bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Madoxychara gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae), a new genus of the tribe Phantiini Melichar from Madagascar
Authors: STROIŃSKI ADAM , ŚWIERCZEWSKI DARIUSZ
Published: January 2013

Madoxychara unicornis gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) is described and illustrated from Madagascar.
Corrections, additions, and nomenclatural notes to the recently published World catalog of fossil and subfossil Lepidoptera
Authors: SOHN JAE-CHEON , LAMAS GERARDO
Published: January 2013

Sohn et al. (2012) recently published an annotated catalog of lepidopteran fossils, which was the first attempt to compile all the known fossil specimens, described or undescribed, from the world literature. This publication provided paleontological data such as fossil type, specimen deposition, excavation locality, fossil host plants, and geological age for at least 4,568 specimens, including 229 described fossil species. As originally intended, the catalog already elicited correspondence with various specialists who found errors that the authors were unaware of. We are confident that usefulness of the catalog increases with such feedback. In this article, we provide an update to correct the errors in the publication, together with new information found since the catalog was published, including one new synonym (Baltopsyche Sohn, 2012, syn. nov. = Sucinopsyche Sobczyk, 2011); the proposed change of the nominal Zygaenites to a collective group name; and the resurrection of Satyrites Scudder, 1872 over Lethites Scudder, 1875.
The Impact of Anthropogenic Climate Change on North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Tracks*
Authors: Colbert Angela J. , Soden Brian J. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: January 2013

The authors examine the change in tropical cyclone (TC) tracks that results from projected changes in the large-scale steering flow and genesis location from increasing greenhouse gases. Tracks are first simulated using a Beta and Advection Model (BAM) and NCEP–NCAR reanalysis winds for all TCs that formed in the North Atlantic Ocean’s Main Development Region (MDR) for the period 1950–2010. Changes in genesis location and large-scale steering flow are then estimated from an ensemble mean of 17 models from phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) for the A1b emissions scenario. The BAM simulations are then repeated with these changes to estimate how the TC tracks would respond to increased greenhouse gases. As the climate warms, the models project a weakening of the subtropical easterlies as well as an eastward shift in genesis location. This results in a statistically significant decrease in straight-moving (westward) storm tracks of ~5.5% and an increase in recurving (open ocean) tracks of ~5.5%. These track changes decrease TC counts over the southern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean by 1–1.5 decade−1 and increase counts over the central Atlantic by 1–1.5 decade−1. Changes in the large-scale steering flow account for a vast majority of the projected changes in TC trajectories.
Assessment of Trends and Possible Climate Change Impacts on Summer Moisture Availability in Western Canada based on Metrics of the Palmer Drought Severity Index
Authors: Gobena A. K. , Gan T. Y.
Published: January 2013

This paper compares three existing Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) formulations for simulating summer moisture variability in western Canada and a preliminary analysis of climate change impacts on summer moisture anomalies. The three models considered are Palmer's original algorithm (orPDSI), the self-calibrating PDSI (scPDSI), and a version modified for Canadian Prairie conditions (cpPDSI). In all formulations, potential evapotranspiration was parameterized by the Penman–Monteith method instead of the traditional Thornthwaite method. The scPDSI was used as a benchmark for evaluation as it is more appropriate for comparing drought severity of diverse climates. The results confirm that orPDSI produces inflated drought statistics as compared to scPDSI, whereas cpPDSI produced more conservative drought statistics than scPDSI. On the basis of results from scPDSI, historical moisture availability in the Canadian Prairies has shown a significant downward trend since 1950 at the 5% level, whereas southern British Columbia has shown a significant increasing trend. No discernible trend was found in the northern parts of the study area. These results were corroborated by trends in annual precipitation and summer temperature over the respective regions. When scPDSI parameters were calibrated using historical climate data, simulations for the 2050s using climate change scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) showed increases in summer moisture deficit relative to the 1961–90 baseline. However, projecting the extent to which the frequency of extreme drought and/or wet spell categories will change is not trivial since the computation of scPDSI is tied to the definition of the frequency of extreme events.
Class, caste and housing in rural Pakistani Punjab: The untold story of the Five Marla Scheme
Authors: Gazdar Haris , Mallah Hussain Bux
Published: January 2013

This article examines the contemporary significance of caste as a dimension of social stratification in Pakistani Punjab, using rural housing as a vantage point. Work on the interplay of class and kinship group, mediated by status hierarchy between agricultural and non-agricultural castes, serves as a point of departure. The organisation of the system of private property in rural land, based on the colonial village record and land alienation laws, is actively used to maintain class power and status hierarchy between kinship groups. Post-independence reforms sustained caste disadvantage, which is particularly conspicuous with regard to housing. The Five Marla Scheme was an exceptional intervention, rooted in populist electoral politics of the 1970s, which provided residential land to rural workers belonging to non-agricultural castes. This significant but dormant and largely undocumented intervention is examined through the case study of a large village in Okara district. We argue for a re-engagement with caste as a valid category for the understanding of class and citizenship in Pakistani Punjab.
In Search of the Biblical Foundations of Prophetic Dialogue: Engaging a Hermeneutics of Otherness
Authors: Brink Laurie
Published: January 2013

