2000
Authors: Schoukens Hendrik
Published: February 2014

The recent figures on the conservation status of EU protected habitats and species underscore the obvious need for a more stringent application of the protection rules included in Article 6 of the Habitats Directive on ongoing activities, such as dredging, recreation and forestry, with adverse effects on Natura 2000-sites. However, all too often the Member States refrain from scrutinizing harmful forms of existing use in already heavily degraded Natura 2000-sites. The economic concerns tied to the continuation of existing use often prevail over restoration considerations. This paper showcases that, despite submissions to the contrary, legitimate interests and legal certainty cannot, as such, preclude the application of the protection rules contained in Article 6 of the Habitats Directive in relation to ongoing activities. Whilst granting the Member States some leeway as to the application of the ex ante assessment rules to ongoing activities, the Court of Justice puts forward the protection duty enshrined in Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive as bottom-line in relation to all possible ongoing activities which could lead to deterioration and/or significant disturbance of a Natura 2000-site. However, the recent case-law illustrates that many Member States are struggling with the effective implementation of the latter obligation.
New Standards for the Chemical Quality of Water in Europe under the New Directive 2013/39/EU
Authors: Kern Katharina
Published: February 2014

Directive 2013/39/EU amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy was adopted on 12 August 2013. It revises crucial rules on determining the chemical quality of surface water in Europe (e.g. identification of new harmful substances, updating of environmental quality standards, introduction of a new “watch list” mechanism) and establishes new standards for the protection of water in Europe. This paper explores the legal and factual background to the new legislation on protecting water quality in Europe and takes a critical look at its most important provisions.
The Environmental Challenges of EU Enlargement
Authors: Čavoški Aleksandra
Published: February 2014

Although the implementation of the acquis is a crucial element of the EU integration process, it is recognised as its ‘weakest link’. The implementation deficit is especially apparent with the EU environmental acquis, both in the existing member states and the accession countries. Most recently, following the accession of Croatia, the EU faces prospective enlargement to other Western Balkans countries. The author argues that there are specific problems in implementing the environmental acquis in accession countries and that the case of Serbia, or other countries of the Western Balkans, is not particularly unique. The case study used to support this argument is the implementation of the waste acquis in Serbia as it represents a highly demanding and costly policy area for national authorities and the country faces extensive legal, institutional, economic and financial challenges in implementing the environmental acquis.
‫صناعة المسكوكات في مدينة السلام خلال عصر الخليفة هارون الرشيد 170-193هـ‬ (Coin Industry in El-Salam city during the Era of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, 170-193 AH)
Authors: ‫دفتر‬ ‫ناهد عبد الرازق‬
Published: February 2014

Coins are important evidence which cannot be easily challenged because it bears the date
of minting, as well as the minted place (for silver). The coins in Iraq, at the beginning of
Islam, included some names of princes; and the Umayyad coins did not include names of any
successor or prince, as well as the Abbasid coins were the same as the Umayyad coins; but it
changed at the time of the second Abbasid Caliph (al-Mansur) 136-158 AH. As well, the silver
dirham included the name of the Prince of Caliph al-Mansur, therefore the words (the Mahdi
Mohammed, Commander of the Faithful) appeared, especially on Mohammedia dirham in
Iran since the Year 145/762. (Please note that this article is in Arabic).
‫كتابات البيوت الدمشقية في العصر العثماني‬ (The Inscriptions of the Damascene Ottoman Residences)
Authors: ‫أمين‬ ‫أحمد محمود‬
Published: February 2014

The extensive use of inscriptions characterizes Islamic art and architecture. In fact,
calligraphy is one of the most characteristic features distinguishing the Islamic civilization
among the other cultures. Islamic buildings generally, and the residential ones in particular, have
an abundant number of inscriptions. These inscriptions have, in addition to their ornamental
role, an important significance represented in the meaning of their contents. This paper will
shed light on the Arabic inscriptions of the Damascene Ottoman residences in order to discuss
the inscription styles of script, as well as the meaning of their contents. The inscription styles
of script include square geometric Kufi, Naskh and Thuluth. The most significant item is
the inscription content, it is noteworthy that a few examples represent unread inscriptions,
in other words, just an ornamental figure composed of Arabic letters with no meaning. The
meanings of the inscriptions of the Damascene Ottoman residences could be categorized
according to their purpose, position, and context; in this regard, the inscriptions are classified
into commemorative, Quranic, the Prophet’s sayings, poetic inscriptions. On the other hand,
the meanings of the inscriptions reflect the beliefs and the culture of the residences. (Please note that this article is in Arabic).