In the search for the biblical foundations of prophetic dialogue, this article seeks to answer the following questions: “Is dialogue a biblical value?” and “How is ‘prophetic dialogue’ to be understood in the context of Scripture?” Since prophetic dialogue has as one of its primary dialogical steps attending to one’s own context and the context of the other, Segovia’s hermeneutical strategy of otherness and engagement provides an important lens through which to read and evaluate biblical texts. An exegetical investigation of Mark 7:26–30 and John 4 through the hermeneutics of otherness reveals that we are always the other encountering the other, and as such, prophetic dialogue is more a spirituality than a mission strategy.
The Art of Parabling: Leveraging the Narrative Parables of Jesus as Models of Missional Engagement
Authors: Woodhull Kenny
Published: January 2013

Narrative is widely accepted as effective practice in missional communication among youth. The narrative parables of Jesus are a distinct missional art form. Narrative parabling represents a heuristic model of imaginative engagement that reflects primal cognitive processes. The narrative parables of Jesus represent identifiable models by which missional leaders can redemptively engage youth in postmodern culture. Research indicates that narrative parables can be an effective means of missional communication among late adolescent, secondary oral, digital natives.
Governance Capabilities for Dealing Wisely With Wicked Problems
Authors: Termeer Catrien J. A. M. , Dewulf Art , Breeman Gerard , Stiller Sabina J.
Published: January 2013

This article explores an integrative approach for dealing with wicked problems. Wicked problems not only require alternative action strategies but also alternative ways of observing and enabling. Four governance capabilities are essential: (a) reflexivity, or the capability to deal with multiple frames; (b) resilience, or the capability to adjust actions to uncertain changes; (c) responsiveness, or the capability to respond to changing agendas and expectations; (d) revitalization, or the capability to unblock stagnations. These capabilities form the basis for achieving small wins in wicked problems. We illustrate our argument with examples from sustainable food production of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Factors Influencing Resource Use by African American and African Caribbean Women Disclosing Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Lucea Marguerite B. , Stockman Jamila K. , Mana-Ay Margarita , Bertrand Desiree , Callwood Gloria B. , Coverston Catherine R. , Campbell Doris W. , Campbell Jacquelyn C.
Published: January 2013

Many victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) do not access services. Education and severity of physical violence have previously been shown to predict resource utilization, but whether these hold true specifically among women of African descent is unknown. This article furthers our understanding of the relationship between IPV and resource use, considering sociodemographics and aspects of IPV by presenting results from a study conducted with African American and African Caribbean women in Baltimore, Maryland, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of the 545 women included in this analysis, 95 (18%) reported emotional abuse only, 274 (50%) reported experiencing physical abuse only, and 176 (32%) had experienced both physical and sexual abuse by an intimate partner. Resource utilization was relatively low among these women, with only 57% seeking any help. Among those who did, 13% sought medical, 18% DV, 37% community, and 41% criminal justice resources. Generalized linear model results indicated that older age and severe risk for lethality from IPV and PTSD were predictive of certain types of resource use, while education, insurance status, and depression had no influence. Perceived availability of police and shelter resources varied by site. Results suggest that systems that facilitate resource redress for all abused women are essential, particularly attending to younger clients who are less likely to seek help, while building awareness that women accessing resources may be at severe risk for lethality from the violence and may also be experiencing mental health complications. In addition, greater efforts should be made on the community level to raise awareness among women of available resources.
Making sense of insecurity: a defence of Richard Sennett’s sociology of work
Authors: Tweedie Dale
Published: January 2013

This article defends Richard Sennett’s sociology of work under ‘new capitalism’ against claims that his analysis lacks empirical foundation and methodological rigour. While studies of aggregate labour market trends in recent criticisms imply that predictions of an ‘end of work’ or ‘age of insecurity’ are premature, the article demonstrates that Sennett’s sociology is not committed to these predictions. Instead, his research provides a targeted critique of specific management practices and of those social transformations that share the same ethos. More constructively, Sennett’s sociology articulates a unique concept of workplace insecurity and raises pressing issues in contemporary experiences of work and citizenship, rather than – as critics presuppose - in workers’ contractual conditions as such.
Consumer Attitudes towards Business Firms’ Marketing Philosophy, Consumerism and Government Regulations in India: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Jain Sanjay K. , Goel Parul
Published: January 2013

The Indian marketplace has undergone significant changes since the time reforms were introduced in the country in the early 1990s. As against the era of shortages and limited product choice, the market in virtually all the product categories is currently cramped with a plethora of product variants and multiple brands. Consumerism is on the rise as is the case with the government interventions in the marketplace. Consumerism life cycle theory predicts consumers at more advanced stages of market development to be holding a positive view of the business firms’ marketing philosophy, reduced need for consumerism and government regulations with developments in the marketplace. In view of a lack of empirical database in the country in this respect, the present study seeks to ascertain empirically the nature and extent of consumers’ attitudes towards business firms’ marketing philosophy and need for a consumerism movement and government regulations in protecting consumer interests in the country.
Efficiency Measurement in the Indian Banking Industry: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Jagwani Bhagwan
Published: January 2013

The focus of the present article is to measure the efficiency of banks in India which, of late, has assumed primal importance due to intense competition, greater customer demands and changing banking reforms. For this purpose, the efficiency scores of 42 sample banks were computed for recent years by employing Data Envelopment Analysis. The study finds that public sector banks are relatively more efficient than private-domestic and foreign banks. The study also finds that the overall technical inefficiency in banks is primarily due to the underperformance of management rather than scale inefficiency. As the differences between captured efficiency scores of public, private-domestic and foreign banks are found to be statistically significant, the study concludes with the observation that ownership has an impact on the Indian banking industry as far as technical and pure efficiencies of banks are concerned.
Book Review: Anne-Wil Harzing and Ashly H. Pinnington, International Human Resource Management
Authors: Dhiman Amit
Published: January 2013

Anne-Wil Harzing and Ashly H. Pinnington, International Human Resource Management, New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Pvt. Ltd, 2011, xxviii+641 pp., ₹ 695 (Paperback).
Too Close for Comfort? Registered Sex Offender Spatial Clustering and Recidivistic Sex Crime Arrest Rates
Authors: Socia Kelly M.
Published: January 2013

This study examined whether three measures of the spatial distribution of registered sex offenders (RSOs) in September 2010 were associated with differences in county-level rates of recidivistic sex crime arrests over the following year in 52 upstate New York counties. Results indicate that RSO clustering was positively associated with modest increases of recidivistic sex crime arrest rates, but results were significant only for adult victim sex crimes and only for certain types of RSO clustering. Under no circumstances, however, was increased RSO clustering associated with decreased rates of recidivistic sex crime arrests. The results of this study, combined with the limited prior research, suggest that RSO clustering has only a limited association with recidivistic sex crime arrest rates. This implies that housing policies such as residence restrictions may be useful in mitigating risk from some types of recidivistic sex crimes only to the extent that they result in more equitable distributions of RSOs within a county.
The role of parental anxiety sensitivity in parent reports of child anxiety in treatment seeking families
Authors: Francis Sarah E
Published: January 2013

Recent research has examined the contribution of parental anxiety sensitivity to child anxiety, suggesting only a modest relationship between these two variables. No study to date, however, has examined the role of parental anxiety sensitivity in parent reports of the child’s anxiety. It was hypothesized that anxiety sensitivity, a cognitive risk factor for the development of anxiety, would be significantly correlated with parents’ reports of their child’s anxiety, specifically with respect to panic and separation anxiety. The present study employed a sample of 56 treatment-seeking children and their parents. Parent and child reports of the child’s anxiety were obtained, and self-reports of anxiety sensitivity were obtained from parent and child. Parent reports of their child’s panic and separation anxiety symptoms were significantly related to not only parental anxiety sensitivity ( r = .39 and r = .29, respectively) but also the child’s self-reported level of anxiety sensitivity ( r = .35 and r = .37, respectively). These findings suggest that anxiety sensitivity, a significant predictor of panic symptomatology amongst both adults and children, might be related to parents’ perceptions of their child’s symptoms of panic and separation anxiety. These findings further suggest taking into consideration parental levels of anxiety sensitivity when interpreting parent reports of child anxiety in clinical settings.
Weight-loss history as a predictor of obesity treatment outcome: Prospective, long-term results from behavioral, group self-help treatment
Authors: Latner Janet D , Ciao Anna C
Published: January 2013

Weight-loss history was examined as a predictor of outcome in group self-help obesity treatment. Participants ( n = 128; 83% women; mean body mass index = 34.2 kg/m2; mean age = 47.2 years) in self-help, group behavioral weight-loss treatment reported a mean of 5.1 prior weight-loss attempts and lost 13.8 percent of initial weight in current treatment. A greater number of past attempts independently predicted greater 6-month, 18-month, and intent-to-treat weight losses. Greater magnitude of largest past loss predicted greater 18-month weight loss. In contrast to studies on professional treatment, group self-help participants might benefit from repeated weight-loss efforts despite previous failures.
Public Health for an Aging Society
Authors: Olson Sarah J.
Published: January 2013

Public Health for an Aging Society takes a comprehensive look at promoting physical and mental health in the older population, which is especially important as the cohort of those 65 years and older is rapidly rising. Public Health for an Aging Society builds on an earlier book titled Public Health and Aging (1997), adding new topics of emergency preparedness, technology in aging, environmental influences, health disparities, social and behavioral determinants of health, and the role of social engagement in healthy aging. Using the social–ecological model, the book views how older adults as individuals fit into a larger model of family, community, societal, and environmental levels. The intent of the book is to advance the dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among public health researchers and practitioners, policy makers, and the aging services network.
Indacaterol 75 µg once daily for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a North American perspective
Authors: Kerwin Edward M. , Williams James
Published: January 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease in which patients become increasingly disabled by their symptoms and limited in their activities. Health-related quality of life may be profoundly impaired even in the early stages of the disease. Treatment with long-acting inhaled bronchodilators can improve lung function, symptoms and health status and reduce exacerbations of COPD. This review profiles the efficacy, safety and tolerability of indacaterol, an inhaled β2-agonist bronchodilator for once-daily maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. After 12 weeks of treatment with a once-daily dose of 75 µg (the dose approved in the USA and Canada) in patients with moderate to severe COPD, compared with placebo, indacaterol provided significant and clinically relevant levels of bronchodilation [difference in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 131 ml; 95% confidence interval (CI) 104–159; p < 0.001], together with significant reductions in symptom scores (difference in transition dyspnea index total score: 0.84 points; 95% CI 0.37–1.31; p < 0.001) and improvements in health status (difference in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire total score: −3.8 units; 95% CI −5.6 to −2.0; p < 0.001). The overall safety and tolerability of once-daily treatment with indacaterol 75 µg for 12 weeks did not differ in any substantial aspect from placebo treatment. Indirect comparisons analyzing pooled clinical data and meta-analyses suggest that treatment with indacaterol 75 µg once daily may be effective in reducing exacerbations of COPD, and that its effects on lung function and health status will be comparable with other currently available inhaled long-acting bronchodilators used for COPD. Treatment with indacaterol 75 µg once daily provides effective bronchodilation, improves dyspnea and health status, and has a well characterized profile of safety and tolerability.
Consistency Over Flattery
Authors: Ayduk Özlem , Gyurak Anett , Akinola Modupe , Mendes Wendy Berry
Published: January 2013

Negative social feedback is often a source of distress. However, self-verification theory provides the counterintuitive explanation that negative feedback leads to less distress when it is consistent with chronic self-views. Drawing from this work, the present study examined the impact of receiving self-verifying feedback on outcomes largely neglected in prior research: implicit responses (i.e., physiological reactivity, facial expressions) that are difficult to consciously regulate and downstream behavioral outcomes. In two experiments, participants received either positive or negative feedback from interviewers during a speech task. Regardless of self-views, positive compared to negative feedback elicited lower self-reported negative affect. Implicit responses to negative feedback, however, depended on chronic self-views with more negative self-views associated with lower blood pressure reactivity, lower facial negativity, and enhanced creativity. These findings point at the role self-verification may play in long-term coping and stress regulation.
‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way’: The Supply Chain of MARVI Project, HANDS
Authors: Mustaghis-ur-Rahman  , Ahmed Sheikh Tanveer
Published: January 2013

This case study concerns supply chain of a project ‘MARVI’. The acronym MARVI stands for ‘The Marginalized Areas RH (Reproductive Health) and FP (Family Planning) Viable Initiatives’. This project, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, was started by Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS), a Karachi-based integrated development NGO. This project was designed to pilot an integration of RH and FP with rural support programmes in Umerkot district, which is one of the most remote and poorest districts of Sindh, Pakistan. The modus operandi of this project is to operate in collaboration with other NGOs in the district through developing a community-based model of social marketing of RH and FP products. The macro objectives of this project are to increase awareness and positive RH and FP behaviours to improve the life of people in the district. For this project, HANDS team came up with a non-conventional method to reach out the community to supply the RH and FP products in the difficult economic, cultural and physical environment of the Umerkot district.

 This case can be taught in Supply Chain, NGO Management, Reproductive Health and Family Planning disciplines.
Social Capital for Strategic Sensitivity in Global Business
Authors: Lehtimäki Hanna , Karintaus Katja
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this case study is to increase our understanding of building strategic sensitivity and the ways by which internal social relationships contribute to it. Applying insights from social capital and social networks theories, the case explores the role of social relations in implementing a strategic initiative. The case study was conducted in close collaboration with the case firm to ensure the applicability of the research findings in an empirical setting. Strategic sensitivity is embedded in social interaction. Exploring both the structural and relational dimensions of social capital allows for understanding the role of social relationships in constraining and enhancing strategic sensitivity. The structural dimension gives information on the efficiency and vulnerability of the social relations, while, the relational dimension shows the motivation for interacting and sharing information and knowledge. Identification of the company as a social entity with humane values manifested in communication is important to the members of the globally operating organization. The case provides empirical evidence on the functioning of social capital and gives an insight to the importance of understanding social connections between the members of the organization.
Sickle hemoglobin disturbs normal coupling among erythrocyte O2 content, glycolysis, and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Rogers Stephen C. , Ross Jerlinda G. C. , d'Avignon Andre , Gibbons Lindsey B. , Gazit Vered , Hassan Mojibade N. , McLaughlin Dylan , Griffin Sherraine , Neumayr Tara , DeBaun Malcolm , DeBaun Michael R. , Doctor Allan
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Hb-conformation–dependent interaction with band 3 protein regulates glycolysis in RBCs. In hypoxia, HbS disrupts this system, disabling RBC antioxidant defense.
Genomic impact of transient low-dose decitabine treatment on primary AML cells
Authors: Klco Jeffery M. , Spencer David H. , Lamprecht Tamara L. , Sarkaria Shawn M. , Wylie Todd , Magrini Vincent , Hundal Jasreet , Walker Jason , Varghese Nobish , Erdmann-Gilmore Petra , Lichti Cheryl F. , Meyer Matthew R. , Townsend R. Reid , Wilson Richard K. , Mardis Elaine R. , Ley Timothy J.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Decitabine treatment of in vitro expanded primary AML samples leads to global hypomethylation. Highly methylated CpGs are most affected by decitabine-induced hypomethylation, with little influence on transcriptional activity.
Alloantibodies in von Willebrand disease
Authors: James Paula D. , Lillicrap David , Mannucci Pier M.
Published: January 2013

The development of alloantibodies against von Willebrand factor (VWF) represents a rare but serious complication of treatment of von Willebrand disease (VWD), occurring in ∼5% to 10% of type 3 VWD patients. Affected patients can present with a range of symptoms, including lack or loss of hemostatic response to infused VWF concentrates up to anaphylactic reactions in rare cases. It is classically reported in multitransfused patients and occurs most frequently in patients with partial or complete VWF gene deletions. A positive family history of anti-VWF antibodies also appears to be a risk factor. There is a lack of standardization of laboratory methods for antibody identification and characterization. Issues of variability in laboratory approaches as well as the rarity of the complication act as a barrier to future studies. Recombinant factor VIII as well as bypassing agents and immune tolerance have been reported as effective treatments; however, aside from case reports, little exists in the literature to guide management. The imminent clinical availability of recombinant VWF has prompted a resurgence of interest in this area. Additional study is warranted to address the deficiencies in our understanding of this treatment complication.
Expression-based and co-localization detection of arabinogalactan protein 6 and arabinogalactan protein 11 interactors in Arabidopsis pollen and pollen tubes
Authors: Costa Mário , Nobre Margarida Sofia , Becker Jörg D , Masiero Simona , Amorim Maria Isabel , Pereira Luís Gustavo , Coimbra Sílvia
Published: January 2013

Background

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are cell wall proteoglycans that have been shown to be important for pollen development. An Arabidopsis double null mutant for two pollen-specific AGPs (agp6 agp11) showed reduced pollen tube growth and compromised response to germination cues in vivo. A microarray experiment was performed on agp6 agp11 pollen tubes to search for genetic interactions in the context of pollen tube growth. A yeast two-hybrid experiment for AGP6 and AGP11 was also designed.

Results

The lack of two specific AGPs induced a meaningful shift in the gene expression profile. In fact, a high number of genes showed altered expression levels, strengthening the case that AGP6 and AGP11 are involved in complex phenomena. The expression levels of calcium- and signaling-related genes were found to be altered, supporting the known roles of the respective proteins in pollen tube growth. Although the precise nature of the proposed interactions needs further investigation, the putative involvement of AGPs in signaling cascades through calmodulin and protein degradation via ubiquitin was indicated. The expression of stress-, as well as signaling- related, genes was also changed; a correlation that may result from the recognized similarities between signaling pathways in both defense and pollen tube growth.

The results of yeast two-hybrid experiments lent further support to these signaling pathways and revealed putative AGP6 and AGP11 interactors implicated in recycling of cell membrane components via endocytosis, through clathrin-mediated endosomes and multivesicular bodies.

Conclusions

The data presented suggest the involvement of AGP6 and AGP11 in multiple signaling pathways, in particular those involved in developmental processes such as endocytosis-mediated plasma membrane remodeling during Arabidopsis pollen development. This highlights the importance of endosomal trafficking pathways which are rapidly emerging as fundamental regulators of the wall physiology.
Comorbidities in ADHD children treated with methylphenidate: a database study
Authors: Kraut Angela A , Langner Ingo , Lindemann Christina , Banaschewski Tobias , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz , Mikolajczyk Rafael T , Garbe Edeltraut
Published: January 2013

Background

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most common drug treatment of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Treatment with MPH is contraindicated in the presence of certain psychiatric, cerebro- and cardiovascular conditions. We assessed MPH treatment prevalence and incidence and the frequency of comorbid conditions related to these contraindications in new MPH users compared to a control group without ADHD and ADHD medication.

Methods

We used health care data for the years 2004 to 2006 from the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD) which includes about 18% of the German population. MPH treatment prevalence and incidence was assessed based on at least one MPH prescription in the given year. In MPH users, the prevalence of psychiatric and other comorbidities was assessed in the quarter of the first MPH prescription and the three preceding quarters, whereas in controls it was assessed in the earliest four quarters of continuous insurance time starting at 01.01.2004 or the start of insurance if this was later. Differences in the presence of comorbid diagnoses between MPH users and controls were tested by logistic regression.

Results

In 2005, 1.5% of all children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years (2.3% of males and 0.6% of females) received MPH in Germany. The proportion of children with a record of a psychiatric comorbidity in any of the nine ICD categories of diagnoses was substantially higher in new MPH users (83%) compared to controls (20%). Cerebro- and cardiovascular comorbidities were rare in general. Still, among new MPH users, 2% of males and females had a diagnosis of a pre-existing cardiovascular disorder but only 1.2% of controls.

Conclusions

Besides MPH treatment prevalence we first publish age-specific incidence rates for Germany. A high proportion of children who were started on MPH had a record of a psychiatric comorbidity preceding the first prescription. Cerebro- and cardiovascular conditions were rare in the studied age range, but still higher among children who received MPH than in the control group. Results show that in a substantial subgroup of patients, comorbidities require a thorough weighting of possible risks of MPH medication against the risks of untreated ADHD.
Association between obesity and atopic disorders in Chinese adults: an individually matched case–control study
Authors: Luo Xiao , Xiang Jing , Dong Xiaohui , Cai Fuwen , Suo Jianing , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Meina
Published: January 2013

Background

Obesity is regarded as a potential risk factor for atopy. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of obesity with atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and food allergy in Chinese adults.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty six (266) atopic cases in Harbin, China, were identified according to the current Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis of atopic diseases. All cases had a previous diagnosis of atopic disorders (atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma or food allergy) and were positive in one or more allergen specific IgE tests to 16 common allergens in the region. Each case was individually matched to two healthy controls based on their age, sex, and residential regions. All 532 healthy controls were negative in allergen specific IgE tests. The associations of obesity with four atopic disorders were assessed using a conditional logistic regression method.

Results

Obesity was significantly associated with the presence of atopic diseases (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.8, 5.7). Males and females had a similar association (OR = 3.1 for males and 3.2 for females). The associations of obesity with atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.3) and atopic rhinitis (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 8.7) were statistically significant. Although obesity was positively associated with atopic asthma, this association was not statistically significant (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 0.6, 19.9). The association between obesity and food allergy was weak and not significant (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.4, 3.7).

Conclusions

Obesity is positively associated with the presence of atopic diseases in Chinese adults. Specifically, obesity is significantly associated with atopic dermatitis and rhinitis. Our findings warrant further investigation on the causal nature between obesity and atopic diseases and the effect of weight reduction on preventing atopic diseases.
Association between dietary phylloquinone intake and peripheral metabolic risk markers related to insulin resistance and diabetes in elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Juanola-Falgarona Martí , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Estruch Ramon , Portillo Maria P , Casas Rosa , Miranda Jonatan , Martínez-González Miguel A , Bulló Mònica
Published: January 2013

Background

Vitamin K has been related to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and diabetes. Because inflammation underlies all these metabolic conditions, it is plausible that the potential role of vitamin K in glucose metabolism occurs through the modulation of cytokines and related molecules. The purpose of the study was to assess the associations between dietary intake of vitamin K and peripheral adipokines and other metabolic risk markers related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments of these associations in 510 elderly participants recruited in the PREDIMED centers of Reus and Barcelona (Spain). We determined 1-year changes in dietary phylloquinone intake estimated by food frequency questionnaires, serum inflammatory cytokines and other metabolic risk markers.

Results

In the cross-sectional analysis at baseline no significant associations were found between dietary phylloquinone intake and the rest of metabolic risk markers evaluated, with exception of a negative association with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. After 1-year of follow-up, subjects in the upper tertile of changes in dietary phylloquinone intake showed a greater reduction in ghrelin (−15.0%), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (−12.9%), glucagon-like peptide-1 (−17.6%), IL-6 (−27.9%), leptin (−10.3%), TNF (−26.9%) and visfatin (−24.9%) plasma concentrations than those in the lowest tertile (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

These results show that dietary phylloquinone intake is associated with an improvement of cytokines and other markers related to insulin resistance and diabetes, thus extending the potential protection by dietary phylloquinone on chronic inflammatory diseases.

Trial registration

http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN35739639
Involvement of toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in association between dyslipidemia and osteoclast differentiation in apolipoprotein E deficient rat periodontium
Authors: Tomofuji Takaaki , Ekuni Daisuke , Azuma Tetsuji , Irie Koichiro , Endo Yasumasa , Kasuyama Kenta , Yoneda Toshiki , Morita Manabu
Published: January 2013

Background

Dyslipidemia increases circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and this may induce alveolar bone loss through toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dyslipidemia on osteoclast differentiation associated with TLR2 and TLR4 in periodontal tissues using a rat dyslipidemia (apolipoprotein E deficient) model.

Methods

Levels of plasma OxLDL, and the cholesterol and phospholipid profiles in plasma lipoproteins were compared between apolipoprotein E-deficient rats (16-week-old males) and wild-type (control) rats. In the periodontal tissue, we evaluated the changes in TLR2, TLR4, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression.

Results

Apolipoprotein E-deficient rats showed higher plasma levels of OxLDL than control rats (p<0.05), with higher plasma levels of total cholesterol (p<0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (p<0.05) and lower plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Their periodontal tissue also exhibited a higher ratio of RANKL-positive cells and a higher number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts than control rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, periodontal gene expression of TLR2, TLR4 and RANKL was higher in apolipoprotein E-deficient rats than in control rats (p<0.05).

Conclusion

These findings underscore the important role for TLR2 and TLR4 in mediating the osteoclast differentiation on alveolar bone response to dyslipidemia.
Ferromagnetism in sphalerite and wurtzite CdS nanostructures
Authors: Yang Zhaolong , Gao Daqiang , Zhu Zhonghua , Zhang Jing , Shi Zhenhua , Zhang Zhipeng , Xue Desheng
Published: January 2013

Room-temperature ferromagnetism is observed in undoped sphalerite and wurtzite CdS nanostructures which are synthesized by hydrothermal methods. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the sphalerite CdS samples show a spherical-like shape and the wurtzite CdS ones show a flower-like shape, both of which are aggregated by lots of smaller particles. The impurity of the samples has been ruled out by the results of X-ray diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetization measurements indicate that all the samples exhibit room-temperature ferromagnetism and the saturation magnetization decreases with the increased crystal sizes, revealing that the observed ferromagnetism is defect-related, which is also confirmed by the post-annealing processes. This finding in CdS should be the focus of future electronic and spintronic devices.
Development of a passive doas system to retrieve atmospheric pollution columns in the 200 to 355 nm region
Authors: Mejía Rubén Galicia , Vázquez JoséManueldelaRosa , Isakina Suren Stolik , García Edgard Moreno , Iglesias Gustavo Sosa
Published: January 2013

In recent years several techniques have been developed to measure and monitor the pollution of the air. Among these techniques, remote sensing using optical methods stands out due to several advantages for air quality control applications. A Passive Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy system that uses the ultraviolet region from 200 to 355 nm of the solar radiation is presented. The developed system is portable; therefore it is practical for real time and in situ measurements. The enhanced wavelength range of the system is intended to detect the ultraviolet light penetration in the Mexican Valley considering the solar zenith angle and the altitude. The system was applied to retrieve atmospheric SO2columns emitted either by anthropogenic (power plant) or natural sources (volcano), reaching a detection limit of about 1 ppm. The measurement of the penetrating solar radiation on the earth surface at the UVC range is presented and the possibility to measure pollution traces of some contaminants as O3, NO2and aromatic compounds in real time and in situ in the ultraviolet region is discussed.
The songbird syrinx morphome: a three-dimensional, high-resolution, interactive morphological map of the zebra finch vocal organ
Authors: Düring Daniel N , Ziegler Alexander , Thompson Christopher K , Ziegler Andreas , Faber Cornelius , Müller Johannes , Scharff Constance , Elemans Coen PH
Published: January 2013

Background

Like human infants, songbirds learn their species-specific vocalizations through imitation learning. The birdsong system has emerged as a widely used experimental animal model for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms responsible for vocal production learning. However, how neural impulses are translated into the precise motor behavior of the complex vocal organ (syrinx) to create song is poorly understood. First and foremost, we lack a detailed understanding of syringeal morphology.

Results

To fill this gap we combined non-invasive (high-field magnetic resonance imaging and micro-computed tomography) and invasive techniques (histology and micro-dissection) to construct the annotated high-resolution three-dimensional dataset, or morphome, of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) syrinx. We identified and annotated syringeal cartilage, bone and musculaturein situin unprecedented detail. We provide interactive three-dimensional models that greatly improve the communication of complex morphological data and our understanding of syringeal function in general.

Conclusions

Our results show that the syringeal skeleton is optimized for low weight driven by physiological constraints on song production. The present refinement of muscle organization and identity elucidates how apposed muscles actuate different syringeal elements. Our dataset allows for more precise predictions about muscle co-activation and synergies and has important implications for muscle activity and stimulation experiments. We also demonstrate how the syrinx can be stabilized during song to reduce mechanical noise and, as such, enhance repetitive execution of stereotypic motor patterns. In addition, we identify a cartilaginous structure suited to play a crucial role in the uncoupling of sound frequency and amplitude control, which permits a novel explanation of the evolutionary success of songbirds.
Time-dependent changes in the microenvironment of injured spinal cord affects the therapeutic potential of neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury
Authors: Nishimura Soraya , Yasuda Akimasa , Iwai Hiroki , Takano Morito , Kobayashi Yoshiomi , Nori Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Ebise Hayao , Toyama Yoshiaki , Okano Hideyuki , Nakamura Masaya
Published: January 2013

Background

The transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) at the sub-acute phase of spinal cord injury, but not at the chronic phase, can promote functional recovery. However, the reasons for this difference and whether it involves the survival and/or fate of grafted cells under these two conditions remain unclear. To address this question, NS/PC transplantation was performed after contusive spinal cord injury in adult mice at the sub-acute and chronic phases.

Results

Quantitative analyses using bio-imaging, which can noninvasively detect surviving grafted cells in living animals, revealed no significant difference in the survival rate of grafted cells between the sub-acute and chronic transplantation groups. Additionally, immunohistology revealed no significant difference in the differentiation phenotypes of grafted cells between the two groups. Microarray analysis revealed no significant differences in the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines or growth factors, which affect the survival and/or fate of grafted cells, in the injured spinal cord between the sub-acute and chronic phases. By contrast, the distribution of chronically grafted NS/PCs was restricted compared to NS/PCs grafted at the sub-acute phase because a more prominent glial scar located around the lesion epicenter enclosed the grafted cells. Furthermore, microarray and histological analysis revealed that the infiltration of macrophages, especially M2 macrophages, which have anti-inflammatory role, was significantly higher at the sub-acute phase than the chronic phase. Ultimately, NS/PCs that were transplanted in the sub-acute phase, but not the chronic phase, promoted functional recovery compared with the vehicle control group.

Conclusions

The extent of glial scar formation and the characteristics of inflammation is the most remarkable difference in the injured spinal cord microenvironment between the sub-acute and chronic phases. To achieve functional recovery by NS/PC transplantation in cases at the chronic phase, modification of the microenvironment of the injured spinal cord focusing on glial scar formation and inflammatory phenotype should be considered.
A comparison of three pH control methods for revealing effects of undissociated butyric acid on specific butanol production rate in batch fermentation of Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Yang Xuepeng , Tu Maobing , Xie Rui , Adhikari Sushil , Tong Zhaohui
Published: January 2013

pH control has been essential for butanol production with Clostridium acetobutylicum. However, it is not very clear at what pH level the acid crash will occur, at what pH level butanol production will be dominant, and at what pH level butyric acid production will be prevailing. Furthermore, contradictory results have been reported about required acidic conditions for initiation of solventogenesis. In this study, with the aim of further understanding the role of undissociated butyric acid in butanol production, we investigated the correlation between undissociated butyric acid concentration and specific butanol production rate in batch fermentation of Clostridium acetobutylicum by comparing three pH control approaches: NaOH neutralization (at 12, 24 or 36 h), CaCO3 supplementation (2, 5, or 8 g/l) and NaOAc buffering (pH 4.6, 5.0 or 5.6). By neutralizing the fermentation pH to ~5.0 at different time, we observed that neutralization should take place at the beginning of exponential phase (12 h), and otherwise resulting in lower concentrations of undissociated butyric acid, cell biomass and final butanol. CaCO3 supplementation extended cell growth to 36 h and resulted in higher butyrate yield under 8 g/L of CaCO3. In the NaOAc buffering, the highest specific butanol rate (0.58 h−1) was associated with the highest undissociated butyric acid (1.92 g/L). The linear correlation of the undissociated butyric acid with the specific butanol production rates suggested the undissociated butyric acid could be the major driving force for butanol production.